Storage 101: Monitoring storage metrics
Well tuned storage is essential for SQL Server performance. In this article, Robert Sheldon explains the metrics that are important to watch.
2020-11-10
SQL
Efficiently Polling Remote Data Sources
In this article, Edward Pollack describes some of the issues when querying against remote data sources. He covers remote SQL Servers and also connecting to a PostgreSQL database.
2020-10-30
Introduction to DAX Financial Functions – Part 1
Business Intelligence Architect, Analysis Services Maestro, and author Bill Pearson kicks off a series to introduce the DAX financial functions. In this article, he exposes five functions that are popular in the calculation of loans and other annuities. Those accustomed to these functions within Excel will find the syntax, uses and operation of the functions familiar within the Power BI environment.
2020-10-22
SQL Server Synonyms
SQL Server synonyms can be used to permanently alias database objects in the same or another database. In this article, Greg Larsen demonstrates how to use synonyms and the many reasons to consider using them.
2020-10-20
The Social Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Data Privacy Issues
Like any technology, AI can be used for evil instead of good. Shree Das explains several examples and what should be done to prevent the misuse of data.
2020-10-05
How SQL Prompt Improves SQL Server Database Development
While everyone knows SQL Prompt for its code completion and IntelliSense features, a lot of its extra value comes from features that allow the development team to standardize coding practices and drive up code quality.
2020-09-29
Execute on DMVs without user having View Server State
Wanted to share this script to the community just in case anyone out there may be search for a way to allow a hosted customer the ability to query certain DMVs for information without granting them View Server State. There are some other options out there, but this worked better for me after going through […]
2020-09-24
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Hands-On with Columnstore Indexes: Part 4 Query Patterns
All queries run fast against columnstore indexes, right? In this article, Edward Pollack demonstrates some query patterns that don’t perform well and how to get around the issues.
2020-09-24
Understanding SQL Server Recovery Models
The database recovery model controls how a SQL Server database can be backed up and restored. In this article, Greg Larsen explains the three recovery models and what to think about when choosing a recovery model for a database.
2020-09-21
Heaps in SQL Server: Part 3 Nonclustered Indexes
Uwe Ricken continues his series on heaps. This time he demonstrates a common scenario where the query against a heap is faster than a clustered index.
2020-09-17
Blogs
PlanTrace Now Supports PostgreSQL
PlanTrace Now Supports PostgreSQL The same plan analysis you know from...
A New Word: the Kinder Surprise
By Steve Jones
the kinder surprise – . the point in your early adolescence when you realize...
Crash-Consistent Snapshot Cloning - Hyper-V Edition
If you’ve been following my T-SQL Snapshot Backup series, most of what I’ve covered...
Forums
SSRS Is Dead. Here Are Your Real Options
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The Distance Metric
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The New Wave of Security Threats
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Question of the Day
The Distance Metric
In the new VECTOR_DISTANCE() function in SQL Server 2025, the first parameter is the distance_metric. What is this?
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