Masking Your Data with SQL Server 2016
There are times when you want some users to see part of a column value but not the whole thing, but you want other users to see the complete column value without any masking. The new SQL Server 2016 Dynamic Data Masking feature will allow you to define these different kinds of masking rules - Greg Larson explains.
What is the Future of Monitoring?
Monitoring your systems is critical to ensuring security and stability. Steve Jones shares a few thoughts on where monitoring might go with more computer assistance in the future.
Faster DBCC CHECKDB with SQL Server 2016
DBCC CHECKDB is a built-in SQL Server command that allows you to check database integrity and consistency in one simple command, but running it on large databases can be a nightmare. In this article, Ahmad Yaseen explains how you can enhance the command to run faster in SQL Server 2016.
DevOps at Microsoft
Microsoft has dramatically changed the way they develop software, in a very public way, as Steve Jones notes.
PowerShell Solutions - Several tips for daily tasks
In this tip, we will talk about PowerShell and SQL Server Log and Data Files.
PowerShell Desired State Configuration: DSC Resources
Desired State Configuration (DSC) allows you to automate the way that you manage configuration data for software services as well as the environment in which these services run. DSC uses a set of built-in and custom 'resources' as the building blocks for a configuration. If you have specific requirements you may need to create the relevant resource to make the configuration happen. Nicolas Prigent provides a practical guide to DSC resources.
Don't tell the boss
Why would I want the boss to be able to see so easily every little bad thing that happens on my servers? Grant Fritchey offers a few reasons...
The Black Boxes
The world of machine learning and artificial intelligence are growing. Steve Jones notes this means we need to decide if we can trust the black boxes.
Expanding the uses of DBCC CLONEDATABASE
Erin Stellato goes into detail about some practical use cases for a new DBCC command in SQL Server 2014 SP2 : DBCC CLONEDATABASE.
Blogs
Microsoft Fabric OneLake Shortcuts: When to Use Them and When Not To
By James Serra
An architecture scenario Imagine separate Sales, Finance, Shared Data, and Executive Analytics workspaces. Sales...
SQL Server Security Hardening Guide Using the DoD STIG Checklist
Security on your SQL Server is important. That doesn’t need any explaining. But where...
EightKB 2026: Registration is Open!
It’s that time of year again! EightKB is back on August 20th at 13:00...
Forums
Backing Up a DMK
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BIT_COUNT in SQL Server
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Question of the Day
Backing Up a DMK
In SQL Server 2025, I have a database with a Database Masker Key (DMK). I want to back up this key and keep a copy offline. When do I have to open this key before running the backup?
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