Tablediff is a really handy tool which can be used to fix data sync issues. It is located in the 90\COM directory. If you are ever in a situation whereby replica databases are out of sync then tablediff can save your life. It will compare two tables and generate and output, which includes the T-SQL to fix the data, really handy for avoiding a re-initialisation of the data.
Take a look at the info here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms162843.aspx
It’s also listed as one of the top 10 hidden gems in SQL Server 2005 http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sql/bestpractice/gems-top-10.mspx
The Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) program was announced this week at Tech-Ed in the US. The public URL is now live and all the information can be viewed here http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/master/default.mspx
This is a fairly interesting add-in for Visio which eases the process of creating SQL Server diagrams http://visiotoolbox.com/downloads.aspx?resourceid=2&aid=68. I’ve had a quick play and it looks useful, and there is even support for SQL Server 2008
..on MSDN and Technet subscriber downloads. I’m downloading it now so will provide feedback here soon.
Microsoft UK are looking for someone who is passionate about SQL Server to join the consultancy practice. Take a look at the job spec and apply online here http://members.microsoft.com/careers/international/default.aspx?loc=UKD&lang=EN&job=90302479&newapp=0
I find SSMS to be much more flexible that SQL Server 7.0/2000 Enterprise Manager (SEM) however there are some really basic UI features which should be fixed. The display of data types, in particular LOB such as varchar(max) is not consistent through the UI. For example, in the object explorer I can see varchar(max) in the column hierarchy, sp_columns will represent this as TEXT, sp_help <table> displays varchar and finally the publication wizard also displays the type as varchar. This is particularly frustrating when a DBA needs to de-select LOB data types from the article and the data type is not displayed correctly.
sp_columns:
sp_help:
object explorer:
publication wizard:
This http://blogs.technet.com/dataplatforminsider/archive/2008/04/15/sql-server-2005-sp3-coming-soon.aspx is the first public announcement I have seen which confirms service pack 3 for SQL Server 2005 is on it's way. There is also some really good information appearing on the PSS blog http://blogs.msdn.com/psssql/archive/2008/04/25/sql-server-2005-sp3-and-self-service-hotfixes.aspx about the SP3 build and CU hotfixes.
One of the more frequent requests I hear is for a slipstreamed build (downloadable image or DVD) which includes the service pack, or at least the ability to apply an integrated build. Hopefully this may happen sooner rather than later.
Looks interesting http://www.microsoft.com/sql/dataservices/default.mspx - I'll have to take a closer look. The beta (Connect) sign up page is also available on the site.
Its nice to see that transactional replication in SQL Server 2008 will support the use of the SWITCH partition statement. Unfortunately it looks like the ALTER PARTITION statements will not make it so this will have to be performed manually on the subscriber.
- One of the first mistakes I made was to try a Katmai install on Windows Server 2008 EE core - don't do this as it will not work (although it would be nice if it did). SQL Server Katmai is only supported on Windows Server 2008 full as the .NET framework is not included in the core build.
- SQL Server installer UI has changed, aptly named, SQL Server Installation Centre.
- Adding components to an existing CTP6 instance is only supported via the command prompt e.g. setup.exe /FEATURES=AS,RS; which is a pain if your initial installation fails.
- This is a feature-rich CTP; filestream, resource governor, DMF, performance warehouse etc. are all there. Things like TABLIX and the gauge controls are also present in reporting services.
- CTP6 supports SxS installation with Server 2005. I took the plunge and installed it on my Vista x64 laptop, and the installation worked first time (no problems) unlike the install on WS 2008 EE, which caused me a few problems.
- Surface area configuration has disappeared. I'm sure there are plenty of other things I have missed but these are the areas which I remember.
It's a good read and highlights the impact of the CHECKPOINT duration on database mirroring. The paper also compares the use of HP array based technologies.
High availability for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 using array-based replication and host-based mirroring technologies http://h71028.www7.hp.com/enterprise/cache/581666-0-0-0-121.html
I've just had the opportunity of listening to a program manager talk about Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008. I must admit that it looks really impressive, particularly the support for up to 4 cores and the snapshot facility. I can see where I could use this for testing SQL Server builds/installations and troubleshooting performance issues. All I need now is a quad core proc, 8gb RAM, 1 TB storage and a copy of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition!
Just noticed an email in my inbox stating that Windows Server 2008 RTM is available for download on the Connect website, however product keys are not being provided. I'll have to download it later today/tomorrow and have a play with the new features. I'll report back here with my thoughts, particularly the Katmai install experience.
