The Baker's Dozen: 13 Tips for SQL Server 2008 and SSRS 2008

lthough the temperatures are still warm, it's Christmas Day here at the Baker's Dozen, and we're about to unwrap thirteen major SQL Server/SSRS 2008 gifts from Microsoft. A major software release either contains a substantial number of enhancements, or a small number of substantial enhancements. The last two releases of SQL Server remind me of the two types of Christmases: SQL 2005 was like receiving a large number of presents, and SQL Server 2008 is like receiving a smaller number of big gifts. Those of you who asked Santa for the ability to INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE in one SQL statement, or to specify multiple GROUP BY statements in a single SQL query, will be very happy. If you wanted a hierarchical data type, you will be ecstatic. SQL Server 2008 also includes a new and completely re-written version of SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)—complete with a new interface, new charting features, and (get ready to applaud) no more reliance on Internet Information Services (IIS).

Confessions of a Data Guy
When Microsoft releases new language or .NET Framework features, I go through my little circle of life. One can almost hear Elton John singing "Can you feel the code tonight?" I go through a few iterations of the grokking phrase, I talk to others about it, and then I try it out in a few prototypes before taking the production plunge.