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White Papers in English
SQL Server 2014
Analysis Services

Business Intelligence
Other
AlwaysOn

SQL Server 2012
AlwaysOn
Analysis Services
Business Intelligence
Comparison
Data Access
Integration Services
Overview and Capabilities
Other

 

SQL Server 2008 R2
Other

 

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White Paper Content in English

SQL Server 2014


Analysis Services

Analysis Services MOLAP Performance Guide for SQL Server 2012 and 2014 

This white paper describes how business intelligence developers can apply query and processing performance-tuning techniques to their OLAP solutions running on Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services.

This paper is based on the performance guide for 2008 R2 and has been reviewed and updated to validate performance on SQL Server 2012 and SQL Server 2014.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012 (including 2012 SP1), SQL Server 2014

Publication date: May 2014 

Source: Download Center
 DOC | Microsoft Content

Business Intelligence

Introducing Microsoft Business Intelligence (BI) Tools

The intent of this article is to assist you with choosing the business intelligence (BI) tools that meet your organization’s BI needs. Microsoft provides a variety of BI tools that can address key workloads. The article discusses the workloads and the tools that best support each workload.

Applies to: SQL Server 2014, SharePoint 2013, Excel 2013, Office 365

Publication date: March 2014 

Source: Download Center
 DOC | Microsoft Content


Using Power BI in a Hybrid Environment

Many organizations are taking advantage of the benefits of cloud computing such as lower capital expenditures and increased agility, while still maintaining data in on-premises data stores. This paper describes best practices for security, networking, and component architecture for building a hybrid business intelligence (BI) environment by using a combination of Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Azure, and on-premises data sources.

Applies to: SQL Server, Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft Azure

Publication date: August, 2014 

Source: Download Center
 DOC | Microsoft Content

Other

Database Backup Encryption

 To manage the security of data which has been backed up to the file system in form of database backup files by using SQL Server 2014 backup encryption feature this document provides information on encryption options for SQL Server database backups. Also includes details of the usage, benefits, and recommended practices for encrypting SQL Server database backup during the backup process.

Applies to: Microsoft SQL Server 2014 CTP2, RTM

Publication date: July 2014

Source: Download Center
  DOC Microsoft Content

Idle Connection Resiliency

 Describes the idle connection resiliency feature, which allows ODBC and SqlClient data access applications to maintain their connections to SQL Server 2014 or an Azure SQL Database.

Applies to: SQL Server 2014

Publication date: March 2014

Source: Download Center
  DOC Microsoft Content

In-Memory OLTP – Common Workload Patterns and Migration Considerations

 In-Memory OLTP is a high performance, memory-optimized engine integrated into SQL Server 2014 and designed for modern hardware trends. In-Memory OLTP allows users to move data into memory resident tables while keeping other data in traditional, disk-based table structures. For performance critical workloads, users can also migrate Transact-SQL code to natively compiled stored procedures. This can provide additional performance gains. This paper aims to help readers understand some of the common architectural patterns where In-Memory OLTP has provided significant benefits. The paper also discusses considerations for migrating applications to In-Memory OLTP.

Applies to: SQL Server 2014

Publication date: April 2014 

Source: Microsoft Technical Articles
  DOC Microsoft Content

 

Microsoft IT: A Case Study on “Hekaton” against RPM – SQL Server 2014 CTP1



This paper shares the approach used to understand and determine:
  • Using ‘Hekaton’ in SQL Server 2014 against RPM, including performance analysis.



  • Understand the specifics involved while migrating to Hekaton.
I/O latch can cause session delays that impact application performance. This white paper describes the procedures and common I/O latch issues when migrating to Hekaton in SQL Server 2014. It also includes challenges that occurred during the migration and the performance analysis at different stages. 

This content is suitable for developers, architects, and database administrators. It is assumed that readers of this white paper have basic knowledge of SQL Server 2012/2014 and SQL Server administration.



Applies to: SQL Server 2014 CTP1, RPM

Publication date: May 2014 

Source: Microsoft Technical Articles
  DOC Microsoft Content

 

Optimizing Your Query Plans with the SQL Server 2014 Cardinality Estimator

 SQL Server 2014 introduces the first major redesign of the SQL Server Query Optimizer cardinality estimation process since version 7.0.  The goal for the redesign was to improve accuracy, consistency and supportability of key areas within the cardinality estimation process, ultimately affecting average query execution plan quality and associated workload performance.  This paper provides an overview of the primary changes made to the cardinality estimator functionality by the Microsoft query processor team, covering how to enable and disable the new cardinality estimator behavior, and showing how to troubleshoot plan-quality regressions if and when they occur.

Applies to: SQL Server 2014

Publication date: April 2014 

Source: Microsoft Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

SQL Server 2014 and Windows Azure Blob Storage Service: Better Together

 SQL Server 2014 introduces significant new features toward a deeper integration with Microsoft Azure, thus unlocking new scenarios and provide more flexibility in the database space for IaaS data models. This technical article will cover in depth SQL Server 2014 Data Files on Azure Blob storage service, starting from step-by-step configuration, then providing guidance on scenarios, benefits and limitations, best practices and lessons learned from early testing and adoption. Additionally, a fully featured example of a new (Windows Server Failover Clustering) - like feature will be introduced to demonstrate the power of Microsoft Azure and SQL Server 2014 when combined together.

Applies to: SQL Server 2014

Publication date: April 2014

Source: Microsoft Technical Articles
  DOC Microsoft Content

SQL Server 2012

AlwaysOn

AlwaysOn Architecture Guide: Building a High Availability and Disaster Recovery Solution by Using AlwaysOn Availability Groups

 SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn Availability Groups provides a unified high availability and disaster recovery (HADR) solution that improves upon legacy functionality previously found across disparate features. Prior to SQL Server 2012, several customers used database mirroring to provide local high availability within a data center, and log shipping for disaster recovery across a remote data center. With SQL Server 2012, this common design pattern can be replaced with an architecture that uses availability groups for both high availability and disaster recovery. This paper details the key topology requirements of this specific design pattern, including quorum configuration considerations, steps required to build the environment, and a workflow that shows how to handle a disaster recovery event in the new topology.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: June 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

AlwaysOn Architecture Guide: Building a High Availability and Disaster Recovery Solution by Using Failover Cluster Instances and Availability Groups

 SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn Failover Cluster Instances (FCI) and AlwaysOn Availability Groups provide a comprehensive high availability and disaster recovery solution. Prior to SQL Server 2012, many customers used FCIs to provide local high availability within a data center and database mirroring for disaster recovery to a remote data center. With SQL Server 2012, this design pattern can be replaced with an architecture that uses FCIs for high availability and availability groups for disaster recovery business requirements. Availability groups leverage Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC) functionality and enable multiple features not available in database mirroring. This paper details the key topology requirements of this specific design pattern, including asymmetric storage considerations, quorum model selection, quorum votes, steps required to build the environment, and a workflow illustrating how to handle a disaster recovery event in the new topology across participating job roles.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: July 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

AlwaysOn Solution Guide: Offloading Read-Only Workloads to Secondary Replicas

 This white paper describes how to configure AlwaysOn Availability Groups for offloading reporting workload to a secondary replica. It also describes the factors that can affect the high availability and the performance of your reporting workload.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: July 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

  

Easing SQL Server 2012 Administration Using AlwaysOn

 Microsoft IT upgraded to the beta edition of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 to take advantage of new features, specifically AlwaysOn. Leveraging AlwaysOn eased administration and aligned the processes for local and remote high availability.



Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: April 2012

Source: Download Center
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Installing Master Data Services in an AlwaysOn Environment

 This white paper describes how to set up a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn environment with SQL Server Master Data Services. This requires Master Data Services in SQL Server 2012 SP1. You can set up this infrastructure with either a shared storage configuration or a nonshared storage configuration.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012 SP1

Publication date: November 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Article
 DOC

Microsoft Content

 

Microsoft SQL Server AlwaysOn Solutions Guide for High Availability and Disaster Recovery

 This white paper discusses how to reduce planned and unplanned downtime, maximize application availability, and provide data protection using SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn high availability and disaster recovery solutions.

This white paper is also available in e-book formats.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: January 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Migration Guide: Migrating to SQL Server 2012 Failover Clustering and Availability Groups from Prior Clustering and Mirroring Deployments, Part 1

 Part I – Prescriptive Guidance. This paper provides guidance for customers who prior to SQL Server 2012 have deployed SQL Failover Clustering for local high availability and database mirroring for disaster recovery, and who want to migrate to SQL Server AlwaysOn. It describes the corresponding SQL Server AlwaysOn scenario and the migration paths to SQL Server AlwaysOn. It also contains the important knowledge and considerations that you must know in order to successfully migrate to a HADR solution based on SQL Server AlwaysOn technology, which implements AlwaysOn Failover Cluster Instances for high availability and AlwaysOn Availability Groups for disaster recovery.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: April 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn: Multisite Failover Cluster Instance

 SQL Server Failover Clustering, which includes support for both local and multisite failover configurations, is part of the SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn implementation suite, designed to provide high availability and disaster recovery for SQL Server. The multisite failover clustering technology has been enhanced significantly in SQL Server 2012. The multisite failover cluster architecture, enhancements in SQL Server 2012 to the technology, and some best practices to help with deployment of the technology are the primary focus of this paper.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: December 2011

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Analysis Services

An Analysis Services Case Study: Using Tabular Models in a Large-scale Commercial Solution

 inContact, Inc. , the leading  provider of cloud contact center solutions, replaced a costly reporting and data analysis component with an Analysis Services Tabular and Microsoft reporting implementation. An SSAS tabular model is an integral part of the architecture of inContact's pay-as-you-go cloud service that provides standard and analytical reporting as part of their service offering. This case study explains how we met inContact's stringent business requirements by designing a tabular solution that runs great on commodity NUMA hardware, in private data centers world-wide.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012 and 2014 Analysis Services, Tabular

Publication date: May 2014

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content


Hardware Sizing a Tabular Solution (SQL Server Analysis Services)

 This white paper provides guidance for estimating the hardware requirements needed to support processing and query workloads for an Analysis Services tabular solution.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: January 2013 

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC 

Microsoft Content

 

Performance Tuning of Tabular Models in SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services

 Tabular models hosted in SQL Server 2012 Analysis Service provide a comparatively lightweight, easy to build and deploy solution for business intelligence. However, as you increase the data load, add more users, or run complex queries, you need to have a strategy for maintaining and tuning performance. This paper describes strategies and specific techniques for getting the best performance from your tabular models, including processing and partitioning strategies, DAX query tuning, and server tuning for specific workloads.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: July 2013

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC

Microsoft Content

 

How to Cluster SQL Server Analysis Services

 One approach for meeting your organization’s high availability requirements for Analysis Services is to install it on a Windows Server failover cluster (WSFC). A WSFC is composed of multiple servers that offer redundancy in the event of a hardware failure, system crash, or some other service disruption. A WSFC can offer protection of your mission critical backend servers, including the Analysis Services instances running your BI workloads.

Applies to: Analysis Services in SQL Server 2012 or SQL Server 2014, Multidimensional and Tabular modes

Publication date: April 2014 

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

 Business Intelligence

Choosing a Tabular or Multidimensional Modeling Experience in SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services

 This white paper provides practical guidance to help BI professionals and decision makers decide whether SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services tabular or multidimensional modeling provides the best fit for your next BI solution.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: May 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Deploy SQL Server Business Intelligence in Windows Azure Virtual Machines

 This document describes and walks you through the creation of a multi-server deployment of SQL Server Business Intelligence features, in a Windows Azure Virtual Machines environment. The document focuses on the use of Windows PowerShell scripts for each step of the configuration and deployment process.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012 SP1 and Windows Azure

Publication date: July 2013

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Fast Track Data Warehouse Reference Guide for SQL Server 2012

 This paper defines a reference configuration model (known as Fast Track Data Warehouse) using an resource balanced approach to implementing a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP)-based SQL Server database system architecture with proven performance and scalability for data warehouse workloads. The goal of a Fast Track Data Warehouse reference architecture is to achieve an efficient resource balance between SQL Server data processing capability and realized component hardware throughput.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: March 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

How to Choose the Right Reporting and Analysis Tools to Suit Your Style

 This white paper provides information that will help business and IT decision makers select the right Microsoft reporting and analysis front-end tools based on their business users’ intent: self-service reporting, data mashups, professional reporting, dashboarding, and scorecarding.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: May 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Microsoft BI Authentication and Identity Delegation

 From straightforward client/server designs to complex architectures relying on distributed Windows services, SharePoint applications, Web services, and data sources, Microsoft BI solutions can pose many challenges to seamless user authentication and end-to-end identity delegation. SQL Server technologies and data providers expect to use Windows authentication while SharePoint Server uses Web Services Security (WS-Security). Flowing a user identity from a Windows or browser-based BI client application through a claims-based SharePoint service to a Windows backend system is not always possible due to various limitations in data providers, security protocols, and identity services. Network, forest, and federation topologies also influence the authentication flows. Familiarity with the authentication protocols and capabilities, delegation limitations, and possible workarounds is an indispensable prerequisite to delivering a positive BI user experience across the entire Microsoft BI solution stack in enterprise environments.

Applies to: Microsoft Office 2013 and Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 1 (or higher)

Publication date: March 2013 

Source: SQL White Paper
  DOC 

Microsoft Content

 

Performance Evaluation of XtremIO Flash Array in a SQL 2012 BI Environment

 This paper examines the performance of an XtremIO All Flash array in an I/O intensive BI environment.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: November 2013 

Source: SQL White Paper
 PDF

Microsoft Content

 

Power View Infrastructure Configuration and Installation: Step-by-Step and Scripts

 This document contains step-by-step instructions for installing and testing the Microsoft Business Intelligence infrastructure based on SQL Server 2012 and SharePoint 2010, focused on SQL Server 2012 Reporting Services with Power View. This document describes how to completely install the following scenarios: a standalone instance of SharePoint and Power View with all required components; a new SharePoint farm with the Power View infrastructure; a server with the Power View infrastructure joined to an existing SharePoint farm; installation on a separate computer of client tools; installation of a tabular instance of Analysis Services on a separate instance; and configuration of single sign-on access for double-hop scenarios with and without Kerberos. Scripts are provided for all/most scenarios.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012, SharePoint 2010, Power View for SharePoint, SQL Server 2012 PowerPivot for SharePoint, SQL Server 2012 Reporting Services for SharePoint

Publication date: August 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC

Microsoft Content

 

Securing the Tabular BI Semantic Model

 This paper introduces the security model for tabular BI semantic models in SQL Server 2012. You will learn how to create roles, implement dynamic security, configure impersonation settings, manage roles, and choose a method for connecting to models that works in your network security context.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: May 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

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SQL Server 2012 New Capabilities Overview - Breakthrough Insight

 This white paper presents an overview of the new features related to the business intelligence stack in Microsoft SQL Server 2012.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: April 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center

 

SQL Server 2012 Solution Overview - Breakthrough Insight

 This white paper presents an overview of the new features related to the business intelligence stack in Microsoft SQL Server 2012 for technical decision makers.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: March 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

Using DirectQuery in the Tabular BI Semantic Model

 This paper introduces DirectQuery, a mechanism for directly querying a SQL Server data source for Analysis Services tabular models. Readers will learn when and how to use DirectQuery in SQL Server 2012.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: April 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Configuring a SQL Server Reporting Services scale-out deployment to run on a Network Load Balancing cluster

 This white paper explains how to configure a SQL Server Reporting Services scale-out deployment to run in a Network Load Balancing cluster.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012, Dynamics AX 2012

Publication date: April 2012

Source: Download Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

Comparison

A Comparison of the Oracle Database Appliance to Microsoft SQL Server (ITIC)

 Microsoft’s overarching strategy of delivering a cost-efficient flexible solution based on the individual organization’s workload sharply contrasts with Oracle’s implacable one-size-fits-all approach.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: March 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

Becoming a Bilingual Oracle and SQL Server DBA

 By extending your Oracle DBA skills to learn how to take advantage of SQL Server 2012 you will be in a better position to help solve more of the complex business problems in your organization.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: April 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

SQL Server 2012 and MySQL 5: A Detailed Comparison of Approaches and Features

 This paper compares the major features of both the latest version of SQL Server 2012 and MySQL 5 (including 5.5) in each product in five separate categories. It will help customers choose which database is most suitable for their database applications. Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: April 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

SQL Server 2012 and PostgreSQL 9: A Detailed Comparison of Approaches and Features

 This paper compares the major features of both the latest version of SQL Server 2012 and PostgreSQL 9 in each product in six separate categories. It will help customers choose which database is most suitable for their database applications.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: April 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

SQL Server 2012 Gives You More Advanced Features (Out-of-the-Box)

 This paper explains the different ways in which databases are packaged among the three leading enterprise database vendors: Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2, and Oracle DB.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: January 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

SQL Server 2012: Why Oracle RAC Might Not Be Suitable for You - A Competitive Review of Real Application Clusters (RAC)

 In this white paper, we discuss the main reasons why customers might not want to implement Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) in their database solution.



Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: March 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

SQL Server Licensing Value vs Oracle Database

 The purpose of this white paper is to show how SQL Server 2012 can deliver superior licensing value compared to the Oracle Database—in particular in the premium Enterprise Edition SKUs—by comparing the cost to license each in a number of key scenarios.



Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: January 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

Data Access

Converting SQL Server Applications from OLE DB to ODBC

 Microsoft has announced the deprecation of the SQL Server Native Client OLE DB provider, and that SQL Server 2012 is the last version of SQL Server to support the provider. This article provides guidance for converting SQL Server or SQL Azure applications that use OLE DB to the ODBC API. The article presents an overview of ODBC and discusses the main differences between the two APIs. Sample code is also provided to demonstrate the API level mapping and conversion.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: April 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Data Access Tracing in SQL Server 2012

 Learn how to apply the tracing functionality in Microsoft data access technologies such as ADO.NET 2.0, MDAC 2.82, SQL Server Native Client, and the JDBC driver; and in the SQL Server network protocols and the Microsoft SQL Server database engine.

Applies to: ADO.NET 2.0, ADO.NET 4.0, MDAC 2.8 SP2, Windows Data Access Components, SQL Server Native Client, SQL Server 2005 JDBC Driver, SQL Network Protocols, SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 R2, Microsoft SQL Server 2012

Publication date: March 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Microsoft® OLEDB Provider for DB2 v4.0 for Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012

 This download contains the documentation for the Microsoft® OLEDB Provider for DB2 v4.0 for Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: May 2012

Source: Download Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

Integration Services

5 Tips for a Smooth SSIS Upgrade to SQL Server 2012

 Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Integration Services (SSIS) provides significant improvements in both the developer and administration experience. This article provides tips that can help to make the upgrade to Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Integration Services successful. The tips address editing package configurations and specifically connection strings, converting configurations to parameters, converting packages to the project deployment model, updating Execute Package tasks to use project references and parameterizing the PackageName property.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: November 2011

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content


A Case Study on Building a Highly Scalable Enterprise Application that uses Massively Parallel Processing (MPP) to Deliver High Performance and Scalability on SSIS-SQL Server 2012

 This paper shares the approach used to understand and determine:
  • Using the new Data Flow transformation component – Balanced Data Distributor (BDD) in SSIS-SQL Server BIDS-2008/2012, including performance analysis.



  • Understand the specifics involved while leveraging BDD to build a highly scalable enterprise application that uses massively parallel process (MPP) to deliver high performance and scalability on SSIS.
BDD is a simple and new Data flow component that can have huge benefits when working with data that is takes too long to load in a single Data Flow. The intention of BDD is to improve performance through multi-threading. This white paper describes the scenario and the pattern where BDD can be leveraged in SQL 2008/2012. It also includes the challenges and best practices when considering BDD to build enterprise solutions, as well as the performance analysis at different stages.



Applies to: SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2012, and SQL Server 2014

Publication date: September 2014

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Extending SSIS Capabilities by Creating Custom SSIS Components for SharePoint

 This article demonstrates how to create custom SSIS components (connection manager, source component and destination component) that integrate data to/from SharePoint lists and work like any other native components of SSIS utilizing the SSIS pipeline for better performance.

Applies to: SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2012

Publication date: January 2013

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Extracting and Loading SharePoint Data in SQL Server Integration Services

 The SharePoint List Source and Destination Sample available on Codeplex provides an optimized solution with an easy-to-use interface for getting data out of or into a SharePoint list. The sample also includes an API for accomplishing these tasks efficiently outside of SQL Server Integration Services. This article introduces the SharePoint List Source and Destination adapters, demonstrates their use in an SSIS package, and documents their features and options.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: September 2011

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Overview and Capabilities

Unprecedented Flexibility and TCO Benefits for Mission-Critical Databases (Intel)

 This paper examines the factors that have made the combination of SQL Server and Intel Xeon processors so effective.

Applies to: SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2012

Publication date: 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

Microsoft SQL Server 2012: Potential Game Changer (IDC)

 The launch of SQL Server 2012 has revealed a major new release with many feature enhancements as well as a new software licensing and pricing approach. With SQL Server 2012, Microsoft is offering a new set of streamlined editions that are well aligned with database and BI needs and an industry-standard pricing approach based on cores.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: January 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

SQL Server 2012 Capabilities for the New Mission Critical

 In this white paper, we will discuss the new mission critical, and we will examine the built-in capabilities that Microsoft SQL Server 2012 delivers.



Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: January 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

What's New in SQL Server 2012

 This whitepaper provides an overview of the new features, benefits, and functionality in Microsoft SQL Server 2012.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: March 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

 

Other

 

Benefits of Dynamic Rolling Twelve Month Dimension in Tabular Models

 This article describes how to automate dynamic rolling time periods (i.e. rolling 12, trailing twelve months) as a filterable dimension using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions).

  

Dynamic rolling periods dimension in tabular models removes manual maintenance steps and eliminates human error in reports that show trends.  After implementing this method in production, we were able to cut the monthly reports suite refresh time by two hours while entirely eliminating the potential for human error.

Applies to: SQL Server (2012 & 2014) SSAS Tabular, Excel PowerPivot & Power View

Publication date: April 2014

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC  Microsoft Content

 

Cleanse and Match Master Data by Using EIM

 This white paper describes how to cleanse and match master data using the Enterprise Information Management products of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Master Data Services (MDS), SQL Server Data Quality Services (DQS), and SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). The white paper addresses scenarios for building and cleansing a new master data entity, updating one, and performing matching. It also describes some of the differences between Master Data Services and Data Quality Services.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: October 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Data Quality Services Performance Best Practices Guide

 This guide focuses on a set of best practices for optimizing performance of Data Quality Services (DQS).

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: April 2012

Source: Download Center
 DOC | PDF Microsoft Content

 

Designing & Maintaining SQL Server Transactional Replication Environments

 Microsoft IT protects against unplanned Transactional Replication outages and issues by using best practices and proactive monitoring. This results in increased stability, simplified management and improved performance of transactional replication environments.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 RC

Publication date: June 2012

Source: Download Center
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Enterprise Integration Management with Microsoft SQL Server 2012

 Learn more about how SQL Server 2012 provides all the components needed for an effective EIM solution in a single product.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: May 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

Exporting Master Data from Master Data Services

 This white paper describes how to export master data from Microsoft SQL Server Master Data Services (MDS) using a subscription view, and how to import the master data into an external system using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). The white paper provides a step-by-step sample for creating a subscription view and an SSIS package.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: July 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

Introduction to Application and Multi-Server Management

 Necessary tools to gain centralized insights into instance and database application utilization as well as a better way to develop, deploy, and manage data-tier applications.

Applies to: SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2012 Publication date: February 2010

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 DOC Microsoft Content


Master Data Services (MDS) Operations Guide

 This article provides guidance about how to install, configure and manage SQL Server 2012 Master Data Services. You also learn how to deploy a Master Data Services model and create a SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) solution to monitor MDS.

Applies to: SQL Server Master Data Services (MDS), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS)

Publication date: October 2012 

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC

Microsoft Content


Microsoft IT: A case study on Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery – SQL Server 2012

 This paper shares the approach used by Microsoft IT to do the following:

1.) Upgrade a database server from SQL Server 2008 R2 to SQL server 2012.

2.) Set up BCDR for all the dependent applications and services with minimal downtime.

When the database sizes are huge, are transactional, and have replications from/to another SQL Server (that does not support available groups), you can use some of the alternatives discussed in this white paper to manage your downtimes and avoid replication re-initializations. This white paper walks through disaster scenarios related to a database server; it does not cover disaster scenarios of web or application servers.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012, BCDR

Publication date: August 2013

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC

Microsoft Content

 

Migrating Content Between Report Servers

This topic describes options for migrating content from one SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) report server to another report server.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012, SQL Server 2014

Publication date: January 2014

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

New Spatial Features in SQL Server Code-Named "Denali"

SQL Server 2008 introduced spatial data support into the database server. This paper describes and discusses the new spatial features in SQL Server Code-Named “Denali” CTP1 and CTP3 that augment existing SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 spatial functionality.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: July 2011

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

Patching SQL Server Failover Cluster Instances with Cluster-Aware Updating (CAU)

 This paper describes the process of applying software updates on SQL Server 2012 failover cluster instances by using the Cluster-Aware Updating (CAU) feature that is available in Windows Server 2012.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012 on Windows Server 2012

Publication date: January 2013

Source: MSDN Technical Article
 DOC

Microsoft Content

 

Plan Caching and Recompilation in SQL Server 2012

 This paper explains how SQL Server 2012 allocates memory for plan caching, how query batches are cached and suggests best practices on maximizing reuse of cached plans. It also explains scenarios in which batches are recompiled, and gives best practices for reducing or eliminating unnecessary recompilations and for minimizing plan cache pollution.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: March 2013

Source: MSDN Technical Article
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

 

Putting Data to Work for Mid-Market Companies

 Learn more about BI solutions for mid-market companies.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

Resource Governor in SQL Server 2012

 SQL Server 2012 delivers enhancements to the Resource Governor that reflect a growing need for centrally managed database services to provide multitenancy to customers who require isolated workloads. This document describes the enhancements and why they were added. It includes a self-contained walk through that you can try in order to gain familiarity with the new features.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: July 2012

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

SQL Server 2012 Parallel Data Warehouse - A Breakthrough Platform for Next-Generation Data Warehousing and Big Data Solutions

 This paper explains PDW’s thoughtful design so that you can learn more about how PDW achieves breakthrough results, and how upgrading to SQL Server 2012 PDW will benefit your business. PDW’s benefits are so remarkable that you might think it all sounds too good to be true! However, PDW’s benefits are real and the result of a well-engineered system that is purpose-built for data warehousing workloads, including the growing business needs for data warehousing to integrate the analysis of Hadoop and relational data.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Parallel Data Warehouse

Publication date: October 2013

Source: SQL Server White Paper
DOC

Microsoft Content

 

 

SQL Server 2012 Performance White Paper

 In this paper, we will cover the performance and scalability capabilities of SQL Server 2012.



Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: April 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

SQL Server 2012 Security Best Practices - Operational and Administrative Tasks

 Security is a crucial part of any mission-critical application. This paper describes best practices for setting up and maintaining security in SQL Server 2012.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: January 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

SQL Server 2012 Upgrade Technical Reference Guide

 This technical guide takes you through the essentials for upgrading SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, and SQL Server 2008 R2 instances to SQL Server 2012. This white paper is also available in e-book formats.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: May 2012

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 PDF Microsoft Content

 

Statistical Analysis in Excel and SQL Server Analysis Services: An Example using Boxplot



 To offset the lack of commonly-used statistical calculations in Analysis Services, the author describes an approach for creating statistical calculations in SSAS and visualizing the results using Excel pivot tables, to combine slice-and-dice filtering with statistical functions in customizable charts.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012, SQL Server 2008 R2

Publication date: October 2013 

Source: MSDN Technical Articles
 DOC

Microsoft Content



Test Lab Guide: Install SQL Server 2012 Enterprise

 This paper contains a brief introduction to SQL Server 2012 Enterprise and step-by-step instructions for installing SQL Server 2012 Enterprise on the APP1 computer in the base configuration test lab.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012

Publication date: April 2012

Source: Download Center
 DOC | PDF Microsoft Content

 

White Paper: Office 2013 Preview--Access Services Setup for an On-Premises Installation

 This white paper provides instructions that will help you configure SQL Server 2012 for Access Services in SharePoint Server 2013 Preview. It includes instructions for an on-premises installation and configuration of Access Services on a server that is running SharePoint Server 2013 Preview.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012, SharePoint Server 2013 Preview, Access Services

Publication date: July 2012

Source: Download Center
 DOC Microsoft Content

 

SQL Server 2008 R2
SQL Server 2008 R2 Upgrade Technical Reference Guide

 This technical guide takes you through the essential  phases and steps for upgrading SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008 R2 by using best practices.

Applies to: SQL Server 2008 R2

Publication date: January 2011

Source: SQL Server Learning Center
 DOC

Microsoft Content

 

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Applies to: SQL Server 2012, SQL Server 2008 R2

Publication date: April 2012 

Source: Site
 DOC | PDF Microsoft Content