04 Dec 2012
By Allen
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What’s New in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) 2012

SQL Server, SSRS, , ,
Everybody has been bloggin about the new features in SQL 2012, so I thought it would be best to just look at one part of the offering.  SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) has not gotten a much love but there are a few good improvements.  The list is so short, I covered it in one slide while presenting at SQL Saturday #125 in Oklahoma City.  Let's look at each area a little more. SSRS Data Alerts This is definitely a good improvement from the user perspective.   It allows users (OK, they may need help) to set up subscriptions based on…
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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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18 Mar 2011
By Allen
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Learning the Microsoft BI Stack: SSRS

Microsoft SQL Server, SQL Server, SSIS, SSRS
I've been learning and working with IBM Cognos since it arrived on my desk in 1999.  It was an ugly brown box labeled Cognos 5.5.  Since then I've studied and learned 6.x then 7.x and finally made the painful transition to 8.x. Now I'm studying both the Microsoft Business Intelligence stack (SSAS, SSIS and SSRS) along with learning the new Cognos 10. I just want to list two WROX titles which are the best I've found for getting up to speed quickly. For learning SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) go get the Professional series book 'Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting…
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