The Hitchhiker's Guide to Microsoft SQL Server 2016
Examining three new, interesting features in Microsoft's SQL Server 2016.
My top 3 features in SQL Server 2014
Are you ready to unlock the power of Microsoft SQL Server 2014? In this blog entry I will examine my 3 favorite new features that show how SQL Server 2014 provides high-performance OLTP, optimization of business analytics and...
It’s SQL Boot Camp time…again!
Many people play “wait-and-see” with Microsoft new releases. Cynics say they’ll wait for the first service pack before taking a look. Others wait for their vendors to force the upgrade card. Well, Microsoft SQL Server 2012 was...
Surface Pro available Feb 9th 2013
Microsoft has announced that its Surface Pro tablet will be available Feb 9th. Many enterprise customers have been waiting for this version of the Surface, which will run a full version of Windows 8 Pro with the touch-sensitive...
Updating your Skills to SQL Server 2012
As an instructor, I get to preview new courses to verify the materials for accuracy and also start preparing to teach the course in the future. I always participate in the CTP/Beta programs so technically getting to know the new...
SQL Server 2012 Certification: Get your 2008 Certs first!
With every release of SQL Server come the new Microsoft certification exams. In 2000 we had the MCDBA. In 2005 and 2008 we had the MCTS and the MCITP. Now in 2012 we have the MCSA and the MCSE. (Not to be confused with the old...
Windows 8 RTM available...I like it!
Windows 8 is finally here. I have been testing it out over the last few months and have been pleasantly surprised. Yes, it's different and takes some getting used to. Change is difficult. But I remember the same initial grumblings...
SQL Server 2012 Launch - Show me the training!
On the eve of the launch of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 we are getting ready for the demand of training for the new features. I have been testing out the new VMs for the 5 new courses using Hyper-V. I must admit I am impressed....
Top Ten Christmas Lists for SQL Server 2012
As 2011 winds down, I am looking forward to 2012. It’s another big year for Microsoft with SQL Server 2012 due to be released in the first half of next year. Looking at the
new features, the glass is either half full or half empty....
Day 2 at SQL PASS Summit – SQL Server and the Private Cloud
After yesterday’s news with SQL Server 2012, what could we expect on Day 2 at the SQL PASS Summit 2011? How about SQL Server and the Private Cloud? Or SQL Azure and the Public Cloud? More real-life details on the AlwaysOn HA/DR...
Day 1 at SQL PASS Summit - SQL 11.0 “Denali” is now officially SQL Server 2012
Once again we find ourselves Sleepless in Seattle. Déjà vu all over again. We would be excused for feeling a little too comfortable with the Seattle Convention Center but the SQL PASS Summit is simply the best Microsoft SQL Server...
SQL 11 Codename "Denali" Is Coming!
Microsoft SQL 11, code name Denali, has many new features that will allow you to develop higher performing, more scalable next-generation applications using more than just relational data. Although this release will be a little early...
Need help with Online Page-Level Restores? SQL11 SSMS is your friend!
In SQL Server 2005, Microsoft introduced the Online Restore where parts of a database could be restored while other parts of the same database could remain available. In the same release, the Page-Level Restore was also introduced....
Swiss Army Bootcamp for SQL Server - complete with toothpick!
As an MCITP DBA and MCT, I teach the latest and greatest regarding Microsoft SQL Server. Global Knowledge is a Microsoft Gold Partner, so we use the Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) for our courses, if available. If materials are...
Denali Books Online…Online for real!
When Sybase invented Books Online to support Sybase SQL Server it was one of the first “online” help-systems available. Shipping a few CDs was always more earth-friendly than shipping hundreds of pounds of books that sat on the shelf...
Tablets mean Business!
OK, so I am testing out a new Lenovo Thinkpad X201 Tablet. I wanted the ease of use of an iPad but also a powerful laptop that runs my business software too. I don’t think Microsoft SQL Server tools run on the iPad2 – yet. Maybe...
Windows 7 and Virtual Server – jump through some virtual hoops!
OK, as an instructor, I use virtualization as an educational tool. Virtual machines are perfect for training in that a student can experiment knowing that any mistakes can be quickly discarded for another try – the perfect safe...
Star vs Snowflake Schemas – what’s your belief?
Two common designs for a Data Warehouse are identified as a “Star Schema” and a “Snowflake Schema”. When we discuss the differences and individual preferences, usually the gloves come off and DBA’s will duke it out. It becomes a...
Slowly Changing Dimension - More detail...
In a previous blog entry I discussed the concept of the Slowly Changing Dimension or SCD. A good example is how to handle the analysis of Sales by Customer Region when a customer moves from one Region to another. The way to solve...
How Slow is Slow? Slowly Changing Dimensions in SSAS
An important subject that seems to be omitted in many Business Intelligence training courses is the Slowly Changing Dimension or SCD. When I teach BI classes, I make a point of covering the topic and it probably gets more students...
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