Melville Thomson's Blog

Visual Studio Express is now FREE

Great news Visual Studio Express is now free!  This has been passed around the MSDN blogs but I have not seen anything on the TechNet side.  Originaly it was only free for the first year.

'Dan Fernandez, lead product manager for the Visual Studio Express product line has confirmed today that Visual Studio Express (in all its incarnations) will remain free.'
I pulled this info from Alex Barnetts blog.

This is fantastic news because not only do we have a free database with SQL Express but we also have the tools to build great applications free.

SP1 for SQL Server 2005 available now and Express Edition

I’m really impressed that the SP1 for SQL 2005 is out so quick after the release of the CTP.  The SQL Server Express Blog has a lot of information on the SP1 downloads.  Also they have links to follow up information to help you get the most out of the product.

How to videos – there are 8 different sessions to get you started   

New Technical whitepaper – Managing SQL Server Express with SQL Server 2005 Management Studio Express Edition

Starter Kits – Fully functional sample applications to help you learn SQL Server and accomplish common web development scenarios.

Downloads here

Microsoft SQL Server Webcast for May

TechNet Webcast: SQL Server 2005 for the IT Professional (Part 9 of 11): Implementing Database Mirroring (Part 2 of 2) (Level 200)
Friday, May 05, 2006 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Kimberly L. Tripp, SQL Server MVP and Microsoft Regional Director, SYSolutions, Inc.
After learning about what database mirroring provides—as well as the changes to expect in service pack 1(SP1)—attend this second part in the ninth webcast of the SQL Server 2005 for the IT Professional series to walk through the entire process of implementation, failover, and monitoring. Join us for this slide-free session; it’s all about the demos.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032290564&Culture=en-US

TechNet Webcast: Encryption and Key Management Using SQL Server 2005 (Level 200)
Friday, May 05, 2006 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pacific Time
Laurentiu Cristofor, Software Development Engineer, Microsoft Corporation
This webcast provides an overview of the encryption features and capabilities in Microsoft SQL Server 2005. Learn how SQL Server 2005 provides column-level encryption with key management by using built-in encryption functions, application programming interfaces (APIs), certificates, and symmetric keys to encrypt sensitive information and store it securely. We also discuss data encryption logistics, key management challenges, and some of the data encryption scenarios implemented internally at Microsoft.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032293593&Culture=en-US

TechNet Webcast: SQL Server 2005 for the IT Professional (Part 10 of 11): Recovering from Human Error (Level 200)
Friday, May 12, 2006 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Kimberly L. Tripp, SQL Server MVP and Microsoft Regional Director, SYSolutions, Inc.
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 provides a variety of new features to help deal with the possibility of human error with preventative techniques, investigative techniques, and recovery techniques. Join this tenth webcast of the SQL Server 2005 for the IT Professional series as we look at data definition language (DDL) triggers, event notifications, partial database availability, partial database restores, and database snapshots.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032290567&Culture=en-US

TechNet Webcast: Introduction to Data Mining with SQL Server 2005 (Level 200)
Friday, May 12, 2006 - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Pacific Time
John Weston, TechNet Presenter, Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 expands your data mining capabilities dramatically. This webcast introduces you to the possibilities of data mining and predictive analytics. Learn about the data mining process, and the specific mining features in SQL Server 2005.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032294887&Culture=en-US

TechNet Webcast: Introduction to Security in SQL Server 2005 (Level 300)
Monday, May 15, 2006 - 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Pacific Time
Bryan Von Axelson, TechNet Presenter, Microsoft Corporation
Join this webcast to learn how security is implemented in Microsoft SQL Server 2005. We discuss security from the perspective of the server, the database, and database objects, and review the different options you can use at each level to help secure your data. We explain how SQL Server 2005 breaks security down into several distinct areas and describe the security concepts that are introduced in this release, such as user-schema separation. See how familiar security concepts such as encryption are implemented in this release. This session also explains how you can monitor the security of your SQL server.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032295039&Culture=en-US

TechNet Webcast: SQL Server 2005 for the IT Professional (Part 11 of 11): Best Practices in Building Robust, Recoverable, and Reliable Systems (Level 200)
Friday, May 19, 2006 - 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Kimberly L. Tripp, SQL Server MVP and Microsoft Regional Director, SYSolutions, Inc.
In this eleventh and last webcast of the SQL Server 2005 for the IT Professional series, Kimberly Tripp reviews key areas discussed throughout the series to ensure that all areas have been covered. This summary session should keep you thinking, give you more resources to review and use, and point to a few new areas to consider. Building a robust, recoverable, and reliable system takes a myriad of options. Join us to learn what the options are and how you can start making the most of them.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032290581&Culture=en-US

MSDN Webcast: Migrating from Access to SQL Server 2005 Express (Level 100)
Monday, May 01, 2006 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Pacific Time
Mike Wachal, Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation
Has your project outgrown Microsoft Office Access? Are you looking for a powerful client-server database solution? In this webcast, we identify scenarios where Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition would be a more appropriate database solution than Access. Join us to learn about the procedures for upgrading your database software, the differences in database architectures, and basic migration tools.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032294932&Culture=en-US

MSDN Webcast: Integrating Office Data Analysis and Charting Tools into a Client Application (Level 200)
Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Mike Benkovich, VP .Net Systems Consulting, JPA –Imagine! Technologies, Inc.
Microsoft Office 2003 includes several tools and technologies that can help you quickly build a powerful front-end application. This webcast shows you how to take advantage of the strengths of these technologies. Learn about the Microsoft Office Web PivotTable and Chart Components, Microsoft Office Excel 2003 PivotTables, the Excel Add-In Accelerator, and integration with Microsoft SharePoint Products and Technologies. Lab exercises focus on integrating Office Web PivotTables into an application, and seamlessly navigating from a custom report into an Excel PivotTable or Add-In Accelerators.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032293585&Culture=en-US

MSDN Webcast: Upgrading from MSDE to SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (Level 100)
Thursday, May 04, 2006 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Pacific Time
Mike Otey, Technical Director, Windows IT Pro and SQL Server Magazine
Are you still using Microsoft Desktop Engine (MSDE)? Learn how you can benefit from upgrading to Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, the latest free database offering from Microsoft. In this webcast, we cover implementation, data migration, and redistribution licensing. Discover why SQL Server 2005 Express might be just the upgrade you need.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032294950&Culture=en-US

MSDN Webcast: Using Full-Text Search in SQL Server Express (Level 100)
Tuesday, May 09, 2006 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pacific Time
Fernando Azpeitia Lopez, Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation
Expand your searching capabilities beyond the LIKE predicate. Learn about full-text search in Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition in this webcast. Find out how using search strings and word variations can make your searches faster and more efficient. We also explore performance issues related to good and not-so-good optimization in SQL Server Express.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032294979&Culture=en-US

MSDN Webcast: Creating Analytical Multidimensional Expression (MDX) Queries (Level 200)
Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Mike Benkovich, VP .Net Systems Consulting, JPA –Imagine! Technologies, Inc.
General-purpose tools can create standard Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) queries. In order to develop a custom application that answers serious business questions, you need to be able to create effective, analytical MDX queries. In this webcast, learn strategies for building powerful queries that not only display data, but also reveal the meaning of query results. Lab exercises include creating queries to calculate changes and exceptions, and parameterizing the queries so that you can include them in a custom application.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032293589&Culture=en-US

MSDN Webcast: Overview of SQL Server Management Studio Express (Level 100)
Friday, May 12, 2006 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Bill Ramos, Lead Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation
This webcast describes how to manage your Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition database using SQL Server Management Studio Express, a graphic and intuitive database management tool. Learn how to use the wizards, manage your database, view your data structures, and use built-in tools like the query optimizer to make your administrative tasks as easy and problem-free as possible.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032294987&Culture=en-US

MSDN Webcast: SQL Server 2005 Essentials: XQuery (Part 9 of 14) (Level 200)
Friday, May 12, 2006 - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Steve Muise, Principal Consultant, Neudesic, LLC
XML brings with it some powerful query languages for dealing with the hierarchical format that it typical of an XML document. This ninth webcast of a 14-part series on Microsoft SQL Server 2005 shows how to use XQuery functions with the XML data type. It covers XQuery integration and discusses the fundamentals of XQuery itself.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032289832&Culture=en-US

MSDN Webcast: Developing Applications with Embedded Databases (Level 100)
Friday, May 12, 2006 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Pacific Time
Mike Wachal, Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation
This webcast for independent software vendors (ISVs) covers the design, development, and implementation of applications with embedded databases. We also discuss the issue of the now-defunct Microsoft Data Engine (MSDE) embedded database, as well as ClickOnce deployment in Microsoft Visual Studio.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032294990&Culture=en-US

MSDN Webcast: Creating Custom Client Applications Using ADOMD.NET and MDX Queries (Level 200)
Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Mike Benkovich, VP .Net Systems Consulting, JPA –Imagine! Technologies, Inc.
Often, to get the desired user interface experience for your Microsoft SQL Server 2005-based application, you may find it preferable to develop the front end yourself. This webcast guides you through the process of using ADOMD.NET and Multidimensional Expression (MDX) queries to create a client application. Lab exercises include creating ASP.NET applications that parameterize standardized analytical reports, and rendering the result using ADOMD.NET.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032293591&Culture=en-US

MSDN Webcast: Advanced SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services Workshop (Level 200)
Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pacific Time
Mike Benkovich, VP .Net Systems Consulting, JPA –Imagine! Technologies, Inc.
This webcast focuses on issues that arise when using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services with very large or very complex databases. Learn how to effectively design aggregations, partitions, and processing schedules, including how and when to take advantage of the new proactive caching. We also show how to deal with complex issues such as time, working with specialized requirements for financial accounts and currency conversions, and managing many-to-many relationships.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032293595&Culture=en-US

MSDN Webcast: Using Reporting Services with SQL Server Express (Level 100)
Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Pacific Time
Herain Oberoi, Senior Product Manager, Microsoft Corporation
Join this webcast to learn how the reporting services in Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express can save you time and energy when you have to chart and design paper and Web-based reports. This session explores the pros and cons of using a third-party solution instead of an integrated solution in one application.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032295016&Culture=en-US

MSDN Webcast: SQL Server 2005 Essentials: SQL Server Service Broker (Part 10 of 14) (Level 200)
Friday, May 26, 2006 - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Steve Muise, Principal Consultant, Neudesic, LLC
With the inclusion of SQL Server message broker services and asynchronous messaging, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 becomes a more visible part of a multi-tier, service-based application architecture. This tenth webcast of a 14-part series on SQL Server 2005 examines the Broker and the architecture, and shows what new application possibilities open up from this combination.
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032289815&Culture=en-US

SQL Server Resources

I have just received my copy of TechNet flash (AKA Newsletter).  No this is not a marketing push.  Buried in the depths amongst all those nuggets of information I found two usefull resources relating to SQL

The first is the virtual labs.  http://www.microsoft.com/technet/traincert/virtualab/sql.mspx You don't have to do any complicated setups or configure test environments.  You can access the virtual labs online.  The only downside is you can't qualify for the player if you are not resident in U.S. or Canada.  The latest lab is 'Migrating from the Oracle Database to SQL Server Migration Assistant-NEW!'

The other resource is IT Showcase: Using SQL Server 2005 at Microsoft IT is the latest video http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2ef438a4-4ae3-4d7b-bfe5-037c954f72c0&displaylang=en. It highlights two mission-critical applications within Microsoft.That takes advantage of SQL Server 2005: MS Sales, a worldwide revenue reporting system, and SAP R/3, an enterprise resource planning system.

For these resources and other information you can  register for the TechNet newsletter go here http://www.microsoft.com/technet/abouttn/subscriptions/flash_register.mspx

 

SQL SERVER EVERYWHERE WHAT IS IT?

Here is a subject every one is talking about Simon Sabin http://sqljunkies.com/WebLog/simons/archive/2006/4/10.aspx has mentioned it.  He has a link to Steve who has created a great Q&A about it http://blogs.msdn.com/stevelasker/ . 

At the moment some of the details have not been finalized.  But the Q&A shows what our thoughts are we are actively looking for feedback.. 

SQL Everywhere is not a new product but is the SQL Mobile edition product with the limitation to the mobile platform removed.  There should be a CTP released in the summer 06 with a final release in the second half of 06.  This was announced by Paul Flessner in his letter http://www.microsoft.com/sql/letter.mspx

BizTalk Adapters for Host Systems

Hi I have some more news for you.  What was previously known as HIS (or now BizTalk Adapters for Host Systems) the beta program is available for anyone who may be interested.  The program can be accessed on http://connect.microsoft.com.  You will need an account with a passport to access the beta.

The April CTP which is planned for release on 14 April should include the BizTalk Adapter for DB2.

For information relating to BizTalk please start at 'Getting BizTalk Server 2006 Assistance'.  This has links to most of the resources available for BizTalk.

SQL Server Express Edition with Advanced Services now includes Reporting Service Features

This is really good I have just had notice from herain at gotdotnet.com  to check out the new release of SQL Server Express.  Remember this is a CTP so do give feedback. See the link to sqlexpress's weblog http://blogs.msdn.com/sqlexpress/archive/2006/03/16/Express_CTP.aspx

Info about the post

'Check out the new release of SQL Server Express called SQL Server Express with Advanced Services. This now includes cool new features from SQL Server Reporting Serivces making report creation on SQL Server even easier.

In addition to the features offered in SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, SQL Server Express with Advanced Services offers additional components that include SQL Server Management Studio Express (SSMSE), support for full-text catalogs, and support for viewing reports via report server. SQL Server Express Edition with Advanced Services also includes SP1.'

Introduction to SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services, Event 11 July

Here is another Event for you, this time; 'Introduction to SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services'. this Event is at Microsoft in Reading on the 11th of July, starting at 18:30 till 21:00

In this session I want to look at some of the key areas of interest to us.  Looking at Reports, SSIS, Cubes and Key performance indecators.  Again in this session I want to spend more time showing the features rather than talking about them.

If enough of you are interested in a particular area please let me know and we can target future events at particular features of SQL Server in more depth. 

SQL Server 2005: A Technical Overview. Event 11 May

Several people said they would like an overview session. after the TechNet evening on February 28, where I presented Upgrading to SQL Server 2005.  So by popular demand

I am pleased to announce a new event on the 11 May 2006 in Reading starting at 18:30 till 21:00 SQL Server 2005: A Technical Overview

I will provide a technical overview of SQL 2005 looking at the managability, security and availability enhancements.  Also don't forget the Beer and Pizza break at 19:30.  I will keep the slides to a minimum and use lots of demo's.

Microsoft Agrees to acquire ProClarity, Enhancing Business Intelligence offering

Exciting news !! See announcment from today.  I think that the tools ProClarity provide compliment the tools already used from Microsoft.  A lot of you I know already use these.  There are demos on the ProClarity web site for those who may not have seen the products.

 Please see part of the announcment below for full details go here

REDMOND, Wash. — April 3, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced it has agreed to acquire ProClarity Corp., a software company based in Boise, Idaho, that develops advanced analysis and visualization technologies that work in association with Microsoft’s business intelligence (BI) platform, which includes Microsoft^® SQL Server™ 2005, Microsoft Office Business Scorecard Manager 2005, Microsoft Office Excel^® and Microsoft Office SharePoint^® Portal Server. The upcoming release of the 2007 Microsoft Office system significantly increases and broadens Microsoft’s investment in BI, and this acquisition deepens that investment, providing functionality that includes additional advanced analysis and visualization technologies as well as business-logic-driven “guided” analysis.

Microsoft’s BI strategy aims to broaden the reach of business intelligence by providing an easy and integrated user experience for accessing and working with business information so that decision-makers at all levels in an organization can make more informed decisions and drive better performance. The goal is to reach every individual, add value to every decision, and help organizations align people and initiatives to business strategy. ProClarity’s technology and people will help accelerate Microsoft’s business intelligence strategy, provide increased BI functionality, increase customer value and enhance opportunities for industry partners to integrate BI into business applications.

TechNet Roadshow 2006 - Now Live

At a city near you the TechNet Roadshow 2006. I'm really looking forward to this.  Getting to travel around the country presenting our new technology and meeting with you all..  We will be travelling to 5 locations around the UK starting on the 2nd of May in Birmingham.  Instead of mixing the Developer and Professional tracks together, this year we are going to have content aimed at IT Professionals one day and Developers another.

We will cover Windows Vista; 2007 Microsoft Office System; Exchange 12; ISA 2006 and Windows Server 2003 R2.  So this is a good opportunity for you to see the new technology first hand.

SQL Server Security issues reduced

In Dan's Blog he talks about the Sans Top 20 Security Vulnerabilities.  The main point being Microsoft SQL Server not making the top 20 but other database systems did.  I looked back at previous years and we had our own section of vulnerabilities.  I am wondering if that was because we were more open?  Or are the different industries looking harder at security issues  more now than in the past.

The Sans site publishes the list and provides useful links and tips to resolve and detect the various Database vulnerabilities mentioned.

Trouble shooting conectivity with SQL Server Express 2005

I noticed a question on a list server where they were discusing the Express edition of SQL 2005.  I was looking for resources at the time, there was a question about conecting to SQL Express.  There is an excelent Blog SQL Protocols which has an article about trouble shooting conectivity to SQL Express 2005..

SQL Server Query Optimization team Blog

Here is a very useful resource.  From SQL Server Query Optimization team lots of hints on query performance.   I found the link to this on Magnum B.I. I thought I would share this with you.  I get lots of questions relating to query performance.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 SP1 (CTP)

Microsoft SQL Server SP1 has been released on the 16 of March as a Community Technology Preview

This service pack can be used to upgrade all editions of SQL Server 2005 to SP1 except Express Edition. You must use Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (SQL Server Express) Service Pack 1 (SP1) to upgrade instances of SQL Server Express to SP1. SQL Server Express SP1 can be obtained from the Microsoft Download Center Web site. This service pack cannot be applied to any pre-release versions of SQL Server 2005.

Links to the service pack and other information

Service pack Readme file

SP1 download

Express version download

List of fixes

SQL 2005 Forums