I think it might do all programmers good to spend 6 months as a DBA...and vice versa. Brian, interesting hiring scenario - a great example that the days of calling yourself a DBA and everyone knowing what it meant are over - assuming all candidates have mastered the basics, in most cases I bet the one with a sub-specialty that matches the current tools/problem/etc gets hired. Far from the worst reason.

Steve, on your comment about XML - totally agree (one resolution shot already). If you're just serving XML there is not a lot to master on the db side. I think XML is great for some things, but as most of us do about new features, programmers fall into the trap of thinking it should be used for EVERYTHING. Will have to rant about this officially soon.

Andy