An Introduction to SQL Server 2008 Change Data Capture

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This is an excerpt from my free eBook, Brad’s Sure Guide to SQL Server 2008, which can be downloaded here.

As DBAs, one of our goals is to separate OLTP (On-Line Transaction Processing) and OLAP (On- Line Analytical Processing) activity, preferably onto different servers. This is because performing both types of activities in the same database, or even in different databases on the same server, can lead to performance problems. In order to accomplish this goal, DBAs must figure out the best way to move transactional data from OLTP servers to servers designated for OLAP activity so that the data remains more or less synchronized. This sounds simple, but can prove to be difficult in practice.

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Missing European PASS (Updated)

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As most of you know, the Icelandic volcano has played havoc with travel plans for speakers coming from the US to speak at European PASS, and many of us will not be able to attend in person, including myself. Fortunately, I have found someone to take over my presentations for me. His name is Bodo Michael Danitz, an experienced SQL Server DBA and Microsoft Certified Trainer.

The two sessions he will be doing for me include: “Essential DBA Skills: Best Practices Every& SQL Server DBA Must Know” and “How to Analyze Performance Monitor Data Using PAL”. I have been working with Bodo to get him up to speed with my presentations, and I am sure he will do a great job. Although I won’t be at European PASS in person, at least I will be there in spirit.

If you attend these sessions, he will be giving out a limited number of free, signed paperback editions of several of my books. You can only get these books if you attend his sessions.

SQLBits to be Held this Friday in London

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Just as a reminder, if you have registered to attend SQLBits this Friday, April 16, at the Church House Conference Centre in Westminster, London, be sure to confirm your registration if you have not done so already. And if you have registered and been confirmed, but now can’t attend, please sign in at the SQLBits website and let them know, as registration is now full, and there are people who would like to attend if you can’t make it.

Red Gate Software (unfortunately I can’t attend, as I am speaking at the Chicago SQL Saturday) will be having a vendor booth at SQLBits, and you are invited to stop by the booth and learn more about the upcoming version 2.0 of SQL Response. You will be able to see an early version of the product and provide your feedback. Tell them that Brad sent you. Hopefully, I will be able to attend the next SQLBits to be held later this year.

How to Avoid Some Common Developer and DBA Mistakes

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In March, I ran a Question of the Month that asked, “What is the biggest mistake/problem you ever found on a SQL Server instance, and how did you fix it.” There were so many great responses that I thought I would summarize many of them here, as this list provides many remarkable examples of real mistakes made by developers and DBAs. To see all of the responses (and who contributed them), visit this webpage. Of course, this list is not a comprehensive list of every potential mistake that can be made, but it offers you a glimpse of the kind of mistakes (some very amusing) that some people make when working with SQL Server. Keep in mind that this list applies to the specific examples provided by those who responded to the question, and that there are always exceptions to every rule. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this list.

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Learn How Vendors Price Their Software

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As DBAs, we are often put in the position of purchasing software from third-party vendors. If you are like me, you are probably amazed at the wide variation in software prices, and how the price of a product seems to bear little relationship with its actual cost. For example, why is the SQL Server Enterprise Edition so much more expensive than the SQL Server Standard Edition?

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