The Evolution of SQL Server BI
It is sometimes hard to keep up with Microsoft's direction in Business Intelligence. Robert Sheldon takes stock with the Simple BI Timeline which explains how BI has evolved over the years.
Teambuilding
This week Steve Jones wants to know about your efforts to create bonds with co-workers and build a team. Does your company do anything to help facilitate this?
Introduction to SQL Server 2016 Temporal Tables
Temporal tables - also known as system-versioned tables, but not to be mistaken with temporary tables - are a new feature of SQL Server 2016 that allow SQL Server to automatically keep a history of the data in the table. This tip from Koen Verbeeck introduces the new feature by explaining how to create a system-versioned table.
Product Review: GenesisOne T-SQL Source Code Unscrambler
MVP Jody Roberts reviews GenesisOne T-SQL Source Code Unscrambler, a tool that aims to clarify code and server environments with simple diagrams and plain English.
Stairway to Columnstore Indexes Level 4: Catalog Views
In this level, we will first take a look at how to recognize columnstore indexes in some of the generic catalog views. After that we will investigate the new catalog views that have been added just for columnstore indexes.
Microsoft and Database Lifecycle Management (DLM): The DacPac
The Data-Tier Application Package (DacPac), together with the Data-Tier Application Framework (DacFx), provides an alternative way to automate the process of scripting out, or deploying a SQL Server database, reporting on changes, or checking version-drift. As such, it seems to provide an obvious cost-free start for tackling automated Database Delivery as part of Database Lifecycle Management (DLM). We asked Phil Factor if it is ready for Prime-time.
Blogs
Quick Tip: Check Most DTU Expensive Queries in Azure SQL Database
Optimizing Azure SQL Database performance often begins with identifying the most resource-intensive queries. Understanding...
PowerShell Newbie – Variables
By gbargsley
This is Week 2 of PowerShell Strikes Back – a four-week May series for...
PlanTrace Now Supports PostgreSQL
PlanTrace Now Supports PostgreSQL The same plan analysis you know from...
Forums
SSRS Is Dead. Here Are Your Real Options
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The Distance Metric
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The New Wave of Security Threats
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Question of the Day
The Distance Metric
In the new VECTOR_DISTANCE() function in SQL Server 2025, the first parameter is the distance_metric. What is this?
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