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SQLSaturday #96 - Washington, DC 2011

Start Time (24h) Speaker Track Title
00:00:00 Aaron Nelson SAN/Virtualization/Denali PowerShell for SQL and New Denali Features
00:00:00 Alex Grinberg DBA SQL Server XML 101
00:00:00 Allan Hirt DBA Windows Failover Clustering Basics for the DBA
00:00:00 Andy Leonard BI Designing an SSIS Framework
00:00:00 Ashton Hobbs DBA/Dev Understanding Indexes
00:00:00 Ashton Hobbs DBA/Dev Understanding (B)locking
00:00:00 Brian Moran Prof. Dev. Leadership Coaching: A repeatable methodology...
00:00:00 Chris Skorlinski Prof. Dev. How to get Hired in the first 10 minutes
00:00:00 Chris Skorlinski DBA Transactional Replication – Follow the Data
00:00:00 Dan Clark DBA/Dev Getting Spatial with SQL Server 2008
00:00:00 Dennis Lloyd Jr Prof. Dev. Thwarting Database Defects
00:00:00 Geoff Johnson Dev Intro to Ranking and Aggregate Window Functions
00:00:00 Geoff Johnson Dev Intro to Common Table Expressions
00:00:00 Ira Warren BI (SSIS, TSQL and MDS) - Record Linkage Fuzzy Match
00:00:00 James Gaines DBA/Dev Automating Database Source Control
00:00:00 James Gaines Prof. Dev. An intro to Oracle Databases for SQL Server DBAs
00:00:00 Joseph D'Antoni SAN/Virtualization/Denali SAN Basics for DBAs
00:00:00 Joseph D'Antoni SAN/Virtualization/Denali Virtualization for SQL DBAs
00:00:00 Jeremy Kadlec Prof. Dev. Build Your SQL Server Career
00:00:00 Jessica Moss BI How to Increase Development Productivity in SSRS
00:00:00 Karen Lopez Dev Model-Driven Database Design
00:00:00 Kevin Goff DBA/Dev Change Data Capture in SQL Server 2008
00:00:00 Kevin Goff SAN/Virtualization/Denali What's new in Denali - a whirlwind tour
00:00:00 Mark Hudson Dev Making Predictions with Microsoft Data Mining Tool
00:00:00 Mark Hudson BI Introduction to Analysis Services
00:00:00 Brian Garraty SAN/Virtualization/Denali PowerShell: A Tale of Two Checklists
00:00:00 Sebastian Meine DBA Mining XML Query Plans
00:00:00 Sandra Mueller BI Developing Date and Role-Playing Dimensions
00:00:00 Sandra Mueller DBA Data Files and Transaction Logs – Beyond the GUIs
00:00:00 Luke Jian Dev Join operations - Explaining Merge,Hash and Loop
00:00:00 Luke Jian DBA Optimizing SQL Server I/O with Solid State Drives
00:00:00 Thomas LaRock SAN/Virtualization/Denali Monitoring Databases in a Virtual Environment
00:00:00 Wayne Sheffield Dev Banish RBAR!
00:00:00 Wayne Sheffield DBA/Dev Table Vars Temp Tables - What you NEED to Know!
00:00:00 William E Pearson III BI An Overview of PowerPivot
00:00:00 William E Pearson III Prof. Dev. Entity Strategies: Structuring Your Consultancy

SessionID: 28385

PowerShell for SQL and New Denali Features

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: SAN/Virtualization/Denali

Speaker: Aaron Nelson

Title: PowerShell for SQL and New Denali Features

Abstract:

This session will cover the new features of PowerShell in SQL Denali. The new module for SQL Server, the new module for SSAS, and the new Replica cmdlets for High Availability databases.

SessionID: 28593

SQL Server XML 101

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA

Speaker: Alex Grinberg

Title: SQL Server XML 101

Abstract:

XML processing become more and more a part of our daily life. Today anyone, DBA or Developer, interferes one way or another with XML-based processes. In the SQL Server XML 101 session I'll go over all XML data types from "ground zero" to advanced tricks and tips. Using real life examples I'll show most efficient ways to work with an XML of any complexity and size. I'll cover the problems that you can anticipate to deal with with XML. How to: load the files using T-SQL code, dynamically retrieve and element or attribute, use different XML data types' methods and functions.

SessionID: 28598

Windows Failover Clustering Basics for the DBA

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA

Speaker: Allan Hirt

Title: Windows Failover Clustering Basics for the DBA

Abstract:

While you can see how to run through Wizards deploy a failover cluster in 60 minutes in other places, what a DBA really needs is a solid foundation of Windows to truly be able to understand that implementation and its subsequent administration. This session will demystify the Windows layer of clustering and present it from a DBA focus. Using Windows Server 2008 R2, some of the topics that will be shown are: failover cluster validation and its impact on installing SQL Server, a tour of the new Failover Cluster Manager and how it can be used for administration, using the new cluster logs for troubleshooting, and more.

SessionID: 28694

Designing an SSIS Framework

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI

Speaker: Andy Leonard

Title: Designing an SSIS Framework

Abstract:

In this “demo-tastic” presentation, SSIS trainer, author, and consultant Andy Leonard explains the what, why, and how of an SSIS framework that delivers metadata-driven package execution, connections management, and centralizes logging. Key takeaways: 1) Developers can migrate packages from Development, through their lifecycle, to Production without editing SSIS Connection Managers properties. 2) A metadata-driven approach to SSIS package execution. 3) Demonstration of a centralized logging reporting application.

SessionID: 28877

Understanding Indexes

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA/Dev

Speaker: Ashton Hobbs

Title: Understanding Indexes

Abstract:

This session will focus on the internals of index and how they are structured at a physical level. Understanding how indexes are structured can then help understand how they can help improve query performance by reducing lookups, serving as a covering index, etc. The session will use DBCC Page/Ind to look at how different types of indexes are structured and make some suggestions on the best way to structure tables, keys, and indexes to get the best performance from them. Will also cover index options that can affect how indexes are structured and how Index Rebuild/Reorg work at the physical level.

SessionID: 28878

Understanding (B)locking

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA/Dev

Speaker: Ashton Hobbs

Title: Understanding (B)locking

Abstract:

This session will cover how SQL server uses locking in queries and how that can lead to blocking issues. The session will provide a detailed view into what happens for each of the different isolation levels available within SQL Server and discuss how each one can affect locking/blocking within the system. The session will then discuss how to use SQL Server tools such as SQL Profiler, DMVs, and Extended Events to detect and resolve locking/blocking issues within SQL Server.

SessionID: 29271

Leadership Coaching: A repeatable methodology...

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Prof. Dev.

Speaker: Brian Moran

Title: Leadership Coaching: A repeatable methodology...

Abstract:

Leadership coaching is the practice of using relational influence, the people kind, not the database kind, to develop and empower adult leaders. Coaching embraces a set of structured techniques designed to help you make other people more effective in reaching their goals and developing as leaders and can be a powerful tool for developing and managing teams in a technical environment.

SessionID: 29515

How to get Hired in the first 10 minutes

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Prof. Dev.

Speaker: Chris Skorlinski

Title: How to get Hired in the first 10 minutes

Abstract:

Are you looking for a career change? Good News! Technology is back on the move and companies are again hiring. We’ll cover key strategies you can use during the interviews first 10 minutes to increase chances for a new job and new adventure.

SessionID: 29516

Transactional Replication – Follow the Data

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA

Speaker: Chris Skorlinski

Title: Transactional Replication – Follow the Data

Abstract:

Okay, you’ve run the Wizard and have Replication up and running; but how does it really work? Learn the behind the scenes for Transactional Replication as we follow the data from Publisher to Subscriber. We’ll look at both design and troubleshooting techniques to ensure your data is moving at near-real-time through your topology.

SessionID: 29824

Getting Spatial with SQL Server 2008

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA/Dev

Speaker: Dan Clark

Title: Getting Spatial with SQL Server 2008

Abstract:

One of the great features of SQL Server 2008 is its native support for spatial data types. Spatial data represents information about the physical location and shape of geometric objects. These objects can be point locations or more complex objects such as countries, roads, or lakes. This session looks at how you can take advantage of this support for spatial data to enhance your location based applications in new and interesting ways. You will learn how to load and query spatial data in SQL Server as well as how to present the data in a Bing map.

SessionID: 29899

Thwarting Database Defects

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Prof. Dev.

Speaker: Dennis Lloyd Jr

Title: Thwarting Database Defects

Abstract:

It’s bad enough to spend hours finding and fixing database defects, explaining to the rest of the team what went wrong and trying to clean up the mess. It’s even worse when a defect causes the end-user to make a bad decision. Database defects are far too costly and most testing practices do not adequately detect or prevent them. This presentation introduces tSQLt, a framework for automated database unit testing. You’ll learn techniques to write SQL code that is resilient to defects and is easier to change and maintain.

SessionID: 30218

Intro to Ranking and Aggregate Window Functions

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Dev

Speaker: Geoff Johnson

Title: Intro to Ranking and Aggregate Window Functions

Abstract:

Window functions greatly simplify the syntax and efficiency of queries that mix scalar with aggregate values. Learn how to add aggregate values to a query result without a GROUP BY clause, how to add row numbers and ranking values to query results, and how to subdivide a set of results evenly into a given number of parts.

SessionID: 30219

Intro to Common Table Expressions

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Dev

Speaker: Geoff Johnson

Title: Intro to Common Table Expressions

Abstract:

Common Table Expressions (CTEs) serve two main functions: first they remove the clutter of subqueries out of the FROM clause while simultaneously making them easy to reference multiple times by alias if need be, and second they make it possible to do recursive queries. Learn the basics of using CTEs to streamline T-SQL code and to query self-referential tables.

SessionID: 30392

(SSIS, TSQL and MDS) - Record Linkage Fuzzy Match

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI

Speaker: Ira Warren

Title: (SSIS, TSQL and MDS) - Record Linkage Fuzzy Match

Abstract:

We will implement several code samples based on a series of articles amd posts identifying similar records between two different sources or grouping of records from a single source, based on existing column string of values. We will define an approach, review actual implementations with various SQL tools(TSQL, VB,SSIS and MDS). There are many facets to review. I would like to start by drawing concepts from several articles from experienced practitioners, either from academia or the commercial market. They will be footnoted at the end of the session. Although we are discussing matching, we need to address several steps prior to getting to the actual use of matching algorithms

SessionID: 30415

Automating Database Source Control

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA/Dev

Speaker: James Gaines

Title: Automating Database Source Control

Abstract:

Track source code changes and manage the synchronization between the source control system and your database. Using SQL Source Control and your favorite source control system, this task can be automated, and you can catch those sneaky developers making changes they forgot to tell you to source.

SessionID: 30416

An intro to Oracle Databases for SQL Server DBAs

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Prof. Dev.

Speaker: James Gaines

Title: An intro to Oracle Databases for SQL Server DBAs

Abstract:

An overview of basic database architecture and operations such as startup, shutdown, backup, redo log, alert log, tablespaces, etc. for SQL Server database professionals. This will provide a broad look at Oracle 11g from a DBA perspective. This session will give you a basic understanding of the terminology and command structure used in daily operations. It is not that complicated, come and see for yourself.

SessionID: 30642

SAN Basics for DBAs

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: SAN/Virtualization/Denali

Speaker: Joseph D'Antoni

Title: SAN Basics for DBAs

Abstract:

Curious as to what a LUN is? Or what RAID level you should use for you database files? This session will cover the basics of what a SAN is, how it works, and how to talk to your SAN Admins. We will also discuss various ways to configure SQL Server for optimal I/O.

SessionID: 30644

Virtualization for SQL DBAs

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: SAN/Virtualization/Denali

Speaker: Joseph D'Antoni

Title: Virtualization for SQL DBAs

Abstract:

Want to know about VMWare and what it means for your databases? This session will go through the hardware and terminology around this technology. Learn how to optimize your SQL Servers for VMs and what to tell your storage engineers.

SessionID: 30772

Build Your SQL Server Career

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Prof. Dev.

Speaker: Jeremy Kadlec

Title: Build Your SQL Server Career

Abstract:

Do you have the needed skills for your SQL Server career? Whether you are looking to land your first job or advance into a managerial position, this session will offer recommendations to you. From interview tips to skills all employers are looking for in SQL Server professionals, this session will benefit you.

SessionID: 30791

How to Increase Development Productivity in SSRS

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI

Speaker: Jessica Moss

Title: How to Increase Development Productivity in SSRS

Abstract:

Using SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services and Report Builder 3.0, report writers can store, re-use, and modify pieces of reports using "report parts". Report parts are stored on the report server and are provided to others for collaboration in a report part library to increase initial development productivity and decrease maintenance turn-around time. This presentation will describe how to set up a user-friendly and easily maintained report part library by discussing how to create report parts, how to store them on the report server, and how to import them into a new report.

SessionID: 31199

Model-Driven Database Design

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Dev

Speaker: Karen Lopez

Title: Model-Driven Database Design

Abstract:

Model-Driven Database Development: Myths, Magic and Methods. In this presentation, Karen discusses data model-driven database development from the point of view of the Data Architect, the DBA, and the Developer. She will cover topics such as "Who does what?", "Why are we doing this?", "Do I have to Use a GUI?" and "Just who do you think you are?". Finally, 10 tips for making model-driven database development successful in your organization's culture and environment.

SessionID: 31366

Change Data Capture in SQL Server 2008

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA/Dev

Speaker: Kevin Goff

Title: Change Data Capture in SQL Server 2008

Abstract:

In this session, I'll talk about Change Data Capture (CDC) terminology and configuring a database for Change Data Capture. I'll show how to read CDC log tables, and show CDC code samples. I'll discuss CDC and SQL Server Agent jobs, and the use of CDC versus database triggers (and where triggers are still needed). Also, the impact of CDC on the transaction log and system performance will be explored. Finally, I'll talk about how to deal with schema changes, performance tuning, and using CDC in an ETL (Extract-Transform-Load) environment with SQL Server Integration Services.

SessionID: 31372

What's new in Denali - a whirlwind tour

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: SAN/Virtualization/Denali

Speaker: Kevin Goff

Title: What's new in Denali - a whirlwind tour

Abstract:

Have you ever gotten whiplash as you twist your head in fifty directions, trying to research all the new features in a product? In this session, I'll go through all the new features in SQL Server Denali. I won't focus excessively on any one feature - instead, I'll go through as many new features in SQL Server Denali as time permits.

SessionID: 31763

Making Predictions with Microsoft Data Mining Tool

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Dev

Speaker: Mark Hudson

Title: Making Predictions with Microsoft Data Mining Tool

Abstract:

Whether predicting customers, All Stars or concert set lists, the process and the tools remain the same. Microsoft’s Analysis Services Data Mining tools enable you to quickly profile your data, identify hidden relationships and predict future outcomes based on those relationships. Join me to see what data mining is, what data mining is not and how Microsoft's data mining tools can help you analyze your business. During this session, I will walk us through a start-to-finish data mining prediction project. It's easier than you might have thought.

SessionID: 31764

Introduction to Analysis Services

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI

Speaker: Mark Hudson

Title: Introduction to Analysis Services

Abstract:

Microsoft’s SQL Server Analysis Services is best known for its ability to build and manage OLAP data cubes. In addition to that core functionality, SSAS enables users to define key performance indicators (KPIs), profile data, mine data and predict future activities using the results of that mining. Perhaps best of all, SSAS is included as part of SQL Server 2008 Standard and Enterprise Editions. This session introduces the audience to the capabilities of SSAS, businesses uses for those tools and ways to integrate SSAS with Integration Services and Reporting Services.

SessionID: 32108

PowerShell: A Tale of Two Checklists

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: SAN/Virtualization/Denali

Speaker: Brian Garraty

Title: PowerShell: A Tale of Two Checklists

Abstract:

It was the worst of times. It was the age of foolishness. I had a long-winded, manual, GUI-intensive checklist for configuring new SQL Server installations. Automating that checklist with PowerShell and SMO ushered in the best of times and an age of wisdom. In this session, we will walk through my new automated checklist, make the case for using PowerShell for such tasks, and point those still mired in the winter of despair and manual drudgery towards the spring of hope that is scripting and automation.

SessionID: 32142

Mining XML Query Plans

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA

Speaker: Sebastian Meine

Title: Mining XML Query Plans

Abstract:

Execution plans contain a lot of information that can guide you in your performance tuning process. Since SQL 2005 it is possible to retrieve the execution plans stored in the cache using DMVs and DMFs. However, as they are stored in XML format it can be cumbersome and difficult to extract the information you need. In this session, you will learn how the XML query plan is structured and how to use SQL Server’s built-in XQuery language to extract information. Examples include indexes that the optimizer indicates would increase performance if implemented and queries that use table scans or nested loop joins.

SessionID: 32774

Developing Date and Role-Playing Dimensions

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI

Speaker: Sandra Mueller

Title: Developing Date and Role-Playing Dimensions

Abstract:

Let's go from Cradle to Grave with the one dimension in 99.99999% of cubes, the dreaded Date dimension. Without this dimension users wouldn't know if it is worth staying open on a holiday or which day of the week the most fresh produce ships or even what their bonus will be. What should be included in the dimension? Should you use the wizard to generate? In this session, we will explore a generic date dimension load script and configuring SSAS to use the table as the time dimension. We will explore performance considerations of attribute hierarchies compared with usability benefits of user hierarchies. Finally, we will address the advantages of role-playing dimensions to make Order Date, Ship Date and Received Date dimensions.

SessionID: 32775

Data Files and Transaction Logs – Beyond the GUIs

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA

Speaker: Sandra Mueller

Title: Data Files and Transaction Logs – Beyond the GUIs

Abstract:

Performance of SQL Server poor? One cause may have been that starting file size that you didn't think was important because it will auto-grow. Why is auto-grow bad? Why shouldn't files be auto-shrunk? Why keep that free space in the files? Explore the physical structure of a database, how table structure effects use of memory and key mistakes to avoid. Additionally, dive into the transaction log process - VLFs, auto-recovery and lock escalation. Solid foundation for Programmers and Administrators!

SessionID: 32878

Join operations - Explaining Merge,Hash and Loop

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Dev

Speaker: Luke Jian

Title: Join operations - Explaining Merge,Hash and Loop

Abstract:

In this session we’ll look in depth at the three main types of join operations (Nested Loops, Hash and Merge) in order to understand how query plans are computed. We will look at the performance of Hash and Merge joins in different scenarios and explain why they are sometimes associated with poor performing queries.

SessionID: 32879

Optimizing SQL Server I/O with Solid State Drives

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA

Speaker: Luke Jian

Title: Optimizing SQL Server I/O with Solid State Drives

Abstract:

Optimal configuration and maintenance of the I/O subsystem is critical and can ultimately be responsible for higher response times of your applications. The HDDs are by design about 1 million times slower than the memory or CPU. In this session we analyze the different options that exist for durable storage, what are their pros and cons . Solid state drives are a viable option and we are going under the covers to see how you can best use them as an alternative to a large and expensive SAN in your infrastructure

SessionID: 33054

Monitoring Databases in a Virtual Environment

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: SAN/Virtualization/Denali

Speaker: Thomas LaRock

Title: Monitoring Databases in a Virtual Environment

Abstract:

When moving databases to a virtual environment the performance metrics DBAs typically use to troubleshoot performance issues such as O/S metrics, storage configurations, CPU allocation and more become unreliable. DBAs no longer have a clear, reliable view of the factors impacting database performance. Understanding the difference between the physical and virtual server environment adds a new dimension to the DBA tasks. This presentation describes the changes that DBAs need to make in their performance and monitoring practices.

SessionID: 33869

Banish RBAR!

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Dev

Speaker: Wayne Sheffield

Title: Banish RBAR!

Abstract:

SQL Server is primarily designed for set-based operations, so code that performs Row-By-Agonizing-Row (RBAR) operations is going against the design, rather than working with it. Come to this code filled session, where we will examine several recent additions to SQL Server, and learn how the vast majority of RBAR code can be replaced with efficient, set-based code. Learn how the APPLY operator works; iterate through incoming data just once with the MERGE statement; “slice and dice” your data with the Windowing (ranking) functions; re-write your multi-statement table-valued functions to inline functions to help the optimizer and speed up your queries; learn how to create a grouped delimited list – without loops!

SessionID: 33870

Table Vars Temp Tables - What you NEED to Know!

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: DBA/Dev

Speaker: Wayne Sheffield

Title: Table Vars Temp Tables - What you NEED to Know!

Abstract:

Almost every SQL Developer is familiar with Table Variables and Temporary Tables. While each of these objects represent temporary storage, there are also substantial differences between them. Understanding the differences between Table Variables and Temporary Tables, and the ramifications that those differences cause, is essential to being able to properly select the appropriate object for use in your development tasks. In this code filled session, we’ll discover the differences and similarities of Temporary Tables and Table Variables, dispel some widespread myths about each, and answer the most important questions of them all, "When do I use one or the other and what are the various impacts of doing so?"

SessionID: 34024

An Overview of PowerPivot

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: BI

Speaker: William E Pearson III

Title: An Overview of PowerPivot

Abstract:

In this presentation, Microsoft BI Architect and SQL Server MVP Bill Pearson explores “self-service BI” as a concept. We then provide a walkthrough of the primary features of PowerPivot, focusing on how we can exploit its capabilities to offer the benefits of BI to decision makers and analysts throughout our organizations. “There’s no service like self-service …”

SessionID: 34031

Entity Strategies: Structuring Your Consultancy

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Event Date: 05-11-2011 - Session time: 00:00:00 - Track: Prof. Dev.

Speaker: William E Pearson III

Title: Entity Strategies: Structuring Your Consultancy

Abstract:

Independent BI consultant, MSSQL Server MVP, and practicing CPA Bill Pearson examines the various options available for organizing and protecting your consulting business. In this section, he covers C Corp, S Corp, LLC, Partnership, and Sole Proprietorship (“Schedule C”) options, as well as other practical advice (trademarks, etc.) useful in forming your business entity.