Can you set up a Hello World app and run that as a test? Something simple that just writes a line to a text file or something like that?...

If you want snapshot by default, you need to set Read Committed Snapshot Isolation. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms175095(v=SQL.105).aspx

Otherwise, allowing snapshot isolation just allows it. It doesn't set it as the default,...

If you'll need the extra money in 2-3 years, then you need it now. Don't wait.

Save as much as you possibly can over the 2-3 years, and the needs...

What datatypes are the rate columns? Float?

Yeah, the not null constraint is tricky.

If you really need it, try using GUIDs instead of an identity column. GUIDs (uniqueidentifier datatype) can be generated in the application, so...

Since the usual model is NULL = top level, there isn't a built-in method to bypass that, so you're going to be stuck with custom code and solutions.

If you want...

There are object-oriented database engines available. Cache is one of them, for example. They have the OO properties that you are looking for. If you absolutely have...

You can do what you're trying. Try this:

USE ProofOfConcept;

GO

CREATE TABLE dbo.SelfReferencing

(ID INT IDENTITY

PRIMARY...

One good article on temp and variable: http://www.simple-talk.com/sql/t-sql-programming/temporary-tables-in-sql-server/

Answer from Microsoft on where (RAM vs disk) temp tables and table variables are created: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305977

Relevant quote (from Q4):

If memory is available, both...

Thanks.

I wouldn't bother using a RAM disk for tempdb.

Most of what accesses tempdb will already be perfectly happy to live in RAM till it runs out and has to use...

Actually, if you read to the end of the article, it lays several...

Dave Ballantyne (12/19/2012)

---

Have a look at the seek predicate for the DATE cast.

You will see that it has converted the predicate to a date range

ie

>= Date and <...

Joe, I've seen your "tricks" that pretend to avoid date gaps.

I've already proved to you that they do not work. They allow gaps, they allow overlaps. I showed...

If you want to know what "trumps" what, take a look at a few dozen job postings on Monster or some such.

You'll find a few that require experience and education...