Outstanding article and thought provoking issues. It's obvious from everyone's comments that the DBA field is evolving very rapidly. As an experienced MCSE (NT4.0 and W2K certified), but relative SQL newbie, trying to attain knowledge, excellence in performance and long-term security, where does one begin? Hands-on experience is a given. But, do you leverage experience with MCDBA certification? Followed by XML, VB, or a mastery of DTS? What are prospective employers looking for? Your thoughts?

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