Do You Have a SQL Server Security (or Data Security) Position?

Featured Article(s)
Tips for using indexes in SQL Server 2005 (Part 2)
Here are some helpful tips to performance tune and optimize SQL Server 2005 indexes.

Password problems? Imagine forgetting all your passwords…

SelectViews – THE SQL Server Show
The show has been updated and you can check it out now. The show asks for additional feedback on SharePoint (and explains a bit more about what we’re considering) – so we need your feedback. Also, information about what SSDS actually is, and is not. The 60-second SQL Server tip of the day, information overload issues and a LOT more. Check out the show – see what you think.

> Watch the show here (open access to everyone)

SQL Server Moves to Q3… Officially.
I’m thinking this was pretty much expected, but the official word is out that SQL Server 2008 has been moved out later in the year. I don’t think many were outright counting on RTM over the summer – in fact I think those that need to get moving with it are OK with the CTPs and those that were waiting will, well, wait.

I’ve seen a LOT of information on blogs, articles, different services talking about people poking around in the new features for 2008 – and working through migration processes and the like to get their databases moved over. So far, I have to tell you, it’s been really clean and lots of great information out there. The experiences have been overwhelmingly positive and we’ve not seen or heard about significant issues, even in the beta, I mean CTP, stages of test.

This is great news – and I hope this holds true as the final bits and pieces are put into the product and we head to final testing and release. It seems that this release could turn out to be the logical step everyone was hoping it would be, rather than having to pick between 2005 and 2008 for a given project.

Webcast – Register Today
Data Protection and Recovery Options with SQL Server
We’ll look into the various data protection options you have with SQL Server when it comes to setting up a recovery system for your server. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each and where you can apply them in your own systems.

> Register Now
> Live date: 3/25/2008 at 12:00pm Noon Pacific

Survey Heads-Up
We’ll be releasing a comprehensive community survey (with some great prizes too) next week – please keep an eye out. One of the items on the survey is what types of how-to programs you’d like to see. We’ve got some very cool things coming and it’s really critical that we get your feedback – I’ll have more information next week as we start to roll out the survey. Just be thinking about what you’d like to see information about on the site.

Do You Have a SQL Server Security (or Data Security) Position?
I’m curious how many people are considering or doing this. I’ve seen a few people calling for it – especially given the virtual arms-race between those trying to get information and those trying to protect it. The recent breach that exposed credit/debit card information still hasn’t actually been solved as to how it happened. In fact, the companies that are hit by the issues, were up to date and regularly did audits to make sure they were using all the latest techniques to protect their information and that of their customers.

Frankly, they’re a bit stunned about how it all happened and from what I can tell, people are trying to understand how the incursion was done.

So, do you have a data security position in your company? Is it a good idea? Drop me a note, let me know.

Featured White Paper(s)
The Keys to Recoverability, from ESG
ESG Analyst, Lauren Whitehouse, discusses Double-Take Software’s concept of “recoverability” – which involves layers of prote… (read more)

Data modelers – 7 Steps to Success – Building a Collaborative Team Environment
Your data models are brilliant… but only if the DBAs and developers are on the same page. Often, there is a significant dis… (read more)