Import tab delimited data files directly into SQL Server via SSMS

Recently, I wanted to bring data into a SQL Server table, and I wanted to do so w/o SSIS. I know that I had done this before, but, of course, I had forgotten the details. I found the best answer here:

The solution requires putting a “Schema.ini” file in the same directory as the file you are attempting to upload, and the file HAS TO BE NAMED “schema.ini” (case insensitive). The contents of the simple text file should be as follows:

Continue reading “Import tab delimited data files directly into SQL Server via SSMS”

SQL Saturday May 2016, Jacksonville, FL

Hey, Everyone… our annual get-together of SQL professionals is happening on May 7th, at UNF, here in Jacksonville.  I will be speaking at 9 AM on breaking into the world of Azure & PowerBI, using (mostly) the skills you likely already have in SSMS.  From 9 to 5 PM it is one of your very best opportunities to learn a lot of new things, develop professionally, meet new people, enjoy a free lunch and…have a great time!

SQL Saturday, Jacksonville 2016

Come to this FREE learning opportunity!
Come to this FREE learning opportunity!

Importing (old) SSIS packages into VS 2012

SQL 2012 introduced a new deployment model.  Many of us, for various reasons didn’t move along with Microsoft…and continued to use and deploy the old SSIS Packages (.dtsx) … even to SQL 2012.  So, that being the case, how do you get to these old packages?

VS 2012 is looking for “Project Deployment Files”…or for “Integration Services” catalogs.  We didn’t have those things before 2012.  And, we can operate without them, still.  But, how? Continue reading “Importing (old) SSIS packages into VS 2012”

SQL Saturday Jacksonville, May 10, 2014

sqlsat298_webHey, everyone! There’s a great event here in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s coming in May. It is like a mini Tech-ed. Free Food. Great Technical presentations.  Click the picture to the right to register!

Lots of networking. Fellowship. Swag. After hours party. What could be better than that? I will be speaking on a “How SQL 2012 Empowers BI in Sharepoint”.

Reading an SSAS cube thru SQL using MDX

Do you need the ability to read a cube, but you want to read it thru SQL?  And, why would you do this?  Well, for example, suppose you wanted to email the results of a certain MDX query…and you didn’t want to set up SSRS to do this.  (SSRS would be a fine method, but you do have to set it up and create the report etc.)  Suppose you were simply more comfortable using a SQL Server Agent job to do this task for you.  Continue reading “Reading an SSAS cube thru SQL using MDX”

Sql Binaries location, SessionTimeout, Sql Version

OK…this is a ‘strange’ post… That is because the script i have for you today is a real ‘utility’ script… it does three things that occasionally come in REAL handy! It tells you the location of your SQL binaries. It tells you the length of the session time out for the server your instance is running on. It tells you the full SQL Version information. Enjoy! Continue reading “Sql Binaries location, SessionTimeout, Sql Version”