Speaking at Data Ceili. Or, how to work with fast-changing software in your demo

Today I had the pleasure of presenting my session on Copilot for SQL at the Data Ceili event in Dublin. Somewhere between 50 and 60 people attended, having fun and learning how this Copilot works, what it can and can't do, and, very important today, how much it will cost you. The challenge While preparing … Continue reading Speaking at Data Ceili. Or, how to work with fast-changing software in your demo

SSMS 22.6: Custom Copilot instructions

When you start using SSMS with GitHub Copilot, there is no default set of instructions in place. The agent will just sort of do what it thinks is best. But you can make sure the agent has more knowledge of your local environment (yes, it can be a cloud database as well), how it should … Continue reading SSMS 22.6: Custom Copilot instructions

SSMS 22.5 and Copilot: generate code in the query window

A lot of you may probably know that I like the GitHub Copilot sidecar chat in SSMS, and that it can really help develop code faster. Even though you have to be aware of how the integration now handles your prompts, it remains a great help to quickly generate code. But did you know that … Continue reading SSMS 22.5 and Copilot: generate code in the query window

SQL and MCP, the local edition

In the previous blog posts, I've written about installing MCP and how it works, followed by how to use it with an Azure SQL Database through an Azure Container Instance and Microsoft Foundry. But, you can also use your favourite local database (SQL Server ;)) and Visual Studio Code. The reason Visual Studio Code is … Continue reading SQL and MCP, the local edition

Ignite announced SQL Server 2025 and Fabric SQL GA

I'm guessing you've seen posts, blogs and social media activity in the last year on both Fabric SQL databases and rumours around SQL Server 2025. Today, Microsoft announced that both of these are Generally Available (GA). This means it's now fully supported by Microsoft. You can read all about this, and more, in the Ignite … Continue reading Ignite announced SQL Server 2025 and Fabric SQL GA

Exploring SSMS 22 Preview 3: New GitHub Copilot Features

A few minutes ago, I came across a post on LinkedIn by Erin Stellato, highlighting the post from Makena Barickman on the release of SSMS 22, preview 3. If you've been following my blogs, you've read that I'm a keen follower of the latest editions of SSMS, especially now that Copilot is integrated. From very … Continue reading Exploring SSMS 22 Preview 3: New GitHub Copilot Features

SSMS 22 preview 1 first impressions

We're almost used to SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) 21, and now 22 is already in preview. So, let's see where it's available for download, install it and see what's different. Download and release notes. The most important part, of course, is the download of the binaries. Click here for the download. Click here for … Continue reading SSMS 22 preview 1 first impressions

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 Céilí

This month marked a new experience for me, as I spoke at the Data Céilí 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 Céilí

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?