Description

Meet the challenge of storing and accessing analytic data in SQL Server with speed and efficiency—now with expanded coverage of SQL Server 2025 and Azure SQL Database features.

This updated second edition also explores how columnstore indexes compare to other modern analytic storage options, helping you make informed architectural decisions. Whether you’re optimizing OLAP workloads or modernizing your data platform, this practical guide shows how columnstore indexes deliver faster query performance and enable rapid business intelligence insights.

Inside, you’ll find a complete walkthrough of columnstore indexing, from foundational concepts to detailed architecture, implementation, and maintenance strategies. Learn best practices, explore hands-on demonstrations, and uncover common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re new to columnstore or looking to deepen your expertise, this book offers clear, actionable, and definitive guidance for development, testing, and production environments.

Discover how columnstore indexes reduce storage costs, boost performance, and simplify data management—without requiring additional licensing. Gain insight into when and how to use them, and how to architect scalable, high-performance analytic solutions in SQL Server.