What about indexing on len(field_name)?

I'm interested in speeding up queries that order by len(field_name) without changing the application.

Can a computed field be created on len(field_name)? I guess it probably...

I've heard a rumor that Microsoft is creating a search engine to compete with google.....

The* answer is no.

*my

That doesn't sound strange. What does sound strange is that in this day and age there would be no other distinguishing characteristic for a transaction like say... the TIME 

I'm regretting not having used stored procedures in my last major project and it has nothing to do with performance. Performance is fine (and I presume in the same ballpark...

I don't understand this discussion.

If duplicate data is mandated by the nature of the data described, then you don't need a primary key.

If you need to be able to distinguish...