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SQLSaturday #58 - Minnesota 2010

Start Time (24h) Speaker Track Title
00:00:00 Bill Preachuk DBA-1 Maintenance Plans - Lessons from the Real World
00:00:00 Brian Knight BI-1 Introduction to PowerPivot
00:00:00 Brian Knight BI-1 Performance Tuning SQL Server Integration Services
00:00:00 Brian Larson BI-1 Using Data Mining to Improve SSIS Data Loads
00:00:00 David Baldauff BI-1 A Single Sign-On BI Story: SAML Claims in SharePoi
00:00:00 Dean Richards DBA-2 Query Tuning - Get it Right the First Time
00:00:00 Dan English BI-1 Leverage the MS BI Toolset to Monitor Performance
00:00:00 Eric Strom DBA-2 Tuning SQL Code using Logical Equivalencies
00:00:00 Eric Zierdt Development Table Partitions for Archiving
00:00:00 Eddie Wuerch Development Drive SQL Server Performance: I/O For Developers
00:00:00 Eddie Wuerch DBA-1 Find Performance Problems by Reading the Waits
00:00:00 Gilbert Evans BI-2 Self-Service Reporting/Analytics for SQL Server
00:00:00 Jason Strate DBA-2 Extended Events, Work Smarter Not Harder
00:00:00 Jason Strate DBA-2 Using XML to Query Execution Plans
00:00:00 Kevin Kline DBA-1 SQL Server Internals and Architecture
00:00:00 Kevin Kline DBA-1 Top 10 Admin Mistakes on SQL Server
00:00:00 Mark Vaillancourt BI-2 Intro To Reporting Services(2008 R2) Report Models
00:00:00 Mike Benkovich Development Taking your Data to SQL Azure
00:00:00 Mike Benkovich Development Programming with OData the Microsoft Data Stack
00:00:00 Mustafa Hussain BI-2 Answers at the speed of thought with SSAS Cubes
00:00:00 Ross McNeely Development Dynamic Text File Creation Via Single SSIS Package
00:00:00 Russel Loski Development Stored procedure tracing using the xml datatype
00:00:00 Russel Loski BI-1 SSIS and SSRS Better Together
00:00:00 Steve Hughes BI-2 Report Lockdown: Implementing SSRS Security
00:00:00 Ben Thul DBA-2 Introduction To Transactional Replication
00:00:00 Tim Plas DBA-1 Managing and Administering SQL Azure
00:00:00 Tim Plas DBA-1 High-Availability and DR Options for SQL Server
00:00:00 William E Pearson III BI-2 Getting Started with MDX
00:00:00 William E Pearson III BI-2 Documenting Your Integrated Microsoft BI Solution
00:00:00 Zach Mattson DBA-2 Powershell Eye for the Monitoring Guy.

SessionID: 29061

Maintenance Plans - Lessons from the Real World

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA-1

Speaker: Bill Preachuk

Title: Maintenance Plans - Lessons from the Real World

Abstract:

SQL Server Maintenance plans fail - often with no fanfare or warning. Without dependable maintenance plans you can end up with no backups when disaster strikes.

In this session we will dig into real-world examples of how maintenance plans break and and how to fix them. We'll also identify the contributing factors that play a part in these failures. Armed with this knowledge, you'll get sent off with specific tips and general principles you can use to make your Maintenance Plan jobs as dependable as they can be.

SessionID: 29074

Introduction to PowerPivot

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI-1

Speaker: Brian Knight

Title: Introduction to PowerPivot

Abstract:

In this session, you’ll learn how to use PowerPivot to create self-service analytics in your organization. You’ll see how Office 2010 and SQL Server 2008 R2 will help your users answer their own questions and bring together datasets that may be heterogeneous like a SQL Server table and data feed from a website. Then, you’ll see how to take that data and create a striking report for your end users and collaborate with the data in SharePoint.

SessionID: 29075

Performance Tuning SQL Server Integration Services

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI-1

Speaker: Brian Knight

Title: Performance Tuning SQL Server Integration Services

Abstract:

In this demo-rich presentation, Brian shows you some of the common and not so common ways to tune SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). Learn how to tune the data flow using some of the advanced SSIS options and how to avoid common SSIS mistakes. See how to measure performance and how to keep SSIS from monopolizing your server's resourcing. Lastly, discover SQL Server 2008 features that will make SSIS more efficient.

SessionID: 29092

Using Data Mining to Improve SSIS Data Loads

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI-1

Speaker: Brian Larson

Title: Using Data Mining to Improve SSIS Data Loads

Abstract:

SQL Server 2008 provides a powerful data mining environment. These data mining tools can be used to assist with the data cleansing and data validation process during extract, transform, and load process. Let the data tell you which items might be invalid. Only load those records that are most likely to fit your requirements or result in sales. Prevent unwanted data from reaching your database, rather than trying to weed it out later.

SessionID: 29803

A Single Sign-On BI Story: SAML Claims in SharePoi

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI-1

Speaker: David Baldauff

Title: A Single Sign-On BI Story: SAML Claims in SharePoi

Abstract:

SharePoint 2010 offers the elusive single sign-on solution to the Microsoft BI stack. On the edge of new authorization schemes in the Enterprise, SharePoint 2010 offers a single sign-on solution via SAML Claim authentication. In this session we will run through configuring SharePoint 2010 for SAML Claims authentication using ADFS 2.0 as an Identity Provider. We will also demonstrate one solution for using Reporting Services 2008 R2 in this solution.

SessionID: 29880

Query Tuning - Get it Right the First Time

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA-2

Speaker: Dean Richards

Title: Query Tuning - Get it Right the First Time

Abstract:

Whether you are a developer or DBA, this presentation will outline a method for determining the best approach for tuning a query

every time by utilizing response time analysis and SQL Diagramming techniques. Regardless of the complexity of the statement or database platform being utilized (this method works on all), this quick and systematic approach will lead you down the correct tuning path with no guessing. If you are a beginner or expert, this approach will save you countless hours tuning a query.

SessionID: 29885

Leverage the MS BI Toolset to Monitor Performance

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI-1

Speaker: Dan English

Title: Leverage the MS BI Toolset to Monitor Performance

Abstract:

There are many different pieces in the Microsoft BI toolset. In this session, we will take a look at all of the different pieces and utilize each of them to create a unified dashboard, where each component is being leveraged. The tools that will be utilized during this session will include SQL Server 2008, SSRS 2008, SSAS 2008, Excel 2007, Excel Services, PPS 2007, Dashboard Designer, SharePoint Server 2007 and possibly more. Goals - (1) Understanding all of the Microsoft BI components (2) Learn how all of the Microsoft components can work together (3) Provide insight and tips/tricks on leveraging the Microsoft tools

SessionID: 30062

Tuning SQL Code using Logical Equivalencies

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA-2

Speaker: Eric Strom

Title: Tuning SQL Code using Logical Equivalencies

Abstract:

Sometimes even the right indexes won’t get your queries done in decent time. In this presentation, we will talk about how to help the query processor out by using different logical transformations on queries, so that they can do the same thing faster. Examples will be used to create “SARGability”, work with “or” logic and use CTEs or temp tables to reduce work. The goal is to add new techniques to your toolbox to tune code more effectively.

SessionID: 30063

Table Partitions for Archiving

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Development

Speaker: Eric Zierdt

Title: Table Partitions for Archiving

Abstract:

What is Table Partitioning? How can it be used to enhance performance? How can it be used with a data archiving strategy to quickly and easily drop archived data from a table? We will discuss the practical applications of table partitioning using scripts to generate new table partitions, move a partition to another table and discussion on how this can benefit you.

SessionID: 30163

Drive SQL Server Performance: I/O For Developers

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Development

Speaker: Eddie Wuerch

Title: Drive SQL Server Performance: I/O For Developers

Abstract:

An often-overlooked aspect to data optimization is what is happens under the covers – how does SQL Server store and access data? There are plenty of common rules covering tuning, but this session looks at data access from the physical layer, detailing how table access and indexes work, showing why some designs perform poorly, and why adding more indexes may not help. This will not be a discussion of normal forms or design rules. Instead, it will be a technical session providing the foundation for you to choose which concepts to apply to your designs.

The session starts with the notion that SQL Server is not a magic box – most of what happens is well-documented and must be taken into consideration when designing or tuning databases.

SessionID: 30164

Find Performance Problems by Reading the Waits

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA-1

Speaker: Eddie Wuerch

Title: Find Performance Problems by Reading the Waits

Abstract:

Start with a simple proposition: a process is either working or waiting. You can tune the working part, but are you seeing the whole picture? There are many different resources on which your process could be waiting - a lock, memory, disk, CPU, and much more. When a process must wait, SQL Server will log it. There are hundreds of different wait types, and they are a gold mine of data for finding and solving performance problems - and proving the changes worked. After attending this session, you will be able to gather wait stats and use them to zero in on performance issues affecting your databases. Stop guessing, start knowing!

SessionID: 30243

Self-Service Reporting/Analytics for SQL Server

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI-2

Speaker: Gilbert Evans

Title: Self-Service Reporting/Analytics for SQL Server

Abstract:

If you use SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), you’re closer to easy-to-use, self-service business analytics than you probably realize. SwiftKnowledge’s award-winning, Microsoft-based BI software is optimized to leverage existing SSAS data cubes, which speeds deployment and minimizes expense. Give non-technical business people the insight they need, when they need it, regardless of the availability of trained IT resources – attend this session to learn how to:

• Leverage SSAS cubes, SQL relational reporting DMX data mining to easily build powerful analytics solutions • Effortlessly create content dashboards • Perform self-service, ad-hoc analysis • Interactively explore large data sets • Set up automated alerts

SessionID: 30528

Extended Events, Work Smarter Not Harder

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA-2

Speaker: Jason Strate

Title: Extended Events, Work Smarter Not Harder

Abstract:

Often, as DBAs, we are presented with the prospect of resolving performance issues. Consider when Bob the Developer shows up accusing the server of inadequacies and expecting resolution. After hours digging through log files and traces and you are able to identify code that Bob deployed that was the root of the problem. What if there was a way to do this type of performance tuning before Bob the Developer shows up and before Sue the User figures out there are performance issues? In this session we’ll take a look at Extended Events and how you can leverage it in every day scenarios. We’ll discuss the ins and outs of how to get detailed information on the errors and events that occur within SQL Server and how to understand the information.

SessionID: 30530

Using XML to Query Execution Plans

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA-2

Speaker: Jason Strate

Title: Using XML to Query Execution Plans

Abstract:

SQL Server stores its execution plans as XML in dynamic management views. The execution plans are a gold mine of information. From the whether or not the execution plan will rely on parallelism to what columns are requiring a key lookup after a non-clustered index seek. Through a the use of XML this information can be available at your fingertips to help determine the value and impact of an index and guide you in improving the performance of your SQL Server databases. In this session we’ll look at how you can begin to understand and query the structure of the execution plans in the procedure cache. Also, we’ll review how to uncover some potential performance issues that may be lurking in your SQL Server.

SessionID: 31297

SQL Server Internals and Architecture

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA-1

Speaker: Kevin Kline

Title: SQL Server Internals and Architecture

Abstract:

SessionID: 31298

Top 10 Admin Mistakes on SQL Server

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA-1

Speaker: Kevin Kline

Title: Top 10 Admin Mistakes on SQL Server

Abstract:

Microsoft SQL Server is easier to administrate than any other relational database on the market. But “easier than everyone else” doesn’t mean it’s easy. And it doesn’t mean that database administration on SQL Server is problem free. And since SQL Server is constantly growing from small, home-grown applications, many IT professionals end up encountering issues that others had tackled and solved years ago. Why not learn from those who first blazed the trails of database administration, so that we don’t make the same mistakes over and over again. In fact, wouldn’t you like to learn about those mistakes before they ever happen?

SessionID: 31593

Intro To Reporting Services(2008 R2) Report Models

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI-2

Speaker: Mark Vaillancourt

Title: Intro To Reporting Services(2008 R2) Report Models

Abstract:

Report Models can be a great way to empower your end users to create their own reports through a drag and drop tool. This presentation will discuss how to create, maintain and secure SSRS Report Models. Although the focus is on implementation, we will use Report Builder 3.0 to demonstrate report model consumption. We will also cover some tips and tricks learned through real-world experience implementing and supporting report models for clients.

SessionID: 31785

Taking your Data to SQL Azure

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Development

Speaker: Mike Benkovich

Title: Taking your Data to SQL Azure

Abstract:

Working with data is core to what we do as developers. With the release of the Microsoft SQL Azure Database cloud offering, developers have a new set of options and features that make it possible to take full advantage of the scalability and availability of this platform. In this session, we take a look at what SQL Azure means for developers and show how to create and manage a database in the cloud. We also explore the tools and the practices for using the tools.

SessionID: 31786

Programming with OData the Microsoft Data Stack

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Development

Speaker: Mike Benkovich

Title: Programming with OData the Microsoft Data Stack

Abstract:

SessionID: 32035

Answers at the speed of thought with SSAS Cubes

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI-2

Speaker: Mustafa Hussain

Title: Answers at the speed of thought with SSAS Cubes

Abstract:

Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services is the semantic layer in the Microsoft BI technology platform that allows users to see and interact with their information in a faster and more dynamic way compared to static reports. Analysis Services provides business users the ability to perform analysis and mine their Data to understand and uncover business issues/drivers leading to better decisions and new business opportunities. In this presentation we take a look at buidling your first Analysis Services cube and using cubes to answer questions at the speed of thought.

SessionID: 32656

Dynamic Text File Creation Via Single SSIS Package

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Development

Speaker: Ross McNeely

Title: Dynamic Text File Creation Via Single SSIS Package

Abstract:

Creating individual SSIS Packages for individual business-to-business data files is not only time consuming, but becomes a maintenance nightmare. This presentation will show you how to create a single SSIS package that can generate varying length and formatted text files. By utilizing stored procedures and executing dynamic T-SQL you will see how the time from specification to file delivery can be greatly reduced and simplified. Additional areas we will cover include the support tables to control file run times, creating file variables at run time, and how to report file success.

SessionID: 32706

Stored procedure tracing using the xml datatype

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Development

Speaker: Russel Loski

Title: Stored procedure tracing using the xml datatype

Abstract:

When running a stored procedure it is difficult to record what is happening. In this session we will develop logger code in T-SQL to add to your stored procedures. We will use the xml datatype to record parameter values, variable values and debug statements. We will look at the "For xml" statement as well as the xml datatype methods, especially the modify method. Finally we will look at how to read the logs when finished.

SessionID: 32707

SSIS and SSRS Better Together

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI-1

Speaker: Russel Loski

Title: SSIS and SSRS Better Together

Abstract:

SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and Reporting Services (SSRS) are two pillars of Microsoft's Business Intelligence stack: SSIS gathering the data and SSRS displaying the data. Do you know that SSRS provides a set of Web Services that SSIS can use to manage and even render SSRS reports? In this session we will develop an SSIS package that exports an SSRS report to pdf format using these Web Services. Then we will use the SSRS Web Services in a Data Flow Script Component to get data from a report.

SessionID: 33216

Report Lockdown: Implementing SSRS Security

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI-2

Speaker: Steve Hughes

Title: Report Lockdown: Implementing SSRS Security

Abstract:

When working with Reporting Services, you need to consider all aspects of security from access to the report server to filtering the report data. This session will delve into the various techniques used to secure reports throughout the architecture and the nuances of integrating with SharePoint security as well.

SessionID: 33574

Introduction To Transactional Replication

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA-2

Speaker: Ben Thul

Title: Introduction To Transactional Replication

Abstract:

Transactional replication: if you're like most who I've met that are tasked with supporting it, it can appear somewhat mystical. There are many (many, many) configurable options for each step in the process, which can make the whole topic daunting. In this session, we'll be setting up a simple topology from scratch and talk about what you should be mindful of and what you should save for further study.

SessionID: 33575

Managing and Administering SQL Azure

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA-1

Speaker: Tim Plas

Title: Managing and Administering SQL Azure

Abstract:

This discussion addresses operational questions about using "SQL in the cloud" -- Questions like: Just what is SQL Azure? Where does it make sense to use it (or not)? HOW do I use it? How do I get stuff in and out of it? How much does it really cost? How do I manage it? The session covers SQL Azure "how-to" and "why" questions from the viewpoint of operational DBA's and system architects (vs. developers).

SessionID: 33576

High-Availability and DR Options for SQL Server

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA-1

Speaker: Tim Plas

Title: High-Availability and DR Options for SQL Server

Abstract:

A comparison of SQL HA DR options, by a practitioner who has implemented managed pretty much every SQL HA and DR approach ( various combinations thereof). Tim is an operational SQL DBA, charged with keeping SQL servers up running optimized, for managed-services customers. We will compare trade-offs between the various SQL HA DR options: for complexity, usability, hardware requirements, licensing, failover speed, initial costs, ongoing support costs, staff skill requirements, etc.

SessionID: 33941

Getting Started with MDX

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI-2

Speaker: William E Pearson III

Title: Getting Started with MDX

Abstract:

In this session we will concentrate largely upon crafting simple MDX expressions and queries whose purposes, for the most part, are to return a set of data. We will overview the structure of a cube, using as a basis the sample Adventure Works cube that is available to anyone installing SQL Server Analysis Services 2008 R2. We will then outline the components of simple MDX syntax, and get started writing basic expressions and queries. We will expose basic member functions, introduce filters (or “slicers”), and begin exploring core MDX functionality, including calculated members, and named sets.

SessionID: 33943

Documenting Your Integrated Microsoft BI Solution

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI-2

Speaker: William E Pearson III

Title: Documenting Your Integrated Microsoft BI Solution

Abstract:

Having implemented BI solutions for years, I have found documentation to be a task too often resisted until late in the project, when it is hastily and incompletely prepared in remaining hours. Because the integrated Microsoft BI solution comprises multiple application layers, it is challenging to generate documentation about the whole solution in a single, unified document. In this presentation I will share approaches I’ve come to use in assembling documentation that “covers all the bases.”

SessionID: 34521

Powershell Eye for the Monitoring Guy.

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Event Date: 29-10-2010 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA-2

Speaker: Zach Mattson

Title: Powershell Eye for the Monitoring Guy.

Abstract:

Server monitoring can be expensive and is generally licensed for only critical production servers. In this session, learn how to utilize Powershell along with some SMO to not only be proactive, but productive in monitoring the servers in your environment. Attendees will come away from the session with an understanding of how to read the SQL and Server event logs, check backups, find which servers have pending reboots and more. In order to get the most out of this session, it is suggested that those attending have a basic knowledge of Powershell or another administrative scripting language.