SQL Server Consulting

Look here for information on some of Novick Software's Projects.

SQL Sever Performance Analysis and Tuning

Think your database is slowing down your web site or client/server application?

Start by finding out with the Analysis Solution:

• Architecture Review - Edition, Disks, CPU, Memory

• Configuration Review - Backups, Replication, Database Settings

• Performance Analysis - Slow SQL, Blocking Problems, Procedure Recompiles

• Recommendations - Hardware, Configuration, Operational Changes. Code Changes

Continue on to improving your site:

• Configuration changes

• SQL Tuning - Index Tuning

• Operational improvements.

I use Microsoft's analysis methodologies such as Read80Trace along with some home grown tools.

Application Development / Database Design / System Architecture/ Complete Projects

Getting it right the first time is the best solution.  To do that you have to spend the time to:

• Understand the business objectives from the users' point of view.
• Master the technology.
• Use proven design techniques.
• Adapt to the situation: the company, the people, and the problem.

Building business operational and analytic applications is my primary focus.  I'm available to work on multiple levels of your application:

• Requirements Gathering and Functional Design
• Application Architecture including Web Applications, the X Internet, and let's not forget good old Windows applications.
• Database Design
• Design Walkthroughs
• Data-tier generation. Generate it, don't code this by hand.
• SQL Server coding including stored procedures, triggers, and functions.
• Business Layer design and development.
• Project Management
• Application Development
• Application and Database Tuning

I've built about 30 real-world production business applications with over 100,000 users.  I'm ready to put some of that experience to work for your application.

Building Business Applications

That's what I do!  I'm working with the Microsoft Tools, mostly SQL Server, VB.Net, C#, ASP.Net, XML, and classic VB.  My applications are used in a wide range of businesses. I'll take on your small or large project and make sure it goes into production on time with a high degree of user satisfaction.  This may require me to develop the application myself, or manage a multi-developer project.

Database Administration (DBA)

Need a DBA?  Need some help for your DBA with a tough problem?  I'm available for SQL Server database administration responsibilities and problem solving on an as-needed basis.  I also have patience, and the experience to bring your in-house team up to speed.

Database Schema/Source Code Management

Managing source created in SQL Server is a problem for all development teams.  How to handle the source code that's embedded in views, tables, stored procedures, functions, and triggers.  There are a variety of solutions.  Let's figure out the right one for you.

Problem Solving

Got a problem with SQL Server, .Net (VB.Net or C#), or Visual Basic?  I don't have a tech support line, but if you've got a problem that is:

• Difficult to solve
• Resistant to the standard solutions
• Important to you

I've served as "the bug fixer of last resort" for many software development teams.  If you need someone to "Wrestle that problem to the ground!" I might be the code warrior that you need.

Some possibilities are:

• Performance problems.
• Security issues.
• General uncertainty about how to handle an issue.
• Persistent database or communication corruption problems.
• Problems maintaining database integrity.
• Frequent deadlocking and blocking.

I promise to tell you what I really think. I don't promise that you'll be in love with the answer.

Installing and Managing Remote Databases

Installing and managing remote databases can be a particular challenge.  I'll help you set up the scripts and programs that you'll need to handle the task.

Crystal Reports on SQL Server Data

Crystal makes creating reports easy.  Unfortunately, they often end up being very slow and act as a drag on the whole system.  I'll show you how I've been successful in improving reporting performance by moving the work to the correct tier of the system.

Expert Witness

I've served as an expert witness writing expert reports and testifying as necessary.  Of course, I only take on projects where my expertise and experience is relevant.

Custom Training Available

Novick Software offers training courses in these subjects:

• SQL Server Programming
• SQL Server Administration
• Specific Problem Solving Scenarios
• Specific SQL Server technologies:
  • SQL XML
  • User Defined Function
  • Stored Procedure and Trigger writing
  • Performance Analysis and Tuning
• C#
• VB.Net
• VB 6 (And other "Classic" versions)
• ASP.Net
• XML

Courses can be tailored to fit your company's specific training needs.  The location can be on-site, off-site, or on-line.  Some of these courses are offered in conjunction with training partners such as SysEd.

Access to SQL Server Conversions

While making the jump from Access to SQL Server has become easier over the last few years it isn't always as easy as it appears at first.  Various issues occur between the decision to convert and a useable result.

• What becomes of the application? Does it stay in Access, migrate to VB or to .Net? If .Net, in C# or VB.Net?
• What about data types that don't convert?
• How to manage the upsizing process? Do I move the schema and the data in one step or multiple steps?
• Should referential integrity be maintained in triggers or data definitions?

I've done a few of these projects and can coach you through it or do it for you.   Some of what I know is available in an article that I wrote on Converting Access to SQL Server.

Technologies:

SQL Server 2000
C#

VB 6

VB.Net

ASP.Net
Compact Framework

Encryption
Web Services

ASP

XML

XML DOM

XMLHTTP

SQL XML

HTTP

TCP/IP

HTML

Project Management

SourceSafe

IIS

IIS Admin

URLSCAN

T-SQL

ADO

ADO.Net

InterDev

Web Design

n-Tier

Fat Client

Database Administration

SQL Server 7

.Net

.Net Framework

.Net Security

dot Net

Encryption

Remoting
Structured Design
Structured Analysis
Entity-Relationship Diagrams
Data-Dictionary
State Diagrams
Object Design
UML Modeling
Use-Case Analysis

Locations:

Boston, MA
Nashua, NH
Cambridge, MA
Lexington, MA
Salem, MA
Gloucester, MA
Beverly, MA
Peabody, MA
Burlington, MA
Concord, MA
Belmont, MA
Arlington, MA
Woburn, MA
Reading, MA
Wakefield, MA
Lynn, MA
Somerville, MA
Charlestown, MA
Medford, MA
Watertown, MA
Nashua, NH
Manchester, NH
Boston
New Hampshire
Natick, MA
Framingham, MA
Wayland, MA
Maynard, MA
Acton, MA
Bedford, MA
Waltham, MA
Newton, MA
Needham, MA
Wellesley, MA
Weston, MA
Lincoln, MA
Marlborough, MA
Stow, MA
Berlin, MA
Bolton, MA
Littleton, MA
Chelmsford, MA
Hopkinton, MA
Ashland, MA
Franklin, MA
Worcester, MA