Bucket of Bits

A New Season (A Networking Success Story)

Posted: Friday, February 05, 2010 12:30:00 PM

I’d like to share a networking success story. Last year, I blogged about my experience at the PASS Summit of 2005 , where I was essentially a wallflower and didn’t really do any networking. Since then, I’ve realized its importance and have embraced professional...(read more)

SSIS Alpha Splits using the CODEPOINT() Function

Posted: Thursday, February 04, 2010 2:15:59 PM

A relatively common requirement in ETL processing is to break records into disparate outputs based on an alphabetical split on a range of letters. A practical example of this would be a work queue for collections staff based on last name; records...(read more)

SQL Saturday Richmond - Postponed

Posted: Friday, January 29, 2010 4:36:11 AM

If you’re anywhere from the southwest to the deep south, you’re probably aware of the impending winter weather bearing down on this large area. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has temporarily claimed a significant victim: This weekend’s SQL Saturday...(read more)

SQL Saturday 30 – Richmond VA

Posted: Monday, January 25, 2010 5:31:28 PM

This weekend, I’ll be headed for the east coast to speak at the SQL Saturday in Richmond, VA on Saturday. I’ll be presenting my session on SSIS package configurations and expressions as part of the BI track. As of last week, the event registration...(read more)

We Are Microsoft (GiveCamp Dallas)

Posted: Saturday, January 23, 2010 5:46:00 PM

Last weekend (January 15-17) found me at the third annual GiveCamp Dallas event, known locally as We Are Microsoft . This event pairs developers and other technical professionals with charities who are long on need but short on funds for technology...(read more)

Three Things

Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 6:09:39 PM

So for the latest database geek meme, Paul Randal started this thing off and tagged Tom LaRock , who enlisted Grant Fritchey , who finally tagged me. This one simply asks, “What 3 things or events brought you to where you are today?” ...(read more)

LEFT(), or Left Out?

Posted: Thursday, January 14, 2010 3:23:00 AM

So the question came up earlier today about the RIGHT() and LEFT() functions in the SSIS expression language. Like the Transact-SQL functions, one might assume that these functions would exist in SSIS expression language to snatch a specified subset of...(read more)

PASS DBA Virtual Chapter Presentation

Posted: Thursday, January 14, 2010 2:58:00 AM

I got the opportunity to present to the PASS DBA Virtual Chapter today, discussing the properties and practical uses of SSIS expressions and package configurations. Thanks to Greg Larsen and the other members of this virtual chapter for allowing me to...(read more)

Webcast Tomorrow - Dynamic SSIS: Using Expressions and Configurations

Posted: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 9:15:00 PM

Join me tomorrow at 1:00pm CST as I present "Dynamic SSIS: Using Expressions and Configurations" for the PASS DBA virtual chapter: In this session, we'll review the use of expressions and configurations that can help make your SSIS packages...(read more)

Goals for 2010

Posted: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 6:19:00 PM

So I’d planned to already have this done and published before the new year rolled around, but life got in the way… and I mean that in a good way! I’ve said this before but it bears mentioning again that creating and sharing a list of goals...(read more)