Downloads from this Issue

• Logical Deletes by David Catherman (download now)
• Programmatically determining Data and Log File by Richard Deng (download now)

Table of Contents

Decision Support Systems
by Mark Chaffin and Tom Osoba

Shootout at the OLAP corral! Two highly experienced data warehouse professionals take a look at building a DSS system from two different sides. Using Analysis Services and cubes or sticking with an RDBMS. A look at two different ways of approaching the problem.

Servicing Internet Websites.com
by Brian Kelley

Anytime your SQL Server is anywhere near the Internet you should be concerned about it's exposure. Even if it's behind a web server on a different server. Brian Kelley, our resident security expert looks at a few different ways you might secure your server and the pros and cons of different architectures.

Implementing Database Logical (Virtual) Deletes
by Dave Catherman

Once you delete data in SQL Server, it's gone. The log keeps a copy, but it's not easy to get the data back, at least without having a 3rd party product. However, with a little database design and architecture you can build logical deletes into your database and application. Read this interesting idea from Dave Catherman on a way to delete data and still have it available.
Download the code.

Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Skills Current
by Joe Webb

The IT world is a fast changing place, new technologies, new products, it seems change is the only constant. The same goes for your skills, especially with SQL Server 2005 approaching. It's all to easy to get comfortable in your career and neglect learning anything you don't have to, but in today's world that can be a bad idea. Joe Webb brings you a few thoughts on how you can easily keep yourself up to date and ready to tackle that next project, whether that's in your current company, or another.

Programmatically Locate Data and Log Size
by Richard Ding

For some reason getting the database size, log size, free space, and more isn't as simple as a function call in SQL Server. It requires complex calculations or you use Enterprise Manager. Richard Ding has taken it upon himself to build the algorithms and calculations necessary to help you find this information and presented it in this informative article.
Download the code.

2004 PASS Community Summit Provides Expert SQL Server Education to a Record Crowd
by Professional Association for SQL Server

A look back at the 2004 Summit in Orlando on September 28 - October 1. Nearly 2000 professionals attended the event and PASS gives us a look back at the event with photos and highlights.