News (67)

SQL Server 2005 gets second service pack

Microsoft has released a second free service pack -- a large, recommended update -- for its popular SQL Server 2005 database application. Read more »

Microsoft relaxes virtualisation rules

Microsoft has eased up its server licensing rules so that organisations can make more efficient use of servers in virtualised environments. Read more »

Microsoft releases goals for updated SQL Server

Microsoft disclosed on Wednesday the main design goals for the "Katmai" edition of its SQL Server database, which is due next year. Read more »

Microsoft readies revamped database, security software

Microsoft says it's set to release near-final versions of its key database server and other business-oriented software. Read more »

Microsoft says new database coming by end '05

After numerous delays, the next editions of Microsoft's main software development products SQL Server 2005 and Visual Studio 2005 will be available in November. Read more »

Microsoft readies embedded database

Microsoft is set to release an embedded database for small devices, taking its first step in a plan to bring updates to its flagship SQL Server database every two to three years. Read more »

Microsoft slips out Yukon test release

Microsoft has released another test version of its forthcoming SQL Server 2005 database and has introduced a free management tool. Read more »

Microsoft kills stand-alone WinFS project

Microsoft has decided to initially use technology from its WinFS project in the SQL Server database, rather than directly in its Windows operating system. Read more »

Database-maker Sybase reaches terabyte league

Database specialist Sybase has launched version 15 of its flagship Adaptive Server Enterprise (ASE) product in Australia, touting several new features such as the ability to support several terabytes of data. Read more »

Firm offers new tools for database security

Security software developer Guardium is expected to formally announce Monday a new suite of integrated security applications for databases, a market that's gaining traction in the current regulatory environment. Read more »

Features (197)

Easily correct data casing with SQL Server

In this tutorial, I will create a function that will be useful in terms of updating data or just displaying data to end users in a pleasing manner. Read more »

Create your own SQL Server views

Follow this step-by-step process from Dan Seewer to build views using Enterprise Manager in SQL Server 7.0/2000. Read more »

SQL Server applications

Get the most out of your application development efforts by familiarising yourself with SQL Server. Follow these guidelines to build better applications. Read more »

More New SQL Server 2008 Features

Microsoft updates SQL Server on a pretty regular basis. Its newest version, SQL Server 2008, includes some new features not found in older versions. Here's a list of some of them. Read more »

New Date Datatypes in SQL Server 2008

SQL Server 2008 provides new data-types for storing wider ranges of dates with more precision. Heres how you can use these new data types to your advantage in SQL Server 2008. Read more »

Using NOLOCK and READPAST table hints in SQL Server

Table locking hints provide developers much tighter control of their transactions. Look at the benefits and disadvantages of using the NOLOCK and READPAST table hints in SQL Server. Read more »

Implement custom paging with SQL Server 2005

In previous columns, I covered the basics of using the .NET 3.5 ListView control and explained how to pair it with the DataPager control. Now I'll show you how to use these controls with a SQL Server 2005 backend to implement custom paging, in which only a subset of the data is retrieved for display. Read more »

Generate synchronisation scripts in SQL Server with TableDiff

DBAs often have to find the differences between lookup tables in different database environments. SQL Server comes with a tool called TableDiff that allows you to easily compare the data in tables. Read more »

Handle errors in the data tier with SQL Server

Exception handling is a standard part of every .NET application. The try/catch block allows you to catch exceptions and control application execution from that point. Many errors occur during database interaction, but a lot of developers are unaware of handling errors within the database tier. This week we examine error handling in your database code with SQL Server and T-SQL. Read more »

Creative uses for COALESCE() in SQL Server

COALESCE() accepts a series of values and a value to use in the event that all items in the list are null; then, it returns the first not-null value. We describe two creative uses of the COALESCE() function in SQL Server. Read more »

Blog (6)

Will Microsoft build native Mac and Linux tools?

Brendon Chase [blogs:codemonkeybusiness] -- If the future is in Microsoft's online services why isn't the company building native tools for Mac and Linux developers? Read more »

Microsoft services VS2008 & .NET 3.5

Staff [blogs:syslog] -- Microsoft has just announced the release to manufacturing of the .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Visual Studio 2008 SP1. Read more »

Database pros get tools in the know

David McAmis [blogs:theneteffect] -- Microsoft has just released the eagerly anticipated Visual Studio 2005 Team Edition for Database Professionals (TEDB) which allows developers to build database applications in a team environment. Read more »

Service Pack or Market Attack?

David McAmis [blogs:theneteffect] -- I will give it to Microsoft. When they want to capture a particular market, they go hard or not at all. And with SQL Server 2005, they have their sights set firmly on the Business Intelligence market. And their strategy makes sense—they are moving to become the "one stop shop" for database servers, data management tools, reporting and analysis, eliminating the need to spend more money on third-party tools. Read more »

In a world of Goliaths, who's got a stone?

David McAmis [blogs:theneteffect] -- It seems like it is that time of year again... the days are getting longer, the weather is getting a bit warmer and the top-tier software vendors are on a buying spree. Will you get lost in the shuffle? Why not support your local software developer! Read more »

Microsoft's two faces of SharePoint

Staff [blogs:syslog] -- One way or another, proprietary and open-source companies need an answer to SharePoint. Content is the center of the enterprise ecosystem, when all is said and done. SharePoint is Microsoft's answer for controlling the next decade of IT. Read more »

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