Using SQL Server 2008, a new space saving storage option is available which is referred to as sparse columns that can provide optimized and efficient storage for columns that contain predominant NULL
values. Querying and manipulation of sparse columns is similar to regular columns by using standard INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE
statements. The sparse columns are normal columns in a table that have an optimized storage format by reducing the space requirements.
In this recipe, we will look at how to implement sparse columns and wide table features. The sparse columns are useful for the applications such as Windows SharePoint Services that will help to manage the efficient way to store and access a large number of user-defined properties.