SQL, and Ye Shall Find
Phil Factor reflects on how hard it really is to develop a really effective database that meets the SQL Standards, and how as a result we are only beginning to realize fully the vision of relational orthogonality in databases.
Exploration of SQL Server 2016 Always Encrypted – Part 3
In this third article of the exploring SQL Server 2016 Always Encrypted series, Greg Larsen looks at the differences between an Always Encrypted column that uses an encryption type of Deterministic and those that use encryption type of Randomized.
Centrally collect replication conflicts and send an alert
Automatically capture replication conflicts and generate an automated email notification.
Who's Got a Preteen SQL Server?
This week Steve Jones wonders about the age of your instances and whether you are planning on upgrades or aware of how many out of support instances you might have.
How to read data from multiple Excel worksheets with SQL Server Integration Services
Read this tip to learn how to import data from multiple Excel worksheets into SQL Server using SSIS.
SQL Azure Performance Benchmarking
An evaluation of the SQL Azure Database Performance Levels recommended by the DTU Calculator service, and a comparison with on premise SQL Server performance.
The New Operating System
We have an operating system for how our organizations are run. Steve Jones talks about a new one that might be important for the world rules by software.
Monitoring In-Memory OLTP: What's Important?
In-Memory OLTP has evolved to be a great solution. However, a production system that uses it needs careful monitoring to avoid stress conditions becoming problems. As with many new features of SQL Server, it pays to plan a monitoring strategy to ensure that you are alerted as soon as possible when things go awry.
Queues in Databases
The idea of using a queue in a database is one that some people try to avoid, preferring to use a messaging service. However, Steve Jones notes that this isn't always necessary.
Blogs
Funny Money: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
While wandering around the documentation looking for some Question of the Day topics, I...
Why Database AI Agents need Layers?
By Arun Sirpal
Third part in my Ai series with databases. When building AI solutions within the...
Un-Migrating From the Cloud: T-SQL Tuesday #199
By Steve Jones
This month we have a very interesting invitation from Koen Verbeeck. He has hosted...
Forums
How Do the Experts Become Experts?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item How Do the Experts Become...
Stairway to Reliable Database Deployments Level 4 – Preparing for Production Deployment
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Stairway to Reliable Database Deployments...
Secure Communications
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Secure Communications
Question of the Day
Secure Communications
As of June 2026, what is the best version of TLS to use with SQL Server?
See possible answers