SSMS 22 preview 1 first impressions

We're almost used to SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 21, and now 22 is already in preview. So, let's see where it's available for download, install it and see what's different. Download and release notes. The most important part, of course, is the download of the binaries. Click here for the download. Click here for … Continue reading SSMS 22 preview 1 first impressions

SQL Server 2025: time-bound Extended Events explained

In a previous blog post, I discussed my initial impressions of SQL Server and the key features that are relevant to my work in Business Intelligence. This time, I want to focus on a specific and improved feature of SQL Server, namely extended events. What are they? To provide some context, let's begin by defining … Continue reading SQL Server 2025: time-bound Extended Events explained

My top features of SQL Server 2025 for Business Intelligence

Some time ago, Microsoft announced the release of a new version of SQL Server. This made me happy, mainly because in the storm of everything Fabric, Copilot, and cloud, sturdy technology still has a place, and Microsoft hasn't forgotten that. Companies still rely on on-premises systems that require databases. And running everything on-premises is still … Continue reading My top features of SQL Server 2025 for Business Intelligence

Setting Up Copilot in SSMS 21: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that's a title! Especially for a very cool new feature: Copilot embedded in SSMS. I've blogged about Copilot for SQL before, but this really is the next step! I'm very excited about this new feature, and I tried to install it on my machine. Because Microsoft can share all the steps they think you … Continue reading Setting Up Copilot in SSMS 21: A Step-by-Step Guide

Loadtesting SQL, the sequel

Some time ago, I wrote a number of blogposts comparing the different Azure SQL options to give you some idea about performance, differences between tiers and differences between the Stock Keeping Units (SKU's). This was done by creating data in the database itself and review the metrics. This works fine and gave a good overview … Continue reading Loadtesting SQL, the sequel

DP-700 training: data masking

Data security is the most important part of our job as data engineers and data architects. There are very few use cases where people need to see all the data in full detail. I know, customers take a different view on this but in reality, do they really need every single detail? No, they do … Continue reading DP-700 training: data masking

DP-700 training: create windowing functions

Let's start this blog with a personal opinion: I love windowing functions. Sounds like a good start of this post? Cool, let's keep going. What is a windowing function? There's a lot you can read about it, but in short it comes down to creating a subset in your query result where you apply a … Continue reading DP-700 training: create windowing functions

T-SQL Tuesday #181 The Data Platform Present

This month, Kevin Chant has a really fun writing challenge for us. Not only is it a very inspiring call to write about SQL Server (my choice), but it's also a crossover between T-SQL Tuesday and the Festive Tech Calendar. It's like opening a digital present! Kevin created a very nice image that shows the … Continue reading T-SQL Tuesday #181 The Data Platform Present

DP-700: Configure version control

This blogpost will be introductory to version control within Microsoft Fabric. If you've got the basics of this under control, you're welcome to refresh your knowledge in this blog or check out our points of view. Alternatively, you can dig into the blogposts by Kevin Chant who has a lot of good posts on this … Continue reading DP-700: Configure version control

Top Highlights from #MSIgnite 2024

By the time you read this, I'm guessing the big #MSIgnite announcements were yesterday. You can use that hashtag to find most of the posts on social media. And there were many, very cool, announcements! Let me quickly take you through my favourites. Databases! As I still love the DBA work, announcing SQL Server 2025 … Continue reading Top Highlights from #MSIgnite 2024