Exercise 5: Database case study

Case A: Microsoft SQL server

Microsoft's SQL Server 2008 includes functionality that makes it very simple to develop database applications. The new MS SQL Server 2008 includes a suite of fist class data-processing/management applications:

• · Application development
• · Business Intelligent platform
• · Compliance
• · Data Warehousing
• · Hosting Solutions
• · Online Transaction Processing (OLTP)
• · Solutions for the Web
• · Reporting Solutions
• · Server Consolidation
• · Virtualization

The design consists of two "studios" - Business Intelligence (BI) Development, and Management - the functions of which are broken down as follows.

BI Development Studio: this is where you develop your Business Intelligence solutions. It is further broken down into 4 specific services: Analysis Services; Integration Services; Reporting Services; and Reporting Model. Each of these functions has its own specific functionality which complements the others. For example: when you create a data mining model which stores information in data cubes using Analysis Services; Report Model allows you to create blueprints for your reporting requirements; Reporting Services allows you to develop a reporting system and display the data from your cubes it on your intranet/internet site; and Integration Services provides the necessary packages for data transformation and integration.

Management Studio: this is where the more routine development matters relating to database applications are managed. Database design,and other administrative functions are controlled through the management studio.

More in-depth detail about all of these functions and new features found in Microsoft’s new SQL Server can be found on the Official Microsoft SQL Server 2008 website and from Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Product Overview.

Test out Microsoft SQL Server Express

Although it is required but i am refraining myself to test this SQL server edition because of 2 main reasons:

1. I have SQL Server 2008 installed and configured with my visual studio and other development tools therefore installing SQL Server express edition seemed tedious, at it could have a negative impact on my current system configuration.

2. My Internet connection is currently shaped and it would take a really long time to download it and not to use it.

Although from my experience with the SQL Server 2005, I could say that it is powerful enough to handle most daily applications as it is lightweight and user-friendly. Which in my opinion will make it even better suited for rapid prototyping.