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.
Cloud Security Issues
The cloud is always going to be a challenge for security, but is it harder or easier than on premises? Steve Jones has a few comments.
Running SQL Server with Hyper-V Dynamic Memory - Best Practices and Considerations
There are unique considerations that apply to virtual machines that run SQL Server workloads in such environments. This document provides insight into considerations and best practices for running SQL Server in Hyper-V Dynamic Memory configurations on Windows Server.
But we've always done it that way…
Inspired by his visit to the battlefield of Waterloo, Grant Fritchey explains the dangers of doing things the way you've always done them and the need to challenge constantly your beliefs and understanding of how the technology you manage works.
Do It Yourself Load Balancing with SSIS
This article takes a simple look at loading data in parallel from a single data source, be it a flat file of a database
Blogs
Narrow Task Decomposition in AI Pipeline Agents
A nightly load into sales_fact fails. Ask an orchestrating agent to break down the...
Car Update: August 2026
By Steve Jones
It’s been some time since I provided a car update, so I decided to...
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...
Forums
Managing Incidents and Fighting Fires
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Backing Up a DMK
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The Quiet Part
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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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