More Private Clouds
Steve thinks that the growth of private clouds make sense, especially as more companies turn to platform engineering.
SQL Window Functions Series: NTILE()
Unlock the power of SQL's NTILE function with our latest deep-dive article. Learn to segment your data effectively into quantiles for more nuanced analysis, discover common pitfalls and their solutions, and optimize your queries for peak performance.
Adding an AI Policy for Authors
SQL Server Central is changing their policy to respond to the increased use of AI technologies.
Deploying Azure SQL Database Using an ARM Template
Provisioning infrastructure in a timely and reliable manner is essential for agile development. One well-liked method that lets you use code to automate resource management and provisioning is infrastructure as code (IaC). Azure Resource Manager templates are one IaC solution for Azure (ARM templates).
How Often Do You Update SSMS?
I got a message recently that SSM S19.3 is out. I am wary of major versions, especially with a few add-in tools, but I have tended to try and update SSMS regularly when it patches, which is about once a quarter. As I checked my desktop, I saw I was still on 19.1 (my laptop […]
Optimized locking in Azure SQL Database
I don’t think I’ve ever had a great impression of Azure SQL Database as a place for production applications. In its early days, it was missing several important features (like data compression). While that hole has been plugged, there are still other limitations and differences you should be aware o
Install SSMS using Powershell DSC
Learn how you can install SMSS automatically using PowerShell DSC as this series continues.
Mind Over Milkshake (Thoughts Matter)
You mind can influence your body. Maybe. A study Steve found says that could be true, but he certainly thinks it can influence your attitude and how you respond to situations at work.
Gracefully Handle Errors using TRY CATCH Logic in SQL Server Stored Procedures
Learn how to capture errors in SQL Server stored procedures and gracefully handle errors using Try Catch coding in your stored procedures.
Ask For What You Need
Today we have a guest editorial where Andy Warren asks you if you know how to ask for things at work. Many IT works struggle to ask for resources, but read on to understand how Andy might help you get more done at your job.
Blogs
A New Word: los vidados
By Steve Jones
los vidados – n. the half-remembered acquaintances you knew years ago, who you might...
In-Person CISA Training – April 13-16, 2026
By Brian Kelley
I will be leading an in-person Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam prep class...
EightKB 2026
EightKB is back again for 2026! The biggest online SQL Server internals conference is...
Forums
query to track time spent on individual tasks in SSIS
Hi everyone I am looking at building a query to determine how much time...
SQL Server Transactional Replication from Always On Availability Groups to Azure SQL Database
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL Server Transactional Replication from...
Hidden Heroes
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Hidden Heroes
Question of the Day
Identities and Sequences I
When thinking of the Identity property for auto incrementing columns and sequences for the same action, which are explicitly linked to increment a number in a table when a new row is added?
See possible answers