Clik here to view.
It’s Christmas: 3 Ways To Be Wise About Your Rowsize
Empty space. That’s what you have inside your database, I’m certain of it. I am also certain that you can take steps to avoid having large amounts of empty space inside of your database. The first...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Designing a Database: 7 Things You Don’t Want To Do
Your database design is awful. The reason nobody has told you this yet is for one of two reasons: ignorance or apathy. They either don’t know it’s bad, or they don’t care. Well *I* care about bad...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Accidental Architect
Most readers of this blog are likely to be familiar with the term accidental DBA. It is meant to describe someone that ended up in the role of database administration by pure chance. They simply...
View ArticleSlides From Reno SQL Server User Group Available
Well, I finally joined Slideshare. Here are the slides from my most recent presentation (Database Design, Size DOES Matter!) to the SQL Server User Group in Reno, Nevada last week: I’m going to see...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Do You Have A Big Data Problem?
Still don’t think you have a big data problem? I’m here to tell you that you’re doing it wrong. Everyone has a big data problem, they just don’t know it yet. Two weeks ago at the PASS Business...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Top 7 Things You Want To Do In Windows Azure SQL Database, But Can’t
I’m a huge fan of Windows Azure SQL Database (WASD), I really am. I know there are other fans out there as well. With each passing day we help transport more of the old-school DBAs into the 21st...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Why Windows Azure SQL Database May Be Right For You
Grande. Bold. No room. It’s my standard order when at Starbucks. Despite there being thousands of ways to have my coffee prepared I prefer the simplest. It’s probably why I enjoy working with Windows...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Windows Azure SQL Database Strategies
I’ve been working with Windows Azure SQL Database (WASD) on and off for about three years. This past year I’ve been a bit more involved. I did the technical review of Pro SQL Database for Windows Azure...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How To Avoid Butchering Your Windows Azure SQL Database Designs
I met a man once who told me how he wanted to be a butcher but his hands weren’t steady enough. So, he decided to become a dentist instead. The man, of course, was my dentist. And he said those words...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Did You Really Just Spend Thousands on New Hardware?
Seriously? You did what now? OK, I’m sure it’s all shiny and new and takes up less space in your data center. That sounds wonderful, truly. But did you try anything else before agreeing to spend money...
View ArticleClik here to view.
HOW TO: ALTER TABLE in Windows Azure SQL Database Without Filling Up Your...
One of the things I love most about Windows Azure SQL Database (WASD) is that you don’t have many options when it comes to performance tuning. WASD makes you focus on code and design in order to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Virtualizing SQL Server: 8 Things to Avoid
Today I had another article go live over at SQL Server Pro. Here is a quick excerpt: I have been involved in virtualization projects for about ten years now. In that time I have had the opportunity to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
You’re Doing It Wrong – Database Standards
Having standards is important. If you don’t believe me, just ask your spouse or significant other.Knowing that such things are important I am willing to wager that your company has spent time putting...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Size Matters: Table Rows and Database Data Pages
I’m on my way to the PASS Business Analytics conference today. If you are attending, and you are reading this blog post, come find me and Rob Collie (blog | @powerpivotpro) during the welcome reception...
View ArticleClik here to view.
HOW TO: Know What That Installer Did to Your Database
Remember when I told you I had come across and old script that checked your SQL Server configuration setting? Well, here’s another old script of mine I think is worth sharing. The idea was that I...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Q&A From My Azure Webinar With Scott Klein
Recently (OK, on July 23rd, 2014 to be exact) I co-presented a webinar with Scott Klein (blog | @SQLScott) titled “Know Before You Go: SQL Server on Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines“. It was a repeat...
View ArticleClik here to view.
HOW TO: Find Currently Running Long SQL Agent Jobs
A while ago I had posted a script to help find jobs that were currently running longer than expected. Since I’ve been sharing some scripts recently, I decided to verify that this script still works for...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Real SQL Server 2014 Power Feature (It May Not Be Hekaton)
Just a quick post today to tell you about a webinar I am doing on the 27th of August, 2014. The title is “The Real SQL Server 2014 Power Feature (It May Not Be Hekaton)”, and it is me talking about the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Data Is The New Oil
Does the weather affect your sales, either by location or by season? Maybe it does, maybe not. The only way to know for certain is to collect the data. But collecting such data may prove to be more...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Why I Fell in Love with Adam Spencer
Because Adam Spencer (web | @adambspencer) is a math geek, that’s why. You don’t have to just take my word for it though. Check out the TED talk he gave in February of 2013....
View Article