07Sep 2012 by Grant Fritchey 12 Comments

SQL Server vs. Oracle

PASS, Redgate Software, SQL Server, T-SQL
Just so we're clear, I use SQL Server. I like SQL Server. But, this doesn't mean I have anything against Oracle. It's fine. It's good. But, I know very little about it. However, throughout my career I've found myself needing to understand it better. Either because I'm trying to train Oracle people to better use SQL Server and I need to be able to speak a little of their language to facilitate translation. Or, because I'm defending SQL Server on some technical point that the Oracle people don't completely understand. Or, because I've said something stupid about Oracle in my ignorance. Now, you know how busy you are, and I know how busy I am, so I doubt either of us has the time we really need to learn Oracle…
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16Aug 2012 by Grant Fritchey 3 Comments

Coming to Your Town

PASS, Professional Development
I can't sing and I can't play and I left the young generation behind a while ago, but I'm still coming to your town, or maybe one near you. Between August and December I'm hitting a substantial portion of the country, so if you want to have a little fun, discuss SQL Server, network, or just chat, here are your chances. Please, ask me questions. Please, walk right up and say hello because we can learn from each other and I love my SQL Family. Here's where I'm going to be: SQL Saturday #125 in Oklahoma City, August 25: Only one presentation here, Top Tips for T-SQL Performance, but it's a fun presentation. Register now because time is running out. SQL Saturday #156 in Providence, RI, September 15: This is…
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16Jul 2012 by Grant Fritchey 12 Comments

SQL In The City: London 2012, Recap

Professional Development, Redgate Software, T-SQL, Tools
Wow! How's that for a recap? The concept for the SQL in the City events is pretty simple. Put on a free event that instructs people on SQL Server, Azure, and related technologies along with a healthy smattering of Red Gate tools. All teaching is done by some of the best people in the business (and me). This was the second event in London. The concept was launched there last year and succeeded quite well. This year the event filled it's registrations so quickly that Red Gate felt obligated to have a second day, which almost completely filled up too. There were more than 350 people in attendance on Friday, and then, on Saturday, a day off, another 250+ people showed up. That's well over 600 attendees over the two…
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24Oct 2011 by Grant Fritchey 5 Comments

I Can’t Go To Space

Redgate Software
If I could win the DBA In Space contest, I’d be all over it like white on rice. But I can’t win (and yes, that grinding sound you hear is my teeth, not tectonic plates). But, one of my friends might. I already know several of them that have entered. Maybe you can’t win either (what’s up with Tennessee anyway), or maybe you don’t want to win (I don’t understand this stance, but I know it’s out there). But you know what? Your friends probably do want a chance to slip the surly bonds of earth. Give it to them. It’s easy. Step 1: Get five (5) friends to register for the contest. Step 2: After they register, send their names & email addresses to dbainspace@red-gate.com. Done. Send in five…
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07Feb 2011 by Grant Fritchey 13 Comments

SQL Saturday #60: The Saga

PASS
First, let me thank Erin Stellato (blog|twitter) and all the volunteers for running such a great event. Nicely done. This event was to be my very first walk on to the public stage as a Red Gate employee, so I was excited about getting there. About 10 minutes before I left for the airport, I got a call from the airline. My flight had been cancelled, but no worries, they rescheduled everything for me. Instead of flying to LaGuardia and then on to Cleveland, I would fly past Cleveland to Chicago and then back to Cleveland, getting there at 7:30PM instead of 4:30PM. Ah well. What are you going to do. I’d prefer not to go to Chicago, but everything should be fine… The plane was supposed to leave Chicago…
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31Jan 2011 by Grant Fritchey 7 Comments

Powershell to Automate SQL Compare

Tools
A question came up on the SQL Server Central Forums, how could you use Red Gate SQL Compare to automate creating scripts for all your databases at once. What’s the first thing that popped into my head? Yep, Powershell. SQL Compare Pro comes with a command line utility that allows you to automate just about everything you can do with the GUI. I like to use it when I’m setting up deployment mechanisms for systems because it makes one click deployments possible. I won’t go into all the methods of that type of automation here. For a lot more information on that topic, check out the Team-Based Development book. If you’re interested in exploring how you can use the command line, just type this: sqlcompare/? Now is a good time…
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21Jan 2011 by Grant Fritchey 63 Comments

A Friend of Red Gate No More

Misc
Don’t get me wrong. It’s been great. The beta tests. The advanced notices. The opportunity for feedback. It’s been a great relationship, a fantastic friendship. Look, it’s not you, it’s me. I want more. I want to take our relationship to the next level. That’s why I’m excited as can possibly be to announce that I’m no longer in the Friends of Red Gate program because I’m now a Red Gate employee. That’s right, I’m colored Red! This is an amazing opportunity to step up my game to a whole new level and I’m thrilled to be able to take advantage of it. I have a fascinating title: Product Evangelist. I’m going to be traveling around the country to various events, SQL Saturdays (Cleveland & Chicago already booked), SQL Rally,…
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20Dec 2010 by Grant Fritchey 12 Comments

The iPad/SQL Monitor Results

Misc
I ended up with 131 posts (1 late hit, sorry), not counting any duplicates with Brent or Steve. It was clear that people really took this thing seriously and put thought and effort into the posts. I wish I had about 60 iPad's to give away instead of only 10. But, decisions had to be made. The point system is utterly meaningless, but, points were awarded for pithiness (I warned you), for a well-turned phrase, and as much as I'm loathe to admit it, for poetry (just because of the work involved). Originally, I planned on just randomly picking the winner. But, I only had 131 entries, and you all worked so hard, I decided to read them all and work hard for you in return. This really was a…
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16Nov 2010 by Grant Fritchey No Comments

SQL Server Team-Based Development

Misc
The new book is available in a free download from Red Gate. I had a lot of fun working on the three chapters that I did for this book. The topics I received are near & dear to me because of all the time I've spent working on getting databases into source control and automating (as much as possible) the deployment of databases out of source control. Everything I go over in the book might not be 100% applicable to your situation, but I'm pretty sure almost anyone involved in database development and deployment can find some useful information there. For those who are interested, I don't just cover Red Gate tools in the book either. There's quite a bit of time spent describing how to automate deployments using Visual…
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13Jul 2010 by Grant Fritchey 10 Comments

Red Gate SQL Source Control

SQL Server, T-SQL, Tools
You just have to love Red Gate tools. They find the small area that they want to cover and then they cover it extremely well. I rave regularly about SQL Prompt and SQL Compare and SQL Search (free one, btw). I've got SQL Data Compare and SQL Data Generator open & working on my desk regularly. I'm dabbling in their other tools fairly often as well. I just like Red Gate tools. I guess my constant & consistent praise is why I'm a "Friend of Red Gate." I like to mention that before I start praising their tools some more, just so no one thinks I'm hiding it. Why would I hide it? I'm proud to say it. I am a Friend of Red Gate! ... anyway... where was I... right, new software.…
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