White Paper Gallery for SQL Server

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White Papers in English

SQL Server 2012

AlwaysOn
AlwaysOn Architecture Guide: Building a High Availability and Disaster Recovery Solution by Using AlwaysOn Availability Groups
AlwaysOn Architecture Guide: Building a High Availability and Disaster Recovery Solution by Using Failover Cluster Instances and Availability Groups
AlwaysOn Solution Guide: Offloading Read-Only Workloads to Secondary Replicas
Easing SQL Server 2012 Administration Using AlwaysOn
Installing Master Data Services in an AlwaysOn Environment
Microsoft SQL Server AlwaysOn Solutions Guide for High Availability and Disaster Recovery
Migration Guide: Migrating to SQL Server 2012 Failover Clustering and Availability Groups from Prior Clustering and Mirroring Deployments, Part 1
SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn: Multisite Failover Cluster Instance

Analysis Services
Hardware Sizing a Tabular Solution (SQL Server Analysis Services)
Performance Tuning of Tabular Models in SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services

Business Intelligence
Choosing a Tabular or Multidimensional Modeling Experience in SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services
Configuring a SQL Server Reporting Services scale-out deployment to run on a Network Load Balancing cluster
Deploy SQL Server Business intelligence in Windows Azure Virtual Machines
Fast Track Data Warehouse Reference Guide for SQL Server 2012
How to Choose the Right Reporting and Analysis Tools to Suit Your Style
Microsoft BI Authentication and Identity Delegation
Power View Infrastructure Configuration and Installation: Step-by-Step and Scripts
Securing the Tabular BI Semantic Model
SQL Server 2012 New Capabilities Overview - Breakthrough Insight
SQL Server 2012 Solution Overview - Breakthrough Insight
Using DirectQuery in the Tabular BI Semantic Model

Comparison
A Comparison of the Oracle Database Appliance to Microsoft SQL Server (ITIC)
Becoming a Bilingual Oracle and SQL Server DBA
SQL Server 2012 and MySQL 5: A Detailed Comparison of Approaches and Features
SQL Server 2012 and PostgreSQL 9: A Detailed Comparison of Approaches and Features
SQL Server 2012 Gives You More Advanced Features (Out-of-the-Box)
SQL Server 2012: Why Oracle RAC Might Not Be Suitable for You - A Competitive Review of Real Application Clusters (RAC)
SQL Server Licensing Value vs Oracle Database

Data Access
Converting SQL Server Applications from OLE DB to ODBC
Data Access Tracing in SQL Server 2012
Microsoft® OLEDB Provider for DB2 v4.0 for Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012

Integration Services
5 Tips for a Smooth SSIS Upgrade to SQL Server 2012
Extending SSIS Capabilities by Creating Custom SSIS Components for SharePoint
Extracting and Loading SharePoint Data in SQL Server Integration Services

Overview and Capabilities
Unprecedented Flexibility and TCO Benefits for Mission-Critical Databases (Intel)
Microsoft SQL Server 2012: Potential Game Changer (IDC)
SQL Server 2012 Capabilities for the New Mission Critical
What's New in SQL Server 2012

Other
Cleanse and Match Master Data by Using EIM
Data Quality Services Performance Best Practices Guide
Designing & Maintaining SQL Server Transactional Replication Environments
Enterprise Integration Management with Microsoft SQL Server 2012
Exporting Master Data from Master Data Services
Introduction to Application and Multi-Server Management
Microsoft IT: A case study on Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery – SQL Server 2012
New Spatial Features in SQL Server Code-Named "Denali"
Patching SQL Server Failover Cluster Instances with Cluster-Aware Updating (CAU)
Plan Caching and Recompilation in SQL Server 2012
Putting Data to Work for Mid-Market Companies
Resource Governor in SQL Server 2012
SQL Server 2012 Performance White Paper
SQL Server 2012 Security Best Practices - Operational and Administrative Tasks
SQL Server 2012 Upgrade Technical Reference Guide
Test Lab Guide: Install SQL Server 2012 Enterprise
White Paper: Office 2013 Preview--Access Services Setup for an On-Premises Installation

SQL Server 2008 R2

Other
SQL Server 2008 R2 Upgrade Technical Reference Guide

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White Paper Content in English

SQL Server 2012

AlwaysOn

AlwaysOn Architecture Guide: Building a High Availability and Disaster Recovery Solution by Using AlwaysOn Availability Groups

SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn Availability Groups provides a unified high availability and disaster recovery (HADR) solution that improves upon legacy functionality previously found across disparate features. Prior to SQL Server 2012, several customers used database mirroring to provide local high availability within a data center, and log shipping for disaster recovery across a remote data center. With SQL Server 2012, this common design pattern can be replaced with an architecture that uses availability groups for both high availability and disaster recovery. This paper details the key topology requirements of this specific design pattern, including quorum configuration considerations, steps required to build the environment, and a workflow that shows how to handle a disaster recovery event in the new topology.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: June 2012
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

AlwaysOn Architecture Guide: Building a High Availability and Disaster Recovery Solution by Using Failover Cluster Instances and Availability Groups

SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn Failover Cluster Instances (FCI) and AlwaysOn Availability Groups provide a comprehensive high availability and disaster recovery solution. Prior to SQL Server 2012, many customers used FCIs to provide local high availability within a data center and database mirroring for disaster recovery to a remote data center. With SQL Server 2012, this design pattern can be replaced with an architecture that uses FCIs for high availability and availability groups for disaster recovery business requirements. Availability groups leverage Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC) functionality and enable multiple features not available in database mirroring. This paper details the key topology requirements of this specific design pattern, including asymmetric storage considerations, quorum model selection, quorum votes, steps required to build the environment, and a workflow illustrating how to handle a disaster recovery event in the new topology across participating job roles.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: July 2012
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

AlwaysOn Solution Guide: Offloading Read-Only Workloads to Secondary Replicas	This white paper describes how to configure AlwaysOn Availability Groups for offloading reporting workload to a secondary replica. It also describes the factors that can affect the high availability and the performance of your reporting workload. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: July 2012 Source: MSDN Technical Articles
DOC Microsoft Content

Easing SQL Server 2012 Administration Using AlwaysOn	Microsoft IT upgraded to the beta edition of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 to take advantage of new features, specifically AlwaysOn. Leveraging AlwaysOn eased administration and aligned the processes for local and remote high availability. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: April 2012 Source: Download Center
DOC Microsoft Content

Installing Master Data Services in an AlwaysOn Environment

This white paper describes how to set up a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn environment with SQL Server Master Data Services. This requires Master Data Services in SQL Server 2012 SP1. You can set up this infrastructure with either a shared storage configuration or a nonshared storage configuration.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012 SP1
Publication date: November 2012
Source: MSDN Technical Article

DOC
Microsoft Content

Microsoft SQL Server AlwaysOn Solutions Guide for High Availability and Disaster Recovery	This white paper discusses how to reduce planned and unplanned downtime, maximize application availability, and provide data protection using SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn high availability and disaster recovery solutions. This white paper is also available in e-book formats. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: January 2012 Source: MSDN Technical Articles
DOC Microsoft Content

Migration Guide: Migrating to SQL Server 2012 Failover Clustering and Availability Groups from Prior Clustering and Mirroring Deployments, Part 1

Part I – Prescriptive Guidance. This paper provides guidance for customers who prior to SQL Server 2012 have deployed SQL Failover Clustering for local high availability and database mirroring for disaster recovery, and who want to migrate to SQL Server AlwaysOn. It describes the corresponding SQL Server AlwaysOn scenario and the migration paths to SQL Server AlwaysOn. It also contains the important knowledge and considerations that you must know in order to successfully migrate to a HADR solution based on SQL Server AlwaysOn technology, which implements AlwaysOn Failover Cluster Instances for high availability and AlwaysOn Availability Groups for disaster recovery.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: April 2012
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn: Multisite Failover Cluster Instance

SQL Server Failover Clustering, which includes support for both local and multisite failover configurations, is part of the SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn implementation suite, designed to provide high availability and disaster recovery for SQL Server. The multisite failover clustering technology has been enhanced significantly in SQL Server 2012. The multisite failover cluster architecture, enhancements in SQL Server 2012 to the technology, and some best practices to help with deployment of the technology are the primary focus of this paper.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: December 2011
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

Analysis Services

Hardware Sizing a Tabular Solution (SQL Server Analysis Services)	This white paper provides guidance for estimating the hardware requirements needed to support processing and query workloads for an Analysis Services tabular solution. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: January 2013 Source: MSDN Technical Articles
DOC Microsoft Content

Performance Tuning of Tabular Models in SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services

Tabular models hosted in SQL Server 2012 Analysis Service provide a comparatively lightweight, easy to build and deploy solution for business intelligence. However, as you increase the data load, add more users, or run complex queries, you need to have a strategy for maintaining and tuning performance. This paper describes strategies and specific techniques for getting the best performance from your tabular models, including processing and partitioning strategies, DAX query tuning, and server tuning for specific workloads.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: July 2013
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

Business Intelligence

Choosing a Tabular or Multidimensional Modeling Experience in SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services	This white paper provides practical guidance to help BI professionals and decision makers decide whether SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services tabular or multidimensional modeling provides the best fit for your next BI solution. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: May 2012 Source: MSDN Technical Articles
DOC Microsoft Content

Deploy SQL Server Business Intelligence in Windows Azure Virtual Machines

This document describes and walks you through the creation of a multi-server deployment of SQL Server Business Intelligence features, in a Windows Azure Virtual Machines environment. The document focuses on the use of Windows PowerShell scripts for each step of the configuration and deployment process.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012 SP1 and Windows Azure
Publication date: July 2013
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

Fast Track Data Warehouse Reference Guide for SQL Server 2012

This paper defines a reference configuration model (known as Fast Track Data Warehouse) using an resource balanced approach to implementing a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP)-based SQL Server database system architecture with proven performance and scalability for data warehouse workloads. The goal of a Fast Track Data Warehouse reference architecture is to achieve an efficient resource balance between SQL Server data processing capability and realized component hardware throughput.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: March 2012
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

How to Choose the Right Reporting and Analysis Tools to Suit Your Style	This white paper provides information that will help business and IT decision makers select the right Microsoft reporting and analysis front-end tools based on their business users’ intent: self-service reporting, data mashups, professional reporting, dashboarding, and scorecarding. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: May 2012 Source: MSDN Technical Articles
DOC Microsoft Content

Microsoft BI Authentication and Identity Delegation

From straightforward client/server designs to complex architectures relying on distributed Windows services, SharePoint applications, Web services, and data sources, Microsoft BI solutions can pose many challenges to seamless user authentication and end-to-end identity delegation. SQL Server technologies and data providers expect to use Windows authentication while SharePoint Server uses Web Services Security (WS-Security). Flowing a user identity from a Windows or browser-based BI client application through a claims-based SharePoint service to a Windows backend system is not always possible due to various limitations in data providers, security protocols, and identity services. Network, forest, and federation topologies also influence the authentication flows. Familiarity with the authentication protocols and capabilities, delegation limitations, and possible workarounds is an indispensable prerequisite to delivering a positive BI user experience across the entire Microsoft BI solution stack in enterprise environments.

Applies to: Microsoft Office 2013 and Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 1 (or higher)
Publication date: March 2013
Source: SQL White Paper

DOC
Microsoft Content

Power View Infrastructure Configuration and Installation: Step-by-Step and Scripts

This document contains step-by-step instructions for installing and testing the Microsoft Business Intelligence infrastructure based on SQL Server 2012 and SharePoint 2010, focused on SQL Server 2012 Reporting Services with Power View. This document describes how to completely install the following scenarios: a standalone instance of SharePoint and Power View with all required components; a new SharePoint farm with the Power View infrastructure; a server with the Power View infrastructure joined to an existing SharePoint farm; installation on a separate computer of client tools; installation of a tabular instance of Analysis Services on a separate instance; and configuration of single sign-on access for double-hop scenarios with and without Kerberos. Scripts are provided for all/most scenarios.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012, SharePoint 2010, Power View for SharePoint, SQL Server 2012 PowerPivot for SharePoint, SQL Server 2012 Reporting Services for SharePoint
Publication date: August 2012
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

Securing the Tabular BI Semantic Model	This paper introduces the security model for tabular BI semantic models in SQL Server 2012. You will learn how to create roles, implement dynamic security, configure impersonation settings, manage roles, and choose a method for connecting to models that works in your network security context. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: May 2012 Source: MSDN Technical Articles
DOC Microsoft Content

SQL Server 2012 New Capabilities Overview - Breakthrough Insight

This white paper presents an overview of the new features related to the business intelligence stack in Microsoft SQL Server 2012.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: April 2012
Source: SQL Server Learning Center

SQL Server 2012 Solution Overview - Breakthrough Insight	This white paper presents an overview of the new features related to the business intelligence stack in Microsoft SQL Server 2012 for technical decision makers. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: March 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

Using DirectQuery in the Tabular BI Semantic Model	This paper introduces DirectQuery, a mechanism for directly querying a SQL Server data source for Analysis Services tabular models. Readers will learn when and how to use DirectQuery in SQL Server 2012. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: April 2012 Source: MSDN Technical Articles
DOC Microsoft Content

Configuring a SQL Server Reporting Services scale-out deployment to run on a Network Load Balancing cluster	This white paper explains how to configure a SQL Server Reporting Services scale-out deployment to run in a Network Load Balancing cluster. Applies to: SQL Server 2012, Dynamics AX 2012 Publication date: April 2012 Source: Download Center
PDF Microsoft Content

Comparison

A Comparison of the Oracle Database Appliance to Microsoft SQL Server (ITIC)	Microsoft’s overarching strategy of delivering a cost-efficient flexible solution based on the individual organization’s workload sharply contrasts with Oracle’s implacable one-size-fits-all approach. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: March 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

Becoming a Bilingual Oracle and SQL Server DBA	By extending your Oracle DBA skills to learn how to take advantage of SQL Server 2012 you will be in a better position to help solve more of the complex business problems in your organization. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: April 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

SQL Server 2012 and MySQL 5: A Detailed Comparison of Approaches and Features	This paper compares the major features of both the latest version of SQL Server 2012 and MySQL 5 (including 5.5) in each product in five separate categories. It will help customers choose which database is most suitable for their database applications. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: April 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

SQL Server 2012 and PostgreSQL 9: A Detailed Comparison of Approaches and Features	This paper compares the major features of both the latest version of SQL Server 2012 and PostgreSQL 9 in each product in six separate categories. It will help customers choose which database is most suitable for their database applications. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: April 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

SQL Server 2012 Gives You More Advanced Features (Out-of-the-Box)	This paper explains the different ways in which databases are packaged among the three leading enterprise database vendors: Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2, and Oracle DB. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: January 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

SQL Server 2012: Why Oracle RAC Might Not Be Suitable for You - A Competitive Review of Real Application Clusters (RAC)	In this white paper, we discuss the main reasons why customers might not want to implement Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) in their database solution. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: March 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

SQL Server Licensing Value vs Oracle Database	The purpose of this white paper is to show how SQL Server 2012 can deliver superior licensing value compared to the Oracle Database—in particular in the premium Enterprise Edition SKUs—by comparing the cost to license each in a number of key scenarios. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: January 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

Data Access

Converting SQL Server Applications from OLE DB to ODBC

Microsoft has announced the deprecation of the SQL Server Native Client OLE DB provider, and that SQL Server 2012 is the last version of SQL Server to support the provider. This article provides guidance for converting SQL Server or SQL Azure applications that use OLE DB to the ODBC API. The article presents an overview of ODBC and discusses the main differences between the two APIs. Sample code is also provided to demonstrate the API level mapping and conversion.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: April 2012
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

Data Access Tracing in SQL Server 2012

Learn how to apply the tracing functionality in Microsoft data access technologies such as ADO.NET 2.0, MDAC 2.82, SQL Server Native Client, and the JDBC driver; and in the SQL Server network protocols and the Microsoft SQL Server database engine.

Applies to: ADO.NET 2.0, ADO.NET 4.0, MDAC 2.8 SP2, Windows Data Access Components, SQL Server Native Client, SQL Server 2005 JDBC Driver, SQL Network Protocols, SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 R2, Microsoft SQL Server 2012
Publication date: March 2012
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

Microsoft® OLEDB Provider for DB2 v4.0 for Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012	This download contains the documentation for the Microsoft® OLEDB Provider for DB2 v4.0 for Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: May 2012 Source: Download Center
PDF Microsoft Content

Integration Services

5 Tips for a Smooth SSIS Upgrade to SQL Server 2012

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Integration Services (SSIS) provides significant improvements in both the developer and administration experience. This article provides tips that can help to make the upgrade to Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Integration Services successful. The tips address editing package configurations and specifically connection strings, converting configurations to parameters, converting packages to the project deployment model, updating Execute Package tasks to use project references and parameterizing the PackageName property.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: November 2011
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

Extending SSIS Capabilities by Creating Custom SSIS Components for SharePoint

This article demonstrates how to create custom SSIS components (connection manager, source component and destination component) that integrate data to/from SharePoint lists and work like any other native components of SSIS utilizing the SSIS pipeline for better performance.

Applies to: SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2012
Publication date: January 2013
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

Extracting and Loading SharePoint Data in SQL Server Integration Services

The SharePoint List Source and Destination Sample available on Codeplex provides an optimized solution with an easy-to-use interface for getting data out of or into a SharePoint list. The sample also includes an API for accomplishing these tasks efficiently outside of SQL Server Integration Services. This article introduces the SharePoint List Source and Destination adapters, demonstrates their use in an SSIS package, and documents their features and options.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: September 2011
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

Overview and Capabilities

Unprecedented Flexibility and TCO Benefits for Mission-Critical Databases (Intel)	This paper examines the factors that have made the combination of SQL Server and Intel Xeon processors so effective. Applies to: SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2012 Publication date: 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

Microsoft SQL Server 2012: Potential Game Changer (IDC)

The launch of SQL Server 2012 has revealed a major new release with many feature enhancements as well as a new software licensing and pricing approach. With SQL Server 2012, Microsoft is offering a new set of streamlined editions that are well aligned with database and BI needs and an industry-standard pricing approach based on cores.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: January 2012
Source: SQL Server Learning Center

PDF
Microsoft Content

SQL Server 2012 Capabilities for the New Mission Critical	In this white paper, we will discuss the new mission critical, and we will examine the built-in capabilities that Microsoft SQL Server 2012 delivers. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: January 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

What's New in SQL Server 2012	This whitepaper provides an overview of the new features, benefits, and functionality in Microsoft SQL Server 2012. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: March 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

Other

Cleanse and Match Master Data by Using EIM

This white paper describes how to cleanse and match master data using the Enterprise Information Management products of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Master Data Services (MDS), SQL Server Data Quality Services (DQS), and SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). The white paper addresses scenarios for building and cleansing a new master data entity, updating one, and performing matching. It also describes some of the differences between Master Data Services and Data Quality Services.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: October 2012
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

Data Quality Services Performance Best Practices Guide	This guide focuses on a set of best practices for optimizing performance of Data Quality Services (DQS). Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: April 2012 Source: Download Center
DOC \| PDF Microsoft Content

Designing & Maintaining SQL Server Transactional Replication Environments

Microsoft IT protects against unplanned Transactional Replication outages and issues by using best practices and proactive monitoring. This results in increased stability, simplified management and improved performance of transactional replication environments.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 RC
Publication date: June 2012
Source: Download Center

DOC
Microsoft Content

Enterprise Integration Management with Microsoft SQL Server 2012	Learn more about how SQL Server 2012 provides all the components needed for an effective EIM solution in a single product. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: May 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

Exporting Master Data from Master Data Services

This white paper describes how to export master data from Microsoft SQL Server Master Data Services (MDS) using a subscription view, and how to import the master data into an external system using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). The white paper provides a step-by-step sample for creating a subscription view and an SSIS package.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: July 2012
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

Introduction to Application and Multi-Server Management	Necessary tools to gain centralized insights into instance and database application utilization as well as a better way to develop, deploy, and manage data-tier applications. Applies to: SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server 2012 Publication date: February 2010 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
DOC Microsoft Content

Microsoft IT: A case study on Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery – SQL Server 2012

This paper shares the approach used by Microsoft IT to do the following:

1.) Upgrade a database server from SQL Server 2008 R2 to SQL server 2012.

2.) Set up BCDR for all the dependent applications and services with minimal downtime.

When the database sizes are huge, are transactional, and have replications from/to another SQL Server (that does not support available groups), you can use some of the alternatives discussed in this white paper to manage your downtimes and avoid replication re-initializations. This white paper walks through disaster scenarios related to a database server; it does not cover disaster scenarios of web or application servers.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012, BCDR
Publication date: August 2013
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

New Spatial Features in SQL Server Code-Named "Denali"	SQL Server 2008 introduced spatial data support into the database server. This paper describes and discusses the new spatial features in SQL Server Code-Named “Denali” CTP1 and CTP3 that augment existing SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 spatial functionality. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: July 2011 Source: MSDN Technical Articles
DOC Microsoft Content

Patching SQL Server Failover Cluster Instances with Cluster-Aware Updating (CAU)	This paper describes the process of applying software updates on SQL Server 2012 failover cluster instances by using the Cluster-Aware Updating (CAU) feature that is available in Windows Server 2012. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 on Windows Server 2012 Publication date: January 2013 Source: MSDN Technical Article
DOC Microsoft Content

Plan Caching and Recompilation in SQL Server 2012

This paper explains how SQL Server 2012 allocates memory for plan caching, how query batches are cached and suggests best practices on maximizing reuse of cached plans. It also explains scenarios in which batches are recompiled, and gives best practices for reducing or eliminating unnecessary recompilations and for minimizing plan cache pollution.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: March 2013
Source: MSDN Technical Article

DOC
Microsoft Content

Putting Data to Work for Mid-Market Companies	Learn more about BI solutions for mid-market companies Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

Resource Governor in SQL Server 2012

SQL Server 2012 delivers enhancements to the Resource Governor that reflect a growing need for centrally managed database services to provide multitenancy to customers who require isolated workloads. This document describes the enhancements and why they were added. It includes a self-contained walk through that you can try in order to gain familiarity with the new features.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012
Publication date: July 2012
Source: MSDN Technical Articles

DOC
Microsoft Content

SQL Server 2012 Performance White Paper	In this paper, we will cover the performance and scalability capabilities of SQL Server 2012. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: April 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

SQL Server 2012 Security Best Practices - Operational and Administrative Tasks	Security is a crucial part of any mission-critical application. This paper describes best practices for setting up and maintaining security in SQL Server 2012. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: January 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
DOC Microsoft Content

SQL Server 2012 Upgrade Technical Reference Guide	This technical guide takes you through the essentials for upgrading SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, and SQL Server 2008 R2 instances to SQL Server 2012. This white paper is also available in e-book formats. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: May 2012 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
PDF Microsoft Content

Test Lab Guide: Install SQL Server 2012 Enterprise	This paper contains a brief introduction to SQL Server 2012 Enterprise and step-by-step instructions for installing SQL Server 2012 Enterprise on the APP1 computer in the base configuration test lab. Applies to: SQL Server 2012 Publication date: April 2012 Source: Download Center
DOC \| PDF Microsoft Content

White Paper: Office 2013 Preview--Access Services Setup for an On-Premises Installation

This white paper provides instructions that will help you configure SQL Server 2012 for Access Services in SharePoint Server 2013 Preview. It includes instructions for an on-premises installation and configuration of Access Services on a server that is running SharePoint Server 2013 Preview.

Applies to: SQL Server 2012, SharePoint Server 2013 Preview, Access Services
Publication date: July 2012
Source: Download Center

DOC
Microsoft Content

SQL Server 2008 R2

SQL Server 2008 R2 Upgrade Technical Reference Guide	This technical guide takes you through the essential phases and steps for upgrading SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008 R2 by using best practices. Applies to: SQL Server 2008 R2 Publication date: January 2011 Source: SQL Server Learning Center
DOC Microsoft Content

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Title	Short Description Applies to: SQL Server 2012, SQL Server 2008 R2 Publication date: April 2012 Source: Site
DOC \| PDF Microsoft Content

Title	Short Description Applies to: SQL Server 2012, SQL Server 2008 R2 Publication date: April 2012 Source: Site
DOC \| PDF Microsoft Content

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White Paper Gallery for SQL Server