Separation of Duty
We want to ensure that the data we gather accurately reflects the state of some system or event. The analysis should decide how we interpret the data gathered. Neither should influence the other.
An Introduction to Windows Azure BLOB Storage
Azure BLOB storage is persistent Cloud data storage that serves a variety of purposes. Mike Wood shows the basics of how to use it, from start through to snapshots and metadata; both from .NET, and by using the free tool, Cerebrata Azure Explorer.
SQL Saturday #240 Curacao
QL Saturday is coming to Curacao, Netherlands Antilles for a free day of SQL Server training and Networking on August 17. There will also be a pre-conference session on Practical Self-Service BI with PowerPivot for Excel.
Changing SQLServerCentral - Initial Thoughts
We have been considering lots of changes at SQLServerCentral, but we would like to get comments and feedback from the community as we move forward. This is the start of an series looking at potential and current changes.
DEF CON SQL
An impromptu hacking session, in response to an inexplicably-changed password, reminds Rodney Landrum of some valuable lessons for every DBA.
Using Microsoft Excel to Retrieve SSAS Tabular Data
Although it is well-known how to create a tabular database in PowerPivot, it is less obvious that there are several useful options for retrieving SSAS tabular data into Excel. This provides an easy way of manipulating, visualizing and analyzing the data without needing to know the details of SSAS and the tabular model.
The School Year
This Friday Steve Jones looks forward to the rest of the year. It's almost time for school and do you have plans? Should you be making some plans?
New SQL Monitor Custom Metric: Failed SQL Server logins
This metric returns the number of ‘login failed’ error messages found in the SQL Server error log file in the last hour.
SQL Saturday #235 New York City, NY
Come to SQL Saturday New York on August 17 for a day of free SQL Server training and networking. Some of the speakers at this event include Chris Bell, Ben DeBow, Ashish Sharma, and Hilary Cotter
Blogs
ISACA AI Material/Exam Prep Discount (May 18 – June 30, 2026)
By Brian Kelley
If you are considering any of the ISACA AI certs like the Advanced Artificial...
A Fabric solution can be very cost effective
By ChrisJenkins
Are you currently using Microsoft Fabric or considering migrating to it? If so, there...
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log
By SQLPals
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log If you...
Forums
Before Using AI with Business Data, Read This
Artificial intelligence tools are quickly becoming part of daily business operations, from document analysis...
Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines That Don't Break at Scale
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines...
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
Question of the Day
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
In the Database Engine, when a deadlock is detected, what does the detection interval shrink to (in time)?
See possible answers