SQL Server Knockoffs
Will we see a low-cost SQL Server knock-off at some point? Steve Jones thinks it could happen as the RDBMS becomes a commodity product.
Using Views to Expose Encrypted Data in SQL Server
I'm using SQL Server's built-in encryption to hide data in one of my SQL Server databases, but this is a reporting system and my end users need to be able to query the data without having to remember the specialized decryption functions. Is there a way to do this? Yes, there is, via the use of views.
Escape from ETL Hell
What often starts out as a simple, quick process, gradually expands over time, as developers use SQL Agent to schedule new data feeds, add more complex transformations...
What's in a Name?
Today we have a guest editorial from Andy Warren as Steve is speaking at SQL Intersection today. Andy talks about how names can impact our world.
SQL Saturday #263 Manila, Phillipines
SQL Saturday is a training event for SQL Server professionals and those wanting to learn about SQL Server. This event will be held Nov 9 2013, admittance to this event is free, all costs are covered by donations and sponsorships.
SSIS Basics: Using the Merge Join Transformation
SSIS is able to take sorted data from more than one OLE DB data source and merge them into one table which can then be sent to an OLE DB destination. This 'Merge Join' transformation works in a similar way to a SQL join by specifying a 'join key' relationship. this transformation can save a great deal of processing on the destination. Annette Allen, as usual, gives clear guidance on how to do it.
Image is Everything
How much does the image you project at work matter? Is it more important than the work you do? Steve Jones asks for your opinions for this Friday poll.
Migrate to Natively Compiled SQL Server Stored Procedures for Hekaton
In order to take full advantage of the In-Memory OLTP options in SQL Server 2014, you should migrate standard stored procedures that references Memory-Optimized tables to natively compiled ones. In this tip we will see how to achieve this goal.
Managing MaxMemory Values on an Active-Active Two Node Cluster
How to manage your MaxMemory values on an Active-Active two node cluster.
Up Your Value
With the economy in a recession, how should you be managing your career? Steve Jones talks a little about building your brand and showing value to your employer.
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?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Have you done a Mid...
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