SQL Know How

SQL Server Data Storage Formats: Internals, Performance and Best Practices

Kalen Delaney

This seminar will describe all the different formats available for storing data, including the new filestream data, compressed data and sparse data columns in SQL Server 2008. We'll look at the metadata to determine exactly what is being stored and where, and discuss best practices for choosing the particular type of storage format.

Goals

  • Learn to use the tools for examining storage
  • Compare the various storage formats available in SQL Server 2005
  • Understand the functionality of the new SQL Server 2008 storage options
  • Explore the costs and benefits of each type of format

Prerequisites

A thorough understanding of basic storage concepts, including files, extents and pages. Basic understanding of special formats in SQL 2005 including LOB and row-overflow. Basic familiarity with TSQL, including 3-table join operations and grouping.

Why should I attend?

Ever wondered about the internal storage structures of SQL Server? As a DBA you should be thinking about this to better understand how SQL Server is doing what it is doing. What Kalen doesn't know about the internals of the storage engine for SQL Server is not worth knowing so if you want to know what is going on from someone who knows then come to this seminar.

Course Length & Type

One day instructor led seminar.

Location

3rd November 2008 Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden

Conveniently located only 4 miles from the M1 and close to Harpenden railway station with good links to London. Rothamsted Manor is part of the larger Rothamsted Research facility, but retains a secluded and tranquil feel ideal for learning.

Events are held in The Great Drawing Room at the manor house itself. For full directions see Rothamsted Manor's How to Find Us guide.

The Great Drawing Room Rothamsted Manor & Conference Centre
Rothamsted Research
Harpenden
AL5 2JQ

Rothamsted Manor web site.

Timetable

09:00Arrive
09:00 - 09:15Welcome tea and coffee
09:15 - 10:45Seminar
10:45 - 11:00Tea and coffee break
10:45 - 12:30Seminar
12:30 - 13:00Lunch break, finger buffet
13:00 - 15:15Seminar
15:15 - 15:30Tea and coffee break
15:30 - 16:45Seminar
16:45Close

Kalen Delaney

Kalen Delaney

Kalen Delaney has worked with SQL Server for over 20 years, starting with employment with the Sybase Corporation in 1987. She worked at Sybase in technical support and training until 1992, when she became an independent trainer and consultant. Kalen now offers the most advanced SQL Server Internals training in the world, and you can read about her and her course on her website http://www.InsideSQLServer.com.

In addition to teaching and consulting, Kalen has been writing for SQL Server Magazine since its first issue, and has written or contributed to several advanced SQL Server books. Inside SQL Server 2005: The Storage Engine was published in October 2006, and her latest book Inside SQL Server 2005: Query Tuning and Optimization was published in September 2007. She is currently working on her next book, covering the internals of SQL Server 2008.

Events

Training Courses

SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) Deep Dive - 4 Day Training Course