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Azure Arc-Enabled SQL Server

Azure Arc-Enabled SQL Server: Centralized Management for Hybrid Environments

Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server is worth considering for organizations looking to unify their database management and capitalize on cloud-native features while still keeping their data on-premises.  Azure Arc is a set of technologies from Microsoft that extends Azure management and services to any infrastructure, including other clouds, on-premises, and edge. This enables you to manage…
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Extended Support expires July 14, 2026

Should I Upgrade? Understanding Mainstream and Extended Support for SQL Server

“So, I’ve heard that SQL Server 2016 Extended Support expires on July 14, 2026. That doesn’t sound like a good thing, but what exactly does it mean? Can I still use my SQL Server, or do I have to upgrade? And what’s the difference between Mainstream and Extended Support anyway?” That’s a pretty common question.…
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Data Governance in Action: 4 Challenges for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses (SMBs)

With the explosion of AI and ever-increasing awareness of the importance of data, the term “data governance” seems to be everywhere these days. We hear it used in different contexts, and it may seem to equate to regulatory compliance or to have relevance for only the largest companies. This interpretation misses a key benefit of…
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data governance for small business

Webinar: Data Governance for SMBs

Editor’s note: This webinar has passed, but click here to access a recording of the event. This insightful webinar digs into the critical realm of data governance for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) with Natasha Collins, Database Consultant at The SERO Group. Discover how overlooking data quality and integrity can cost your company dearly, from…
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SQL Server Database File Layout: Separating Data and Log Files When Using Flash Arrays

For years, I’ve recommended data and log files reside on separate drives for performance reasons. But given today’s flash arrays, virtualization, and much of the storage subsystem being abstracted, is separating data and log files still important? Short answer: yes, it should be, but don’t stop there. Long answer: it depends. You should review multiple…
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sql server optimize for ad hoc workloads

SQL Server Settings: Optimize For Ad-hoc Workloads

I’m my last post on SQL Server Setting, I discussed MAXDOP and how it can affect SQL Server performance. In this post, I’ll review another SQL Server configuration setting that can impact performance – Optimize for Ad-hoc Workloads. What is the plan cache? Every time you run a query in SQL Server, an execution plan…
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wrangling sql server log files

Log-Wrangling 101: 7 Tips for Managing Your SQL Server Transaction Logs

In my last post, I broke down the parts of the anatomy of the SQL Server transaction log. In this post, I will share a few tips for keeping your transaction logs well-maintained and your SQL Server databases happy and healthy. Here are 7 important tips for managing your transaction logs: Now, let’s break these…
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SQL Server log files

Anatomy of a SQL Server Transaction Log

Recently, we discussed the role of the recovery model in establishing how SQL Server manages database transaction logs. But what is the SQL Server log composed of? How does the logging process work? In this post, we will dissect the SQL Server transaction log to uncover its core anatomy. First, what is the transaction log?…
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mixing sql backup strategies

The Risks of Mixing SQL Server Native Backups with Snapshot Technologies

As a DBA, one of the most critical aspects of managing SQL Server is ensuring the integrity and reliability of database backups. SQL Server’s native backup functionalities offer robust tools for securing your data, particularly for databases utilizing the full recovery model. However, mixing SQL Server native backups with disk or VM snapshots can lead…
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sql maxdop

SQL Server Settings: MAXDOP

Did you know that not configuring the MAXDOP setting in SQL Server properly could cause performance problems for your queries?