19 Jun 2012
By Allen
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Practice Exams: Transcender vs. SelfTest vs. MeasureUp

Practice Exams: Transcender vs. SelfTest vs. MeasureUp

Microsoft SQL Server,
Since I have been working on my certifications, I have bought several practice exam software packages. To expand my options, I bought a copy of the 70-448 practice exam from SelfTest last fall and have gotten pretty used to the questions. Since I'm still needing to work on the SSAS portions of the exam I decided to buy the same practice exam from Transcender. As I started the exam I noticed the questions were very familiar. Finally I realized they were exactly the same. Word for word. Question for Question. Answer for Answer. According to the license I can't reveal…
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12 Jun 2012
By Allen
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‘SQL with Style’ class by Joe Celko

SQL Server, , ,
The legendary Joe Celko is coming to Oklahoma City for SQL Saturday #125! While here, he is teaching a one day seminar about 'SQL with Style'. This class takes you beyond the basics.  When I talked with Joe about the class he suggested the subtitle 'Getting out  of kindergarten'. Joe Celko is always entertaining and very informative. While this class will use SQL Server 2008 for the lessons, the material applies to any relational database such as Oracle, DB2 or even Access. This material is targeted for DBA's, query writers and application developers. Joe Celko is an American relational database…
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05 Jun 2012
By Allen
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SQL Rally 2012 BI Track Highlights

SQL Rally 2012 BI Track Highlights

SQL Server, SSAS, SSIS, SSRS, , , , , , , ,
When I got back from SQL Rally 2012 a few weeks ago in Dallas, I shoved the notes into my laptop bag and took off for vacation.   I still want to share a few of the highlights of my trip.  These were some excellent speakers and I hope to see them again at future events. Sessions: Tuning Analysis Services Performance by John Welch Presentation John did an excellent job of explaining the basics of the processing options in SSAS. What was interesting was his experience splitting up jobs to increase performance.  Process Full will process all the dimensions and facts…
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21 May 2012
By Allen
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Microsoft Exams 2-for-1

Microsoft Exams 2-for-1

Microsoft SQL Server, SQL Server, ,
With all the certification paths being updated, Microsoft is offering a limited time* "Two for One" exam offer.   Technology paths include Windows 7,  Windows Server 8/cloud, Visual Studio 2010 and of course SQL Server. 1.  To purchase your "two-for-one" voucher, visit Prometric's website. 2.  Just purchase and take a qualifying exam at full price between April 11, 2012 and June 30, 2012, 3.  You will be emailed a voucher valid for the next version exam of your chosen technology path, at no additional cost.    
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09 Apr 2012
By Allen
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SQL 2012 Study Materials

SQL Server, , , ,
This started as my personal list of study materials, but it bears sharing.  I got started studying as I studied for the new SQL 2012 Beta Exams.  You might still get a slot to try out the exams for free over at the Born to Learn blog  Once you choose an exam, follow their link to see the specifics about the exam.  Be sure to click on the 'Skills Measured' tab.  That will show what percent of the test covers different areas. Be sure to take a look at the planned certification paths for SQL 2012.  The paths have changed…
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09 Dec 2011
By Allen
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SSRS Data Driven Subscription Troubleshooting

SSRS, , , , , ,
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) 2008 R2 will only allow data driven subscriptions under certain conditions, including data source security and server configuration options.   SSRS Subscriptions always work great and easy in the demos and training classes.  The following is the list of requirements to actually get them to work with in a data driven environment. You must have SSRS configured to run with an 'Execution Account' Data Sources must not have your Data Sources folder hidden with the option 'Hide in tile view'.  If you check that box, you will be unable to select a data for…
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02 Aug 2011
By Allen
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SSRS Adding “Image Not Available” as Alternate Image

SSRS Adding “Image Not Available” as Alternate Image

Microsoft SQL Server, SSRS, , , ,
I just had a requirement to build a report which had images stored in the database. SSRS handles that fine by just setting the image object to 'database' and then selecting the field. The challenge was adding an alternate image or text when there was no image stored in the database. SSRS makes it difficult because there is no method to dynamically change the image type on the image container itself, such as changing from 'database' to 'external' image on a web server. OPTIONS: Store the 'Not Available' image in the table and write a query which pulled only that…
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01 Jul 2011
By Allen
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Using SQL to Build MDX parameters

SSAS, SSRS, , , , , ,
I had a client report which needed a parameter list to default to the previous closed financial period date. The SSAS cube includes reporting periods into the future which have data entries even if the month has not been 'closed' by accounting department. Without a 'Month Closed' flag in the cube, the only way to build the parameter list was by querying the date dimension database table. When adding a date parameter to the report dataset, SSRS will automatically build a hidden dataset which pulls the list of available dates from the cube. For this example, I left that data…
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04 Apr 2011
By Allen
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Microsoft PowerPivot Resources

Microsoft SQL Server, PowerPivot
I enjoyed the weekend at SQL Saturday #63 in Dallas. It was my first SQL Saturday and I was quite impressed with the caliber of speakers. Some sessions were hit and miss, but most were well prepared and immediately useful. One area I wanted to learn more about was PowerPivot, but that presentation was stuck in Demo Hell. We've all been there in front of a crowd, so I empathize. Jamin Mace sent more resources to learn about PowerPivot. I just wanted to thank him and pass them along: Good Blog about PowerPivot with tutorials: http://powerpivotgeek.com/ Good DAX reference:  http://powerpivot-info.com/post/439-dax-cheat-sheet…
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