DBTA – Microsoft SQL Server and the Big Data Play

  When it comes to implementing a big data strategy in a Microsoft SQL Server shop, you’re generally going to consider one of three strategies. In the first strategy, which I won’t be addressing today, you might choose to tackle your big data architecture by pushing your relational database to its scalability limits, perhaps by making greater use of special features such as SQL Server’s columnstore indexes and special optimizations for BI applications. Read the rest of this article … [Read more...]

We’ve Got to Do More With Less

  "We've got to do more with less." A few years ago that phrase was tossed about regularly in companies throughout the U.S. and abroad. Although those exact words have fallen out of favor, the sentiment still exists in many organizations. As managers and leaders, we have fewer resources with which to accomplish more work. We only have two options. We can either increase the number of hours we work or we can accomplish more in the same amount of time. For most of us, the first option maybe okay for a season, but its not sustainable. Read the rest of this article at ForITPros.com … [Read more...]

DBTA – Cloud Computing Enhancements in SQL Server 2014

  There’s no doubt that cloud computing is growing due to the strong cost benefits, simplified management, and reduced hosting complexities.  So it’s only fitting that we cap this series on the new features of Microsoft’s upcoming SQL Server 2014 (SQL2014) release of their flagship database by going over the highlights for SQL2014’s new cloud computing features. Here’s what SQL2014 will do for you with regards to business cloud computing: Read the rest of this article … [Read more...]

Why Do People Leave a Good Company?

  When people join a company, it’s usually with a sense of anticipation, of excitement, and of enthusiasm. They are ready to get started and to make a difference. Whether they are an individual contributor or a mid-level manager, the first day at a new company brings with it a renewed sense of engagement and optimism. Over time, that first-day-of-work feeling wanes a bit and they get into a routine. It may be a consistent work-a-day routine or it may be a fast-paced, got-to-get-it-done-yesterday routine, but there’s a routine nonetheless. Read the rest of the article at … [Read more...]

DBTA : Business Intelligence Enhancements in SQL Server 2014

  Microsoft has been pouring R&D resourcesinto building out its business intelligence (BI) feature set and the upcoming SQL Server 2014 (SQL2014) release will continue that trend. The new release includes enhancements to make data exploration easier, improvements in BI semantic modeling, new offerings to help build and support massive databases and data warehouses, and tools to ensure the quality and consistency of data. Here’s what SQL2014 will do for you with regards to business intelligence: Read the rest of this article … [Read more...]

Me and You or Me versus You

  Have you ever had to deal with a manager or co-worker who made your working life uncomfortable or even miserable? That’s one of the most difficult and emotionally taxing situations for adults all over the world. Each night, after a hard day of dealing with these people, IT pros are grousing to their significant others or bellying up to the bar ready to let off some steam. The bad news is that there are as many kinds of bad bosses and difficult co-workers as there are bad bosses and difficult co-workers. Each situation is unique. But there are often repeated patterns both in those … [Read more...]

DBTA – For #SQLFamily, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It’s the holiday season, a time for cheer and goodwill towards men. That got me thinking about the whole “most wonderful time of the year” tune playing in the background and how that has some special implications for the SQL Server world. Here’s a bit of context: I'm writing this article for you in the midst of the biggest gathering of SQL Server professions in any given year, the PASS Summit. One of the most visible activities when attendees get together for the very first time at the registration desk or the assembly hall for the first keynote address is the huge number of hugs, … [Read more...]

DBTA – Mission Critical Performance Enhancements in SQL Server 2014

  Microsoft has three major feature sets that they are advancing with SQL Server 2014 (SQL2014). One is called “Mission Critical Performance.”  Microsoft wants to stake out this ground not only as performance enhancements in the relational engine, but also those features which support better data availability, performance, security, and data integration. Read the rest of my article at http://www.dbta.com/Columns/SQL-Server-Drill-Down/Mission-Critical-Performance-Enhancements-Coming-in-SQL-Server-2014-92530.aspx … [Read more...]

Put Your New Leadership Knowledge Into Practice

Have you ever tried to hit a golf ball toward the pin, toss a dart at the bull's-eye, or chuck a fly at a trout? If you're like most people, your first attempt didn't come anywhere close to hitting the mark. Your golf ball may have found the woods, your dart may have sunk into the wall, and your fly may have slapped the back of your head. These activities are skills that must be acquired through practice and discipline. You can read a book about all of them and you can study the mechanics of motion, but until you put it into practice it is all theoretical. And most times, theories don’t … [Read more...]

DBTA – SQL Server 2014 Overview

  Perhaps this is your first time reading my column or you don’t know much about SQL Server. If either of those are true, then it might be a surprise to you that Microsoft has accelerated the release cadence for SQL Server to around one new release every 18 to 24 months. Add in the fact that Microsoft goes to market with their beta releases, better known as Community Technology Preview (CTPs), several months before the official release of the product. That means we could be in for a rush of new features and upgrades every year or so. Wow. Read the rest of my article … [Read more...]