Beginning SQL Server™ 2005 Administration

Chapter 8. Automating Administrative Tasks

As nice as it would be to install and configure SQL Server, and then forget about it, that's not a realistic goal for any organization. SQL Server is a product that needs regular maintenance and tender loving care. You're on your own for figuring out how to express your love for your SQL Server, but you can help ensure the health and stability of your server by understanding some of the automation processes that can also make your job easier.

Administrators have better things to do with their time (like playing video games or watching paint dry) than diligently monitor their servers for the slightest hint of trouble. In reality, given the complex nature of our database applications, you need to practice due diligence in keeping the system operational. Here are the topics that this chapter discusses to facilitate that:

• Database Mail

• Event notifications

• SQL Server Agent

• SQL Server maintenance plans

So, as you begin this chapter, understand that most of what you will learn will serve as a cornerstone for the topics that are covered in later chapters. Backups, replication, performance monitoring, and the Service Broker are just a few of the topics that can be managed or automated through many of the tools and examples that you will see in this chapter.

The examples in this chapter use the local server configured as both a Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) server, and a Post Office Protocol (POP3) server. Both features are available out-of-the-box ...