About This Book

Welcome to Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Data Warehousing Training kit. The book provides you with the technical skills required to implement a data warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server client/server database management system version 7.0 and Microsoft SQL Server OLAP Services. The content of this book provides a theoretical and practical discussion of data warehouse design and the important features that SQL Server provides for implementing a data warehouse.

NOTE
For more information on becoming a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, see the section titled "The Microsoft Certified Professional Program" later in this chapter.

Each chapter in this book is divided into lessons. Most lessons include hands-on exercises that allow you to practice or demonstrate a particular concept or skill. Each lesson ends with a short summary and each chapter has a set of review questions to test your knowledge of the chapter material.

The "Getting Started" section of this chapter provides important setup instructions that describe the hardware and software requirements to complete the exercises in this course. It also provides information about the networking configuration necessary to complete some of the hands-on exercises. Read through this section thoroughly before you start the lessons.

Intended Audience

This book was developed for information system (IS) professionals who need to design, plan, implement, and support data warehouses using Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 and Microsoft SQL Server OLAP Services or who plan to take the related Microsoft Certified Professional exam 70-019: Designing and Implementing Data Warehouses with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0.

Prerequisites

Experience using the Microsoft Windows NT Server network operating system:

  • Working knowledge of the Windows NT 4.0 interface
  • Understand basic Microsoft network functions and terminology
  • One year of experience with relational databases:
    Have supported or designed a relational database
    Understand the fundamental concepts of relational database design
  • Three to six months of SQL Server experience:
    Installed at least one SQL Server
    Designed relational databases
    Worked with SQL Server client tools
  • Understand basic ANSI SQL statements and basic Transact-SQL statements
  • Understand basic Visual Basic programming.

You should also have passed the Microsoft Certified Professional Exam 70-028 (Administering Microsoft SQL Server 7.0) and the Microsoft Certified Professional Exam 70-029 (Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0) or have mastered the Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 System Administration Training Kit and the Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Database Implementation Training Kit.

Reference Materials

You might find the following reference material useful:

  • SQL Server white papers and case studies available online at www.microsoft.com/sql and www.microsoft.com/sql/productinfo/olap.htm
  • Microsoft OLE DB 2.0 Programmer s Reference and Data Access SDK. Microsoft Press.
  • Hitchhiker s Guide to Visual Basic and SQL Server.6th ed. Microsoft Press.
  • SQL Server Books Online available on the product CD-ROM.

About The CD-ROMs

The Supplemental Course Materials compact disc contains a variety of informational aids that can be used throughout this book. These include multimedia presentations, sample data, add-on software, and files used in hands-on exercises.

The multimedia presentation supplements some of the concepts covered in the book. You should view this presentation when suggested, and then use it as a review tool while you work through the material. A complete version of this book is also available online with a variety of viewing options available. For information about using the online book, see the section "The Online Book" later in this introduction. (The other CD-ROM contains an evaluation version of Microsoft SQL 7.0 120-day Evaluation Edition.)

The Supplemental Course Material compact disc also contains files required to perform the hands-on exercises, and information designed to supplement the lesson material. These files can be used directly from the CD-ROM or copied onto your hard disk by using the Setup program. The files include demonstrations of key concepts, practice files for the exercises, and additional articles about related concepts.

The demonstrations require an HTML browser. If Microsoft Internet Explorer is installed on your system simply double-click on any of these files to view them.

Features of This Book

Each chapter opens with a "Before You Begin" section, which prepares you for completing the chapter.

  • Whenever possible, lessons contain exercises that give you an opportunity to use the skills being presented or to explore the part of the application being described. All exercises are identified with a bullet symbol like the one to the left of this paragraph.
  • The "Review" section at the end of each chapter allows you to test what you have learned in the lesson.

    Appendix A, "Questions and Answers" contains all of the book s review questions and corresponding answers.

    Notes

    Notes appear throughout the lessons.

    • Notes marked Tip contain explanations of possible results or alternative methods.
    • Notes marked Important contain information that is essential to completing a task.
    • Notes marked Note contain supplemental information.
    • Notes marked Caution contain warnings about possible loss of data.

    Conventions

    • Hands-on practices that you are to follow are presented in numbered lists of steps (1, 2, and so on). A bullet indicates the beginning of a practice.
    • The word select is used for highlighting folders, file names, text boxes, menu bars, and option buttons, and for selecting options in a dialog box.
    • The word click is used for carrying out a command from a menu or dialog box.

    Notational Conventions

    • Characters or commands that you type appear in bold lowercase type.
    • Italic in syntax statements indicates placeholders for variable information. Italic is also used for book titles.
    • Names of files and folders appear in Title Caps, except when you are to type them directly. Unless otherwise indicated, you can use all lowercase letters when you type a file name in a dialog box or at a command prompt.
    • File name extensions appear in uppercase.
    • Acronyms appear in all uppercase.
    • Monospace
      type represents code samples, examples of screen text, or entries that you might type at a command prompt or in initialization files.
    • Square brackets [ ] are used in syntax statements to enclose optional items. For example, [filename] in command syntax indicates that you can choose to type a file name with the command. Type only the information within the brackets, not the brackets themselves.
    • Braces { } are used in syntax statements to enclose required items. Type only the information within the braces, not the braces themselves.
    • Icons represent specific sections in the book as follows:

    IconRepresents
    A multimedia presentation. You will find the applicable multimedia presentation on the course compact disc.
    A file contained on the CD-ROM. Some files are needed to complete a hands-on-practice; others contain supplemental information about the topic being discussed. The purpose of the file and its location are described in the accompanying text.
    A hands-on practice. You should perform the practice to give yourself an opportunity to use the skills being presented in the lesson.
    Chapter review questions. These questions at the end of each chapter allow you to test what you have learned in the lessons. You will find the answers to the review questions in Appendix A, "Questions and Answers" at the end of the book.

    Keyboard Conventions

    • A plus sign (+) between two key names means that you must press those keys at the same time. For example, "Press ALT+TAB" means that you hold down ALT while you press TAB.
    • A comma ( , ) between two or more key names means that you must press each of the keys consecutively, not together. For example, "Press ALT, F, X" means that you press and release each key in sequence. "Press ALT+W, L" means that you first press ALT and W together, and then release them and press L.
    • You can choose menu commands with the keyboard. Press the ALT key to activate the menu bar, and then sequentially press the keys that correspond to the highlighted or underlined letter of the menu name and the command name. For some commands, you can also press a key combination listed in the menu.
    • You can select or clear check boxes or option buttons in dialog boxes with the keyboard. Press the ALT key, and then press the key that corresponds to the underlined letter of the option name. Or you can press TAB until the option is highlighted, and then press the spacebar to select or clear the check box or option button.
    • You can cancel the display of a dialog box by pressing the ESC key.

    Chapter and Appendix Overview

    This self-paced training course combines notes, hands-on exercises, a multimedia presentation, and review questions to teach you SQL Server 7.0 data warehousing. It is designed to be completed from beginning to end, but you can choose a customized track and complete only the sections that interest you. (See the next section, "Finding the Best Starting Point for You" for more information.) If you choose the customized track option, see the "Before You Begin" section in each chapter. Any hands-on exercises that require preliminary work from preceding chapters refer to the appropriate chapters.

    The book is divided into the following chapters:

    • The "About This Book" section contains a self-paced training overview and introduces the components of this training. Read this section thoroughly to get the greatest educational value from this self-paced training and to plan which lessons you will complete.
    • Chapter 1, "Benefits of Data Warehousing," discusses many of the key benefits of data warehousing. First, it introduces fundamental data warehousing concepts. Then it examines the benefits realized from implementing data warehouses or data marts. Finally, it introduces the features of SQL Server 7.0 that support data warehousing.
    • Chapter 2, "Applications of Data Warehousing," discusses specific aspects of the data warehousing process, examines the life cycle flow of information from other systems into the data warehouse, and evaluates how data warehousing supports the objective of various sample business scenarios.
    • Chapter 3, "Challenges of Data Warehousing," examines some of the problems and issues to overcome. The chapter describes effective analysis techniques and examines the similarities of and differences between data warehousing projects and other types of development undertakings. The chapter discusses the use of good project management practices and encourages a disciplined approach and preparation for any potential problems and issues in advance, so that organizations with even large data warehousing projects can achieve their objectives.
    • Chapter 4, "Developing the Logical Design," describes the process of deriving a database design that can be implemented as a dimensional schema from the conceptual design you have discovered through the business analysis process. Creating a dimensional schema differs from designing a relational schema, but the two processes share several common design practices that are used to construct a useful dimensional design.
    • Chapter 5, "Defining the Technical Architecture for a Solution," begins the process of making the data warehouse a reality. First, you will examine the framework that supports the implementation of a data warehouse. Then you will examine the specific features within both Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft SQL Server OLAP Services that support effective data warehouse administration and use. Finally, you will begin implementation by creating a star schema database.
    • Chapter 6, "SQL Server Data Services," begins to address the issue of loading data into your data warehouse from various sources. SQL Server provides extensive support for access to native SQL Server databases and other data. This support is built upon the OLE DB specification. Data Transformation Services in SQL Server 7 provide a powerful, flexible tool for performing many kinds of data transfer and loading and are ideally suited to loading your data warehouse. The chapter introduces data-loading concepts such as data scrubbing and data transformation.
    • Chapter 7, "Replication," explains the concepts and terminology associated with replication and distributed data. Like DTS and other methods for transferring data, replication has many uses. Data warehouses can benefit from using replication to migrate and archive data between data warehouses and data marts. The chapter concludes with some examples of how you might use replication in a data warehouse environment.
    • Chapter 8, "Advanced DTS," explains how to take advantage of the rich functionality provided by DTS. You can create DTS packages that use complex workflows and data transformations using DTS Designer, and you can program DTS using COM automation. You will create a package that loads an OLAP database with data from an OLTP database.
    • Chapter 9, "Microsoft SQL Server OLAP Services," explains how to create and manage OLAP Services cubes. The chapter discusses selecting the storage type, setting up security, and, in some cases, optimizing performance with partitions. The chapter shows how OLAP Services solves these management challenges with architecture and usability tools that simplify complex tasks.
    • Chapter 10, "Data Analysis Tools and Architecture," discusses the basic concepts of data analysis, and describes how to analyze data while disconnected from a network. The chapter introduces and demonstrates data analysis tools that include the OLAP Manager Cube Browser, Microsoft Excel 2000, and Web pages. The chapter shows how OLAP Services provides architecture for software vendors to develop OLAP data analysis tools that work with any OLE DB provider and for you to write your own OLAP client applications.
    • Chapter 11, "Using Microsoft English Query to Query Warehouse Data," explains how you can use Microsoft English Query to build applications that support natural-language queries so that users can interact with the data in a data warehouse in a familiar way, asking questions in the same language that they would use when communicating with a person.
    • Chapter 12, "MDX Statements and ADO MD Objects," focuses on programming online analytical processing (OLAP) Services. The chapter explains how to use Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) and ActiveX Data Objects Multidimensional (ADO MD) to query cubes, retrieve and manipulate multidimensional datasets, and create local cubes for offline data analysis. MDX is the language that you use to query an OLAP Services multidimensional schema through the PivotTable Service, and ADO MD is a set of objects that provide multidimensional capabilities to ADO.
    • Chapter 13, "Maintaining a SQL Server Data Warehouse," describes various activities and methods involved in maintaining the data in and the physical structure of a SQL Server data warehouse. The chapter shows you how to use the Maintenance Plan Wizard to develop a specific maintenance plan; synchronize and update data in the data warehouse and your OLAP cubes; backup and restore your SQL Server databases and your OLAP Services databases; and migrate your OLAP Services Repository into a SQL Server database.
    • Chapter 14, "Managing a SQL Server Data Warehouse," explains the tasks performed to manage a data warehouse built using SQL Server 7.0 and SQL Server OLAP Services. These tasks include managing slowly changing dimensions, managing server resources, security, and performance. The chapter discusses these issues from a data warehousing perspective and shows you how to supplement your standard SQL Server management practices.
    • Appendix A, "Questions and Answers," lists all of the practice and review questions from the book by chapter number showing the suggested answer.
    • Appendix B, "Database Schemas," gives you graphical schema diagrams of the Northwind, Northwind_Mart and library databases. The diagrams show the tables, columns, and relationships in these databases.
    • Appendix C, "Performing Basic Queries," shows you how to create basic SQL queries. If you are not familiar with the basic use of the SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements. This appendix discusses using the SELECT statement to retrieve data from one table, using the WHERE clause to limit the rows that are returned by a query, formatting and sorting data in a result set, inserting a row into a table using the INSERT statement, updating rows in a table using the UPDATE statement, and deleting rows from a table using the DELETE or TRUNCATE TABLE statements.
    • Appendix D, "Querying Multiple Tables," explains how to combine the data from multiple tables into useful result sets using SQL joins.
    • Appendix E, "Advanced Query Techniques," discusses subqueries, which make it possible to use queries inside of other queries to create calculated values and specify advanced selection criteria, and cursors, which are used to perform row-based processing on SQL result sets.
    • Appendix F, "Summarizing Data," discusses one of the important benefits of client/server architecture, which is the ability of database servers to quickly and efficiently produce summaries of large amounts of data and send small result sets to client applications. In the chapter, you will learn how to use the features of SQL Server that allow you to create queries that summarize data.

    Finding the Best Starting Point for You

    Because this book is self-paced, you can skip some lessons and revisit them later. Note, however, that you must install Microsoft SQL Server 7.0, SQL Server OLAP Services, and some other software before you can perform the exercises in the chapters. (See the "Getting Started" section in this About This Book for instructions on how to install the appropriate software.) The exercises in most of the chapters use the Northwind and the Northwind_Mart SQL Server databases, and the Northwind_DSS OLAP Services database. Batch installation files that create the Northwind_Mart database and the Northwind_DSS database for the later chapters are supplied on the Supplemental Course Material CD-ROM. Use the following table to find the best starting point for you:

    If YouFollow this learning path
    Are preparing to take the Microsoft Certified Professional exam 70-019, Designing and Implementing Data Warehouses with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0. Read the "Getting Started" section. Work through the remaining chapters in any order.
    Want to review information about specific topics from the exam. Use the "Where to Find Specific Skills in This Book" section that follows this table.

    Where to Find Specific Skills in This Book

    The following tables provide a list of the skills measured on certification exam 70-019: Designing and Implementing Data Warehouses with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0. The tables provide the skill, and where in this book you will find the lesson relating to that skill.

    NOTE
    Exam skills are subject to change without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft.

    Analyzing Business Requirements

    Skill Being MeasuredLocation in Book
    Analyze the scope of the project.

  • Identify the major subject areas that will be incorporated into the data warehouse.
  • Chapter 3, Lesson 1 and Chapter 4, Lessons 2 & 3
    Analyze the extent of a business requirement. Chapter 2, Lesson 3 and Chapter 3, Lesson 1
    Analyze security requirements.Chapter 3, Lesson 3 and Chapter 14, Lesson 3
    Analyze performance and scalability requirements.Chapter 4, Lesson 5 and Chapter 5, Lesson 3 and Chapter 14, Lesson 4
    Analyze maintainability requirements.Chapter 3, Lesson 3 and Chapter 13
    Analyze human factors requirements, such as target audience, localization, accessibility, roaming users, Help, and special needs.Chapter 3

    Defining the Technical Architecture for a Solution

    Skill Being Measured Location in Book
    Identify which technologies are appropriate for implementation of a given business solution. Technologies include design tools, data transformation tools, storage tools, presentation access tools, management tools, and scheduling tools.Chapter 5 to Chapter 12
    Choose a data storage architecture.Chapter 5, Lesson3 and Chapter 9, Lesson 4

    Developing the Logical Design

    Skill Being Measured Location in Book
    Identify the sources of data from the operational databases. Chapter 4, Lessons 1 & 2
    Identify the encoding structure and key structure for integrating all data. Chapter 4, Lessons 2, 3 & 4
    Identify the filtering requirements for operational data. Chapter 3, Lesson 1 and Chapter 6, Lesson 1
    Assess whether a data mart schema should be integrated within the enterprise data warehouse schema. Chapter 1, Lesson 1
    Assess the level of detail required for data. Chapter 4, Lesson 3

    Deriving the Physical Design

    Skill Being Measured Location in Book
    Assess how a given logical design impacts performance, maintainability, extensibility, scalability, availability, and security. Chapter 4
    Assess whether data should be queried from a relational database or a multidimensional database. Chapter 4, Lessons 1 & 2
    Choose a schema design for a relational database. Design options include normalized, star, or snowflake. Chapter 4, Lessons 1, 2 & 3
    Group data into fact tables and dimension tables by applying denormalization rules. Chapter 4, Lessons 1, 2, 3, & 4

    Creating Data Services

    Skill Being Measured Location in Book
    Use Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects (ADO), ActiveX Data Objects Multidimensional (ADO MD), multidimensional expressions (MDX), or Microsoft English Query to access or manipulate a data source. Chapter 11 and Chapter 12
    Write SQL statements that retrieve and summarize data. SQL statements include SELECT, ROLLUP, CUBE, and HAVING. Appendixes C, D, E, and F
    Replicate data among data marts. Chapter 7

    Implementing a Physical Data Warehouse and Implementing OLAP Services

    Skill Being MeasuredLocation in Book
    Implement a data storage architecture by creating and managing files and filegroups. Chapter 5, Lessons 2 & 3
    Use visual database tools to create databases and database tables that enforce data integrity and referential integrity.Chapter 5, Lesson 3
    Populate the warehouse with data from an external data source by using Data Transformation Services (DTS). External data sources include other SQL Server databases, comma-separated files, delimited files, and OLE DB for ODBC.

    • Track data lineage.
    • Store DTS packages in the repository.
    Chapter 6, Lesson 2 and Chapter 8
    Choose an indexing strategy to optimize performance for relational decision support.Chapter 5, Lesson 3 and Chapter 14, Lesson 4
    Create, maintain, and optimize indexes.Chapter 5, Lesson 3 and Chapter 14, Lesson 4
    Design the multi-dimensional OLAP model.

    • Create the dimension hierchy.
    • Create measures.
    • Assign member properties.
    Chapter 9, Lessons 3 & 4 and Chapter 13, Lesson 2 and Chapter 14, Lesson 4
    Create and maintain OLAP aggregates.

    • Choose the data storage mechanism, specifically MOLAP, ROLAP, or HOLAP.
    • Build the aggregations.
    • Partition data for scalability.
    • Perform incremental updates of cubes.
    • Merge incemental updates with the main partition.
    • Monitor and optimize aggregations based on usage.
    Chapter 9, Lessons 3 & 4 and Chapter 13, Lesson 2 and Chapter 14, Lesson 4
    Implement security for databases and cubes Chapter 9, Lesson 4 and Chapter 14, Lesson 3
    Configure SQL Server options for optimal performance Chapter 14, Lesson 2

    Maintaining a Database and VLDB

    Skill Being Measured Location in Book
    Monitor and optimize the amount of space in the database. Chapter 5, Lesson 3 and Chapter 14, Lesson 4
    Perform backup procedures, restore procedures, and roll-off procedures on the data warehouse.

    • Develop archiving procedures.
    • Develop methods for refreshing data.
    Chapter 13, Lesson 3
    Perform disaster recovery procedures on the database. Chapter 13, Lesson 3
    Maintain database indexing. Chapter 13, Lesson 1
    Verify database consistency. Chapter 13, Lesson 1
    Monitor and optimize query performance. Chapter 14, Lesson 4
    Automate maintenance tasks by using alerts and agents.

    • Schedule DTS events.
    • Schedule backup events.
    • Schedule replication events.
    Chapter 6, Lesson 2 and Chapter 13, Lesson 3 and Chapter 7, Lesson 4

    NOTE
    Some of the skills defined in the previous tables are discussed in greater detail in the Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 System Administration Training Kit and the Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Database Implementation Training Kit.

    Getting Started

    This self-paced training course contains hands-on procedures to help you learn about data warehousing with Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 and Microsoft SQL Server OLAP Services.

    CAUTION
    Several exercises may require you to make changes to your servers. This may have undesirable results if you are connected to a larger network. Check with your Network Administrator before attempting these exercises.

    Hardware Requirements

    Each computer must have the following minimum configuration. All hardware should be on the Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Hardware Compatibility List.

    • Intel or compatible (Pentium 166 MHz or higher, Pentium PRO, or Pentium II) computer.
    • At least 64 MB of memory.
    • At least 300 MB of free hard drive space.
    • Sound card and speakers.
    • CD-ROM drive.

    Software Requirements

    The following software is required to complete the exercises in this course. A 120-day evaluation copy of Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 is included on a CD-ROM in this kit.

    • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 with Service Pack 4, preferably installed as a Primary Domain Controller.
    • Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Standard Edition and Microsoft SQL Server OLAP Services.

    CAUTION
    The 120-day Evaluation Edition provided with this training is not the full retail product and is provided only for the purposes of training and evaluation. Microsoft Technical Support does not support this evaluation edition. For additional support information regarding this book and the CD-ROMs (including answers to commonly asked questions about installation and use), visit the Microsoft Press Technical Support Web site at http: //mspress.microsoft.com/mspress/support/. You can also email TKINPUT@MICROSOFT.COM, or send a letter to Microsoft Press, Attn: Microsoft Press Technical Support, One Microsoft Way, Redmond WA 98052-6399.

    • The OLAP Services Archive and Restore Add-in
    • Excel 2000
    • Internet Information Server with Active Server Pages

    Setup Instructions

    Set up your computer according to the manufacturer s instructions.

    CAUTION
    If your computer is part of a larger network, you must verify with your network administrator that the computer name, domain name, and other information used in setting up Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 does not conflict with network operations. If it does conflict, ask your network administrator to provide alternative values and use those values throughout all of the exercises in this book.

    Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 120-day Evaluation Edition

  • To install Microsoft SQL Server version 7.0 Evaluation Edition:
    1. Insert the SQL Server 7.0 into your CD-ROM drive.
    2. If auto-run is disabled, double-click the autorun.exe file in the root of the CD ROM.
    3. To install, choose SQL Server from the menu options provided.

    You should not perform the exercises in the chapters of this book on a SQL Server that is being used by others.

    Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 OLAP Services

  • To install Microsoft SQL Server version 7.0 OLAP Services:
    1. Insert the SQL Server 7.0 into your CD-ROM drive.
    2. If auto-run is disabled, double-click the autorun.exe file in the root of the CD ROM.
    3. To install, choose SQL Server OLAP Services from the menu options provided.

    OLAP Services Archive and Restore Add-in

  • To install the OLAP Services Archive and Restore Add-in:
    1. Insert the Supplemental Course Materials CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.
    2. Double-click the addins.exe file in the \Software\Addins folder to install the add-in.

    The Exercise Files

    The Supplemental Course Materials CD-ROM contains a set of exercise files that you will need to install on your hard disk drive to complete many of the exercises in this book.

  • To install the exercise files to your hard disk drive:
    1. Insert the Supplemental Course Materials CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.
    2. Select Run from the Start menu on your desktop, and type: D:\Setup.exe (where D: is the name of your CD-ROM drive).
    3. This will initiate the setup process that will install the exercise files to your hard disk drive.

    4. Follow the instructions of the Setup wizard.

    IMPORTANT
    This book operates on the assumption that your hard disk is named C, and the Setup wizard installs the exercise files to a default folder named C:\SQLDW. If you alter the name of this default folder during the setup, the references to exercise files in this book will differ from the true locations of files on your hard disk drive.

    The Media Files

    The Supplemental Course Materials CD-ROM contains an audio visual demonstration file that you can view by running the file from the CD-ROM. You will find a prompt within the book indicating when the demonstration should be run. You must have installed Media Player and an Internet browser on your computer to view this file. (Internet Explorer and Media Player are included on this CD for this purpose. To install either of these software products, see the installation instructions in the Readme.txt files on the CD.)

  • To view the demonstration:
    1. Insert the Supplemental Course Materials CD-ROM in to your CD-ROM drive.
    2. Select Run from the Start menu on your desktop and type: D:\Media\demonstration_filename (where D is the name of your CD-ROM drive).

    This will run the appropriate demonstration in your Internet browser.

    The Library Database

    In the \SQLDW\Exercise\bldlib folder on the Supplemental Materials CD-ROM you will find the files that create the library database used in the training kit appendix exercises. After you have copied the exercise files to your hard drive, you can use them to create the library database by executing the bldlib.cmd batch file at the command prompt.

    The Online Book

    The CD-ROM also includes an online version of the book that you can view on screen using Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 with SP1.

  • To use the online version of this book:
    1. Insert the Supplemental Course Materials CD-ROM in to your CD-ROM drive.
    2. Select Run from the Start menu on your desktop, and type: D:\Ebook\Setup.exe (where D is the name of your CD-ROM disk drive).
    3. This will install the online book to your hard disk drive.

    4. Click OK to exit the Installation wizard.

    The Microsoft Certified Professional Program

    The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program provides the best method to prove your command of current Microsoft products and technologies. Microsoft, an industry leader in certification, is on the forefront of testing methodology. Our exams and corresponding certifications are developed to validate your mastery of critical competencies as you design and develop, or implement and support, solutions with Microsoft products and technologies. Computer professionals who become Microsoft certified are recognized as experts and are sought after industry-wide.

    The Microsoft Certified Professional program offers six certifications, based on specific areas of technical expertise:

    • Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of at least one Microsoft operating system. Candidates may pass additional Microsoft certification exams to further qualify their skills with Microsoft BackOffice products, development tools, or desktop programs.
    • Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet. MCPs with a specialty in the Internet are qualified to plan security, install and configure server products, manage server resources, extend servers to run CGI scripts or ISAPI scripts, monitor and analyze performance, and troubleshoot problems.
    • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). Qualified to effectively plan, implement, maintain, and support information systems in a wide range of computing environments with Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Windows NT, and the Microsoft BackOffice integrated family of server software.
    • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer + Internet (MCSE + Internet). MCSEs with an advanced qualification to enhance, deploy and manage sophisticated intranet and Internet solutions that include a browser, proxy server, host servers, database, and messaging and commerce components. In addition, a MCSE+Internet-certified professional is able to manage and analyze Web sites.
    • Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD). Qualified to design and develop custom business solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms, including Microsoft Office and Microsoft BackOffice.
    • Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). Instructionally and technically qualified to deliver Microsoft Official Curriculum through a Microsoft Certified Technical Education Center (CTEC).

    Microsoft Certification Benefits

    Microsoft certification, one of the most comprehensive certification programs available for assessing and maintaining software-related skills, is a valuable measure of an individual s knowledge and expertise. Microsoft certification is awarded to individuals who have successfully demonstrated their ability to perform specific tasks and implement solutions with Microsoft products. Not only does this provide an objective measure for employers to consider; it also provides guidance for what an individual should know to be proficient. And as with any skills-assessment and benchmarking measure, certification brings a variety of benefits: to the individual, and to employers and organizations.

    Microsoft Certification Benefits for Individuals

    As a Microsoft Certified Professional, you receive many benefits:

    • Industry recognition of your knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft products and technologies.
    • Access to technical and product information directly from Microsoft through a secured area of the MCP Web Site.
    • Logos to enable you to identify your Microsoft Certified Professional status to colleagues or clients.
    • Invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions, and special events.
    • A Microsoft Certified Professional certificate.
    • Subscription to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine (North America only), a career and professional development magazine.
    • Additional benefits, depending on your certification and geography, include:
    • A complimentary one-year subscription to the Microsoft TechNet Technical Information Network, providing valuable information on monthly CD-ROMs.
    • A one-year subscription to the Microsoft Beta Evaluation program. This benefit provides you with up to 12 free monthly CD-ROMs containing beta software (English only) for many of Microsoft s newest software products.

    Microsoft Certification Benefits for Employers and Organizations

    Through certification, computer professionals can maximize the return on investment in Microsoft technology. Research shows that Microsoft certification provides organizations with:

    • Excellent return on training and certification investments by providing a standard method of determining training needs and measuring results.
    • Increased customer satisfaction and decreased support costs through improved service, increased productivity and greater technical self-sufficiency.
    • Reliable benchmark for hiring, promoting and career planning.
    • Recognition and rewards for productive employees by validating their expertise.
    • Retraining options for existing employees so they can work effectively with new technologies.
    • Assurance of quality when outsourcing computer services.

    Requirements for Becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional

    The certification requirements differ for each certification and are specific to the products and job functions addressed by the certification.

    To become a Microsoft Certified Professional, you must pass rigorous certification exams that provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise. These exams are designed to test your expertise and ability to perform a role or task with a product, and are developed with the input of professionals in the industry. Questions in the exams reflect how Microsoft products are used in actual organizations, giving them "real-world" relevance.

    Microsoft Certified Product Specialists are required to pass one operating system exam. Candidate may pass additional Microsoft certification exams to further qualify their skills with Microsoft BackOffice products, development tools, or desktop applications.

    Microsoft Certified Professional - Specialist: Internet are required to pass the prescribed Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0, TCP/IP, and Microsoft Internet Information System exam series.

    Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers are required to pass a series of core Microsoft Windows operating system and networking exams, and BackOffice technology elective exams.

    Microsoft Certified Solution Developers are required to pass two core Microsoft Windows operating system technology exams and two BackOffice technology elective exams.

    Microsoft Certified Trainers are required to meet instructional and technical requirements specific to each Microsoft Official Curriculum course they are certified to deliver. In the United States and Canada, call Microsoft at (800) 636-7544 for more information on becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer. Outside the United States and Canada, contact your local Microsoft subsidiary.

    Technical Training for Computer Professionals

    Technical training is available in a variety of ways, with instructor-led classes, online instruction, or self-paced training available at thousands of locations worldwide.

    Self-paced Training

    For motivated learners who are ready for the challenge, self-paced instruction is the most flexible, cost-effective way to increase your knowledge and skills.

    A full-line of self-paced print and computer-based training materials are available direct from the source Microsoft Press. Microsoft Official Curriculum courseware kits from Microsoft Press are designed for advanced computer system professionals and are available from Microsoft Press and the Microsoft Developer Division. Self-paced training kits from Microsoft Press feature print-based instructional materials, along with CD-ROM based product software, multimedia presentations, lab exercises, and practice files. The Mastering Series provides in-depth, interactive training on CD-ROM for experienced developers. They re both great ways to prepare for Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) exams.

    Online Training

    For a more flexible alternative to instructor-led classes, turn to online instruction. It s as near as the Internet and it s ready whenever you are. Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule in a virtual classroom, often with easy access to an online instructor. Without ever leaving your desk, you can gain the expertise you need. Online instruction covers a variety of Microsoft products and technologies. It includes options ranging from Microsoft Official Curriculum to choices available nowhere else. It s training on demand, with access to learning resources 24 hours a day.

    Online training is available through Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers.

    Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers

    Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centers (CTECs) are the best source for instructor-led training that can help you prepare to become a Microsoft Certified Professional. The Microsoft CTEC program is a worldwide network of qualified technical training organizations that provide authorized delivery of Microsoft Official Curriculum courses by Microsoft Certified Trainers to computer professionals.

    For a listing of ATEC locations in the United States and Canada, call the Microsoft fax service at (800) 727-3351. Outside the United States and Canada, call the fax service at (206) 635-2233.

    Technical Support

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this book and the contents of the companion disc. If you have comments, questions, or ideas regarding this book or the companion disc, please send them to Microsoft Press using either of the following methods:

    E-mail:

    TKINPUT@MICROSOFT.COM

    Postal Mail:

    Microsoft Press

    Attn: Microsoft SQL 7.0 Database Implementation Training kit Editor

    One Microsoft Way

    Redmond, WA 98052-6399

    Microsoft Press provides corrections for books through the World Wide Web at the following address:

    http://mspress.microsoft.com/support/

    Please note that product support is not offered through the above mail addresses. For further information regarding Microsoft software support options, please connect to http://www.microsoft.com/support/ or call Microsoft Support Network Sales at (800) 936-3500.

    Evaluation Edition Software Support

    The Evaluation Edition of Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 included with this book is unsupported by both Microsoft and Microsoft Press, and should not be used on a primary work computer. For online support information relating to the full version of Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 that might also apply to the Evaluation Edition, you can connect to:

    http://support.microsoft.com/

    For information about ordering the full version of any Microsoft software, please call Microsoft Sales at (800) 426-9400 or visit www.microsoft.com. Information about any issues relating to the use of this evaluation edition with this training kit are posted to the Support section of the Microsoft Press Web site (http://mspress.microsoft.com/support/).



    Microsoft Corporation - Microsoft SQL Server 7 Data Warehousing Technical Support Training Kit
    Microsoft SQL Server 7 Data Warehousing Technical Support Training Kit
    ISBN: 0735606706
    EAN: 2147483647
    Year: 1999
    Pages: 114

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