The Network Ahead

Let’s take a break now from database architecture and look holistically at the roles played by the client and server components of SQL Server 2005. If you are new to client/server database systems, the paradigm shift from desktop applications, such as Microsoft Access and FoxPro, might seem steep. A number of areas will entail a learning curve. Understanding how to configure users in the database, server security and logins, roles, and so on can be a challenge. In Chapter 5, I go into the security aspect in a lot more depth. I have also included a deployment plan that offers step-by-step instructions on setting up your users for access.

As wonderful as SQL Server is, one of the drawbacks for newcomers is that it is so vast. It is not unusual to do everything right in the test or development environment, only to find users cannot connect when you roll out or deploy your production system. Chapter 8 will help you troubleshoot such situations. In the next chapter, I will put SQL Server’s entrails under the spotlight again as we discuss the DBMS architecture.