When you need a SQL database fast, the cloud is the best way to go. Azure provides a SQL database as a Platform as a Service (PaaS) that eliminates the need to get an entire SQL Server up and running.

Sometimes you become the accidental DBA, or you are the DBA by choice. Either way, you can choose to spend time working in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to look at things such as backups or the ...

Knowing how to automate tasks in the cloud will make you a more productive DBA. Here are the key concepts to understand about cloud scripting and a rundown of the best tools for automating code in ...

You've automated the SQL database backup process; now, let's restore in auto mode. Here's how to do it with PowerShell. In my last post, I demonstrated a script that can execute backups for a server.

From simple SQL databases to enterprise-level servers, most IT systems require some maintenance. Instead of completing these daily chores manually, you might want to automate regular tasks using some ...

When I (along with many other people) had a lot of trouble trying to install SQL Server Management Studio in an attempt to switch from the SQL Server 2008 R2 evaluation to the free Express version, I ...

Essential Tips to Run PowerShell Scripts Like a Pro PowerShell has evolved into a powerful scripting language that’s essential for system administrators and IT professionals alike. Whether you’re ...

If you are an old hand at Microsoft SQL Server, you have probably used the SQL Server Agent (i.e., SQL Agent) service and MSDB database for the last 20 years. With a humble and largely unchanged ...