tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20460280676189052042024-03-05T08:12:10.039-08:00SQLDownSouthPatrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-8002315676818084852011-01-31T10:13:00.001-08:002011-01-31T10:13:16.267-08:00SQL Lunch - Introduction to Change Data Capture<h5>Join me tomorrow for a little CDC.</h5> <h5><a href="http://www.sqllunch.com/Meeting.aspx?lunchid=47">#47-Introduction to Change Data Capture</a></h5> <p><img alt="Lunch Image" src="http://www.sqllunch.com/images/Lunch%20Images/PatrickHeadShot.jpg" width="115" height="130" /></p> <p><b>Speaker:</b> Patrick LeBlanc</p> <p><b>Add To Outlook: </b><a href="http://www.sqllunch.com/AddtoOutlook/lunch47.ics">Add To Calendar</a></p> <p><strong>Meeting URL:</strong>  <a title="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=269DRP&role=attend" href="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=269DRP&role=attend">https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=269DRP&role=attend</a></p> <p><b>Date and Time:</b> 2/1/2011 11:30:00 AM CST <br /><b>BIO: </b>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, is currently a Business Intelligence Architect for Pragmatic Works. He has worked as a SQL Server DBA for the past 9 years. His experience includes working in the Educational, Advertising, Mortgage, Medical and Financial Industries. He is also the founder of TSQLScripts.com, SQLLunch.com and the President of the Baton Rouge Area SQL Server User Group. Patrick is a regular speaker at various SQL Server community events, including SQL Saturday’s, User Groups and the SQL Lunch. <br /><b>Topic: </b>#47-Introduction to Change Data Capture <br />In this session Patrick will introduce the basic concepts for configuring Change Data Capture (CDC). He will explain how to configure CDC at the database level and for each table within the database. In addition, Patrick will explain a few techniques that can be that can be used to load your Data Warehouse Incrementally with CDC.</p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, MVP</p> <p>Founder, <a href="http://www.SQLLunch.com">www.SQLLunch.com</a></p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-82596111428285776142011-01-18T10:18:00.001-08:002011-01-18T10:18:19.559-08:00SQL Lunch - Building a Performance Point Dashboard<h5>Don't forget to attend the SQLLunch tomorrow.</h5> <h5><a href="http://sqllunch.com/Meeting.aspx?lunchid=35">#35-Building your first PerformancePoint Dashboard in SharePoint 2010</a></h5> <p><img alt="Lunch Image" src="http://sqllunch.com/images/Lunch%20Images/AdamJorgensen.jpg" width="115" height="130" /></p> <p><b>Speaker:</b> Adam Jorgensen, SQL Server MVP</p> <p><b>Add To Outlook: </b><a href="http://sqllunch.com/AddtoOutlook/lunch35.ics">Add To Calendar</a></p> <p><b>Date and Time:</b> 1/19/2011 11:30:00 AM CST</p> <p><strong>Meeting URL:  <a href="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=RGZ9KD&role=attend">https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=RGZ9KD&role=attend</a> </strong></p> <p> <br /><b>BIO: </b>Adam Jorgensen , MBA, MCDBA, MCITP: BI has over a decade of experience leading organizations around the world in developing and implementing enterprise solutions. His passion is finding new and innovative avenues for clients and the community to embrace business intelligence and lower barriers to implementation. Adam is also very involved in the community as a featured author on SQLServerCentral, SQLShare, as well as a regular contributor to the SQLPASS Virtual User Groups for Business Intelligence and other organizations. He regularly speaks at industry group events, major conferences, Code Camps, and SQLSaturday events on strategic and technical topics. </p> <p> <br /><b>Topic: </b>#35-Building your first PerformancePoint Dashboard in SharePoint 2010 <br />Many of you have seen the coolness that is PerformancePoint in SharePoint 2010. Come get hands on with Adam as we go through the ins and outs of creating your first dashboard. See some of the cool visualizations you can use and how they work together to create a cool user experience. </p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, MCST, SQL Server MVP</p> <p>Founder <a href="http://www.sqllunch.com">www.sqllunch.com</a></p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-81711385654405255522011-01-16T21:10:00.001-08:002011-01-16T21:10:28.051-08:002011.....So (long pause), what's next for me?<p>I've actually sat down to write this blog several times.  I am never indecisive when it comes to my thoughts or my writings.  Most of the time I just write what I feel.  For some reason this post was a little challenging.  It was hard for me to decide if I want to share my thoughts about what my goals were for the year.  After a couple of attempts I decided to share.  </p> <p>So, what's next for Patrick?  Before I delve to deep into my upcoming goals, I want to revisit 2010.  Last year was a very good year for me.  I accomplished everything I set out to do with the exception of one thing, record a few videos for <a href="http://sqldownsouth.blogspot.com/www.sqlshare.com">SQL Share</a>.  I have placed this pretty high on my priority list.  The main reason is because I explicitly stated it as a goal last year.  I am working on my second book now, which is monopolizing a fare amount of my free time between midnight and 5 am.  Therefore, most of things I mention here will not begin until I am finished with the first drafts of each chapter.  I have about 4 days of writing left.  I have to say, the two biggest highlights of 2010 for me was being selected as a SQL Server MVP and SQL Lunch turning 1 years old.  Overall, 2010 was a great year for me.</p> <p>So now, what's next for Patrick?  This is where I get stuck every time on this post.  What do I want to achieve or accomplish?  I am not saying that I have reached the pinnacle of my career.  There is still so much for me left to learn and do, but the challenge is deciding what and making sure that it will fit into my already busy schedule.  Therefore, I decided to only set a few goals now and add more as priorities change and the year goes on.  I plan on chronicling my progress on my blog so follow along.  So here are my goals, not resolutions:</p> <p><strong><u>Brand Myself</u></strong></p> <p>I spent much of 2010 marketing and talking about the SQL Lunch that I actually forgot about Patrick.  I know some of you that have attended my sessions or met me in person may be thinking, are you kidding.  You talk about yourself constantly or at least your EGO does.  I recently purchased a domain, which will be announced in another blog, that will be all about me.  Yep, I said it all about me.  I will blog, post articles, videos, etc...  What's going to make it different is that I am going to share technical, professional, and personal thoughts there.  I am still going to syndicate all the technical stuff, but I am going to share other thoughts and ideas also.  The later will not get syndicated.  </p> <p><strong><u>Grow Technically</u></strong></p> <p>I have decided to let my career (not job) and the questions I answer during presentations dictate which technical areas I will grow.  I figured if I focus on those things my knowledge should grow immensely since I am a consultant and I speak on a regular basis.  Now, I may decide after a couple months that these two avenues are not producing enough learning opportunities for me.  At that point, I will start to work on identifying what will be beneficial to me in all aspects of my career.</p> <p><strong><u>More Involved</u></strong></p> <p>I wear many hats in my life at this time.  Taking on anything new would probably not be a good idea.  So instead, I decided to focus on this things that I am apart of now.  For example, I run the SQL Server User Group here in Baton Rouge.  Our attendance has slumped over the past couple of months.  I plan on making some changes and implementing some new things to improve attendance.  One thing that I have to work on is bringing in speakers.  I think the low attendance can be directly attributed to the fact that we have the same four or five speakers speaking on a regular basis.  Another example, would be to improve the things I do as a PASS Regional Mentor.  I have some ideas that I think will help grow the User Group base in my region and I will be working with my co-Regional Mentor to get them implemented in an attempt to encourage other community members to start chapters in their area.  A final example, which has been brought to my attention several times, is to be a more consistent blogger.</p> <p><strong><u>Physically Fit</u></strong></p> <p>For me, becoming physically fit is going to require a life style change.  This change will require that I workout daily and change what I eat.  I started this about a week ago and so far not too good.  Fortunately I have someone that is pushing the process along.  I have been given a workout schedule and a daily menu.  Its going to take a little time for me to get this worked in to my life, but I am up to the challenge.  Eating lots and lost of junk food is a big part of my life, especially when I am traveling.  </p> <p><strong><u>Family Time</u></strong></p> <p>Family is really important to me.  Last year, as I ramped up on Business Intelligence, my job started to take precedence over my family.  No one complained, but when you come home and realize how much you have missed.  Weeeeell, it kind of makes you think.  As a result, I have worked with closely with my family to add their lives to my calendar before I add work.  So far we have the scheduled worked out through May.  As events come up I block that time on my calendar.  After all, what would life be without them.</p> <p><strong><u>Speaking</u></strong></p> <p>Finally, I want to speak more.  For those of you that know me, you may be thinking really.  Last year I spoke more than 50 times.  I plan on at least meeting that number or exceeding it.  So if you are looking for a speaking for any of your events, please email me at <a href="mailto:pleblanc@pragmaticworks.com">pleblanc@pragmaticworks.com</a>.  I cannot physically attend all the meeting, but through the magic of Live Meeting I can make almost any meeting.  Last year I had the opportunity to speak to the Auckland SQL Server User Group.  I hope I get an opportunity to do that again this year.</p> <p><strong><u>PhD</u></strong></p> <p>Believe it or not, I am currently working on my PhD in Science and Math Education.  I have completed all my course work and all that is left it to write the dissertation.  Well, I will be back in school the summer working with my committee to get that completed.  I have set a graduation date of May 2012.  Now that it is out there I must do it.  So when I am done, I am going to require that everyone refers to me as Dr. Ego :).</p> <p>So that is what's next for me.  I don't think these things are unattainable, just some things that I think will make me a better IT professional, father and husband.</p> <p>Talk to you soon and Happy New Year to you all,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP</p> <p>Founder <a href="http://www.sqllunch.com">www.sqllunch.com</a></p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-62483120035106241662011-01-16T21:08:00.001-08:002011-01-16T21:08:15.165-08:00TechEd: Session Preference Survey<p>TechEd has listed some potential sessions for TechEd North America 2011 here:  <a title="http://northamerica.msteched.com/sessionpreference?fbid=I1Ydc71JM4a" href="http://northamerica.msteched.com/sessionpreference?fbid=I1Ydc71JM4a.">http://northamerica.msteched.com/sessionpreference?fbid=I1Ydc71JM4a.</a>  They want to know which sessions you are interested in seeing.  I have one session on the list.  I am not going to say which one, since TechEd did not include the names on the site.  I like the idea, this way it's not a popularity contest.  If you have time, go and check out what they are doing.  Select your preferred sessions.  I think it's a great way to find out what the community wants.</p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP</p> <p>Founder <a href="http://www.SQLLunch.com">www.SQLLunch.com</a></p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-85041664083659590142011-01-11T10:25:00.001-08:002011-01-11T10:25:06.117-08:00January Baton Rouge SQL Server User Group<p>The Baton Rouge SQL Server User Group will be hosting its first meeting of the new year.  Our meeting place has changed to <a href="http://www.eng.lsu.edu/map/">Louisiana State University in Patrick F. Taylor Hall</a>. Both SQL Saturday's held in Baton Rouge were located here.  If you haven't attended a meeting I recommend that you come out to this meeting.  We have two great presentations and some really great giveaways.  Wait, did I mention that I was speaking.  That should definitely get you out.  I will be also giving away a copy of our book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knights-Microsoft-Business-Intelligence-24-Hour/dp/0470889632/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1/191-4666943-7898168">Knights Microsoft Business Intelligence 24 Hour Trainer </a>.  Still not convinced, well there is always the free Pizza and great Networking.  The Baton Rouge .Net User Group will also be meeting that evening.  So, if you are in the area come and hang out with us.</p> <p><strong>Topics: </strong>Introduction to SQL Replication – Transactional (Mark Verret) and Taming your SSIS Configuration Files (Patrick LeBlanc)</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>LSU, Patrick F. Taylor Hall, Room 1118. <a href="http://www.eng.lsu.edu/misc/directions.html">Click here for directions</a>.</p> <p><strong>Date and Time: </strong>1/12/2011 5:45:00 PM <br /><strong>Sponsored By</strong>: <strong>Envoc</strong></p> <p><strong>Agenda:</strong> <br /><strong>5:45 - 6:15 pm:</strong> Networking and Refreshments <br /><strong>6:15 - 7:00 pm: </strong>Introduction to Replication <strong> <br />7:00 - 7:45 pm:</strong> Taming your SSIS Configuration Files<strong> <br />7:45 - until:</strong> Open Forum for questions and Raffle</p> <h6>SQL Server User Group</h6> <p><strong>Speaker: Mark Verret</strong></p> <p><strong>Topic: </strong>Introduction to SQL Replication – Transactional</p> <p><strong>Description: </strong>An introduction to SQL Replication with a focus on Transactional Replication. What is SQL Replication and why would you want to use it? The presentation will involve a demonstration and discussion of usage in a production environment.</p> <p><strong>BIO: </strong>Mark Verret has been in the IT field for over 10 years. He is currently the System Administrator and DBA for the LSU Highway Safety Research Group. For the past 2 years he has taken on the DBA role involving SQL replication, warehousing, reporting, etc. Along with teaching an undergraduate business intelligence course, he has also presented at the Baton Rouge SQL user group and Baton Rouge and Dallas SQLSaturday.</p> <p><strong>Speaker: Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP</strong></p> <p><strong>Topic: Taming Your SSIS Configuration Files</strong></p> <p><strong>Description: </strong>Typically, you develop SSIS packages on your laptop, desktop or some client machine and then deploy them to a server. In most cases these environments are completely different. They may have different machine names, folders, connection strings, etc… To assist in easing the pain of deploying your SSIS packages, SSIS includes a range of options that help you when building your data integration solutions. These options include: Property expressions, SET options of DTEXec, and my favorite Package Configurations. In this session I will attempt to demystify the usage of Configurations files in your SSIS package with a particular focus on Child and Master package solutions.</p> <p><strong>BIO: </strong>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP and author, is currently a Business Intelligence Architect for Pragmatic Works. He has worked as a SQL Server DBA for the past 9 years. His experience includes working in the Educational, Advertising, Mortgage, Medical and Financial Industries. He is also the founder of TSQLScripts.com, SQLLunch.com and the President of the Baton Rouge Area SQL Server User Group. Patrick is a regular speaker at various SQL Server community events, including SQL Saturday’s, User Groups and the SQL Lunch.</p> <p>Patrick Leblanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS</p> <p>Founder, <a href="http://www.SQLLunch.com">www.SQLLunch.com</a></p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-43462116305496132172011-01-11T08:52:00.001-08:002011-01-11T09:03:53.652-08:00First SQL Lunch of the Year - SSRS Tips and Tricks with Pam Shaw<h5>Last Year was a great year for the SQL Lunch.  We had so many great presentations.  I am really excited about this year and what we have coming up.  There are three lunches scheduled for this month and we are going to be making a BIG announcement about what we are doing in May on the SQL Lunch.  Stay tuned.</h5> <h5><a href="http://www.sqllunch.com/Meeting.aspx?lunchid=45">45-Tips & Tricks for dynamic Reporting Services Reports</a></h5> <p><img alt="Lunch Image" src="http://www.sqllunch.com/images/Lunch%20Images/PamShawProfile.bmp" width="115" height="130" /></p> <p><b>Speaker:</b> Pam Shaw</p> <p><strong>Join Meeting:  <a title="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=PNZ5F4&role=attend" href="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=PNZ5F4&role=attend">https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=PNZ5F4&role=attend</a></strong></p> <p><b>Add To Outlook: </b><a href="http://www.sqllunch.com/AddtoOutlook/lunch45.ics">Add To Calendar</a></p> <p><b>Date and Time:</b> 1/13/2011 11:30:00 AM CST </p> <p><b>Topic: </b>#45-Tips & Tricks for dynamic Reporting Services Reports <br />In this session we will explore the multitude of ways that you can make your reports adapt to the needs of your users. This will include defining formats based on the data contents. We will explore how to refine layouts based on the data to be delivered. We will demonstrate how to create a parameter driven data source. We will take a look at how creating templates can give your catalog of reports a more professional look. All of this together will empower you to have more control over the reports you create.</p> <p><b>BIO: </b>Pam Shaw has been in IT for almost 30 years. Since 2001, Pam has been working with SQL Server, first 2000, then 2005 and now 2008. Pam is currently an independent contractor. Pam is also the Chapter Leader of the Tampa Bay SQL Users Group - a local chapter of PASS and organizer of SQL Saturday Tampa.</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, MCTS, SQL Server MVP</p> <p>Founder <a href="http://www.SQLLunch.com">www.SQLLunch.com</a></p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-50306339846894100632010-12-13T05:32:00.001-08:002010-12-13T05:32:44.470-08:00Learning SSIS in Under 1 Hour on the SQL Lunch<h5>Don't miss the SQL Lunch tomorrow.</h5> <h5><a href="http://sqllunch.com/Meeting.aspx?lunchid=44">#44-Learning SSIS under 1 hour</a></h5> <p><img alt="Lunch Image" src="http://sqllunch.com/images/Lunch%20Images/josechinchilla.jpg" width="115" height="130" /></p> <p><b>Speaker:</b> Jose Raul Chinchilla</p> <p><b>Add To Outlook: </b><a href="http://sqllunch.com/addtooutlook/lunch44.ics">Add To Calendar</a></p> <p><strong>Meeting URL: <a title="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=FN36T2&role=attend" href="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=FN36T2&role=attend">https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=FN36T2&role=attend</a></strong></p> <p><b>Date and Time:</b> 12/14/2010 11:30:00 AM CST <br /><b>BIO: </b>Jose Chinchilla is a Microsoft Certified Database Administrator and Business Intelligence Developer working as a BI consultant for Convergence Consulting Group, a Tampa based full service consulting firm. Jose has12+ years of experience in IT and has focused his career in OLTP and OLAP database design, development and administration and specializes in ETL/ELT, Data Warehousing and Multidimensional Analysis using SQL Server 2008 BI tools. He is also the current president of the Tampa Bay area Business Intelligence User Group and Official PASS Chapter. He is an avid twitterer under the @SQLJoe handle and blogs at <a href="http://www.sqljoe.com">http://www.sqljoe.com</a>.  </p> <p> <br /><b>Topic: </b>#44-Learning SSIS under 1 hour <br />Need to know what is the corresponding SSIS transformation or task to a specific T-SQL statement? How do you accomplish Unions, Joins, and Merges in SSIS? How do you do CASE statements in SSIS? How do you group and aggregate data in SSIS? In this session I will cover the some of the most important SSIS control flow and data flow tasks to jump start DBAs and Developers into SSIS with SQL Server 2008-R2. At the end of this interactive demo, you will be able to identify what control flow tasks and data flow transformations can be used in place of T-SQL statements and scripts. I will also cover how to accomplish in SISS: • Basic SELECT, INSERT, DELETE, UPDATE statements • Inner and Outer joins • CAST and CONVERTS • CASE statement • Sorting, Grouping and Aggregate functions (SUM, COUNT, MAX, AVG) • MERGE and Unions • Loops (WHILE)</p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick Leblanc, SQL Server MVP, founder SQLLunch.com</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-52915758036171240732010-11-30T21:54:00.001-08:002010-11-30T21:54:04.567-08:00Passing SSRS T-SQL Values to SSRS MDX Parameters<p>At a recent client engagement we built a SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) report with a T-SQL based data source. A requirement of the report was to create an action that drilled-through to another report. No big deal, right? This is SSRS 101. Well, that was until I realized that the parameters that had to be set on the drill-through report were based on MDX queries. I still didn’t think that it would pose a problem and proceeded to configure the textbox Action to go to another report. After I completed the configurations, I ran the report and it DID NOT WORK! Hmmm, what’s wrong?</p> <p>The first step was to take a look at the parameters on the MDX based report, which revealed very little. I needed to see the source query that provided the data for the parameter. Initially I did not see the data set for the query. Then I realized that when you created parameters using the MDX query builder in SSRS it hid the corresponding data sets. To show them, right-click on the data sets folder and click Show Hidden DataSets. With the data set now visible, I was able to run the query in the designer. The designer revealed a little Golden Nugget of information. There was a column labeled “ParameterValue” as shown in the following figure:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigc2uys4a4pem1T5qmLi-FDlJJoX8Q2LGRd2Wv6UEKL5QfrspgoNnHgW474_JA1RtlpNPpnB1hfOSeuD-6nd0gSNqBM8GAlAeDzNI9YjMeR319R8xoUQj1NYtiloga8uLf370y43_sQiU/s1600-h/image%5B6%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TPXi87TXdGI/AAAAAAAAASY/KzjgUwLnD8Y/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="657" height="403" /></a> </p> <p>This was interesting. It revealed a fully qualified MDX value as the Parameter Value. Therefore, using the traditional method of only selecting the column from the data set as the value to be passed would not work. So I decided to build an expression that would dynamically create values equal to those values in the ParameterValue column of the MDX query result set. The expression can be seen in the following figure:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TPXi9RtZmWI/AAAAAAAAASc/WLiplQao0x0/s1600-h/image%5B11%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TPXi9pkKz2I/AAAAAAAAASg/8uV64o9BDyc/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="591" height="298" /></a> </p> <p>I re-ran the report and clicked the textbox with the action:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TPXi98_AdnI/AAAAAAAAASk/OeNw9vHA4Ps/s1600-h/image%5B16%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TPXi-UWNXcI/AAAAAAAAASo/YU6ruRurj90/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="514" height="126" /></a> </p> <p>This directed me to the MDX based report and the parameter was set correctly, which can be seen in the following figure:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyZhVYXhSeiP8RjV1GHTrjR-5130AxvBpasvubqW5khiVLg6kpqgaRAxjbJZ3lAJ_5WA3yrhNrcKLervd8FIA6SgxtBjcJxv-n-5L2VmJqmWrpV2jzdGbZbDqWoAzSoLgcoxyIKtV1YQ/s1600-h/image%5B21%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TPXi-7oxVMI/AAAAAAAAASw/VcJZSB1qF8U/image_thumb%5B13%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="513" height="388" /></a> </p> <p>Happy Days are here again!</p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS, founder <a href="http://www.sqllunch.com/">SQLLunch.com</a>.</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-26702329588612076952010-11-16T19:32:00.001-08:002010-11-16T19:32:34.379-08:00Handling Type II Dimension with the MERGE Statement<p>Microsoft attempted to make our lives easier with the Slowly Changing Dimension task in SSIS.  However, as we all know the task has some major performance issues.  So they introduced the MERGE statement.  When I initially started using the MERGE statement I considered it as a great solution to handle Type I dimensions, but I did not consider it as a solution for Type II.  Recently, I was chatting with Brian Knight and he said that the MERGE statement could handle Type II dimensions.  After spending some time with Books Online I realized that you could SELECT the OUTPUT data from the MERGE Statement.  This set up the perfect mechanism for handling a Type II dimension.  This is how I did it.</p> <p>Running the examples requires the AdventureWorks2008R2 database.  To get started with the explanation run the following script:</p> <div class="csharpcode"> <pre class="alt"><span class="kwrd">USE</span> tempdb</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="kwrd">GO</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="kwrd">IF</span>(OBJECT_ID(<span class="str">'dbo.Product'</span>)) <span class="kwrd">IS</span> <span class="kwrd">NOT</span> <span class="kwrd">NULL</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre> <span class="kwrd">DROP</span> <span class="kwrd">TABLE</span> dbo.Product</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="kwrd">GO</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="kwrd">CREATE</span> <span class="kwrd">TABLE</span> dbo.Product</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt">(</pre><br /><br /> <pre> ProductID <span class="kwrd">int</span> <span class="kwrd">identity</span>(1,1),</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> ProductNumber <span class="kwrd">varchar</span>(50),</pre><br /><br /> <pre> ProductName <span class="kwrd">varchar</span>(100),</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> Color <span class="kwrd">varchar</span>(30),</pre><br /><br /> <pre> ListPrice <span class="kwrd">decimal</span>(12,2)</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt">)</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="kwrd">GO</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> </pre><br /><br /> <pre>INSERT <span class="kwrd">INTO</span> dbo.Product</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="kwrd">SELECT</span> </pre><br /><br /> <pre> ProductNumber,</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> Name,</pre><br /><br /> <pre> Color,</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> ListPrice</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="kwrd">FROM</span> AdventureWorks2008R2.Production.Product</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> </pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="kwrd">GO</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> </pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="kwrd">IF</span>(OBJECT_ID(<span class="str">'dbo.DimProduct'</span>)) <span class="kwrd">IS</span> <span class="kwrd">NOT</span> <span class="kwrd">NULL</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> <span class="kwrd">DROP</span> <span class="kwrd">TABLE</span> dbo.DimProduct</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="kwrd">GO</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="kwrd">CREATE</span> <span class="kwrd">TABLE</span> dbo.DimProduct</pre><br /><br /> <pre>(</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> ProductSK <span class="kwrd">int</span> <span class="kwrd">identity</span>(1,1),</pre><br /><br /> <pre> ProductAK <span class="kwrd">varchar</span>(50),</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> ProductName <span class="kwrd">varchar</span>(100),</pre><br /><br /> <pre> Color <span class="kwrd">varchar</span>(30),</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> ListPrice <span class="kwrd">decimal</span>(12,2),</pre><br /><br /> <pre> EffectiveDate datetime,</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> ExpirationDate datetime</pre><br /><br /> <pre>)</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="kwrd">GO</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre> </pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt">INSERT <span class="kwrd">INTO</span> dbo.DimProduct(ProductAK, ProductName, Color, ListPrice, EffectiveDate)</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="kwrd">SELECT</span> </pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> ProductNumber,</pre><br /><br /> <pre> ProductName,</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> Color,</pre><br /><br /> <pre> ListPrice,</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> <span class="str">'1/1/1900'</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="kwrd">FROM</span> dbo.Product</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt">GO</pre><br /></div><br /><style type="text/css"><br />.csharpcode, .csharpcode pre<br />{<br /> font-size: small;<br /> color: black;<br /> font-family: consolas, "Courier New", courier, monospace;<br /> background-color: #ffffff;<br /> /*white-space: pre;*/<br />}<br />.csharpcode pre { margin: 0em; }<br />.csharpcode .rem { color: #008000; }<br />.csharpcode .kwrd { color: #0000ff; }<br />.csharpcode .str { color: #006080; }<br />.csharpcode .op { color: #0000c0; }<br />.csharpcode .preproc { color: #cc6633; }<br />.csharpcode .asp { background-color: #ffff00; }<br />.csharpcode .html { color: #800000; }<br />.csharpcode .attr { color: #ff0000; }<br />.csharpcode .alt <br />{<br /> background-color: #f4f4f4;<br /> width: 100%;<br /> margin: 0em;<br />}<br />.csharpcode .lnum { color: #606060; }</style><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p>The above scripts creates an operational Product table and initially loads the data into the DimProduct table.  Now let's assume that ListPrice is a Type II attribute.  In other words, if the ListPrice changes, the current effective row should be expired and a new row should be inserted into the dimension as the effective row.  This new row will contain the changed data.  To simulate a Type II change run the following script:</p><br /><br /><div class="csharpcode"><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="kwrd">UPDATE</span> dbo.Product</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="kwrd">SET</span> </pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> ListPrice = 5.00</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="kwrd">WHERE</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"> ProductNumber <span class="kwrd">IN</span> (<span class="str">'AR-5381'</span>,<span class="str">'BA-8327'</span>)</pre><br /><br /> <pre>GO</pre><br /></div><br /><style type="text/css"><br />.csharpcode, .csharpcode pre<br />{<br /> font-size: small;<br /> color: black;<br /> font-family: consolas, "Courier New", courier, monospace;<br /> background-color: #ffffff;<br /> /*white-space: pre;*/<br />}<br />.csharpcode pre { margin: 0em; }<br />.csharpcode .rem { color: #008000; }<br />.csharpcode .kwrd { color: #0000ff; }<br />.csharpcode .str { color: #006080; }<br />.csharpcode .op { color: #0000c0; }<br />.csharpcode .preproc { color: #cc6633; }<br />.csharpcode .asp { background-color: #ffff00; }<br />.csharpcode .html { color: #800000; }<br />.csharpcode .attr { color: #ff0000; }<br />.csharpcode .alt <br />{<br /> background-color: #f4f4f4;<br /> width: 100%;<br /> margin: 0em;<br />}<br />.csharpcode .lnum { color: #606060; }</style><br /><br /><p>The script will change the ListPrice for two products in the operational table.  After the updates have been executed, run the following script:</p><br /><br /><div class="csharpcode"><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="lnum"> 1: </span>INSERT <span class="kwrd">INTO</span> dbo.DimProduct(ProductAK, ListPrice, Color, ProductName, EffectiveDate)</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="lnum"> 2: </span><span class="kwrd">SELECT</span> ProductNumber, ListPrice, Color, ProductName, EffectiveDate</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="lnum"> 3: </span><span class="kwrd">FROM</span> </pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="lnum"> 4: </span>(</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="lnum"> 5: </span> MERGE dbo.DimProduct dp</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="lnum"> 6: </span> <span class="kwrd">USING</span> dbo.Product p</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="lnum"> 7: </span> <span class="kwrd">ON</span> dp.ProductAK = p.ProductNumber</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="lnum"> 8: </span> <span class="kwrd">WHEN</span> <span class="kwrd">NOT</span> MATCHED <span class="kwrd">THEN</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="lnum"> 9: </span> INSERT (ProductAK, ProductName, Color, ListPrice, EffectiveDate)</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="lnum"> 10: </span> <span class="kwrd">VALUES</span> (p.ProductNumber, p.ProductName, p.Color, p.ListPrice, <span class="str">'1/1/1900'</span>)</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="lnum"> 11: </span> <span class="kwrd">WHEN</span> MATCHED </pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="lnum"> 12: </span> <span class="kwrd">AND</span> ExpirationDate <span class="kwrd">IS</span> <span class="kwrd">NULL</span> </pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="lnum"> 13: </span> <span class="kwrd">AND</span> (dp.ListPrice <> p.ListPrice) <span class="kwrd">THEN</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="lnum"> 14: </span> <span class="kwrd">UPDATE</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="lnum"> 15: </span> <span class="kwrd">SET</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="lnum"> 16: </span> dp.ExpirationDate = <span class="kwrd">convert</span>(datetime, getdate(), 101)</pre><br /><br /> <pre style="width: 105.37%; height: 44px" class="alt"><span class="lnum"> 17: </span> <span class="kwrd">OUTPUT</span> $<span class="kwrd">Action</span> MergeAction, p.ProductNumber, p.ListPrice, p.Color, p.ProductName, <span class="kwrd">convert</span>(datetime, getdate(), 101) EffectiveDate</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="lnum"> 18: </span>) MergeOutput</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="lnum"> 19: </span><span class="kwrd">WHERE</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="lnum"> 20: </span> MergeAction = <span class="str">'Update'</span>;</pre><br /></div><br /><br /><p>Let's start the explanation in the inside of the query.  On line 12 the current effective row is identified.  You may need to change this depending on your Type II dimension design patterns.  Your dimensions may use a specific date as the expiration date and you may also include a ActiveFlag bit column.  Then on line 13 I verify that the column specified as a Type II attribute has actually changed.  Finally, on line 16 the row is expired.  Now you may be thinking how are you going to add the new current row for the corresponding expired rows.  That was the same thing I was thinking.</p><br /><br /><p>On line 17 I output any of the Inserts or Updates.  In addition, I added a column that acts as the Effective Date.  The thing that I did not know was that you can SELECT the OUTPUT data from the MERGE statement and INSERT it into a table.  This is accomplished in lines 1 and 2.  Essentially, I derived a table from the OUTPUT of the MERGE statement.  Lastly, I included a WHERE clause to ensure that I only inserted the data that was UPDATED.  That pretty much did it.  To verify the changes run the following query:</p><br /><br /><div class="csharpcode"><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="kwrd">SELECT</span> *</pre><br /><br /> <pre><span class="kwrd">FROM</span> dbo.DimProduct</pre><br /><br /> <pre class="alt"><span class="kwrd">WHERE</span></pre><br /><br /> <pre> ProductAK <span class="kwrd">IN</span> (<span class="str">'AR-5381'</span>,<span class="str">'BA-8327'</span>)</pre><br /></div><br /><style type="text/css"><br />.csharpcode, .csharpcode pre<br />{<br /> font-size: small;<br /> color: black;<br /> font-family: consolas, "Courier New", courier, monospace;<br /> background-color: #ffffff;<br /> /*white-space: pre;*/<br />}<br />.csharpcode pre { margin: 0em; }<br />.csharpcode .rem { color: #008000; }<br />.csharpcode .kwrd { color: #0000ff; }<br />.csharpcode .str { color: #006080; }<br />.csharpcode .op { color: #0000c0; }<br />.csharpcode .preproc { color: #cc6633; }<br />.csharpcode .asp { background-color: #ffff00; }<br />.csharpcode .html { color: #800000; }<br />.csharpcode .attr { color: #ff0000; }<br />.csharpcode .alt <br />{<br /> background-color: #f4f4f4;<br /> width: 100%;<br /> margin: 0em;<br />}<br />.csharpcode .lnum { color: #606060; }</style><br /><br /><p>Talk to you soon,</p><br /><br /><p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MPV, MCTS</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-12595035477241487482010-11-15T18:38:00.001-08:002010-11-15T18:38:47.554-08:00My SQL PASS Summit Adventures part 1<p>I started my PASS Summit a little early this year.  I arrived in Seattle on Friday night, November 5th,  around 10:30 PM.  I met Brian Knight and Tim Moolic (Pragmatic Works COO) and we drove about 1.5 hours to Ashford, WA.  We settled in to our cabin on the Creek for a few hours of sleep before we began our BIG adventure.  About a month before PASS Brian gave me a call and asked if I would like to join he and Tim on a hike up Mt. Rainier.  I hesitated at first, but then quickly decided to do it.  So here I was, about to start a hike up the mountain in what we were told was some very unfavorable weather conditions.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="832"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TOHunk3DcjI/AAAAAAAAARo/Goq0H5Ej1HI/s1600-h/IMG_10641.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1064" border="0" alt="IMG_1064" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_AZN-3F5knJ6Ka_7O2QubJ-MnoH8F2VW2mZCGitBO8jJaLFktxnmp63ZP-57oGHU6ThMi7MeReHcria1JdyMoHQFSoZX3SDK8xw9QiFGaIuL8Wr1dgpEhuCiUHYU6Uj0GK_e58vooXU/?imgmax=800" width="308" height="232" /></a> </td> <td valign="top" width="630">As you can see from the background, the weather was not very kind.  It was snowing, raining, and sleeting all at once.  If that is possible, but we were brave and had already rented all the gear so we did not really have a choice.  If you take a close look at my face in the picture you realize that I was the only one not smiling.  If you don't know I currently live in Louisiana and I was born in Houston, Tx.  Snow is not a common occurrence in either of these places.  To be honest I almost backed out, but my EGO wouldn't let me, besides these two guys would have never let me live it down.  So on to the hike.</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p>I thought we were going to have a slow start to the hike, boy was I wrong.  Tim took off like he was running a 40 yard dash.  By the way, Tim lives in Boston so he is very familiar with snow and how to get around in it.  After about the first 200 feet I was done.  I wanted to turn back and find a nice warm place with a hot cup of coffee.  Again, my EGO took over and forced me to continue.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="836"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="630">We hiked up for about 3 hours or 4000 feet, stopping a few times along the way for a little water, snacks and sight seeting.  At one point I found myself nearly waste deep in snow. Since I am not very familiar with snow, I did not realize that I should have been wearing the Snow Shoes that we rented.  Tim quickly brought that to my attention after I trudged through the snow for about 100 or so feet. <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOMORQS03N7v3h30L-cNBrTKoNeTlEdHs6enq-tvs0Qk7qn3T2MsvBKU1MUt4o7SpfH4ubn0TaqbcL0gLWR2kivQg517isRwWghw5USXKYbLLmMdLBnm1HWBkvrTv6mrQj0PZHbmcQdU/s1600-h/SANY00241.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SANY0024" border="0" alt="SANY0024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvKbdPJAcphjzT9vH0up5gYCJ4WG3Gg1jYzum9YWDLEuM5r1UmgrwbBiAYa2olvboHc5Ze1oSfVsjR4o0hqguWZxRyQyDoxM6-qWYniqxfsS-uH8fGQCrRpjdu2nr_HTzwCEwMLiZBJw/?imgmax=800" width="338" height="254" /></a> <br />The visibility worsened as we hiked higher and we decided to call it quits after we reached about 8000 feet.  We did not want to take the chance of hiking down in the dark and getting lost.</td> <td valign="top" width="204"> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TOHuqXL9aeI/AAAAAAAAAR4/E4gfUrYoJfA/s1600-h/IMG_10721.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1072" border="0" alt="IMG_1072" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TOHuqzPKBOI/AAAAAAAAAR8/ghgewGAxt70/IMG_1072_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="234" /></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p>This was the first time that I had ever experienced so much snow in my life.  Would I do it again?  Yep, without a doubt.  Since the PASS Summit is in October next year, the weather should be better and we should be able to hike a little higher.  At the end of the day we were exhausted, exhilarated, and ready for a drink.  We ended our night at a the only restaurant in Ashford.  We enjoyed a nice dinner with a few drinks some food and a little fun (Karaoke).  </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TOHurbdwzbI/AAAAAAAAASA/0L5dJFPtn0I/s1600-h/IMG_11364.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1136" border="0" alt="IMG_1136" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TOHur7LcsEI/AAAAAAAAASE/arvmNeg8ou4/IMG_1136_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="240" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TOHusTvickI/AAAAAAAAASI/AdT293JFc8E/s1600-h/IMG_11483.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1148" border="0" alt="IMG_1148" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_barBiSO8ITc/TOHuspcAlVI/AAAAAAAAASM/KVNSgXT3bDk/IMG_1148_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="240" /></a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p>All SMILES!!!!!  This was just day one of my PASS adventures.  Stay tuned for more adventures.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS, Mountain Man</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-27831300138238457902010-11-14T06:48:00.001-08:002010-11-14T06:48:40.995-08:00Join SQL Lunch on Tuesday<h5>What a long week at PASS (stay tuned for more details about my trip).  Now that it's over back to work.  Join me and Cade Roux for a SQL Lunch on Tuesday.  Cade is lives in the rocking city of New Orleans, LA.</h5> <h5><a href="http://sqllunch.com/Meeting.aspx?lunchid=41">#41-Get a Lever and Pick Any Turtle: Lifting with Metadata</a></h5> <p><img alt="Lunch Image" src="http://sqllunch.com/images/Lunch%20Images/caderoux.jpg" width="115" height="130" /></p> <p><b>Speaker:</b> Cade Roux</p> <p><b>Add To Outlook: </b><a href="http://sqllunch.com/addtooutlook/lunch41.ics">Add To Calendar</a></p> <p><b>Date and Time:</b> 11/16/2010 11:30:00 AM CST</p> <p><strong>Live Meeting URL:  <a title="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=68R4BF&role=attend" href="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=68R4BF&role=attend">https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=68R4BF&role=attend</a></strong></p> <p> <br /><b>BIO: </b>Cade Roux, is the recent founder of Rose Crescent, a software and systems consultancy in New Orleans. He has been a professional programmer since 1992, and a user of SQL Server since 1997, managing IT operations at all levels of organizations. He has broad experience in several lines of business, including Route Accounting, Medical and Banking and technical exposure ranging from C/C++ to T-SQL, from the Windows API to Data Warehousing. He loves building great systems and great teams.</p> <p> <br /><b>Topic: </b>#41-Get a Lever and Pick Any Turtle: Lifting with Metadata <br /></p> <p>Integrated metadata is a required element of all RDBMSs. In addition to ANSI INFORAMTION_SCHEMA and metadata on implementation-specific features like indexes, SQL Server also offers a very powerful extended properties feature. In this talk, I cover using the basic metadata combined with extended properties and demonstrate practical usage to organize and document a system's design and monitor the health of a system's compliance with design rules.</p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS, founder SQLLunch.com</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-32216451955470707212010-11-03T05:34:00.001-07:002010-11-03T05:34:39.221-07:00A Couple of SQL Lunches this Week<p>I want to apologize for posting this so late, but there is a SQL Lunch today and one tomorrow.  Hope you all can make it.</p> <h5><a href="http://sqllunch.com/Meeting.aspx?lunchid=37">#37-</a>Zero to Dashboard</h5> <p><img alt="Lunch Image" src="http://sqllunch.com/images/Lunch%20Images/AdamJorgensen.jpg" width="115" height="130" /></p> <p><b>Speaker:</b> Adam Jorgensen</p> <p><b>Add To Outlook: </b><a href="http://sqllunch.com/AddtoOutlook/lunch37.ics">Add To Calendar</a></p> <p><b>Date and Time:</b> 11/3/2010 11:30:00 AM CST </p> <p> <br /><b>BIO: </b>Adam Jorgensen , MBA, MCDBA, MCITP: BI has over a decade of experience leading organizations around the world in developing and implementing enterprise solutions. His passion is finding new and innovative avenues for clients and the community to embrace business intelligence and lower barriers to implementation. Adam is also very involved in the community as a featured author on SQLServerCentral, SQLShare, as well as a regular contributor to the SQLPASS Virtual User Groups for Business Intelligence and other organizations. He regularly speaks at industry group events, major conferences, Code Camps, and SQLSaturday events on strategic and technical topics. </p> <p> <br /><b>Topic: </b>#37-Zero to Dashboard <br />Come have some fun seeing how we can build your first dashboard in PerformancePoint Services Together. Join Adam and Go from Zero to Dashboard and see some of the cool reporting techniques you can do with Performance Point without writing any code!</p> <h5><a href="http://sqllunch.com/Meeting.aspx?lunchid=42">#42-Auditing Database Permissions in SQL Server</a></h5> <p><img alt="Lunch Image" src="http://sqllunch.com/images/Lunch%20Images/KBrianKelly.jpg" width="115" height="130" /></p> <p><b>Speaker:</b> K. Brian Kelley</p> <p><b>Add To Outlook: </b><a href="http://sqllunch.com/addtooutlook/lunch42.ics">Add To Calendar</a></p> <p><b>Date and Time:</b> 11/4/2010 11:30:00 AM CST </p> <p> <br /><b>BIO: </b>Brian is a SQL Server author, columnist, and Microsoft MVP focusing primarily on SQL Server security. He is a contributing author for How to Cheat at Securing SQL Server 2005 (Syngress) and Professional SQL Server 2008 Administration (Wrox). Brian currently serves as a database administrator / architect for AgFirst Farm Credit Bank where he can concentrate on his passion: SQL Server. He previously was a systems and security architect for AgFirst Farm Credit Bank where he worked on Active Directory, Windows security, VMware, and Citrix. In the technical community, Brian is president of the Midlands PASS Chapter, an official chapter of PASS. Brian is also a junior high youth minister at Spears Creek Baptist Church in Elgin, SC. <br /><b>Topic: </b>#42-Auditing Database Permissions in SQL Server </p> <p> <br />Invariably, the dreaded auditors will come knocking at your door wanting to know who can do what in a database. Knee deep in other initiatives, the last thing you want to do is parcel out the time required to answer their requests and the follow-on questions they're likely to have. However, you know that this these are requests you can't refuse and you resign yourself to your fate. In this presentation, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Microsoft SQL Server MVP K. Brian Kelley will cover what to audit, how to audit it quickly and efficiently, and the gotchas to look out for when it comes to compiling and reporting database permissions in SQL Server. Coverage of the security catalog views to use in SQL Server 2005/2008 as well as capturing implicit permissions will be focused on. </p> <p></p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, founder SQL Lunch.com</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-57586359487010181032010-10-31T18:37:00.001-07:002010-10-31T18:37:20.174-07:00Vote for Our SQL Rally Pre-con<p>VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!!!!!!!!</p> <p>Vote here:  <a href="http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22BD59JCQBT">http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22BD59JCQBT</a></p> <p>Honestly, I want each of reading my blog to vote for our Pre-con(<a href="http://www.sqlpass.org/sqlrally/2011/PreConsforVotingBI.aspx">Full Day Business Intelligence Workshop</a>).  However, as with any voting process you have choices.  Well....in most cases you do.  We often feel or believe that our vote does not count.  I really believe that this is going to be a little different.  I am really excited about the SQL Rally and more excited that our Preconference seminar was selected as one of those that are now being voted upon.  So, why should you vote for our Pre-con?</p> <p>I have been referencing the pre-con as "Ours", that is because four individuals will be delivering the conference.  The team of presenters/authors include Adam Jorgensen, Mike Davis, Devin Knight, and myself.  I am not going to list the credentials for each person, but I will say that each presenter has taught full day courses in building Data Warehouses, SSIS, SSAS, and SSRS.  In addition, we are all regular speakers at various SQL Server events, including SQL Saturdays, Users Groups, and PASS.</p> <p>Still not convinced?  Each member of this team has designed, created and delivered solutions that encompass each of the tools that will be presented during the Precon.  First, we will spend time teaching you how to transform your Operational database to a data warehouse.  Adam Jorgensen will take a deep dive into Dimensional Modeling and all the techniques required to create you data warehouse database.  In the next three sections, which are all very demo-centric, you will learn from Devin Knight, Mike Davis and myself how to build SSIS Packages to load your data warehouse fully or incrementally, then we will show you how to create and maintain an SSAS cube and finally we will use SSRS to create visually appealing reports for your end-users.</p> <p>This may seem like a lot to accomplish in one day, but we will be taking a very explicit and focused approach in regards to each technology.  For example, we are not going to discuss every transform in the SSIS control and data flow toolboxes.  However, we will provide detail explanations of the tasks that are vital when building and ETL solution.  At the end of the day you will leave with the knowledge and tools needed to build a complete data warehouse solution.  As an extra touch, we will not be using the traditional Adventure Works database for our demonstrations.  We will be using some real world data that will enhance the discussions and potentially create a more engaging learning experience for all attendees.</p> <p>So with that, I am not going to restate our abstract, nor am I going to talk about how good all the other sessions are.  What am I going to say is that as a part of the community and a potential attendee of these Precons, go and vote so your can make a difference!  Hey, I kind of sound like a politician, maybe I will run for the PASS board next year ;).  See you all at the PASS Summit in two weeks and hopefully next year at our SQL Rally Preconference Seminar.</p> <p>Go make it happen! There's a lot of good seminars, go read about them here:</p> <p><strong>BI Sessions:</strong> <a href="http://www.sqlpass.org/sqlrally/2011/PreConsforVotingBI.aspx">http://www.sqlpass.org/sqlrally/2011/PreConsforVotingBI.aspx</a></p> <p><strong>DBA Sessions:</strong> <a href="http://www.sqlpass.org/sqlrally/2011/PreConsforVotingDba.aspx">http://www.sqlpass.org/sqlrally/2011/PreConsforVotingDba.aspx</a></p> <p><strong>Developer Sessions:</strong> <a href="http://www.sqlpass.org/sqlrally/2011/PreConsforVotingDev.aspx">http://www.sqlpass.org/sqlrally/2011/PreConsforVotingDev.aspx</a></p> <p><strong>Misc Sessions:</strong> <a href="http://www.sqlpass.org/sqlrally/2011/PreConsforVotingMisc.aspx">http://www.sqlpass.org/sqlrally/2011/PreConsforVotingMisc.aspx</a></p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, founder <a href="http://www.SQLLunch.com">www.SQLLunch.com</a></p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.BIDN.com">www.BIDN.com</a>, Bring Business Intelligence to your company.</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-77604535400127694712010-10-19T13:46:00.001-07:002010-10-19T13:46:53.835-07:001st Houston Microsoft Business Intelligence User Group<p> Tyler Chessman of Microsoft has started a Business Intelligence Users Group in Houston.  The group will meet online  and onsite quarterly.  If you are interested in attending here are the meeting details:</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody> <tr> <td> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody> <tr> <td> <p><strong>Houston – Microsoft Business Intelligence User Group</strong><strong></strong></p> <p>We would like to invite you to the very 1<sup>st</sup> Houston Microsoft Business Intelligence User Group.  This event will take place on Wednesday October 20<sup>th</sup>, 2010 from 11:15 – 1:00 p.m. at the Microsoft Houston Office  (location and map below).   LiveMeeting will also be available for remote attendees.</p> <p>Learn the latest and greatest in BI - along with practical advice for getting the most out of your existing technology investments.</p> <p>No RSVP needed.</p> <p><u></u></p> <p><u>Cost</u></p> <p>This is a free event; lunch will be provided.</p> <p><u>Who should attend</u></p> <p>BI Practitioners from both an IT &  business background should attend.   We’ll have two presentations (see Topics below) of interest to both IT and business analysts/power users.</p> <p><u></u></p> <p><u>Date <br /></u>Wednesday, October 20<sup>th</sup>, 2010.  11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.</p> <p><u></u></p> <p><u>Location</u></p> <p>One Briar Lake Plaza</p> <p>2000 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. S. #350</p> <p>Houston, TX 77042 </p> <p>Phone: (832) 252-4300</p> <p><a href="http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=29.745134~-95.55198&style=r&lvl=14&scene=4136079&sp=Point.nyqvw37130x6_2000%20W.%20Sam%20Houston%20Pkwy.%20S.%2c%20Houston%2c%20TX%2077042%2c%20United%20States___">See map and/or driving directions</a></p> <p>Live Meeting Link for Remote Attendees - <a href="meet:sip:tylerc@microsoft.com;gruu;opaque=app:conf:focus:id:2933eeecb1e4416c94b89ea427e8883a%3Fconf-key=1037">Join the meeting</a></p> <p>Make sure the Office Live Meeting client is installed before the meeting:</p> <p>· I am connecting from <a href="http://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidOCSR2?clid=1033&p1=livemeeting">inside the Microsoft network</a></p> <p>· I am connecting from <a href="http://r.office.microsoft.com/r/rlidOCSR2?clid=1033&p1=livemeeting">outside the Microsoft network</a></p> <p><u></u></p> <p><u>Topics</u></p> <p>· <b>Introducing SQL Server 2008 R2 Master Data Services (MDS):</b></p> <p>Master Data Management is a key enabler in improving the timeliness, quality and reliability of BI with the ultimate goal of improving business performance.  This session will be a primer on how to get started with Master Data Management using MDS.</p> <p>Speaker:  Satheesh Kumar is the principal/lead consultant for Catapult Systems, a Microsoft-focused IT consulting firm. Satheesh has been developing with Microsoft technologies since 1996 and has deep experience in web applications, business intelligence and business analytics. He is currently focused on providing professional solutions using the latest technologies, including the Microsoft BI technology stack.  He has an MBA from RICE University, interested  in data mining research. He can be reached online at <a href="http://businessintelligence101.wordpress.com/">http://businessintelligence101.wordpress.com/</a></p> <p>· <b>Excel Tips and Tricks - Working with External Data</b></p> <p>In this talk, Jim is going to share tips/tricks for working in Excel, specifically how to build flexible data extracts from relational databases, including passing parameters from Excel to SQL Server or Access.</p> <p>Speaker:  Jim Cline is a Senior Manager of Ad-Hoc Reporting at Service Corporation International, the world’s largest funeral home and cemetery consolidator; he has been with SCI for about 14 years.  Jim’s department creates ad hoc reporting in Excel, Access, SQL Server, and web-based reports and applications.  Jim has a strong business background and mastery of Excel, including:</p> <p>•         Previously with Arthur Andersen as a tax accountant and real estate appraiser (7 years).</p> <p>•         Degree from the University of Houston with a BBA in Accounting and Taxation.</p> <p>•         Founded ClineSys, an Excel and Access training system.  Currently has two Excel courses (2003 and 2007) and two Access/SQL courses (2003 and 2007).  <a href="http://www.ClineSys.com">www.ClineSys.com</a> .  ClineSys is approved by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and CPAs can earn 40 hours of CPE credit by taking the Excel (2003 or 2007) course.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p>Come out and support the new group.  </p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS, founder <a href="www.sqllunch.com">SQL Lunch</a></p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.BIDN.com">www.BIDN.com</a>, Bring Business Intelligence to your company.</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-71470287860962500492010-10-18T16:27:00.001-07:002010-10-18T16:27:26.651-07:00MDX Puzzles (New Author)<p>Well I am sure most of you noticed that I haven't posted an MDX puzzle in some time.  After much consideration I have decided to pass the torch to someone that I feel will devote the time needed to help you all continue with your learning.  So with that, I would like to introduce or re-introduce you all to <a href="http://bidn.com/blogs/DustinRyan">Dustin Ryan</a> the new MDX Puzzle guy.  Dustin is a consultant for Pragmatic Works and a regular blogger on BIDN.com.  He is also very skilled with MDX.  </p> <p>I am not quite sure when Dustin is going to start posting the puzzles, but I am sure it is going to be soon.  Thanks Dustin for stepping taking in over.  </p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc (form MDX puzzler), SQL Server MVP, MCTS and founder <a href="www.sqllunch.com">SQL Lunch</a></p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.BIDN.com" www.bidn.com?="www.bidn.com?">www.BIDN.com</a>, Bring Business Intelligence to your company.</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-43897031348315315932010-10-18T05:23:00.001-07:002010-10-18T05:23:50.171-07:00SQL Lunch #40 - Mirroring: The Bear Necessities<p>I am excited to announce a new speaker to the SQL Lunch, Ryan Adams.  Ryan will be discussing Database Mirroring and how it has become an integral part of high availability and  disaster recovery planning.  See the following meeting details:</p> <p><img alt="Lunch Image" src="http://sqllunch.com/images/Lunch%20Images/Ryan Web Profile.JPG" width="115" height="130" /></p> <p><b>Speaker:</b> Ryan Adams</p> <p><strong>Meeting URL:</strong>  <a title="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=6J9BKQ&role=attend" href="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=6J9BKQ&role=attend">https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=6J9BKQ&role=attend</a></p> <p><b>Add To Outlook: </b><a href="http://sqllunch.com/addtooutlook/lunch40.ics">Add To Calendar</a></p> <p><b>Date and Time:</b> 10/19/2010 11:30:00 AM CST <br /><b>BIO: </b>Ryan is a highly skilled Microsoft oriented administrator and has worked for a Fortune 100 company for 12 years. In his time there he has supported everything from desktop to server. Most recently he has served as a senior Active Directory Architect and Identity Management (MIIS, ILM, FIM) Consultant. He is the sole SQL Server DBA for his group, supporting both vendor databases and custom databases. His primary focus is database design and performance, but also works with SSRS report development, and SSIS ETL. He enjoys being involved in the SQL community and serves on the board of directors for the North Texas SQL Server User Group. He is well versed in many core Microsoft technologies, has implemented and supported them both nationally and internationally for a company of 250k+ users, and holds the following certifications: MCP MCSA MCSE MCDBA - SQL 2000 MCTS - SQL 2005 MCITP - SQL 2005 </p> <p> <br /><b>Topic: </b>#40-Mirroring: The Bear Necessities <br />Mirroring can be an integral part of your high availability and disaster recovery planning. We’ll cover what mirroring is, how it can fit into an HA/DR plan, the rules surrounding its use, configuration via the GUI and T-SQL, as well as how to monitor mirroring. This presentation is designed to not only give you an overview of mirroring, but to also walk you through a basic implementation. At the end you will have learned what mirroring is, how it can fit into your environment, what business requirements it solves, and how to configure it.</p> <p>See you at Lunch,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, founder SQL Lunch, SQL Server MVP, MCTS</p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.BIDN.com">www.BIDN.com</a>, Bring Business Intelligence to your company.</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-73784920451119101082010-10-14T06:18:00.001-07:002010-10-14T06:18:38.736-07:00Speaking at SQL Saturday #49 Orlando<p>After making the trip last weekend to Houston for <a href="http://houstontechfest.com">Houston Techfest</a> with the kids I am off again, but this time alone.  On Friday I will fly into Orlando for the Speaker dinner, which is always a lot of fun.  On Saturday I will be presenting two sessions.  The first is a mini session on <a href="http://sqlsaturday.com/viewsession.aspx?sat=49&sessionid=2285">Speaking</a> and the second is on using <a href="http://sqlsaturday.com/viewsession.aspx?sat=49&sessionid=2283">Change Data Capture and SSIS to load a Slowly Changing Dimension</a>.  This is my second time speaking at <a href="http://sqlsaturday.com/49/eventhome.aspx">SQL Saturday in Orlando</a>.  If you are in the area stop by.  </a><a href="http://sqlsaturday.com/49/register.aspx">Registration</a> is still open. </p> <p>Talk to you soon, </p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS, Founder SQL Lunch </p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.BIDN.com">www.BIDN.com</a>, Bring Business Intelligence to your company. </p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-42479480184306438512010-10-12T16:09:00.001-07:002010-10-12T16:09:08.016-07:00Why do I contribute to the SQL Server Community?<p>As an active speaker and volunteer in the SQL Server community I am often asked why do I do it?  Sometimes, I actually ask myself that question, but when I think about how the community as a whole operates (quick to answer questions and join discussions) any doubt is quickly removed.  Think about this, in what community can you post a question on twitter or send an email to someone you met at a community event and before you know it, you have several responses to your question.  I became active in the community almost three years ago and I was embraced (not physically, well maybe by a couple) by several people who I considered to be some the of the top SQL Server professionals in the community.  So why not give back?  If I had to list the TOP (5) reasons as to why I do it, it would hard for me to narrow it down.  Fortunately, I am always up to a challenge so here are my TOP 5 reasons:</p> <p>1.  Contributing to the community, continually increases my knowledge about SQL Server and all of it's components.</p> <p>2.  Allows me to meet a bunch of really talented SQL Server professionals.  Networking, Networking, Networking....</p> <p>3.  Can't forget about job opportunities, because I landed my current job with Pragmatic Works at a SQL Saturday event where I was speaking.</p> <p>4.  Allows me to travel to places that I have never been (a selfish reason) ;).</p> <p>5.  Honestly, I enjoy it.</p> <p>So why do you contribute?  Write your own blog post and share it with the community.</p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS, Founder SQL Lunch</p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.BIDN.com">www.BIDN.com</a>, Bring Business Intelligence to your company.</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-15438809891401991262010-10-12T04:55:00.001-07:002010-10-12T04:55:56.142-07:00Speaking at South Florida SQL Server User Group<p>I will be speaking at the <a href="http://www.sfssug.com">South Florida SQL Server User Group</a> on October 13 via Live Meeting.  My topic is Introduction to Change Data Capture with SSIS.  If you have some time logon and watch the meeting.</p> <p>Meeting URL:  <a href="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/mvp/join?id=PWWZ93&role=attend&pw=47WFd%7EC%5CJ">https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/mvp/join?id=PWWZ93&role=attend&pw=47WFd%7EC%5CJ</a></p> <p>In thisLeBlanc presentation I will Introduce Change Data Capture and show how it can be used to incrementally load a Slowly Changing Dimension.  Hope to see some of you online.</p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS, Founder SQL Lunch</p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.BIDN.com">www.BIDN.com</a>, Bring Business Intelligence to your company.</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-88996129047971254542010-10-07T21:41:00.001-07:002010-10-07T21:41:31.520-07:00October SQL Server & .Net User Group Meetings<h2>October .NET & SQL User Group Meetings </h2> <p>This month the Baton Rouge SQL Server and .Net user groups are holding a joint meeting.  We will be meeting at our usual location.  If you are around Baton Rouge on Wednesday October 13th stop by.  The meeting details are as follows:</p> <p><strong>Location:  </strong>Lamar Advertising, 5551 Corporate Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA</p> <p><strong>Date and Time: </strong>10/13/2010 5:45:00 PM <br /><strong>Sponsored By</strong>: Sparkhound <br /><strong>Agenda:</strong> <br /><strong>5:45 - 6:15 pm:</strong> Networking and Refreshments <br /><strong>6:15 - 6:30 pm:</strong> Lightning Round <br /><strong>6:30 - 7:45 pm:</strong> (.NET) Visualize Data in a “geo way” with WP 7 and Silverlight <br /><strong>6:30 - 7:45 pm:</strong> (SQL) Building Spatial Data Reports with SSRS 2008 R2 and Powershell for the DBA <br /><strong>7:45 - until:</strong> Open Forum for questions and Raffle </p> <p><strong>Lightning Round (Lamar Kitchen)</strong> <br /><strong>Topic:</strong> Introduction to the Pomodoro Technique <br /><strong>Overview:</strong> For many of us time is an enemy. The anxiety triggered by “the ticking clock” and deadlines to be met leads to ineffective work and study habits and procrastination. In this lightning round we’ll look at how the Pomodoro Technique can help transform time into a valuable ally.</p> <p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Stacy Vicknair, VB.NET MVP, MCTS</p> <p><strong>BIO: </strong>Stacy Vicknair is a development consultant working for Sparkhound and a Microsoft MVP for two years running in Visual Basic. Stacy blogs at his website, <a href="http://www.wtfnext.com">http://www.wtfnext.com</a>, about .NET and other general development topics. He is active in his local community as a committee member for the Baton Rouge .NET User Group (<a href="http://www.brdnug.org)">http://www.brdnug.org)</a> and <br />a co-founder for the Baton Rouge Architecture Group (<a href="http://www.braglunch.com">http://</a><a href="http://www.braglunch.com">www.braglunch.com</a></a>). </p> <h2>SQL Server User Group (3rd Floor Conference Room) Two Topics</h2> <p><u>Session One</u></p> <p><strong>Topic:</strong> Building Spatial Data Reports with SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services Overview: Microsoft introduced spatial data types in SQL Server 2008 and since has enhanced the reporting capabilities in the following release of SQL Server 2008 R2. This session will introduce the concept of spatial data types in SQL, provide some tips and tools for getting spatial data into SQL, and show different methods for including spatial data in SQL Reporting Services Reports.</p> <p> <br /><strong>Speaker:</strong> Mark Verret</p> <p><strong>BIO: </strong>Mark Verret is the Systems Administrator for the LSU Highway Safety Research Group.  He has over 10 years of experience in the IT field.  He has presented at the past two SQLSaturday events in Baton Rouge.  He has functioned as DBA for the past 3 years working with SQL 2000, 2005, 2008, and 2008 R2.  </p> <p><strong><u>Session Two</u></strong></p> <p>Summary: Powershell for DBAs- introduction and examples of how Powershell 2.0 can make you a more versatile SQL Server Administrator </p> <p><strong>Speaker:  </strong>William Assaf</p> <p><strong>Bio: </strong>William Assaf, MCITP-DD, is a Senior Development Consultant and Team Lead for Sparkhound, Inc. in Baton Rouge, LA.  He blogs on SQL Server at <a href="http://sqltact.blogspot.com">http://sqltact.blogspot.com</a>, where you can find the slides and code examples of this presentation.</p> <h2><strong>.NET User Group (Lamar Kitchen)</strong> <br /></h2> <p><strong></strong>Topic: Visualize Data in a “geo way” with WP 7 and Silverlight Overview: Geospatial data is being used everywhere these days, from social media, to citizen reporting 311 applications, to tracking government spending. This talk will discuss design tips and go over the requirements for creating a better user experience and how to visualize data in a “geo way” for Windows Phone 7 and Silverlight applications.</p> <p> <br /><strong>Speaker:</strong> Al Pascual <br /><strong>BIO: </strong>Company: ESRI <br />Al Pascual was born, bred and educated in Barcelona Spain,. He moved to England as a young lad to work as a developer in start-ups in the technology field. After seven years working in many small companies, Al moved to California with dreams of stock options to work for another start-up and enjoyed the world of low-level C and C++. After spending a few years working as a consultant, when .NET came out, Al helped companies be more productive. He became a pure web developer, believing that HTTP will rule the world and ASP.NET had nothing to do with classic ASP. Finally growing up and joining the corporate world <br />to be part of the matrix, Al now has a wife, 3 daughters, 2 dogs, 2 rats, 1 turtle and a mortgage. He’s happy to work for a big company like Esri as a senior software developer working mainly in Silverlight and ASP.NET. </p> <p>See at the User Group</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS, SQL Server Chapter Leader</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-44842602359518137272010-10-07T19:10:00.001-07:002010-10-07T19:10:36.919-07:00SQL Lunch #32: SSIS Design Patterns, with Andy Leonard<p></p> <p></p> <p>Don't miss SQL Server MVP Andy Leonard on the SQL Lunch, Monday, October 11th.</p> <h5><a href="http://www.sqllunch.com/Meeting.aspx?lunchid=33">#32-SSIS Design Patterns 1c: Variables, Events, and Automated Custom Logging Patterns</a></h5> <p><img alt="Lunch Image" src="http://www.sqllunch.com/images/Lunch%20Images/AndyLeonard.jpg" width="115" height="130" /></p> <p><b>Speaker:</b> Andy Leonard</p> <p><b>Add To Outlook: </b><a href="http://www.sqllunch.com/AddtoOutlook/lunch32.ics">Add To Calendar</a></p> <p><strong>Live Meeting URL:  <a title="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=JG6T72&role=attend" href="https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=JG6T72&role=attend">https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=JG6T72&role=attend</a></strong></p> <p><b>Date and Time:</b> 10/11/2010 11:30:00 AM CST <br /><b>BIO: </b>Andy Leonard is an Architect with Molina Medicaid Solutions, SQL Server database and Integration Services developer, SQL Server MVP, PASS Regional Mentor, and engineer. He is a co-author of Professional SQL Server 2005 Integration Services and SQL Server MVP Deep Dives. Andy blogs for SQLBlog.com. His background includes web application architecture and development, VB, and ASP; SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS); data warehouse development using SQL Server 2000, 2005 and 2008.</p> <p>See you at Lunch</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS, Founder SQL Lunch</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-68836144580050622452010-10-06T19:42:00.001-07:002010-10-06T19:42:06.519-07:00Speaking at Houston Techfest<p>I am heading down to Houston, TX to speak at the <a href="http://houstontechfest.com/">Houston Techfest</a> this weekend.  Being a Houston native makes this trip even more exciting.  This is a free event that offers a diverse set of sessions.  The sessions range from What's new in Java to Introduction to Window Azure.   I attended the event last year and if my memory serves me correctly there were only two SQL Sessions.  Fortunately, I was able to convince the event coordinator, Michael Steinberg, to include a full SQL Track at the event. This year the event will host at least 7 SQL Sessions.  I will be giving two presentations.  The first is a presentation on Backup and Data Compression and in the second session I will be introducing the use of Change Data Capture with SSIS.  </p> <p>This event attracts approximately 1000 people from all across the state.  If you are near the Houston area this weekend I recommend that you try to attend.  Not only is it a great chance to learn something new, but you may even win a Trip to Las Vegas.  One thing I forgot to mention was that lunch is FREE.  So I hope to see you all there.  Also, if you attend my second session of the day you will have a chance to win <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knights-Microsoft-Business-Intelligence-24-Hour/dp/0470889632/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1286419101&sr=8-1-fkmr2">Knight's Microsoft Business Intelligence 24-Hour Trainer</a>, which I co-authored.  Hope to see you there!</p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS, Founder <a href="http://www.sqllunch.com">www.sqllunch.com</a></p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.BIDN.com">www.BIDN.com</a>, Bring Business Intelligence to your company.</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-22196558777129137692010-10-04T07:55:00.001-07:002010-10-04T07:55:20.736-07:00SQL Lunch One Year Anniversary<p>I am very excited to announce the 1 year anniversary of the SQL Lunch. Last year around this time I was getting the site up and trying to find a couple of speakers to ensure that we had a good start. I was able to convince Tim Mitchell to speak and the rest is history. Thanks to everyone that has attended all of the lunch events and thanks to all of the speakers who gave their time to make the site a success.</p> <p>During the first year I gained a co-host (Adam Jorgensen) and several new friends along the way. I also hired the first SQL Lunch employee, Patrick Jr. (my son). He and I are working hard on improving the site and the notifications. Thanks again to everyone and see you at the next SQL Lunch. As always, we are looking for speakers so email us at <a href="mailto:webmaster@sqllunch.com">webmaster@sqllunch.com</a> if you are interested in speaking.</p> <p>Talk to you soon, </p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS </p> <p>Founder <a href="http://www.sqllunch.com/">SQL Lunch</a></p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-249351778170888722010-10-03T14:22:00.001-07:002010-10-03T14:22:39.309-07:00Maintain Change Data Capture Configuration when restoring a database<p>I have been working with a several clients that are leveraging Change Data Capture (CDC) as a tool for incrementally loading their Data Warehouse.  In most cases the clients are using database restores from various environments to create test environments.  When databases with CDC enabled is restored to the same server with the same database name, CDC remains enabled and <b><i>all related meta data is persisted</i></b>.  However, when restoring the database to another server or to the same server, but with a new database name, CDC is disabled and all related metadata is deleted.  To retain the CDC configuration when restoring, simply use the KEEP_CDC option when restoring your database.  The following script shows an example of how to accomplish this: <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="379"> <p><b>RESTORE</b><b> DATABASE TestCDC</b></p> <p><b>FROM</b><b> DISK = 'C:\MMSQL\BACKUPS\TestCDC.bak'</b></p> <p><b>WITH</b><b> KEEP_CDC</b></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </p> <p>The key item here is to specify KEEP_CDC as an option of the restore.  As always, if you have any questions concerning this post please comment here or send an email to <a href="mailto:pleblanc@pragmaticworks.com">pleblanc@pragmaticworks.com</a>. </p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS</p> <p>Founder <a href="http://www.sqllunch.com/">SQL Lunch</a></p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.BIDN.com">www.BIDN.com</a>, Bring Business Intelligence to your company.</p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2046028067618905204.post-49097917716679026342010-10-03T11:03:00.001-07:002010-10-03T11:03:49.955-07:00SQL Saturday #57 (Houston) Call for Speakers and Registration is Open!!<p>So many people have been waiting for a SQL Saturday in Houston and now it’s finally here. As a native of Houston I was surprised that it wasn’t one of the first SQL Saturday venues. Well the wait is over. Thanks to Nancy Wilson, the local SQL Server User Group Chapter Leader, Jonathan Gardner and Malik Al-Aminthe, the first Houston <a href="http://sqlsaturday.com/57/eventhome.aspx">SQL Saturday (#57)</a> will be held on January 29, 2011. Several great sessions have already been submitted, but they are definitely accepting more. In a city the size of Houston they are expecting an overwhelming number of attendees for this event. If you are a speaker that has never given a presentation at a SQL Saturday this may be a good place to get your start. Go <a href="http://sqlsaturday.com/57/callforspeakers.aspx">here</a> to sign up. If you are not quite ready to speak, but would like to attend click <a href="http://sqlsaturday.com/57/register.aspx">here</a> to register. See you in Houston.</p> <p>Talk to you soon,</p> <p>Patrick LeBlanc, SQL Server MVP, MCTS</p> <p>Founder <a href="http://www.sqllunch.com/">SQL Lunch</a></p> Patrick LeBlanchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01738972122068246140noreply@blogger.com0