SQL Server

Azure SQL Monitoring Tools and Automation

I often get asked about Automating Tasks and Monitoring Tools in Azure SQL, here are some helpful resources and scripts that can be used to test these features. All the scripts are in this Automated_AzureSQLDB.zip file. Database Watcher: Database watcher is a managed monitoring solution for database services in the Azure…


SQL Server and Azure SQL Newsletter (June 2025)

There have been quite a few announcements since Microsoft Build 2025 and I wanted to make sure your team did not miss anything. Azure SQL Announcements: May/June 2025 Public Preview – Data Virtualization for Azure SQL Database Using Azure Metrics, Alerts, and Automation Accounts to start an XE session Unlocking…


Updates in SSMS 21 – Preview 6

Updates in SQL Server Management Studio: SSMS 21 Preview 6 and Copilot Integration Microsoft continues to push the boundaries of technology, offering tools and updates that significantly enhance database management, productivity, and security. This blog post will summarize three major updates: the release of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 21…


Migration Dashboard for SQL Server

Overview: Microsoft has announced the Migration Dashboard feature in the Azure portal, specifically for SQL Server instances enabled by Azure Arc. This dashboard provides a comprehensive view of your migration readiness and assessment coverage across all SQL Server instances. Key Features: Assessment Visibility: The dashboard automatically generates assessments for migration to Azure,…


SSMS 21 – Preview 3 Updates

I wanted to share some updates from the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) team, as highlighted in recent blog posts. These updates bring new capabilities to SSMS, which I believe will be beneficial for ongoing and future projects. SSMS 21 Preview 3 release: The latest preview of SSMS 21 introduces…


Mainstream support for Microsoft SQL Server 2019

Mainstream support for Microsoft SQL Server 2019 will end on February 28, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide new features, functionalities, or general fixes for this version. However, extended support for SQL Server 2019 will continue until January 8, 2030; More information here. Here are the most…


SSMS Updates (January 2025)

Overview of Recent SQL Server Management Studio Updates Hello Team, I wanted to share some updates from the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) team, as highlighted in three recent blog posts. These updates bring new capabilities to SSMS, which I believe will be beneficial for ongoing and future projects. SSMS…


SQL Server Security Updates (November)

SQL Server Security Updates Newsletter October/November November 2024 Security Update of SQL Server 2022 RTM CU16 KB Article:  KB5048033 Security Update of SQL Server 2022 RTM GDR KB Article: KB5046861 Security Update of SQL Server 2019 RTM CU KB Article: KB5046860 Security Update of SQL Server 2019 RTM GDR KB Article: KB5046859 Security…


SQL Server and Azure SQL Updates (February 2024)

Upcoming changes for SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). This is the first of three blog posts about the next releases of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), and the roadmap for 2024! Learn more: SSMS 20 connection changes (microsoft.com) Get started planning SQL Server 2014 end of support. Did you know that…


SQL Skills Blackbelt on SQL Server 2019

Extremely rewarding to be only the 46th person to earn this demanding badge from SQL Skills. It is only achieved after attending SEVEN deeply technical courses focused on Microsoft SQL Server. In total, these courses provide over 155 hours of content and demonstrations.