Ignoring Database Version Control
Steve Jones thinks version control is important, even for databases.
Teaching a dog to sing
To survive the inevitable downturns in the IT industry, Phil Factor argues that a IT manager needs to take time to maintain technical skills. It is not enough to understand development; you have to be able to do it.
Real-time Operational Analytics in SQL Server 2016 - Part 1
Arshad Ali takes a look at traditional analytics architecture, the challenges it faces, and how the newly introduced Real-time Operational Analytics feature overcomes those challenges.
A Case FOR Cursors...
We've all heard that definitive statement: "Avoid using cursors." But, in my opinion, what really should be conveyed is: "Avoid using row-by-row operations when possible."
Impressive Accomplishments
What things impress you most about potential candidates. This week Steve Jones asks the question to try and understand what types of activities data professionals might consider.
How to tell what SQL Server version you are running
Gerg Robidoux demonstrates a couple of methods for determining which version of SQL Server you're running, as well as what service pack or hotfix is installed.
Azure SQL Database – How to Choose the Right Service Tier
So you've decided to use Azure SQL Database. You head for the portal and are suddenly faced with a number of questions. Sure, the choices you make have a number of repercussions, but what are they? Murilo Miranda provides a simple guide to get started.
Practicing Deployments
Amateurs practice until they can get something right. Professionals practice until they don't get things wrong. How should we handle our deployments?
Introduction to SQL Server Stretch Database
In many cases Azure SQL Database offers an economically and functionally viable alternative to SQL Server deployments. However, there are also scenarios where we might discover that rather than serving as a replacement, it provides synergy, working side by side with your on-premises databases. One of technologies that illustrate this paradigm is Stretch Database, introduced in SQL Server 2016. Marcin Polichtdescribes its basic characteristics and reviews its implementation steps in this article.
Resolving an Error When Creating an Availability Group Listener
In this post, I’m going to talk an issue that I found when creating an availability group listener by using SQL Server Management Studio's Add Listener. This article helps you to resolve the issue.
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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The Quiet Part
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BIT_COUNT in SQL Server
Comments posted to this topic are about the item BIT_COUNT in SQL Server
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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