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: Performance
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
DP-700 training: Workspace logging
Let's dig into something that's quite simple to implement: workspace monitoring. Whenever someone calls out that "something is simple to implement", your first response should be "Oh really?". Because simplicity is always in the eyes of the beholder. And sometimes the easiest solutions carry the most consequences. Or cost. Or both. Wording can be complicated, … Continue reading DP-700 training: Workspace logging
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
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?
DP-700 Training: Monitor hub
When we create a data solution for our company or clients, we create the best, right? Sure, we do. But still, monitoring the solution is something you should never forget. Your solution can be stable, but the data usually isn't. And it just feels good to know all the data has been processed correctly. So, … Continue reading DP-700 Training: Monitor hub
Azure Synapse Analytics performance, an analysis
Some time ago, a client came up with a very intriguing question. As I love a challenge, especially when you get to dig deep into a toolset, I jumped at the occasion and went for it. The following is a write up about the steps taken to analyse. Both for future me when I run … Continue reading Azure Synapse Analytics performance, an analysis
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
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
Mastering your Fabric Capacity Metrics App
This weekend, attending Data Saturday Denmark, I joined a session presented by Benni de Jagere. Benni works for Microsoft as a member of the CAT team but is also very active in the community as an organiser and speaker. In general, when Benni starts speaking and sharing knowledge, it's well worth it to listen and … Continue reading Mastering your Fabric Capacity Metrics App









