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[Focus]

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CLR or Not CLR: Is That the Question?
Some DBAs and developers look at the SQLCLR as a dangerous weapon, but when it’s used wisely, the CLR can greatly improve performance. Here’s how to know when to use the CLR--and when T-SQL is still the best choice.
 — Itzik Ben-Gan

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[Features]

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Brush Up on Design Essentials with the SQL Diagrammer
Data modeling lets you optimize database performance, share your schema, and archive and track database changes. But often, this important basic design step is left out. See how SQL Server's in-the-box data-modeling tool can get you started.
 — Michelle A. Poolet


Dimensional Modeling Basics
SQL Server 2005--and especially Analysis Services 2005--embraces industry-standard dimensional modeling like a long-lost friend. Learn how you can build dimensions that realistically represent how your business operates and change with your business.
 — Joy Mundy , et al.


Market Watch: Dual-Core Processors
This up-and-coming technology is one to watch. We analyze its benefits and drawbacks.
 — Anne Grubb


Visual SourceSafe
Microsoft Visual SourceSafe is a great tool to use to centrally manage file version control. It also helps to simplify common tasks such as code reviews, project management, source-code change auditing, and backups.
 — Shilpa Shah , et al.

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[SQL Server Savvy]

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Merry-Go-Round Scans: A Culprit For Performance Variances?
There's variance in how the Enhanced Read-ahead and Scan option works on the SQL Server 2005 Standard and Enterprise Editions, which can result in performance differences.
 — Brian Moran


Running .NET Applications With the SQLCLR Tool
Find out how to enable the SQLCLR tool and set the appropriate permissions before running .NET applications on your server.
 — Brian Moran

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[Editorial]

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The Challenge of Complexity
Instead of migration, I've decided to cover one of the fastest growing trends in the IT industry: the rising tide of complexity.
 — Michael Otey

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[Inside SQL Server]

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What's That User Doing?
Compare the SQL Server 2000's functionality to SQL Server 2005's new options for determining a running process's actions and execution environment.
 — Kalen Delaney

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[New Products]

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New Products, April 2006
Check out new and improved SQL Server-related products.
 — Blake Eno

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[SQL Server Magazine UPDATE]

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Hotfix Corrects SQL Server 7.0 Access Violation
When you transfer a lot of data from a universal database to a computer that's running SQL Server 7.0 with Service Pack 4 (SP4), an access violation might occur.
 — Dawn Cyr

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[SELECT TOP(X)]

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SQL Server 2005 Builds
Is your company running multiple builds and betas of SQL Server 2005? You can't always distinguish between the prerelease versions and the final release—but this list of build numbers can help.
 — Michael Otey

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[Ask Microsoft]

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TIP: Executing Statements in a User Database
Microsoft’s Gert Drapers explains how to execute statements in the context of a user database.
 — Microsoft's SQL Server Development Team

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[Exploring SQL Server 2005]

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Peer-to-Peer: The Next Replication Generation
Peer-to-peer transactional replication is the direct descendant of SQL Server 2000’s bi-directional transactional replication. But this newer version of the technology provides improved availability and scalability as well as simplified setup wizards.
 — Matt Nunn

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[Vendor Briefs]

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Vendor Briefs April 2006
Our editors share insights from their conversations with Asigra, MiraLink, SPI Dynamics, and TimeSpring.
 — Editors