Microsoft published the SQL Server 2008 System Views Map a few weeks ago, and it’s available for download from www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=531c53e7-8a2a-4375-8f2f-5d799aa67b5c&displaylang=en. Kudos to Boris Baryshnikov from Microsoft for pulling the poster together with support from SQL Server MVP Ron Talmage. These posters are perennial favorites within the SQL Server community, so I’m sure you’ll want to grab a copy. You can download the file in PDF or XPS format from Microsoft, although you’ll be stuck with a lot of taped together pages if you’re want the poster to grace your wall for easy reference. You can’t order a printed version directly from Microsoft, but Kinko’s or a commercial printer can get you a copy suitable for hanging on your wall. Also, SQL Server Magazine told me it’s working on making print copies of the System Views Map available through Left-Brain.com, Penton Media’s new storefront. I don’t know when the poster will be orderable, but I’ll be sure to let you know once it’s available on Left-Brain.com. I know many of you are still running SQL Server 2005, and there’s a system table poster available for that version as well at www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=2EC9E842-40BE-4321-9B56-92FD3860FB32&displaylang=en.

While we’re on the topic of documentation, I would also like to point out that a new version of SQL Server 2008 Books Online (BOL) is now available at www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=765433F7-0983-4D7A-B628-0A98145BCB97&displaylang=en.

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SQL Server Freebies at Microsoft's CodePlex Site
by Michael Otey

Microsoft’s AdventureWorks series of sample SQL Server databases is now available at its open-source website CodePlex—which is where you can find these 7 great downloads, plus more tools and utilities.
http://www.sqlmag.com/Article/ArticleID/101222/sql_server_101222.html


SQL Data Generator
by Michael K. Campbell

For generating sample and testing data for SQL server databases, this product will win you over as quickly as it produces data.
http://www.sqlmag.com/Article/ArticleID/100517/sql_server_100517.html

What is the difference between bulk insert and BCP?

Find out here


Can stabos execute a SQL Server report in SQL Server Reporting Services through a SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) package?

See what your peers think

If your organization is like most, you've probably either been hit by layoffs and benefit cuts, or if nothing else a few "cost savings initiatives." Whether IT has taken a direct hit or been battered indirectly by the strain put on the rest of the company, you're most likely now expected to do more with less, including things you've never had formal training for.

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