SQL Server

Development of SQL 2008 SSIS Packages Requires SSIS Service

Unlike in SQL 2005, when developing SSIS packages in SQL Server 2008 BIDS you must have the SSIS service installed on your workstation.  This is a change from SQL Server 2005 where you did not have to have the actual SSIS service installed on your workstation. It doesn't appear that you...

SQLServerPedia.com Webcast Archived

I've been informed that the webcast I did last week with some of the other editors for SQLServerPedia.com has been archived for offline...

Back To Basics: Getting Data from an XML Document

One of the most popular ways to get data multiple pieces of data in a single parameter from one stored procedure to another, or from a client application to the database is to use XML. This can be done in SQL Server 2000 by using the NTEXT (or TEXT) datatype, and in SQL 2005 using the XML...

Just how awesome are table parameters in SQL Server 2008?

I would have to say, that one of the coolest new features of SQL Server 2008 is the ability to pass a table as a single parameter to a stored procedure. While we have been able to do this in the past, by using XML to pass more than one value in, then break it apart. But this is just such a...

SQL Clustering Article in SQL Server Magazine

For those of you who are SQL Server Magazine Subscribers you should be getting your copies right about now (if you haven't already).  When you do be sure to check out the article which I have in the magazine about clustering your SQL Server. For those without a subscription you can sign up for...

Webcast: SQLServerPedia.com — The Definitive SQL Server Knowledge Base

Gain access to SQL Server experts and learn more about SQLServerPedia.com by attending this webcast. SQLServerPedia.com is the free reference resource created for SQL Server professionals, by SQL Server professionals. See how...

Back To Basics: Creating Indexes

After you have created your tables, and stored procedures you will have a basic idea of what queries are going to be running against your database.  If you haven't already done so, its now time to start adding indexes to your database.  The catch with index is that there is such a thing as to...

Back To Basics: What’s the difference between a Scan and a Seek?

There are a few basic operations which SQL will perform when looking for the data that you need.  Here they are listed in the order of worst to best.

• Table Scan
• Clustered Index Scan
• Index Scan
• Clustered Index Seek
• Index Seek

PASS 2008 Wrapup

Well the PASS 2008 summit must be official over as I'm sitting at the airport waiting for my plane.  I was expecting a very long security line here at SeaTac but I was through security within maybe 10 minutes.  While means that the two hours I was planning on standing in line I instead get to sit...

PASS 2008 – Day 3

Today was a pretty slow day. I spent most of the day kicking back in the MVP room talking to the MVPs and the Microsoft folks. I did make it to a couple of sessions however.