04 Dec 2012
By Allen
0 Comments

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…
Read More
28 Aug 2012
By Allen
0 Comments
Syncronize Reports across SSRS Servers

Syncronize Reports across SSRS Servers

Microsoft SQL Server, SSRS
At SQL Saturday #125 someone asked me for a quick way to push a report out to multiple Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) servers. At the time I had Visual Studio open for a demo, so my first answer was to use Configuration Manager to store all the server addresses and then Deploy to each stored server. Here is a screenshot of the Configuration Manager. The TargetServerURL allows you to configure different server address for each configuration. Of course as soon as I left the session I thought of two more ways to accomplish the same thing. First, if…
Read More
23 Aug 2012
By Allen
0 Comments

SQL with Celko Download Page

Microsoft SQL Server
Attendees to the 'SQL with Celko' class on August 24, 2012 should receive an email with a password for the following download. The password was emailed to all class attendees. [wpdm_file id=1 title="true" desc="true" template="bluebox drop-shadow curved curved-hz-2" ]    
Read More
13 Jul 2012
By Allen
0 Comments

Bulk Update SSRS Subscription Information

Microsoft SQL Server, SSRS, ,
I have a current client who needed to update information in every SSRS Subscription on their production server. The main reason was they were moving domains.  This meant updating user names and pointing the subscriptions to a new file share server where it saves reports. This is a standalone instance of SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services, not in SharePoint integrated mode. It finally dawned on me that there is no bulk management tool for SSRS reports or subscriptions. So until I get time to learn VB.net and build a tool we needed a quick way to view and edit…
Read More
19 Jun 2012
By Allen
0 Comments
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…
Read More
12 Jun 2012
By Allen
0 Comments

‘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…
Read More
05 Jun 2012
By Allen
0 Comments
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…
Read More
21 May 2012
By Allen
0 Comments
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.    
Read More
09 Apr 2012
By Allen
0 Comments

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…
Read More
09 Dec 2011
By Allen
0 Comments

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…
Read More