Custom Sequence Numbering
This article shows how to implement low cost custom sequence numbering logic via a cunning use of the the ROW_NUMBER() function
Do You Want a Meritocracy at Work?
The best at their crafts are usually the most rewarded in sports, but not necessarily in other fields. This week Steve Jones asks if you would like it to be different?
Check If a SQL Server Database Is In Pseudo-Simple Recovery Model Using Windows PowerShell
Check if databases are really in FULL recovery model with a recovery model called pseudo-simple, where the database still behaves like it is still in SIMPLE recovery model until a full database backup is taken.
SQL Server Integration Services Package Restartability
I've tried using SSIS checkpoints, but have found them to be difficult to configure and, on occasion, unpredictable. Is there a better way to build in restartability in my SSIS packages?
Batch ETL of Multiple Data Files Using an SSIS Foreach Loop Container
An SSIS ETL package created with the Import/Export Wizard uses a Data Flow Task to process one data file at a time. If the need arises, however, the Data Flow Task generated by the wizard can be embedded inside a Foreach Loop Container to batch-process a continuous stream of data files.
Moving Data From Excel to SQL Server - 10 Steps to Follow
SQL Server Integration Services provide a versatile way of reading Excel files into SQL Server. A task like this illustrates the advantages of the graphical approach of SSIS. Andy Brown explains.
Data Vision
Computer vision has been something that researchers have worked on for years. We have no shortage of cameras, and we are starting to see the computing systems behind these devices starting to actually understand what is being seen. That understanding is very valuable. Will we see something similar happening in our SQL Server technologies?
Stairway to MDX - Level 10: “Relative” Member Functions: .CurrentMember, .PrevMember, and .NextMember
SSAS Maestro, SQL Server MVP and Business Intelligence Architect Bill Pearson introduces three “major players” within the MDX “relative” functions. These basic, but highly employed, functions include the .CurrentMember, .PrevMember and .NextMember functions.
Migrating Databases Checklist Part1
SQL Server databases move around as an organisation’s data grows, applications are enhanced or new versions of the database software are released. If not anything else, servers become old and unreliable and databases eventually need to find a new home. Here's what to do when migrating your databases.
The Watson Service
IBM's Watson project continues to grow and the latest implementation might be one that affects many of us in our daily lives.
Blogs
Future IT Roles – Agentic Architect and AI Boom!!
By Vinay Thakur
These days everything is changing to AI World, IT roles are getting changed and...
Free Webinar about Columnstore Indexes
I’m doing a small series on indexing basics for SQL Server, and on May...
PlanTrace: Stop Reading Redshift EXPLAIN Plans. Start Seeing Them
PlanTrace: Stop Reading Redshift EXPLAIN Plans. Start Seeing Them Introducing PlanTrace — a free, browser-based...
Forums
SPAM Issues May 2026
We suffered a SPAM attack from May 1-6, which unfortunately corresponded with time off...
SQL Password enforcing
Hi to all We have situation at a client where someone is illegally changing...
SQL Password enforcing
Hi to all We have situation at a client where someone is illegally changing...
Question of the Day
Creating a JSON Document III
I have this data in a table called dbo.NFLTeams
TeamID TeamName City YearEstablished ------ -------- ---- --------------- 1 Cowboys Dallas 1960 2 Eagles Philadelphia 1933 3 Packers Green Bay 1919 4 Chiefs Kansas City 1960 5 49ers San Francisco 1946 6 Broncos Denver 1960 7 Seahawks Seattle 1976 8 Patriots New England 1960If I run this code, how many rows are returned?
SELECT TOP 2
json_objectagg('Team' : TeamName)
FROM dbo.NFLTeams;
See possible answers