Dejan Sarka

Empowering You to Master Business Intelligence and Solve Real-world Analytical Problems.DESCRIPTIONIn today's analytics landscape, proficiency in Excel and Power BI is practically a prerequisite for a successful career. This book provides a concise yet comprehensive exploration of these foundational elements of modern Business Intelligence (BI).Comprising ten chapters, this book covers the entire development journey of a Power BI analytical solution, spanning from data modeling and preparation to report creation, publication, and dashboard and app deployment. It offers insights into security measures and performance optimization, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the BI ecosystem. Furthermore, it delves into advanced topics, such as leveraging data science algorithms within reports, offering readers an extensive learning experience. The book takes a holistic approach to these technologies, offering a contrast to the narrow perspectives often adopted by contemporary BI professionals who rely solely on a single tool or language. The book allows data enrichment through calculations that can be achieved using various languages, including SQL queries at the source, Power Query Formula Language, M, Python, R, and DAX. By the end of this book you will master these options but be able to also weigh their pros and cons to make informed decisions.TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introducing the Theoretical Background for Democratizing Analytics2. Acquiring and transforming data from multiple sources3. Power Query Transformations and Formula Language (M) Overview4. Building a simple analytical solution with Power Pivot in Excel5. Enhancing the model and business analysis with DAX6. Creating reports in Power BI Desktop7. Using the Power BI Service8. Data Science in Power BI 9. Optimizing Power BI models and reports10. Deploying, Maintaining and Securing Power BI Assets Index

Learn about business intelligence (BI) features in T-SQL and how they can help you with data science and analytics efforts without the need to bring in other languages such as R and Python. This book shows you how to compute statistical measures using your existing skills in T-SQL. You will learn how to calculate descriptive statistics, including centers, spreads, skewness, and kurtosis of distributions. You will also learn to find associations between pairs of variables, including calculating linear regression formulas and confidence levels with definite integration. No analysis is good without data quality. Advanced Analytics with Transact-SQL introduces data quality issues and shows you how to check for completeness and accuracy, and measure improvements in data quality over time. The book also explains how to optimize queries involving temporal data, such as when you search for overlapping intervals. More advanced time-oriented information in the book includes hazard and survival analysis. Forecasting with exponential moving averages and autoregression is covered as well. Every web/retail shop wants to know the products customers tend to buy together. Trying to predict the target discrete or continuous variable with few input variables is important for practically every type of business. This book helps you understand data science and the advanced algorithms use to analyze data, and terms such as data mining, machine learning, and text mining.Key to many of the solutions in this book are T-SQL window functions. Author Dejan Sarka demonstrates efficient statistical queries that are based on window functions and optimized through algorithms built using mathematical knowledge and creativity. The formulas and usage of those statistical procedures are explained so you can understand and modify the techniques presented. T-SQL is supported in SQL Server,Azure SQL Database, and in Azure Synapse Analytics. There are so many BI features in T-SQL that it might become your primary analytic database language. If you want to learn how to get information from your data with the T-SQL language that you already are familiar with, then this is the book for you. What You Will LearnDescribe distribution of variables with statistical measuresFind associations between pairs of variablesEvaluate the quality of the data you are analyzingPerform time-series analysis on your dataForecast values of a continuous variablePerform market-basket analysis to predict customer purchasing patternsPredict target variable outcomes from one or more input variablesCategorize passages of text by extracting and analyzing keywordsWho This Book Is ForDatabase developers and database administrators who want to translate their T-SQL skills into the world of business intelligence (BI) and data science. For readers who want to analyze large amounts of data efficiently by using their existing knowledge of T-SQL and Microsoft’s various database platforms such as SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. Also for readers who want to improve their querying by learning new and original optimization techniques.

Leverage the power of SQL Server 2017 Integration Services to build data integration solutions with easeKey FeaturesWork with temporal tables to access information stored in a table at any timeGet familiar with the latest features in SQL Server 2017 Integration ServicesProgram and extend your packages to enhance their functionalityBook DescriptionMicrosoft SQL Server 2017 uses the power of R and Python for machine learning and containerization-based deployment on Windows and Linux. By learning how to use the features of SQL Server 2017 effectively, you can build scalable apps and easily perform data integration and transformation. You’ll start by brushing up on the features of SQL Server 2017. This Learning Path will then demonstrate how you can use Query Store, columnstore indexes, and In-Memory OLTP in your apps. You'll also learn to integrate Python code in SQL Server and graph database implementations for development and testing. Next, you'll get up to speed with designing and building SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) data warehouse packages using SQL server data tools. Toward the concluding chapters, you’ll discover how to develop SSIS packages designed to maintain a data warehouse using the data flow and other control flow tasks.By the end of this Learning Path, you'll be equipped with the skills you need to design efficient, high-performance database applications with confidence.This Learning Path includes content from the following Packt books: SQL Server 2017 Developer's Guide by Miloš Radivojevic, Dejan Sarka, et. al SQL Server 2017 Integration Services Cookbook by Christian Cote, Dejan Sarka, et. alWhat you will learnUse columnstore indexes to make storage and performance improvementsExtend database design solutions using temporal tablesExchange JSON data between applications and SQL ServerMigrate historical data to Microsoft Azure by using Stretch DatabaseDesign the architecture of a modern Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) solutionImplement ETL solutions using Integration Services for both on-premise and Azure dataWho this book is forThis Learning Path is for database developers and solution architects looking to develop ETL solutions with SSIS, and explore the new features in SSIS 2017. Advanced analysis practitioners, business intelligence developers, and database consultants dealing with performance tuning will also find this book useful. Basic understanding of database concepts and T-SQL is required to get the best out of this Learning Path.

Get unique insights from your data by combining the power of SQL Server, R and PythonKey FeaturesUse the features of SQL Server 2017 to implement the data science project life cycleLeverage the power of R and Python to design and develop efficient data modelsfind unique insights from your data with powerful techniques for data preprocessing and analysisBook DescriptionSQL Server only started to fully support data science with its two most recent editions. If you are a professional from both worlds, SQL Server and data science, and interested in using SQL Server and Machine Learning (ML) Services for your projects, then this is the ideal book for you.This book is the ideal introduction to data science with Microsoft SQL Server and In-Database ML Services. It covers all stages of a data science project, from businessand data understanding,through data overview, data preparation, modeling and using algorithms, model evaluation, and deployment.You will learn to use the engines and languages that come with SQL Server, including ML Services with R and Python languages and Transact-SQL. You will also learn how to choose which algorithm to use for which task, and learn the working of each algorithm.What you will learnUse the popular programming languages,T-SQL, R, and Python, for data scienceUnderstand your data with queries and introductory statisticsCreate and enhance the datasets for MLVisualize and analyze data using basic and advanced graphsExplore ML using unsupervised and supervised modelsDeploy models in SQL Server and perform predictionsWho this book is forSQL Server professionals who want to start with data science, and data scientists who would like to start using SQL Server in their projects will find this book to be useful. Prior exposure to SQL Server will be helpful.

Build smarter and efficient database application systems for your organization with SQL Server 2017 About This Book • Build database applications by using the development features of SQL Server 2017 • Work with temporal tables to get information stored in a table at any time • Use adaptive querying to enhance the performance of your queries Who This Book Is For Database developers and solution architects looking to design efficient database applications using SQL Server 2017 will find this book very useful. In addition, this book will be valuable to advanced analysis practitioners and business intelligence developers. Database consultants dealing with performance tuning will get a lot of useful information from this book as well. Some basic understanding of database concepts and T-SQL is required to get the best out of this book. What You Will Learn • Explore the new development features introduced in SQL Server 2017 • Identify opportunities for In-Memory OLTP technology • Use columnstore indexes to get storage and performance improvements • Exchange JSON data between applications and SQL Server • Use the new security features to encrypt or mask the data • Control the access to the data on the row levels • Discover the potential of R and Python integration • Model complex relationships with the graph databases in SQL Server 2017 In Detail Microsoft SQL Server 2017 is the next big step in the data platform history of Microsoft as it brings in the power of R and Python for machine learning and containerization-based deployment on Windows and Linux. Compared to its predecessor, SQL Server 2017 has evolved into Machine Learning with R services for statistical analysis and Python packages for analytical processing. This book prepares you for more advanced topics by starting with a quick introduction to SQL Server 2017's new features and a recapitulation of the possibilities you may have already explored with previous versions of SQL Server. The next part introduces you to enhancements in the Transact-SQL language and new database engine capabilities and then switches to a completely new technology inside SQL Server: JSON support. We also take a look at the Stretch database, security enhancements, and temporal tables. Furthermore, the book focuses on implementing advanced topics, including Query Store, columnstore indexes, and In-Memory OLTP. Towards the end of the book, you'll be introduced to R and how to use the R language with Transact-SQL for data exploration and analysis. You'll also learn to integrate Python code in SQL Server and graph database implementations along with deployment options on Linux and SQL Server in containers for development and testing. By the end of this book, you will have the required information to design efficient, high-performance database applications without any hassle. Style and approach This book is a detailed guide to mastering the development features offered by SQL Server 2017, with a unique learn-as-you-do approach. All the concepts are explained in a very easy-to-understand manner and are supplemented with examples to ensure that you—the developer—are able to take that next step in building more powerful, robust applications for your organization with ease.

Harness the power of SQL Server 2017 Integration Services to build your data integration solutions with ease About This Book • Acquaint yourself with all the newly introduced features in SQL Server 2017 Integration Services • Program and extend your packages to enhance their functionality • This detailed, step-by-step guide covers everything you need to develop efficient data integration and data transformation solutions for your organization Who This Book Is For This book is ideal for software engineers, DW/ETL architects, and ETL developers who need to create a new, or enhance an existing, ETL implementation with SQL Server 2017 Integration Services. This book would also be good for individuals who develop ETL solutions that use SSIS and are keen to learn the new features and capabilities in SSIS 2017. What You Will Learn • Understand the key components of an ETL solution using SQL Server 2016-2017 Integration Services • Design the architecture of a modern ETL solution • Have a good knowledge of the new capabilities and features added to Integration Services • Implement ETL solutions using Integration Services for both on-premises and Azure data • Improve the performance and scalability of an ETL solution • Enhance the ETL solution using a custom framework • Be able to work on the ETL solution with many other developers and have common design paradigms or techniques • Effectively use scripting to solve complex data issues In Detail SQL Server Integration Services is a tool that facilitates data extraction, consolidation, and loading options (ETL), SQL Server coding enhancements, data warehousing, and customizations. With the help of the recipes in this book, you'll gain complete hands-on experience of SSIS 2017 as well as the 2016 new features, design and development improvements including SCD, Tuning, and Customizations. At the start, you'll learn to install and set up SSIS as well other SQL Server resources to make optimal use of this Business Intelligence tools. We'll begin by taking you through the new features in SSIS 2016/2017 and implementing the necessary features to get a modern scalable ETL solution that fits the modern data warehouse. Through the course of chapters, you will learn how to design and build SSIS data warehouses packages using SQL Server Data Tools. Additionally, you'll learn to develop SSIS packages designed to maintain a data warehouse using the Data Flow and other control flow tasks. You'll also be demonstrated many recipes on cleansing data and how to get the end result after applying different transformations. Some real-world scenarios that you might face are also covered and how to handle various issues that you might face when designing your packages. At the end of this book, you'll get to know all the key concepts to perform data integration and transformation. You'll have explored on-premises Big Data integration processes to create a classic data warehouse, and will know how to extend the toolbox with custom tasks and transforms. Style and approach This cookbook follows a problem-solution approach and tackles all kinds of data integration scenarios by using the capabilities of SQL Server 2016 Integration Services. This book is well supplemented with screenshots, tips, and tricks. Each recipe focuses on a particular task and is written in a very easy-to-follow manner.

Get the most out of the rich development capabilities of SQL Server 2016 to build efficient database applications for your organization About This Book • Utilize the new enhancements in Transact-SQL and security features in SQL Server 2016 to build efficient database applications • Work with temporal tables to get information about data stored in the table at any point in time • A detailed guide to SQL Server 2016, introducing you to multiple new features and enhancements to improve your overall development experience Who This Book Is For This book is for database developers and solution architects who plan to use the new SQL Server 2016 features for developing efficient database applications. It is also ideal for experienced SQL Server developers who want to switch to SQL Server 2016 for its rich development capabilities. Some understanding of the basic database concepts and Transact-SQL language is assumed. What You Will Learn • Explore the new development features introduced in SQL Server 2016 • Identify opportunities for In-Memory OLTP technology, significantly enhanced in SQL Server 2016 • Use columnstore indexes to get significant storage and performance improvements • Extend database design solutions using temporal tables • Exchange JSON data between applications and SQL Server in a more efficient way • Migrate historical data transparently and securely to Microsoft Azure by using Stretch Database • Use the new security features to encrypt or to have more granular control over access to rows in a table • Simplify performance troubleshooting with Query Store • Discover the potential of R's integration with SQL Server In Detail Microsoft SQL Server 2016 is considered the biggest leap in the data platform history of the Microsoft, in the ongoing era of Big Data and data science. Compared to its predecessors, SQL Server 2016 offers developers a unique opportunity to leverage the advanced features and build applications that are robust, scalable, and easy to administer. This book introduces you to new features of SQL Server 2016 which will open a completely new set of possibilities for you as a developer. It prepares you for the more advanced topics by starting with a quick introduction to SQL Server 2016's new features and a recapitulation of the possibilities you may have already explored with previous versions of SQL Server. The next part introduces you to small delights in the Transact-SQL language and then switches to a completely new technology inside SQL Server - JSON support. We also take a look at the Stretch database, security enhancements, and temporal tables. The last chapters concentrate on implementing advanced topics, including Query Store, columnstore indexes, and In-Memory OLTP. You will finally be introduced to R and how to use the R language with Transact-SQL for data exploration and analysis. By the end of this book, you will have the required information to design efficient, high-performance database applications without any hassle. Style and approach This book is a detailed guide to mastering the development features offered by SQL Server 2016, with a unique learn-as-you-do approach. All the concepts are explained in a very easy-to-understand manner and are supplemented with examples to ensure that you—the developer—are able to take that next step in building more powerful, robust applications for your organization with ease.

T-SQL insiders help you tackle your toughest queries and query-tuning problems Squeeze maximum performance and efficiency from every T-SQL query you write or tune. Four leading experts take an in-depth look at T-SQL’s internal architecture and offer advanced practical techniques for optimizing response time and resource usage. Emphasizing a correct understanding of the language and its foundations, the authors present unique solutions they have spent years developing and refining. All code and techniques are fully updated to reflect new T-SQL enhancements in Microsoft SQL Server 2014 and SQL Server 2012. Write faster, more efficient T-SQL code: Move from procedural programming to the language of sets and logicMaster an efficient top-down tuning methodologyAssess algorithmic complexity to predict performanceCompare data aggregation techniques, including new grouping setsEfficiently perform data-analysis calculationsMake the most of T-SQL’s optimized bulk import toolsAvoid date/time pitfalls that lead to buggy, poorly performing codeCreate optimized BI statistical queries without additional softwareUse programmable objects to accelerate queriesUnlock major performance improvements with In-Memory OLTPMaster useful and elegant approaches to manipulating graphs About This Book For experienced T-SQL practitionersIncludes coverage updated from Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2008 T-SQL Querying and Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2008 T-SQL ProgrammingValuable to developers, DBAs, BI professionals, and data scientistsCovers many MCSE 70-464 and MCSA/MCSE 70-461 exam topics

Ace your preparation for Microsoft Certification Exam 70-463 with this 2-in-1 Training Kit from Microsoft Press. Work at your own pace through a series of lessons and practical exercises, and then assess your skills with online practice tests—featuring multiple, customizable testing options. Maximize your performance on the exam by learning how to: Design and implement a data warehouse Develop and enhance SQL Server Integration Services packages Manage and maintain SQL Server Integration Services packages Build data quality solutions Implement custom code in SQL Server Integration Services packages For customers who purchase an ebook version of this title, instructions for downloading the CD files can be found in the ebook.

Ace your preparation for Microsoft Certification Exam 70-461 with this 2-in-1 Training Kit from Microsoft Press. Work at your own pace through a series of lessons and practical exercises, and then assess your skills with practice tests on CD–featuring multiple, customizable testing options. Maximize your performance on the exam by learning how to: Create database objects Work with data Modify data Troubleshoot and optimize queries For customers who purchase an ebook version of this title, instructions for downloading the CD files can be found in the ebook.