Part 1: Automating the XML Data Mapping Process in Excel 2003

In the first of a three-part series, learn how to use XML maps to customize Excel as a data input and display system.

Know Your Data

Or at least the types of your data. New author Roy Carlson was working in SQL Server 2000 to calculate some values based on row counts, sales amounts, etc. and discovered some interesting results. Without his sharp eye, a number of individuals would have been upset by the resulting lack of commissions, as may some of your clients. Read about some potential problems in your calculations if you are not careful with your data types.

Tableau Software Debuts

With it's VizQL, Tableau Software is revolutionizing the way that you will analyze data. Built to work with multiple data sources, including SQL Server databases and Analysis Services cubes, this software will amaze you.

Multi-User Considerations in Data Synchronization for SQL Server 2005

Gain a better understanding of how to develop your SQL Server Mobile applications to handle multi-user access and data synchronization with Microsoft SQL Server 2005.

HIGHER SOURCE RAISES STAKES IN INTERNET INDUSTRY

Microsoft Corporation has announced plans to acquire the
Website and Internet development corporation Higher Source for an
undisclosed fee.

Learn SQL Server 2005 In Reading

Are you looking for a head start on learning about SQL Server 2005? Able to get to Reading in the UK in May? One of the premier SQL Server MVPs, Itzik Ben Gan, is teaching a full day seminar on Advanced T-SQL, covering both SQL Server 2000 and 2005 on May 3rd.

MSSQL Server Reporting Services: Black Belt Administration: "Governor"

In working with many reporting tools over my career, particularly within enterprise business intelligence suites and high-end production reporting systems, I have become acquainted with various control features in each that allow administrators to govern the actions of end users. Reporting Services is no different in this aspect of need for control, and the application provides numerous avenues for restraining our users from kicking off resource crippling queries that, unchecked, could disrupt even the most robust systems, as well as to prevent other harmful activities. At various junctures within this series, we will examine ways to effect such controls on an intermittent basis.

Beta Call - Randolph for Database Schema Control

Maintaining control of your schema with SQL Server 2000 can be cumbersome. However there are starting to be more and more tools to assist you with version control and tracking your schema over time. Nob Hill software has a tool that helps, which is currently in Beta and code named "Randolph". If you have a need, check out their new product.

The Value of A DBA

SQL Server 2000 does an amazing job of running itself to a large extent, much more so in my experience, than the other major platforms. That being said, it isn't designed to run without some sort of DBA, at least not at an efficient level. But what value does a production level DBA bring to your organization? Your manager might wonder, but with many years of experience as a production DBA and manager, Steve Jones brings you a look at the value that a DBA provides.

Teach Old Data New Tricks with the Fully Loaded Advances in ADO.NET 2.

The Microsoft® .NET Framework 2.0 delivers an updated ADO.NET that will streamline your data access development efforts. The ADO.NET team has worked with both the System.Xml team and the SQL Server™ team to provide a consistently rich developer experience, crossing technology boundaries from ADO.NET to XML and back. This will all be apparent as you dig into ADO.NET 2.0. There are improvements on so many fronts that you will certainly be pleased.

Rather than attempt to list every new and updated feature of ADO.NET 2.0, I will discuss in detail some of the more interesting improvements and focus on performance and flexibility.