Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.9, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # James Serra's Blog Big Data and Data Warehousing ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.jamesserra.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Three more chapters of my data architecture book are available!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/06/three-more-chapters-of-my-data-architecture-book-are-available/) - [Microsoft Build 2026 announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/06/microsoft-build-2026-announcements/) - [Understanding Microsoft Fabric OneLake Security](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/07/understanding-microsoft-fabric-onelake-security/) - [Microsoft Purview data governance best practices](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/06/purview-best-practices/) - [Deciphering Data Architectures Is Now Available in Multiple Languages](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/06/deciphering-data-architectures-is-now-available-in-multiple-languages/) - [The OneLake catalog in Fabric: Explore, Govern, Secure](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/04/the-onelake-catalog-in-fabric-explore-govern-secure/) - [Understanding Fabric Ontology](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/05/understanding-fabric-ontology/) - [Making Sense of Microsoft’s AI Strategy: Work IQ, Fabric IQ, Foundry IQ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/02/making-sense-of-microsofts-ai-strategy-work-iq-fabric-iq-foundry-iq/) - [Understanding Fabric MCP](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/05/understanding-fabric-mcp/) - [GenAI vs Dashboards: Not the Same (And Never Will Be)](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/04/genai-vs-dashboards-not-the-same-and-never-will-be/) - [Microsoft Fabric AI Skill (renamed Fabric Data Agents)](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/08/microsoft-fabric-ai-skill/) - [Microsoft Fabric shortcut‑based AI transformations ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/07/microsoft-fabric-shortcut-based-ai-transformations/) - [Announcements from the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/03/announcements-from-the-microsoft-fabric-community-conference-4/) - [T-SQL Tuesday #196 Roundup: What career risks have you taken?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/03/t-sql-tuesday-196-roundup-what-career-risks-have-you-taken/) - [Three Ways to Use Snowflake Data in Microsoft Fabric](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/01/three-ways-to-use-snowflake-data-in-microsoft-fabric/) - [Semantic Model Power Query vs Dataflow Gen2 in Fabric](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/03/semantic-model-power-query-vs-dataflow-gen2-in-fabric/) - [T-SQL Tuesday #196: What career risks have you taken?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/03/t-sql-tuesday-192-what-career-risks-have-you-taken/) - [Introduction to OpenAI and LLMs - Part 3](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/01/introduction-to-openai-and-llms-part-3/) - [Building Power BI Reports: Desktop vs Fabric](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/02/building-power-bi-reports-desktop-vs-fabric/) - [Getting Your Data GenAI-Ready: The Next Stage of Data Maturity](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2026/01/getting-your-data-genai-ready-the-next-stage-of-data-maturity/) - [New AI capabilities in SQL Server 2025](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/09/new-ai-capabilities-in-sql-server-2025/) - [Fabric Cost Analysis (FCA)](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/12/fabric-cost-analysis-fca/) - [Salaried employee vs contractor](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/11/salaried-employee-vs-contractor/) - Tries to decide the equivalent pay between being a Permanent/Salaried/Full-Time employee ("Perm") compared to being a W-2 or 1099 Contractor/Consultant ("Consultant"). - [Microsoft Ignite Announcements Nov 2025](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/12/microsoft-ignite-announcements-nov-2025/) - [Starting Your First Data Warehouse: A Practical Learning Guide](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/11/starting-your-first-data-warehouse-a-practical-learning-guide/) - [Ralph Kimball Books](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/05/ralph-kimball-books/) - Describes all the business intelligence and data warehouse books by Ralph Kimball. - [Microsoft Purview: The Key Benefits of Data Governance](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/10/microsoft-purview-the-key-benefits-of-data-governance/) - [Announcements from the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/09/announcements-from-the-microsoft-fabric-community-conference-3/) - [Introduction to OpenAI and LLMs](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/03/introduction-to-openai-and-llms/) - [Azure IoT Operations](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/08/azure-iot-operations/) - [Becoming a Presenter: My Journey and Tips](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/06/becoming-a-presenter-my-journey-and-tips/) - [Microsoft Build announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/05/microsoft-build-announcements/) - [Deciphering Data Architectures: When to Use a Warehouse, Fabric, Lakehouse, or Mesh](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/05/deciphering-data-architectures-when-to-use-a-warehouse-fabric-lakehouse-or-mesh/) - [Announcements from the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/04/announcements-from-the-microsoft-fabric-community-conference-2/) - [Real-Time Intelligence in Microsoft Fabric](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/03/real-time-intelligence-in-microsoft-fabric/) - [Azure SQL Database Hyperscale](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/10/azure-sql-database-hyperscale/) - Details on Azure SQL Database Hyperscale. - [Azure SQL offerings](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/02/azure-sql-offerings/) - [Cool AI sites](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2025/01/cool-ai-sites/) - [Introduction to OpenAI and LLMs - Part 2](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/06/introduction-to-openai-and-llms-part-2/) - [Ways to land data into Fabric OneLake](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/12/ways-to-land-data-into-fabric-onelake/) - [Microsoft Ignite Announcements Nov 2024](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/11/microsoft-ignite-announcements-nov-2024/) - [Benefits of Migrating from Azure Synapse Analytics to Microsoft Fabric](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/11/fabric-benefits-over-synapse/) - [European Microsoft Fabric Community Conference announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/10/european-microsoft-fabric-community-conference-announcements/) - [Get mentored and coached by me and other industry experts!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/09/get-mentored-and-coached-by-me-and-other-industry-experts/) - [Microsoft Purview GA menu's](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/09/microsoft-purview-ga-menus/) - [Microsoft Purview FAQ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/09/microsoft-purview-faq/) - [Classifications and sensitivity labels in Microsoft Purview](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/07/classifications-and-sensitivity-labels-in-microsoft-purview/) - [Microsoft Fabric reference architecture](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/08/microsoft-fabric-reference-architecture/) - [Microsoft Fabric shortcuts](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/05/microsoft-fabric-shortcuts/) - [Copilot in Microsoft Fabric](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/07/copilot-in-microsoft-fabric/) - [Transform yourself into an Invaluable Data Leader in just 6 weeks](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/06/transform-yourself-into-an-invaluable-data-leader-in-just-6-weeks/) - [Microsoft Build event announcements on Fabric](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/05/microsoft-build-event-announcements-5/) - [Microsoft Fabric - the great unifier](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/12/microsoft-fabric-the-great-unifier/) - [Microsoft Purview new data governance features](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/04/microsoft-purview-update/) - [Announcements from the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/03/announcements-from-the-microsoft-fabric-community-conference/) - [Data Mesh Topologies](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/01/data-mesh-topologies/) - [Elevate Your Data Leadership: A Unique Intensive Learning Experience](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/02/elevate-your-data-leadership-a-unique-intensive-learning-experience/) - [My data architecture book is published!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/02/my-data-architecture-book-is-published/) - [Common Data Mesh exceptions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2024/01/common-data-mesh-exceptions/) - [Microsoft Fabric is now GA!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/11/microsoft-fabric-is-now-ga/) - [My data architecture book is now available for pre-order!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/11/my-data-architecture-book-is-now-available-for-pre-order/) - [All the chapters in my data architecture book are now available!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/11/all-the-chapters-in-my-data-architecture-book-are-now-available/) - [Serving layers with a data lake](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/08/serving-layers-with-a-data-lake/) - [My data architecture book now has 15 chapters available!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/10/my-data-architecture-book-now-has-15-chapters-available/) - [Microsoft Fabric roadmap](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/10/microsoft-fabric-roadmap/) - [Eleven chapters of my data architecture book are available](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/10/eleven-chapters-of-my-data-architecture-book-are-available/) - [Nine chapters of my data architecture book are available](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/09/nine-chapters-of-my-data-architecture-book-are-available/) - [Microsoft Fabric: Lakehouse vs Warehouse video](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/07/microsoft-fabric-lakehouse-vs-warehouse-video/) - [Microsoft Fabric introduction video](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/06/microsoft-fabric-introduction-video/) - [Build announcement: Microsoft Fabric](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/05/build-announcement-microsoft-fabric/) - [The first two chapters of my data architecture book are available!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/05/the-first-two-chapters-of-my-book-are-available/) - [Data Marketplace](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/04/data-marketplace/) - [The Microsoft Power Platform](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/06/the-microsoft-power-platform/) - Explains at a high level the products: Power BI, PowerApps, Microsoft Flow, Azure Functions, Logic Apps, and Azure Data Factory - [Master Data Management (MDM) Hub Architecture](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/01/master-data-management-mdm-hub-architecture/) - Describes the different architectures that are possible for a Master Data Management (MDM) hub. - [Using a data lakehouse](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/03/using-a-data-lakehouse/) - [New Microsoft Purview features](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/02/new-microsoft-purview-features/) - [When to have multiple data lakes](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/01/when-to-have-multiple-data-lakes/) - [New year, new role, and new book](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2023/01/new-year-new-role-and-new-book/) - [What is Polyglot Persistence?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/07/what-is-polyglot-persistence/) - Explains in detail what Polyglot Persistence is: Different kinds of data are best dealt with different data stores. - [Azure Synapse and Delta Lake](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/03/azure-synapse-and-delta-lake/) - [My presentation recordings of data architectures](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/12/my-presentation-recordings-of-data-architectures/) - [Synapse database templates info and tips](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/09/synapse-database-templates-info-and-tips/) - [Data lake architecture](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/09/data-lake-architecture/) - [Data Platform products for Microsoft gaps](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/09/products-for-microsoft-gaps/) - [SQL Server 2022 is GA!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/11/sql-server-2022-is-ga/) - [Attending and presenting at conferences](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/11/attending-and-presenting-at-conferences/) - [Microsoft Ignite Announcements Oct 2022](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/10/microsoft-ignite-announcements-oct-2022/) - [Power BI and a Star Schema](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/03/power-bi-and-a-star-schema/) - Talks about the four reasons you should use a star schema instead of a large table in Power BI. - [Power BI connectors to Azure Synapse](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/05/power-bi-connectors-to-synapse/) - [How to keep up with technology](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/08/how-to-keep-up-with-technology/) - [Billing rates - other side of the fence](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/11/billing-rates-other-side-of-the-fence/) - Explanation on the costs and risks taken on by placement firms. - [Distributed Writes](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/09/distributed-writes/) - Talks about the various options for Distributed Writes in SQL Server. - [Power BI guidance documentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/08/power-bi-guidance-documentation/) - [Power BI Datamarts](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/06/power-bi-datamarts/) - [Power BI Performance Features](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/04/power-bi-performance-features/) - [Questions to ask when designing a data architecture](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/07/questions-to-ask-when-designing-a-data-architecture/) - [Power BI as a enterprise data warehouse solution?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/06/power-bi-as-a-enterprise-solution/) - [Data lake details](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/06/data-lake-details/) - The benefits of a data lake. - [Enhance your career by blogging!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/04/enhance-your-career-by-blogging/) - Reasons why you want to start blogging along with blogging tips. - [Multi-tenant databases in the cloud](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/07/multi-tenant-databases-in-the-cloud/) - Discusses the various options of having multiple tenants in a database on the cloud. - [Microsoft Build event announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/05/microsoft-build-event-announcements-4/) - [Azure IoT Central](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/03/azure-iot-central/) - [Databricks Delta Lake](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/10/databricks-delta-lake/) - Explanation and details on Databricks Delta Lake. - [Data Lakehouse, Data Mesh, and Data Fabric ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/02/data-lakehouse-data-mesh-and-data-fabric/) - [Microsoft industry clouds](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2022/01/microsoft-industry-clouds/) - [Common Data Model](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/06/common-data-model/) - Details on what the Common Data Model (CDM) is and what products use it. - [External tables vs T-SQL views on files in a data lake](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/11/external-tables-vs-t-sql-views-on-files-in-a-data-lake/) - Discusses the difference between using an external table versus a T-SQL view on a file in a data lake. - [Distributed SQL](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/12/distributed-sql/) - [Azure Synapse Analytics November updates](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/12/azure-synapse-analytics-november-updates/) - [What to blog about?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/what-to-blog-about/) - How to determine what to blog about - [Single-cloud versus Multi-cloud](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/08/single-cloud-versus-multi-cloud/) - [Azure Synapse Analytics database templates](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/11/azure-synapse-analytics-database-templates/) - [What is the Microsoft Analytics Platform System (APS)?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/04/what-is-the-microsoft-analytics-platform-system-aps/) - Describes the name change from Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW) to Analytics Platform System (APS). - [Microsoft Ignite Announcements Nov 2021](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/11/microsoft-ignite-announcements-nov-2021/) - [Cost savings of the cloud](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/04/cost-savings-of-the-cloud/) - Discussion of the direct and in-direct cost savings of moving from on-prem to the cloud. - [Should you move your data to the cloud?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/11/to-cloud-or-not-to-cloud/) - Discusses the pros and cons of moving data to the cloud. - [SQL Database MI benefits](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/03/sql-database-mi-benefits/) - Discusses the benefits of going with SQL Database Managed Instance (PaaS) over SQL Server in a VM (IaaS). - [Azure Purview is generally available](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/10/azure-purview-is-generally-available/) - [New Microsoft data governance product: Azure Purview](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/12/new-product-azure-purview/) - Details on a new Microsoft data governance product called Azure Purview - [Data Mesh defined](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/02/data-mesh/) - Explanation of what a Data Mesh is. - [Data Mesh: Centralized ownership vs decentralized ownership](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/07/data-mesh-centralized-ownership-vs-decentralized-ownership/) - [Podcast and presentation decks on data architectures](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/08/podcast-and-presentation-decks/) - [Data Mesh: Centralized vs decentralized data architecture](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/06/centralized-vs-decentralized-data-architecture/) - [Data Fabric defined](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/06/data-fabric-defined/) - [Data Virtualization vs Data Warehouse](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/08/data-virtualization-vs-data-warehouse/) - Describes the pros and cons of Data Virtualization vs Data Warehouse. - [Data Virtualization vs. Data Movement](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/02/data-virtualization-vs-data-movement/) - This blog talks about Data Virtualization vs. Data Movement when building a data warehouse. - [Data Lakehouse & Synapse](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/09/data-lakehouse-synapse/) - Details on what a data lakehouse is and how Azure Synapse Analytics fits in. - [Data Lakehouse defined](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/01/data-lakehouse-defined/) - Thoughts on a data lakehouse. - [Azure Stack and Azure Arc for data services](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/11/azure-stack-and-azure-arc-for-data-services/) - Describes Azure Stack and Azure Arc and how they implement data services. - [Presentation slides for Houston SQLSaturday](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/05/presentation-slides-for-houston-sqlsaturday/) - Details on the presentations I gave for Houston SQLSaturday. - [IoT Hub vs. Event Hub](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/02/iot-hub-vs-event-hub/) - Describes the differences between IoT Hub and Event Hub. - [What's new with Power BI?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/05/whats-new-with-power-bi/) - [Low-rate recruiters - The bane of my existence](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/06/low-rate-recruiters-the-bane-of-my-existence/) - There is nothing more annoying to me in my profession than getting calls and emails from recruiters who are looking for senior-level BI people at riduculously low rates. - [The need for having both a DW and cubes](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/07/the-need-for-having-both-a-dw-and-cubes/) - Explains why you need both a data warehouse and cubes for a modern data warehouse. - [Modern Data Warehouse explained](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/04/modern-data-warehouse-explained/) - [What is Microsoft TAP and RDP?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/what-is-microsoft-tap-and-rdp/) - Explains Microsoft's Technology Adoption Program (TAP) and Rapid Deployment Program (RDP). - [Modern Data Warehouse & Reverse ETL](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/04/modern-data-warehouse-reverse-etl/) - [Should placement companies use a markup %?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/05/should-placement-companies-use-a-markup/) - If you are using a placement firm, should the markup percentage be the same no matter what the hourly rate is? - [Welcome To Machine](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/04/welcome-to-machine/) - James Serra's first blog post - [New product: Azure Data Share](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/08/new-product-azure-data-share/) - Details on a new product from Microsoft, Azure Data Share. - [PASS Summit Announcements: Microsoft Professional Program for Big Data](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/11/pass-summit-announcements-microsoft-professional-program-for-big-data/) - Details on the Microsoft Professional Program for Big Data. - [A new WordPress theme and a new job](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/03/a-new-wordpress-theme-and-a-new-job/) - Details on my new WordPress theme and my new job. - [Should a placement firm tell you what they are billing the client?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/10/should-a-placement-firm-tell-you-what-they-are-billing-the-client/) - The reasons why a placement firm should let you know what they are billing the client. Also, should the markup percentage be the same no matter what the hourly rate is? - [Microsoft Ignite Announcements 2021](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/03/microsoft-ignite-announcements-2021/) - Details on all the data platform and AI announcements at Microsoft Ignite 2021. - [Master Data Services Terminology Overview](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/09/master-data-services-terminology-overview/) - Standard terms and definitions when using Master Data Services. - [Azure SQL Database Read Scale-Out](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/09/azure-sql-database-read-scale-out/) - Info on Azure SQL Database Read Scale-out - [Thinking about taking a contract position? Questions to ask](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/thinking-about-taking-a-contract-position-questions-to-ask/) - Over the years, I have accumulated a set of questions that I usually ask the placement firm about a contract position (W2 or 1099) that I am looking at taking. - [Want to browse the web faster?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/want-to-browse-the-web-faster/) - Info on how to browse the web faster by determining the fastest DNS servers to use. - [More ADLS Gen2 enhancements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/07/more-adls-gen2-enhancements/) - More enhancements for Azure Data Lake Store Gen2. - [Syncing SQL databases](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2021/01/syncing-sql-databases/) - Describes various ways of keeping SQL databases synced. - [Power BI: Dataflows](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/08/power-bi-dataflows/) - Details on the new feature in Power BI called Dataflows. - [Where should I clean my data?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/04/where-should-i-clean-my-data/) - Details on where to clean your data in a modern data warehouse. - [Microsoft Products vs Hadoop/OSS Products](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/01/microsoft-products-vs-hadooposs-products/) - Lists the equivalent Microsoft Products compared to Hadoop/OSS Products. - [Query options in Azure Synapse Analytics](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/09/query-options-in-azure-synapse-analytics/) - Describes all the various query options in Azure Synapse Analytics. - [Power BI Sharing](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/03/power-bi-sharing/) - Discusses the many ways to share the dashboards, reports, and datasets that you create in Power BI. - [Dear recruiter: I will not help you do your job for free](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/08/dear-recruiter-i-will-not-help-you-do-your-job-for-free/) - My thoughts on the dozens of calls I get each week to help a recruiter find a candidate. - [PASS SQLSaturdays I will be speaking at](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/12/pass-sqlsaturdays-i-will-be-speaking-at/) - Info on PASS SQLSaturday's I will be speaking at. - [Surrogate Keys](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/surrogate-keys/) - Explains the benefits of using Surrogate Keys in your data warehouse. - [Business Intelligence Requirements Gathering](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/05/business-intelligence-requirements-gathering/) - Talks about the questions to ask when doing Business Intelligence Requirements Gathering. - [Why you need Business Intelligence](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/03/why-you-need-business-intelligence/) - Describes what Business Intelligence is and why you need it. - [DirectQuery for Power BI datasets and Azure Analysis Services (preview)](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/12/directquery-for-power-bi-datasets-and-azure-analysis-services-preview/) - Details on the exciting new feature called DirectQuery for Power BI datasets and Azure Analysis Services (preview). - [Azure Archive Blob Storage](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/08/azure-archive-blob-storage/) - Details on the new Azure Archive Blob Storage. - [Azure SQL Database high availability](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/08/azure-sql-database-high-availability/) - Details on how high availability works in Azure SQL Database. - [More Azure Blob Storage enhancements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/05/more-blob-storage-enhancements/) - Details on recent Azure blog storage enhancements: Blob index, Geo-Zone-Redundant Storage (GZRS), Account failover, Versioning preview, Point in time restore preview. - [SQL on-demand in Azure Synapse Analytics](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/08/sql-on-demand-in-azure-synapse-analytics/) - Describes SQL on-demand in Azure Synapse Analytics and its use cases. - [Azure Synapse Analytics is GA!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/12/azure-synapse-analytics-is-ga/) - Details on Azure Synapse Analytics going GA - [Microsoft Ignite Announcements 2020](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/09/microsoft-ignite-announcements-2020/) - Details on all the data platform and AI announcements at Microsoft Ignite 2020. - [Virtualization does not equal a private cloud](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/07/virtualization-does-not-equal-a-private-cloud/) - Explains the characteristics of a cloud and how virtualization is not enough to say you have a private cloud. - [Microsoft Ignite Announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/09/microsoft-ignite-announcements/) - Details on all the data platform related Microsoft Ignite Announcements. - [Microsoft Ignite Announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/11/microsoft-ignite-announcements-2/) - Details on the Microsoft Ignite Announcements in the data platform area. - [Microsoft Azure Stack in Preview!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/02/microsoft-azure-stack-in-preview/) - Details on the Microsoft Azure Stack, now in preview. Create your own private cloud! - [Synapse and federated queries](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/10/synapse-and-federated-queries/) - Shows how to use Azure Synapse Studio to create federated queries. - [Accessing Managed Instance via SSMS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/04/accessing-managed-instance-via-ssms/) - Describes how you can access Azure SQL Database Managed Instance via SSMS without being on the VNET. - [Azure SQL Database & Synapse Analytics security](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/02/azure-sql-database-security/) - Discusses the various security options for Azure SQL Server. - [Monitoring Power BI](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/05/monitoring-power-bi/) - Describes a number of options for monitoring Power BI. - [Power BI Security](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/03/power-bi-security/) - Details on the security around Power BI. Basically, how to prevent users seeing data they shouldn't. - [Azure Synapse Analytics overlooked features](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/09/azure-synapse-analytics-overlooked-features/) - Features in Azure Synapse Analytics that you might of missed, including a large amount of samples. - [Cosmos DB for the SQL Professional - Referencing Tables](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/08/cosmos-db-for-the-sql-professional-referencing-tables/) - How to handle reference tables in Cosmos DB that are common in the relational database world. - [Top Azure Synapse Analytics and Power BI questions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/10/top-azure-synapse-analytics-and-power-bi-questions/) - Listed are the top questions I see from customers about Azure Synapse Analytics and Power BI. - [Methods for populating a data warehouse](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/methods-for-populating-a-data-warehouse/) - Different ways to solve the challenge of efficiently performing incremental loads from source tables to data marts and data warehouses. - [Power BI FAQ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/06/power-bi-faq/) - Top questions for Power BI. - [Consultants: Corp-to-Corp vs 1099](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/04/consultants-corp-to-corp-vs-1099/) - Explains the differences between being paid corp-to-corp versus 1099 as an independent consultant. - [Power Query load settings](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/12/power-query-load-settings/) - Explains the Power Query settings "Load to worksheet" and "Load to Data Model". - [Book: Reporting with Microsoft SQL Server 2012](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/03/book-reporting-with-microsoft-sql-server-2012/) - Details on my Book "Reporting with Microsoft SQL Server 2012". - [Complex reporting off a SSAS cube](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/complex-reporting-off-a-ssas-cube/) - Discusses why it is usually better to do complex reporting off of a data warehouse instead of an SSAS cube. - [Understanding Cosmos DB coming from a relational world](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/06/understanding-cosmos-db/) - Understanding Cosmos DB when you are comig from a RDBMS background - [Relational databases vs Non-relational databases](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/08/relational-databases-vs-non-relational-databases/) - Explains the differences between Relational databases and Non-relational databases. - [Storage options on Azure](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/12/storage-options-on-azure/) - Discusses the various storage options on Azure: blob, data lake store, file, table, queue, sql database, documentdb - [Microsoft Connect(); announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/11/microsoft-connect-announcements/) - List the data platform related announcements from Microsoft Connect(); - [Microsoft database migration tools](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/03/microsoft-database-migration-tools/) - Discusses the various tools to migrate your databases: Data Migration Assistant (DMA), SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA), Database Experimentation Assistant (DEA). - [Types of NoSQL databases](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/04/types-of-nosql-databases/) - Describes the various NoSQL databases. - [Azure Data Factory and SSIS compared](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/03/azure-data-factory-and-ssis-compared/) - Details comparing Azure Data Factory (ADF) and SSIS. - [Business Continuity in SQL Database](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/07/business-continuity-in-sql-server/) - Details on Business Continuity in SQL Database: how to continue when there is a disaster. - [Power BI Real-time Streaming](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/02/power-bi-real-time-streaming/) - Details on how to setup and use Power BI real-time streaming. - [Azure Synapse Analytics & Power BI performance](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/12/azure-synapse-analytics-power-bi/) - I discuss the different ways you can make Power BI queries run faster, and whether you still need Azure Analysis Services or if the tabular model within Power BI is enough. - [Build announcements: Azure Synapse Analytics in public preview and more](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/05/build-announcements-azure-synapse-analytics-in-public-preview-and-more/) - Details on data platform announcements at Microsoft Build: Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Synapse Link, Cosmos DB autoscale, Azure SQL Edge. - [Upload files to ADLS Gen2](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/06/upload-files-to-adls-gen2/) - Discusses way to upload files to ADLS Gen2. - [Azure Storage tips](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/01/azure-storage-tips/) - I wanted to give some pointers when using ADLS Gen2 as well as blob storage, as it can get a bit confusing with all the options that are available. - [Billing rates – other side of the fence, part 2](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/05/billing-rates-other-side-of-the-fence-part-2/) - Explanation on the costs and risks taken on by placement firms (part 2). - [Azure Synapse Analytics confusion](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/04/azure-synapse-analytics-confusion/) - Clearing up the confusion between what is GA with Azure Synapse Analytics (formally called Azure SQL Data Warehouse) and what is in private preview and beyond. - [Microsoft Build event announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/05/microsoft-build-event-announcements/) - Explains the major announcements at the Microsoft Build event. - [Use cases of various products for a big data cloud solution](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/10/use-cases-of-various-products/) - This is a list of common products use when building a big data solution and how they fit together based on use cases. - [Microsoft Build event announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/05/microsoft-build-event-announcements-2/) - The major announcements at Microsoft Build in the data platform space. - [DevOps for databases: "DataOps"](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/01/devops-for-databases-dataops/) - Discusses the top options for DataOps on how you will store the data model: Migration-based deployment and State-based deployment. - [New Azure storage account type](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/05/new-azure-storage-account-type/) - Describes the new Azure storage type called "blob". - [Azure Storage pricing](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/05/azure-storage-pricing/) - Details on the cost of azure storage. - [Getting data into Azure Blob Storage](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/09/getting-data-into-azure-blob-storage/) - Discusses the various methods of copying data from on-prem to Azure Blob Storage. - [Query Acceleration for ADLS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2020/05/query-acceleration-for-adls/) - Details on the new feature called Query Acceleration which reduces the time and processing power that is required to query stored data. - [Copying data from Azure Blob Storage](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/10/copying-data-from-azure-blob-storage/) - Details on the various methods for copying data from Azure Blob Storage to SQL DW, SQL Server IaaS, SQL DB - [Redundancy Options in Azure Blob Storage](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/11/redundancy-options-in-azure-blob-storage/) - Discusses the three redundancy options for data in Azure Blog Storage. - [Premium blob storage](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/11/premium-blob-storage/) - Information on Premium blob storage. - [Monitoring Azure SQL Database](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/07/monitoring-azure-sql-database/) - Discuss the different ways of monitoring Azure SQL Database. - [My latest presentations](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/12/my-latest-presentations-4/) - My latest presentations on Azure Synapse Analytics, data lake, and Power BI. - [How to Run Programs as a Domain User from a Non-domain Computer](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/how-to-run-programs-as-a-domain-user-from-a-non-domain-computer/) - How to Run Programs as a Domain User from a Non-domain Computer - [Why I just became a Microsoft Employee](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/02/why-i-just-became-a-microsoft-employee/) - Discusses why I just became a Microsoft Employee. - [Storage options for SQL Server database files in Azure](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/01/storage-options-for-sql-server-database-files-in-azure/) - Talks about the different Storage options for SQL Server database files in Azure. - [SQL Server 2019 Big Data Clusters](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/10/sql-server-2019-big-data-clusters/) - Details on SQL Server 2019 Big Data Clusters. - [DBA's, want to earn the big bucks? Learn BI](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/dbas-what-to-earn-the-big-bucks-learn-bi/) - If you are a DBA and want to earn more money and a more challenging career, learn business intelligence (BI). - [Recording Audio of Meetings](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/10/recording-audio-of-meetings/) - Tips on recording the audio of meetings. - [Microsoft Small Basic](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/microsoft-small-basic/) - Explains all about Microsoft Small Basic. - [Vendor Management Systems](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/09/vendor-management-systems/) - Describes Vendor Management Systems in IT and their pros and cons. - [Ways to access data in ADLS Gen2](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/09/ways-to-access-data-in-adls-gen2/) - Describes all the ways different products can access data in ADLS Gen2. - [Should I load structured data into my data lake?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/11/should-i-load-structured-data-into-my-data-lake/) - Describes the reasons you might want to move relational data to your data lake. - [Azure Synapse Analytics & Power BI concurrency](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/12/azure-synapse-analytics-power-bi-concurrency/) - Details on the query concurrency when using Azure Synapse Analytics & Power BI. - [Is the traditional data warehouse dead?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/12/is-the-traditional-data-warehouse-dead/) - Do I still need a data warehouse or can I just put everything in a data lake and report off of that using Hive LLAP or Spark SQL? This blog post discusses the best solution is to use both a relational data warehouse and a Hadoop data lake. - [Azure SQL Database vs SQL Data Warehouse](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/08/azure-sql-database-vs-sql-data-warehouse/) - Describes the differences between Azure SQL Database and SQL Data Warehouse. - [Azure Data Factory Data Flow](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/12/azure-data-factory-data-flow/) - Details on the new feature in Azure Data Factory called Data Flow. - [Azure Synapse Analytics new features](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/11/azure-synapse-analytics-new-features/) - Details on the new features in Azure Synapse Analytics (formally called Azure SQL Data Warehouse). - [Azure Database Migration Service (DMS)](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/09/azure-database-migration-service-dms/) - Details on the Azure Database Migration Service (DMS). - [Azure SQL Database disaster recovery](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/08/azure-sql-database-disaster-recovery/) - Details on how disaster recovery works in Azure SQL Database - [Podcasts on Modern Data Warehouse](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/08/podcasts-on-modern-data-warehouse/) - Details on two recent podcasts on the Modern Data Warehouse. - [Top SQL Server migration questions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/07/top-sql-server-migration-questions/) - The top questions I hear from customers on migrating on-prem SQL Server to Azure. - [Top Modern Data Warehouse questions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/07/top-modern-data-warehouse-questions/) - The top Modern Data Warehouse questions I hear from customers. - [Big Data Workshop](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/07/big-data-workshop/) - Details on a big data workshop that uses a modern data warehouse architecture. - [Azure SQL Database Managed Instance](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/10/azure-sql-database-managed-instance/) - Details on the new flavor of Azure SQL Database called "Managed Instance". - [Microsoft Build event announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/05/microsoft-build-event-announcements-3/) - The major Data & AI announcements from Build 2019. - [Why use a data lake?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/12/why-use-a-data-lake/) - I wanted to touch on the main reason why you might want to incorporate a data lake into your overall data warehouse solution. - [Azure Data Explorer](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/03/azure-data-explorer/) - Details on the new product from Microsoft, Azure Data Explorer. - [Two more of my presentations](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/04/two-more-of-my-presentations/) - Details on two more of my presentations: "Azure data platform overview" and "Machine Learning and AI". - [My latest presentations](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/03/my-latest-presentations-3/) - My latest big data and data warehouse presentations. - [Azure Data Lake Store Gen2 is GA](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/02/azure-data-lake-store-gen2-is-ga/) - Describes Azure Data Lake Store Gen2 and has info on how to convert from Gen1 and blob storage. - [What product to use to transform my data?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2019/01/what-product-to-use-to-transform-my-data/) - Info on the products available and their use cases when looking to transform your data in a data lake. - [Data loading into Azure SQL Data Warehouse](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/03/data-loading-into-azure-sql-data-warehouse/) - Explores the various data loading options into Azure SQL Data Warehouse. - [Why You Need a Data Warehouse](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/07/why-you-need-a-data-warehouse/) - Explore the benefits of a data warehouse and a business intelligence solution built along with it. - [What is a data lake?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/04/what-is-a-data-lake/) - Description of a data lake and its benefits. - [Power BI new feature: Composite models](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/07/power-bi-new-feature-composite-models/) - Talks about new features in Power BI: Composite models, Dual storage mode, and Aggregations. - [Azure Data Lake Store Gen2](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/06/azure-data-lake-store-gen2/) - Details on Azure Data Lake Store Gen2. - [Analytics Platform System (APS) AU7 released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/06/analytics-platform-system-aps-au7-released/) - Details on what is included with Analytics Platform System (APS) AU7. - [Getting value out of data quickly](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/05/getting-value-out-of-data-quickly/) - An architecture on how to get value out of data quickly using Azure tools. - [Azure SQL Data Warehouse Gen2 announced](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/05/azure-sql-data-warehouse-gen2-announced/) - Details on Gen2 of Azure SQL Data Warehouse. - [SSAS high availability](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/05/ssas-high-availability/) - Discuss the options for using high availability for SSAS. - [Podcast: Big Data Solutions in the Cloud](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/04/podcast-big-data-solutions-in-the-cloud/) - Podcast where I discussion big data solutions in the cloud. - [Podcast: Myths of Modern Data Management](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/04/podcast-myths-of-modern-data-management/) - A 30-minute podcast with Wayne Eckerson where I discussed myths of modern data management. - [Is the traditional data warehouse dead? webinar](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/03/is-the-traditional-data-warehouse-dead-webinar/) - Webinar called "Is the traditional data warehouse dead?" - [Webinar: Is the traditional data warehouse dead?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/03/webinar-is-the-traditional-data-warehouse-dead/) - Webinar called "Is the traditional data warehouse dead?" - [Public preview of Azure SQL Database Managed Instance](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/03/public-preview-of-azure-sql-database-managed-instance/) - Details on the public preview of Azure SQL Database Managed Instance. - [It's all about the use cases](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/03/its-all-about-the-use-cases/) - See the art of the possible with the cloud with these use cases/customer stories and sample solutions/architectures. - [My latest presentations](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/02/my-latest-presentations-2/) - My latest big data and data warehouse presentations. - [Azure Data Architecture Guide (ADAG)](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/02/azure-data-architecture-guide-adag/) - This guide presents a structured approach for designing data-centric solutions on Microsoft Azure. It is based on proven practices derived from customer engagements. - [Conversations with Data Warehouse Experts - Podcast](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/02/conversations-with-data-warehouse-experts-podcast/) - Podcast about data being the the new currency, the importance of showing customers the art of the possible. - [What is the Lambda Architecture?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/08/what-is-the-lambda-architecture/) - Discusses what the Lambda Architecture is. - [Microsoft Big Data Certification Exams](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/08/microsoft-big-data-certification-exams/) - Details on the new Big Data Certification Exams from Microsoft. - [SQL Data Warehouse reference architectures](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/05/sql-data-warehouse-reference-architectures/) - Explains the pros can cons of various SQL Data Warehouse reference architectures. - [Reference architecture for enterprise reporting in Azure](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/01/reference-architecture-for-enterprise-reporting/) - Details on a technical reference implementation of an enterprise grade infrastructure to help accelerate the deployment of a BI and reporting solution. - [Operational Data Store (ODS) Defined](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/02/operational-data-store-ods-defined/) - Description on what an Operational Data Store (ODS) is and is not. - [What is Azure Databricks?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/11/what-is-azure-databricks/) - Details on Azure Databricks. - [Microsoft Connect(); announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/11/microsoft-connect-announcements-2/) - List the data platform related announcements from Microsoft Connect(); - [Microsoft Ignite Big Data Presentations](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/10/microsoft-ignite-big-data-presentations/) - Lists the most relevant big data presentations at Microsoft Ignite - [Analytics Platform System 2016 Release](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/11/analytics-platform-system-2016-release/) - Details on the 2016 release of the Analytics Platform System (APS). - [Analytics Platform System (APS) AU6 released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/11/analytics-platform-system-aps-au6-released/) - Details on Analytics Platform System (APS) AU6. - [Power BI and Excel options for Hadoop](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/03/power-bi-and-excel-options-for-hadoop/) - Discusses the various Power BI and Excel options for Hadoop. - [HA/DR for Azure SQL Database](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/01/hadr-for-azure-sql-database/) - In this blog post I'll talk about the various types of high-availability and disaster recovery options in Azure SQL Database that are much easier to setup than SQL Server. - [Data Science Virtual Machine](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/06/data-science-virtual-machine/) - Information on the Data Science Virtual Machine. - [What’s new in SQL Server 2017 presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/10/whats-new-in-sql-server-2017-presentation/) - A presentation on the details of what is new in SQL Server 2017 - [Azure SQL Data Sync 2.0](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/07/azure-sql-data-sync-2-0/) - Details on Azure SQL Data Sync 2.0. - [PolyBase use cases clarified](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/03/polybase-use-cases-clarified/) - Details on how PolyBase works in SQL Server 2016, SQL DW, and APS. - [Difference between ETL and ELT](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/difference-between-etl-and-elt/) - ETL is the most common method used when transferring data from a source system to a data warehouse. But there are cases where you might want to use ELT. What is the difference between the two? - [Azure Data Lake](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/05/azure-data-lake/) - Details on the new service Microsoft announced, the Azure Data Lake. - [Data gateway confusion](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/12/data-gateway-confusion/) - Explains the differences between the various gateways: On-premises data gateway, Personal gateway, Data Management Gateway - [Migrate from on-prem SQL server to Azure VM IaaS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/05/migrate-from-on-prem-sql-server-to-azure-vm-iaas/) - Discusses the number of methods for migrating an on-premises SQL Server user database to SQL Server in an Azure VM (IaaS). - [What is HTAP?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/12/what-is-htap/) - Explains the term HTAP: Hybrid Transactional and Analytical Processing. - [Azure Analysis Services web designer](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/08/azure-analysis-services-web-designer/) - Details on the new Azure Analysis Services web designer. - [4TB disk sizes for Azure IaaS VMs available](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/07/4tb-disk-sizes-for-azure-iaas-vms-available/) - Details on the new 2 TB and 4 TB disk sizes for Azure IaaS VMs. - [Azure DevTest Labs](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/06/azure-devtest-labs/) - Details on Azure DevTest Labs which allows you to quickly create application test environments using reusable artifacts. - [Data Warehouse Fast Track Reference Guide for SQL Server 2016](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/06/data-warehouse-fast-track-reference-guide-for-sql-server-2016/) - Now available are two new excellent white papers to give you a better understanding of Fast Track for SQL Server 2016. - [Power BI Premium, Report Server, Apps and API](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/05/power-bi-premium-report-server-apps-and-api/) - Details on the new features of Power BI: Premium, Report Server, Apps and API - [Why use a SSAS cube?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/08/why-use-a-ssas-cube/) - What are the advantages of using BI Cubes over a regular data warehouse for reporting? - [Azure SQL Data Warehouse pricing](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/06/azure-sql-data-warehouse-pricing/) - [Microsoft Data Amp event announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/04/microsoft-data-amp-event-announcements/) - A list of the major announcements at the Microsoft Data Amp event. - [Using Azure for free](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/04/using-azure-for-free/) - Options for getting free access to Azure. - [Artificial Intelligence defined](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/04/artificial-intelligence-defined/) - Defines artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning. - [PASS Summit Announcements: PolyBase enhancements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/11/pass-summit-announcements-polybase-enhancements/) - Covers the enhancements to PolyBase announced at the PASS Summit. - [Azure SQL Database new performance level](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/08/azure-sql-database-new-performance-level/) - Details on P15, the new Azure SQL Database new performance level. - [U-SQL Defined](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/03/u-sql-defined/) - Describes U-SQL, part of Azure Data Lake Analytics (ADLA). - [What is HDInsight?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/02/what-is-hdinsight/) - Description of Windows Azure HDInsight Service and Microsoft HDInsight Server for Windows. - [The art of possible with the cloud](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/09/the-art-of-possible-with-the-cloud/) - Describes the most popular technologies for building solutions in Azure. - [SQL DB now supports 4TB max database size](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/03/sql-db-now-supports-4tb-max-database-size/) - Details on SQL DB now supporting 4TB max database size. - [Analytics Platform System (APS) AU4 released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/08/analytics-platform-system-aps-au4-released/) - Details on what is new in the Analytics Platform System (APS) AU4 release. - [Cross-database queries in Azure SQL Database](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/03/cross-database-queries-in-azure-sql-database/) - Example of how to use cross-database queries in Azure SQL Database. - [PASS Summit Announcements: DMA/DEA](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/10/pass-summit-announcements-dmadea/) - The PASS Summit Announcement of the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) tool v 2.0 general availability and the technical preview of Database Experimentation Assistant (DEA). - [PASS Summit Announcements: Azure Analysis Services](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/11/pass-summit-announcements-azure-analysis-services/) - The most interesting announcements at the PASS Summit was about Azure Analysis Services. Described here. - [Create quick queries quickly with SSAS in Azure](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2017/01/create-quick-queries-quickly-with-ssas-in-azure/) - Details on using SSAS in Azure to create quick queries on a data warehouse - [Azure SQL Database monitoring](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/02/azure-sql-database-monitoring/) - Discusses various options for monitoring Azure SQL Database. - [Migrate from on-prem SQL server to Azure SQL Database](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/01/migrate-from-on-prem-sql-server-to-sql-database/) - This blog describes the various approaches you can use to migrate an on-premises SQL Server database to Azure SQL Database. - [PASS Summit Announcements: Power BI reports on-prem in SSRS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/11/pass-summit-announcements-power-bi-reports-on-prem-in-ssrs/) - Details on the PASS Summit Announcement of the technical preview that allows Power BI reports on-prem in SSRS. - [Making sense of Microsoft technology](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/09/making-sense-of-microsoft-technology/) - Help with determining what are all the Microsoft data platform related products and when to use each. - [When the person you hire is not the person you hire](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/05/when-the-person-you-hire-is-not-the-person-you-hire/) - Explains how some candidates will take extreme measures to fool the client. - [Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculator](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/12/total-cost-of-ownership-tco-calculator/) - Details on the Azure Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculator. - [Azure Advisor](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/12/azure-advisor/) - Details on Azure Advisor, which recommends solutions that will reduce your cost and improve the security, performance, and reliability of your Azure applications. - [Data Warehouse Fast Track for SQL Server 2016](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/10/data-warehouse-fast-track-for-sql-server-2016/) - Explains the Data Warehouse Fast Track for SQL Server 2016. - [Cortana Analytics Suite](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/07/cortana-analytics-suite/) - Details on the Cortana Analytics Suite, just announced by Microsoft. - [Hadoop and Microsoft](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/08/hadoop-and-microsoft/) - This covers some of the more common Hadoop technologies and tools and shows how they work together, in addition to showing how they work well with Microsoft technologies and tools. - [Azure Data Lake enhancements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/09/azure-data-lake-enhancements/) - An introduction to the Azure Data Lake enhancements. - [Hadoop and Data Warehouses](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/05/hadoop-and-data-warehouses/) - Explains how Hadoop fits in a data warehouse solution. - [Azure SQL Data Warehouse](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/05/azure-sql-data-warehouse/) - Info on the new Microsoft service, the Azure SQL Data Warehouse. - [PolyBase explained](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/02/polybase-explained/) - Explains PolyBase and how it is used within the SQL Server Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW). - [Microsoft certification changes](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/10/microsoft-certification-changes/) - Details on the Microsoft certification changes. - [PASS Summit Announcements: SQL DW free trial](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/11/pass-summit-announcements-sql-dw-free-trial/) - Details on the free one-month trial of SQL Data Warehouse (SQL DW). - [Azure SQL Server 2016 VM](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/11/azure-sql-server-2016-vm/) - Details on building a Azure SQL Server 2016 Virtual Machine (VM). - [Cortana Intelligence Solutions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/09/cortana-intelligence-solutions/) - Describes the Cortana Intelligence Solutions which is a new tool just released in public preview that enables users to rapidly discover, easily provision, quickly experiment with, and jumpstart production grade analytical solutions using the Cortana Intelligence Suite (CIS). - [SQL Server 2016 real-time operational analytics](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/08/sql-server-2016-real-time-operational-analytics/) - Describes a new feature in SQL Server 2016, called real-time operational analytics. - [HP Superdome X for high-end OLTP/DW](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/02/hp-superdome-x-for-high-end-oltpdw/) - Details on HP's Superdome X for high-end OLTP/DW. - [Azure SQL Database pricing](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/04/azure-sql-database-pricing/) - This blog post helps to determine the cost of using Azure SQL Database. - [What is Azure Data Factory?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/11/what-is-azure-data-factory/) - Details on the new Microsoft product called Azure Data Factory. - [Azure SQL Data Warehouse is now GA](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/07/azure-sql-data-warehouse-is-now-ga/) - Details on Azure SQL Data Warehouse announcement that it is now generally available. - [SQL Server 2016 is here!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/06/sql-server-2016-is-here/) - Details on the release of SQL Server 2016. - [Azure Speed Testing](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/05/azure-speed-testing/) - Details on tests that will show you the fastest Azure region. - [SQL Server 2016 available June 1st!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/05/sql-server-2016-coming-on-june-1st/) - Details on when SQL Server 2016 will be available. - [Big Data architectures](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/04/big-data-architectures/) - Discusses the four most common big data architectures. - [Scaling Azure VM's](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/04/scaling-azure-vms/) - [Analytics Platform System (APS) AU5 released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/04/analytics-platform-system-aps-au5-released/) - Details on what is new in the Analytics Platform System (APS) AU5 release. - [My latest presentations](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/03/my-latest-presentations/) - Details on the latest presentations of mine - [Microsoft Azure Government](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/03/microsoft-azure-government/) - Details on Microsoft Azure Government, a special version of Azure for U.S. governments. - [SQL Server on Linux!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/03/sql-server-on-linux/) - Info on SQL on Linux. - [SQL Server 2016 public preview arriving this summer](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/05/sql-server-2016-public-preview-arriving-this-summer/) - Details on the SQL Server 2016 public preview arriving this summer. - [Managing Schemas And Source Control For Databases](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/12/managing-schemas-and-source-control-for-databases/) - Explains how Visual Studio has a project type called "Database Project" that is used to manage a database schema and allows for easy integration with source control. - [Scaling Azure SQL Database](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/02/scaling-azure-sql-database/) - This blog discusses the various options for horizontal scaling, vertical scaling, and other similar features for Azure SQL Database. - [Creating a large data warehouse in Azure](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/03/creating-a-large-data-warehouse-in-azure/) - Details on options of creating a large data warehouse in Azure. - [Power BI Designer and Power BI Dashboard](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/01/power-bi-designer/) - Details on the latest Power BI products, Power BI Designer and Power BI Dashboard. - [The Modern Data Warehouse](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/12/the-modern-data-warehouse/) - Discusses exactly what a modern data warehouse is along with its benefits. - [IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS explained](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/09/iaas-paas-and-saas-explained/) - Describes IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. - [Microsoft Azure Data Catalog](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/07/microsoft-azure-data-catalog/) - Details on the new Microsoft Azure Data Catalog. - [Real-time query access with PDW](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/03/real-time-query-access-with-pdw/) - Explains using ROLAP and Directquery with the Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW). - [Using Power BI to access on-premise data](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/01/using-power-bi-to-access-on-premise-data/) - Full explanation on the various wasy to use the data management gateway to connect Power BI to on-premise data. - [What is Advanced Analytics?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/02/what-is-advanced-analytics/) - [End-User Microsoft BI Tools - Clearing up the confusion](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/end-user-microsoft-bi-tools-clearing-up-the-confusion/) - Descriptions of all the Microsoft BI tools and the situations where they are best used - [What is Microsoft Azure Stream Analytics?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/06/what-is-microsoft-azure-stream-analytics/) - Describes a new product called Microsoft Azure Stream Analytics, which is a fully managed cloud service for real-time processing of streaming data. - [Introduction to Hadoop](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/02/introduction-to-hadoop/) - Introduction to Hadoop, describing how it works and all the various tools for it. - [Fast Track Data Warehouse Reference Architecture for SQL Server 2014](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/11/fast-track-data-warehouse-reference-architecture-for-sql-server-2014/) - Details on new servers that use the Fast Track Data Warehouse Reference Architecture for SQL Server 2014. - [How an MPP appliance solution can improve your future](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/05/how-an-mpp-appliance-solution-can-improve-your-future/) - Discusses how a MPP appliance is a no brainer for a large data warehouse. - [Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW) benefits made simple](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/03/parallel-data-warehouse-pdw-benefits-made-simple/) - Explains all the benefits of the Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW). - [TechEd is now Microsoft Ignite](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/05/teched-is-now-microsoft-ignite/) - TechEd is now Microsoft Ignite - [SQL Azure (renamed Microsoft Azure SQL Database)](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/sql-azure/) - Details on SQL Azure. - [SQL Server 2014 In-Memory OLTP (Hekaton) Limitations](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/01/sql-server-2014-in-memory-oltp-hekaton/) - Discusses the limitations with SQL Server 2014 In-Memory OLTP (Hekaton). - [Presentation slides for "Building a Big Data Solution"](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/02/presentation-slides-for-building-a-big-data-solution/) - Info on my presentation "Building a Big Data Solution". - [Power BI for Office 365 FAQ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/12/power-bi-for-office-365-faq/) - Common questions about Power BI for Office 365 - [Power BI Made Simple](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/02/power-bi-made-simple/) - A presentation that covers all the products under the Power BI umbrella. I give an overview of the products and how they all fit together. - [Microsoft product roadmap now public](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2015/02/microsoft-product-roadmap-now-public/) - Info on the just-available public Microsoft product roadmap. - [Analytics Platform System (APS) AU3 released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/12/analytics-platform-system-aps-au3-released/) - Details on what is new in the Analytics Platform System (APS) AU3 release. - [Book: Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Business Intelligence Development Beginner's Guide](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/11/book-microsoft-sql-server-2014-business-intelligence-development-beginners-guide/) - Learn about the book "Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Business Intelligence Development Beginner's Guide". - [Non-obvious APS/PDW benefits](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/10/non-obvious-apspdw-benefits/) - Lists some of the non-obvious benefits of the Analytics Platform System (APS). - [Analytics Platform System (APS) AU2 released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/10/analytics-platform-system-aps-au2-released/) - Details on what is new in the Analytics Platform System (APS) AU2 release. - [How to prevent blocking in your SQL Server database](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/how-to-prevent-blocking-in-your-sql-server-database/) - Different solutions to prevent blocking in your SQL Server database. - [How to become an expert in your field](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/how-to-become-an-expert-in-your-field/) - List of tasks you need to do to become an expert in your field - [Tabular model: Not ready for prime time?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/11/tabular-model-not-ready-for-prime-time/) - Reasons why the SSAS tabular model is not being used much. - [Presentation slides for Modern Data Warehousing](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/08/presentation-slides-for-modern-data-warehousing-3/) - Info on my presentation "Modern Data Warehousing" - [Modern Data Warehousing Presentation ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/08/modern-data-warehousing-presentation-2/) - Info on my presentation on Modern Data Warehousing. - [24 Hours of PASS videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/08/24-hours-of-pass-videos-online-2/) - Link to the vidoes of the sessions at 24 Hours of PASS - [Presenting Tips](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/06/presenting-tips/) - Tips on presenting. - [The benefit of placement firms](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/07/the-benefit-of-placement-firms/) - Explains the benefits for companies of using placement firms to find IT contractors instead of using internal recruiters. - [SQL Server Agent job steps vs SSIS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/07/sql-server-agent-job-steps-vs-ssis/) - If you wish to execute T-SQL statements it is a good idea to wrap them in SSIS Execute SQL Tasks because you can use logging, auditing and error handling that SSIS provides that T-SQL does not. - [IT books that should be on your shelf](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/07/it-books-that-should-be-on-your-shelf/) - A list of my favorite IT books. - [SQL Server table partition switching](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/07/sql-server-table-partition-switching/) - Partitions in SQL Server is a great feature to quickly truncate partitions or to load data in parallel. - [PASS BA Conference 2014: Sessions Recordings Now Available](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/06/pass-ba-conference-2014-sessions-recordings-now-available/) - Info on viewing the sessions from the PASS Business Analytics conference. - [Presentation slides for Modern Data Warehousing](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/05/presentation-slides-for-modern-data-warehousing-2/) - Info on my presentation "Modern Data Warehousing" - [Presentation Slides for Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/05/presentation-slides-for-building-an-effective-data-warehouse-architecture-6/) - [SQLSaturday in Houston](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/05/sqlsaturday-in-houston-2/) - Info on my the two sessions I will be presenting at SQLSaturday in Houston. - [Presentation Slides for Modern Data Warehousing ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/05/presentation-slides-for-modern-data-warehousing/) - Presentation Slides for Modern Data Warehousing. - [Modern Data Warehousing Presentation ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/04/modern-data-warehousing-presentation/) - Info on my presentation on Modern Data Warehousing. - [Profisee Master Data Maestro](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/03/profisee-master-data-maestro/) - Describes Profisee Master Data Maestro and its benefits over MDS and DQS. - [I'm presenting at the PASS Business Analytics Conference](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/12/im-presenting-at-the-pass-business-analytics-conference/) - I am fortunate enough to have been selected to give a presentation at the PASS Business Analytics Conference in San Jose, CA on May 7-9. Included is my presentation abstract along with more info about the conference. - [SQL Server 2014 released April 1st!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/03/sql-server-2014-released-april-1st/) - Details: SQL Server 2014 released April 1st! - [PASS Summit 2012 session videos online ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/03/pass-summit-2012-session-videos-online-2/) - Details on the PASS Summit 2012 session videos being online. - [Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW) AU1 released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/04/parallel-data-warehouse-pdw-au1-released/) - Details on the AU1 release of the Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW). - [Power BI for Office 365 now available!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/02/power-bi-for-office-365-now-available/) - Power BI for Office 365 now available. - [Book: Expert Cube Development with SSAS Multidimensional Models](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/03/book-expert-cube-development-with-ssas-multidimensional-models/) - Details on the new book: Expert Cube Development with SSAS Multidimensional Models. - [Performance tips for SSAS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/performance-tips-for-ssas/) - A list of ways to improve performance in SSAS and in two of the tools that use it: ProClarity and PerformancePoint. - [Power BI first impressions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/11/power-bi-first-impressions/) - Details on the how and what of Power BI for Office 365. - [Annoying Recruiters](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/02/annoying-recruiters/) - Funny interaction with annoying recruiters. - [24 Hours of PASS: Business Analytics Edition videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/02/24-hours-of-pass-business-analytics-edition-videos-online-2/) - Info on the online videos from 24 Hours of PASS: Business Analytics Edition. - [SQL Server 2012 and SharePoint 2013: Installing on a Virtual Machine ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/08/sql-server-2012-and-sharepoint-2013-installing-on-a-virtual-machine/) - Steps to install SQL Server 2012, SharePoint 2013, and all related tools on a virtual machine. - [Forcing a contractor to go W2](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/02/forcing-a-contractor-to-go-w2/) - Reasons why a staffing company will force a contractor to go W2 instead of 1099 or c2c. - [Resume hoarders](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/08/resume-hoarders/) - Describes resume hoarders in the IT industry. - [SQL Server Data Tools BI (SSDT-BI) for SQL Server 2014](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/11/sql-server-data-tools-bi-ssdt-bi-for-sql-server-2014/) - Info on SQL Server Data Tools BI (SSDT-BI) for SQL Server 2014 - [SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) – January 2014 update ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/01/sql-server-data-tools-ssdt-january-2014-update/) - Talks about the new features in the January 2014 update of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT). - [Winner of the worst recruiter of the year!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/08/winner-of-the-worst-recruiter-of-the-year/) - Read my story about the recipient of the worst recruiter of the year! - [When to use T-SQL or SSIS for ETL](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/when-to-use-t-sql-or-ssis-for-etl/) - Pointers for when to use T-SQL or SSIS when doing ETL - [Microsoft BI tools: How they use data sources](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/04/microsoft-bi-tools-how-they-use-data-sources/) - A quick list of how each of these Microsoft BI tools handles the two data sources "SQL Server" (relational-based) and "Analysis Services" (multidimensional-based). - [PASS Business Analytics Conference discount code](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/01/pass-business-analytics-conference-discount-code/) - Discount code for PASS Business Analytics Conference. - [Power BI for Office 365 pricing announced](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/01/power-bi-for-office-365-pricing-announced/) - Info on the pricing for Power BI for Office 365. - [Independent consultant: How to find work](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/01/independent-consultant-how-to-find-work/) - Discusses the ways to find work if you are an independent consultant. - [Houston Area SQL Server User Group Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/houston-area-sql-server-user-group-presentation/) - For my presentation "How To Make a LOT More Money as a Consultant" at HASSUG, here are the slides. - [Power BI for Office 365 requirements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/12/power-bi-for-office-365-requirements/) - Details on the requirements for all the products for Power BI for Office 365. - [Business Intelligence/Data Warehouse Assessment](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/01/business-intelligencedata-warehouse-assessment/) - Description about different approaches to doing a Business Intelligence/Data Warehouse Assessment. - [Power BI Q&A Preview now works on your data](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2014/01/power-bi-qa-preview-now-works-on-your-data/) - [Power Query Preview December Update](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/12/power-query-preview-december-update/) - Info on the December update to the Power Query preview. - [Entity Data Modeling with Visual Studio](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/12/entity-data-modeling-with-visual-studio/) - Talks about using the Entity Data Model Designer in Visual Studio. - [Create SQL Server scripts with Visio 2010](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/export-sql-server-scripts-with-visio-2010/) - Discusses an add-in that will allow you to create SQL scripts in Visio 2010. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Power View installation and requirements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/sql-server-2012-denali-power-view-installation-and-requirements/) - Describes the Power View installation and requirements for SQL Server 2012. - [Certification Updates for SQL Server 2014](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/12/certification-updates-for-sql-server-2014/) - Info on the certification updates for SQL Server 2014. - [Power Query Preview November Update](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/12/power-query-preview-november-update/) - Info on the November update to the Power Query preview. - [SSAS: One giant cube or many small ones?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/01/ssas-one-giant-cube-or-many-small-ones/) - Discusses the benefits and disadvantages of creating either one large SSAS cube or many small ones. - [SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) – October 2013 update](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/11/sql-server-data-tools-ssdt-october-2013-update/) - Talks about the new features in the October 2013 update of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT). - [Power BI for Office 365 video](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/11/power-bi-for-office-365-video/) - A demonstration of Power BI for Office 365, showing you how all the various tools and technologies work together: Power Query, Power Pivot, Power View, Power Map, Power BI sites, Data Management, Power BI Admin center, Power BI for mobile, Power BI Q&A. - [Create video presentations](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/11/create-video-presentations/) - Talks about creating video presentations with Camtasia. - [SQL Server 2014: In-memory OLTP Engine, code-name: Hekaton](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/07/sql-server-2014-in-memory-oltp-engine-code-name-hekaton/) - Describes the new feature in SQL Server 2014 called the In-memory OLTP Engine, code-name: Hekaton. - [SQL Server 2014!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/06/sql-server-2014/) - Talks about the new features coming in SQL Server 2014. - [Denormalizing dimension tables](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/denormalizing-dimension-tables/) - Explains the benefits of denormalizing dimension tables when creating SSAS cubes. - [Fast-Track Data Warehouse for Windows Azure](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/11/fast-track-data-warehouse-for-windows-azure/) - Info on the new Fast-Track Data Warehouse for Windows Azure. - [Windows Azure SQL Reporting discontinued](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/11/windows-azure-sql-reporting-discontinued/) - Info on Windows Azure SQL Reporting being discontinued. - [I'm a Microsoft SQL Server Most Valuable Professional (MVP)!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/10/im-a-microsoft-sql-server-most-valuable-professional-mvp/) - Details on the Microsoft MVP program. - [Microsoft releases SQL Server 2014 CTP2](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/10/microsoft-releases-sql-server-2014-ctp2/) - Details on SQL Server 2014 CTP2. - [The MERGE statement in SQL Server](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/09/the-merge-statement-in-sql-server/) - Explains the benefits of using the MERGE statement in SQL Server. - [SQL Server Data Tools for SQL Server 2014 CTP2 now available](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/10/sql-server-data-tools-for-sql-server-2014-ctp2-now-available/) - Details on SQL Server Data Tools for SQL Server 2014 CTP2. - [Power BI for Office 365 preview released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/09/power-bi-for-office-365-preview-released/) - Details on the preview release of Power BI for Office 365 - [I'll take "Products that start with Power", Alex](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/07/ill-take-products-that-start-with-power-alex/) - Info on Geoflow which is now called Power Map, and Data Explorer which is now called Power Query. - [Power BI for Office 365](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/07/power-bi-for-office-365/) - [PASS Summit 2013](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/10/pass-summit-2013-2/) - Info on PASS Summit 2013. - [Visual Studio 2012 now supports BI!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/03/visual-studio-2012-now-supports-bi/) - Visual Studio 2012 now supports SSAS, SSIS, SSRS. - [SQL Server 2012 and other PASS announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/sql-server-2012-and-other-pass-annoucements/) - SQL Server 2012 and other PASS announcements. - [Microsoft Data Explorer/Power Query](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/03/microsoft-data-explorer/) - Info about a new product called Microsoft Data Explorer this is a self-service ETL tool for the Excel power user. - [Presentation Slides for Transitioning to a BI role](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/10/presentation-slides-for-transitioning-to-a-bi-role/) - [Presentation Slides for Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/10/presentation-slides-for-building-an-effective-data-warehouse-architecture-5/) - [SQL Server 2012: Multidimensional vs tabular](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/04/sql-server-2012-multidimensional-vs-tabular/) - Discusses when you are creating a new project, which model should you use, Multidimensional vs Tabular? - [SQL Server 2014: Columnstore Index improvements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/07/sql-server-2014-columnstore-index-improvements/) - Lists the improvements made to the Columnstore Index in SQL Server 2014. - [Microsoft Certifications and MVP's - What are they?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/microsoft-certifications-and-mvps-what-are-they/) - Explains what exactly are Microsoft certifications and what are Microsoft MVP's. - [Benefits of using views in a BI solution](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/03/benefits-of-using-views-in-a-bi-solution/) - List of the benefits of using views in a Business Intelligence solution. - [PASS Summit 2013](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/10/pass-summit-2013/) - Info about my presentation at PASS Summit 2013. - [Data Warehouse Maturity Model](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/10/data-warehouse-maturity-model/) - Explains all the stages of the Data Warehouse Maturity Model. - [Does Business Intelligence equal Data Warehousing?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/10/does-business-intelligence-equal-data-warehousing/) - Explains the difference between Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing. - [Consultants - Why pay more?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/04/consultants-why-pay-more/) - Here are my reasons why it makes sense to hire the higher-priced independent consultant. - [SQL Server 2014: AlwaysOn](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/08/sql-server-2014-alwayson/) - Talks about the new AlwaysOn features in SQL Server 2014. - [SQL Server 2014: Partition Improvements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/09/sql-server-2014-partition-improvements/) - Describes two partition improvements in SQL Server 2014: Managed Lock Priority and Single Partition Online Index Rebuild. - [Business Intelligence Maturity Assessment](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/06/business-intelligence-maturity-assessment/) - Do you ever wonder how your business intelligence (BI) and data warehousing (DW) environment compares to other companies and what steps you should be taking to progress your analytics platform? - [Data cleansing in SSIS, DQS, and MDS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/05/data-cleansing-in-ssis-dqs-and-mds/) - Explains how data cleaning can be done in SSIS, DQS, and MDS and which tool is best for different situations. - [Data Warehouse vs Master Data Managment](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/09/data-warehouse-vs-master-data-managment/) - Describes the difference between a data warehouse and master data management. - [I'm presenting at the PASS Summit!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/05/im-presenting-at-the-pass-summit/) - Information on the session I am presenting at the PASS Summit 2013. - [Degenerate Dimensions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/11/degenerate-dimensions/) - Descibes what Degenerate Dimensions are. - [Junk dimensions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/junk-dimensions/) - Explains what Junk dimensions are. - [Microsoft Certified Master program killed](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/09/microsoft-certified-master-program-killed/) - Microsoft has terminated the MCM/MCA program. - [Presentation Slides for Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/09/presentation-slides-for-building-an-effective-data-warehouse-architecture-4/) - Info about my presentation called "Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture". - [Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW) Version 2](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/03/parallel-data-warehouse-pdw-version-2/) - Information on what is new in Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW) Version 2. - [Best Practices to Deliver BI Solutions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/08/best-practices-to-deliver-bi-solutions/) - Reasons BI projects fail, best practices, and lessons learned so your BI project will fall into the "successful" category. - [SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) – August 2013 update](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/09/sql-server-data-tools-ssdt-august-2013-update/) - Talks about the new features in the August 2013 update of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT). - [Presentation Slides for Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/09/presentation-slides-for-building-an-effective-data-warehouse-architecture-3/) - Info about my presentation called "Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture". - [SQLBits XI videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/09/sqlbits-xi-videos-online/) - Information on watching the recorded sessions from SQLBits 11. - [Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/09/building-an-effective-data-warehouse-architecture-presentation-3/) - Info about my "Building an Data Warehouse Architecture" Presentation. - [Recruiters, pay rates, and client budgets](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/08/recruiters-pay-rates-and-client-budgets/) - Info on the IT recruiting world concerning pay rates and client budgets. - [PerformancePoint: Show Details greyed out](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/08/performancepoint-show-details-greyed-out/) - Gives the reasons the Show Details menu option is greyed out in a PerformancePoint report. - [Blueprint for consulting riches](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/07/blueprint-for-consulting-riches/) - Tips on how to greatly increase your income by becoming a consultant. - [Data Warehouse Architecture - Kimball and Inmon methodologies](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/data-warehouse-architecture-kimball-and-inmon-methodologies/) - Discusses the Data Warehouse Architecture methodologies of Ralph Kimball and Bill Inmon and the differences between them. - [Improving cube processing time](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/improving-cube-processing-time/) - Details on how to improve SSAS cube processing time and what all the process options mean. - [Ways to save money on Microsoft Software](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/ways-to-save-money-on-microsoft-software/) - Different options to save money on Microsoft Software. - [A placement firm's "guaranteed" replacement ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/08/a-placement-firms-guaranteed-replacement/) - Something to think about if a placement firm offers you a guaranteed replacement. - [Comparing DirectQuery and ROLAP for real-time access](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/07/comparing-directquery-and-rolap-for-real-time-access/) - Explains the difference between using DirectQuery and ROLAP for real-time access. - [Presentations slides for Best Practices to Deliver BI Solutions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/08/presentations-slides-for-best-practices-to-deliver-bi-solutions/) - Info about my presentation called "Best Practices to Deliver BI Solutions". - [Best Practices to Deliver BI Solutions Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/08/best-practices-to-deliver-bi-solutions-presentation/) - Info about my "Best Practices to Deliver BI Solutions" Presentation. - [Presentation Slides for Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/08/presentation-slides-for-building-an-effective-data-warehouse-architecture-2/) - Info about my presentation called "Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture". - [Syncing your contacts](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/07/syncing-your-contacts/) - Info on how to sync your contacts in Outlook, Gmail (Google Contacts), and iPhone. - [Syncing your calendars](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/05/syncing-your-calendars/) - Describes how to sync: Outlook on your desktop, Outlook on your laptop, and the calendar on your iPhone - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): FileTable](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/sql-server-2012-denali-filetable/) - Describes the new feature, FileTable, in SQL Server 2012. - [SQL Server 2014 CTP1 is here!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/06/sql-server-2014-ctp1-is-here/) - Info on SQL Server 2014 CTP1. - [Slowly Changing Dimensions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/slowly-changing-dimensions/) - Describes Slowly Changing Dimensions and the different types. - [Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/07/building-an-effective-data-warehouse-architecture-presentation-2/) - Info about my " Building an Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation". - [Tools to make creating MDX much easier](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/tools-to-make-creating-mdx-much-easier/) - Two tools, ProClarity and OLAP PivotTable Extensions for Excel, that make it much easier to create MDX - [Tabular query modes: DirectQuery vs In-Memory](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/06/tabular-query-modes-directquery-vs-in-memory/) - Explains all the different query modes for the deployment options when using the tabular model is SSAS. - [TechEd Europe 2013 videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/07/teched-europe-2013-videos-online/) - All the videos from TechEd Europe 2013 sessions are online. - [Dell Quickstart Data Warehouse Appliance 2000](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/11/dell-quickstart-data-warehouse-appliance-2000/) - Details on the Dell Quickstart Data Warehouse Appliance for SQL Server 2012. - [Interacting with Master Data Services (MDS)](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/10/interacting-with-master-data-services-mds/) - Explains the four different way to interact with Master Data Services (MDS) to do things such as create a model, load data into MDS, manage business rules, versioning, etc. - [Microsoft SQL Server Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW) Explained](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/microsoft-sql-server-parallel-data-warehouse-pdw-explained/) - Details on Parallel Data Warehousing (PDW). - [Geoflow Preview for Excel 2013](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/04/geoflow-preview-for-excel-2013/) - Discusses the new tool called Geoflow Preview for Excel 2013. - [SQL Server 2012 Business Intelligence Enhancements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/03/sql-server-2012-business-intelligence-enhancements/) - Information on my article "SQL Server 2012 Business Intelligence Enhancements" in SQL Server Pro magazine. - [Visual Studio 2013 preview available](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/06/visual-studio-2013/) - Info on Visual Studio 2013. - [Power View for Multidimensional Models Released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/05/power-view-for-multidimensional-models-released/) - Details on the ability to use Power View against multidimensional models. - [SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) – June 2013 update](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/07/sql-server-data-tools-ssdt-june-2013-update/) - Talks about the new features in the June 2013 update of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT). - [Excel 2013 and BI](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/08/excel-2013-and-bi/) - Talks about Excel 2013 and the new BI-related features. - [Microsoft SharePoint Online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/microsoft-sharepoint-online/) - Info on the benefits of using Microsoft SharePoint Online. - [Colleges starting to offer business intelligence degrees](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/colleges-starting-to-offer-business-intelligence-degrees/) - Colleges are starting to offer business intelligence degrees - [TechEd North America 2013 videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/06/teched-north-america-2013-videos-online/) - All the videos from TechEd North America 2013 sessions are online. - [Fast Track Data Warehouse Reference Guide for SQL Server 2012](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/05/fast-track-data-warehouse-reference-guide-for-sql-server-2012/) - The Fast Track Data Warehouse Reference Guide for SQL Server 2012 has been released. - [Presentation Slides for Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/06/presentation-slides-for-building-an-effective-data-warehouse-architecture/) - Info about my presentation called "Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture". - [Levels in IT consultancy](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/06/levels-in-it-consultancy/) - Describes the levels in IT consultancy. - [SQL Server 2012: Tabular Models vs PowerPivot Models](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/sql-server-2012-denali-tabular-models-vs-powerpivot-models/) - In SQL Server 2012, describes the differences between tabular models and PowerPivot models. - [Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/06/building-an-effective-data-warehouse-architecture-presentation/) - Info about my " Building an Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation". - [Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation Slides](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/02/data-warehouse-architecture-presentation-slides-2/) - Info about my Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation. - [What is Microsoft Connect?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/what-is-microsoft-connect/) - Explains the features of Microsoft Connect. - [IT recruiter's response](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/06/it-recruiters-response/) - Good points on billling rates and what IT recruiters do behind the scenes. - [SQL Server 2012: New Business Intelligence features](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/10/sql-server-2012-new-business-intelligence-features/) - SQL Server 2012 has many new Business Intelligence (BI) features and enhancements. Here are my top 12. - [Consulting company: Perm/Salaried vs 1099/W2](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/05/consulting-company-permsalaried-vs-1099w2/) - If you work as a salaried/perm employee of a consulting company, are you being taken advantage of? - [PASS Business Analytics Conference: the ultimate networking](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/04/pass-business-analytics-conference-the-ultimate-networking/) - The PASS Business Analytics Conference is the ultimate place to network. - [Power View for Multidimensional Models - Preview Available](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/11/power-view-for-multidimensional-models-preview-available/) - Details on the CTP for Power View that uses Multidimensional Models. - [Jumping from SSIS 2008 to SSIS 2012](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/11/jumping-from-ssis-2008-to-ssis-2012/) - A quick guide for those of you also making the jump from SSIS 2008 to SSIS 2012. - [PASS SQL Saturday in Chicago Presentation Slides](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/04/pass-sql-saturday-in-chicago-presentation-slides/) - Info about my presentations "What exactly is Business Intelligence?" and "Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture" - [PASS Business Analytics Conference Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/01/pass-business-analytics-conference-presentation/) - I am fortunate enough to have been selected to give a presentation at the PASS Business Analytics Conference in Chicago on April 10-12. Included is my presentation abstract along with more info about the conference. - [I'm presenting at the PASS SQL Saturday in Chicago](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/02/im-presenting-at-the-pass-sql-saturday-in-chicago/) - I have been selected to present at the SQL Saturday in Chicago on April 13th for the session "Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture". - [PASS Business Analytics Conference ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/04/pass-business-analytics-conference/) - [PASS Business Analytics Conference Presentation Slides](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/04/pass-business-analytics-conference-presentation-slides/) - Info on my presentations "Overview of Microsoft Appliances" and "Building an Effective Data Warehouse Architecture". - [Microsoft SQL Server Reference Architecture and Appliances](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/microsoft-sql-server-reference-architecture-and-appliances/) - Describes the four Micrsoft appliances and reference architectures: Fast Track Data Warehouse, HP Enterprise Data Warehouse Appliance, HP Business Decision Appliance and HP Business Data Warehouse appliance - [SQL Server 2012: Certification Upgrade Info](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/04/sql-server-2012-certification-upgrade-info/) - The latest info on the new certifications for SQL Server 2012. - [Formula engine and storage engine in SSAS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/formula-engine-and-storage-engine-in-ssas/) - Discusses the formula engine and storage engine in SSAS. - [Want me to do a presentation?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/05/want-me-to-do-a-presentation/) - Info on Business Intelligence, SQL Server, and personal development presentations I can do for you. - [“DBA: Transitioning to a BI Role” Presentation Slides](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/02/dba-transitioning-to-a-bi-role-presentation-slides/) - Info about my "DBA: Transitioning to a BI Role" Presentation. - [Industry Expert Interview](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/04/industry-expert-interview/) - Interview I did with Villanova University’s online programs about business intelligence - [Microsoft Data Quality Services in SQL Server 2012](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/06/microsoft-data-quality-services-in-sql-server-2012/) - Describes Microsoft Data Quality Services, a new feature in SQL Server 2012 to clean and correct data. - [PASS Business Analytics Conference Live Blog](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/04/pass-business-analytics-conference-live-blog/) - Details on my PASS Business Analytics Conference Live Blog. - [How to use LinkedIn to enhance your career](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/07/how-to-use-linkedin-to-enhance-your-career/) - Tips on how to use LinkedIn to enhance your career. - [What happens when a SSAS Tabular model exceeds memory?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/05/what-happens-when-a-ssas-tabular-model-exceeds-memory/) - Explain the error that occurs when a SSAS Tabular model exceeds memory and how to avoid that error. - [SQL Server 2012: xVelocity ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/sql-server-2012-xvelocity/) - Explains the name change in SQL Server 2012 from Vertipaq to xVelocity. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Contained Databases](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/sql-server-2012-denali-contained-databases/) - Describes the new feature called contained databases in SQL Server 2012. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Details on the next version of SSAS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/sql-server-“denali”-details-on-the-next-version-of-ssas/) - Read all the details on the next version of SSAS in SQL Server “Denali”, including the new data model called BISM. - [Video/Voice conferencing and Microsoft Lync](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/videovoice-conferencing-and-microsoft-lync/) - Explains the benefits of Microsoft Lync and the best headphones to use for it. - [TFS vs SSIS project versioning](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/03/tfs-vs-ssis-project-versioning/) - Describes the additional benefits of using Team Foundation Services (TFS) even if you are using SSIS project versioning. - [Top BI Enhancements for SQL Server 2012 Presentation Slides](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/03/top-bi-enhancements-for-sql-server-2012-presentation-slides/) - Info about my Top BI Enhancements for SQL Server 2012 Presentation. - [Top BI Enhancements for SQL Server 2012 Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/03/top-bi-enhancements-for-sql-server-2012-presentation/) - Info about my Top BI Enhancements for SQL Server 2012 Presentation. - [Visual Studio 2012 does not support BI](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/07/visual-studio-2012-does-not-support-bi/) - Visual Studio 2012 does not support SSAS, SSIS, SSRS - [ABL: Always Be Learning](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/abl-always-be-learning/) - Continuous learning is the key to advancing your career. This blog talks about tips to "Always be learning" - [SSIS package runs fine until put in a job](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/ssis-package-runs-fine-until-put-in-a-job/) - SSIS package runs fine until put in a job, then bombs. This article clears up one possible cause. - [Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/02/data-warehouse-architecture-presentation-2/) - Info about my Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation. - [Using PerformancePoint against tabular data](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/10/using-performancepoint-against-tabular-data/) - Describes how PerformancePoint uses multidimensional data sources and also has limited functionality for tabular data sources. - [Master Data Services (MDS): Miscellaneous tips](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/10/master-data-services-mds-miscellaneous-tips/) - My favorite Master Data Services (MDS) tips. - [Using Team Foundation Service](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/02/using-team-foundation-service/) - Tips for using Team Foundation Service. - [Installing Team Foundation Server (TFS) 2012](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/02/installing-team-foundation-server-tfs-2012/) - Tips for installing Installing Team Foundation Server (TFS) 2012. - [Houston Area SQL Server User Group Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/houston-area-sql-server-user-group-presentation-2/) - Learn about all the different appliances and how they can save you a tremendous amount of time and money instead of building on your own: HP Business Decision Appliance (BDA), HP Business Data Warehouse appliance (BDW), HP Enterprise Data Warehouse Appliance, and HP Database Consolidation Appliance. - [SQLSaturday in Houston Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/04/sqlsaturday-in-houston-presentation/) - Here is the PowerPoint presentation: Scaling SQL Server to HUNDREDS of Terabytes. - [Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation Slides](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/11/data-warehouse-architecture-presentation-slides/) - The PowerPoint slides from my Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation. - [Introduction to Microsoft’s Master Data Services (MDS) Presentation Slides](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/12/introduction-to-microsofts-master-data-services-mds-presentation-slides/) - Info about my Introduction to Microsoft’s Master Data Services (MDS) Presentation. - [Introduction to Microsoft’s Master Data Services (MDS) Presentation Slides](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/02/introduction-to-microsofts-master-data-services-mds-presentation-slides-2/) - Info about my Introduction to Microsoft’s Master Data Services (MDS) Presentation. - [Data Warehouse vs Data Mart](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/05/data-warehouse-vs-data-mart/) - Explains the difference between a data warehouse and a data mart. - ["DBA: Transitioning to a BI Role" Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/02/dba-transitioning-to-a-bi-role-presentation/) - Info about my "DBA: Transitioning to a BI Role" Presentation. - [Introduction to Microsoft’s Master Data Services (MDS) Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/02/introduction-to-microsofts-master-data-services-mds-presentation-2/) - Info about my Introduction to Microsoft’s Master Data Services (MDS) Presentation. - [24 Hours of PASS: Business Analytics Edition videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/02/24-hours-of-pass-business-analytics-edition-videos-online/) - Info on the online videos from 24 Hours of PASS: Business Analytics Edition. - [Reference Dimensions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/11/reference-dimensions/) - Explains reference dimensions. - [SSIS 2012: Empty toolbox?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/01/ssis-2012-empty-toolbox/) - Talks about the solution if you find an empty toolbox when looking for SSIS tasks. - [Parallel execution in SSIS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/11/parallel-execution-in-ssis/) - SSIS uses two properties: MaxConcurrentExecutables and EngineThreads, to support parallel execution of different tasks in a package. - [Missing Data Quality Service (DQS) buttons in Excel](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/01/missing-data-quality-service-dqs-buttons-in-excel/) - Describes the fix if you are missing the Data Quality Service (DQS) buttons in Excel. - [SharePoint dependencies](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/12/sharepoint-dependencies/) - Which end-user BI tools require SharePoint? - [Consultants: 1099 or W-2?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/consultants-1099-or-w-2/) - Information on the differences between going 1099 or W-2 if you are a consultant. - [SQL Server 2012 SP1 Causes MsiInstaller Application Log Entries](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/01/sql-server-2012-sp1-causes-msiinstaller-application-log-entries/) - Describes the fix if you are seeing MsiInstaller application log entries and higher cpu usage after installing sp1 for SQL Server 2012. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), codename 'Juneau"](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/sql-server-“denali”-sql-server-developer-tools-codename-juneau/) - Learn about Juneua, the next generation tool (called SSDT) for SQL Server database developers - [Solution to VSTA editor error in SSIS 2012](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/12/solution-to-vsta-editor-error-in-ssis-2012/) - Describes a fix when you get a VSTA error trying to use the editor for the script task in SSIS 2012. - [MDS Error SYSERR207 after SQL Server 2012 SP1 Upgrade](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/01/mds-error-syserr207-after-sql-server-2012-sp1-upgrade/) - Describes a Master Data Services (MDS) bug that gives a SYSERR207 error when calling a staging entity load stored procedure after a SQL Server 2012 SP1 upgrade. - [SSDT - Installation confusion](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/04/ssdt-installation-confusion/) - Explains the different ways to install SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) and how that affects what is installed. - [PASS 2012 Announcements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/11/pass-2012-announcements/) - Describes the announcements made during PASS 2012. - [MDS: The Microsoft SQL Server license has expired](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2013/01/mds-the-microsoft-sql-server-license-has-expired/) - Fixing the Master Data Services error "The Microsoft SQL Server license has expired". - [PASS Summit 2012 session videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/12/pass-summit-2012-session-videos-online/) - Info on the PASS Summit 2012 session videos that are available. - [PASS SQLRally Nordic 2012 videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/12/pass-sqlrally-nordic-2012-videos-online/) - Details on the videos from PASS SQLRally Nordic 2012. - [Introduction to Microsoft’s Master Data Services (MDS) Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/12/introduction-to-microsofts-master-data-services-mds-presentation/) - Info about my Introduction to Microsoft’s Master Data Services (MDS) Presentation. - [SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) – December 2012 update](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/12/sql-server-data-tools-ssdt-december-2012-update/) - Talks about the new features in the December 2012 update of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT). - [Microsoft Master Data Services in SQL Server 2012](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/06/microsoft-master-data-services-in-sql-server-2012/) - Describes Master Data Management (MDM), Microsoft Master Data Services (MDS), and Data Quality Services (DQS). - [SQL Server 2012: Installing on a Virtual Machine](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/04/sql-server-2012-installing-on-a-virtual-machine/) - Steps to install SQL Server 2012 and all related tools on a virtual machine. - [SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) – November 2012 update](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/12/sql-server-data-tools-ssdt-november-2012-update/) - Talks about the new features in the November 2012 update of SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT). - [PerformancePoint 2013 and SharePoint 2013](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/08/performancepoint-2013/) - Describes the new features and enhancements in PerformancePoint 2013 that is included in SharePoint 2013. - [Reasons not to upgrade to SQL Server 2012](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/11/reasons-not-to-upgrade-to-sql-server-2012/) - As exciting as SQL Server 2012 is, with its multitude of new features, its not always possible to upgrade right away. Discussed are some reasons that may cause you to delay your upgrade - [MDS Error: "The status of the specified batch is not valid"](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/09/mds-error-the-status-of-the-specified-batch-is-not-valid/) - A solution for the Master Data Services (MDS) Error: "The status of the specified batch is not valid". - [Master Data Services (MDS): Bug deleting an attribute](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/10/master-data-services-mds-bug-deleting-an-attribute/) - Describes a bug when trying to delete an attribute in an entity in MDS and a workaround. - [Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/11/data-warehouse-architecture-presentation/) - Info about my Data Warehouse Architecture Presentation. - [Can I use SSDT for the 2008 BI stack?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/12/can-i-use-ssdt-for-the-2008-bi-stack/) - With SSDT, can you use it with 2008 projects and save it as 2008 versions (without converting to 2012)? - [Want to recruit me? Please follow these rules](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/want-to-recruit-me-please-follow-these-rules/) - Rules every recruiter should follow when contacting potential hires. - [SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) - September 2012 update](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/09/sql-server-data-tools-ssdt-september-2012-update/) - Details on the new update for SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) and SSDT Power Tools. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Project Apollo/Columnstore Indexes](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/sql-server-“denali”-project-apollo/) - Find out about Project Apollo/Columnstore Indexes in SQL Server “Denali” and how it offers 10-100x performance improvements. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): PowerPivot](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/sql-server-2012-denali-powerpivot/) - Discusses the new features in PowerPivot in SQL Server 2012. - [Master Data Services: Resources](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/09/master-data-services-resources/) - A list with links to my favorite Master Data Services resources. - [Master Data Services Web Services API Error](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/11/master-data-services-web-services-api-error/) - Describes the fix if you receive an error when using C# code in the script task in SSIS 2012 to call the MDS web services API. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Power View ("Project Crescent")](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/sql-server-“denali”-project-crescent/) - Project "Crescent" is a new interactive data exploration and visual presentation experience coming in the SQL “Denali”. - [Dell Quickstart Data Warehouse Appliance for SQL Server 2012](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/dell-quickstart-data-warehouse-appliance-for-sql-server-2012/) - Details on the Dell Quickstart Data Warehouse Appliance for SQL Server 2012. - [24 Hours of PASS videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/10/24-hours-of-pass-videos-online/) - Link to the vidoes of the sessions at 24 Hours of PASS - [SSIS: Execute SQL task vs Execute T-SQL Statement task](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/11/ssis-execute-sql-task-vs-execute-t-sql-statement-task/) - In SSIS there are two tasks than can be used to execute SQL statements: Execute T-SQL Statement and Execute SQL. What is the difference between the two? - [MDS Error: "Cannot insert the value NULL into column 'Code'"](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/10/mds-error-cannot-insert-the-value-null-into-column-code/) - Describes the Microsoft Data Services (MDS) Error: "Cannot insert the value NULL into column 'Code'" and the reason behind it. - [Problem copying large files to a USB flash drive?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/11/problem-copying-large-files-to-a-usb-flash-drive/) - Info on solving the error message "There is not enough free space on the drive" when copying a large file to a USB flash drive. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Details on the next version of SSIS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/sql-server-“denali”-details-on-the-next-version-of-ssis/) - Details on the next version of SSIS in SQL Server Denali - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Master Data Services](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/sql-server-2012-“denali”-master-data-services/) - Explains the new Master Data Services features in SQL Server 2012. - [MDS: Copying models and data to another server](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/10/mds-copying-models-and-data-to-another-server/) - Helpful tips for copying a Master Data Services (MDS) model from one server to another. - [Fast Track for SQL Server 2012](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/fast-track-for-sql-server-2012/) - Details on the new version of Fast Track Data Warehouse for SQL Server 2012. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Microsoft StreamInsight](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/sql-server-2012-denali-microsoft-streaminsight/) - Discusses Microsoft StreamInsight and the new features in SQL Server 2012. - [TechEd Australia 2012 videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/09/teched-australia-2012-videos-online/) - All the videos from TechEd Australia 2012 sessions are online. - [Master Data Services: Copy Versions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/10/microsoft-data-services-copy-versions/) - Describes the problem and fix in Master Data Services if you want to copy a version of a model and the copy button is grayed-out. - [Master Data Services: Versioning](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/09/master-data-services-versioning/) - Discusses versioning in Master Data Services. - [Master Data Services: Expand the Leaf member attributes box](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/09/master-data-services-expand-the-leaf-member-attributes-box/) - Solution on how to expand the Leaf member attributes box on the Edit Entity screen. - [Master Data Services: Changing a model with a subscription view](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/09/master-data-services-changing-a-model-with-a-subscription-view/) - In Master Data Services for SQL Server 2012, describes a subscription view and the best way to regenerate it when the underlying model changes. - [SQL Server 2012 ("Denali"): Installing SSAS Multidimensional vs Tabular Mode](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/sql-server-denali-installing-ssas-multidimensional-vs-tabular-mode/) - When installing SSAS in SQL Server "Denali", this explains Multidimensional vs Tabular Mode. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): SSIS Logging](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/sql-server-2012-denali-ssis-logging/) - Explains the new SSIS logging in SQL Server 2012 - [Prevent wiping out of SSAS partitions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/08/prevent-wiping-out-of-ssas-partitions/) - Tips on how to avoid wiping out SSAS partitions when deploying a project from BIDS. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): New Security Features](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/sql-server-2012-“denali”-new-security-features/) - Explains the new security features in SQL Server 2012: Default Schema for Windows Groups, Audit enhancements, and User-Defined Server Roles. - [TechEd North America 2012 videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/06/teched-north-america-2012-videos-online/) - All the videos from TechEd North America 2012 sessions are online. - [TechEd Europe 2012 videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/07/teched-europe-2012-videos-online/) - All the videos from TechEd Europe 2012 sessions are online. - [SSRS does not require IIS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/07/ssrs-does-not-require-iis/) - Explains that SQL Server Reporting 2008 Reporting Services (SSRS) does not require IIS, as it did in previous versions. - [New Microsoft SSIS transform](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/new-microsoft-ssis-transform/) - New Microsoft SSIS transform called Balanced Data Distributor (BDD). - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Database Recovery Advisor](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/sql-server-2012-denali-database-recovery-advisor/) - Describes Database Recovery Advisor, a new features in SQL Server 2012. - [Normalizing Your Database](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/normalizing-your-database/) - Explains what normalizing your database means and the the six normal forms. - [Microsoft PivotViewer](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/07/microsoft-pivotviewer/) - A really cool Silverlight web-based control that provides a visual way to interact with massive amounts of data. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): AlwaysOn](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/sql-server-2012-“denali”-alwayson/) - Explain in great detail the new feature AlwaysOn in SQL Server 2012. - [How to use a multidimensional cube with Power View](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/06/how-to-use-a-multidimensional-cube-with-power-view/) - A work-around so you can use a multidimensional cube with Power View. - [SQLBits X videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/06/sqlbits-x-videos-online/) - Information on watching the recorded sessions from SQLBits 10. - [Building a Visual Studio project from an existing SSAS database](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/building-a-visual-studio-project-from-an-existing-ssas-database/) - How to build a Visual Studio project from an existing SSAS database. - [Microsoft's Data Warehouse offerings](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/microsofts-data-warehouse-offerings/) - Explains the Microsoft's Data Warehouse offerings. - [SQL Server Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW) Appliance Update 3 (AU3)](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/sql-server-parallel-data-warehouse-pdw-appliance-update-3-au3/) - Details on the SQL Server Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW) Appliance Update 3 (AU3). - [Columnstore indexes and memory](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/05/columnstore-indexes-and-memory/) - Describes how columnstore indexes work with memory. - [Being careful in SSAS to not make a cube/dimension unprocessed](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/05/being-careful-in-ssas-to-not-make-a-cubedimension-unprocessed/) - Explains what changes can make your SSAS cube move to an unprocessed state. - [SQL Server 2012 Developer Training Kit](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/sql-server-2012-developer-training-kit/) - Covers the info in the SQL Server 2012 Developer Training Kit. - [SQL Server 2012 ("Denali") Licensing](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/sql-server-2012-denali-licensing/) - Explains the details on the new licensing for SQL Server 2012 - [SSAS File System Error](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/04/ssas-file-system-error/) - Describes the solution when you receive a "File system error: The following file is corrupted" when processing a cube. - [SQL Server 2012: New Certification Info](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/sql-server-2012-new-certification-info/) - Details on the new certifications for SQL Server 2012. - [BIDS Helper 1.6 for SQL Server 2012 released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/bids-helper-1-6-for-sql-server-2012-released/) - BIDS helper is Visual Studio add-in with features that extend and enhance the functionality of the SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2008 BI Development Studio, and now supports SQL Server 2012 and Visual Studio 2010 (SSDT). - [SQLSaturday in Houston](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/04/sqlsaturday-in-houston/) - Details on my presentation at SQLSaturday in Houston. - [Please vote for my SQLRally session](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/please-vote-for-my-sqlrally-session/) - Please vote for my session "Scaling SQL Server to HUNDREDS of Terabytes OR Overview of Microsoft Appliances". - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Details on the next version of SSRS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/sql-server-2012-denali-details-on-the-next-version-of-ssrs/) - Information on the new features in SSRS for SQL Server 2012. - [SQL Server 2012 released!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/sql-server-2012-released/) - Details on the release to manufacturing of SQL Server 2012. - [SSAS development quick tip](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/04/ssas-development-quick-tip/) - A quick SSAS development tip to save processing time. - [SQL Server 2012: SSAS enhancements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/04/sql-server-2012-ssas-enhancements/) - Describes the new SSAS enhancements in SQL Server 2012. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Extended Events](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/sql-server-2012-denali-extended-events/) - Explains the enhancements to Extended Events in SQL Server 2012. - [Role-playing Dimensions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/11/role-playing-dimensions/) - Explains Role-playing Dimensions. - [SSAS Maestro Program (or SQL BI MCM)](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/ssas-maestro-program-or-sql-bi-mcm/) - Think of the SSAS Maestro Program as the equivalent of the SQL Server 2008 MCM, but for BI (i.e. SQL BI MCM). - [TinyInt problem in SSAS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/tinyint-problem-in-ssas/) - Explains the problem you can have when using TinyInt in SSAS for an IDENTITY column. - [Factless fact table](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/factless-fact-table/) - Explains what a Factless fact table is. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Data Quality Services](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/sql-server-2012-denali-data-quality-services/) - Describes Data Quality Services (DQS), a new feature in SQL Server 2012. - [Can you query a SSAS cube while it is processing?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/can-you-query-a-ssas-cube-while-it-is-processing/) - Answers the question if queries against a SSAS cube while it's processing would be forced to wait the entire time the cube is processing, or just a few minutes? - [Microsoft and HP's Database Consolidation Appliance](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/microsoft-and-hps-database-consolidation-appliance/) - Microsoft and HP have announced another appliance, called the Database Consolidation Appliance, In short, this appliance consolidates databases into a single, virtual environment. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Reporting Services in SharePoint integrated mode](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/03/sql-server-2012-denali-reporting-services-in-sharepoint-integrated-mode/) - Describes the differences in installing Reporting Services in SharePoint integrated mode in SQL Server 2012 compared to SQL Server 2008. - [The best IT job boards](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/the-best-it-job-boards-2/) - Article describing the best job boards (LinkedIn, DICE, Monster) for IT positions. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Spatial Features](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/sql-server-2012-denali-spatial-features/) - Describes the enhancements to spatial features in SQL Server 2012. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): T-SQL Enhancements](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/sql-server-2012-denali-t-sql-enhancements/) - SQL Server 2012 has a number of new T-SQL features. I describe all of the new features, along with the best links I have found that describe each feature. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Installing on a Virtual Machine](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/sql-server-“denali”-installing-on-a-virtual-machine/) - Steps to install SQL Server “Denali” and all related tools on a virtual machine. - [Need to create a time dimension down to the millisecond?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/02/need-to-create-a-time-dimension-down-to-the-millisecond/) - Creating a time dimension using a cross join (cartesian product). - [SQL Server 2012: New Certifications](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/11/sql-server-2012-new-certifications/) - Explains the seven new certifications for SQL Server 2012 - [SSAS fact table dilemma](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/ssas-fact-table-dilemma/) - How to handle a particular situation in SSAS dealing with fact tables. - [PASS Summit session videos online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/pass-summit-session-videos-online/) - Info on the PASS Summit session videos that are available. - [SQLInspire NYC 2011 Videos available](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/sqlinspire-nyc-2011-videos-available/) - Details on the videos from SQLInspire NYC 2011. - [HP DL980...now this is a server!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2012/01/hp-dl980-now-this-is-a-server/) - Describes a HP DL980. - [Many-to-Many Dimensions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/11/many-to-many-dimensions/) - Explains Many-to-Many Dimensions in SSAS. - [Top SSAS white papers](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/top-ssas-white-papers/) - My favorite SSAS white papers. - [Dual monitors, dual laptops, and the best way to manage them](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/dual-monitors-dual-laptops-and-the-best-way-to-manage-them/) - A tip to make you more productive when using dual monitors and dual laptops. - [SQL Server 2012 RC0 is here!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/11/sql-server-2012-rc0-is-here/) - Details on SQL Server 2012 RC0. - [SSIS Community Tasks and Components](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/ssis-community-tasks-and-components/) - There are hundreds of additional tasks, tools, and components for SSIS, many which are free. - [Reduce heap table fragmentation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/reduce-heap-table-fragmentation/) - Talks about ways to reduce heap table fragmentation. - [Buffer Size in SSIS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/11/buffer-size-in-ssis/) - In SSIS, the data flow engine uses a buffer-oriented architecture. So how many buffers does it create? How many rows fit into a single buffer? How does it impact performance? - [TechNet Virtual Labs](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/technet-virtual-labs/) - TechNet Virtual Labs that enables you to quickly and easily evaluate Microsoft's newest products and technologies via hands-on labs. - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”): Distributed Replay](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/sql-server-“denali”-distributed-replay/) - Distributed Replay is a new multi-threaded replay utility in Denali that should make load testing much easier. - [Why does my SSIS package run slower in BIDS than DTEXEC?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/11/why-does-my-ssis-package-run-slower-in-bids-than-dtexec/) - Explains why does my SSIS package run slower in BIDS than DTEXEC. - [Setting role security in SSAS for a role-playing dimension](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/setting-role-security-in-ssas-for-a-role-playing-dimension/) - Explains the error "The XXX attribute in the YYY dimension has generated dimension security expression that is not valid" - [Microsoft Partner Network explained](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/microsoft-partner-network-explained/) - Details on the Microsoft Partner Network. - [Dirty looking SQL, MDX, or DAX? Clean it up](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/dirty-looking-sql-clean-it-up/) - Free tools that will format your SQL and MDX and DAX, making it much easier to understand. - [What is SQL PASS?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/11/what-is-sql-pass/) - Explains what is SQL PASS. - [Miss SQLBits 9? No problem, all videos are online ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/miss-sqlbits-9-no-problem-all-videos-are-online/) - Information on watching the recorded sessions from SQLBits 9. - [Miss TechEd Australia 2011? No problem, all videos are online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/miss-teched-australia-2011-no-problem-all-videos-are-online/) - All the videos from TechEd 2011 sessions are online. - [Conformed dimensions](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/11/conformed-dimensions/) - Describes Conformed dimensions. - [Product Guide for SQL Server 2012 ("Denali") released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/product-guide-for-sql-server-denali-released/) - Explains what is contained in the Product Guide for SQL Server "Denali". - [SQL Server 2012 ("Denali"): New Certifications](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/sql-server-denali-new-certifications/) - Explains the seven new exams for SQL Server "Denali". - [SQL Server 2012 ("Denali"): CTP3 now available!](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/sql-server-denali-ctp3-now-available/) - Read about how to download SQL Server Code Name "Denali" CTP3 - [SQL Server 2012 (“Denali”)](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/sql-server-“denali”/) - SQL Server “Denali” is the code name for the next version of SQL Server. - [Miss 24 Hours of PASS ? No problem, all videos are online ](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/miss-24-hours-of-pass-no-problem-all-videos-are-online/) - Link to the vidoes of the sessions at 24 Hours of PASS - [SQL Server Analysis Services Performance Guide published](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/sql-server-analysis-services-performance-guide-published/) - This white paper describes how business intelligence developers can apply query and processing performance-tuning techniques to their Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services OLAP solutions. - [Sometimes temp tables can be your best friend](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/sometimes-temp-tables-can-be-your-best-friend/) - Shows how temp tables can be used to greatly reduce the execution time of a query. - [SSIS - Can't Enable/Disable within Data Flow Tab](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/ssis-cant-enabledisable-within-data-flow-tab/) - On my wish list is the ability to Enable/Disable components within the Data Flow Tab. - [Error configuration in SSAS](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/10/error-configuration-in-ssas/) - Explains what error configuration is used for in SSAS. - [Miss TechEd 2011? No problem, all videos are online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/miss-teched-2011-no-problem-all-videos-are-online/) - All the videos from TechEd 2011 sessions are online, and there is a list of just the SQL Server sessions. - [Miss SQLBits 8? No problem, all videos are online](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/miss-sqlbits-8-no-problem-all-videos-are-online/) - Info on how to watch all the recorded sessions from SQLBits 8. - [Using a Display Folder for a SSAS calculation](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/using-a-display-folder-for-a-ssas-calculation/) - A Display Folder for a SSAS calculation will only work if you select "Measures" as the Parent hierarchy. - [Visual Studio vNext](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/visual-studio-vnext/) - Info about the next version of Visual Studio, called "vNext". - [Windows 8 demo](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/windows-8-demo/) - Windows 8 demo - [System Center and Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/system-center-and-visual-studio-team-foundation-server-2010/) - A new connector between System Center and Visual Studio Team Foundation Server (TFS) 2010 that helps the coordination between development and operations - [What is a Microsoft Regional Director?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/what-is-a-microsoft-regional-director/) - Explains what a Microsoft Regional Director is. - [Context-sensitive menus in PerformancePoint](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/context-sensitive-menus-in-performancepoint/) - Shows the differences in the context-sensitive menus in PerformancePoint. - [Using SSIS lookup transformation editor with millions of rows](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/using-ssis-lookup-transformation-editor-with-millions-of-rows/) - If you are using a SSIS lookup transformation editor and the reference dataset is large, here are two solutions to improve speed. - [Preventing projects from deploying when debugging a SSIS package](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/09/preventing-projects-from-deploying-when-debugging-a-ssis-package/) - This is a quick tip to help quickly solve a problem of other projects deploying when debugging a SSIS package. - [Tracking down KPI error in PerformancePoint](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/tracking-down-kpi-error-in-performancepoint/) - How to find the cause of a KPI error in PerformancePoint - [Receive error #13119 in toolbox instead of tools in Visual Studio 2008](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/08/receive-error-13119-in-toolbox-instead-of-tools-in-visual-studio-2008/) - How to fix error #13119 in Visual Studio 2008 and restore tools in toolbox - [PerformancePoint wish list - change a datasource](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/performancepoint-wish-list-change-a-datasource/) - I wish there was a way to change a datasource for an Analytic Grid/Chart in PerformancePoint - [What’s coming in SP1 for PerformancePoint](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/what’s-coming-in-sp1-for-performancepoint/) - A list of the major features and updates included in SP1 for PerformancePoint Services. - [SQL Server does not script indexes by default](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/sql-server-does-not-script-indexes-by-default/) - Set the option "Script indexes" to true. - [SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 Released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/sql-server-2008-r2-service-pack-1-released/) - Details on SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1. - [SSIS package taking forever to load when you open it?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/ssis-package-taking-forever-to-load-when-you-open-it/) - If your SSIS package is slow to open, there are three options around this problem: DelayValidation, ValidateExternalMetadata, and "Work Offine". - [Watch out, Visual Studio 2010 does not support BI](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/watch-out-visual-studio-2010-does-not-support-bi/) - Visual Studio 2010 does not support SSAS, SSIS, SSRS. Read about how to fix your project if you went thru the conversion wizard. - [Environment variable in SSIS not being recognized](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/environment-variable-in-ssis-not-being-recognized/) - Solution if an environment variable in SSIS not being recognized after being added or changed. - [What name should I call myself?](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/04/what-should-i-call-myself/) - Picking a name with dba in it - [A quicker way than using count(*)](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/a-quicker-way-than-using-count/) - Use sys.dm_db_partition_stats instead of count(*) to quickly count the rows in a table. - [SSAS error when processing the cube](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/ssas-error-when-processing-the-cube/) - Solution for when you see the SSAS error "Please call customer support!" when processing the cube. - [New Microsoft BI Labs site](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/new-microsoft-bi-labs-site/) - New Microsoft BI Labs site that has some cool tools that could be useful to BI developers. - [Show correct totals when using SSAS role security](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/show-correct-totals-when-using-ssas-role-security/) - This blog will explain the reason you may be seeing incorrect grand totals when using role security - [BIDSHelper 1.5 for SSAS, SSIS, SSRS released](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/bidshelper-1-5-for-ssas-ssis-ssrs-released/) - BIDS helper is Visual Studio add-in with features that extend and enhance the functionality of the SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2008 BI Development Studio. - [Easier way to view SQL Server job history](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/easier-way-to-view-sql-server-job-history/) - Ever get a timeout error when using the "View History" for a SQL Server Agent job? If so, use this stored procedure instead - [SSIS Fuzzy Lookup Error](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/ssis-fuzzy-lookup-error/) - If your SSIS Fuzzy Lookup task in SSIS bombs, the issue could be your reference table is too large - [Data Mining and Analytics hot career](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/data-mining-and-analytics-hot-career/) - Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have published a list of job-market hotspots, and in the top ten is Data Mining and Analytics - [SSMS Add-in for Analysis Services](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/ssms-add-in-for-analysis-services/) - SSMS Add-in for Analysis Services that helps with repetitive tasks involved with SSAS. - [Three must-have tools you should use everyday](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/three-must-have-tools-you-should-use-everyday/) - These are three must-have tools I use everyday to save me a ton of time - [Configuration Manager for Sqldiag](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/configuration-manager-for-sqldiag/) - Configuration Manager for Sqldiag allows you to customize what data you needed to collect. - [SQL Server Analysis Services Operations Guide published](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/sql-server-analysis-services-operations-guide-published/) - This white paper describes how you can test, monitor, capacity plan, and troubleshoot Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services OLAP solutions in SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, and SQL Server 2008 R2. - [Free SQL Server 2008 R2 Business Intelligence Training Course](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/07/free-sql-server-2008-r2-business-intelligence-training-course/) - If you are new to Business Intelligence (BI) these videos will help get you started. - [Top 10 virtualization benefits for the developer](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/top-10-virtualization-benefits-for-the-developer/) - If you deal with computers every day you can benefit from virtualization, especially if you are a developer. Here are the top 10 benefits. - [Antivirus solutions that are free](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/04/antivirus-solutions/) - Best antivirus and spyware products - [Great white paper: Microsoft EDW Architecture, Guidance and Deployment Best Practices](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/great-white-paper-microsoft-edw-architecture-guidance-and-deployment-best-practices/) - It's a must read if you are a data architect, data developer, or DBA involved in an Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW). - [Search Active Directory (AD) from your desktop](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/05/search-active-directory-from-your-desktop/) - Ever see a Windows group and want to know all the users in the group without having to ask your system admin? - [PerformancePoint 2010 source control](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/06/performancepoint-2010-source-control/) - A way to obtain source control in PerformancePoint 2010 by using version control in SharePoint 2010. - [Conversations with Data Warehouse Experts - Podcast](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2018/02/conversations-with-data-warehouse-experts-podcast/) - Podcast about data being the the new currency, the importance of showing customers the art of the possible. - [Azure SQL Data Warehouse pricing](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2016/06/azure-sql-data-warehouse-pricing/) - [Factless fact table](https://www.jamesserra.com/archive/2011/12/factless-fact-table/) - Explains what a Factless fact table is. ## Pages - [Presentations](https://www.jamesserra.com/presentations/) - [About Me](https://www.jamesserra.com/aboutme/) - James Serra - About Me - [My Book](https://www.jamesserra.com/my-book/) - [Free Book Download](https://www.jamesserra.com/freebook/) - [Data Consulting](https://www.jamesserra.com/consulting/) - [FAQ](https://www.jamesserra.com/faq/) - The top questions I am seeing from customers looking to build a modern data warehouse in the cloud, and the blogs that I have wrote that try to answer the question. - [Contact Me](https://www.jamesserra.com/contact-me/) - 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