Enjoy Quality SQL Server Content the Easy Way

There’s so much brilliant SQL Server content being shared every day that it can feel impossible and overwhelming trying to keep up with it all.

Each week I share my personal pick of the best SQL Server content from around the web, ensuring you are able to get right to the good stuff fast.

Make sure you get to enjoy the latest quality SQL Server content by Subscribing to receive my Something for Weekend posts direct to your e-mail inbox each week absolutely free.

Missed a previous weeks posts? No problem. Below you will find all previous editions of Something for the Weekend. Enjoy!

Oct 15, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 14/10/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter. Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts. You can also receive posts via Email.

I’m up against the clock this weekend so there’s less chat from me but still the same awesome content from the community that we’ve come to expect. I’ll be back in the game next week.

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • SOUTHAMPTON - Wed 9 Nov -Allan Mitchell and James Rowland-Jones taking over the evening.
  • LEEDS - Wed 23 Nov - Provisional date.
Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. If you’ve read a post this week that you think deserves a mention be sure to let me and other readers know by using comments section below. You can also reach me on email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

Have a great weekend!

Did you enjoy this  post? The best way to show your support is by clicking the Like/Google Plus 1 button at the top of the on site post.
It spreads the word helping our SQL community grow and shows you care :-)

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community No comments

Oct 7, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 07/10/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter. Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts. You can also receive posts via Email.

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • SOUTHAMPTON - Wed 9 Nov -Allan Mitchell and James Rowland-Jones taking over the evening.
  • LEEDS - Wed 23 Nov - Provisional date.
Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. If you’ve read a post this week that you think deserves a mention be sure to let me and other readers know by using comments section below. You can also reach me on email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

Have a great weekend!

Did you enjoy this  post? The best way to show your support is by clicking the Like/Google Plus 1 button at the top of the on site post.
It spreads the word helping our SQL community grow and shows you care :-)

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community No comments

Sep 30, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 30/09/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter. Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts. You can also receive posts via Email.

I’m back! Did you miss me? Of course not because you were instead treated to great SQL Server content courtesy of Neil Hambly(Blog|Twitter) playing host in my absence. I think you’ll agree he did an absolutely smashing job, thanks Neil!

Yesterday(Thursday) was the start of an action packed week of SQL Server events here in the UK. I am unfortunately unable to make it to SQLBits this weekend myself and I have to say that I’m super jealous right now of all you lucky folks in attendance, getting your SQL learn on. I hope you have a fantastic time and look forward to catching up with you again soon. I’ll see some of you next week at SQLRelay.

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • SQLBits 9 -  Thur 29 Sep – 1 Oct – The UKs largest SQL Server event heads to Liverpool.
  • SQLRelay - Mon 3 Oct – Thur 6 Oct – 13 SQL Server Events taking place across 4 days throughout the whole of the UK.
  • SOUTHAMPTON - Wed 9 Nov -Allan Mitchell and James Rowland-Jones taking over the evening.
  • LEEDS - Wed 23 Nov - Provisional date.
Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. If you’ve read a post this week that you think deserves a mention be sure to let me and other readers know by using comments section below. You can also reach me on email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

Have a great weekend!

Did you enjoy this  post? The best way to show your support is by clicking the Like/Google Plus 1 button at the top of the on site post.
It spreads the word helping our SQL community grow and shows you care :-)

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community 1 Comment

Sep 23, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 23/09/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter. Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts.   You can also receive posts via Email.

As John is STILL away on his well earned vacation and most likely getting up to some type of mischief or another, I will once again be your illustrious {stand-in} host.  For those of you that don’t know me as yet my name’s Neil Hambly and I’m just another one of those SQL Server geeks, who spends his waking moments either working with, thinking about or in my case trying to learn some aspect of SQL Server – aside from that I occasionally sleep and I’m a normal balanced human being {hey NO laughing @ the back}

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

SQL Server Links

  • “Up the Apples & Pears” otherwise know as Stairs   – this was solely to lead me to more articles posted on the Stairway series @  http://www.sqlservercentral.com/stairway/
  • 24HOP Videos are now up for viewing – and if you can’t make it SQLPASS – you can watch these..  Also copies of the DVD PASS Summit 2010 are one of the prizes @ each and every UG event during SQLRelay
  • SQLBits 9 (Liverpool) is rapidly approaching and the UK finest will be in force to share their knowledge along with a host of international speakers, so if you are not registered I would recommend you do so @ www.sqlbits.com , I believe we are already reached the same number of registrations as #8 and still some days to go – I ‘ll be there for the whole 3 days – in one capacity or another (My session is on the FREE Saturday @ 8:15 – Don’t be Late !)
  • SQLRelay  This follows hotly on the heels of the SQLBits 9 conference, it is a week of regional SQL User group events, with a finale in London and some just awesome prizes
  • Conferences can be difficult, you have to decide which of all the sessions you will go and see. So I love it when we have tools like this http://pivot.lobsterpot.com.au/PASSSummit2011 to help us decide
  • Books, Books and More Books – I know of a number of SQL related Books having become available recently (or I have had the chance to obtain a copy of)
  • MVP Deep Dives 2 – now available on Pre-order and will be launched @ SQLPASS I believe and some signings by many MVP Authors (Can hardly wait to get my hands on one of these)
  • Pinal Dave with his Wait Stats Joes 2 Pros: SQL Performance Tuning Techniques Using Wait Statistics, Types & Queues I haven’t read this.. but awaiting its delivery and it looks like a great book
  • Inside SQL Server Query Optimizer (Benjamin Nevarez) ..One I have started reading and I will be doing a review of (expect this to be sometime around when SQLPASS is on)
  • SQL Server Hardware (Glenn Berry)
  • What is your favorite SQL Book and why?

Some Non-SQL Links

  • Charity was my focus in this section last week – so anyone who has already made the effort to help out a charity this last week  or now has plans to do so  – Thank You
  • This week I’m turning the attention onto something much closer to home.. Your “Work Colleagues” – you know those people you probably spend a large percentage of your waking hours sitting next to week in – week out
  • Well I have a challenge to you over the coming few weeks, find @ least 1 person you can “Help” to become better are one aspect of their role.. be that by showing them some technical trick or shortcut you discovered, holding a brown-bag lunch session on something FUN and useful, I’m sure you can think of a 1000 ways, and in return may they or another of you colleagues will do the same for you…  You may learn something yourself in the process and I suspect and it may not even be what you expected

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • SQLBits 9 -  Thur 29 Sep – 1 Oct – The UK’s largest SQL Server event heads to Liverpool.
  • SQLRelay – Mon 3 Oct – Thur 6 Oct – 16 SQL Server Events taking place across 4 days throughout the whole of the UK.
  • SOUTHAMPTON – Wed 9 Nov -Allan Mitchell and James Rowland-Jones taking over the evening.
  • LEEDS – Wed 23 Nov – Provisional date.
Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

  • Microsoft drops Flash from IE on Windows 8 tablets
  • Hackers break SSL encryption used by millions of sites – albeit 1 character @ a time
  • Faster than a speeding bullet (sure, easy)..  Faster than the speed of light (Sorry .. you said what) This is what perplexes our scientists @ Cern
  • Solar bottle light Bulb  frankly it is just genius {for the eagle eyed viewer this was on last week’s listing – like this so much I put it in again}
  • Bionic man (well his eye is @ least)  .. anyone else remember the slow motion running along with theme music for “6 Million-dollar man” 70′s show {just me then, showing my age}

That’s it for this week. If you’ve read a post that you think deserves a mention be sure to let me and other readers know by using comments section below.

John – Thank you kindly for letting me have a 2nd attempt with your weekly publication  - Clearly he didn’t read the whole of my 1st attempt !   If you have liked anything (anything} from either of my 2 Editions then feel free to let John or me know, or if you didn’t like something then I’d be interested in hearing about that as well {maybe not as much as if you liked something but I’m just being honest}

Neil Hambly (Blog|Twitter) & my daily paper @ http://paper.li/Neil_Hambly

Did you enjoy this  post? The best way to show your support is by clicking the Like/Google Plus 1 button at the top of the on site post.
It spreads the word helping our SQL community grow and shows you care :-)

Have a great weekend!

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community No comments

Sep 16, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 16/09/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter. Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts.   You can also receive posts via Email.

John is taking a well earned vacation and so this week I will be your illustrious host.  For those of you that don’t know me my name’s Hambly, Neil Hambly  {Sorry must have been thinking too much about the  SQLBits ”Casino Royal” night on the Friday evening.. now where’s my monkey suit Tuxedo} .

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

SQL Server Links

  • When less is more – Since SQL 2005 we have had to modify 20% of a table before automatic statistics kicked in and updated the stats, on large tables these soon meant huge numbers needed to be modified, this all changes with the introduction of a new Trace Flag 2371 (SQL 2008 R2 SP1) & Denali (but have yet to try this new TF out myself)
  • SQL QandA: The Lore of Logs (I liked this title) Technets Q&A around T-Log by Paul Randal (Blog|Twitter)
  • Still a little ”Cloudy” on what the benefits of SQL Private Cloud exactly is all about, well help is now @ hand with this interactive wall poster to help you understand what this is all about
  • Wait – you still haven’t tried out SQL Denali CTP3  - ok here’s the Downloads - next bit is down to you, I think you will like it
  • FREE TechNet Virtual Labs  SQL Server 2008 & R2 - Take a look you might be pleasantly surprised @ what you’ll find
  • I’m excited  to be going to SQLPASS Summit in a just a few weeks time, It will be my first time @ the conference, so following some blog posts done just for sqlpass 1st timers I’m going to be speaking twice, alongside a whole host of other UK Speakers http://www.sqlpass.org/summit/2011/Speakers.aspx
  • You want Quality Data right (well who doesn’t) take a look @ DQS (Data Quality Services) it will point you in the right direction towards Quality
  • Powershell - Do you use PS against your SQL Servers, here are some handy scripts to retireve information on your SQL instances
  • Becoming Exceptional – The winner for this years Exceptional DBA Award 2011 has been choosen – well done to Jeff Moden, maybe next year it will be you winning this award

Some Non-SQL Links

  • Charity – Have you something you can give – be that time, money, even redundant IT equipment (Hint:  take a look around you office storerooms) or simply promoting some charity events & cheering on those who are taking on challenges
  • I know of many worthy charities currently being helped by those from around the SQL World and I’m proud to be involved @ UKGiveCamp http://www.givecamp.org.uk/ this Oct 22nd /23rd myself (Tent & Sleeping bag @ the ready)
  • I’m Proud to be part of the UK SQL community – I think @ times we need to acknowledge and say THANKS to those who continue to contribute in some many different ways, making the UK SQL Community one of the BEST in the world

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • SQLBits 9 -  Thur 29 Sep – 1 Oct – The UKs largest SQL Server event heads to Liverpool.
  • SQLRelay - Mon 3 Oct – Thur 6 Oct - 16 SQL Server Events taking place across 4 days throughout the whole of the UK.
  • SOUTHAMPTON - Wed 9 Nov -Allan Mitchell and James Rowland-Jones taking over the evening.
  • LEEDS - Wed 23 Nov - Provisional date.
Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

  • SLS: The rocket in need of a destination .. I vote for Mars
  • Windows 8 Preview - Want to throw away that keyboard
  • Step this way please – Computer algorithm that can analyze your walk just like a fingerprint, I just think that’s a cue for some Silly walks
  • Seeing double with Nasa’s Kepler telescope, a Planet with 2 Sunsets  .. although it would be a little chilly (so you’ll need a scarf)
  • Solar bottle light Bulb  frankly it is just genius – it has so many applications

That’s it for this week. If you’ve read a post that you think deserves a mention be sure to let me and other readers know by using comments section below.

John – Thank you kindly for letting me pen this edition – I do hope this has been enjoyable to read for your readers as it was to write.. I look forward to seeing some of you all @ SQLBits 9  Note: my session is on 1st thing Saturday Morning.. I be “Waiting” & wish me & the Other UK speakers luck with our SQLPASS sessions.

Neil Hambly (Blog|Twitter) & my daily paper @ http://paper.li/Neil_Hambly

Did you enjoy this  post? The best way to show your support is by clicking the Like/Google Plus 1 button at the top of the on site post.
It spreads the word helping our SQL community grow and shows you care :-)

Have a great weekend!

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community No comments

Sep 9, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 09/09/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter. Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts.   You can also receive posts via Email.

Every DBA needs a vacation (How to Raise Your Game By Doing Nothing) and I’m most certainly no exception to the rule. In the not too distant future I will be taking my leave of you for a short while, meaning there will be no weekly post for you to enjoy. Fear not however, for I shall of course return.

As is often the case in life, with misfortune also comes opportunity for those who are prepared to see it and brave enough to take it. So whilst I’m away I would be delighted for one of you to take the SFTW baton from my hand and play host for a week or two. You might want stick with the existing format or even add your own spin on it. It’s your call and opportunity to shine.

I’m delighted to announce that next week UK SQL Server community champion and speaker Neil Hambly(Blog|Twitter) will be your host! I’m really looking forward to seeing what content Neil chooses to share with us and hope that you will make him feel welcome here. There’s one more host slot up for grabs the following week so drop me an email if you’re interested.

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • LONDON - Sep 12 – 14 - Advanced SQL Server Troubleshooting Workshop
  • SQLBits 9 -  Thur 29 Sep – 1 Oct – The UKs largest SQL Server event heads to Liverpool.
  • SQLRelay - Mon 3 Oct – Thur 6 Oct – 13 SQL Server Events taking place across 4 days throughout the whole of the UK.
  • SOUTHAMPTON - Wed 9 Nov -Allan Mitchell and James Rowland-Jones taking over the evening.
  • LEEDS - Wed 23 Nov - Provisional date.
Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. If you’ve read a post this week that you think deserves a mention be sure to let me and other readers know by using comments section below. You can also reach me on email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

Have a great weekend!

Did you enjoy this  post? The best way to show your support is by clicking the Like/Google Plus 1 button at the top of the on site post.
It spreads the word helping our SQL community grow and shows you care :-)

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community No comments

Sep 2, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 02/09/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter. Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts.   You can also receive posts via Email.

Every DBA needs a vacation (How to Raise Your Game By Doing Nothing) and I’m most certainly no exception to the rule. In the not too distant future I will be taking my leave of you for a short while, meaning there will be no weekly post for you to enjoy. Fear not however, for I shall of course return.

As is often the case in life, with misfortune also comes opportunity for those who are prepared to see it and brave enough to take it. So whilst I’m away I would be delighted for one of you to take the SFTW baton from my hand and play host for a week or two. You might want stick with the existing format or even add your own spin on it. It’s your call and opportunity to shine. Drop me an email if you’re interested.

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • SOUTHAMPTON - Wed 7 Sep - Simon Sabin (MCMMVP) and Jessica Meats presenting at the Southampton User Group.
  • LONDON - Sep 12 – 14 - Advanced SQL Server Troubleshooting Workshop
  • SQLBits 9 -  Thur 29 Sep – 1 Oct – The UKs largest SQL Server event heads to Liverpool.
  • SQLRelay - Mon 3 Oct – Thur 6 Oct – 13 SQL Server Events taking place across 4 days throughout the whole of the UK.
Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

Even More SQL Server Stuff

What’s that you say, you still hunger for even more SQL Server goodness? Check out my most Popular Posts area, where you can see what other readers have enjoyed reading as well as my personal favourites.

That’s it for this week. If you’ve read a post this week that you think deserves a mention be sure to let me and other readers know by using comments section below. You can also reach me on email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

Did you enjoy reading this weeks post? The best way you can show your support is by clicking the Like and/or Google Plus 1 button at the top of this post. It spreads the word helping our SQL community grow and shows you care :-)

Have a great weekend!

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community No comments

Aug 26, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 26/08/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts. Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter.  You can also receive posts via Email.

Do you enjoy reading SFTW? Show your support by clicking the Like and/or Google Plus 1 button at the top of this post. It spreads the word in helping our SQL community grow and shows you care :-)

Perhaps you would like to guest post one week? If this is something that would be of interest to you then let me know!

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • MANCHESTER - Wed 24 Aug - Replication by Neil Hambly and Cube versus tables with Steve Powell at the Coop
  • LEEDS -Thu 25 Aug - XQuery  Fundamentals with Neil Hambly
  • SOUTHAMPTON - Wed 7 Sep - Simon Sabin (MCMMVP) and Jessica Meats presenting at the Southampton User Group.
  • LONDON - Sep 12 – 14 - Advanced SQL Server Troubleshooting Workshop
  • SQLBits 9 -  Thur 29 Sep – 1 Oct – The UKs largest SQL Server event heads to Liverpool.
  • SQLRelay - Mon 3 Oct – Thur 6 Oct – 13 SQL Server Events taking place across 4 days throughout the whole of the UK.
Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. If you’ve read a post this week that you think deserves a mention be sure to let me and other readers know by using comments section below. You can also reach me on email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

Have a great Bank Holiday weekend!

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community 1 Comment

Aug 19, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 19/08/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts. Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter.  You can also receive posts via Email.

There is a tremendous amount of UK SQL community action coming up in the next few months. So much so in fact that it requires an entire post of it’s own. Watch this space for more details soon…

Is it just me or does there seem to be a bit of SQL MCM fever in the air this week? There’s certainly more chatter going on, what with Hangouts cropping up on Google providing folks the opportunity to get involved in study groups. Not to mention everyone’s favourite rock star (apart from Bryan Adams) is halfway up mount MCM already, as Thomas Larock (Blog|Twitter) shares his story this week in Call Me Mini-Master. A hat tip to you my good sir.

Needless to say he’s in good company ;-) as I also took the opportunity whilst on a recent trip to Seattle to try my hand at the MCM Knowledge Exam. I was originally planning on keeping my cards close to my chest about the whole thing but then I thought that sharing my story here may actually just give me (and maybe some others too) the proverbial kick up the backside to get on with it already. Were the recent opportunity not to have presented itself I would still be faffing about and procrastinating about the whole thing. Sometimes you just have to go for it and on this occasion I’m certainly pleased I did. Next stop, Lab Exam……..

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • MANCHESTER - Wed 24 Aug - Replication by Neil Hambly and Cube versus tables with Steve Powell at the Coop
  • LEEDS -Thu 25 Aug - XQuery Fundementals with Neil Hambly
  • SOUTHAMPTON – Wed 7 Sep - Simon Sabin (MCMMVP) and Jessica Meats presenting at the Southampon User Group.
  • LONDON - Sep 12 – 14 - Advanced SQL Server Troubleshooting Workshop
  • SQLBits 9 –  Thur 29 Sep – 1 Oct – The UKs largest SQL Server event heads to Liverpool.
Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. If you’ve read a post this week that you think deserves a mention be sure to let me and other readers know by using comments section below. You can also reach me on email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

Have a great weekend!

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community 1 Comment

Aug 13, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 12/08/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts. Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter.  You can also receive posts via Email.

It’s a double round-up for you, as I write this weeks SFTW post from Seattle Tacoma (Sea-Tac as the locals call it) Airport. I’ve been away with work for the last two weeks and so blog time has been in short supply but nevertheless I always endeavour to come up with the goods for the regulars.

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • EDINBURGH - Wed 17 Aug - Reporting Services and Sharepoint Integration with Rob Carrol
  • LONDON - Thur 18 Aug -
  • SURREY - Thu 18 Aug - A packed evening covering Business Intelligence, Denali and a newcommer’s first session!
  • MANCHESTER - Wed 24 Aug - Replication by Neil Hambly and Cube versus tables with Steve Powell at the Coop
  • LEEDS -Thu 25 Aug - XQuery Fundementals with Neil Hambly

Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. If you’ve read a post this week that you think deserves a mention be sure to let me and other readers know by using comments section below. You can also reach me on email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

Have a great weekend!

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community 1 Comment

Jul 29, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 29/07/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts. Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter.  You can also receive posts via Email.

“Flying the flag..”

It’s hat tips all around this week for our UK SQL Server community speakers who will be proudly flying the flag at the upcoming PASS Summit.

With our UK speaker talent in demand all the way across the pond, it should be clear that the PASS Summit is the Super Bowl of SQL Server events and one that you should do all you can to attend. Congratulations folks!

You more astute readers will have no doubt noticed that we’ve gone all Web 2.0 (social media fluffy stuff) this week with the addition of the Google+ and Facebook Like buttons to the blog. Please do click-ity-clack that like button to show your support for our awesome SQL Server community and to let me know you care.

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • SOUTHAMPTON - Wed 10 Aug – Neil Hambly presenting on partitioning and John Q Martin Esq presenting SQL Server, the DBA and Compliance.
  • CARDIFF - Thu 11 Aug - Why are we Waiting…a 2 hour deep dive session into Wait Types and performance tuning with Neil Hambly
  • EDINBURGH - Wed 17 Aug - Reporting Services and Sharepoint Integration with Rob Carrol
  • EXETER - Thur 18 Aug – SQL South West UG - Alex Whittles(Blog|Twitter) will be talking about PowerPivot and QlikView 101 (level 200)
  • LONDON - Thur 18 Aug -
  • SURREY - Thu 18 Aug - A packed evening covering Business Intelligence, Denali and a newcommer’s first session!
  • MANCHESTER - Wed 24 Aug - Replication by Neil Hambly and Cube versus tables with Steve Powell at the Coop
  • LEEDS -Thu 25 Aug - XQuery  Fundamentals with Neil Hambly

Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. If you’ve read a post this week that you think deserves a mention be sure to let me and other readers know by using comments section below. You can also reach me on email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

Have a great weekend!

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community 2 Comments

Jul 22, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 22/07/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Subscribe to the Blog Feed now to ensure you catch all posts. Don’t miss out on your weekly fix of SQL Server Links, community news and technology banter.  You can also receive posts via Email.

The regulars will know that I really enjoy reading and not just about SQL Server. I’m very interested in Professional/Personal Development, in case you had not guessed from some of my posts, as well as economics, blogging, marketing and even the odd lighter read too. There’s a lot of great stuff out there and I wanted to share with you what I have enjoyed reading, both SQL server titles and more.

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

SQL Server Links

Replication = SQL Marmite

Replication = SQL Marmite

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • SOUTHAMPTON - Wed 10 Aug – Neil Hambly presenting on partitioning and John Q Martin Esq presenting SQL Server, the DBA and Compliance.
  • CARDIFF - Thu 11 Aug - Why are we Waiting…a 2 hour deep dive session into Wait Types and performance tuning with Neil Hambly
  • EDINBURGH - Wed 17 Aug - Reporting Services and Sharepoint Integration with Rob Carrol
  • LONDON - Thur 18 Aug -
  • SURREY - Thu 18 Aug - A packed evening covering Business Intelligence, Denali and a newcommer’s first session!
  • MANCHESTER - Wed 24 Aug - Replication by Neil Hambly and Cube versus tables with Steve Powell at the Coop
  • LEEDS -Thu 25 Aug - XQuery  Fundamentals with Neil Hambly
Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. If you’ve read a post this week that you think deserves a mention be sure to let me and other readers know by using comments section below. You can also reach me on email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

Have a great weekend!

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community 3 Comments

Jul 15, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 15/07/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Make sure you catch all my posts by Subscribing to the Blog Feed. You can also receive posts via Email.

It’s SQL In The City today right here in London town and I’m feeling well and truly gutted that I cannot be there to enjoy what will no doubt be a fantastic SQL community event in my home town. Those generous folks from RedGate will be putting on a second SQL In The City event later in the year, this time to be held in Los Angeles, so if that’s in your neck of the woods be sure to get involved.

Three of our very own UK SQL Server speakers [Neil Hambly(Blog|Twitter), Jen Stirrup (Blog|Twitter) and Chris Webb(Blog|Twitter)] need your support in their bid to present at the PASS Summit this year. These guys do an incredible amount for the SQL community here in the UK and in my view they thoroughly deserve the opportunity to speak at PASS.  You can give them your support by voting for them in the Community Choice sessions!

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

  • LEEDS - Wed 20 Jul - Leeds UG meeting with Steve Powell
  • LONDON - Wed 20 Jul - User Group Meeting with Neil Hambly, Alex Whittles, Avanade
  • MANCHESTER – Thu 21 Jul - Manchester UG meeting at BSS with Jen Stirrup and Nicholas Colebourn
  • EXETER – Thur 21 Jul - Christian Bolton MCA/MCM/MVP presenting at South West SQL User Group
  • BRISTOL - Thur 21 Jul - SQL Server Club User Group with James Rowland-Jones
Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. What was your favourite post? If I’ve missed anything that you think deserves a mention then be sure to let me know! You can leave your comments below, send me an email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community No comments

Jul 8, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 08/07/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Make sure you catch all my posts by Subscribing to the Blog Feed. You can also receive posts via Email.

This week I had the opportunity to work on an interesting SQL Server reporting solution. The environment in question was using a combination of Database Mirroring and Database Snapshots in order to offload reporting from the Principle database/server. The Snapshot was being refreshed every 10 minutes however the refresh cycle was experiencing delay (for a variety of reasons) during which time user connectivity was unavailable to the Snapshot because it essentially did not exist. Rather than go into more details here (I’ll save those for a separate post) I’ll skip straight to the solution, which was to create a pointer database using Synonyms to reference the most recent Snapshot. This permitted the switch between Snapshots to be transparent to the connections of the reporting application. I developed the solution by building upon something similar from a post written by the SQLCAT team. I extended/modified the code in order to support Database Mirroring. I’ll be sure to share the details of how I did this with you in a future post but for now I thought I would bring the post by SQLCAT your attention. I had not seen or considered this type of solution previously and so thought it may be of interest to you too.

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

  • CARDIFF – Thu Jul 14 – Cardiff User Group. Agenda TBA
  • LONDON - Fri 15 Jul – SQL in the City
  • LEEDS - Wed 20 Jul - Leeds UG meeting with Steve Powell
  • LONDON - Wed 20 Jul - User Group Meeting with Neil Hambly, Alex Whittles, Avanade
  • MANCHESTER – Thu 21 Jul - Manchester UG meeting at BSS with Jen Stirrup and Nicholas Colebourn

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. What was your favourite post? If I’ve missed a post from the week that you think should have made the cut then don’t forever hold your silence, share it via the comments or Twitter(@JohnSansom).

By Administration, Link Posts No comments

Jul 1, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 01/07/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Make sure you catch all my posts by Subscribing to the Blog Feed. You can also receive posts via Email.

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

  • KENT – Tue 5 July - A  SqlServer focused event with not one but two sql server MVPs. Tony Rogerson & Chris Testa-O’Neill
  • SOUTHAMPTON - Wed Jul 6 – SQL User group evening of Matt Whitfield (@atlantis_uk) and Alex Whittles (@PurpleFrogSys)
  • CARDIFF – Thu Jul 14 – Cardiff User Group. Agenda TBA
  • LONDON - Fri 15 Jul – SQL in the City
  • LEEDS - Wed 20 Jul - Leeds UG meeting with Steve Powell
  • LONDON - Wed 20 Jul - User Group Meeting with Neil Hambly, Alex Whittles, Avanade
  • MANCHESTER – Thu 21 Jul - Manchester UG meeting at BSS with Jen Stirrup and Nicholas Colebourn

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. What was your favourite post? If I’ve missed anything that you think deserves a mention then be sure to let me know! You can leave your comments below, send me an email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community No comments

Jun 24, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 24/06/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Make sure you catch all my posts by Subscribing to the Blog Feed. You can also receive posts via Email.

This weeks post comes to you live from the SQLskills Immersion Event in London. It’s been a fantastic week jam packed full with learning SQL Server Internals and Performance, although technically right this moment I’m currently slacking in the middle of class so I had better get back to it before I’m caught out. You see the risks I take for you readers! I’ve acquired a mountain of great knowledge to takeaway and put to work back at the office. I’ll be sure to share more in the coming weeks. In the mean time……

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

  • READING – 27 – 28 June – Microsoft Business Intelligence - Discover SQL Server “Denali” with SSAS (Days 1-2)
  • KENT – Tue 5 July - A  SqlServer focused event with not one but two sql server MVPs. Tony Rogerson & Chris Testa-O’Neill
  • SOUTHAMPTON - Wed Jul 6 – SQL User group evening of Matt Whitfield (@atlantis_uk) and Alex Whittles (@PurpleFrogSys)
  • CARDIFF – Thu Jul 14 – Cardiff User Group. Agenda TBA
  • LONDON - Fri 15 Jul – SQL in the City
  • LONDON - September 12 – 14 - Advanced SQL Server Troubleshooting Workshop

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. What was your favourite post? If I’ve missed anything that you think deserves a mention then be sure to let me know! You can leave your comments below, send me an email and find me on Twitter(@JohnSansom).

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community 1 Comment

Jun 17, 2011

Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 17/06/11

I hope you’ve had a great week!

Make sure you catch all my posts by Subscribing to the Blog Feed. You can also receive posts via Email.

One of drawbacks to a Blog site layout is that it can be easy for good content to get buried and go unnoticed. I try to get around this by keeping the Popular Posts section up to date, highlighting both the last months most popular content alongside my all time most popular posts. What about all the stuff in between though? Well I’ve now simplified and organized all my post categories, which you can see on the right hand menu widget on the blog. I hope this will improve your experience of the site and maybe even introduce you to some content you’ve yet to enjoy.

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

SQL Server Links

UK SQL Server Upcoming Events

Use the SQL Server Event Calendar to keep informed of all upcoming SQL Server events, User Groups, and training opportunities here in the UK. You can also add this calendar alongside you existing Google calendar.

  • LONDON - Mon 20 Jun – Multi Day Seminar – SQLskills Immersion Event on Internals and Performance – 5 day event 20th June – 25th June
    • Tue 21 Jun - SQLskills hosts in London: Tips for Query Tuning with SQL Sentry Plan Explorer and More!
    • Wed 22 Jun - Fusion-io will present: SQL at the speed of FLASH
  • LONDON – Tue Jun 21 – London UG meeting on BI topics including spatial data support & other topic (TBC)
  • EDINBURGH - Thu 23 Jun – Scottish Area User Group Meeting
  • READING – 27 – 28 June – Microsoft Business Intelligence - Discover SQL Server “Denali” with SSAS (Days 1-2)
  • KENT – Tue 5 July - A  SqlServer focused event with not one but two sql server MVPs. Tony Rogerson & Chris Testa-O’Neill
  • SOUTHAMPTON - Wed Jul 6 – SQL User group evening of Matt Whitfield (@atlantis_uk) and Alex Whittles (@PurpleFrogSys)
  • CARDIFF – Thu Jul 14 – Cardiff User Group. Agenda TBA
  • LONDON - Fri 15 Jul – SQL in the City
  • LONDON - September 12 – 14 - Advanced SQL Server Troubleshooting Workshop

Misc Technology Posts

That’s it for this week. What was your favourite post? If I’ve missed anything that you think deserves a mention then be sure to let me know! You can leave your comments below, send me an email and find me onTwitter(@JohnSansom).

By Link Posts, SQL Server Community 1 Comment

« 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 »