The Importance of Validating Backups
You may think that if your database has backed up without errors, that it's going to restore without errors. Think again, says Paul Randal.
The PoSH DBA - SQLPSX: SQL Server PowerShell Extensions
Every DBA needs to know about SQLPSX, the PowerShell module library that is built by DBAs for DBAs, and designed to provide intuitive functions around the SMO objects. Laerte Junior, who is one of the developers on the open-source project, describes how to use it.
It's not the platform
Steve Jones doesn't think that it matters which platform you choose. It's more about the people you have.
Generate multiple SSIS packages using BIML and metadata
Although BIML is very powerful, you wouldn’t use it to generate one package at a time. Using metadata, we can generate multiple packages on the fly. Koen Verbeeck illustrates how to convert the BIML script for generating the import package to a dynamic package generating machine.
How to Compare Rows within Partitioned Sets to Find Overlapping Dates
How to Compare Rows within Partitioned Sets to Find Overlapping, Contiguous, or Gap dates
Parameterized Queries
A Greg Larsen classic - he discusses how the SQL Server optimizer tries to parameterize a query if it can, as well as how you can build your own parameterized query.
Creating a 2 Node SQL Server 2008 Virtual Cluster Part 2
Learn how to create a Windows\SQL Server 2008 virtual cluster. In this article learn about the Windows clustering setup.
Creating Inferred Dimension Members with SSIS
This article will show you how to use SSIS to create inferred dimension members on the fly during a fact table load process.
How Do You Find a DBA?
Looking for a new DBA can be a daunting process, and a lot of work as the resumes flood in. Steve Jones talks about a better way that might work for some of you.
Blogs
A Career of Memories
By Steve Jones
Annabel retired from Redgate Software this week. Across most of my career at Redgate,...
Rethinking Index Maintenance: Why avg_fragmentation_in_percent Is Outdated and What You Should Do Instead
By Tim Radney
As a SQL Server DBA with years of experience tuning production environments, I’ve seen...
Microsoft Build 2026 announcements
By James Serra
Once again there were a number of Microsoft Build announcements related to data and...
Forums
Changes, Happiness, and a Few Tears
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Changes, Happiness, and a Few...
BCP on Linux
Comments posted to this topic are about the item BCP on Linux
You Probably Don't Need a Vector Database
Comments posted to this topic are about the item You Probably Don't Need a...
Question of the Day
BCP on Linux
When running bcp on Linux, what is the field terminator?
See possible answers