Realistic, independent, fast-paced, and complete: all the answers DBAs need to successfully manage the new SQL Server 2008 database engine.- Reflects extensive testing in early-adopter enterprise environments, not isolated home labs.- Covers key SQL Server 2008 enhancements: Policy Based Management, Performance Studio, Change Management, Transparent Data Encryption, and more.- Includes best practices, tips, step-by-step configurations, and practical guidance for integrating SQL Server 2008 with other IT infrastructure. This is the most complete, fast-paced, task-based reference for database administrators who need to deploy, manage, and secure Microsoft SQL Server 2008. Authored by a world-class expert on SQL Server in the enterprise, it goes far beyond the basics, taking on the complex tasks that DBAs need to make the most of Microsoft's flagship database. Ross Mistry draws on extensive testing in high-profile production environments to offer step-by-step solutions and never-before-published tips readers won't find anywhere else. Every chapter begins with a section identifying SQL Server 2008's most significant new improvements, and concludes with a convenient summary of best practices. Mistry presents proven techniques for SQL Server 2008 installation, upgrades, backup/restore, data transfer, indexing, cataloging, and more. He shows DBAs how to harden any SQL Server environment; save time with SQL Server 2008's new policy-based management tools, and secure their data with Transparent Data Encryption (TDE). The book contains extensive coverage of high availability, including major improvements to failover clustering and database mirroring. Mistry concludes with an entire section on monitoring and troubleshooting -- including a full chapter on optimizing application performance with the new Resource Governor.

Ross Mistry, MVP, MCTS, MCDBA, MCSE Ross Mistry is a seasoned professional in the Silicon Valley and a technology advocate with more than a decade of experience in the computer industry. As a principal consultant and partner with Convergent Computing (CCO), Ross designs and implements SQL Server, Active Directory, and Exchange solutions for Fortune 500 organizations with a global presence. Some of the organizations in which Ross Mistry has taken on the role of lead global Microsoft architect include: Network Appliance, Ross Stores Dress for Less, CIBC, Gilead Sciences, Solectron, The Sharper Image, 2Wire, Infinera, and Wells Fargo’s small business Ecommerce site.

 

Ross had the opportunity to work with SQL Server 2008 two years prior to the product release. When he is not focused on his SQL Server specialties– high availability, migrations, and security–his attention turns to SQL Server development and Business Intelligence. Ross is an author, co-author, and technical editor of more than 10 books. Many of the books have been bestsellers. Recently, he coauthored Windows Server 2008 Unleashed and SQL Server 2005 Management and Administration. He was a contributing writer on Hyper-V Unleashed, Exchange Server 2007 Unleashed, and SharePoint Server 2007 Unleashed. Ross also took on the role of technical editor for SQL Server 2005 Unleashed and SQL Server 2005: Changing the Paradigm. In addition to being an author and consultant, Ross is a public speaker who conducts seminars on Microsoft topics around the world. He frequently speaks at local SQL Server user groups and international conferences. Most recently, he spoke at the SQL Server PASS Community Summit in North America, SQL Server Europe PASS, SQL Server Connections, and the

Microsoft campuses in San Francisco and the Silicon Valley. As a SQL Server Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), Ross is heavily involved with the SQL Server community and assists by responding to questions in newsgroups, writing articles for magazines, and blogging for networkworld. com and to IT managers on Microsoft’s TechNet Community Hub site. His blog site is http://www.networkworld.com/community/mistry.

 

Ross' blog can be viewed at http://www.networkworld.com/community/mistry and he can reached at Ross@cco.com.

 

Introduction IntroductionSQL Server 2008 is Microsoft's latest data platform providing data management and analytical solutions for the enterprise. The platform is trusted, ensures business continuity, and is more predictable and more scalable than ever before. Although similar to SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008 offers a tremendous number of new features and functionality for database administrators, developers, and business intelligence architects.This book is designed to be the ultimate guide for database administrators as it provides detailed guidance in the areas of planning, installation, management, administration, security, high availability, monitoring, and performance tuning of a SQL Server environment. Moreover, this book includes industry best practices, tips, and step-by-step instructions based on real-world examples.Some of the classic and new SQL Server 2008 topics covered in the book include: installation, upgrade and migration strategies, Policy Based Administration, Resource Governor, encryption, failover clustering, database mirroring, authorization, hardening, consolidation and virtualization, maintenance plans, monitoring, performance tuning, troubleshooting, log shipping, PowerShell scripting, replication, creating packages and transferring data, indexes, full-text catalogs, and backing up and restoring databases.The book is also based on Microsoft's latest award-winning server operating systemWindows Server 2008. As a result, not only will readers gain knowledge about SQL Server 2008, but they will also have the opportunity to understand the advantages of running SQL Server 2008 on Windows Server 2008. What Is in This Book?This book is organized into five parts, with each part made up of several chapters focusing on core SQL Server 2008 elements. The parts and chapters of the book are detailed in this section. Part I: Installing, Administering, and Managing the Database EngineThe first part of the book begins by providing an overview of SQL Server 2008, including planning and installing the new platform. After you get SQL Server 2008 installed, the majority of your time will be spent managing and administering the new SQL Server infrastructure. Therefore, the remainder of Part I consists of chapters dedicated to SQL Server 2008 administration and management tasks.Chapter 1: Installing or Upgrading to the SQL Server 2008 Database EngineWith the recent release of SQL Server 2008, organizations are eager to migrate to the new and improved database platform. However, many organizations feel challenged when trying to establish the best strategies for moving forward. This chapter focuses on the various SQL Server 2008 migration strategies that are available. It answers the question once and for all whether or not organizations should upgrade from a previous version or perform a new SQL Server 2008 installation from scratch and then conduct a migration.Other topics highlighted in this chapter include: supported migration methodologies, hardware requirements, using the SQL Server 2008 Upgrade Advisor, supported legacy versions of SQL Server, and best practices, tips, and common pitfalls to look out for to achieve a successful migration. Moreover, this chapter describes the benefits associated with running SQL Server on Windows Server 2008, and it also includes upgrade strategies for moving to