Parallel Processing and Distributed Storage James points out something I’d like to touch on regarding Parallel Processing and Centralized Data. For this discussion, let consider the following concept that Centralized data doesn’t necessarily mean only a single copy of the data in a single location. Centralized data could mean a single authoritative perspective on data, capable of interacting with that […]

Centralized Data in Parallel I was reading Kevin Kline’s article “CPU in Flux” in the September 2011 edition of “Database Trends and Applications. Kevin touched on a topic I have had on my backburner for some time now, Multiple CPU systems. The main thrust of his article is that CPU manufacturers have changed course in order to get more power […]

Centralized Data Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence systems have become key assets for company success. More focus is being placed on centralizing data from different data sources providing a centralized view of customer information. Less emphasis is being placed on designing new sources of data. If you are not convinced of this shift in technology, simply look at job postings […]

Making SQL Work Too Hard I was reading a forum and came across a question where someone wanted to take a query returning 30 columns and break them out into three lines of 10 columns each. I really enjoy these kinds of challenges from the standpoint of how to write SQL to accomplish this task. I have been using SQL […]

Feedback on Usability Interesting feedback on the issue of Usability. For me, usable means that software is efficient (lets me accomplish my task in the most efficient way possible), intuitive, and has the right features. Believe it or not, that is a lot to ask of software. It is even more to ask when you have a large user base […]

$$SWYNK$$ Usability Today, to finish up the week, I decided to take a topic that is as hard to nail down as Jello; usability. I am not a usability expert. But I do know when something doesn’t work. I’d like to pick on Facebook today because it is often held up as an example of modern usability. Frankly, I find […]

SelecTViews With Stephen Wynkoop Dell enters the Cloud Provider Space, Nokia breached with SQL Injection Attack, interview with Monotouch developer Michael Bluestein about Development with Monotouch as a technology to use your C# skills on iPhone, iPad and Android platforms. Watch the Show $$SWYNK$$ Cross Apply Table Functions I have really enjoyed the use of TSQL functions in SQL Server. […]

SelecTViews With Stephen Wynkoop Check Out SelecTViews to hear about a new Heavy Lifting Database Engine called UnQL from CouchBase. Backwards Compatible Reports for SSRS Yesterday I introduced an issue one of our reader faces by having to support older versions of SQL Server Reporting Services, while taking advantages of the new features of the current release. I didn’t receive […]

Backwards Compatible The following question was posted in the SSWUG group on Linked-In: “How we do deploy a RDL developed using Visual Studio 2008 environment in SQL Server 2005 Reporting server?” This is really a very good question. It is worthy of some discussion should you, our reader, have time to respond with your ideas and experience. The issue for […]

Introduction to SQL Server Reporting Services – Tomorrow, August 25 Last chance to sign up for the next virtual class, "Introduction to SQL Server Reporting Services". This "Made Simple" course, taught by Sherri McDonald, a Business intelligence expert from Pragmatic Works, is a great investment for your personal development. If you’re ready to up your game, come on in and […]