Tony Rogerson's ramblings on SQL Server

I always like working at home with my patio door open, we had a really heavy rain shower and I got a visitor.

Anyway, this video is one of the instances of me chasing him/her out of my office.

So much for prepping for my LiveMeeting this afternoon :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrq_0woVynE

Tony.

If you want to see how far along your restore or backup is then you can do this... 

select percent_complete
from sys.dm_exec_requests
where session_id = 53

This is in addition to the STATS = n option on the BACKUP/RESTORE commands.

I'm migrating one of my clients from SQL Server 2000 to SQL Server 2008, they currently have an active/passive SQL Server 2000 cluster and we are going to keep the same architecture but on SQL Server 2008.

The licence "expert" first states that SQL Server 2008 Standard edition doesn't have clustering - so, that got corrected with a link onto the MS website; now I'm told you need two licences for a SQL Server 2008 active/passive cluster - wrong again and here are the bits from MS...

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/licensing-faq.aspx:

Q.  If I am doing log shipping in an active/passive failover configuration, how should I license the backup server?

Basically if you have 1 physical processor (cores doesn't matter) in your active and you have 2 physical processors in the passive then that is not legal; but, if you have 1 in the active and 1 in the passive then that is legal.

Another link: http://www.microsoft.com/Sqlserver/2005/en/us/special-considerations.aspx#passive

So....

3 servers (all with 1 physical processor), two in a active/passive cluster and one a standalone server that I'll log ship to for DR.

Licence requirements...

2 x Windows 2008 Enterprise x64 because you need Enterprise to do clustering on Windows 2008.

1 x Windows 2008 Standard x64 - standalone box.

1 x SQL Server 2008 Standard x64 Processor licence which covers the Active node; the two failover "passive" servers are covered in the EULA as follows:

(from http://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/userights/Downloader.aspx?DocumentId=2235 available via http://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/userights/DocumentSearch.aspx?Mode=3&DocumentTypeId=1)

I know its a rant, but these guy are suppose to know their stuff when selling products - its not that often we get a new version!

Pronounced: "Automaton-Mattick"

Meaning: Used to descibe individuals using forums who persistently post canned answers without adjusting the said answers to take into account changes in the underlying topic or technology.

We are broadcasting tonights UK SQL Server User Group meeting in Reading, for more information go to http://sqlserverfaq.com/events/168/SQL-2008-R2-and-Gemini-From-Data-Modelling-to-Information-Architecture-and-Attribute-Relationships-Aggregations-and-using-MDX-Studio-to-its-best.aspx.

 The agenda...

6.15pm – 7:00pm Andrew Fryer, Microsoft

SQL Server 2008 R2 and Gemini
SQL Server 2008 R2 will be the release with Gemini in it. Gemini is about trying to marry self service BI for end users with proper control of that data for the IT Professional. The beta program has only been recently announced and so it’s still early days but if you want to know what to expect then this is your first real opportunity in the UK. So join Andrew Fryer for an hour of peering into what 2010 BI looks like

7:00pm - 7:45pm Ruairi Prendiville, Sybase

From Data Modeling to Information Architecture
It used to be about doing the thing right: a tactical approach for data modelling was necessary, because all the data was contained within the same domain. Now it’s about doing the right thing. Management demands information that is strategic and which helps them make business decisions. This information is more complex, housed in multiple domains, created in different languages, and used by different areas of the organisation for opposing purposes. Adding to the complexity is the critical need for it to be timely, accurate and comprehensive. 
In this 45-minute session, Andrew de Rozairo and Alex Pratt of Sybase will impart the secrets of successfully building a foundation for a comprehensive and successful information architecture. You’ll learn how to take a new approach to modelling: combining the business view, information view and the technology view to achieve a strategic vision. 

7:45pm – 8pm BREAK: Light refreshments

More time to network and ask questions...

8pm - 8:15pm Vincent Rainardi

Nugget (demo) on SSAS

8:15pm – 9.00pm Ashwani Roy

Attribute Relationships, Aggregations and using MDX Studio to its best
Setting proper relationships for the attributes of a dimension is essential from a query performance point of view. It is one of the most important things while dimensional modelling.
Aggregations are pre calculated summaries of cube data that help enable Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services (SSAS) to provide rapid query responses. Aggregations are like fact table data grouped and aggregated to a higher level in the Hierarchy. Building the correct aggregations can greatly enhance query performance.
MDX Studio can be used to analyze complex MDX expressions, monitor performance characteristics of MDX queries and get insight into how MDX interacts with other UDM features such as attribute relationships. MDX Studio provides unique visualization representation of MDX expression and allows the user to interact with different stages of MDX execution. It is built by Mosha Pasumansky, who is inventor of MDX and one of the Architects of Microsoft Analysis Services.

There is a job going in Bristol (see below), if you are interested and experienced enough for the role then please email me tonyrogerson@sqlserverfaq.com and I'll forward your details onto the agent - note; obviously - do so before the end of June 2009 as google will index this and the job position may filled quickly. UK folks only!

Job Title - MS SQL DBA OLAP developer
Position - Permanent
Location - Bristol

XXX is a leading distributor of digital media with clients throughout the world.  We are responsible for the complete hosting and distribution process of digital media from receipt from copyright holder to distribution to end users, revenue collection, royalty payments and a multitude of steps in between. We are currently undertaking a number of cutting edge development projects within the areas of PC, mobile and services; and are therefore looking to expand our already impressive development team.  We are looking for a MS SQL DBA OLAP developer to help us grow and develop our MS SQL Server Data Warehouse to support the predicted volumes and proposed new business models. Required technical experience:

• Extensive experience with SQL Server as a database developer
• Ability to produce technical documentation to support solutions implemented
• Commercial experience with
• MS Business Intelligence studio
• MS SQL 2005 Analysis Services as a cube designer (including working knowledge of MDX)
• MS SQL 2005 Reporting Services
• MS SQL 2005 Integration Services
• Visual Studio Team Edition 2005 for Database Professionals
• Designing, testing, developing and delivering Kimball-style star schema data warehouses – including good dimensional modelling experience.
• Financial reporting systems
• Management information systems
• Team Foundation Server
• Multi-terabyte SQL databases

• Developing reporting and business intelligence solutions using the MS SQL 2005 Business Intelligence product stack
• Ability to analyse and maintain existing solutions
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of software development lifecycles

Personal traits:

·         Self motivation and drive
·         Strong team working skills
·         Be able to deliver technology solutions within a dynamic environment
·         An excellent level of attention to detail
·         A strong sense of ownership
·         Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written 

• .NET development (C#, VB etc)
• SQL2008 server
• Distributed architecture (hardware and software)
• Test driven development techniques
• Working within cross functional agile project teams

• Development of the data warehouse solutions using MS SQL 2005 business intelligence platform
• Delivering appropriate technical solutions to meet business needs
• Providing accurate technical documentation and estimates
• Working in collaboration with other colleagues to deliver solutions that bring business value

Don't forget tonight's online meeting presented by Allan Mitchell, SQL Server MVP.

The LiveMeeting URL to join the meeting is: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/mvp/join?id=JJRMN6&role=attend&pw=b%27q%2F-s8D8; please join at least 10 minutes before the meeting so you have time to download the LiveMeeting control. We are recording the LiveMeeting and it will be available next week.

4 Jun 2009
Integrating Data Mining into your BI Solution
LIVE MEETING @ 7.30pm - 8pm
Allan Mitchell, SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=177

If you find these LiveMeetings useful then please let us know, we also need to know topics of interest and mostly importantly - tell a friend! The more popular these are the more people I'll get doing them. Anyway, enjoy the meeting.

Any problems just call me, Tony Rogerson 0796 816 0362.

Tony Rogerson
SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com
http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/tonyrogerson

Good catch Satya! There is a new MS press ebook out on "Introducing SQL Server 2008", this is particularly apt as I'm doing a number of LiveMeetings targetted at introducing the product.

http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/ssqanet/archive/2009/06/03/free-microsoft-press-ebook-offer-introducing-sql-server-2008.aspx

We have weekly LiveMeetings on every Thursday in June, plus a range of physical events, also don't forget tomorrow (Wed) is the Leeds user group meeting (http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=182) and they will be covering Performance Troubleshooting Techniques end-to-end as well as replaying Profiler files, if you've already registered then see you there - Martin Bell is your host for the evening.

Thursday evening (7.30pm) Allan Mitchell SQL Server MVP is doing a Live Meeting (http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=177) on Integrating Data Mining into your BI Solution.

Coming up next Wed in Reading we have Andrew Fryer (Microsoft) on SQL 2008 R2 and Gemini; Ruairi Prendiville (Sybase) on From Data Modelling to Information Architecture and Ashwani Roy (IMGROUP) on Attribute Relationships, Aggregations and using MDX Studio to its best - see http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=168 for more information.

I'm formulating the list of ongoing Live Meetings and it will be published on sqlserverfaq.com soon - if you fancy doing 30 minutes then let me know (any level, beginner - advanced).

The LiveMeeting from my SQL Server Basics Tools Part 1 is here: http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/tonyrogerson/archive/2009/05/28/livemeeting-recording-for-my-sql-server-toolset-intro-part-1-is-now-available.aspx

3 Jun 2009
SQL Server Troubleshooting Techniques
LEEDS [also possibly via LiveMeeting]
Sponsor: Quest (http://www.quest-software.co.uk/sql-server)
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=182

4 Jun 2009
Integrating Data Mining into your BI Solution
LIVE MEETING @ 7.30pm - 8pm
Allan Mitchell, SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=177

10 Jun 2009
SQL 2008 R2 and Gemini; From Data Modelling to Information Architecture and Attribute Relationships, Aggregations and using MDX Studio to its best.
READING

http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=168

11 Jun 2009
SQL Server Basics (Part 2 : An introduction to using the product - "What is SQL Server? The component parts: cache, databases, files, logs.");
LIVE MEETING @ 3pm - 3.30pm
Tony Rogerson, SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=184

18 Jun 2009
Creating a star schema and OLAP cube
LIVE MEETING @ time to be confirmed
Trevor Dwyer, Avanade
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=185

18 Jun 2009
End-to-End SQL Server Performance Troubleshooting
LONDON
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=158

25 Jun 2009
Backing up and Restoring Databases - 30 minutes on how to, why to and building an effective Disaster Recovery strategy
LIVE MEETING @ 3pm - 3.30pm
Tony Rogerson, SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=187

Any problems just call me, Tony Rogerson 0796 816 0362.

Tony Rogerson
SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com
http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/tonyrogerson

June 10th sees a cracking line up as the title above shows. 

For more information and to register: http://www.sqlserverfaq.com/events/168/SQL-2008-R2-and-Gemini-From-Data-Modelling-to-Information-Architecture-and-Attribute-Relationships-Aggregations-and-using-MDX-Studio-to-its-best.aspx

The first in my live meeting series was on SQL Server Basics - Part 1 : An introduction to the SQL Server toolset.

The recording is available here:

http://sqlserverfaq.com/livemeetings/sqlfaq_20090528_tonyrogerson_sqlserverbasics_tools.zip

I pretty much covered the following:

>> Common tools you need to use in deploying, using and managing SQL Server (Configuration Tools, Management Studio, Profiler and Perfmon)

>> Simple querying

SQL Server Installation Center

Configuration Manager

 Manage Services

 Network - 32 v 64.

Don't forget tonight is the Edinburgh user group meeting (http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=174, if you've already registered then see you there - Martin Bell is your host this evening. Tomorrow afternoon I'm doing a Live Meeting (http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=175) on the product tools at an introduction level - ideal for anyone who needs to manage SQL Server but its not their main job (forward this on if you know someone like that).

Three new bloggers are active on http://sqlblogcasts.com; Trevor Dwyer (http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/sqlartist), Martin Bell (http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/martinbell) and David Wimbush (http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/davidwimbush/) - lots of super fine content on there too!

I'm formulating the list of ongoing Live Meetings and it will be published on sqlserverfaq.com soon - if you fancy doing 30 minutes then let me know (any level, beginner - advanced).

TODAY (27th May)
Patterns and Practices with SQL Server and How to Model Hierarchies.
EDINBURGH
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=174

TOMORROW (28th May)
Live Meeting - SQL Server Basics (Part 1 : An introduction to using the product - "The SQL Server Toolset").
LIVE MEETING
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=175

3 Jun 2009
SQL Server Troubleshooting Techniques
LEEDS
Sponsor: Quest (http://www.quest-software.co.uk/sql-server)
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=182

4 Jun 2009
Integrating Data Mining into your BI Solution
LIVE MEETING
Allan Mitchell, SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=177

10 Jun 2009
Business Intelligence Focused Event
READING
The agenda is nearly complete, what out on the site!
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=168

18 Jun 2009
SQL Server Usergroup - Evening Event
LONDON
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=158

Any problems just call me, Tony Rogerson 0796 816 0362.

Tony Rogerson
SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com
http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/tonyrogerson

Are you coming to Reading tomorrow - see you there! Tomorrow evening at Microsoft I've got Mike Taulty taking us through ADO.NET Data Services and James O'Neill and Viral Tarpara from Microsoft will do Windows 7 indepth. We've also got our weekly Thursday Live Meetings starting on the 28th May, even if the topics aren't immediately applicable come and join us anyway for the networking sessions - meet your peers perhaps get the gossip or get a question answered in our round table session.

Simon Sabin and Martin Bell have secured a new venue in Cambridge and we've got Peter Blackburn to do a Reporting Services hints and tips session and Darren Green on Integration Services.

Check out one of our site sponsors Confio who have published a series of white-papers on SQL Server- Confio Whitepapers.

13 May 2009
Sessions on Understanding ADO.NET Data Services, Windows 7 features in-depth and the usual SQL Nuggets and Networking
READING
Microsoft's Mike Taulty, James O'Neill and Viral Tarpara
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=167

20 May 2009
Reporting Services and Integration Services - Evening Event
CAMBRIDGE
Peter Blackburn and Darren Green, SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=176

21 May 2009
SQL Server in the Cloud - Evening Event
LONDON
Jamie Thomson, SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=156

23 May 2009
DDD South West
TAUNTON
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=166

27 May 2009
Patterns and Practices with SQL Server and How to Model Hierarchies
EDINBURGH
SQL Server MVP's Satya Shyam K Jayanty and Martin Bell
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=174

28 May 2009
SQL Server Basics P1 (The SQL Server Toolset)
LIVE MEETING
Tony Rogerson, SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=175

4 Jun 2009
Integrating Data Mining into your BI Solution
LIVE MEETING
Allan Mitchell, SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=177

10 Jun 2009
Business Intelligence/Data Mining Focused Event - Agenda TBC
READING
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=168

18 Jun 2009
SQL Server Usergroup - Evening Event
LONDON
http://sqlserverfaq.com?eid=158

Any problems just call me, Tony Rogerson 0796 816 0362.

Tony Rogerson
SQL Server MVP
http://sqlserverfaq.com
http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/tonyrogerson
http://sqlbits.com

Quick note on what's coming up this month in the user group physical meetings, if you want to come make sure you register asap so we know numbers. 

This Thurs: Manchester, Evening

http://sqlserverfaq.com/events/172/Tony-Rogerson-23-years-of-hints-and-tips-on-SQL-and-using-it-and-Chris-TestaONeill-Monitoring-and-Controlling-Resources-in-SQL-Server.aspx

We have control! Monitoring and Controlling Resources in SQL Server - Chris Testa-O'Neill
Hints and Tips from 23 years of SQL - Tony Rogerson

Our second Manchester event, come and join us for a great networking experience and a chance to expand your knowledge or even contribute and get your name known.

Next week: Reading, Evening

http://sqlserverfaq.com/events/167/Sessions-on-Understanding-ADONET-Data-Services-Windows-7-features-indepth-and-the-usual-SQL-Nuggets-and-Networking.aspx

Understanding ADO.NET Data Services
Windows 7 indepth

Come and join us for the evening of Wednesday the 13th May at TVP Reading where we have Mike Taulty from Microsoft presenting on "Understanding ADO.NET Data Services" and we have James O'Niell and Viral Tarpara both IT
Pro Evangelists for Microsoft taking us through the features in the soon to be released windows 7 in-depth.

On the horizon:

21 May, London - SQL Server in the cloud

http://sqlserverfaq.com/events/156/SQL-Server-in-the-Cloud-Evening-Event.aspx

27 May, Edinburgh - Patterns and Practices with SQL Server and how to Model Hierarchies

http://sqlserverfaq.com/events/174/Patterns-and-Practices-with-SQL-Server-and-How-to-Model-Hierarchies.aspx

Come and join us for the evening of Wednesday the 13th May at TVP Reading where we have Mike Taulty from Microsoft presenting on "Understanding ADO.NET Data Services" and we have James O'Niell and Viral Tarpara both IT Pro Evangelists for Microsoft taking us through the features in the soon to be released windows 7 in-depth.

http://sqlserverfaq.com/events/167/Sessions-on-Understanding-ADONET-Data-Services-Windows-7-features-indepth-and-the-usual-SQL-Nuggets-and-Networking.aspx

These meetings are great opportunities to network and learn new things.

Please register asap so we have an idea of numbers.,

Tony.