by XTIVIA | Jun 1, 2012 | Blog, Databases
I was presented a problem which entailed removing 100s of millions of records from several tables in order to recover disk space and improve query performance. There were several options to choose from of which I explored: I could do the most basic “DELETE FROM…” all...
by XTIVIA | May 3, 2012 | Blog, Databases
This is a short video on how you can use an open source tool called Pentaho Data Integration to migrate data between tables in DB2 and SQL Server. This video is on youtube and walks through downloading the open source code, setting up database connectivity,...
by XTIVIA | Mar 22, 2012 | Blog, Databases
As a DBMS SQL Server is a powerful, cost-effective, and simple-to-use DBMS able to service the needs of most small-to-medium size businesses right out-of-the-box without professional management by a DBA. In fact, a recent survey reported that 45% of IT personnel...
by XTIVIA | Mar 6, 2012 | Blog, Databases
A colleague wanted to work an old Henny Youngman joke into a performance analysis. He wound up not using it, so I will: Man goes to the doctor. He swings his arm and says, “Doc, it hurts when I do this.” Doc says, “Don’t do that!” I came...
by XTIVIA | Feb 14, 2012 | Blog, Databases
Problem: You’re an admin in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). You want to see everybody’s subscriptions on all reports. Yet you can only see your own. Solution: You can do this easily. You just can’t do it in Report Manager. But remember that...
by XTIVIA | Feb 3, 2012 | Blog, Databases
When we focus on IO performance for SQL Server it is vitally important to understand the architecture of the disk subsystem. Typically, a DBA will focus on Disk Queue Length as the primary measure of IO performance; however, in a Storage Area Network (SAN)...
by XTIVIA | Feb 1, 2012 | Blog, Databases
SQL Server : How to decide which composite index to create? Creating new indexes can be a significant change and it is important to note that adding unnecessary indexes is not a good strategy. While indexes lead to better READ performance they will reduce the WRITE...
by XTIVIA | Feb 1, 2012 | Blog, Databases
(With sincere respect and admiration of the Coasters.) Lunchtime and you’re heading out the door Alerts ring your server is no more CPU is pegged, SQL stuck, transactions are stacking Operations says your response better not be lacking Dakety DAC (SQL won’t talk back)...
by XTIVIA | Jan 31, 2012 | Blog, Databases
I’ve done a fair bit of work implementing custom ETL solutions with SSIS concluding that the tool provides excellent “out-of-the-box” support for ETL as well as almost limitlessly extensibility with the Script component. If you have a need to bring data from...
by XTIVIA | Dec 20, 2011 | Blog, Databases
I’ve read the case files. Have you? Everything you need to find him is there in those pages. – Then tell me how. – First principles, Clarice. Simplicity. Hannibal Lecter’s advice works as well for DBAs as it does for FBI agents. What does...
