SQL Server 2011- Contained DB Brief

SQL Server 2011 -
aka Denali

A new and very interesting feature taking shape in next major release of Microsoft SQL Server, currently titled "Denali", is contained databases.

Contained databases are based on seperation of database application from instance or management level functionality. This allows for some interesting uses in infrastructaure management, such as database development and release, security management and disaster recovery. Partial decoupling of database entities from instance level entities allows for a more granular approach to application to database mapping. We have very specific method of creating and mapping a user connection using either authentication model (e.g. SQL Server, Windows) and bypass instance level security functions, providing partially self-contained database deployment. As databases are being developed and deployed between environments, management around instance deployment, access and orphaned users is reduced or simplified, as database security meta data are held within the database. This feature provides for a level of portability between different instances\environments, thus a potentially simplified method of propogating databases throughout environments.

Database disaster recovery processes look to benefit from introduction of contained databases. Contained databases provide another method for protecting our SQL Server environments, but increase the security management We can create a DR server hosting a number of contained "mirrored" databases. This strategy provides for a rapid application database recovery process, as data and security contained in database mirror copy.

Very good feature and looking forward to further developments with Contained Databases in future.

Thanks,
Phil

Master Data Services = SQL Server Information Management System

With the release of SQL Server 200 R2, the product is now becoming an full featured Information System Management System and NOT ONLY another RDBMS!!!

My thought of the day.

What do you think?

SQL Server 2008 R2 Now Available!!!

We'll, SQL Server 2008 moves-on to the next phase with the release of the R2 CTP version.

Please read here for further details:

http://blogs.technet.com/dataplatforminsider/archive/2009/08/10/download-sql-server-2008-r2-august-ctp-today.aspx

SQL Server 2008 SP1 - New features!

We'll, no more worrying about installing a Service Pack for SQL Server 2008 and not being able to uninstall in the event of problems. Service Pack 1 for SQL Server 2008 now allows roll-back of the service pack without having to uninstall the entire application, which will reduce risk for DBA's and minimize down-time for data services consumers!!

Some additional feature of SP1 are:

1. Slipstreaming
2. Report Builder 2.0

This is a great addition to an already awesome product!

Here is link to SP1 download:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=66ab3dbb-bf3e-4f46-9559-ccc6a4f9dc19&displaylang=en

Sneak Preview into SQL Server Codenamed Kilimanjaro on April 30

On April 30th 2009, we will get a sneak preview into the next version of SQL Server platform, which has current name of "Kilimanjaro". One of the areas the webcast will cover is features such as Self Service Business Intelligence, Scale-Out Data Warehousing and Multi-Server Management. Additionally, we will get a sneek preview at Project Madision and a new BI Tool called Gemini, which should be very intersting.

A bit of humour.......

Out of curiosity, I wanted to understand why the name Kilimanjaro was adopted for this next release, which will undoubtedly change prior to release to manufacture (RTM), so did a little background research and can only conclude, (from Wiki) Kilimanjaro breaks Kilima (Swahili for "hill, little mountain") and Njaro, whose supposed origin varies according to the theories—according to some it's an ancient Swahili word for white or for shining, so decided to interpret this as the "Shining Hill" release or something we can see from a far!!

This is one not to be missed and for everyone interested, please use the following link to register for webcast:

http://www2.eventsvc.com/academylive/register/95712536-abbb-4621-a484-33cb28bce69c

Thanks,
Phillip Cox

SQL Server 2008 Certification

We'll, I sat the SQL Server 2008 Transition Certification Exam 70-453 back in December 2008 to migrate my SQL Server 2005 MCITP award to SQL Server 2008. This exam is basically both the technical specialist and professional level exams rolled into one examination.

In all honesty, the exam wasn't all that difficult, but did mean spending a fair amount of time getting to grips with new features in SQL Server 2008, as majority of the examination covers familar topics that SQL Server 2005 product includes. Although, where they do differ is on the new features of SQL Server 2008, thus requirement to spend time understanding these new tools.

Good luck to everyone who is scheduled to sit the exam!
Well worth it!

I'm back!!

It's been sometime since I have updated the blog and apologies, but I have been working very hard with implementing SQL Server 2008 infrastructures.

Over the coming year, you will find a great deal of SQL Server 2008 information to help plan, design, implement and support the roll-out of the "king of databases!".