Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Cannot Read Transaction Log Files:
There is no capability
with SQL Server's own tools to read the transaction logs.
This means that you need to either buy a third-party tool, or
take a wild guess and restore the database to a point in time.
Transaction logs are used only during recovery of database, if
the database is corrupt. The ability to read the transaction logs
is valuable for debugging purposes. This therefore represents a
serious omission.
No Support for Java:
Microsoft's non-support stance on Java
is well known. Unfortunately, this has meant that your Java
code is not portable from other DBMS platforms. Code that
has been written for your DB2 or Oracle installation will need
to be translated into T-SQL to be used within SQL Server.
This creates a challenge when migrating from other RDBMS
platforms. In fact, SQL Server doesn't offer any support for any
programming language, except of course SQL. To use VBScript
in SQL Server, you need to develop DTS packages that interface
with the RDBMS. These related limitations constitute a serious
handicap to the product.
Combined Effect:
MS SQL Server has made a reasonably
impressive entrance to the DBMS market place. The product is
scalable to some degree; its robustness and stability is yet to be
tested; however, there are a few success stories that Microsoft
will hasten to point out.Given the fact that for better or for
worse, the Windows operating system has become a household
name, and that MS SQL Server seamlessly integrates with that
operating system (both products produced and marketed by
Microsoft), MS SQL Server is guaranteed a promising future.
18.10 Summary and Concluding Remarks
Here is a summary of what we have covered in this chapter:
•
MS SQL Sever is an emerging DBMS suite that is seeking to
increase market share in the database systems market. The
product runs on Windows platforms. The product is marketed
under six editions: Standard Edition, Enterprise Edition,
Workgroup Edition, Express Edition, Compact Edition, and
Developer Edition.
•
The MS SQL Sever suite includes a number of components.
These components have been classified under Server Components,
Database Management Tools, Client Connectivity Tools,
Development Tools, Code Samples, and Optional Components.
