Swiss IT Professional and TechNet Blog : SQL Server

What's New for SQL Server 2008 R2 Editions

mepprecht — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:52:39 GMT

At the PASS summit, the Editions of SQL Server 2008 R2 were announced. Pricing was also announced.

SQL Server 2008 R2 is planned for release in the first half of calendar year 2010
2 New Editions were announced: Datacenter and Parallel Data Warehouse
Application and Multi-Server Management
Support for up to 256 logical processors
Backup Compression will now also be a feature of SQL Server 2008 R2 standard edition

The November Community Technology Preview (CTP) of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 is now also available

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/R2-editions.aspx

SQL Server 2008 R2 August CTP – What’s new for the DBA?

robreu — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:35:50 GMT

SQL Server 2008 R2 will be a BI-refresh (“Madison Overview”/”Gemini Overview”) and comes out as a Minor-Release (SQL Server Version 10.50). But there are several interesting features and topics which are interesting for DBAs. In this post I’ll list some options you can already test out in the actual August CTP. Additional enhancements will ship with the next CTP which will be available somewhere around middle of November 2009.

SQL Server Stand-Alone “SysPrep”

The „SysPrep“-feature will also be available for standalone installations, where you can pre deploy your binaries and finish the configuration after the rollout. The „Advanced” Tab on the Setup Landing Page gives you the opportunity to prepare an Image of a SQL Server instance. Instance-ID, Root-Directory, and Features can be selected and pre deployed, but it is also possible to add or remove features by completing the setup. The services and their configuration settings (Security Settings, Paths) will be also configured within the completing procedure. You’ll find additional information on

How To Install SQL Server 2008 R2 Using SysPrep

SQL Server SysPrep is supported for Database Engine and Reporting Services in a Stand-Alone installation for all editions. Management Tools and Shared Services like Browser Service or SQL Server Writer will be automatically deployed during the initial setup. Failover Cluster can be prepared and configured with “Advanced Cluster Preparation/Completion” as it was with SQL Server 2008.

Unicode Compression

SQL Server 2008 R2 has the ability to compress Unicode datatypes like NCHAR and NVARCHAR and brings you huge space savings for a large number of application databases which work with Unicode datatypes. The Simple Compression Scheme for Unicode Data (SCSU, Standard Compression Scheme http://unicode.org/reports/tr6/ ) has a compression ratio of 50% for English and the most European Languages! Unicode Compression will be enabled as part of ROW or PAGE compression. If you already use the data-compression-feature, it is necessary to rebuild the indexes of the compressed table. But if you add new datasets or change an existing the Unicode compression will be enabled automatically.

There are some interesting information regarding Unicode compression and SAP in the blog post of Juergen Thomas: http://blogs.msdn.com/saponsqlserver/archive/2009/09/16/sql-server-2008-r2-ucs2-compression-what-is-it-impact-on-sap-systems.aspx

In Books online you’ll also find additional information on Unicode Compression Implementation.

SQL Server Utility – Application- and Multiservermanagement

SQL Server 2008 R2 introduces new management tools to help improve IT efficiency and productivity. Investments in application and multi-server management will help organizations proactively manage database environments efficiently at scale through centralized visibility into resource utilization. Such investments can help streamline consolidation and upgrade initiatives across the application lifecycle—all with tools that make it fast and easy. The Application- and Multiservermanagement Whitepaper explains the new terms and the configuration. The basic idea is to give DBAs the opportunity to deploy databases (data-tier applications) in a standardized way. The next CTP will bring more advantages in this topic. This blog keeps you updated.

There are no advantages or changes planned in the area of High-Availability and Datatypes.

Before you test SQL Server 2008 R2, please be prepared that the physical database version number will be updated (SQL Server 2008 RTM/SP1 655). This means, that it’s not possible to restore a SQL Server 2008 R2 database back to a SQL Server 2008 RTM/SP1 instance (backup/restore or detach/attach). Compatibility level remains “100”, whereas “90” for SQL 2005 and “80” for SQL 2000 are still supported.

You can get your database version number with following query:

SELECT
DATABASEPROPERTY ('YourDBName','Version')
GO

Get the SQL Server 2008 R2 CTP from http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/R2.aspx.

Swiss SQL Server Saturday - 19th September 2009 - Digicomp Academy (Zurich) - Free Event

mepprecht — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:28:00 GMT

Swiss SQL Server Saturday is an opportunity to connect with other Database and BI professionals to learn from Database, Application Development and BI experts about topics that you’ll immediately be able to put into use.

With 15 great sessions covering topics from Silverlight to Datamining, Clustering to Performance Tuning, SSIS to Gemini you’ll find that your Saturday is put to excellent use!

The event is FREE to attend, organised by the Swiss PASS Chapter and supported by Quest, Microsoft and Digicomp. To register go to http://www.sqlsaturday.ch

SQL Server 2008 R2 August CTP Availability

mepprecht — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:23:00 GMT

Interested in what new features will be in SQL Server 2008 R2, or maybe you want to test your existing application?

Today we announced that on from today, TechNet and MSDN subscribers will be able to download SQL Server 2008 R2 August CTP. If you are not a subscriber, you can download it from Wednesday 12 August from here.

What new features can I expect? Have a look here.

Microsoft Connection Days

mepprecht — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:46:55 GMT

At five locations in Switzerland from 28 September up to 8. October 2009, Microsoft Connection Days (ex Partner Days), an event for Partners and IT professionals will be held.

This year, Microsoft Partners and now IT Professionals will have the opportunity, under one roof, to network and make interesting contacts. Five IT professional topics will be available for you to obtain the latest information about cloud computing (key note), Windows 7, Office/Exchange 2010, Windows Server R2 and Hyper-V R2, SQL Server and Online Services (BPOS).

New White Papers for SQL Server Published

mepprecht — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:55:41 GMT

A number of new white papers have been published relating to SQL Server and Microsoft or 3rd Party Applications:

Configure disaster recovery across SharePoint farms by using SQL Server log shipping
Create a disaster recovery farm in a geographically distributed data center for SharePoint
Disk Partition Alignment Best Practices for SQL Server
This paper documents performance for aligned and nonaligned storage and why nonaligned partitions can negatively impact I/O performance
Data Compression: Strategy, Capacity Planning and Best Practices
The data compression feature in SQL Server 2008 helps compress the data inside a database, and it can help reduce the size of the database. Apart from the space savings, data compression provides another benefit: Because compressed data is stored in fewer pages, queries need to read fewer pages from the disk, thereby improving the performance of I/O intensive workloads.
Improving Microsoft CRM Performance and Securing Data with SQL Server 2008
This paper provides an overview, benchmark results, and recommendations for implementing selected Microsoft SQL Server 2008 features that can improve the performance of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 and secure the CRM database.
SQL Server 2008 with Siebel, PeopleSoft and JD Edwards Applications
This white paper describes why SQL Server is the optimal data platform to use with JD Edwards, PeopleSoft, and Siebel applications that run on the Microsoft platform
Competitive Review of Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC)
This white paper examines the main reasons why customers might not want to implement Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) in their database solutions.

SQL Server Failover Cluster on Hyper-V

mepprecht — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:36:00 GMT

It was announced at Tech Ed USA last week that building a failover cluster, comprising of Hyper-V guests, with SQL Server 2005 and 2008 installed, and clustered on the guest is now supported.

Up till now, clustering the hosts was only supported.

The KB article got updated yesterday.
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=956893

SQL Server 2008 for the Oracle DBA – Free online training

mepprecht — Wed, 13 May 2009 10:00:00 GMT

This free 15 module, level 300 course provides students with the knowledge and skills to capitalize on their skills and experience as an Oracle DBA to manage a Microsoft SQL Server 2008 system. This workshop provides a quick start for the Oracle DBA to map, compare, and contrast the realm of Oracle database management to SQL Server database management.

You can view the series from here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/dd548020.aspx

Practical PowerShell Videos

mepprecht — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:12:01 GMT

PowerShell.com and Idera have created a 5 part video series on PowerShell. How you use Powerhell together with Microsoft Server and Client Products.

Part 1: Getting to Know PowerShell
Part 2: PowerShell for Active Directory
Part 3: PowerShell for Exchange Server 2007
Part 4: PowerShell for SQL Server 2008
Part 5: PowerShell for Windows Servers and Clients

To view the series, visit http://www.idera.com/Promo/Practical-PowerShell/

Disk Partition Alignment Best Practices for SQL Server

mepprecht — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:06:27 GMT

The SQL Server Customer Advisory Team (SQLCAT) have published a white paper on the topic “Disk Partition Alignment”.

“Disk partition alignment is a powerful tool for improving SQL Server performance. Configuring optimal disk performance is often viewed as much art as science. A best practice that is essential yet often overlooked is disk partition alignment. Windows Server 2008 attempts to align new partitions out-of-the-box, yet disk partition alignment remains a relevant technology for partitions created on prior versions of Windows.”

Download the white paper from http://sqlcat.com/whitepapers/archive/2009/05/11/disk-partition-alignment-best-practices-for-sql-server.aspx

SQL Server User Group Meeting - Zurich

mepprecht — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:47:14 GMT

The Swiss Chapter of PASS is holding a meeting on Tuesday 5 May in Zurich. If you can’t get to Zurich, the sessions are also available via LiveMeeting

Language: English

Session 1: [18:00 – 19:15]
Eliminate SQL Server Downtime – Even for maintenance
No enterprise can afford to be down. Whether private or public, Fortune 100 or startup, the objective is the same: keep the business running, your customers and partners depend on it.
Presenter: David Tung (Solutions Architect, xkoto, Inc)

Session 2: [19:30 – 21:00]
Designing Effective Aggregations in Analysis Services 2008
Building aggregations is one of the most important ways of improving query performance in Analysis Services, but simply running the Aggregation Design Wizard doesn't always result in useful aggregations being built.
Presenter: Chris Webb (Crossjoin Consulting)

Registration and further information on http://www.sqlpass.ch

Invitation to IT Pro Momentum

mepprecht — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:24:02 GMT

Wanting to do Projects with New Technologies? It sounds exciting, but does have an element of risk.

Why does one want to be an Early-Adopter of new Technology?

Generally, new technologies have new, and marked improvements in features. In most cases, real-world problems and requirements are solved by a new version of software, and sometimes things are just easier and faster than in the past.

How and we (Microsoft) help you?

The IT Pro Momentum Program was designed with that in mind. By Invite, you get access the the Project Portal where you can profile your projects, and have access to Exclusive Information, Training, Product Downloads and Support.

Is such a program for me?

It depends on how many of the following questions you can answer to your satisfaction:

Does new Technology Interest me?
Do I want, and need Support during the Evaluation of the various Products?
Am I not scared to try out the Products and Solutions (in a test environment at least) with Beta Products?
Do I want to give feedback about the Products to the Development Teams (bugs, features and new ideas), and also my experiences in deploying the product?

Target Audience

Targeted with this program are Small and Medium Sized Business (SME) and Microsoft Partners that do not have regular and dedicated contact/support from Microsoft. For Large Enterprises, other programs like TAP (Technology Adoption Program) and RDP (Rapid Deployment Program) are more suitable, but do not exclude you from IT Pro Momentum.

What will I as a participant get?

It depends on the stage of you Project.

Evaluation Phase
You get access to technical content and dedicated forums. You also have access to Online Trainings.
Planning Phase
You receive a 1 year subscription to TechNet Plus and access to the product setups.
Pilot Phase
You have the opportunity to request free help from Microsoft Support up to a a maximum of 1 year for the product you are Piloting to help you quickly solve issues that you have.
Deployment Phase
You project is virtually complete and here comes our ask of you.

What do we (Microsoft) gain from this?

Firstly, we want to hear from and about you and your Projects you are planning to, or currently working on, and help you where possible. For some, it may be very interesting to be profiled, either on a Blog or a Case Study, to show the world and your colleagues what you achieved. At the same time, share your experiences with the community and prove your competency.
Secondly, we have customers who have deployed, and are happily using our Products!

Products and Technologies for the Year 2009 in IT Pro Momentum (Not product shipping dates and is subject to change)

How do I get invited (or have questions)?

Contact Michael Epprecht, IT Pro Evangelist, Microsoft Switzerland via e-mail or the Contact Form.
If you are not based in Switzerland or Lichtenstein, we will pass your request onto the responsible IT Pro Evangelist in your region if IT Pro Momentum is offered in your region.

SQL Server 2008 SP1 – Which CUs are included?

mepprecht — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

SQL Server 2008 SP1 states that Cumulative Updates 1 to 3 are included in it. For those customers who have CU4 already installed, you need to know how it affects you. Have a look on the CSS blog: http://blogs.msdn.com/psssql/archive/2009/04/09/sql-server-2008-sp1-and-cumulative-updates-explained.aspx

CU 1 for SQL Server 2008 SP1 will cover all the fixes included in SQL Server 2008 RTM CU 4. CU1 for SQL Server 2008 SP1 was just released and is available http://support.microsoft.com/kb/969099

[Edit 2009-04-16 10:00. Added Link to CU1]

SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 1 Released

mepprecht — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:01:03 GMT

Today Microsoft Released Service Pack 1 for SQL Server 2008

Some of the changes include:

SQL Server 2008 SP1 has made it easier and more efficient to deploy and manage service packs. By adding the ability to Slipstream, SQL Server 2008 and SP1 can be installed simultaneously. This decreases the total time for an installation, including a fewer number of reboots.
Service Pack Uninstall allows administrators to uninstall the service pack separately from the database release.
Report Builder 2.0 Click-Once deployment. Up till now, Report Builder 2.0 was only available as a separate install on the client machines. Now .NET’s Click-Once technology is used so that users can run Report Builder without having to install it first through a setup file locally.
In addition to the a roll-up of previous cumulative updates, SP1 includes quick fix engineering updates and minor fixes in response to requests reported through the SQL Server community. There are no new feature updates in this service pack.

SQL Server 2008 SP1 has in total 300 fixes included, with the majority being minor tweaks. If you compare this to the SQL Server 2005 SP1, which contained 2’500 fixes, you really see that SQL Server 2008 is a very stable release.

You can download the Service Pack from here. The build number is 10.00.2531

The Knowledge Base Article can be viewed here.

White Paper – SQL Server Consolidation at Microsoft

mepprecht — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:49:00 GMT

A new white paper has been published on how Microsoft IT has used Virtualization (naturally Hyper-V) and consolidation to reduce cost, server sprawl and at the same time improve scalability, standardization and uptime in the SQL Server environments.

It is an interesting read, with some really detailed designs and metrics, that you can base your designs on.

You can find the white paper here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd557540.aspx

One key take-away is that the underlying storage really must perform well. Storage performance is one of those topics that has been highlighted many times in the past, but never receives the attention it deserves. No matter how good your design, unless the storage performs optimally, you will never good SQL Server performance.