New Show Released
Disaster Recovery Planning (and Response) – this show, sponsored by Acronis, will go into things to think about, steps to take and the "how" and "why" of setting up a solid disaster recovery and response plan. From a disk going bad to even more catastrophic failures, you need to know this information so you can do your planning. We put together a slightly longer show on this one (about 45 minutes) to go in to how to set up your plan, how to pre-establish response needs and much more.
Also available:
[Watch] SelectViews – the Accidental DBA – tips, tricks and thoughts
[Watch] SQLonCall: Manager or Leader
Featured Article(s)
Business Process Management, Workflow and Business Process Rules a close look [Part I]
This is an era of competition, stiff indeed. No duopoly but a complete full phased oligopoly where the mantra is survival of the fittest. Organizations across the world are desperately seeking for skills, more flexibility and above all productivity. They are looking for applications those are adaptable for future changes. Business Process Management, a new tool or technique of managing business processes, helps curtail the gap between the business and the irresistible IT Information Technology. In this series of articles, I will present you an idea of Business Processes, Business Process Management Systems, Workflow Management Systems and the difference between Business Process Management and Workflow Management Systems. We will also discuss Business Process Rules and Business Process Rules engines.
Need to Move Excel Data Into SQL Server?
(or just about any other non-relational data?) – I know almost everyone has, at one time or another, had to deal with moving information between Excel sheets or CSV files or… well, all sorts of data sources, into SQL Server. It can really be tedious and can be downright challenging sometimes to get the data selection down right and the import pulling in the information correctly. If you’re faced with this – check out DataDefractor – this tool lets you visually map out what information to pull in and where to store it. It can make the whole import and convert process a snap. Get more information here.
DB (A)rchitect and DB (A)dministrator
I received a number of emails about the fact that I wasn’t very clear on my gripe about what’s happening with the "Data Layer Architect" and how it really seems to be coming back around to what we’ve collectively traditionally called the database architect (or just data architect). My whole point with this was that it would seem that recruiters are attaching new titles to these roles – roles that an architect does anyway.
Just because the role includes SOA as one of the stakeholders in your designs, it’s still data architect stuff that you’re doing. Making sure data elements provide referential integrity, making sure the design is normalized and will perform well, making sure it plugs into the overall application strategy.
Perhaps what I should have said is "I wish we could define and clarify the differences between an SOA-oriented architect and a more traditional architect. If we could, the traditional architect go go learn those items that differ and be set to go, rather than defining entirely new positions for no real reason. It’s not that I’m not pro-build-positions-so-people-can-work, but I’m also a realist and hope that we can simply see what the deltas are (new stuff vs what’s already being done) and address those. It’s better for the individuals in the positions, it’s better for the company and it’s more realistic for the recruitment process. "
Featured White Paper(s)
Troubleshooting SQL 2005 – Opening a Database Administrator’s Toolbox
This white paper guides you through troubleshooting using some of SQL 2005’s built-in features to diagnose issues with your d… (read more)
Protecting SQL Server Applications and Data Against Common SQL Failures
Microsoft SQL Server has emerged as the database of choice for mission critical applications for small and mid-sized companie… (read more)