Product Description

This isn't just a start-to-finish guide to Microsoft SQL Server database administration: it's a practical guide for those migrating from Oracle or Sybase -- and an indispensable resource for managers who must hire and supervise SQL Server DBAs. Carl H. Speshock covers every DBA skill required to create robust, secure, and highly available SQL Server environments. Among the technical topics covered: applying service packs; optimizing performance, security, and availability; backup/disaster recovery planning; monitoring using system and third-party tools; OLAP administration; data modeling; clustering; quality assurance; and more. Unlike many introductory DBA books, this one doesn't just cover core technical skills: it helps DBAs with all their responsibilities, including communication and coordination with developers and business professionals throughout the enterprise. It also offers managers specific guidance on hiring effective SQL Server DBAs -- including comparisons of the skillsets needed by SQL Server, Oracle and Sybase DBAs, and 50 questions to ask every candidate. For all beginning-to-intermediate level Microsoft SQL Server DBAs; for Oracle and Sybase DBAs who want to cross-train on Microsoft SQL Server administration; and for database managers, DBA recruiters, and project managers who hire or supervise SQL Server DBAs.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2350236 in Books
• Published on: 2001-10-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

From the Back Cover

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Database Administrators Guidebook is a start-to-finish guide to every technical and business skill DBAs need to maximize SQL Server performance, security, and scalability. Coverage includes planning, design, installation, optimization, automation, clustering, technical writing, data modeling, and more. Also included: practical help for DBAs migrating from Oracle or Sybase - plus expert guidance for managers who hire DBAs. The CD-ROM includes an extensive library of support documents and scripts.

About the Author

CARL H. SPESHOCK is a Senior SQL Server DBA Consultant in Houston, Texas. He has more than six years' experience administering SQL Server and working with database technologies for leading firms throughout the electronic engineering, petrochemical, manufacturing, and aerospace industries, including Intel, Shell Oil/Chemical, Texaco, Allied Signal, Union Carbide, Duke Energy, and Compaq. His company, DBA Consulting, Inc., specializes in providing database administration consulting and training services to companies and universities.

Customer Reviews

Money for old rope
The best source of SQL Server information is Books Online, Microsoft's own product documentation. If you're buying books, you're usually looking for either
- an accelerated introduction, because you haven't got time to distill the manuals yourself, or
- tips, tricks and advanced techniques: the stuff that just isn't in the manuals.

This book fulfills neither need. Granted, most of the major SQL Server functional areas have a chapter, but these are mostly screenshots and lists of the type: 'the features of X are Y' - and the explanation of Y is usually minimal. For example (p74):

'The options for the Server Settings tab are further defined below
...
...
Allow modifications to be made directly to the system catalogs - allows modifications to be made directly to the system catalogs.
...
...
...
'

What value does this give?

The final section does attempt a different approach, dealing with the behaviours, characteristics of a SQL Server DBA. Perhaps if you are genuinely new to SQL Server, or perhaps have taken on a new managerial role which involves DBAs, this section may be useful. To me, it's stating the obvious.

I'm an Oracle DBA by training, and wanted an accelerated primer on SQL Server. If you're in my position, I'd recommend spending money elsewhere - even (gulp) on the pretty good Microsoft Press books.