Niko Neugebauer is an expert in SQL Server, Columnstore indexes, and data platforms, sharing in-depth technical guides, performance optimization tips, and community insights on advanced database technologies.
128 articles from this blog
Explains how to configure and use the Read Scale-Out feature for Azure SQL Database Premium tier to offload read workloads to secondary replicas.
Explores the new Edge Constraints feature in SQL Server 2019 and Azure SQL Database for enforcing data quality and directionality in graph database schemas.
Author's schedule and session highlights for the PASS Summit 2018, a major Microsoft Data Platform conference.
A technical critique of SQL Server 2019's Master Data Services (MDS) database, highlighting poor default configurations like outdated compatibility levels and page verification settings.
SQL Server 2019's Master Data Services (MDS) finally replaces the Silverlight-based web interface with a modern, browser-agnostic HTML front-end.
Explains the APPROX_COUNT_DISTINCT function for faster, memory-efficient distinct counts in SQL, comparing it to exact COUNT(DISTINCT).
Explores limitations of Batch Execution Mode on Rowstore Indexes in SQL Server, including heuristics and missing operators.
Explores the heuristics and conditions under which SQL Server's Query Optimizer decides to use Batch Mode execution for query processing.
Explores SQL Server 2019's new Batch Execution Mode for Rowstore indexes, covering basics, enabling it, and analyzing performance.
Explores SQL Server 2019's improved DBCC CLONEDATABASE command for automatically extracting Columnstore Index statistics into a cloned database.
Explores Microsoft's new Columnstore compression estimation in SQL Server 2019, comparing it to a custom system stored procedure.
A critique of the growing disconnect between marketing hype and technical reality in the IT industry, focusing on buzzwords and misinformation.
A proposal to replace conference t-shirts with reusable, high-quality shirts featuring Velcro-attachable event logos to reduce waste.
Announcing a full-day SQL workshop on optimizing data warehouses using Columnstore Indexes, from basics to advanced tuning, at SQLSaturday Madrid 2018.
Announcing two full-day SQL Server workshops at SQLSaturday Lisbon 2018, featuring Query Store troubleshooting and performance tuning.
A critique of speakers who cancel free tech events, arguing they disrespect attendees' time and organizers' resources despite no ticket revenue.
An organizer explains the hidden costs behind free IT community events, from venue and food to materials and sponsor expectations.
A reflection on the challenges and principles of organizing a truly independent tech conference, focusing on community over self-promotion.
A personal reflection on the author's 5-year journey writing a blog series about SQL Server Columnstore Indexes, from initial posts to becoming an expert.
Explores Microsoft's Resumable Online Index Creation feature in Azure SQL DB, detailing its benefits for managing large databases without downtime.
