SQL Server Diaries

When implementing and configuring a Two-Node Active/Active SQL Server Cluster you have to ensure that the memory allocation will suffice for the operating system and other services (a minimum of 2GB is reccomended), as well as for the eventuality when all instances would be on the same physical node. This... [Read More]

In previous posts I mention that Windows Authentication should be used and account management functions should be delegated to the domain (e.g. Active Directory). This however is not possible in all cases. Sometimes, due to specific application requirements, SQL Authentication has to be used. Account names (logins/users) should preferably follow... [Read More]

I am usually quite cautious when mentioning third-party tools since I don’t have any affiliations with any company or product mentioned.  In this case I want to make an exception.  I recently came across an SSMS addin called SQL Code Guard. [Read More]

User-defined data types (UDT) were introduced with SQL Server 2000.  UDTs provide Database Designers, Developers, and DBAs functionality with which a custom data type can be created and which is based on one of the SQL Server system data types.  If you think of this as an approach to standardise... [Read More]

Whenever a new SQL Server version is released, unless an organisation is forking out the [slightly steep annual cost of] Software Assurance, a DBA has to build a business case to upgrade to the latest database platform.  This because, at the end of the day the licence cost has to... [Read More]