Beginning SQL Server™ 2005 Administration

Chapter 3. SQL Server 2005 Tools

SQL Server 2005 includes some new and very versatile tools. The venerable SQL Server Enterprise Manager with its clunky, but intuitive, Microsoft Management Console (MMC) interface has been put to pasture. Accompanying Enterprise Manager into retirement are Query Analyzer and almost all of the remaining SQL Server toolset. SQL Server Profiler alone managed to keep its name, but with significantly improved functionality and a better interface.

Most database administrators (DBAs) 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. When existing database administrators from the first group encounter the new tools in SQL Server 2005, their first response is often "What is Microsoft trying to do, make me a developer?" The only answer is, "Yes, that is exactly what Microsoft is trying to do and I wholeheartedly agree with the goal."

A database administrator must be about half system administrator and half developer in order to be completely successful. A few years ago, when Microsoft announced its Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) certification, it was no real surprise that the required exams were both from the administrative side of database administration and the programming side. Microsoft's intent ...