The Broad View
An ingenuous use of existing data leads to the thought - when are we so deep in our work that we can't see how to improve?
Common database deployment blockers and Continuous Delivery headaches
Deployability is now a first class concern for databases, so why isn’t it as easy as it should be? Matthew Skelton explores seven of the most common challenges which will bring your database deployments to their knees.
SQL Saturday #300 - Kansas City
SQL Saturday is coming to Kansas on September 13, 2014. Our very own Steve Jones will be presenting, alongside other big names like Glenn Berry, Kathi Kellenberger, Sean and Jen McCown, Jason Strate, and many more. Register while space is available.
From Hairdresser to DBA – How to start a career in IT
In writing about his career change from hairdresser to DBA, Greg Lucas shares his experiences and offers advice for those looking to move into IT.
The Next Generation
Steve Jones wonders about the next generations of IT workers. Can we encourage more people to enter this field? With the supposed shortages of talent today and the poor reputation of IT positions, can we change the trend of fewer people entering IT?
SQL Saturday #323 - Paris
On September 13, 2014 the French SQL Server Community (GUSS) will be holding a SQL Saturday conference. The event is free to attend, with 4 paid-for pre-conference sessions available. Register while space is available.
Why the SQL Server FORCESCAN hint exists
It is often generalized that seeks are better than scans in terms of retrieving data from SQL Server. The index hint FORCESCAN was recently introduced so that you could coerce the optimizer to perform a scan instead of a seek. Which might lead you to wonder: Why would I ever want a scan instead of a seek?
How Much for a Laugh?
How much would you pay for a laugh? Maybe you'll donate to ensure that some of your SQL Server speakers will embarrass themselves at the PASS Summit.
Restore Gene : Automating SQL Server Database Restores
Restore Gene is a simple 2-script framework, one PowerShell script and one SQL stored procedure, which will speed up the production of restore scripts for manual disaster recovery, as well help automate log shipping.
The Hybrid Cloud: Having your Cake
With a hybrid cloud, can you get the freedom and flexibility of a public cloud with the security and bandwidth of a private cloud? Robert Sheldon explains all the ins and outs.
Blogs
A New Word: los vidados
By Steve Jones
los vidados – n. the half-remembered acquaintances you knew years ago, who you might...
In-Person CISA Training – April 13-16, 2026
By Brian Kelley
I will be leading an in-person Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam prep class...
EightKB 2026
EightKB is back again for 2026! The biggest online SQL Server internals conference is...
Forums
query to track time spent on individual tasks in SSIS
Hi everyone I am looking at building a query to determine how much time...
SQL Server Transactional Replication from Always On Availability Groups to Azure SQL Database
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL Server Transactional Replication from...
Hidden Heroes
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Hidden Heroes
Question of the Day
Identities and Sequences I
When thinking of the Identity property for auto incrementing columns and sequences for the same action, which are explicitly linked to increment a number in a table when a new row is added?
See possible answers