The Ultimate Tool List
This week Steve Jones looks at a few tools that can help your productivity and links to a few more.
Migrating SQL Server Database to Windows Azure - Deploying SQL Database
There are a few challenges associated with deployments of data services in Windows Azure, focusing in particular on SQL Database. In this article we turn our attention to an actual deployment and migration of locally stored data to SQL Database.
The Zero to N Parameter Problem (Sql Server 2005 and Up -- Update)
This article uses XML to deal with optional parameters along with multiple parameter passed into a stored procedure. (Note: We are re-running this as we had a newsletter issue last week)
Memories of 2013
It's the last Friday of 2013 and Steve Jones asks you to look back at the year. What stands out in your mind that relates to SQL Server.
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
Blogs
Moving On-Prem PostgreSQL to the Cloud: Picking the Right Path for Big Tables
Every PostgreSQL migration eventually hits the same fork in the road. The database is...
A Spread of Vacation
By Steve Jones
I’m off on vacation today. Which is a little weird as I just got...
How AgentDBA Identifies Backup Failures
By Arun Sirpal
Every DBA has a box like this. Sitting untouched for months. Nobody’s proud of...
Forums
Have you done a Mid year check in?
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From SQL Server On-Premises to Claude Desktop: How I built a Full MCP Pipeline
Comments posted to this topic are about the item From SQL Server On-Premises to...
Independence Day 2026
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Independence Day 2026
Question of the Day
Independence Day 2026
In the original Independence Day movie (1996), what type of computer did Jeff Goldblum use to connect to the alien mainframe? Take a guess, don't look it up or ask AI.
See possible answers