Web-based applications run smoother if instead of using the traditional form method, they use JavaScript to post data to the server and to update the user interface after posting data: It also makes it easier to keep POST and GET actions separated. SignalR makes it even slicker; it can even update multiple pages at the same time. Is it time to use JavaScript to post data rather than posting via the browser the traditional way?… Read more
Michael Fal is a huge advocate of automation and many ways it can improve the lives of developers and DBAs alike, but you can't just automate all your problems away. The real challenge is breaking down barriers and having developers and DBAs functioning smoothly together. You may have heard of DevOps, and so Mike explores what the buzz might mean for database administrators.… Read more
All DBAs need to engage in a little project management to help make sure everything runs smoothly. In this extract from the book Tribal SQL, David Tate explains his system for managing workload, coleagues, and projects, and how not to be just "the guy who says no".… Read more
Every DBA needs to know about SQLPSX, the PowerShell module library that is built by DBAs for DBAs, and designed to provide intuitive functions around the SMO objects. It makes the automation of database administration easier across all versions of SQL Server since SQL Server 2000. Laerte Junior, who is one of the developers on the open-source project, describes how to use it.… Read more
With .net SmokeTest, you can take any assembly, construct an instance, call a method, set a property or field of any class Type from a dialog: Then drill-down into the result without ever writing a single line code. … Read more
Sometimes, you can tire of writing the same PowerShell code once again. After this happened to Phil whilst keying in an SMO pipeline to access databases, it occurred to him that he should have only one pipeline to access databases in PowerShell, one reusable pipelin… Read more
In the first of a series of articles on automating the process of building, modifying and copying SQL Server databases, Phil Factor demonstrates how one can generate TSQL scripts for databases, selected database objects, or table contents from PowerShell and SMO.… Read more
Smooth performance is vital in videogame design. Andrew Wang explains how ANTS Performance Profiler has helped him to track down misbehaving code and optimize performance in Bastion, the debut game from Supergiant Studios.… Read more
SQL Scripts Manager was released as a Christmas present to Simple-Talk subscribers. William Brewer then wrote an appreciation of the tool. Now, he reveals a secret:: It also runs PowerShell scripts, and hence, SMO. He has the scripts to prove it, though hopefully, you'll soon be running your own PowerShell from SQL Scripts Manager.… Read more
.NET 4.0 introduced the Dynamic keyword in C#4.0, making it simple to have your .NET code smoothly interact with dynamic languages. To find out just how easy it was, Zenon Ochal used C# and IronPython to build a very efficient mathematical expression plotter in double-quick time.… Read more
Mailboxes moves happen all the time, and given how precious the data in mailboxes can be, you should know exactly how to monitor their progress and make sure they transition smoothly. You also need to know what happens when something goes wrong. Johan imparts the necessary skills.… Read more
PST Importing has always been a bit messy. With Exchange 2010's Personal Archiving feature, it's become more pertinent, yet still comes with pit-falls, gotchas, and inexplicable errors. James Allison has done some research, and presents an easy way to smoothly tackle the whole problem.… Read more
With Communications Server "14" on the horizon and promising extensive support for PowerShell, you'll need to know what works and what doesn't, and how to find out more. Desmond Lee gives a distilled overview of what you'll need to know.… Read more
In his previous article, Antoine Khater made sure that every Exchange SysAdmin knew how to backup their servers. Now that you've got your backups running smoothly, his latest no-nonsense guide covers exacty how to restore everything ranging from whole servers down to individual mailboxes and items, and how to do it fast.… Read more
In the second part of his article on Moving to Office Communications Server 2007 R2, Desmond looks into recommendations to standardize the client desktop to support the different R2 applications, other infrastructure concerns and migration of the remaining internal server roles before moving out to the Edge servers in the screened network.… Read more
Office Communications Server 2007 R2 has some exciting new features, which make its deployment well worth considering. Desmond focuses on using the side-by-side method to migrate existing OCS RTM servers and clients over to R2, which you can likewise adopt to create an entirely new R2 installation.… Read more
Desmond explains the fundamentals of building a test lab for Windows servers and Enterprise applications from scratch using Hyper-V on a supported x64 machine. He even suggest tips and tricks to help make the journey smoother.… Read more
Allen White shows how to use Visual Basic to create simple routines that use SMO for inserting and deleting jobs from SQL Server Agent and for creating or deleting stored procedures in SQL Server. … Read more
It seems hard to imagine that a presentation on a new IT application to the directors can go too well. Phil doesn't need to imagine- it happened to him. He winces at the memory.… Read more
Part 2 of Allen White's "SQL Server Automation" series demonstrates how to use 'performance condition' alerts for more effective database log backups during periods of high database activity.… Read more
Compliant Database DevOps
Standardize team-based development
Automate database deployments
Monitor performance and availability
Protect and preserve data
