Don Schlichting

Introduction This article explores the data types and methods used for storing BLOBs (Binary Large Objects), such as images and sounds, inside SQL Server. Legacy data types used in SQL Server versions 2000 and SQL 2005 will be examined as well as the new SQL 2008 FILESTREAM binary type. What are BLOBs To start, we’ll […]

Introduction This article will highlight the steps involved to install SQL Server 2008. The installation is simple and straightforward. Trial and preview versions can be downloaded from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/sql/2008/prodinfo/download.mspx . If you’re new to SQL Server, then deciding which additional components to install will require a small amount of research. There are several different […]

Introduction This article introduces the new Date and Time data types found in Microsoft SQL Server 2008, such as DATETIME2, TIME, and DATE. The traditional data types that have been carried forward from previous versions will also be reviewed. In addition, TSQL commands for manipulating data types, such as CAST and CONVERT will be examined. […]

Introduction SQL 2008, with a scheduled release of Quarter 1 in 2008, includes a variety of new features, improvements, and additions. This article will review new Data Integration features, enhancements to Analysis Services, Reporting Server additions, and Office integration. SQL Server Integration Services SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services) is a built in application for developing […]

Introduction This article will highlight some of the new features and benefits found in SQL Server 2008. Some of the new features include Development changes, new Business Intelligence features, Integration additions, and new Data Types. Listed below are some of the items covered that were covered in Part 1 of this series. Encryption – Transparent […]

Introduction SQL Server 2008 will be released approximately February of 2008, along with a new version of Visual Studio and Windows. A CTP (Community Technology Preview) of SQL 2008 is currently available for download from the Microsoft URL http://www.microsoft.com/sql/prodinfo/futureversion/default.mspx . This article will highlight some of the new features and benefits found in SQL Server […]

Introduction SQL Assistant is an intellisense tool designed to increase DBA coding accuracy and productivity. It does this by injecting code snippets, automatic word completion, and attribute browsing into the SQL coding window. In addition, the product also includes syntax validation and code formatters. SQL Assistant supports MS SQL, Oracle, DB2, and MySQL. There is […]

Introduction LiteSpeed by Quest Software is a third party application for backing up and archiving SQL Server databases. Its backup compression algorithms greatly reduce the amount of disk space needed. The backup file created by LiteSpeed can be up to 95% smaller than the original database. In addition, some versions use an encryption algorithm to […]

Introduction This article will explore various methods of accessing SQL Server from inside Microsoft Expression Web. Microsoft Expression Web is a graphical development tool for creating web pages and is part of the new Expression Studio. The Studio itself consists of four components, Expression Web, Expression Design, Expression Blend, and Expression Media. Expression Media is […]

Introduction This article focuses on the SQL Server 2005 Maintenance Plan Wizard for creating Database Backup operations. The Maintenance Plan Wizard is a graphical interface for creating a variety of database housekeeping tasks. In addition to Backup operations, maintenance items such as reorganizing data and index files, updating statistics and performing consistency checks can be […]

Introduction SQL 2005 includes a graphical tool called the Maintenance Plan Wizard that can be used to create database optimization and integrity checking packages. Some of the tasks the Maintenance Plan Wizard can orchestrate include backing up the database, reorganizing data and index files, compressing the data file, and updating the index statistics. While all […]

Introduction There are a number of database housekeeping tasks that should be done on a regular basis to insure SQL performance and data integrity are optimized. Backing up the database, reorganizing data and index files, compressing the data file, updating the index statistics, and performing consistence checks are a few examples. All of these tasks […]