The Top 5 SQL Server Features You Aren’t Using And Why

I’m throwing my money away. I know I am, and yet I still do it. It’s not a lot of money though. See, I pay for a services bundle (phone, internet, cable television) from the one-and-only provider for my town and I’m certain that I am not using every possible feature. For example, I have … Read more

HOW TO: ALTER TABLE in Windows Azure SQL Database Without Filling Up Your Transaction Log

HOW TO: ALTER TABLE in Windows Azure SQL Database Without Filling Up Your Transaction Log

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 maximize performance. I would estimate that 98% of all performance issues are due to sub-optimal code and database design … Read more

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 as he started up his drill. Good times. I often think about that dentist … Read more

Live Webinar Next Week! – Expert Database Design Tips for SQL Server and Azure

Next week I am taking part in a webinar along with Karen Lopez where we will discuss database design tips for SQL Server and Windows Azure SQL Database. This is not the debate format we have done previously, this is meant to be more of a discussion format. I’ve spent a good chunk of time … Read more

Windows Azure SQL Database Strategies

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 last year. I also delivered a precon seminar along with Dandy Weyn (blog | @ilikesql), Grant Fritchey (blog | @gfritchey) and … Read more