A simple restore of the prod database to the dev server works fine until there are changes to the database design.  The way we handle things is to unit test...

Also cannot believe anyone would put SQL Servers that hold any useful data directly on the net on port 1433.   I use NTL and often do bits and pieces from...

I have used an extended stored procedure (freeware) for almost 2 years with success.  You may be interested in taking a look.  http://www.sqldev.net/xp/xpsmtp.htm