BI and Data Warehousing

With familiar tools, new toys, Microsoft BI stack casts wide net

SQL Server BI for the SMB: Prepackaged BI tools vs. do-it-yourself

Since several companies have geared business intelligence tools toward midmarket companies recently, options for SMBs are growing. Should you buy a SQL Server BI tool out of the box, or create one in -house?Tip

SQL Server 2012 Guide

SQL Server 2012 Guide

Microsoft bulks up SQL Server scalability to rival buff competition

Better SQL Server scalability and lower costs have furthered Microsoft’s reach in recent years, industry observers say, and that’s good, because the competition is big and knows the turf well.News | 02 Mar 2012

Microsoft tailors BI capabilities for users, IT in SQL Server 2012

Industry watchers weigh in on Microsoft SQL Server 2012, which offers added business intelligence capabilities for end users and IT. Features include Power View and master data management.Tip

With familiar tools, new toys, Microsoft BI stack casts wide net

The Microsoft BI stack gains a few additions with release of SQL Server 2012, with new Excel-based Power View for business users and old standbys like Reporting Services.Tip

Scenarios abound for SQL Server Master Data Services

SQL Server Master Data Services, Microsoft’s master data management service, can be put to a number of different uses in businesses concerned about data quality and consistency.Tip

Map data flow from Microsoft PowerPivot to Excel, SharePoint

Microsoft PowerPivot, when used with Excel and SharePoint, lets business users manipulate data in Excel workbooks. But how do PowerPivot components fit into those environments?Tip

Upgrade SQL Server; your BI system will thank you

Better performing BI systems are invaluable to businesses itching to get ahead. Upgrade SQL Server to a newer version, Don Jones says, and you’ll be a step closer.News | 09 Jun 2011

Q&A;: Exploring what’s hot: SQL Server virtualization, PowerPivot, PDW

Want the inside scoop on SQL Server virtualization, PowerPivot, parallel data warehouse and the upcoming Denali? Microsoft database expert Mark Kromer discuss these year-driving trends and more.SQL in Five

Further SSIS tips: Parameters and undoing operations

Learn more new tips and tricks for SSIS from expert Robert Sheldon. Check out the last of a three-part series on changes to this important tool.Tip

Great new SSIS features for BI developers

SQL Server 2012 has many features, but a few make SSIS much easier for BI developers. Check out this tip by expert Robert Sheldon to learn more.Tip

SQL Server BI for the SMB: Prepackaged BI tools vs. do-it-yourself

Since several companies have geared business intelligence tools toward midmarket companies recently, options for SMBs are growing. Should you buy a SQL Server BI tool out of the box, or create one in -house?Tip

SQL Server 2012 Guide

SQL Server 2012 Guide

Microsoft tailors BI capabilities for users, IT in SQL Server 2012

Industry watchers weigh in on Microsoft SQL Server 2012, which offers added business intelligence capabilities for end users and IT. Features include Power View and master data management.Tip

With familiar tools, new toys, Microsoft BI stack casts wide net

The Microsoft BI stack gains a few additions with release of SQL Server 2012, with new Excel-based Power View for business users and old standbys like Reporting Services.Tip

Plan ahead for a smooth SQL Server migration

The thought of a SQL Server migration makes many organizations nervous, but they don’t have to be, writes consultant Don Jones. Get tips on making the switch simple.Tip

Microsoft SSIS basics: Tying it all together

SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is designed to make data integration between disparate systems easy. SQL Server expert Don Jones covers the Microsoft SSIS basics.The Reluctant DBA

How to execute scheduled tasks in SQL Azure: Use SSIS packages

Without SQL Agent in SQL Azure, it can be challenging to execute schedules tasks. But it’s not impossible. Learn how using SSIS packages to simulate SQL Agent functionality can help.Tip

Saving time with text data sources in SSIS

Text data sources are among the most common sources used with SQL Server Integration Services. Understanding how they work can help you avoid falling into the usual traps.Video

SQL Server 2012

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 is a relational database management system (RDBMS) designed for the enterprise environment. Like its predecessors, SQL Server 2012 comprises a set of programming extensions to enhance the Structured Query Language (SQL), a standard interactive and programming language for getting information from and updating a database.Definition

More new features for SSIS 2012: Connection managers and more

In the second part of this series on new features, by Robert Sheldon, learn more ways the latest version of SSIS will make BI development simpler.Feature

What's new in SQL Server Reporting Services 2012

What's different about SQL Server Reporting Services 2012? What are the new features? Read this tip by expert Roman Rehak to find out.Tip

Power View packs ample ways of seeing SQL Server business intelligence

Data can be viewed in any number of ways using Microsoft’s new BI tool, according to expert Robert Sheldon. But the application does have its limitations.Tip

SQL Server Power View makes BI reporting look simple

SQL Server 2012’s business intelligence tool puts report building in users’ hands. Read this tip from expert Robert Sheldon to how to get started.Tip

SQL Server BI for the SMB: Prepackaged BI tools vs. do-it-yourself

Since several companies have geared business intelligence tools toward midmarket companies recently, options for SMBs are growing. Should you buy a SQL Server BI tool out of the box, or create one in -house?Tip

SQL Server 2012 Guide

SQL Server 2012 Guide

Microsoft tailors BI capabilities for users, IT in SQL Server 2012

Industry watchers weigh in on Microsoft SQL Server 2012, which offers added business intelligence capabilities for end users and IT. Features include Power View and master data management.Tip

With familiar tools, new toys, Microsoft BI stack casts wide net

The Microsoft BI stack gains a few additions with release of SQL Server 2012, with new Excel-based Power View for business users and old standbys like Reporting Services.Tip

SSRS best practices for a trouble-free deployment

Running SQL Server Reporting Services requires skills ranging from administration to analytical. Get advice on how to keep deployments in top shape.Tip

When to consider SQL Server Enterprise Edition

Is SQL Server Enterprise Edition the right choice for you? Expert Robert Sheldon explains the advantages to consider when making your selection.Feature

Little-known features of Microsoft SQL Server 2012

When it comes to Microsoft SQL Server 2012, it's easy to think you've seen it all. Andrew Novick shows Microsoft still has surprises up their sleeve.Feature

More predictions on 2013 SQL Server trends from Denny Cherry

What can you expect from Microsoft in 2013? Find out which SQL Server trends can be anticipated this year from SQL Server expert Denny Cherry.Feature

Denny Cherry's 2013 predictions (and wishes) for SQL Server trends

What new developments will SQL Server users see in 2013? Expert Denny Cherry predicts SQL Server trends to expect this year.Feature

Brian Larson talks SQL Server business intelligence

Author Brian Larson shares his wisdom and insight regarding SQL Server business intelligence and makes some suggestions for companies new to BI.Q & A

Excerpt: The many levels of SQL Server 2012 business intelligence

Business intelligence allows you to analyze your data and effectively make decisions with it. Read this excerpt from Brian Larson to learn more.Excerpt

In-memory SQL Server: The implications of integration

How is in-memory SQL Server different from SQL Server with a bunch of RAM? SQL Server guru Serdar Yegulalp explains what to know before you install.Tip

BI as a Service: Tips for scaling your BI system...in human terms

BI systems are great...if you can get your employees to use them. How do you make your system scalable? Read this tip from Don Jones to find out.Tip

SQL Server DBAs must get ready to take on 'big data' and more roles

Leaders of the Professional Association for SQL Server say today's DBAs have to handle 'big data' and more types of tasks than ever before.News | 14 Nov 2012

Three tricky questions BI systems can answer

Should a small or medium-sized business 'trust its gut' or get a BI system? Don Jones shows three examples of things you can't determine without BI.Tip

Brian Larson talks SQL Server business intelligence

Author Brian Larson shares his wisdom and insight regarding SQL Server business intelligence and makes some suggestions for companies new to BI.Q & A

Microsoft previews new SQL Server in-memory database features

Microsoft plans to offer new in-memory database capabilities with the next release of SQL Server.News | 07 Nov 2012

Cost, proliferation power rise of SQL Server data warehousing

In data warehousing, cost-benefit’s the issue with backup compression

Backup compression is well known to carry the benefit of cost savings to SQL Server shops, but organizations using SQL Server data warehouses may have a few more variables to consider.Tip

SQL Server 2012 Guide

SQL Server 2012 Guide

Microsoft tailors BI capabilities for users, IT in SQL Server 2012

Industry watchers weigh in on Microsoft SQL Server 2012, which offers added business intelligence capabilities for end users and IT. Features include Power View and master data management.Tip

With familiar tools, new toys, Microsoft BI stack casts wide net

The Microsoft BI stack gains a few additions with release of SQL Server 2012, with new Excel-based Power View for business users and old standbys like Reporting Services.Tip

Cloaked in secrecy, Microsoft project aims to wed SQL, NoSQL databases

Microsoft technical fellow David DeWitt is secretly developing a data management system that can do the jobs of both SQL and NoSQL databases. Can he bring the two sides together?News | 01 Mar 2012

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 goes big -- data, that is

Microsoft database platform specialist Mark Kromer talks in this Q&A; about Microsoft SQL Server 2012 “big data” capabilities, as well as what SQL Server has in store for open source and cloud computing this year.Q&A; | 14 Feb 2012

Cost, proliferation power rise of SQL Server data warehousing

SQL Server data warehousing may have seemed a misnomer a few years ago. But many Microsoft shops with growing data needs are seeing the benefits of native products.News | 19 Jan 2012

Little-known features of Microsoft SQL Server 2012

When it comes to Microsoft SQL Server 2012, it's easy to think you've seen it all. Andrew Novick shows Microsoft still has surprises up their sleeve.Feature

Power View packs ample ways of seeing SQL Server business intelligence

Data can be viewed in any number of ways using Microsoft’s new BI tool, according to expert Robert Sheldon. But the application does have its limitations.Tip

SQL Server Power View makes BI reporting look simple

SQL Server 2012’s business intelligence tool puts report building in users’ hands. Read this tip from expert Robert Sheldon to how to get started.Tip

SQL Server 2012 Guide

SQL Server 2012 Guide

Microsoft tailors BI capabilities for users, IT in SQL Server 2012

Industry watchers weigh in on Microsoft SQL Server 2012, which offers added business intelligence capabilities for end users and IT. Features include Power View and master data management.Tip

With familiar tools, new toys, Microsoft BI stack casts wide net

The Microsoft BI stack gains a few additions with release of SQL Server 2012, with new Excel-based Power View for business users and old standbys like Reporting Services.Tip

SQL Server 2012, cloud, ‘big data’ driving momentum in 2012

With SQL Server 2012 coming out and the growing influence of the SQL Azure cloud and “big data,” the SQL Server landscape could see some major changes in the coming months.News | 13 Feb 2012

Take BI up a notch with SQL Azure Reporting

Microsoft’s cloud-based SQL Azure Reporting lets companies publish and view reports without having to maintain hardware. Get an overview of the service, now in a community technology preview.Feature

Sound policy key to data quality management in Microsoft PowerPivot

Microsoft PowerPivot lets users do data analysis without IT’s help, but too much access can pose serious data quality management issues.Feature

SQL Server Denali on its way, Microsoft shares insights on upgrades

With the SQL Server Denali release date still down the road, would it do businesses any good to upgrade? Microsoft’s Mark Kromer gives advice to businesses itching to move up.Feature