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
Category: DBA
My top features of SQL Server 2025 for Business Intelligence
Some time ago, Microsoft announced the release of a new version of SQL Server. This made me happy, mainly because in the storm of everything Fabric, Copilot, and cloud, sturdy technology still has a place, and Microsoft hasn't forgotten that. Companies still rely on on-premises systems that require databases. And running everything on-premises is still … Continue reading My top features of SQL Server 2025 for Business Intelligence
How to set the Copilot default execution mode in SSMS 21
This is going to be a short blog post, as it serves to highlight a new setting found in SSMS 21.4.12. Tell me more! Well, if you go to the Tools menu in SSMS and click on Options, you will see, unsurprisingly, the options. Locate your Copilot option and click on the Azure OpenAI settings. … Continue reading How to set the Copilot default execution mode in SSMS 21
Speaking experiences at Data CéilÃ
This month marked a new experience for me, as I spoke at the Data Céilà event in Dublin. I had never been in Dublin before, nor in Ireland. As the weather turned warm and sunny in the Netherlands, I looked forward to lush green hills, glorious views, and amazing people. Rain Well, that idea quickly … Continue reading Speaking experiences at Data CéilÃ
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
Setting Up Copilot in SSMS 21: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that's a title! Especially for a very cool new feature: Copilot embedded in SSMS. I've blogged about Copilot for SQL before, but this really is the next step! I'm very excited about this new feature, and I tried to install it on my machine. Because Microsoft can share all the steps they think you … Continue reading Setting Up Copilot in SSMS 21: A Step-by-Step Guide
Is Microsoft SSMS Copilot the Future of Database Management?
Today, May 19th, 2025, is the keynote day of Microsoft Build, where Microsoft announces its big new tech innovations. You won't be surprised; there's a lot of Copilot in the announcements. You can't get around it if you have any toolset in the cloud; there will be AI waiting for you to help you. Bad … Continue reading Is Microsoft SSMS Copilot the Future of Database Management?
Speaking experiences at Seaql Saturday
April 12th marked the first edition of Seaql Saturday in the Netherlands, the inaugural event situated in the southern part of the country. The event focused on SQL Server only; as advertised, it was a Fabric-free event. This blog post will discuss my experiences and why you should attend the next edition. Before the event … Continue reading Speaking experiences at Seaql Saturday
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: data masking
Data security is the most important part of our job as data engineers and data architects. There are very few use cases where people need to see all the data in full detail. I know, customers take a different view on this but in reality, do they really need every single detail? No, they do … Continue reading DP-700 training: data masking









