Beginning, Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 Administration

Chapter 3. SQL Server 2008 Tools

Several years ago, when I was beta testing SQL Server 2005, I was surprised to see familiar tools like the Enterprise Manager, a Microsoft Management Console (MMC)-based interface, and the SQL Query Analyzer done away with. In fact, with the exception of the SQL Server Profiler, pretty much everything had been replaced with a new set of applications that were ... well, different.

It's been my experience that most database administrators (DBAs) typically fall into one of two distinct groups. The first group is made up of database administrators whose background is system and network administration. The second group is made up of application and database developers who have become responsible for the administration of a SQL Server infrastructure, be it a production system or a test-bed environment. DBAs that fell into the first category, myself included, often responded with trepidation about the new SQL Server management tools, and with good reason. Most of the new tools available were based on the Visual Studio interface. In fact, one of them was indeed Visual Studio (although rebranded to sound less intimidating). What was Microsoft trying to do — make us developers?

Yes. A database administrator must be about half system administrator and half developer in order to be completely successful. Several years ago, when Microsoft announced its Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) certification, it was no real surprise that the required exams ...