John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com Thu, 23 May 2013 10:46:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 24/05/13 http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-240513/ http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-240513/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 10:46:02 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11845 ]]>

It’s SFTW Time, I hope you’ve had a great week!

The holiday weekend is fast approaching for many of you and so the weekly links round-up is coming at you a day early. Whatever you’ve got planned, have a great weekend, cheers.

Here’s your weekly roundup of SQL Server Blog Posts, News and Technology Stuff. Enjoy….

SQL Server Links

"Click me to get posts via email each week"

Click me to get posts via email each week

SQL Community Forum

Lot’s of new folks joining this week (following my post) and introducing themselves to community.

These are some of things being talked about right now by Data Professionals just like you in the Community Forum

Misc. Technology Posts

Have you enjoyed a blog post this week that deserves a mention? Share it in the comments and on Twitter(@SQLBrit).

If you enjoyed this weeks round-up of SQL content please show your support by sharing it. Click a share option at the top of the on site post.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-240513/feed/ 0 Your Community, Your Voice, Your Forum http://www.johnsansom.com/your-community-your-voice/ http://www.johnsansom.com/your-community-your-voice/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 10:00:02 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11803

Related posts:

  1. What’s it Like to Be a DBA?
  2. Your DBA Role is Changing. Are you Ready?
  3. How To Be An Expert At What You Do
]]> For me, one of the most rewarding things about blogging are the conversations we have together.

The opportunity to connect, share and grow with passionate people from all over the world is a great privilege. I’ve met so many wonderful people through our community, learning something from each of you about technology and even life.

On occasion I myself have attempted to share the odd pearl of wisdom or snippet of advice. Through my blogging tenure I’ve discovered that I’m particularly fond of waxing on about Professional Development. So much so in fact, that some folks seem to consider me to be some sort of authority on the subject. Ha!

A curious side-effect to this infamy has been that people often reach out to me for advice and guidance. This is something I take very seriously indeed and I do my utmost to provide a well considered personal reply to all those who reach out, whether via email, in a blog post or in the blog comments.

This got me thinking. What if there were some way that I could create a space to bring together all this advice, experience and hot air, making it available for the benefit of everyone. Better still, what if I could somehow tap into the collective wisdom and experience of the entire community, increasing the quality of advice available to those seeking guidance. Sounds like a marvelous idea.

That’s why I started the SQL Brit Community Forum.

Lion Roaring

let’s make our community a roaring success together

I wanted to create:

  • A place where we can talk about all the other, non-technical, stuff there is to be being a Data Professional.
  • A friendly, open and honest community, where members support each other on their journey towards becoming the Data Professionals they want to be.
  • An environment that moves beyond the limits of blog comments by providing a platform that enables passionate, vibrant and robust conversation.
  • A place where members can benefit from the collective experience, knowledge and wisdom of each other.

Your Community in Action

The community forum has been open for a couple of months already, with over 120 registered members and 700 posts, it’s only now however that I’m choosing to blog about it.

As with all ideas I was initially unsure if it would get much traction but then once I saw the positive effect the community was having, I became convinced that I must do what I can to share it further.

You see what really surprised me was that the community had become not just a place where the experienced folks supported the new on their journey (like here, here or here) but also a place where members could refine their existing expertise further (like here and here).

Folks are using the community to bounce ideas off of one another and are taking their professional development to the next level through collaborating together. This is in a word is, fantastic!

Creating a Roaring Success Together

You see the thing about community is the more you give the more rewarding the experience becomes for everyone involved.

As Data Professionals we’re all super busy chaps that have a lot of competing priorities for our time. I would not be asking for yours if I did not believe in what we’re doing here. My will alone is unfortunately not enough and for this community to truly be successful I need your help to make it happen.

I know that you are passionate about your career and the SQL community because you’re here reading this. Whether to share your own experiences or to enjoy the opportunity to learn from others, I would be delighted for you to join our new community forum and be a part of making it a roaring success.

Thank you!

Related posts:

  1. What’s it Like to Be a DBA?
  2. Your DBA Role is Changing. Are you Ready?
  3. How To Be An Expert At What You Do
]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/your-community-your-voice/feed/ 1 Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 17/05/13 http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-170513/ http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-170513/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 10:00:33 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11730

Related posts:

  1. Restart the SQL Server Agent Service using PowerShell
]]> It’s SFTW Time, I hope you’ve had a great week!

Make sure you don’t miss this weekly round-up of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter by Subscribing to the Blog Feed.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS

You can also Get posts delivered direct to your Inbox free via Email.

Here’s your weekly roundup of SQL Server Blog Posts, News and Technology Stuff. Enjoy….

SQL Server Links

Misc. Technology Posts

Have you enjoyed a blog post this week that deserves a mention? Share it in the comments and on Twitter(@SQLBrit).

If you enjoyed this weeks round-up of SQL content please show your support by sharing it. Click a share option at the top of the on site post.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

Related posts:

  1. Restart the SQL Server Agent Service using PowerShell
]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-170513/feed/ 0 Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 10/05/13 http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-100513/ http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-100513/#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:22 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11648 ]]> It’s SFTW Time, I hope you’ve had a great week!

Back in Blighty after a fantastic few weeks in Florida. We enjoyed our first week at the Saddlebrooke Tennis Academy. Training 5 hours a day in the Florida sun is not easy but great fun! Look out for me at Wimbledon this year.

Here’s your weekly roundup of SQL Server Blog Posts, News and Technology Stuff. Enjoy….

SQL Server Links

SQL Community Forum

These are some of things being talked about right now by Data Professionals just like you in the Community Forum

Misc. Technology Posts

Have you enjoyed a blog post this week that deserves a mention? Share it in the comments and on Twitter(@SQLBrit).

If you enjoyed this weeks round-up of SQL content please show your support by sharing it. Click a share option at the top of the on site post.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-100513/feed/ 2 What You Need To Bring to SQLBits http://www.johnsansom.com/what-you-need-to-bring-to-sqlbits-x/ http://www.johnsansom.com/what-you-need-to-bring-to-sqlbits-x/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:00:47 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=7450

Related posts:

  1. Registration for SQLBits 8 is now open
  2. Seven Reasons You Should Attend SQLBits 7
  3. SQLBits – The 7 Wonders of SQL – Dates Announced
]]> SQLBitsWith only a few days to go before SQLBits kicks off, here’s some last minute tips on what you need to bring to ensure you have a fantastic experience.

Your Good Self

This is priority number one people! If you put your name down on the list you had better make sure you turn up. It takes a phenomenal amount of effort and community mojo to put on an event of this scale, Europe’s largest SQL Server event no less. When folks don’t turn up on the day, that’s a wasted opportunity and a great experience denied to someone else.

I want to see you there and share DBA tales from the trenches but if you really cannot make it please do the right thing now and unregister so that some lucky data dude or dudette on the waiting list can get to enjoy the SQLBits experience.

The Right Mind-set

Simply turning up pretty much guarantees you good times but if you want to really get the most out of SQLBits then I believe that you have to immerse yourself fully and really get involved.

Ideally you’ll want to stay at the venue itself or very close by,  so you can maximize the time you have with your old and new SQL chums. The SQLBits folks totally get this, which is why there are social events organised in the evenings for you to enjoy. I can tell you from personal experience that these are not your typical stuffy networking events, they’re actually great fun!

Throughout the event there will be opportunities for you to step up and get involved with the SQL community. I highly recommend you do.

Business Cards

No really, bring some business cards. I know a lot of technology folks “hate” the whole idea of networking but I guarantee you that after 10 seconds you’ll get over it and wonder what all the fuss was about.

If you suddenly see that SQL Celebrity, MCM, MVP or Twitter buddy you’ve been wanting to talk to zooming down the corridor trying to get to the buffet next session, you may only have seconds to connect. I’m sure you’ll make a great and memorable impression but don’t leave it to chance, hand over a card with your contact details and ask for theirs.

A Plan To Achieve

With so much SQL action packed in, time races by and before you know it the day is behind you. Naturally your main focus will be digesting all the awesome SQL knowledge on offer and if you’re not careful, you’ll miss great opportunities to meet new and interesting people.

Just so we’re clear you’re not trying to win networker of the year here, it’s more about being mindful of opportunities and being ready to enjoy them.

I know that some folks don’t like approaching other people or breaking the ice. If I could offer one piece of advice it would be to not over think it. Simply introduce yourself and start talking about the sessions you just attended. Before you know it, you’ll be swapping DBA battle stories and bad mouthing developers (unless your speaking to a DEV of course ;-)  ).

If you want to get really ambitious about networking a great way to get things rolling is to make it a game of sorts. Commit to yourself that for each session you attend you will get to know the person sitting either side of you.

Whether you want to meet new SQL folks, get your questions answered or learn something specific, if you have a plan of what you wish to achieve ahead of time you are more likely to get what you want out of your SQLBits experience.

Your Passion

Most important of all, bring your passion for technology with you. I know you’re passionate about SQL Server and our awesome community because I am too. I hope you have a fantastic time at SQLBits and I look forward to meeting you.

Related posts:

  1. Registration for SQLBits 8 is now open
  2. Seven Reasons You Should Attend SQLBits 7
  3. SQLBits – The 7 Wonders of SQL – Dates Announced
]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/what-you-need-to-bring-to-sqlbits-x/feed/ 0 Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 19/04/13 http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-190413/ http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-190413/#comments Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:47 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11633

Related posts:

  1. SQL Server Management Data Warehouse (MDW) – Why it Rocks
  2. SQL Server 2011 Codenamed Denali available now
  3. What SQL2012 Feature Are You Excited About the Most?
]]> It’s SFTW Time, I hope you’ve had a great week!

Here’s your weekly roundup of SQL Server Blog Posts, News and Technology Stuff. Enjoy….

SQL Server Links

Misc. Technology Posts

Have you enjoyed a blog post this week that deserves a mention? Share it in the comments and on Twitter(@SQLBrit).

If you enjoyed this weeks round-up of SQL content please show your support by sharing it. Click a share option at the top of the on site post.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

Related posts:

  1. SQL Server Management Data Warehouse (MDW) – Why it Rocks
  2. SQL Server 2011 Codenamed Denali available now
  3. What SQL2012 Feature Are You Excited About the Most?
]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-190413/feed/ 0 SQL Server Management Data Warehouse (MDW) – Why it Rocks http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-management-data-warehouse-and-why-it-rocks/ http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-management-data-warehouse-and-why-it-rocks/#comments Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:00:29 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11612

Related posts:

  1. TLC and SQL Server Error Log Management
  2. The DBAs Guide to Expectation Management
  3. The Politics of SQL Server Performance
]]> Ensuring excellent performance for users and customers is a high priority for Database Administrators.

Today I want to share a free and easy way for you to get valuable insight into the performance of your Microsoft SQL Server instances.

There are so many features in the SQL Server product that it’s easy to miss some really good stuff. The Management Data Warehouse (MDW) is one of the most underutilised features that has the potential to provide significant value for DBAs.

The Management Data Warehouse (MDW) In a Nutshell

The MDW is a suite of SQL Server technology components that together provide the DBA with a tool for streamlined performance troubleshooting.

The main components are:

  • The Data Collector - A system for automatically collecting performance data about SQL Server.
  • The MDW Database - The database where the performance data is stored.
  • The MDW Reports - Ready made interactive reports for easily reviewing the data.

The streamlined nature of the solution means that once you have defined your configuration its very straightforward to extend it to monitor the performance of multiple SQL Server instances. This is a particularly attractive benefit for those looking to easily and consistently monitor performance across entire SQL Server environments.

To give you an idea of the potential here, I have customers that are using the MDW to monitor production environments containing hundreds of SQL Server instances successfully.

Knowledge is Power

MDW Dashboard Report

Every Outstanding DBA knows that knowledge is power and that it is important to keep your house in good order.

Using a basic configuration of the MDW enables a DBA to perform tasks such as:

  • Proactive Tuning
  • Historical Query Analysis
  • Performance Baselining
  • Database Growth Forecasting
  • Storage Planning

With just a few simple mouse clicks you can answer questions such as:

  • What are my most expensive queries in terms of a given resource measure (CPU/Duration/IO )?
  • What is my SQL Server instance Waiting on typically?
  • Which are my fastest growing databases?
  • Why is query X blocking?
  • Is SQL Server busier than normal for this time of day?

The interactive nature of the reports mean that you can easily drill down into specific areas of interest.

For example, if a high proportion of an instances WAITS are allocated to the CPU group, then simply clicking the bar on the chart will take you through to the queries that are responsible for that workload. From here you can review various execution statistics for your troublesome queries, as well as the associated execution plan for further investigation.

Building a “Next Level” MDW

Once you’ve got the performance tuning bug and have seen just how much value can be achieved through understanding the data collected via the MDW, you’ll start to wonder how you can take things even further.

Developers are super smart folks (no really) and when you take the time to establish good relationships they can often become some of your biggest advocates. I’ve seen great success in this area with customers, where rather than the database team hoarding all the insight, they actively take steps to make it available to others to benefit and learn from.

One of the ways in which I particularly enjoy using the MDW with my customers is by using it to provide SQL Server production performance insight and data to developers.

By building upon a solution shared by Bill Ramos on his blog, we have been able to use SQL Server Reporting Services(SSRS) to extend the standard MDW solution to make the data easily available to others. For example, using SSRS means that developers can set up a Subscription, say weekly, to a report that provides “the top 10 worst performing queries” for a server of interest to them.

This collaboration and knowledge sharing of SQL Server performance insight provides a great platform for proactive tuning and improvement within the organisation.

Start Benefiting from the MDW Today

Good news chaps! This brilliant SQL Server feature is not limited to just those lucky folks running Enterprise edition, it’s available in all Editions (excluding the Express flavours). As a Database Administrator, if you are not already using the MDW in your environments then you could be missing some great opportunities.

For a walk-through of how to install the MDW in your environment consult the Microsoft reference: SQL Server 2008 Management Data Warehouse - written by Kalen Delaney.

The Management Data Warehouse is just one of the many methods available that you can use to gather performance insight and opportunity for improvement of your SQL Server environments.

For more great ideas to make SQL Server administration easier check out my Top 10 Free SQL Server Tools post.

Related posts:

  1. TLC and SQL Server Error Log Management
  2. The DBAs Guide to Expectation Management
  3. The Politics of SQL Server Performance
]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-management-data-warehouse-and-why-it-rocks/feed/ 2 Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 12/04/13 http://www.johnsansom.com/something-for-the-weekend-sql-server-links-120413/ http://www.johnsansom.com/something-for-the-weekend-sql-server-links-120413/#comments Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:32:07 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11569 ]]> It’s SFTW Time, I hope you’ve had a great week!

I’m going to be taking a short hiatus in the coming weeks and I was wondering if some of you chaps might be interested in holding the fort in my absence? If you would like to guest post the weekly links round up here (on Friday 26th April/3rd May) then let me know.

Here’s your weekly roundup of SQL Server Blog Posts, News and Technology Stuff. Enjoy….

SQL Server Links

Subscribe to the blog via RSS

Never miss your weekly links. Get them by email.

SQL Community Forum

These are some of things being talked about right now by Data Professionals just like you in the Community Forum

Misc. Technology Posts

Have you read a blog post this week that you really enjoyed and deserves a mention? Let me know in the comments and on Twitter(@SQLBrit).

If you enjoyed this weeks round-up of SQL content please show your support by sharing it. Click a share option at the top of the on site post.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/something-for-the-weekend-sql-server-links-120413/feed/ 0 Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 05/04/13 http://www.johnsansom.com/sftw-sql-server-links-050413/ http://www.johnsansom.com/sftw-sql-server-links-050413/#comments Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:46:58 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11517

Related posts:

  1. Top 5 SQL Forums
  2. Your Top 10 Posts of the Year
  3. SQL Server Crossword #3 – Solution
]]> It’s SFTW Time, I hope you’ve had a great week!

Make sure you don’t miss this weekly round-up of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter by Subscribing to the Blog Feed.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS

You can also Get posts delivered direct to your Inbox free via Email.

Less chat more links this week. Some of you may even prefer it…….but don’t get used to it.

Here’s your weekly roundup of SQL Server Blog Posts, News and Technology Stuff. Enjoy….

SQL Server Links

Chelsea Bunns

Chelsea Buns

SQL Community Forum

These are some of things being talked about right now by Data Professionals just like you in the Community Forum

Misc. Technology Posts

Have you read a blog post this week that you really enjoyed and deserves a mention? Let me know in the comments and on Twitter(@SQLBrit).

If you enjoyed this weeks round-up of SQL content please show your support by sharing it. Click a share option at the top of the on site post.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

Related posts:

  1. Top 5 SQL Forums
  2. Your Top 10 Posts of the Year
  3. SQL Server Crossword #3 – Solution
]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/sftw-sql-server-links-050413/feed/ 0 Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 29/03/13 http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-290313/ http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-290313/#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:46:43 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11403 ]]> It’s SFTW Time, I hope you’ve had a great week!

We’re here a day early! Thursday is the new Friday this week chaps and I wanted to make sure you still got to enjoy a weekly post round-up.

Make sure you don’t miss this weekly round-up of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter by Subscribing to the Blog Feed.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS

You can also Get posts delivered direct to your Inbox free via Email.

Starting out on your own journey to becoming a Data Professional is tough. Not knowing where you can turn for help or support can make it seem like an uphill struggle and it can feel like you’re on your own. It doesn’t have to be this way though! Thanks to the collective awesomeness and support of the members in the Community Forum, one budding Data Professional has been getting themselves off to a tremendous start on their journey.

I’m continually delighted by the generosity and collaborative spirit of the SQL community. It really is a wonderful thing to see it flourishing in the Community Forum and hope that you will come and be a part of it too.

Here’s your weekly roundup of SQL Server Blog Posts, News and Technology Stuff. Enjoy….

SQL Server Links

SQL Community Forum

These are some of things being talked about right now by Data Professionals just like you in the Community Forum

Misc. Technology Posts

Have you read a blog post this week that you really enjoyed and deserves a mention? Let me know in the comments and on Twitter(@SQLBrit).

If you enjoyed this weeks round-up of SQL content please show your support by sharing it. Click a share option at the top of the on site post.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/sql-server-links-290313/feed/ 3 Implicit Conversions and Avoiding Them With Computed Columns http://www.johnsansom.com/implicit-conversions-computed-columns/ http://www.johnsansom.com/implicit-conversions-computed-columns/#comments Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:00:12 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11286

Related posts:

  1. Performance Comparison of (SELECT TOP 1) Verses MAX()
  2. How to identify the most costly SQL Server queries using DMV’s
  3. Top 10 Free SQL Server Tools
]]> I recently encountered an interesting performance issue (due to implicit conversions) that I was able to solve using a lesser known technique and I wanted to share it with you here.

A customer environment was suddenly receiving high CPU alarms and I was called in to take a look.

Having identified the query responsible for the high CPU consumption (courtesy of sp_WhoIsActive), I then inspected it’s execution plan (using SQL Sentry’s Plan Explorer) in an effort to establish a possible cause for the poor performance.

Production Execution plan showing table scan from implicit conversion

From the execution plan for the query we can see that the majority of the cost (83%) is incurred by the Index Scan operator.

Reviewing the properties for this operator showed that an Implicit Conversion was being performed. The query had a parameter with a data type of NVARCHAR and was performing a comparison to a column with data type of VARCHAR.

The table in question had 9 million records and SQL Server was having to perform the implicit conversion for every one of them. This operation requires CPU and when you consider that in this particular case the query is executed hundreds of times a second, it’s easy to see how the cumulative CPU costs can very quickly get out of hand.

What To Do When You Cannot Edit the T-SQL Source

Implicit conversions are a well known source of performance issues. No problem you say, let’s just edit the T-SQL:

  • Find the stored procedure and cast the parameter - No can do,  the code is called directly from the application as an ad-hoc batch.
  • Change the parameter data type on the application side - Sure but we have a problem in production right now! The instance is pegged and you’re customer is loosing money. Where is the code within the application? What if you don’t have access to the application source, maybe it’s a third party product.

What we need here is a way to change the data type of the column and index, without touching the existing T-SQL code or adversely affecting the current schema configuration. In other words, the changes need to be completely transparent to the application.

Fortunately these requirements can be met by using an Indexed Computed Column.

Using an Indexed Computed Column to Avoid Implicit Conversions

Let’s go through an example to see this behavior in action.

(You can use the following build script to create a simple test database with a single table and some data should you wish.)

Consider the following simple table schema and query:

CREATE TABle TableA
(
	ID		INT identity(1,1) not null,
	SomeData	varchar(50) null,
	SomeDate	datetime
);

declare @p1 nvarchar(50)
set @p1 = N'Username 4'

select
	A.ID,
	A.SomeData,
	A.SomeDate
from TableA A
Where A.SomeData = @p1

The table TableA has a column SomeData with a data type of VARCHAR(50) and a parameter @p1 of NVARCHAR(50). This data type mismatch comes in to play during a comparison in the WHERE clause.

The execution plan looks like this:

Example execution plan with implicit conversionsExecution plan properties showing implicit conversions

As you can see, the Index Seek operator on TableA.ncl_SomeData performs an implicit conversion.

Now we’ll create a computed column SomeData_comp and add a non-clustered index to it.

--Create a computed column using the preferred data type
ALTER TABLE TableA ADD SomeData_comp AS (convert(nvarchar(50),SomeData));

--Create a non-clustered index on the computed column
CREATE NONCLUSTERED INDEX ncl_SomeData_comp on TableA(SomeData_comp);

Let’s now execute our example query once more:

Example execution plan using computed column to avoid implicit conversion

Example exec plan properties using indexed computed column

As you can see, SQL Server is able to determine that although we have requested the column SomeData (a varchar) be compared to @p1 (an nvarchar), there is now an index available that provides the same data but in the desired data type, via the computed column.

Implementing this change means that SQL Server is now able to take advantage of this new Index, that is of the preferred data type for the query, without the need to modify the query itself.

(Note: If the application is performing inserts without an explicit field list, they will fail under this solution. A hat-tip to Brent Ozar(Blog|Twitter) for reminding me of this.)

Business As Usual is “the” Priority

In the production scenario I described earlier, this solution meant that a temporary fix could be deployed immediately in order to remove the excessive CPU consumption. Addressing the implicit conversion meant that an Index Seek could be used, rather than the expensive Scan operation, and subsequently a more suitable join operation was chosen by optimizer (Nested Loops rather than Merge) for the query.

The indexed computed column solution enabled business operations to return an acceptable level swiftly, allowing for a more suitable permanent fix to be pursued in a timely fashion.

Related posts:

  1. Performance Comparison of (SELECT TOP 1) Verses MAX()
  2. How to identify the most costly SQL Server queries using DMV’s
  3. Top 10 Free SQL Server Tools
]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/implicit-conversions-computed-columns/feed/ 6 Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 22/03/13 http://www.johnsansom.com/something-for-the-weekend-sql-server-links-220313/ http://www.johnsansom.com/something-for-the-weekend-sql-server-links-220313/#comments Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:22:26 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11244 ]]> It’s SFTW Time, I hope you’ve had a great week!

Here’s your weekly roundup of SQL Server Blog Posts, News and Technology Stuff. Enjoy….

SQL Server Links

Jaffa Cakes

Another British Classic

Make sure you don’t miss this weekly round-up of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter by Subscribing to the Blog Feed.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS

You can also Get posts delivered direct to your Inbox free via Email.

Community Forum Conversations

These are some of the discussions going on right now in the SQLBrit Community Forum

Misc. Technology Posts

Have you read a blog post this week that you really enjoyed and deserves a mention? Let me know in the comments and on Twitter(@SQLBrit).

If you enjoyed this weeks round-up of SQL content please show your support by sharing it. Click a share option at the top of the on site post.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/something-for-the-weekend-sql-server-links-220313/feed/ 0 How To Be An Expert At What You Do http://www.johnsansom.com/how-to-be-an-expert-in-your-company/ http://www.johnsansom.com/how-to-be-an-expert-in-your-company/#comments Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:00:45 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11184

Related posts:

  1. Are You A Technical Expert or Manager?
  2. Think Like a Customer
  3. 5 Days to Outstanding DBA Customer Service
]]> Every successful company has them. They’re the lifeblood of their organisations. Linchpins essential to getting things done and doing them extremely well. More commonly we know them as experts.

Experts are always in popular demand and they come in all manner of different flavours.

Of course they are just everyday people, regular folks, like you and me. Regular folks that is, who one day decided that they want to be outstanding at what they do!

What’s So Great About Being An Expert Anyway?How To Be An Expert

There are many common as well as individually unique reasons why you might want to be outstanding at what you do, to be an expert.

Some of the benefits to being an expert include:

Career Enrichment

  • Establishing yourself as the go-to-guy (or girl)
  • Being at the forefront of your customers and managers minds (particularly come review time)
  • Recognition as an authority of your subject
  • Increased opportunity
  • Investment in you professionally

Knowledge & Skill

Influence

  • People trust and value your opinion
  • Your decisions can shape the world around you

Challenge

  • Be the first in line for the difficult, demanding and interesting projects, work and opportunities.

These are some of the more general motivations however being the expert that you want to be is an individual choice.

What might an expert look like in your role/company?

What opportunities and challenging projects could open up to you as an expert?

Become The Expert “You” Want To Be

Being an expert is not about being the very best at something. It is about being the best that YOU can be.

Here are some of things you will might wish to consider on the journey to becoming the expert that you want to be:

Skills Development

  • Strengths – What are you good at? How can you excel at these even more?
  • Weaknesses - What might you need to learn in order to progress? Are there any particular obstacles holding you back?
  • Continued Investment – Make a commitment to continually invest in your skills development. (Here’s how)

Professional Positioning

  • Customer Focus 
  • You and Your Manager
    • What are your goals and are you on target to achieving them? (what is the purpose of your role)
    • Is you manager aware of your expertise and how you can contribute?
    • What would need to happen/change in order for you to be your manager’s go-to-person?

These are just some of the things you will want to consider when determining how to become the expert that you want to be. What does being an expert mean for you?

The rewards of being an expert are clear. Make the decision to be outstanding and to become the expert that you want to be.

Related posts:

  1. Are You A Technical Expert or Manager?
  2. Think Like a Customer
  3. 5 Days to Outstanding DBA Customer Service
]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/how-to-be-an-expert-in-your-company/feed/ 0 Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 15/03/13 http://www.johnsansom.com/something-for-the-weekend-sql-server-links-150313/ http://www.johnsansom.com/something-for-the-weekend-sql-server-links-150313/#comments Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:27:02 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=11129

Related posts:

  1. The Definitive Introduction to SQL Server Indexes
  2. Finding Bad Indexes Using SQL Server DMVs
]]> It’s SFTW Time, I hope you’ve had a great week!

Google Reader to Shut Down

Google Reader to be Shut Down

The news this week that Google Reader is shutting down means that RSS consumers need to start looking for an alternative way to enjoy your favourite subscriptions, including SFTW. Of course the best way to make sure you get to enjoy every single post as soon as it’s published is to Subscribe to free post delivery by Email.

I would recommend that you start considering alternative RSS Readers now so that you don’t get caught out when Google Reader is shut down. The following article over on LifeHacker looks at some alternative readers, as well as provides instruction on how you can migrate your existing subscriptions to your new Reader of choice.

Personally I like to use Feedly for consuming content, particularly on the iPad. It looks fantastic and has a glossy magazine feel to it but I will need to find a more robust and similar alternative to Google Reader for content curation, such as creating this weekly post for you lot. What feed Reader will you be choosing?

Here’s your weekly roundup of SQL Server Blog Posts, News and Technology Stuff. Enjoy….

SQL Server Links

Make sure you don’t miss this weekly round-up of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter by Subscribing to the Blog Feed.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS

You can also Get posts delivered direct to your Inbox free via Email.

Community Forum Conversations

These are some of the discussions going on right now in the SQLBrit Community Forum

Misc. Technology Posts

Have you read a blog post this week that you really enjoyed and deserves a mention? Let me know in the comments and on Twitter(@SQLBrit).

If you enjoyed this weeks round-up of SQL content please show your support by sharing it. Click a share option at the top of the on site post.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

Related posts:

  1. The Definitive Introduction to SQL Server Indexes
  2. Finding Bad Indexes Using SQL Server DMVs
]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/something-for-the-weekend-sql-server-links-150313/feed/ 0 Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 08/03/13 http://www.johnsansom.com/something-for-the-weekend-sql-server-links-080313/ http://www.johnsansom.com/something-for-the-weekend-sql-server-links-080313/#comments Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:38:31 +0000 John Sansom http://www.johnsansom.com/?p=10897 ]]> It’s SFTW Time, I hope you’ve had a great week!

Make sure you don’t miss this weekly round-up of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter by Subscribing to the Blog Feed.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS

You can also Get posts delivered direct to your Inbox free via Email.

Here’s your weekly roundup of SQL Server Blog Posts, News and Technology Stuff. Enjoy….

SQL Server Links

Community Forum Conversations

These are some of the discussions going on right now in the SQLBrit Community Forum

Misc. Technology Posts

Have you read a blog post this week that you really enjoyed and deserves a mention? Let me know in the comments and on Twitter(@SQLBrit).

If you enjoyed this weeks round-up of SQL content please show your support by sharing it. Click a share option at the top of the on site post.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

]]> http://www.johnsansom.com/something-for-the-weekend-sql-server-links-080313/feed/ 3