Databases in Azure: Copy and Exports
Toady we are going to make a copy and export your DB to Azure Storage. Lets get started.
Scary Deployments
Today Steve Jones talks about the problem of having code that people are afraid to change or deploy.
Planning for a Successful Database Lifecycle
Although it is well-known that the best efforts of a development team can be derailed by mistakes in the architecture, design and general governance of a development project, few attempts have been made to describe what needs to be done to increase the chances of success in the development of a database application. William Brewer steps into the breach to itemise what a delivery team needs to succeed.
Delivering Rapid Improvements to SSMS
SSMS has spent years being neglected, merely being kept compatible with SQL Server and its features: But now we have, instead, the promise of monthly delivery of new functionality
Security is Getting Serious
Today Steve Jones notes that back doors could be inserted into chips, which would be a huge problem.
SQL Authentication Via AD Groups Part III: What About Orphaned Users?
With AD Authentication via groups, SQL Server is vulnerable to orphaned Windows users' logins being added to SQL Server at a later date. This article gives an improved user audit script that detects orphaned DB Users and also a delete script.
Encrypting and Decrypting SQL Server Stored Procedures, Views and User-Defined Functions
You work in a shop that puts business or application logic in SQL Server using stored procedures, views and functions to return values to the calling applications or perform tasks. This is not unusual for companies that use the SQL Server layer to perform
SQL Server 2016 - what's changed in the SQL Toolbelt?
Over recent months, Redgate’s development teams have been busy updating the tools in the SQL Toolbelt to support the valuable new functionality released with SQL Server 2016. To achieve this, most tools now support the syntax for SQL Server 2016’s key features, letting you do even more with them. Learn mor.
Stairway to T-SQL: Beyond The Basics Level 8: Coding Shortcuts using += and -= Operators
No one wants to use more keystrokes than they have to when they write a chunk of T-SQL code. To help with minimizing the number of characters a T-SQL developer needs to type the Microsoft team introduced three new shortcuts operators when they release SQL Server 2008. These shorts cuts are the String Concatenation, Add EQUALS, and the Subtract EQUALS operators.
The Remote DBA
This Friday, Steve Jones asks if you're like to work remotely. With the trend moving this way, mostly for extra hours, maybe you'd like to move that way for most of your work time.
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
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Backing Up a DMK
The Quiet Part
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Quiet Part
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?
See possible answers