Expert SQL Server™ 2005 Integration Services

1.3. Summary

There are two keys to a successful ETL solution:

• Using the right enterprise ETL tool

• Employing the right ETL architecture to meet the requirements

First, with SSIS, you'll find the out-of-the-box features provide the depth and breadth of functionality and flexibility needed to create efficient, reliable, and scalable solutions. What's more, the usability and rapid learning curve reduce solution development time. The second ingredient is addressed in the rest of the pages of this book. As a practical guide for SSIS ETL development, you will learn ways to implement your ETL solution requirements from the data to the administration and everything in-between. Putting it all together to get a solution over the goal line requires knowing the big picture and coordinating all the pieces.

Now that we have made the case for SSIS and reviewed some main features, it is time to dig in. In Chapter 2, we will start by considering scripting. Using the Script Task and Script Component in the right ways is central to applying SSIS, and in many of the later chapters, some scripting will be used to handle common situations that cannot be easily applied with other out-of-the-box features.