On Best Practices
We hear a lot about “best practice”, but what does it mean in the context of SQL Server? Wikipedia describes best practice as follows: A best practice is a method or technique that has been… On Best Practices
Compressed and Encrypted Backups on the Cheap
We back up our databases regularly. We store them on a secure network location so that if the database drive fails, we can still satisfy the requirements for a rapid disaster recovery time (RTO, or… Compressed and Encrypted Backups on the Cheap
Is DBCC SHRINKFILE (filename, EMPTYFILE) fully logged?
Update: Paul Randal told me I had made a mistake in my post. The correction is below. On Wednesday last week, Kenneth Fisher (b | t) asked: “Is DBCC SHRINKFILE (filename, EMPTYFILE) fully logged?” Is… Is DBCC SHRINKFILE (filename, EMPTYFILE) fully logged?
Speaking at SQLSaturday 507 this weekend in Edmonton
On Saturday 9 April 2016, four days from today, I will be speaking at the first ever SQLSaturday in the province of Alberta. Edmonton is the provincial capital, so it makes sense to have it… Speaking at SQLSaturday 507 this weekend in Edmonton
Cumulative Updates Are First Class
Since 27 January 2016, Microsoft recommends that Cumulative Updates be installed with the same confidence as Service Packs, and installed as they become available. The official announcement was posted on 24 March 2016 (their emphasis):… Cumulative Updates Are First Class
Data Efficiency in SQL Server: DECIMAL
This is part two of a short series of posts about how I assign efficient data types when designing a new table or database. Use less space with BIGINT Last week, I spoke about a… Data Efficiency in SQL Server: DECIMAL
Data Efficiency in SQL Server: DATETIME
This is the first in a short series of posts about how I assign efficient data types when designing a new table or database. Use less space with DATETIME2 We all know that the DATETIME column… Data Efficiency in SQL Server: DATETIME
What is your SQL Server 2005 Upgrade Plan?
SQL Server 2005 will no longer be supported by Microsoft as of 12 April 2016. One of the services I offer my customers is an upgrade from any* version of SQL Server to the latest… What is your SQL Server 2005 Upgrade Plan?
Lazy Loading and Tries
This post has nothing to do with SQL Server, but if you like performance tuning, stick around. I learn technology by using it, pushing it to its limits, finding out how it breaks. I jokingly… Lazy Loading and Tries
The ongoing saga of a slow tempdb on a fast server
Last week, I wrote about what should have been a fast system but was performing very poorly, weighing heavily on tempdb I/O performance. Our original changes did not make much of a difference, but now… The ongoing saga of a slow tempdb on a fast server
98% of I/O is taken up by tempdb
During a recent engagement, the customer explained that the performance on their relatively small system was especially slow on Monday morning, but generally bad that entire day. The SQL Server 2008 R2 instance, which runs… 98% of I/O is taken up by tempdb
Professionalism doesn’t mean a collared shirt and tie
Working from home, consulting with companies all over the world, has changed how I interact with customers. The last time I was physically on site was seven months ago. We deal almost exclusively with each… Professionalism doesn’t mean a collared shirt and tie
Max Server Memory Matrix
When we perform diagnostics on an existing SQL Server instance, or if we are setting up a new machine, it’s very important to make sure that we change the Max Server Memory setting to an… Max Server Memory Matrix
Forecast: Azure Skies Over the Amazon
Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services are taking over. Last week, a client approached me to migrate their complex environment in two phases from two physical data centers, first to Azure VMs, and ultimately to… Forecast: Azure Skies Over the Amazon
Update to Azure Blob Storage Sync and Restore
Blob Storage Sync tool updated During a SQL Server migration this month, I found some inconsistencies in my Azure Blob Storage Sync tool, so I made several improvements, and fixed an outstanding bug. As you… Update to Azure Blob Storage Sync and Restore