Synonyms inside SQL Server are one of those useful but forgotten features. A synonym is a database level object that allows you to provide an alternative name for another database object such as a view, user defined table, scalar function, stored procedure, inline table valued function (tvf), or extended stored procedure. They can also be … Read more
RAID has been around since the 90s to ensure performance and reliability of storage. Robert Sheldon explains the history and theory behind RAID.… Read more
SQL Server triggers are another tool in your DBA or Dev toolbox. Edward Pollack explains what can go wrong with triggers and how to correct those issues.… Read more
The SQL Server error log is a great source of information for DBAs for monitoring errors and the operation of the server. Greg Larsen explains the details and how to configure the SQL Server error log.… Read more
Comparing current performance to baselines helps DBAs know when there’s a problem. In this article, Pamela Mooney describes how to measure the physical resources drive space, latency, memory, and CPU.… Read more
Without a good backup and recovery strategy in place, a DBA should make sure their resume is always up to date. In this article, Greg Larsen discusses what should be considered when developing a backup plan.… Read more
There are a handful of options when backing up SQL Server databases. A DBA must understand the differences and come up with a plan that protects the organisation’s data. In this article, Pamela Mooney explains service level agreements, recovery models, and some strategies to ensure that the data can be restored quickly.… Read more
One of the most important responsibilities for a DBA is to ensure that a database can be restored in case of corruption, a dropped table, or another disaster. In this article, Greg Larsen explains the different types of backups available with SQL Server.… Read more
Database administrators can never stop thinking about security. In this article, Fabiano Amorim shows how data can be revealed through error messages when views are used to secure rows.… Read more
Securing data is not always easy to do, but it should be the top responsibility for database administrators. From protecting the physical servers to preventing copies of backups files from getting into the wrong hands, there is a lot to consider. In this article, Pamela Mooney covers what DBAs need to think about when securing their organisation’s data.… Read more
Well tuned storage is essential for SQL Server performance. In this article, Robert Sheldon explains the metrics that are important to watch. … Read more
SQL Server synonyms can be used to permanently alias database objects in the same or another database. In this article, Greg Larsen demonstrates how to use synonyms and the many reasons to consider using them.… Read more
It doesn’t matter if you become an “accidental DBA” or are actively looking for a database administrator position, you may need to do some research to find the servers now in your care. In this article, Pamela Mooney provides some advice about what to track down first.… Read more
The database recovery model controls how a SQL Server database can be backed up and restored. In this article, Greg Larsen explains the three recovery models and what to think about when choosing a recovery model for a database.… Read more
Getting that first job as a DBA is not easy for most of us. In this article, Pamela Mooney explains what to expect when interviewing and how to prepare.… Read more
Many people with tech careers did not follow a straight path to get there. In this article, Pamela Mooney gives some advice for those who would like to be a DBA.… Read more
No discussion about storage is complete without thinking about security of the data. In this article, Robert Sheldon explains what must be considered to protect data in today's world.… Read more
Throughout this series, I’ve discussed a range of storage-related topics, some of which I mentioned only briefly. One of those is cloud storage, which now plays a vital role in today’s data management strategies. Organizations of all types and sizes now employ cloud storage to varying degrees, either to supplement their on-premises systems or to … Read more
