A First Look at Express Manager

Microsoft describes its new, free SQL Server 2005 Express Manager (XM) as a "lightweight" database management tool built on top of the .NET Framework 2.0. Better yet, not only can you use XM to manage SQL Server 2005 Developer and Express Edition databases on local and remote computers, you can also use it with SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE 2000) databases. In this article, Rick Dobson shows you what XM offers DBAs.

SQL backup encryption

Judging by mainstream news coverage over the past few weeks, the issue of data theft, particularly loss of backup tapes, has reached the tipping point. It might mean that your relatively anonymous existence within your company could come to a screeching halt.
A look at how encrpytion might be if importance to your company.

SQL Server Integration Services - Loop Containers

As we briefly mentioned in the previous installment of this series, among features introduced in the SQL Server 2005 Integration Services there are For and ForEach loops, implemented in the form of containers that can be incorporated into the Control Flow part of a package design.

.NET 2.0 transaction model

The Microsoft .NET 2.0 platform introduces a new namespace called System.Transactions that brings in a lightweight, simplified transaction model. This article discusses the shortcomings of current transaction models and introduces System.Transactions for .NET Framework 2.0 beta 2.

Currently there are two transaction models available in the .NET world, both of which are suited for certain situations. The first is part of the rich ADO.NET data providers. The second is the enterprise services transaction. Before we examine System.Transactions, let’s have a look at the current models.

Meta-Data Trends & Technologies

The term “Enterprise Metadata Management” has been in use since the late 1980’s when many of us worked in classic “mainframe environments” using “corporate data dictionaries” to manage our COBOL programs, Job Control Language (JCL), screens, reports, copybooks, and database schema definitions. Fast-forward to 2005 ~ has anything changed? What does “enterprise metadata management” mean today ? I recently surveyed a number of leading metadata management vendors, Global 5000 companies, and industry thought-leaders seeking their input.

A tale of preventable loss

In the race to secure data, one basic measure – encryption – is often overlooked. Philip Basham takes a look at the ramifications of data loss and how it can be prevented.

TechTalk: Kimberly L. Tripp on Developing for SQL Server

Kimberly L. Tripp talks about indexing best practices and what developers should know about SQL Server management. She also discusses stored procedure and parameterized queries caching, the new availability features in SQL Server 2005, and the SQL Server CLR.

Should you use a DataReader or DataSet?

In the beginning, there was the recordset, a central feature of classic ADO. Like a Swiss army knife, it wasn’t the perfect tool for every job, but given the correct configuration, it could do whatever you needed it to do.

The recordset wasn’t always pretty to watch, however, and it came into prominence at a time when client/server applications for which it was optimized were being replaced by web applications. Its dark side included an amazing level of complexity and the number of special cases when it was used with particular providers.

Database Geek of the Week - Bob Beauchemin

Bob Beauchemin is a developer who not only writes code and develops databases, but also teaches other developers to create applications and databases, often using the latest Microsoft technologies.

Bob has more than 25 years of experience working with IBM mainframes and Unix boxes, as well as Windows-based PCs. He has taught a number of database courses for DevelopMentor, a hands-on training company for experienced developers, and has given instruction on writing .NET web services and creating applications and components using C#.

SQL Server Performance Monitor

You can monitor the system performance by using the Performance monitor console and its related counters in Windows 2000. These counters allow you to view or save information about the overall performance of your server. When you install Microsoft SQL Server, additional Performance monitor objects and counters are automatically installed. While you must have administrative access to your SQL Server to use these objects, SQL Server admins should find them invaluable in monitoring and tuning the database server. Furthermore, the Performance monitor can be used either locally or remotely, which allows admins greater control in monitoring SQL Server.