http://www.windowsitpro.com/authors/author/author/5037667/rsscomment/5037667en-USSun, 27 May 2012 03:30:25 GMTSun, 27 May 2012 03:30:25 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/iams-keeping-track-space-143102#commentsAnchorThu, 17 May 2012 11:13:09 GMT
Thanks for the reminder article Kalen. yes as we get older we tend to forget things. :~) -dennis]]>dennisparksThu, 17 May 2012 11:13:09 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/iams-keeping-track-space-143102#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/iams-keeping-track-space-143102#commentsAnchorThu, 17 May 2012 01:36:17 GMT
I think u got a mistake: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Because a single page is 8KB, with a 96-byte header and a few bytes for the information about the bitmap itself, there are about ****************8,000 bits**************** for the bitmap, and each represents an extent in a file. Because an extent is eight pages, or 64KB, 8,000 bits can keep track of -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8,000 bits should be 8000 bytes. ]]>HelloFOFOThu, 17 May 2012 01:36:17 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/iams-keeping-track-space-143102#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-bigger-sql-server-performance-improvements-142287#commentsAnchorFri, 17 Feb 2012 08:34:06 GMT
Good article, but I'm a bit confused. Why is "WHERE substring(name, 1,2) = Mc" from the 3rd code box not a SARG but you say that "WHERE SUBSTRING(Name, 1, 11) = 'Half-Finger';" from the 5th code box is a SARG? Thanks again! PJ]]>PossumJohnFri, 17 Feb 2012 08:34:06 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-bigger-sql-server-performance-improvements-142287#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorFri, 17 Feb 2012 06:44:07 GMT
I totally agree with your findings.. We have've recently eliminated a few UDFs created by an ORACLE-to-SQL migration tool, a datetime-to-date truncation function, and time to execute our queries went down by a whooping 99%. The optimization effect is greater when UDFs is used in a WHERE clause, because it automatically forces cursor processing. There are few articles floating on the web, confirming that most of the time UDFs are bad, but not all of the time the difference is that significant. Here are my 3 favorite ones: http://allinthehead.com/retro/247/user-defined-functions-considered-harmful http://sqlblog.com/blogs/alexander_kuznetsov/archive/2008/04/21/not-all-udfs-are-bad-for-performance.aspx http://www.simple-talk.com/sql/t-sql-programming/clr-performance-testing/ ]]>DydekFri, 17 Feb 2012 06:44:07 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorWed, 25 Jan 2012 11:26:45 GMT
Typos: far working = far more work sclar = scalar]]>KDelaneyWed, 25 Jan 2012 11:26:45 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorTue, 24 Jan 2012 22:49:38 GMT
Maurice... thanks for your input. Yes, I tried to stress that the problem was only with scalar UDFs. I don't have enough words in these short commentaries to cover all the possible solutions, but I definitely stress in my class that one solution is to rewrite using a table-valued function. KBerghall... thanks for your comments. I first ran into this problem long ago, so the actual numbers are just what I remember. The report definitely did more than just the masking of the social security numbers, but I do remember that all we did was remove the call to the function and replace it with the function code and we made a drastic improvement. I would NOT expect any test on the current version with today's hardware to show the exact behavior we saw back then, but as mirzarashidbai attests, the problem does still exist. My tracing also shows far working going on behind the scenes if you have a call to a sclar UDF in your select list. If you are not having problems with scalar UDFs in the SELECT list, then that is great, but I offer this as one area where some people can have a major impact on performance. I am not saying UDFs are always bad, either, only that if you are trying to tune your code, you can try removing scalar functions in the SELECT list. Thanks again for the all the feedback!! ~Kalen]]>KDelaneyTue, 24 Jan 2012 22:49:38 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Jan 2012 18:29:32 GMT
It makes very little difference in this case, but here is how I would simplify the example UDF. CREATE FUNCTION dbo.fnMaskSSN (@ssn char(11)) RETURNS char(11) AS BEGIN RETURN 'xxx-xx-' + right(@ssn,4) END;]]>kberghallFri, 20 Jan 2012 18:29:32 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Jan 2012 18:27:11 GMT
We have used UDFs extensively since they became available. There are definitely some performance traps if you use them the wrong way, but generally we have been very pleased with the performance and it is an extremely convenient way to encapsulate and re-use code. I tried you little SSN example and ran it on a table with 800,000 records and it ran thru all in 5 seconds. This is on a SQL Server 2008 R2 on a relatively slow server. So I think the query with 10,000 records must have had some other type of performance issue if it took 20 min. Also we have noticed that UDFs generally perform better if simplified down to one RETURN statement instead of declaring variables, etc. especially when accessing tables within the UDF.]]>kberghallFri, 20 Jan 2012 18:27:11 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Jan 2012 10:21:41 GMT
There is an easy way to work around this problem. Dump scalar udf use and replace them by cross apply + inline UDF, the column returned by the udf being the result of the expression originally written in the scalar udf. The optimizer expands what is in the inline UDF as if I would have put the expression directly into the select list. The overhead of function call is just flushed away by the optimizer as the access plan shows. By example this scalar function: Create function TSqlTools.TestScalarSln(@n as nvarchar(8)) returns nvarchar(8) as Begin declare @b nvarchar(8) Set @b = REPLACE(@n, '0', '_') return @b End can easily be rewritten by : Create function TSqlTools.TestInlineSln(@n as bigInt) returns TABLE as Return (Select REPLACE(@n, '0', '_') as newNb ) The SQL query must be rewritten also: select min(tsqltools.TestScalarSln (c)) From BigTable -- this is th scalar call -- by this equivalent select min(I.newNb) From BigTable B cross apply TSqlTools.TestInlineSln (c) as I What is great about this approach is that even if the inline function defines many transformations, if you just use one, this gem that is the SQL optimizer just keep the one used. Inline functions can then be made great domain tool sets. This function is an example of it: create function TSqlTools.RelatedDateExpr (@d datetime) returns table as return ( With DayNumExpr (dayNum) as (select (DATEPART(dw, @d) + @@DATEFIRST) % 7) Select dayNum , rtrim(SUBSTRING('Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday WednesdayThursday Friday ', DayNum*9+1, 9)) as Eng , rtrim(SUBSTRING('Samedi Dimanche Lundi Mardi Mercredi Jeudi Vendredi ', DayNum*9+1, 9)) as Fr , dateadd(yy, datediff(yy, '19000101', @d), '19000101') as StartOfYear , dateadd(yy, 1+datediff(yy, '19000101', @d), '19000101') as StartOfNextYear ) You pay just for what you use: Select Expr.Eng from [ATableWithDates] as T cross apply TSqlTools.RelatedDateExpr(T.aDate) as Expr]]>Maurice PelchatFri, 20 Jan 2012 10:21:41 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorThu, 19 Jan 2012 22:31:41 GMT
This is really interesting information as we faced the performance issue with the UDF. This article will really help. Thanks for posting.]]>mirzarashidbaigThu, 19 Jan 2012 22:31:41 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/small-code-big-sql-server-performance-improvements-141959#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/sql-server-2012-141330#commentsAnchorWed, 21 Dec 2011 17:20:42 GMT
Thanks Ed! I appreciate the input and this is pretty much what I ended up doing. I talked about almost everything that I was interested in (so that was not ALL the new features) and then gave demos of about 8, and had more deep discussion and longer demos for only 2. ]]>KDelaneyWed, 21 Dec 2011 17:20:42 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/sql-server-2012-141330#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/sql-server-2012-141330#commentsAnchorThu, 17 Nov 2011 18:00:23 GMT
OK ... since you asked. My answer is that I need it both ways! Let me explain. I'd like to have a BRIEF overview of all the new features. This allows me to digest the rest of the presentation more completely, and discern any expanded new feature discussion in the context of where it might fit in, and how it might be used with other features (new or old, because I'm aware of them all now). Then, the majority of the time should be spent on a subset of these features. This time should provide the deeper dive and the DEMO - which I agree is important. So, if you believe and accept all that, your problem becomes a simple one: simply decide on which features to select for the deep dive portion of the presentation!! By the way, I have had the pleasure of attending your course in the past, and I'm a bit envious of those folks that will get to sit in on your "advanced look" at the new SQL ... enjoy!]]>EDSlayerThu, 17 Nov 2011 18:00:23 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/sql-server-2012-141330#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/tsql3/transaction-isolation-levels#commentsAnchorThu, 27 Oct 2011 21:17:08 GMT
This is one of the better articles I have read on this potentially confusing topic. However, if I can make one suggestion. Experienced developers know how isolation works but newcomers can be a bit confused. One of the potential areas of confusion arises from the issue of who is doing the blocking - my transaction? or the other transactions that are trying to change the tables I am tying to read? This is not helped by the language used in this article. In the section on repeatable read, just after the first bit of code, it says "This update will block when it tries to update the ISOLATION_TEST table". The words "will block" imply that it is the update that is doing the blocking. A better choice of words would be "will BE blockED". Once again, experienced people might think this an obvious point that does not need to be explained but newcomers can and usually are confused by points like these. I have found in my travels that there are a lot of people who believe they understand isolation levels but when you press them you find that they have a half-baked understanding at best, and a completely erroneous understanding at worst. I think this topic needs precise, almost formal use of language to describe these delicate concepts. This minor point aside, I repeat that this is one of the better articles I have read on this topic, particularly because the example transactions are simple and clear. I will be sharing it with my students.]]>tommccannThu, 27 Oct 2011 21:17:08 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/tsql3/transaction-isolation-levels#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/training-and-certification2/sql-server-training-options-140429#commentsAnchorWed, 14 Sep 2011 12:29:35 GMT
Ms. Kalen, Thank you for the info about the course. I put it to my boss but haven't heard back. I don't feel confident that it will be approved but if you don't ask, there is no chance it will happen... ]]>WinderWed, 14 Sep 2011 12:29:35 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/training-and-certification2/sql-server-training-options-140429#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/training-and-certification2/sql-server-training-options-140429#commentsAnchorMon, 05 Sep 2011 12:22:36 GMT
Hi Winder I'll be teaching my 5-day Deep Dives Internals class completely online in early November. Check out my schedule http://schedule.kalendelaney.com Maybe that would work for you? ~Kalen ]]>KDelaneyMon, 05 Sep 2011 12:22:36 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/training-and-certification2/sql-server-training-options-140429#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/training-and-certification2/sql-server-training-options-140429#commentsAnchorThu, 01 Sep 2011 15:10:13 GMT
The outfit I work for will send me to a class as long as I can drive there and back each day. So realisticly to get the in-depth type of training I rely on webinars and such. Even the training classes they will pay for is over the internet. I would love more "free" stuff but am willing to pay for it since the presenters should make something for sharing the knowledge. I love the 24 hours of PASS since I use those sessions to help guide my training for my current job. Those and the free Web/Sales-inars are helpful in getting information that I can use to help get me more of the in-depth training.]]>WinderThu, 01 Sep 2011 15:10:13 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/training-and-certification2/sql-server-training-options-140429#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/SQLServerDenali/kid-town-sql-server-denali-139912#commentsAnchorWed, 31 Aug 2011 15:06:13 GMT
Hi Adam Thanks for your vote of confidence! ~Kalen]]>KDelaneyWed, 31 Aug 2011 15:06:13 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/SQLServerDenali/kid-town-sql-server-denali-139912#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/SQLServerDenali/kid-town-sql-server-denali-139912#commentsAnchorMon, 25 Jul 2011 14:27:24 GMT
We still have a mix of SQL 2000 (40%), SQL 2005(30%) and some SQL 2008(10%) and one SQL 2008R2 (20%). In looking at all of the new features about the only one I saw that was interesting was the CONTAINED DATABASES but I didn't really fully understand how it works. Heck, some of our SQL 2000 DBs I'd like to simply keep them there as they are problem free but I know we are gonna have to upgrade to stay in support.]]>Markus_SQLMon, 25 Jul 2011 14:27:24 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/SQLServerDenali/kid-town-sql-server-denali-139912#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/SQLServerDenali/kid-town-sql-server-denali-139912#commentsAnchorThu, 21 Jul 2011 16:35:08 GMT
I keep hoping for a SQL version in which a SQL instance is more aware of itself - i.e. which node it is sitting on in my cluster, I know very quickly if an instance has restarted, but I have to dig significantly more to see if it failed over and if so, then where it went. Maybe this will be included in the 'always on' components of Denali; I'll keep hoping. I'm always curious to know what is changing with replication, monitoring, and partitioning. cheers.]]>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:35:08 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/SQLServerDenali/kid-town-sql-server-denali-139912#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/SQLServerDenali/kid-town-sql-server-denali-139912#commentsAnchorThu, 21 Jul 2011 16:15:32 GMT
If you're obligated to promote the new release, that's one thing. But most companies are just now getting around to upgrading to SQL 2008 R2, and they don't seem to be in a great hurry either. In your opinion, should they skip it and go straight to Denali? Cheers, Jeff Laughary]]>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:15:32 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/SQLServerDenali/kid-town-sql-server-denali-139912#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/SQLServerDenali/kid-town-sql-server-denali-139912#commentsAnchorThu, 21 Jul 2011 13:13:08 GMT
Kalen, I'm always a fan of potential improvements to replication, graphical execution plans, information on and about indexes and just about anything related to maintenance (fragmentation solutions, usage information, statistics data)... But from my experience with your previous books, even those things that I would like to know about that aren't included, the space is always full of worthy information which makes it okay that "my" topics weren't covered :) Adam P. Cassidy apcassidy@aol.com]]>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:13:08 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/SQLServerDenali/kid-town-sql-server-denali-139912#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/testing-heavy-load-simulating-multiple-concurrent-operations-139502#commentsAnchorFri, 17 Jun 2011 08:42:22 GMT
Hi Kalen, Your comment on anecdotal experiences are always interesting. In this article it would've been great to tell a bit about what went wrong about multi-user for this customers.]]>Maurice PelchatFri, 17 Jun 2011 08:42:22 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/testing-heavy-load-simulating-multiple-concurrent-operations-139502#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/spring-cleaning-sql-server-stored-procedures-135938#commentsAnchorThu, 21 Apr 2011 12:50:44 GMT
I love it when you write hard core technical articles like this one. Keep it up. Thank you!]]>debmark4Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:50:44 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/spring-cleaning-sql-server-stored-procedures-135938#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/quering/do-you-need-a-sql-server-query-hint-#commentsAnchorFri, 18 Mar 2011 08:33:17 GMT
The video you mentionned in your link is not available.]]>Maurice PelchatFri, 18 Mar 2011 08:33:17 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/quering/do-you-need-a-sql-server-query-hint-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/quering/do-you-need-a-sql-server-query-hint-#commentsAnchorFri, 18 Mar 2011 08:32:44 GMT
The video you mentionned in your link is not available.]]>Maurice PelchatFri, 18 Mar 2011 08:32:44 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/quering/do-you-need-a-sql-server-query-hint-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/quering/do-you-need-a-sql-server-query-hint-#commentsAnchorFri, 18 Mar 2011 08:24:45 GMT
I use LOOP join Hint only when I’m sure that by nature the data accessed by the index is going to be highly selective. I found many times that when the optimizer don’t want to use an index specified with the with index hint, that LOOP join does the job. It forces the join order between the two tables using almost all the time the proper index, with the advantage that the INDEX hint could be removed.
You’re right saying that LOOP JOIN is a last resort solution. It is better to rewrite the query first, but it happens that some queries are not optimized well by the optimizer, no matter that you update statistics, and check proper type use in search arguments.
Option Hint has its disadvantages too. If your query have many tables, it is not necessarily great to apply a loop join everywhere between all tables of the query. If you force the join type between only two of them it may leave some liberty to the optimizer to arrange the rest.
However forcing the join order between two tables reduces also the liberty of the optimizer beyond just the method of joining the two tables, but you sometimes learn from it.
By wondering why the optimizer don’t want to do what you expect from him, when looking at the query plans, you finally find out a missing index somewhere else in the equation that explains that the source of the problem is not between these two tables. You find that what leads to this absurd plan is due to a missing index somewhere else that force the optimizer to takes workarounds. Loop join are sometimes a good diagnostic tool, which help finding the solution to finally remove them from the query.
]]>Maurice PelchatFri, 18 Mar 2011 08:24:45 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/quering/do-you-need-a-sql-server-query-hint-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/measuring-expertise-the-new-sql-server-mcm-program#commentsAnchorThu, 17 Mar 2011 06:33:01 GMT
I completely agree with your points on this one and would have to say that it raises interesting discussions that as an industry career path managers need to look into what they hire.

Over my experience I would say I am in NO way to be considered a master, I have not done or experienced many areas in the SQL Server arena not due to desire, just due to opportunity. I have many people around me that are much smarter than I however I would also not consider them a master but yet they still come to me for answers, not based on knowledge but experience.

Many interviews are generated by what degrees or certification we hold, not experience, there are many ’paper tigers’ out there that get the interviews due to what they hold not what they know. We as an industry need to closely look at the criteria of how we look at candidates and gauge them as ’masters’.

Random thoughts of a rambling DBA. ]]>BrzeczekThu, 17 Mar 2011 06:33:01 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/measuring-expertise-the-new-sql-server-mcm-program#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/database-administration/using-table-partitions-to-archive-old-data-in-oltp-environments#commentsAnchorTue, 01 Mar 2011 07:58:40 GMT
Be aware, partitioned tables and indexes are available only on the Enterprise, Developer, and Evaluation editions of SQL Server. ( http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188706.aspx)

]]>SchwarzeTue, 01 Mar 2011 07:58:40 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/database-administration/using-table-partitions-to-archive-old-data-in-oltp-environments#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/welcome-to-sql-server-2011#commentsAnchorMon, 31 Jan 2011 12:14:02 GMT
The single feature that has me most intrigued are the new columnstore index type. In the process of developing PowerPivot for SQL 2008 R2, MS conceptualized how to apply the technology more generally. While the main market here is ETL & querying from fact tables, it should radically improve performance for any query where the underlying tables are in a star-schmea pattern. I’m interested to experiment with how broadly the improvements go beyond that.
]]>Rob SchoedelMon, 31 Jan 2011 12:14:02 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/welcome-to-sql-server-2011#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/welcome-to-sql-server-2011#commentsAnchorWed, 19 Jan 2011 09:32:30 GMT
I doubt that there is a single application out there waiting for the new features of a new release to be developed and deployed. In real world, you have to deal with limitations and you use to find out workarounds. The new features are more useful for new applications. That is my experience.

Take Care!]]>GalvaniWed, 19 Jan 2011 09:32:30 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/welcome-to-sql-server-2011#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/welcome-to-sql-server-2011#commentsAnchorSun, 16 Jan 2011 09:03:29 GMT
We have a couple of mission critical applications that use SQL Server and our entire DW runs on SQL Server. I would rather wait to jump to SQL Server 2011. In the meantime, I would get my feet wet by "playing" with SQL 2011 before jumping to a conclusion. IMHO, it definitely has come a long way, especially the Relational, ETL and OLAP layers. ]]>SANTHANAMSun, 16 Jan 2011 09:03:29 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/welcome-to-sql-server-2011#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/welcome-to-sql-server-2011#commentsAnchorFri, 14 Jan 2011 09:05:50 GMT
Simple. Like a child looking through the store window, "New Toys!!!" Then they look in their pockets, frown and walk off with their head hanging down. Been there, done that. I can say I was able to get 2008 R2 shortly after it’s release. :)]]>RickFri, 14 Jan 2011 09:05:50 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/welcome-to-sql-server-2011#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/welcome-to-sql-server-2011#commentsAnchorThu, 13 Jan 2011 20:45:31 GMT
I think that you are correct about some of the motivation about new versions. The problem, speaking from frist hand experience, is that it is very interesting to check out the features about a new version and then find it lacking in many ways or troublesome so that you don’t want to spend money on a new version that provides a whole new set of problems. So, you wait until it is shaken out which may take years. After a while you don’t bother with new versions until they are proven. There are people in all stages of this process so the results of interest are all over the place allowing you to analyze it in many ways. Also, the version cycle time for most implementors is much longer than the release time of the manufacturer due to a conflict in interests and other reasons. It is still fun to look at a new version to see if enough new things are there to warrant the onerous job of making the change. Ray Stevens.]]>Ray StevensThu, 13 Jan 2011 20:45:31 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/welcome-to-sql-server-2011#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/measuring-expertise-the-new-sql-server-mcm-program#commentsAnchorWed, 05 Jan 2011 09:56:58 GMT
Off course a certification is not a proof of knowledge, but as it is not possible to proof you experience, I mean, in a interview, how is it possible to show all your experience? How do you proof it to the company? The certification is a start, not a end in job interview. Put yourself in the contractor shoes. In that position do the certificate candidades a better start than the others to you?

Take Care!
]]>GalvaniWed, 05 Jan 2011 09:56:58 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/measuring-expertise-the-new-sql-server-mcm-program#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/measuring-expertise-the-new-sql-server-mcm-program#commentsAnchorFri, 10 Dec 2010 07:57:27 GMT
As a former certified Teradata Master I remain dubious about the value of ANY certification. It seems to me that the value lies mainly with the business of conducting the exams; and the "bragging rights" that the vendor gains by claiming "N" population of certificate holders.

Was I smarter after certification? Yes.
Was I more experienced, could I be more trusted with my client’s data? No.

And therein lies the rub. Knowledge is no substitute for wisdom and certification is no substitute for experience.

Were I hiring a DBA for my department, what they have done or not done over their years of employment speaks more than a certificate they may hold.

Were I to be in a job interview situation and told that certification was an issue, my answer would be what it always has been - "I’ve been doing this for over X years (now 30); I cannot imagine encountering a situation here that I have not already handled multiple times. If certification is required, you hire me and pay for it and I’ll obtain it. I’ve held certifications in the past. I can hold them again if you find them of value. If that is the only thing would keep you from hiring me, and you won’t because I don’t currently carry a cert; well, that’s your loss."]]>Randy VoltersFri, 10 Dec 2010 07:57:27 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/measuring-expertise-the-new-sql-server-mcm-program#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/measuring-expertise-the-new-sql-server-mcm-program#commentsAnchorThu, 09 Dec 2010 15:07:10 GMT
I agree with this snippet:
"SQL Server expertise as a certifiable condition"...:)]]>jheimillerThu, 09 Dec 2010 15:07:10 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/measuring-expertise-the-new-sql-server-mcm-program#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-much-social-networking-is-too-much-#commentsAnchorThu, 21 Oct 2010 20:35:57 GMT
Social networking is banned at many workplaces (including mine). So any solutions to SQL Server issues posted on facebook or twitter would not be accessible at the very place one requires these solutions to be easily accessible.

Blogs are probably the preferred way of obteining experiences of other DBAs outside of reqular articles published on paid and upaid websites. ]]>de FigueiredoThu, 21 Oct 2010 20:35:57 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-much-social-networking-is-too-much-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-much-social-networking-is-too-much-#commentsAnchorThu, 21 Oct 2010 16:24:45 GMT
I’ve frankly think people are too dependent on social networking sites to keep in touch with peers, family and friends. It seems pretty sad that one must resort to those things just to even reach a colleague.

A short while ago, the network that supports Blackberries developed an issue and resulted in some down time and people seemed lost because they couldn’t text someone.

Has the world forgotten about just calling someone on the phone or even drop in for a visit to see a friend?

Technology is great and the information available on the Internet is amazing through different avenues.

But really, try some old fashioned face to face communications and pick up the phone, it is actually much easier on you and your fingers if not much more personal than doing this through social media sites.
]]>AkermanisThu, 21 Oct 2010 16:24:45 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-much-social-networking-is-too-much-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-much-social-networking-is-too-much-#commentsAnchorThu, 21 Oct 2010 15:21:28 GMT
I’ve frankly think people are too dependent on social networking sites to keep in touch with peers, family and friends. It seems pretty sad that one must resort to those things just to even reach a colleague.

A short while ago, the network that supports Blackberries developed an issue and resulted in some down time and people seemed lost because they couldn’t text someone.

Has the world forgotten about just calling someone on the phone or even drop in for a visit to see a friend?

Technology is great and the information available on the Internet is amazing through different avenues.

But really, try some old fashioned face to face communications and pick up the phone, it is actually much easier on you and your fingers if not much more personal than doing this through social media sites.
]]>AkermanisThu, 21 Oct 2010 15:21:28 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-much-social-networking-is-too-much-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/is-failure-an-option-#commentsAnchorTue, 12 Oct 2010 10:50:41 GMT
Kalen D - my SQL Swami. On target indeed.]]>AbelianCommuterTue, 12 Oct 2010 10:50:41 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/is-failure-an-option-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/is-failure-an-option-#commentsAnchorFri, 08 Oct 2010 06:31:55 GMT
Great article. Your summarizing sentences are right on target at both the personal and corporate level.]]>djwmcdbaFri, 08 Oct 2010 06:31:55 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/is-failure-an-option-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/news2/ask-me-about-what-i-know#commentsAnchorTue, 24 Aug 2010 20:10:36 GMT
Extremely pertinent article I would say in the larger sense, but then even on a technical plane, if you were to be given a situation/scenario, or an aspect that is being strictly compared on technical terms as regards to the implementation of that particular feature in SQL Server vs. say Oracle, would you not prefer to offer your expert opinion?

To cite, I would he very happy if you can offer some insight into the way the locking mechanism (escalation, choice by the engine etc) is as (or more, or can be tuned...) fine-grained as in Oracle in terms of row-level locking. Even if there is a feature available in SQL Server for row-level locking, as users, we are not able to experience the granularity that can help minimize contentions like deadlocks etc..Yes, we have fine tuned our queries to the optimum and unfortunate as it is, the business requirements demand that the transaction cannot be made any shorter lest we compromise on data integrity.

Your suggestions or pointers can certainly help mitigate this consistent problem (despite the best hardware resources) and how I can sustain the interest of my management to not give up on SQL Server for such ’idiosyncrasies’ if any.
With best regards,
Venky]]>SUBRAMANIAMTue, 24 Aug 2010 20:10:36 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/news2/ask-me-about-what-i-know#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Aug 2010 11:18:49 GMT
Don’t shoot the messenger, folks! This lament is about the state of the art in technical information dissemination - it’s very...imperfect.

The official information from vendors is typically turbid, often seeming to emphasize consistency in form over completeness in substance. Search engine results range from dead wrong through irrelevant to spot on - it is time consuming to determine which are which.

I think Kalen lost sight of the true state of affairs when she closed with, "The answers are out there for those who seek them." The problem is the inclusion of the word "The."

David

]]>RogersFri, 20 Aug 2010 11:18:49 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Aug 2010 10:07:03 GMT
Is it any wonder why people are confused when even (according to Kalen) Microsoft at times has put out incorrect information.

But as Kalen points out, while there is correct information out there, there is also incorrect, and telling the difference is not always easy. Though I have found that I have been able to get direct answers from very respected people when I need them.]]>VincentFri, 20 Aug 2010 10:07:03 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Aug 2010 09:33:34 GMT
I hear Kalen’s frustration. SQL Server information is very complicated while SQL Server really is very simple, even with it’s quirks and problems. The ways in which information is distributed is extremely complicated and various, and has varying levels of accuracy. Trying to get the right answer, especially at the right time, is difficult, especially for newer users.


I learned something from this article, and that’s why I read. My understand of CHECKPOINT is clearer, and that will certainly help me in my job. Rather than feeling attacked by Kalen, I feel a bit affirmed in my perception that information dissemination is a wild frontier. It’s a wonder, with all the different stories running around, that we can do our jobs as well as we do.]]>GRAVESFri, 20 Aug 2010 09:33:34 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Aug 2010 09:19:59 GMT
I hear Kalen’s frustration. SQL Server information is very complicated while SQL Server really is very simple, even with it’s quirks and problems. The ways in which information is distributed is extremely complicated and various, and has varying levels of accuracy. Trying to get the right answer, especially at the right time, is difficult, especially for newer users.


I learned something from this article, and that’s why I read. My understand of CHECKPOINT is clearer, and that will certainly help me in my job. Rather than feeling attacked by Kalen, I feel a bit affirmed in my perception that information dissemination is a wild frontier. It’s a wonder, with all the different stories running around, that we can do our jobs as well as we do.]]>GRAVESFri, 20 Aug 2010 09:19:59 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Aug 2010 09:19:45 GMT
I hear Kalen’s frustration. SQL Server information is very complicated while SQL Server really is very simple, even with it’s quirks and problems. The ways in which information is distributed is extremely complicated and various, and has varying levels of accuracy. Trying to get the right answer, especially at the right time, is difficult, especially for newer users.


I learned something from this article, and that’s why I read. My understand of CHECKPOINT is clearer, and that will certainly help me in my job. Rather than feeling attacked by Kalen, I feel a bit affirmed in my perception that information dissemination is a wild frontier. It’s a wonder, with all the different stories running around, that we can do our jobs as well as we do.]]>GRAVESFri, 20 Aug 2010 09:19:45 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Aug 2010 09:16:12 GMT
wow, I caught the attitude half way through. Did someone have a bad day? Any case, after all that ill talk you finish the article with no suggestions for reliable sources, not even SQL Server magazine. Thinking about this a little more, the sources may not be the problem, the "mentor status" may be handed out to easily.]]>AlversonFri, 20 Aug 2010 09:16:12 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Aug 2010 07:22:43 GMT
Couldn’t agree more, very ondescending tone. I was extremely put off by it. ]]>TurnerFri, 20 Aug 2010 07:22:43 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorFri, 20 Aug 2010 06:41:25 GMT
Wow. You wrote: "How many white papers, blog posts, conference presentations, and Free SQL Server Tips email newsletters will it take until everyone knows this?".

Could you beat us up a little harder? That is why I subscribe to this magazine, right? To be told I’m doing an inadequate job?

While I *deeply* respect Kalen’s knowledge, the history of her articles reflect an inability to do this particular kind of article and an understanding of your audience. All the other authors stick to core SQL Server techniques - you just can’t help yourself but talk about yourself and in this case, suggest that I suck. Perhaps I do, but if the editors of this magazine think about what their core missions is, I’m guessing that strategic goal didn’t make the list.]]>FieldFri, 20 Aug 2010 06:41:25 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/disseminating-sql-server-information#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/why-learn-about-sql-server-internals-#commentsAnchorWed, 11 Aug 2010 14:42:09 GMT
Kalen,

Great article, I totally agree that is why I purchased your 2008 Internals!]]>MarshallWed, 11 Aug 2010 14:42:09 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/why-learn-about-sql-server-internals-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/why-learn-about-sql-server-internals-#commentsAnchorThu, 29 Jul 2010 11:38:41 GMT
Hello Kalen,

Thanks for your article.

Have you written a more recent, updated book on Sql Server Internals & Tuning? I’d buy it :)

Dave]]>daveThu, 29 Jul 2010 11:38:41 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/why-learn-about-sql-server-internals-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/do-you-have-a-free-saturday-#commentsAnchorSun, 20 Jun 2010 19:57:24 GMT
Kalen,

We have been co-sponsoring many of this year’s SQLSaturday events and are very pleased with the interest we are receiving for our ETL solution from this community.

We offer affordable, enterprise-class data integration software for companies that use SQL Server and see a need to upgrade from SSIS for performance, data transformation complexity, and heterogenous data access reasons.

Kind regards,
Michael Waclawiczek
expressor software
http://www.expressor-software.com]]>WaclawiczekSun, 20 Jun 2010 19:57:24 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/do-you-have-a-free-saturday-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/do-you-have-a-free-saturday-#commentsAnchorFri, 18 Jun 2010 01:10:48 GMT
I attended SQL Saturday in Southern California and my experience of the event somewhat differs with the author.
There was an initial cost of $10.00 if you wanted a lunch. It was not mandatory to purchase a lunch but it was encouraged. There were several sessions, and the amount of effort to schedule them in a meaningful way was obvious. The presenters as a whole were less than adequate. There were a few presenters that were very good. I attended 5 sessions, and of the 5 only 2 was worth my time. The rest either glossed over the subject matter or were such poor presenters that their audience fell asleep on them. I am a former MCT and a teacher in a vocational school, so I know what it takes to present information in a way that can be absorbed by ones audience. At the end of the day, I came away with an appreciation of the amount of effort and work that went in to making the SQL Saturday event possible. The people putting it on worked like dogs, and all for free, so to them I say thank you.
Improvements would be to distill down the subject matter so it can be covered in the length of time given to the speaker. Most speakers tried to cover too much in too short a time, and the title of the session was too broad. If there were a cost of $99.00 I would not have gone, but having gone to a SQL Saturday event, and if I had paid $99.00, I would be asking for a refund.

Gary]]>FairchildFri, 18 Jun 2010 01:10:48 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/do-you-have-a-free-saturday-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/do-you-have-a-free-saturday-#commentsAnchorThu, 17 Jun 2010 17:55:03 GMT
Kalen, excellent write-up, and thanks for sharing this information with the community. As a veteran speaker of some half-dozen SQL Saturday events, and having just hosted one here in Dallas a few weeks ago, I can say that the opportunity to share about SQL Server and meet fellow data professionals is well worth the time and expense that go into participating in these events.

I think PASS may have hurt themselves on the low-cost events by actually charging too little. People will subconsciously associate value with cost, and for $100 it doesn’t FEEL like you’d get quality training (even though in most cases this assumption is untrue). On the other hand, the free-ness of SQL Saturday events feels like a real bargain, sort of like going to a garage sale. You’re getting something of value for nothing or nearly nothing, and it feels good. I think the transparent, community-led model has helped as well.

I have enjoyed watching the SQL Saturday franchise flourish, and I hope that it continues to do well under the umbrella of PASS.]]>MITCHELLThu, 17 Jun 2010 17:55:03 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/do-you-have-a-free-saturday-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/do-you-have-a-free-saturday-#commentsAnchorThu, 17 Jun 2010 16:30:25 GMT
Glad I came across this. I didn’t know about the SQL Saturdays, only the SharePoint Saturdays which have been and are a huge success. As an IT Admin (including for SQL and SharePoint)I have found the SharePoint Saturdays invaluable. ]]>ResnickThu, 17 Jun 2010 16:30:25 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/do-you-have-a-free-saturday-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/do-you-have-a-free-saturday-#commentsAnchorThu, 17 Jun 2010 13:03:43 GMT
Great article Kalen!!I was a speaker at the last 2 SQLSaturdays in Redmond. I was asked this past week why I was doing it. I’m not a professional speaker, and I wasn’t promoting a product, company, or book. I guess I just enjoy doing it. I do it because I like it.]]>Robert Davis aka @SQLSoldierThu, 17 Jun 2010 13:03:43 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/do-you-have-a-free-saturday-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-will-cloud-computing-affect-your-programming-and-management-practices-#commentsAnchorThu, 13 May 2010 10:27:22 GMT
My first thought was that there was no way Karen could be old enough to remember all of that stuff. My second thought - as I am old enough to remember dumb terminals and punch cards - was agreement. Things are coming around to the model that once was popular of leasing computer power and programming time, but in a far more sophisticated manner. I have played with Azure and it does leave you feeling a bit verklempt. It will solve a host of problems I am seeing right now in certain industries and I am looking forward to additional work on it.]]>SextonThu, 13 May 2010 10:27:22 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-will-cloud-computing-affect-your-programming-and-management-practices-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-will-cloud-computing-affect-your-programming-and-management-practices-#commentsAnchorFri, 30 Apr 2010 14:34:21 GMT
Adding to my first comment. what happen to Microsoft DPM that released some where at 2006. it was brought in competition to Veritas, Tivoli etc..... what happen very few have implemented & we don’t see a buz of it now.

Microsoft should really focus SQL Server on unique features rather than copy\duplicatiing from Oracle\IBM.]]>DaveFri, 30 Apr 2010 14:34:21 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-will-cloud-computing-affect-your-programming-and-management-practices-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-will-cloud-computing-affect-your-programming-and-management-practices-#commentsAnchorFri, 30 Apr 2010 14:29:34 GMT
Hello:

SQL Azure Database has fixed size 1GB or 10GB and not more than that. so in SQL Server we don’t have this limitation. there are 3rd party cloud Apps like Vmware where you can have your own cloud rather hosting at Microsoft or Amazon.
I am also seeing top 10 open source for cloud computing and many are going for it.

I will not be surprise if Microsoft SQLAzure cloud gets evaporates in 3-4 years.]]>DaveFri, 30 Apr 2010 14:29:34 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-will-cloud-computing-affect-your-programming-and-management-practices-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-will-cloud-computing-affect-your-programming-and-management-practices-#commentsAnchorThu, 29 Apr 2010 16:34:08 GMT
Kalen, thanks for the article. I have enjoyed reading your thoughts for many years. As a SQL Server developer and project manager I’m trying to figure where Windows Azure Table Storage comes into play. It seems, from what I have seen so far, that the Azure Table Storage (Blobs, Table, Queues) is catching momentum. Will this type of data access (somewhat unrelational) eventually replace SQL Azure? ]]>SeanThu, 29 Apr 2010 16:34:08 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-will-cloud-computing-affect-your-programming-and-management-practices-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-simple-can-amazon-simpledb-be-#commentsAnchorMon, 12 Apr 2010 09:54:18 GMT
I am a developer using Amazon Simple DB currently in a project, so I’ll add a few pro’s and con’s to help folks out:

Pro’s:
===========
- It’s dirt cheap for low budget apps
- It’s easily available from anywhere on the internet, major plus for some distributed applications
- It’s self managed, no administrative overhead, maintenance, etc.

Con’s
===========
- It’s an utter bear to use for the developer, lots of limitations requiring multiple queries to ensure an entire set is returned, or to ensure various exception conditions are covered.
- The API is dirt simple, meaning it doesn’t support even the most common basic functions that we’re used to with databases, you’ll find yourself creating more code to work around the simplified database than you would vs. a standard relational DB. There’s a lot of "Query-Read-Post" operations necessary where SQL would just require a Post where some basic clauses or simple arithmetic operations might suffice.
- I would hate to think of how to implement concurrency with this thing, while entirely possible, it’s not going to be a walk in the park.
- It only supports strings, so be prepared for lots of conversions, and the potential runtime bugs that come with those conversions.
- It doesn’t natively support keys on multiple attributes, you’ll have to concatonate those key attributes into another single field that constitutes the key (a duplication of data in most use cases, and another potential outlet for bugs)


With all that said, I’m using it. I’m not liking every moment of it, but I can’t beat the price, distributed availability, and self management aspects of it anywhere, so I’ve accepted a little extra code, and the bugs that come with it for my project.

You’ll have to decide yourself. In my view, it’s great for the little guys or straight forward use cases, but don’t expect to take it too far beyond that. It sure as heck won’t be an end to relational databases in my lifetime.


]]>David ParksMon, 12 Apr 2010 09:54:18 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/how-simple-can-amazon-simpledb-be-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorWed, 17 Mar 2010 14:03:12 GMT
MEENAN, try to spend some time on the so called "third world". This may give you a new perspective about moral. And do not try to put words in my mouth or make jokes (you are not good on that). We are talking about software here!

Have a great day!]]>GalvaniWed, 17 Mar 2010 14:03:12 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorTue, 16 Mar 2010 10:14:04 GMT
Yeah, I agree with Marcos. If I hadn’t stolen my car I wouldn’t be driving today. If I hadn’t metaphorically broken into Kalen’s home and robbed her I wouldn’t have landed a good job and have a flat screen tv. Seriously, folks - the "I can’t afford to learn unless I steal" argument is morally bankrupt. Many tech people come from non-traditional, hard-scrabble backgrounds, so don’t be so quick to throw the "I’m so poor" card to justify your thievery.]]>MEENANTue, 16 Mar 2010 10:14:04 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorThu, 11 Mar 2010 10:32:51 GMT
Denmag

Just to let you know, I am not sure how old are you or even where do you live, but Before the big companies decided to give their software for free to evaluation and study (I mean Microsoft and Oracle), we have no other option than get a copy to install in home computer to study it. If I had to buy Visual Basic, I will for sure not be a programmer today and not recomend it to my employee when they ask what is the programming language I would like to use. By the way, I spent a lot of my free time giving help for free, I use to participate in MSDN forums and help others to quick find the answer to their questions. If you want to contract my services to make a profit of it, I believe you will have to pay for that. Otherwise, I will be happy to help in my free time. (even looking like you do not think the same way).

Have a great day!]]>MarcosThu, 11 Mar 2010 10:32:51 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorTue, 09 Mar 2010 20:56:11 GMT
Response to the previous post.
Windows revolutionized computing (sorry MAC guys, thats just the way it is). Piracy has nothing to do with Windows being the dominate OS. Couldnt any other OS be just as easily pirated? Arent there other OS that are FREE and you dont even have to pirate. Whats the Linux market share?
And for the author of the previous post, how much of your time do you give away at no cost? I would be very interested in subcontracting some (or all) of my work to a competent cost free resource.
]]>DennisTue, 09 Mar 2010 20:56:11 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorTue, 09 Mar 2010 08:06:44 GMT
I believe you will need to adapt, just like the music industry.
Maybe the piracy is not that bad, maybe you should use it in your favor. Could you imagine Windows get so popular withou piracy? I don’t.
Maybe, you should think about how much you can charge by your consultant time just because the CIO of the contractor company have confidence in your knowledge because of your on-line FREE answers, white papers, articles and so on...]]>MarcosTue, 09 Mar 2010 08:06:44 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorMon, 08 Mar 2010 21:09:45 GMT
I think there will always be a need for full size publications such as the MS Press books written by Kalen. I have found these to be useful, and in fact, mandatory reading for me. You could go to hundreds of forums, read countless white papers and blogs and never easily or neatly compile the knowledge from one of Kalens books on SQL Server internals. However, I dont see this as a hardcopy versus softcopy issue. I rarely buy hardcopy anymore. Instead I subscribe to an online service which gives me access to a huge collection of these books, including MS Press. I assume this service is paying appropriate royalties to the authors and publishers; after all, it is run by one of the largest tech publishers and my annual fee is several hundred dollars. The wealth of info on the web in the form of forums, blogs etc is a wonderful thing. It is very useful for quick answers and some basic how do I xxxxxxx type info. I use these resources almost daily. This website is a perfect example of such a resource. Nonetheless, there is no replacement for full size publications, hard or soft, for those with an interest in really understanding a topic. Granted, online content is easier to pirate than hardcopy. This is a problem for more than just tech writers, ask the music and movie industries how they feel about it. I have no way of knowing how much loss of sales this translates into, maybe no one does, but I would hope that there are still enough of us who are willing and happy to pay for this invaluable information that it will always be worth the time and effort of authors such as Kalen to continue to write for us. ]]>DennisMon, 08 Mar 2010 21:09:45 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorSat, 06 Mar 2010 14:56:51 GMT
Hi Kalen,
I understand your problem. I have used (and purchased) your books ever since I cam to SQL Server. I prefer printed books and will continue to purchase yours. If e-books pose a piracy problem I hope you only offer printed books.

Thanks for all your help your books have provided over the years.


jallman]]>JohnSat, 06 Mar 2010 14:56:51 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorSat, 06 Mar 2010 14:46:59 GMT
Hi Kalen,

my answer to your question would be:

1. Only printed books, no electronic pdf’s, it makes harder for them to make copies of the book (eventually they would do it but it will take some time)

2. Hide source code of your book, don’t publish it over the Internet (publishers website or your blog), or maybe put some serial number on the book so whoever bought the book can download the code only with that number. This will perhaps push them (pirates) away from your book.


just my 2c.]]>DomagojSat, 06 Mar 2010 14:46:59 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorSat, 06 Mar 2010 07:59:42 GMT
I have this problem...

Thanks for all your great books, blogs and articles. When I see your name I usually take the time to read.

I have 3 of your books on my shelf and really enjoy holding the paper in my hand, kicking my feet up on my desk and reading.

I do use them as referneces to solve problems but also just to read and learn.

Like everybody else, I suppose, when I’m trying to solve a problem I use a search engine and scour the internet for somebody that has already solved the problem and written about it.

So in answer to YOUR questions (go figure):
1. I don’t know enough about piracy to have an informed opinion other than it’s bad, don’t do it, stop the people who do (I know, not helpful)
2. I like printed books and think they still serve a purpose. So NO, they are not dinosaurs.
3. I like online articles but they are NOT all I need. They are great when trying to solve a problem or getting a "learning fix" when you don’t have a lot of time.
4. There are books that I would actually purchase to have them in hard copy, yours. :-) I buy Brian Larson’s and Itzik Ben-Gan’s books too.

So keep stirring the pitcher, I’ll drink the Koolaid!]]>MatthewSat, 06 Mar 2010 07:59:42 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorThu, 04 Mar 2010 22:21:32 GMT
Hi Kalen,
Thanks for taking the time to write, I have been leaning more towards electronic versions myself, and will look there for an answer before looking in a print version.
Unfortunately I think that highly technical books are even more perferable in electronic format.
But that’s just me.
Good Luck!]]>ShaneThu, 04 Mar 2010 22:21:32 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/could-piracy-limit-sources-of-sql-server-help-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorWed, 03 Mar 2010 10:10:22 GMT
As an MVP outsider, I too have noticed a difference between the senior MVPs and some of the more recent MVPs. When I moved from Sybase over to Microsoft SQL Server back in the mid-90’s, I learned quite a bit when reading MVP articles and knew that I would gain in depth technical knowledge when attending a conference session that was presented by an MVP.

Don’t get me wrong, several of the newer MVPs are of high caliber and I still learn from their articles and sessions.

Maybe Microsoft needs to spin off a Most Valued Leadership (MVL) program and let the MVP program get back to being technically focused.]]>J. MorganWed, 03 Mar 2010 10:10:22 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorWed, 03 Mar 2010 10:10:00 GMT
As an MVP outsider, I too have noticed a difference between the senior MVPs and some of the more recent MVPs. When I moved from Sybase over to Microsoft SQL Server back in the mid-90’s, I learned quite a bit when reading MVP articles and knew that I would gain in depth technical knowledge when attending a conference session that was presented by an MVP.

Don’t get me wrong, several of the newer MVPs are of high caliber and I still learn from their articles and sessions.

Maybe Microsoft needs to spin off a Most Valued Leadership (MVL) program and let the MVP program get back to being technically focused.]]>J. MorganWed, 03 Mar 2010 10:10:00 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/internals-and-architecture/get-into-index-structures#commentsAnchorMon, 22 Feb 2010 00:07:01 GMT
Was the same undocumented sp is used in SQL Server 2005 and 2008 too?]]>AshwinMon, 22 Feb 2010 00:07:01 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/internals-and-architecture/get-into-index-structures#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorFri, 19 Feb 2010 09:12:24 GMT
Clearly your heart is in the right way of advancing the progress of understanding... thanks for your efforts.]]>RobertFri, 19 Feb 2010 09:12:24 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorFri, 19 Feb 2010 03:26:45 GMT
good article]]>KailasFri, 19 Feb 2010 03:26:45 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorFri, 19 Feb 2010 01:33:19 GMT
I personally think that MVPs should be ’the best of the bests’ in term of their technical knowledge, not just community active members and leaders. The other problem is the lack of reevaluation of MVP’s skills or contributions during the years (they are simply just renewing their status). Developer and MCT]]>RobertFri, 19 Feb 2010 01:33:19 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorFri, 19 Feb 2010 00:32:21 GMT
Its true, this happens most of the time. I respect your views, but, at the same time it is expected that people may ask some questions which are really not our area of expertise or work.]]>HemantgiriFri, 19 Feb 2010 00:32:21 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorThu, 18 Feb 2010 17:51:32 GMT
Kalen, I appreciate BOTH aspects of the MVP Summit - providing input to MS on future product enhancements AND getting a deeper understanding of exiting features. And I too definitely feel shortchanged on the latter. I personally feel that an MVP should be technologically competent in their field and not JUST a community leader.]]>KevinThu, 18 Feb 2010 17:51:32 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/the-value-of-an-mvp#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/tsql3/take-it-from-the-top#commentsAnchorThu, 04 Feb 2010 16:17:22 GMT
Has someone re-done the performance comparison of TOP and SET ROWCOUNT on 64-bit servers using SQLServer2005 or SQLServer2008? Some quick tests indicates that query that includes TOP and ORDER BY clauses perform extreamly poor as compared to SET ROWCOUNT.]]>SURESHThu, 04 Feb 2010 16:17:22 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/tsql3/take-it-from-the-top#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/database-administration/will-database-tuning-become-obsolete-#commentsAnchorSun, 10 Jan 2010 20:10:12 GMT
Is this a serious question? Of course developers need to worry about indexes and execution plans! Bad execution plans, even over fast I/O, use CPU and cause additional locking, which hurt concurrency. Even if I/O is 1000 times faster, scalability and performance are still gated by I/O. A 1000 times increase in performance isn’t enough to overcome a table scan when a well-indexed lookup would have gotten the results a million times faster. Say you’ve got a table with a million pages. An indexed lookup into that table probably does six or eight reads to traverse the index and return a single row. A scan does a million reads to find the matching row. On spinning storage or SSD, the indexed query is about 125,000 times faster. The optimized query against cheap spinning storage is 125 times faster than the unoptimized query against the expensive SSDs, using your assumption that they’re 1000 faster for I/O operations. Aren’t you just asking if people want their systems to be 125 time slower? The article--which is just a quickly edited rehash of an internal email--neglects the performance issues of SSD and their]]>MikeSun, 10 Jan 2010 20:10:12 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/database-administration/will-database-tuning-become-obsolete-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/sql-server-makes-philanthropy-easy#commentsAnchorThu, 12 Nov 2009 15:38:28 GMT
You should also mention that the book was a sellout at PASS]]>DanThu, 12 Nov 2009 15:38:28 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/sql-server-makes-philanthropy-easy#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/sql-server-makes-philanthropy-easy#commentsAnchorThu, 12 Nov 2009 14:02:27 GMT
Thank you so much for doing this. I just bought my copy.]]>KENThu, 12 Nov 2009 14:02:27 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server/sql-server-makes-philanthropy-easy#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/clustering/windows-server-2008-changes-simplify-sql-server-clustering#commentsAnchorMon, 03 Aug 2009 08:08:24 GMT
Again, a very good article. Take Care!]]>MarcosMon, 03 Aug 2009 08:08:24 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/clustering/windows-server-2008-changes-simplify-sql-server-clustering#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server-70/database-sizing-in-sql-server-7-0#commentsAnchorMon, 27 Jul 2009 10:38:55 GMT
Nice article os a basic subject. Please, do rate the articles. So I could use the time to read something more advanced. Take Care!]]>MarcosMon, 27 Jul 2009 10:38:55 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server-70/database-sizing-in-sql-server-7-0#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/tsql3/are-you-in-tune-#commentsAnchorMon, 27 Jul 2009 10:06:38 GMT
Thanks a lot for the clear examples, keep writing. Take Care!]]>MarcosMon, 27 Jul 2009 10:06:38 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/tsql3/are-you-in-tune-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/configuration/memory-management#commentsAnchorThu, 23 Jul 2009 10:53:58 GMT
Good tip about the readme files. I rarely read then, but I didn’t because it is much faster to google your question. Take Care!]]>MarcosThu, 23 Jul 2009 10:53:58 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/configuration/memory-management#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server-2000/searching-for-a-trace#commentsAnchorThu, 16 Jul 2009 13:39:55 GMT
I was wondering about this trace for a while, thanks for this article. Take Care!]]>MarcosThu, 16 Jul 2009 13:39:55 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server-2000/searching-for-a-trace#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/installation2/multiple-instances#commentsAnchorTue, 14 Jul 2009 10:25:35 GMT
still a worth to read article.]]>MarcosTue, 14 Jul 2009 10:25:35 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/installation2/multiple-instances#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server-2000/database-recovery-models8551#commentsAnchorMon, 13 Jul 2009 13:57:13 GMT
Another great article. Keep writing Kalen. Take Care!]]>MarcosMon, 13 Jul 2009 13:57:13 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server-2000/database-recovery-models8551#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server-2000/database-recovery-models8551#commentsAnchorMon, 13 Jul 2009 13:57:13 GMT
Another great article. Keep writing Kalen. Take Care!]]>MarcosMon, 13 Jul 2009 13:57:13 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server-2000/database-recovery-models8551#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server-70/sql-server-7-0-locking#commentsAnchorMon, 13 Jul 2009 11:04:36 GMT
Can’t wait to read the next article. Take Care.]]>MarcosMon, 13 Jul 2009 11:04:36 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server-70/sql-server-7-0-locking#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/internals-and-architecture/get-into-index-structures#commentsAnchorMon, 06 Jul 2009 11:40:14 GMT
Good article]]>BrendanMon, 06 Jul 2009 11:40:14 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/internals-and-architecture/get-into-index-structures#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/tsql3/transaction-isolation-levels#commentsAnchorFri, 03 Jul 2009 07:35:36 GMT
Still very useful article. Take Care!]]>MarcosFri, 03 Jul 2009 07:35:36 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/tsql3/transaction-isolation-levels#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server-70/sql-server-7-0-transaction-log#commentsAnchorThu, 02 Jul 2009 12:24:28 GMT
Nice article... and guys. It is not a forum, ok? Take Care!]]>MarcosThu, 02 Jul 2009 12:24:28 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/sql-server-70/sql-server-7-0-transaction-log#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/performance/the-new-space-management#commentsAnchorThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:10:12 GMT
Thanks a lot for this article. This Inside SLQ SERVER series is exactly what I was looking for. Take Care!]]>MarcosThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:10:12 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/performance/the-new-space-management#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/hardware/do-you-need-a-bit-more-power-or-64-bits-#commentsAnchorFri, 19 Jun 2009 11:21:35 GMT
This article is horribly, horribly wrong, technically. In fact, it borders on incompetent. I sincerely hope that Kalen has allowed her name to be used on an article written by someone else. Still, it’s under your name, so you deserve the flack. Comments here are limited to only 2000 characters. This is barely enough to scratch the surface of how badly wrong this is. So just a few points... * Even on 32 bit systems, you can use something called the /3GB switch to give you access to 3 out of the 4 GB of memory available to you. * While not stated explicitly, PAE is supported only on server versions of Windows. They tried enabling it on client versions (e.g. Vista), and found that third party device driver writers usually didn’t take PAE into account, and had a bad tendency to crash the system. * (S)he writes that 64 bit processors give advantages. True. But most of these (especially comments about the cache) are applicable whether you’re running in 32 or 64 bit mode. * To show even more explicitly that the author is just out to lunch, it states that "The 64 bit processor ... support[s] up to 64 processors". Nonsense! The operating system may support that many processors, but the processor (not the core) itself supports, any guesses? How ’bout "supports 1 processor (itself)"? There’s more, but I’m running out of my 2000 characters. The real story is this. 1) A 32-bit Windows server OS can support (with PAE) up to 2^36 (64 GB) bytes of real storage. But each process can use at most 2GB (3GB with the /3GB switch) of virtual memory. 2) AWE allows any data to be kept in it. This does include query plans etc. But accessing the data has certain restrictions, but msf space prevents me from elaborating. 3) A 64-bit OS, running a 64-bit program, allows a much larger virtual and real address space, all accessible directly. And that’s the main benefit. I’m out of my 2000 characters, so I’ll just summarize by saying: For shame, Kalen!!!]]>LarryFri, 19 Jun 2009 11:21:35 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/hardware/do-you-need-a-bit-more-power-or-64-bits-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/hardware/do-you-need-a-bit-more-power-or-64-bits-#commentsAnchorFri, 19 Jun 2009 07:35:09 GMT
Good quick article on 32 vs 64. I was fuzzy on benefits/costs.]]>BERNARDFri, 19 Jun 2009 07:35:09 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/hardware/do-you-need-a-bit-more-power-or-64-bits-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/stored-procedures/clean-up-your-sql-server-databases#commentsAnchorFri, 01 May 2009 10:12:02 GMT
Thank you for the tip. I found them in my 2005 box 9.0.3077. Would running this sproc regularly help with performance?]]>MinhongFri, 01 May 2009 10:12:02 GMThttp://www.windowsitpro.com/article/stored-procedures/clean-up-your-sql-server-databases#commentsAnchor