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IO, IO it’s off to work we go.

by | 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)...

Composite Indexes

by | 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...

Dakety DAC – SQL Won’t Talk Back

by | 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)...

SSISy Scripting

by | 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...

First things

by | 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...

When brains are needed, brawn won’t help.

by | Dec 4, 2011 | Blog, Databases

The truth of this Yiddish proverb has been repeatedly reveled to me in both my personal and professional lives. Professionally, I cannot begin to count the number of client’s with whom I have worked who have tried to solve a SQL Server performance issue with more...

Nightmares

by | Dec 1, 2011 | Blog, Databases

I have two recurring career related nightmares one of which I’ve come to discover is part of the shared consciousness of many DBAs: catastrophic database failure.  Not that we haven’t trained for efficient and timely recovery in preparation for such an event, but...