SQL Server 2025: time-bound Extended Events explained

In a previous blog post, I discussed my initial impressions of SQL Server and the key features that are relevant to my work in Business Intelligence. This time, I want to focus on a specific and improved feature of SQL Server, namely extended events. What are they? To provide some context, let's begin by defining … Continue reading SQL Server 2025: time-bound Extended Events explained

Mastering Real-Time Analytics with Microsoft Fabric

When Microsoft Fabric was introduced in May 2023, one of its major promoted components was the Real-time Analytics part. We (that is, my coworkers and I from Axians) focused mainly on the batch processing of data. With the introduction of the DP-700 exam, I started to focus more on the real-time part of Microsoft Fabric. … Continue reading Mastering Real-Time Analytics with Microsoft Fabric

Streamline Fabric Monitoring and Administration Using FUAM

Let me set the scene quickly for you. You're working for an organisation where Fabric is in the process of being adopted or it's already fully in use. Regardless of the number of capacities, workspaces, etc, you're interested in what's going on in your Fabric environment. You have questions like "Who is using the reports?", … Continue reading Streamline Fabric Monitoring and Administration Using FUAM

DP-700 training: Implement mirroring

If you come from an SQL Server background, mirroring will be familiar to you. It may be good or bad, but hopefully not at a nightmare level. Whatever your association with database mirroring, it is also available within Microsoft Fabric. What is mirroring If you're not coming from a SQL Server background, or any data … Continue reading DP-700 training: Implement mirroring

Loadtesting SQL, the sequel

Some time ago, I wrote a number of blogposts comparing the different Azure SQL options to give you some idea about performance, differences between tiers and differences between the Stock Keeping Units (SKU's). This was done by creating data in the database itself and review the metrics. This works fine and gave a good overview … Continue reading Loadtesting SQL, the sequel

DP-700 Training: Choose an appropriate data store

The best place to store your data is in a SQL Server database that no living being can ever access. The end. No, I'm kidding, of course. But there's an atom of truth in this joke. Because for years we, in the structured data industry, have always been convinced that a database is the best … Continue reading DP-700 Training: Choose an appropriate data store

DP-700 training: Create and configure deployment pipelines

In one of the earlier blogs, the topic revolved around everything Git. Git is a version control system where you can leverage CI/CD. I love Git, even though it has a habit of biting me severely in the parts I use to sit on. If you're not well versed in Git or have no option … Continue reading DP-700 training: Create and configure deployment pipelines

DP-700 Exam training: Configure OneLake workspace settings

OneLake, the OneDrive for all your data, the One Lake to rule them all or however you've heard it being described. Whatever you've heard, OneLake is the single storage on your tenant used to store all the data of your Fabric Capacities. About OneLake The core point to remember is that your tenant has just … Continue reading DP-700 Exam training: Configure OneLake workspace settings

DP-700 exam training: Configure Domain workspace settings

In the previous blog, you read about the Spark settings within the workspace. This time it's about the domain settings. So let's dig into what domains are, what you can use them for and which settings there are. What are domains? If you read (and you should) the excellent book on data architectures by James … Continue reading DP-700 exam training: Configure Domain workspace settings

Analyze Azure NSG Flow Logs in SQL Server: Step-by-Step Guide

I had an interesting question lately where I was requested to show all the network traffic within an Azure landing zone. Specifically source and target IP, protocol and port. From the aspect of Zero Trust, it's important to show both successful and failed connections in your network. To be able to answer this question I … Continue reading Analyze Azure NSG Flow Logs in SQL Server: Step-by-Step Guide