SQLSaturday #98 - East Iowa 2011
Event Date: 10/01/2011 00:00:00
Event Location:
- University of Iowa - University Capitol Centre
- 201 S Clinton St
- Iowa City, Iowa
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Sessions
This is a list of sessions from the event, based on the schedule in the XML files.
Title: Discovering the Plan Cache
Abstract: Execution plans are stored after execution in the plan cache. This metadata about how queries are executed can provide insight into how your SQL Server environment is functioning. By using XQuery to browse and search the plan cache you can find potential performance issues and opportunities to tune your queries. This information can be used to help reduce issues related to parallelism, shift queries from using scans to using seek operations, or discover exactly which queries are using what indexes. All of this and more is readily available through the plan cache. In this session we will explore the plan cache and start you on the road to discovery.
Speaker(s):
- Jason Strate
Track and Room: Track 1 - N/A
Title: Getting Started with MDX
Abstract: In this session, led by Microsoft BI Architect and SQL Server MVP Bill Pearson, we will concentrate largely upon crafting simple MDX expressions and queries whose purposes, for the most part, are to return a set of data. We will overview the structure of a cube, using as a basis the sample Adventure Works cube that is available to anyone installing SQL Server Analysis Services 2008 R2. We will then outline the components of simple MDX syntax, and get started writing basic expressions and queries. We will expose basic member functions, introduce filters (or “slicers”), and begin exploring core MDX functionality, including calculated members, and named sets.
Speaker(s):
- William E Pearson III
Track and Room: Track 4 - N/A
Title: Getting To Know Your Indexes
Abstract: Without proper indexing SQL Server can be hard pressed to create efficient and performant execution plans. Dynamic Management Views (DMV) and system views provide a slew of information about indexes that can be used to analyze indexes within SQL Server. In this session we’ll go under the hood of SQL Server to look at DMVs and system views to know what indexes you have, should have, and how they feel about the way applications are treating them.
Speaker(s):
- Jason Strate
Track and Room: Track 2 - N/A
Title: An Overview of PowerPivot
Abstract: In this presentation, Microsoft BI Architect and SQL Server MVP Bill Pearson explores “self-service BI” as a concept. We then provide a walkthrough of the primary features of PowerPivot, focusing on how we can exploit its capabilities to offer the benefits of BI to decision makers and analysts throughout our organizations. “There’s no service like self-service …”
Speaker(s):
- William E Pearson III
Track and Room: Track 1 - N/A
Title: Query Tuning for Developers and DBAs
Abstract: As a seasoned DBA, we often forget the basics of query tuning may be an area others haven’t been introduced to. Tuning can be a mystery for developers and DBAs that are starting out with SQL Server. Each operation and its cost can lead to lengthy research escapades, determining if the work is even worth the time to attempt a change in the overall execution plan. This session is going to discuss the basics of tuning; however, we can’t end there. The second half of the session, the discussion portion, will focus on the key operations in the execution plan. The overall goal of the session is to take away knowledge on how to start with a query and use execution plans to refine it and turn it into a finely tuned process.
Speaker(s):
- Ted Krueger
Track and Room: Track 2 - N/A
Title: Database Development using Visual Studio
Abstract: Database development is unique due to its dependency on data. We can’t just throw away old data and not allow for backward compatibility. However until recently the toolset for managing database code and allowing for things such as refactoring, code analysis and unit testing has been sorely lacking. Within the last 5 years the tools have matured to allow for structured database development. Let’s take a look at Visual Studio Database Professional to see how.
Speaker(s):
- Aaron Lowe
Track and Room: Track 3 - N/A
Title: The Script Task, powerhouse of SSIS
Abstract: Everyday more DBAs and SQL developers are given responsibility for ETL development. They have a strong SQL background with little or no .Net language programming experience. As they progress with SSIS, they can come up against perceived limitations in the capabilities of SSIS using only the built-in tasks. What they may not realize is the extensibility available to SSIS via the Script Task. This presentation will provide them with the tools they need to move beyond that perceived limitation.
Speaker(s):
- Norman Kelm
Track and Room: Track 1 - N/A
Title: XQuery Basics for the DBA
Abstract: For the past few years, XML has been making its way more and more into our SQL Server instances. For a moment let’s forget that developers often find the need to store XML data in their databases. Outside of those databases, XML has already invaded our SQL Servers. It’s made its way into execution plans with the SHOWPLAN XML. It’s telling us about deadlock through deadlock graphs. It’s also presented to us through service broke, event notifications, and extended events. XML is there and we need to learn how to query it. In this session, we’ll explore some of the basic methods for querying XML through XQuery. By the end of the session you’ll be equipped with the tools and understanding needed to ease yourself into XQuery.
Speaker(s):
- Jason Strate
Track and Room: Track 2 - N/A
Title: High-Availability and DR Options for SQL Server
Abstract: A comparison of SQL HA DR options, by a practitioner who has implemented managed all the SQL HA and DR approaches ( various combinations thereof). Tim is an operational SQL DBA, who keeps SQL servers up running optimized for managed-services customers. We will compare trade-offs between the various SQL HA DR options: for complexity, usability, hardware, licensing, failover speed, initial costs, ongoing support costs, staff skill requirements, etc. And we’ll briefly cover some of the upcoming SQL Denali HA / DR features.
Speaker(s):
- Tim Plas
Track and Room: Track 3 - N/A
Title: Using Spatial Data Types
Abstract: In this session explore the use of the SQL Server spatial data types. We will see an example of the geography spatial data type used to represent data in a round-earth coordinate system. Then the geometry spatial data type which represents data in a flat coordinate system will be demonstrated. Both spatial types are CLR data types and provide a powerful way for businesses; such as; retailers to identify where their shoppers are concentrated, or for call centers to visualize the effect of top performers on others.
Speaker(s):
- Ross McNeely
Track and Room: Track 3 - N/A
Title: Writing Professional Database Code
Abstract: As protectors of arguably, the most important asset companies’ have we are tasked with ensuring quality, security and performance. However the ways in which we utilize and obtain those assets are often not formalized and therefore suffer from degraded quality. Let’s discuss some strategies that can be implemented to not only raise the bar of quality, but also make you sleep easier at night.
Speaker(s):
- Aaron Lowe
Track and Room: Track 4 - N/A
Title: SSIS: The DBA Multiplier
Abstract: Ever wanted to create clones of yourself to get all your work done faster? I will demonstrate how SSIS can help you perform your DBA tasks as if there were more than one of you. You will leave the session knowing how to use SSIS to automate tasks such as performance monitoring above (and below) the normal health checks and transporting databases from one environment to another. You will also learn how SSIS can be used in assisted HA and DR failover strategies as well as backup solutions that go beyond the simple BACKUP statement. We’re going to take SSIS and make it a standard tool for your administrative tasks!
Speaker(s):
- Ted Krueger
Track and Room: Track 1 - N/A
Title: Serene Velocity: Reporting Services and SSAS Data
Abstract: SSRS 2008 R2 provides powerful capabilities to help us develop sophisticated reports from Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services. Unfortunately, many of these features, such as the server aggregation function, are commonly ignored by report developers. The result: redundant work in the reporting layer. In this session, BI Architect and MVP Bill Pearson exposes ways to optimize reporting from SSAS by writing MDX that leverages, rather than replicates, what the cube is designed to do best.
Speaker(s):
- William E Pearson III
Track and Room: Track 3 - N/A
Title: Database Restores - Lessons from the Real World
Abstract: Having consistent, regular, verified backups are only a starting point. When failures happen - and they will happen - can you recover your database? In this presentation we will dive into the mechanics of database restores and discuss how choices made previously in database/server/backup design can have profound effects on how (and what) you can recover. We will also discuss spectacular ways to fail miserably… all in the hopes of preventing those same failures in the future.
Speaker(s):
- Bill Preachuk
Track and Room: Track 1 - N/A
Title: Dynamic Text File Creation Via Single SSIS Package
Abstract: Creating individual SSIS Packages for individual business-to-business data files is not only time consuming, but becomes a maintenance nightmare. This presentation will show you how to create a single SSIS package that can generate varying length and formatted text files. By utilizing stored procedures you will see how the time from specification to file delivery can be greatly reduced and simplified. Additional areas we will cover include the support tables to control file run times, creating file variables at run time, and how to report file success.
Speaker(s):
- Ross McNeely
Track and Room: Track 2 - N/A
Title: SQL ‘Denali’ AlwaysOn Configuration Deep Dive
Abstract: Brief overview of AlwaysOn features, then dive into what you need to consider when implementing these new features. This session will be interactive, with demos and systems refer to. Bring ideas and questions on how to make this work in the real world. We will discuss the entire infrastructure needed to support DR and HA, and why you need to have a very good understanding of AD to have a successful implementation. We may even break out a white board!
Speaker(s):
- Michael Steineke
Track and Room: Track 3 - N/A
Title: Check Out The New AAS!
Abstract: AAS (Asynchronous Audit Service) Looking for a simple audit service? Look no further! With AAS you can easily identify who did what, when, and from where!
Speaker(s):
- Brian Duhn
Track and Room: Track 4 - N/A
Title: Minimal Processing for Large Cubes
Abstract: Processing large cubes can consume vast amounts of IO, and create lengthy response times. This presentation will demo how to process dimensions and dynamically create, process, and delete measure group partitions to minimize IO. By taking control of cube processing through a SSIS package you are able to process only the bare minimum in order to bring a cube current while keeping response times acceptable. Additional areas to cover will include the support tables to control cubes, and a review of the XMLA for creating, processing, and deleting.
Speaker(s):
- Ross McNeely
Track and Room: Track 4 - N/A
Title: What’s new with SQL Server ‘Denali’ for HA/DR
Abstract: Overview of new features and enhancements in SQL Server ‘Denali’ to help support High Availability and Disaster Recovery. Breakdown of AlwaysOn Feature set, and design considerations. What are Availability Groups, and Readable Secondary’s, and how do they work. Multi-Subnet SQL clustering, what no more stretched VLAN? Including demo’s and working systems to review configurations.
Speaker(s):
- Michael Steineke
Track and Room: Track 2 - N/A
Title: Scriptable UI with PowerShell
Abstract: Sick and tired of typing at a command prompt or scrolling through buffers of text output? ShowUI (an open source PowerShell Module) is a great tool for quickly and easily creating great looking UI with all the power of PowerShell behind it.
Speaker(s):
- Steven Murawski
Track and Room: Track 4 - N/A
Speakers
This is a list of speakers from the XML Guidebook records. The details and URLs were valid at the time of the event.
Brian Duhn
Twitter: - @MCTSQL
LinkedIn: Brian Duhn
Contact: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mctsql
100% SQL Server, 100% of the time
Norman Kelm
Contact: http://www.gerasus.com/
Norman Kelm is the owner of Gerasus Software, http://www.gerasus.com/, the maker of SSIS-DTS Package Search the only utility that can search SSIS and DTS packages. Norman has been working in IT for over 20 years. He worked as a FORTRAN and C developer for 8 years before making the jump to databases with Sybase. He then moved on to SQL Server working as a production and development DBA on SQL Server since version 6.5. He is also a founding member of the Tampa Bay SQL Server User Group.
Steven Murawski
Contact: http://blog.usepowershell.com
Steven is the Senior Windows System Engineer for Edgenet and a Microsoft MVP in PowerShell. In this role, he supports a dynamic infrastructure that pushes the boundaries of the Windows platform. Steven also leads two local user groups, the Greater Milwaukee IT Pro User Community and the Greater Milwaukee Script Club. He speaks regularly to local user groups and can be found at various conferences.
Michael Steineke
Michael Steineke is the Vice President of Information Technology for Edgenet – Big Hammer. He has been working with NLBS and Windows Clustering on Windows NT 4 Server through 2008R2, creating clusters with IIS, File System, SQL, ISA, and Hyper-V, including geographically dispersed clusters. Michael has designed and implemented multiple systems for scalability, high availability and disaster recovery.
Tim Plas
Twitter: - tjplas
LinkedIn: Tim Plas
Tim is a Principal Consultant at Virteva, in Mpls MN. His current focus areas are cloud architecture / engineering / migration, operational-DBA services (esp. HA/DR), server migrations, server virtualization, and storage. His experience over the past 25+ years has been primarily with server / data-center infrastructure, including being CTO / co-founder of a successful hosting company. Tim has held a variety of MS certifications since 1994.
William E Pearson III
Twitter: - @Bill_Pearson
LinkedIn: William E Pearson III
Contact: https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile=02C5CD07-7511-4151-A678-3A4A3451F85E
Bill Pearson created Island Technologies Inc. in 1997, and has developed a large and diverse customer base since. Bill#39;s background as a CPA, Internal Auditor, Management Accountant, and SQL Server MVP (BI) enables him to provide value to clients as a liaison between Accounting / Finance and Information Services. Bill has implemented enterprise business intelligence systems over the years for many Fortune 500 companies and focuses his practice upon the integrated Microsoft Business Intelligence
Ross McNeely
Contact: http://mcneelydwbi.wordpress.com
Ross McNeely, BI Practice Manager, C2 IT Solutions
Ross has presented at several SQLSaturday events in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Recently, Ross adds real-world examples from the Financial Services, Logistics, and Retail industries in his presentations. Regardless if you have a beginner, intermediate, or advanced skill set, Ross will provide a solid foundation for each topic he presents. Please join Ross McNeely for a fun and informative meeting.
Michael Steineke
Michael Steineke is the Vice President of Information Technology for Edgenet – Big Hammer. He has been working with NLBS and Windows Clustering on Windows NT 4 Server through 2008R2, creating clusters with IIS, File System, SQL, ISA, and Hyper-V, including geographically dispersed clusters. Michael has designed and implemented multiple systems for scalability, high availability and disaster recovery.
William E Pearson III
Twitter: - @Bill_Pearson
LinkedIn: William E Pearson III
Contact: https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile=02C5CD07-7511-4151-A678-3A4A3451F85E
Bill Pearson created Island Technologies Inc. in 1997, and has developed a large and diverse customer base since. Bill#39;s background as a CPA, Internal Auditor, Management Accountant, and SQL Server MVP (BI) enables him to provide value to clients as a liaison between Accounting / Finance and Information Services. Bill has implemented enterprise business intelligence systems over the years for many Fortune 500 companies and focuses his practice upon the integrated Microsoft Business Intelligence
Aaron Lowe
Contact: http://www.aaronlowe.net
Aaron has over 14 years of SQL Server experience. He is strong in database design development, also having extensive experience in SSIS, SSRS, and administration, including performance, migrations and replication. Aaron is a MCITP in 2005 and 2008 as well as having a Masters in Information Systems Management. He is currently co-president of the Chicago SQLPASS Chapter and founder of SQLFriends.org. When he’s not working, he’s spending time with his bride, 5 children and 2 dogs.
Jason Strate
Twitter: - @stratesql
LinkedIn: Jason Strate
Contact: http://www.jasonstrate.com/
Jason Strate is a SQL Server Solutions Architect with Pragmatic Works. He is also a Microsoft SQL Server MVP and MCM. He has over 15 years of experience developing, architecting, and managing data platforms. Jason writes, blogs, and presents on SQL Server.
Jason Strate
Twitter: - @stratesql
LinkedIn: Jason Strate
Contact: http://www.jasonstrate.com/
Jason Strate is a SQL Server Solutions Architect with Pragmatic Works. He is also a Microsoft SQL Server MVP and MCM. He has over 15 years of experience developing, architecting, and managing data platforms. Jason writes, blogs, and presents on SQL Server.
Ross McNeely
Contact: http://mcneelydwbi.wordpress.com
Ross McNeely, BI Practice Manager, C2 IT Solutions
Ross has presented at several SQLSaturday events in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Recently, Ross adds real-world examples from the Financial Services, Logistics, and Retail industries in his presentations. Regardless if you have a beginner, intermediate, or advanced skill set, Ross will provide a solid foundation for each topic he presents. Please join Ross McNeely for a fun and informative meeting.
William E Pearson III
Twitter: - @Bill_Pearson
LinkedIn: William E Pearson III
Contact: https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile=02C5CD07-7511-4151-A678-3A4A3451F85E
Bill Pearson created Island Technologies Inc. in 1997, and has developed a large and diverse customer base since. Bill#39;s background as a CPA, Internal Auditor, Management Accountant, and SQL Server MVP (BI) enables him to provide value to clients as a liaison between Accounting / Finance and Information Services. Bill has implemented enterprise business intelligence systems over the years for many Fortune 500 companies and focuses his practice upon the integrated Microsoft Business Intelligence
Aaron Lowe
Contact: http://www.aaronlowe.net
Aaron has over 14 years of SQL Server experience. He is strong in database design development, also having extensive experience in SSIS, SSRS, and administration, including performance, migrations and replication. Aaron is a MCITP in 2005 and 2008 as well as having a Masters in Information Systems Management. He is currently co-president of the Chicago SQLPASS Chapter and founder of SQLFriends.org. When he’s not working, he’s spending time with his bride, 5 children and 2 dogs.
Ted Krueger
Contact: http://blogs.lessthandot.com/index.php/All/?disp=authdirauthor=68
Ted Krueger has been working in development and database administration for over a decade. Ted currently works for a respected consulting company, Magenic Technologies as a valued Database Professional resource. He is a PASS Region Mentor, Friends of Red Gate member, SQL Server MVP and community mentor. Ted blogs and is also one of the founders of LessThanDot Technical Community
Bill Preachuk
Bill Preachuk, for one, welcomes the advances of our Hadoop Overlords. He is a SQL Server MCTS, and is employed as a DBA/Data Warehouse Designer at Emergent Networks. Bill has been in IT since 1991 and has presented at prior SQLSaturday events in the Twin Cities and Iowa.
Ted Krueger
Contact: http://blogs.lessthandot.com/index.php/All/?disp=authdirauthor=68
Ted Krueger has been working in development and database administration for over a decade. Ted currently works for a respected consulting company, Magenic Technologies as a valued Database Professional resource. He is a PASS Region Mentor, Friends of Red Gate member, SQL Server MVP and community mentor. Ted blogs and is also one of the founders of LessThanDot Technical Community
Ross McNeely
Contact: http://mcneelydwbi.wordpress.com
Ross McNeely, BI Practice Manager, C2 IT Solutions
Ross has presented at several SQLSaturday events in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Recently, Ross adds real-world examples from the Financial Services, Logistics, and Retail industries in his presentations. Regardless if you have a beginner, intermediate, or advanced skill set, Ross will provide a solid foundation for each topic he presents. Please join Ross McNeely for a fun and informative meeting.
Jason Strate
Twitter: - @stratesql
LinkedIn: Jason Strate
Contact: http://www.jasonstrate.com/
Jason Strate is a SQL Server Solutions Architect with Pragmatic Works. He is also a Microsoft SQL Server MVP and MCM. He has over 15 years of experience developing, architecting, and managing data platforms. Jason writes, blogs, and presents on SQL Server.
Sponsors
The following is a list of sponsors that helped fund the event: