Part 2. Database administration

Edited by Paul Randal and Kimberly Tripp

In the two years since the first collectively authored SQL Server MVP Deep Dives book, it seems as if many more people labor under the title of DBA. There has been an explosion in the use of products that utilize SQL Server as the data store (e.g., Microsoft’s SharePoint, Team Foundation Server, and Dynamics) and so many more people have been thrust into the DBA role. It also seems as if more companies are building on SQL Server as they grow their businesses.

Altogether this means a lot more people are seeking education on SQL Server use and practices. During those same two years there has been a commensurate explosion in the number of people blogging about SQL Server and the number of community events (such as SQL Saturdays) where DBAs can find information about SQL Server. Does this mean that print is dead for technical books such as this?

Absolutely not!

Whether in a “real” book or the electronic version, this section of the book contains the impassioned writing of MVPs who are either full-time DBAs or work as consultants with full-time DBAs. They’ve considered what would make the most impact to easing the burden of being a DBA and chosen to donate their time writing about it to make this section useful to all.