SQL Server Blog Posts from Stedman Solutions
SQL Server Blog Posts
Welcome to the hub for all things SQL Server! Here, you’ll find the latest blog posts covering tips, tricks, and insights into SQL Server management, performance tuning, query optimization, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned database administrator or just starting your journey with SQL Server, our blog is packed with valuable content to help you tackle real-world challenges and improve your skills.
At Stedman Solutions, we’re passionate about SQL Server and dedicated to sharing knowledge gained from over three decades of experience. Our blog posts cover a range of topics, including resolving database corruption, enhancing query performance, understanding T-SQL techniques, and leveraging tools like Database Health Monitor. Each article is written with a practical focus, offering solutions and advice you can apply directly to your SQL Server environment.
Take a moment to explore the latest posts below. Whether you’re here to solve a specific problem, learn about a new feature, or stay updated on best practices, you’re in the right place. If you find a topic that resonates with your current challenges, be sure to dive in—and feel free to contact us if you need personalized assistance or want to learn more about our SQL Server services.
Latest SQL Server Blog Posts
- August Promotion Mentoring includes Free Daily Monitoring
For the month of August we are running a promotion. When you purchase a 4 or 8 hour mentoring block with Stedman Solutions, you will receive 6 months of our Daily Monitoring product for free. The monitoring is over a $600 value. As an IT professional working on SQL projects, you may occasionally find yourself… Read More »August Promotion Mentoring includes Free Daily Monitoring - SQL Code Smells: Non-Parameterized Queries
Your SQL Server is running hot. CPU is elevated, the plan cache is bloated, and queries that should be instant are taking seconds. You look at the query text and everything seems reasonable. The problem is not what the queries are doing. It is how they are being sent. Non-parameterized queries are one of the… Read More »SQL Code Smells: Non-Parameterized Queries - 5 Things Every Junior DBA Should Know Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12
Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 13 5 Things Every Junior DBA Should Know In this episode, Mitchell Glasscock and George Stedman discuss the situations they have been faced with starting as Junior DBA’s and gaining knowledge and tips over the years. They explain the top 5 tips and tricks to make sure you don’t… Read More »5 Things Every Junior DBA Should Know Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12 - Table Use Report in Database Health
July is Database Health Monitor Month! July has arrived, and it’s time to turn our attention to the heartbeat of our digital world – our databases! As the founder of Database Health and Stedman Solutions, I’m thrilled to proclaim this month as Database Health Monitor Month! This is our annual chance to celebrate the unsung… Read More »Table Use Report in Database Health - The Feature That Prevents 2 AM Calls: How Database Health Monitor Forecasts Disk Capacity Problems Weeks in Advance
Disk space exhaustion is one of the most preventable SQL Server emergencies in existence. Unlike hardware failures or unexpected query plan changes, disk space issues develop on a predictable trajectory. Databases grow. Log files accumulate. The available space decreases at a rate that is measurable, trackable, and extrapolatable into the future. There is no reason… Read More »The Feature That Prevents 2 AM Calls: How Database Health Monitor Forecasts Disk Capacity Problems Weeks in Advance - Download Free Database Health Monitor for SQL Server Trial
The Database Health Monitor for SQL Server is available for download on our website, and the best part is that it’s a free trial ! The free download provides access to all the core features of the tool, including real-time monitoring, customizable dashboard, alerting system, and reporting capabilities. Download Today! The Database Health Monitor offers… Read More »Download Free Database Health Monitor for SQL Server Trial - Monitor Wait Statistics and Blocking Queries for Better Database Performance
Effective database performance often hinges on identifying and addressing the hidden delays that impact query execution. Wait statistics and blocking queries represent two of the most common yet overlooked sources of slowdowns, where resource contention can cascade into broader system inefficiencies if left unchecked. Database Health Monitor provides targeted visibility into these areas, enabling administrators… Read More »Monitor Wait Statistics and Blocking Queries for Better Database Performance - SQL Server Database Health Monitor: Optimize Performance & Prevent Issues
SQL Server is the backbone of many critical business applications, and ensuring its performance and reliability is a top priority for database administrators. However, identifying potential issues before they escalate into major problems can be a daunting task without the right tools. That’s where a robust solution like the Database Health Monitor comes in, offering… Read More »SQL Server Database Health Monitor: Optimize Performance & Prevent Issues - Database Health Features
July is Database Health Monitor Month! July has arrived, and it’s time to turn our attention to the heartbeat of our digital world – our databases! As the founder of Database Health and Stedman Solutions, I’m thrilled to proclaim this month as Database Health Monitor Month! This is our annual chance to celebrate the unsung… Read More »Database Health Features - Load Testing with Query Loading Ramp Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12
Load Testing with Query Loading Ramp Stedman SQL Podcast SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12 Steve Stedman and Mitchell Glasscock discuss the Query Loading Ramp feature of Database Health Monitor, a tool for load testing SQL queries. They demonstrate running a load test with 400 sessions, simulating real-world traffic, and identify performance issues. The test… Read More »Load Testing with Query Loading Ramp Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12 - The Hidden Danger of Missing Primary Keys in SQL Server
The Hidden Danger of Missing Primary Keys in SQL Server One of the most overlooked issues in SQL Server databases is missing primary keys. You might be surprised at how often I come across production databases—sometimes mission-critical ones—where tables don’t have a primary key defined. At first glance, this may seem like a minor oversight,… Read More »The Hidden Danger of Missing Primary Keys in SQL Server - Detecting Failing Database Health Monitor Jobs in SQL Server
Catching Failing Database Health Monitor Jobs with Check 239 Catching Failing Database Health Monitor Jobs with Check 239 One of the most valuable aspects of Database Health Monitor is its ability to watch for issues that might otherwise go unnoticed until they become much larger problems. Check 239 is a great example of this proactive… Read More »Detecting Failing Database Health Monitor Jobs in SQL Server - How UPDLOCK in SELECT Statements Causes SQL Server Performance Issues and Blocking
When working with SQL Server, subtle misconfigurations can lead to significant performance challenges. One such issue arises from the misuse of the UPDLOCK hint hint in SELECT statements, which can cause excessive wait times and blocking. While update locks are designed to protect data integrity during UPDATE operations, applying them to SELECT queries can inadvertently… Read More »How UPDLOCK in SELECT Statements Causes SQL Server Performance Issues and Blocking - 7 SQL Server Issues Keeping IT Managers Awake at Night (And How to Fix Them)
As an IT manager, the demands of maintaining a reliable database environment often extend far beyond standard working hours, particularly when critical business applications depend on SQL Server. Even with established processes in place, underlying issues can develop without immediate visibility, leaving leaders to wonder about the stability of systems that support daily operations. Proactive… Read More »7 SQL Server Issues Keeping IT Managers Awake at Night (And How to Fix Them) - Optimize SQL Server Performance with Database Health Monitor ToolkitManaging SQL Database Efficiency can often feel like navigating a complex maze, especially when dealing with large datasets and high transaction volumes. As a DBA or developer, you know that even minor inefficiencies can lead to significant slowdowns, frustrated users, and costly downtime. The key to maintaining a healthy database environment lies in having the… Read More »Optimize SQL Server Performance with Database Health Monitor Toolkit
- The Hidden SQL Server Performance Killer: Implicit Conversions
The Hidden SQL Server Performance Killer: Implicit Conversions When SQL Server Performance issues begin appearing, many companies assume the only solution is to add more hardware, increase cloud resources, or purchase additional SQL Server licenses. In reality, some of the biggest performance problems come from small development decisions that quietly consume CPU resources over time.… Read More »The Hidden SQL Server Performance Killer: Implicit Conversions - Who Is Database Health Monitor Built For?
When we created Database Health Monitor, we had one simple goal in mind: SQL Server monitoring should be accessible to everyone. Monitoring your SQL Servers should not require a massive budget, a complicated licensing model, or weeks of procurement meetings just to get started. Whether you manage one SQL Server or hundreds, Database Health Monitor… Read More »Who Is Database Health Monitor Built For? - SQL Server Performance Tuning: Boost Efficiency with Expert TipsUnlock the full potential of your SQL Server with expert SQL Server Optimization Techniques strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned database administrator or an IT professional looking to enhance your skills, optimizing your SQL Server environment is crucial for maintaining efficiency and scalability. In this blog post, we’ll dive into key techniques and insights that can… Read More »SQL Server Performance Tuning: Boost Efficiency with Expert Tips
- History of Database Health Monitor
Database Health Monitor has a rich history rooted in the ongoing need for SQL Server professionals to gain deeper visibility into their database environments. What began as a focused effort to simplify performance diagnostics has evolved into a comprehensive tool relied upon by DBAs and developers worldwide. Over more than a decade of development, the… Read More »History of Database Health Monitor - The Backup Gap You Dont Know You Have
The Backup Gap You Don’t Know You Have: How Database Health Monitor Surfaces Recovery Blind Spots Most SQL Server environments have backup jobs. Most of those backup jobs have been running for years, completing on schedule, logging success in the SQL Server Agent job history, and never triggering an alert. The people responsible for those… Read More »The Backup Gap You Dont Know You Have - Table Use Report in Database Health Monitor: Track SQL Server Table Usage and Optimize PerformanceThe Table Use Report in Database Health Monitor shows exactly how often each SQL Server table is queried, helping DBAs find active versus idle tables fast. With this level of insight, teams can make smarter decisions around indexing priorities, data archiving, and security reviews without relying on guesswork. This post examines how the report surfaces… Read More »Table Use Report in Database Health Monitor: Track SQL Server Table Usage and Optimize Performance
- The Affordable SQL Server Monitoring Tool
If you’re a DBA or SQL Server professional shopping for a monitoring tool, you’ve probably experienced sticker shock. Many SQL Server monitoring tools on the market can run into the thousands of dollars per year, per server. That’s a real budget problem for anyone who just needs clean, reliable visibility into their SQL Server environments.… Read More »The Affordable SQL Server Monitoring Tool - Closed in observance of Independence day
As the summer season reaches its peak and patriotic displays begin to appear across the country, the Fourth of July stands as a cherished reminder of America’s journey toward independence and self-determination. At Stedman Solutions, this holiday provides a welcome opportunity to step away from daily operations and join in the national celebration of freedom… Read More »Closed in observance of Independence day - Stop Guessing: Your First SQL Server Load Test in 10 Minutes
If you have never run a load test against SQL Server before, the idea can sound like itrequires a separate team, a separate tool, and a separate budget line. It does not. WithQuery Loading Ramp, included free in Database Health Monitor, you can run a real,meaningful load test in about ten minutes. Here is exactly… Read More »Stop Guessing: Your First SQL Server Load Test in 10 Minutes - Happy Canada Day: Celebrating Our Canadian Clients
As July 1st approaches, Canadians across the country and around the world prepare to mark Canada Day with pride and gratitude. This annual celebration honors the nation’s rich history, diverse communities, and the enduring spirit that has shaped a welcoming and innovative land from coast to coast. At our company, we are especially thankful for… Read More »Happy Canada Day: Celebrating Our Canadian Clients - The Making of Database Health Monitor Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 11
The Making of Database Health Monitor Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 11 Steve Stedman and his team discuss the evolution of Database Health Monitor from its inception in 2011 to its current state. Initially developed using SSRS reports, DHM transitioned to a standalone desktop application by 2014. Key features include the SQL Performance Viewer,… Read More »The Making of Database Health Monitor Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 11 - Monitor Wait Statistics and Blocking Queries with Database Health Monitor
Thank you for considering Database Health Monitor as your go-to tool for monitoring and optimizing your databases. In addition to the benefits I mentioned in my previous article, I’d like to discuss how our tool can help you with two specific challenges: wait statistics and blocking queries. Wait Statistics Wait statistics are critical for understanding… Read More »Monitor Wait Statistics and Blocking Queries with Database Health Monitor - Understanding SQL Server Agent Jobs: A Guide to Database Automation
Database management can often feel like a juggling act, with countless tasks demanding attention to keep systems running smoothly. For SQL Server administrators, one of the most powerful tools to simplify this workload is SQL Server Agent Jobs Tutorial Jobs. These automated tasks are a game-changer, allowing you to offload repetitive processes and focus on… Read More »Understanding SQL Server Agent Jobs: A Guide to Database Automation - New Database Health Monitor Features on Stedman SQL PodcastThe Database Health Monitor team has been busy adding new features. These have been covered on various episodes of the Stedman SQL Podcast outlined below. Check out the Podcast and these new features added to Database Health Monitor. Stedman SQL Podcast Season 3 Episode 6 Database Health Monitor Recap and Updates In this episode of… Read More »New Database Health Monitor Features on Stedman SQL Podcast
- Free Join Types Poster
I have been getting a lot of good feedback on twitter lately about the JOIN Types poster.Learn more about the Join Types poster. Compatible with SQL Server (TSQL) and MySQL. Some of the join types covered are: Inner Join: Returns records that have matching values in both tables. Left (Outer) Join: Returns all records from… Read More »Free Join Types Poster - SQL Server In-Place Upgrades: Fast, Easy… and Potentially Dangerous
SQL Server In-Place Upgrades: Fast, Easy… and Potentially Dangerous Overview This post walks through what an in-place upgrade really is in SQL Server, why it’s so tempting, and—more importantly—why it’s something I usually recommend avoiding in production environments. 1. What Is an In-Place Upgrade? An in-place upgrade is exactly what it sounds like. You take… Read More »SQL Server In-Place Upgrades: Fast, Easy… and Potentially Dangerous - Our Managed Services package
Have you seen our Managed Services offering? Managed Services for SQL Servers has become one of the largest parts of our business, and we have even expanded the managed services team now to 4 people supporting clients SQL Servers. Our managed services for SQL Server often include the following features: Database Administration: The service provider… Read More »Our Managed Services package - Is SQL Server Replication Real-Time? Understanding Snapshot, Transactional, and Merge Replication
When it comes to managing data across multiple servers, SQL Server Replication often comes up as a potential solution. But a critical question lingers for many database administrators and developers: Is SQL Server Replication Types truly real-time? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no, as SQL Server offers three distinct types of replication—Snapshot, Transactional,… Read More »Is SQL Server Replication Real-Time? Understanding Snapshot, Transactional, and Merge Replication - Staff Augmention – We can help!
As the founder and owner of Stedman Solutions, LLC, I understand the challenges you face when your DBA or developer plans a vacation or when you find yourself in need of temporary assistance. That’s why our team at Stedman Solutions is here to help. When your valued staff members take time off, we can step… Read More »Staff Augmention – We can help! - Execution Plan Analysis Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 10
Execution Plan Analysis Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 10 Steve Stedman discusses analyzing SQL Server execution plans and features in Database Health Monitor that aid in this task. He explains that execution plans are SQL Server’s roadmap for query execution, detailing how SQL Server will execute a query, including index usage and data sorting.… Read More »Execution Plan Analysis Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 10 - Navigating SQL Server Licensing and Cost Optimization
Need help with this or anything relating to SQL Server? The team at Stedman Solutions can help. Find out how with a free no risk 30 minute consultation with Steve Stedman. SQL Server licensing can quickly become one of the largest line items in a data platform budget. Understanding the available models and applying disciplined… Read More »Navigating SQL Server Licensing and Cost Optimization - Safe and Unsafe Schema Changes in SQL Server Merge Replication
SQL Server Merge SQL Server Replication course can be an effective solution when multiple systems need to exchange and synchronize data across locations or disconnected environments. However, one of the biggest challenges with merge replication is managing schema changes safely. Some schema changes can be applied with little disruption, while others can force all subscribers… Read More »Safe and Unsafe Schema Changes in SQL Server Merge Replication - Why Hiding Copy-Only Backups Reveals the Truth About Your SQL Server Backup Chain
Why Hiding Copy-Only Backups Reveals the Truth About Your SQL Server Backup Chain Why Hiding Copy-Only Backups Reveals the Truth About Your SQL Server Backup Chain By Steve Stedman – Stedman Solutions, LLC One of the most common sources of backup confusion I see—whether during health checks, performance tuning engagements, or emergency recovery calls—is how… Read More »Why Hiding Copy-Only Backups Reveals the Truth About Your SQL Server Backup Chain - Calculating the True Cost of Unplanned Downtime: A Guide for Every Business
Unplanned downtime is a silent thief, stealthily draining resources and disrupting operations across industries. For businesses of all sizes, the financial ripple effects of system failures—whether due to hardware issues, software glitches, or data Corruption—can be staggering. In this guide, we’ll explore how to uncover the hidden costs of unplanned downtime and provide a roadmap… Read More »Calculating the True Cost of Unplanned Downtime: A Guide for Every Business - SQL Code Smells: Heap Tables
You inherit a database and start digging through the schema. Everything looks reasonable on the surface until you notice a handful of tables with no clustered index. No obvious reason. They just never got one. In some cases they have been sitting that way for years, quietly degrading read and write performance while nobody thought… Read More »SQL Code Smells: Heap Tables - SQL Server Non-Parameterized Queries: Fix Plan Cache Bloat and CPU WasteWhen SQL Server Performance starts to degrade, the symptoms often appear without an obvious cause. CPU usage climbs, the plan cache grows crowded with similar entries, and queries that once ran quickly begin to slow down. Examining the query text in isolation rarely reveals the issue, because the problem lies not in the logic itself… Read More »SQL Server Non-Parameterized Queries: Fix Plan Cache Bloat and CPU Waste
- Login Auditing Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 9Follow along with our demonstrations and download the free material below: Login Auditing Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 9 In this episode of the Stedman SQL Server Podcast, Steve and George Stedman compare two powerful native SQL Server options for login auditing: SQL Server Audit and Extended Events. They explain why auditing logins matters… Read More »Login Auditing Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 9
- SQL Server Database Integrity: Importance and Corruption Prevention Tips
When it comes to managing a SQL Server environment, ensuring SQL Server Database Integrity and SQL Server Database Corruption Prevention is paramount to the health and reliability of your data. Database integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and trustworthiness of the information stored within your system. Without it, businesses risk encountering data Corruption, which can… Read More »SQL Server Database Integrity: Importance and Corruption Prevention Tips - TSQL Output Clause Course
The output clause is one of the wow factor query items, where when people see you use it the just go WOW, I did not know you could do that. I can remember working with a client and showing that to them and getting that same reaction of WOW. Have you seen our SQL short… Read More »TSQL Output Clause Course - Honoring those who have died while serving
In observance of the US federal holiday Memorial day, and in memory of all who have died in service, Stedman Solutions, LLC will be closed for the last Monday in May. If you need emergency help during this time, you can reach us through the contact us form, or for existing customers just contact one… Read More »Honoring those who have died while serving - How to Identify and Fix Parameter Sniffing Issues in SQL Server
Parameter sniffing occurs when the SQL Server query optimizer creates an execution plan for a stored procedure or parameterized query based on the specific parameter values supplied during the first execution. This plan is then cached and reused for all subsequent calls, regardless of whether later parameter values would benefit from a different strategy. The… Read More »How to Identify and Fix Parameter Sniffing Issues in SQL Server - Protecting SQL Server Data: Backup and Disaster Recovery Best Practices
The Ultimate SQL Server Backup Strategy: Protecting Your Data from Disaster and Corruption In today’s data-driven world, SQL Server databases form the backbone of countless business operations, making the protection of that information a top priority for IT teams and decision makers alike. A single instance of data loss from hardware failure, ransomware, or unexpected… Read More »Protecting SQL Server Data: Backup and Disaster Recovery Best Practices - Choosing the Right SQL Server Backup Type for Your Environment
Choosing the Right SQL Server Backup Type for Your Environment One of the most common questions I hear when working with clients is: “How do we choose the right backup type based on database size, workload, and recovery needs?” It is an important question because the right SQL Server backup strategy needs to balance recovery… Read More »Choosing the Right SQL Server Backup Type for Your Environment - Understanding HTDELETE Wait Type in SQL Server: Causes and Solutions
What is the HTDELETE Wait Type? When it comes to SQL Server Optimization tuning, identifying and resolving wait types is a fundamental step for database administrators. Among the myriad of wait types that can impact system performance, HTDELETE stands out as a lesser-known but significant indicator of specific internal operations. This blog post dives into… Read More »Understanding HTDELETE Wait Type in SQL Server: Causes and Solutions - Optimize Your SQL Server with Stedman Solutions’ Monitoring & Managed Services
Ensuring your SQL Server operates at its best is a top priority for any business relying on data-driven decisions. Downtime, sluggish performance, or unexpected issues can derail operations and frustrate stakeholders. At Stedman Solutions, we understand these challenges and offer a comprehensive approach to SQL Server management through our Monitoring and Managed Services, designed to… Read More »Optimize Your SQL Server with Stedman Solutions’ Monitoring & Managed Services - Understanding LCK_M_U and LCK_M_X Wait Types in SQL Server Performance Tuning
When it comes to SQL Server Optimization tuning, understanding the intricacies of Wait Statistics is crucial for identifying and resolving bottlenecks. Among the myriad of wait types that can hinder database performance, LCK_M_U (Update Lock) and LCK_M_X (Exclusive Lock) stand out as frequent culprits. These wait types signal locking conflicts that can stall query execution,… Read More »Understanding LCK_M_U and LCK_M_X Wait Types in SQL Server Performance Tuning - Introducing the Rewards Program for Database Health Monitor
Introducing the Rewards Program for Database Health Monitor At Stedman Solutions, we’ve always looked for ways to say thank you to everyone using Database Health Monitor. With the launch of the new Rewards Program, we now have a way to give you even more value the longer you use the product. The idea came from… Read More »Introducing the Rewards Program for Database Health Monitor - Understanding WRITELOG Wait Type in SQL Server: Causes, Impacts, and SolutionsDelving into the intricacies of SQL Server performance often leads to uncovering hidden bottlenecks, and one of the most critical to understand is the WRITELOG wait type. This specific wait type can significantly impact the efficiency of your database operations, as it signals delays in writing transaction log data to disk. Whether you’re managing a… Read More »Understanding WRITELOG Wait Type in SQL Server: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions
- Managed Service Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 8
Managed Services Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Episode 8 The podcast episode discusses Stedman Solutions’ SQL Server managed services offering, highlighting its unique approach and benefits. Key points include the team’s extensive experience, the availability of multiple team members for 24/7 coverage, and the comprehensive support provided for a flat fee. The team emphasizes proactive… Read More »Managed Service Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 8 - Why Is My SQL Server Slow? 8 Common Causes and Solutions
Are you constantly asking yourself, “Why is my SQL Server slow?” If so, you’re in good company. Performance hiccups in SQL Server can grind business processes to a halt, frustrate end-users, and create bottlenecks in critical systems. The good news is that most performance issues are identifiable and fixable with a systematic approach to troubleshooting.… Read More »Why Is My SQL Server Slow? 8 Common Causes and Solutions - Why You Should Never Enable Auto Shrink in SQL Server
Why You Should Never Enable Auto Shrink in SQL Server One of the common configuration mistakes I still see in SQL Server environments is Auto Shrink enabled on databases. It sounds harmless—maybe even helpful—but in reality, Auto Shrink can create serious performance problems and unnecessary work for your SQL Server. In fact, if you take… Read More »Why You Should Never Enable Auto Shrink in SQL Server - SQL Code Smells: Implicit Conversions
You run a query against a table. The column is indexed. The statistics are fresh. And yet the query does a full scan, takes ten times longer than it should, and you have no idea why. The code looks correct. The data looks correct. Nothing looks wrong. The culprit is a single mismatched data type,… Read More »SQL Code Smells: Implicit Conversions - Enhancing SQL Server Troubleshooting: Terminate Open Transactions Directly from the Report
Enhancing SQL Server Troubleshooting: Terminate Open Transactions Directly from the Report In the world of SQL Server administration, few things are as frustrating as stumbling upon a long-running or forgotten transaction that’s quietly causing chaos. It might be blocking other processes, preventing log truncation, bloating your transaction log, or even simulating a “jammed” server in… Read More »Enhancing SQL Server Troubleshooting: Terminate Open Transactions Directly from the Report - Daily Monitoring Product
A great way to keep tabs on the overall health of your SQL Server. Pricing: $129.99 per month per SQL Server instance when paid month to month. Payment on a recurring payment by credit card plan required. We provide monitoring tools that alert us when there is an issue so that we can recommend fixes… Read More »Daily Monitoring Product - Guardians of Your Data: Understanding the Critical Role of a Database Administrator
Find out more about our SQL Server Managed Services In an age where data is the new gold, managing this treasure trove efficiently is paramount to a business’s success. A robust data management system lays the foundation for informed decision-making, smooth operations, and strategic growth plans. At the helm of this intricate system stands a… Read More »Guardians of Your Data: Understanding the Critical Role of a Database Administrator - Dangers of Removing Indexes
In the world of database management, maintaining optimal performance is an ongoing challenge. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the management of indexes. While indexes can significantly enhance query performance, having too many of them can lead to issues when it comes to inserts, updates, and deletes. In this blog post, we’ll explore… Read More »Dangers of Removing Indexes - Why Blindly Trusting the SQL Server Database Tuning Advisor Can Hurt Performance
Why Blindly Trusting the SQL Server Database Tuning Advisor Can Hurt Performance If you have worked with SQL Server for any length of time, you have probably encountered the Database Tuning Advisor (DTA). It is one of those built-in tools that sounds incredibly helpful. You point it at a workload, and it analyzes queries and… Read More »Why Blindly Trusting the SQL Server Database Tuning Advisor Can Hurt Performance - Elevate Your SQL Server Monitoring with Our Daily Checkup Service
We’re thrilled to announce some enhancements to our SQL Daily Checkup service that promises to provide your SQL servers with the most comprehensive health evaluation in the market.Find out more at Stedman Solutions.com https://stedman.us/dailycheckup. Our SQL Daily Checkup service has been designed to serve as an advanced monitoring tool, helping you identify potential issues on… Read More »Elevate Your SQL Server Monitoring with Our Daily Checkup Service - Implicit Converts The Silent Performance Killer in SQL Server Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 7Implicit Converts The Silent Performance Killer in SQL Server Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 7 Steve Stedman and George discuss implicit conversions in SQL Server, highlighting their impact on performance. Steve explains that implicit conversions occur when data types don’t match, forcing SQL Server to convert columns, which can slow queries significantly. They demonstrate… Read More »Implicit Converts The Silent Performance Killer in SQL Server Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 7
- Stop Guessing When SQL Agent Jobs Run: Visualizing Job History with Sortable Timeline Charts
Stop Guessing When SQL Agent Jobs Run: Visualizing Job History with Sortable Timeline Charts This blog post idea centers on a problem every SQL Server DBA has faced at some point: trying to understand when SQL Agent jobs actually run and how often they fire. It often starts with a simple question such as what… Read More »Stop Guessing When SQL Agent Jobs Run: Visualizing Job History with Sortable Timeline Charts - Implementing the Principle of Least Privilege in SQL Server: A Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Databases
Implementing the Principle of Least Privilege in SQL Server: A Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Databases In the world of database security, few concepts are as foundational—and as frequently overlooked—as the principle of least privilege (POLP). This principle simply states that users, applications, and processes should only have the minimum permissions required to perform their… Read More »Implementing the Principle of Least Privilege in SQL Server: A Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Databases
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for exploring our SQL Server blog! We’re committed to providing fresh, relevant, and actionable content to help you navigate the complexities of SQL Server. From troubleshooting performance issues to mastering advanced features, our articles are designed to empower you with the knowledge you need to succeed. Whether you’re solving a specific problem or expanding your expertise, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
SQL Server is constantly evolving, and so are the challenges and opportunities that come with managing it. That’s why we frequently update our blog with new posts, insights, and tutorials. By staying engaged with our latest articles, you’ll gain an edge in understanding new features, identifying best practices, and applying innovative solutions in your SQL Server environment. We aim to keep you informed and ahead of the curve.
If you’ve found value in the content here, be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly. With each new post, we strive to address the topics that matter most to SQL Server professionals, based on the real-world scenarios we encounter every day. Our goal is to create a resource you can rely on for timely, trustworthy, and practical SQL Server advice.
Don’t miss out on future updates! Whether it’s an in-depth guide, a quick tip, or a thought-provoking perspective, there’s always something new to discover. And if you have specific topics you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear from you. Keep checking back, and let us help you make the most of your SQL Server journey.