Inside SQL Server 2005 Tools

This book reveals the power of the SQL Server 2005 tools to database management system professionals, enabling you to maximize productivity. The authors of the book have been working on the SQL Server 2005 team since its inception, they share the philosophy behind the design of the tools, and they are familiar with insider tips and tricks.The SQL Server 2005 family of products consists of Database Engine, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, Integration Services, Notification Services, and SQL Server Mobile Edition (SQL Server Everywhere Edition). This book describes the core functionality of all the SQL Server 2005 tools, and closely examines the Database Engine tools. The book provides solutions for installation, upgrade, configuration, schema design, management, authoring, development, optimization, deployment, operation, and troubleshooting. It covers the Installation Wizard, Upgrade Advisor, SQL Server Configuration Manager, SQL Server Management Studio, Database Tuning Advisor, SQLCMD, Database Mail, SQL Server Agent, and SQL Server Profiler. It also touches on technologies that these tools are built upon, such as SQL Server Management Objects (SMO), the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Provider, and ADO.NET.The book describes individual features and how they work together to create end-to-end scenarios. For the beginning user, we have screenshots and code samples. We provide examples with code snippets where applicable. When we introduce particular aspects of tool behavior or scenarios, we start first by describing them and relating them to other previously described tasks. Screen shots show how these things look inside the tools. For the more experienced users, we provide tips and insight. In addition, we provide code snippets to illustrate how particularly interesting functionalities can be implemented with underlying APIs.In summary, the book will provide: * Hundreds of time-saving solutions * Tips, tricks, and workarounds * Solutions for working smarter * A vehicle through which you can expand your existing knowledge of SQL Server tools The book is targeted at both new and experienced database professionals. New professionals who have never used the SQL Server tools will learn how to efficiently use each tool to perform specific tasks. More experienced database professionals can update their existing knowledge of the tools, learn about new features, and learn tips and tricks of the SQL Server 2005 toolset.The purpose of this book is not to introduce you to the basic concepts of databases. We assume that you have been working with databases for at least one year. This book will show you how the tools can be used to maximize productivity while performing common SQL Server 2005 tasks. After reading this book you will be very comfortable using the tools for day-to-day tasks.The book is organized by SQL Server tools and scenarios. Each chapter presents a tool or set of tools and also includes a number of relevant scenarios that illustrate the use of the tools. If you are interested in specific tools or scenarios, you can move straight to those chapters, or you can read through the book in a linear fashion for a more complete understanding of all the tools and features.