Before you can fix blocking problems you need to know what queries are causing them. This article gives you the tools to find the blocking and the blocked code.

Is SQL Azure ready for prime time? This article discusses the pros and cons of using SQL Azure for production databases.

In this issue we demonstrate how to use sparse columns and filtered indexes to improve performance and reduce the overall size of your database.

The fifth in our series, A Methodology for Query Optimization. You may want to start with the June 2011 article before reading this if you are new to SQL Server optimization. In this issue we discuss a critical performance issue, selecting the best key columns for your clustered indexes.

The fourth in our series, A Methodology for Query Optimization. You may want to start with the June 2011 article before reading this if you are new to SQL Server optimization. In this issue we discuss Search Arguments, searchable and non-searchable.

The third in our series, A Methodology for Query Optimization. You may want to start with the June 2011 article before reading this if you are new to SQL Server optimization. In this issue we discuss SQL Server Execution Plans. This article contains a link to Grant Fritchey's very good (and FREE) ebook on this subject.

The second in our series, A Methodology for Query Optimization. In this issue we discuss the covering index and illustrate its usage. You may want to read the June 2011 article before reading this if you are new to SQL Server optimization

With this article we begin a new series, A Practical Methodology for SQL Query Tuning. In this first installment we show you how to put principals into practice.

SQL Server 2000 was a great version of SQL Server but it's time to move on. Here's how to do it safely and with minimum cost.

Misundertanding the value of null cost this company over two million dollars.

Microsoft's OSTRESS utility and SQL Profiler's ability to replay traces provide an inexpensive way to stress test SQL Server when developing or modifying database applications.

Excessive log file growth happens for specific reasons. Understanding those reasons is the key to controlling log file growth.

Once a year, the all-knowing, all-seeing SQL guy makes his predictions. This year the news will be about the impact of social sites and search engines that slam into reverse like a runaway Toyota.

There is a lot of misinformation about SQL Server. This month, we explode some of the common myths about indexing.

Prepare yourself for those times that SQL Server will not respond to login requests. The Dedicated Admin Connection and the SQLCMD command line utility can get you connected when everything else fails.

SQL Injection is an ever-present danger to your data. Here is something to help you understand and defend against attackers.

The default trace in SQL Server can provide important information for troubleshooting and auditing. The data can be queried directly from the trace files using the built-in function fn_trace_gettable.

Internal fragmentation in the database log file is often overlooked as a cause of poor performance.  Here is how to find out if you have it and how to fix it if you do.

Is SQL Server 2008 Release 2 a real release or just a service pack we have to pay for? We think it's a little of both. Find out what's in this release for you.

We continue our survey of the many useful features that come with your SQL Server license. This month we look at Integration Services.

SQL Server Database Mail allows you to send email from SQL Server. This incredibly useful feature is a great improvement over its predecessor, SQLMail.

What is Service Broker exactly and how can it help you? Here is an overview of SQL Server's asynchronous messaging service with some practical examples of how you can use it to solve difficult problems.

Cloud Computing is replacing Virtualization as the IT buzzword of the moment. In this issue we take a look at the details of Azure, Microsoft's entry into the field.

The most important elements of a backup plan are the decisions you make, not the tools you use.

This month we explain a few things you need to know about clustering, log-shipping and mirroring.

You might save a lot of money if you understand the details of Microsoft's new licensing model.

XML is a useful tool in any database environment, but it has its limits. Pushing it past its limits can result in serious performance issues.

Virtualizaion is the buzzword of the moment but there are other server consolidation methods that might work better and cost less.