Large SQL Server Database Backup on an Azure VM and Archiving
For a large SQL Server database on an Azure VM, backing up the data can have some challenges. In this article, Murshed Zaman focuses on the two most common challenges: size and speed.
Stairway to MDX - Level 12: : MDX Time/Date Series Functions: OpeningPeriod() and ClosingPeriod() Functions
BI Architect Bill Pearson continues with the second of a set of articles surrounding a group of MDX functions specialized to support the analysis of data within the context of time / date. In this article, we will explore the OpeningPeriod() and ClosingPeriod() functions, and get hands-on practice with each in meeting sample business requirements.
Azure Event Hubs
If you need to receive and process a large volume of of packets of data, such as telemetry, or event-log items, it may be worth considering Azure Event hubs. They aren't like traditional messaging but represent more of a stripped down one-way event processing system for large volumes of data. It could represent a good solution to an ever-present problem, but is it ready for production use? Rob Sheldon investigates.
Reporting Services: Drawing a Buffer on a Map
Handle together SQL Server spatial data features and Reporting Service design tools to build a map-based interactive report.
There Are Always Constraints
We must learn to deal with the reality of our situation, along with the limitations.
Analyzing I/O Performance for SQL Server
Inadequate storage is one of the most common bottlenecks seen in subsystem performance. There are a number of reasons for poor storage performance, but measuring it and understanding what needs to be measured and monitored is always a useful exercise.
SQL Monitor Custom Metric: Table size (MB)
This metric is useful if you want to know exactly how much physical space a particular table is taking up, including the size of its indexes.
Are DacPacs ready for prime-time?
DacPacs have been around for a while but DBAs have not, in the past, taken them particularly seriously. Is it time to get involved and influence the way the technology develops?
Changing SQL Server Database Logical Names
SQL Server Databases are made up of physical and logical names. This article goes over the logical names, where you might need to know them, and then how to change them.
Blogs
Houston AI-Lytics 2026–Powerpoint Slides
By Steve Jones
Thanks to everyone for attending my session on running a Local LLM. If you...
The Book of Redgate: Do the Right Things
By Steve Jones
I do believe that Redgate has been very customer focused since it’s inception. I’ve...
GenAI vs Dashboards: Not the Same (And Never Will Be)
By James Serra
There’s a question I’ve been hearing more and more lately, especially as Copilot, Fabric,...
Forums
T-SQL in SQL Server 2025: JSON_ARRAYAGG
Comments posted to this topic are about the item T-SQL in SQL Server 2025:...
Spring Connections and Learning at PASS On Tour
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Spring Connections and Learning at...
Multiple Sequence Values
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Multiple Sequence Values
Question of the Day
Multiple Sequence Values
How do I easily get the next 12 sequence values from a sequence object?
See possible answers