SQL Server 2012

Does anybody need another good reason to avoid setting AUTO_CLOSE on a database? Looks like I found one. Some days ago, all of a sudden, a database started to throw errors along the lines of “The log for database MyDatabase is not available”. The instance was an old 2008 R2 Express (don’t get me started on why an Express Edition is in production…) with some small databases. The log was definitely there and the database looked online. [Read More]

As you probably know, SQL Server Express doesn’t ship with SQL Server Agent. This is a known limitation and many people offered alternative solutions to schedule jobs, including windows scheduler, free and commercial third-party applications. My favourite SQL Server Agent replacement to date is Denny Cherry’s Standalone SQL Agent, for two reasons: It uses msdb tables to read job information. This means that jobs, schedules and the like can be scripted using the same script you would use in the other editions. [Read More]

Today Microsoft announced that SQL Server 2012 codename “Denali” has Released To Manufacturing and will be available for download starting from April 1. April fool’s? I don’t think so. Time will tell. One thing is sure: each and every bug discovered in this version will be ascribed to that unusual release date. :-) If you’re a MSDN/TechNet subscriber, you can download them as of March 7. Yes, tomorrow! Keep your fingers ready to push the download button! [Read More]