Temporary symmetric keys in SQL Server behave similar to temp tables. In particular, they are stored in tempdb and automatically go away at the end of the session. Make sure however that you do not get caught creating a non-recreatable temporary symmetric key…
LOB data values in SQL Server are stored in separate allocation units in pages of type TEXT_MIX_PAGE. Read on and discover when these pages are used and how you can find out if your tables contain any pages of that type.
SQL Server provides only one way to re-create a symmetric key multiple times. Read on to find out about the necessary extension to the CREATE SYMMETRIC KEY statement.
Do you think you can recreate a symmetric key that is protected by a certificate, by just using that same certificate? You might be in for a big surprise…
Do you know the difference between a RANGE LEFT and a RANGE RIGHT partition function? Read on and discover a unique query to determine the actual partition a row is stored in. With this query you can quickly confirm your RANGE-assumption or find out where you got it wrong.