Case Scenarios

In the case scenarios at the end of each chapter, you will apply what you've learned in that chapter. If you have difficulty completing this work, review the material in the chapter before beginning the next one. You can find answers to these questions in the Answers section at the end of this book.

Case Scenarios and the 70-442 Exam

Of the approximately 200 practice test questions included on the companion CD, 180 are based on case scenarios. Case scenario-based practice test questions provide a way to assess whether the certification candidate understands the information that he or she has learned. Each case scenario describes a fictional company that is facing some dilemma. The case scenario will be exhaustive and will feature both technical and non-technical details. You need to be able to analyze and interpret not only the technical issues, but the business needs as well.

You will need to read each case scenario more than once. It is a good idea to read through the case scenario quickly the first time. Try to identify the major obstacle(s) facing the fictional company. Then read the questions associated with this case scenario. There are approximately 10 questions for each scenario.

On the next pass, pick out details that will help you answer the questions. Note portions of the case scenario that relate to specific questions. It will be necessary to read the scenarios thoroughly and to absorb as much information as possible rather than reading only the sections that you think are relevant.

Case Scenario Structure

Each case scenario contains several sections that cover different aspects of the fictional company. The first part of the scenario will provide background information, such as an overview of the company and any changes the company plans to make. It might also reveal any major problems the company is currently facing.

In many cases, the existing environment, including details regarding both software and hardware, is described. Because this exam involves optimizing SQL Server, you should expect to see information regarding the databases and database servers. You might also see information about the network and server infrastructure.

There will also be sections describing the company's business requirements, including general or technical requirements. The technical requirements section specifies technical details involving security, maintainability, availability, and recoverability.