A couple SQL Server ColumnStore references...

The new ColumnStore feature coming in SQL Server Denali looks very interesting and possibly officially awesome, but it's also something that's going to take long time SQL Server'ers a but to wrap our heads around. To get started on that, here's a couple related references. It's not much, but every journey begins with a first step...

SQLTune - What is a columnstore index?

"Upcoming SQL Product, introduces a new data warehouse query acceleration feature based on a new type of index called columnstore. Before we move any further exploring this new feature, I want to take time to explain the basics behind a columnstore index and how different is it from a traditional index (rowstore).

What is columnstore? And what is a rowstore?

To understand this, lets see a simple illustration below. Here I have a table with 4 columns (First name, Email, Phone, Street Address) . Below is a representation of how the index data will be stored and their associated pros and cons.

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TechNet Wiki - TechNet Articles - SQL Server Columnstore Index FAQ

The SQL Server columnstore index feature speeds up data warehouse query processing, in many cases by a factor of 10 to 100. We'll be posting answers to frequently asked questions here.

Overview
What is Project Apollo?

Apollo is the code name for new functionality that will be available in SQL Server code-named “Denali,” that will substantially accelerate common data warehouse queries. Apollo introduces two new features: a columnstore index and a new query execution mode that processes data in batches.

What is a column store?

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What is a columnstore index?

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What do I have to do to use Apollo?

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Is Apollo in CTP 1? When can I try it?

No, Apollo is not available in CTP 1. Apollo will be available in CTP 3 and in the final released product."