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Identifying Incompatibility Issues When Migrating SQL Server Database to Windows Azure 10/14/2013

Learn how to migrate existing SQL Server databases to Windows Azure, starting with identifying obstacles associated with such migrations.

Introduction to SQL Server 2014 CTP1 Memory-Optimized Tables 10/03/2013

One of the more exciting new features available with SQL Server 2014 is the new Memory-Optimized tables. Greg Larsen explores how to create Memory-Optimized tables, and what he's found during his initial exploration of using this new type of table.

Getting Started with Columnstore Index in SQL Server 2014 – Part 1 09/30/2013

SQL Server 2014 enhances columnstore index and overcomes several of the limitations in earlier versions. Read on to learn how you can get started using this enhanced columnstore index feature in SQL Server 2014.

SSIS 2012 - Introduction to Windows Azure SQL Databases 09/16/2013

The once predominant paradigm of on premise SQL Server environments is changing, with hosted solutions (in the form of both private and public clouds) becoming increasingly common. In order to properly account for this trend, we turn our attention to the role that SSIS can serve in a mixed environment, where a part of the SQL Server estate is located in Windows Azure.

Installing SQL Server 2014 CTP1 09/05/2013

Greg Larsen walks you through preparing, downloading and installing the SQL Server 2014 CTP1 release.

New Enhanced Column Store Index in SQL Server 2014 – Part 1 08/26/2013

Learn about the new enhancements to Column Store Index, which improves performance of data warehouse queries several folds, in SQL Server 2014.

SSIS 2012 - Using PowerShell to Remotely Execute File System Packages in Multi-Server Scenarios 08/15/2013

In recent articles we have been discussing different methods of executing SQL Server 2012 Integration Services packages deployed by employing the traditional Package Deployment Model. There are a few caveats that need to be considered if your tend to store SSIS packages on network-accessible file shares. This article discusses the technical reasons for these considerations and presents a couple of methods for addressing them.

What’s New with SQL Server 2014 08/01/2013

Learn about the exciting new features that come along with SQL Server 2014, where you can download CTP1, and where you can find additional resources related to SQL Server 2014.

SQL Server Data Tools in SQL Server 2012 – Part 2 07/29/2013

Arshad Ali illustrates how to use SQL Server Data Tools in Connected mode and discusses some of the common features that are available both in Disconnected and Connected modes.

SSIS 2012 - Using PowerShell to Remotely Execute File System Packages 07/22/2013

Marcin Policht presents two PowerShell based methods of executing SQL Server 2012 Integration Services packages remotely.

SQL Server: How Important Are Index Statistics 07/01/2013

Greg Larsen shows you how to identify when your index statistics were updated last, what method was used to gather statistics, and how to update your statistics.

How to Create an Extended Events Session in SQL Server 2012 - The DBA Power Tool! 06/27/2013

Using Extended Events in SQL Server 2008 meant having to write complex T-SQL statements to gather the data needed, which was then returned as XML. SQL Server 2012 offers a solution for capturing Extended Event data in an easy to use GUI component, built into SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

SQL Server Data Tools in SQL Server 2012 – Part 1 06/24/2013

Developers have always wanted to have a single IDE that would write application code and database code in a single place without switching the environments. SQL Server Data Tool (SSDT) is a new feature in SQL Server 2012 that provides this capability.

SQL Server 2012 Integration Services - Leveraging PowerShell in Package Deployment Model 06/20/2013

SQL Server 2012 Integration Services introduces an innovative approach to deploying SSIS projects, known as Project Deployment Model. Marcin Policht shows you how to leverage PowerShell capabilities when dealing with legacy Package Deployment Model scenarios.

xp_cmdshell for Non-System Admin Individuals 06/03/2013

When SQL Server is first installed out of the box, the extended stored procedure “xp_cmdshell” is not enabled; once it's enabled the default behaviors is that it is only available to the logins that have System Admin permissions. Greg Larsen shows you how to setup xp_cmdshell so non-System Admins can use this extended stored procedure.