Chapter 13 -- Integrating with SQL Server

Chapter 13

Almost everyone who uses a computer is aware of Microsoft Office, the suite of business applications that includes Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft PowerPoint. Fewer computer users might be aware that a similar product exists for servers. Microsoft BackOffice attempts to meet the basic needs of those who support and design server-based applications in the same way that Office meets the basic needs of desktop and laptop computer users. Like Office applications, BackOffice applications can be enhanced and extended by developers to allow these general tools to meet specific needs.

BackOffice consists of the following server-based applications:

• Microsoft SQL Server for database access
• Microsoft Exchange Server for messaging
• Microsoft Systems Management Server for client management
• Microsoft SNA server for connectivity to mainframe and midrange computers

In Chapter 7, I described how we use MAPI to send and receive mail. While other MAPI message sources are available, Exchange is the most common. This chapter will focus on SQL Server, which is a common data source for ODBC applications such as the one we saw in Chapter 8.

We could use SQL Server as just another data source, interchangeable with desktop databases such as Access and Borland Paradox. However, this would not even begin to touch its potential. Consider the following scenarios:

• You must design a system that uses Web clients for inquiry and simple data entry and also uses a Microsoft Visual Basic client for more sophisticated data entry and reporting. Both systems can insert records into the database. Inserting a record into one table should be accompanied by insertion of several records into another table.
• You need to create an order entry system that will notify a system administrator whenever a customer's outstanding balance exceeds predefined limits. You would also like to have quick and easy reporting of customer balances without having to read through the entire database.
• You need to create a system that will access the e-mail system, but not all client machines will have the e-mail client installed. Nor, for that matter, will all users have their own e-mail accounts.

These and many other system requirements can be handled using Microsoft SQL Server. We'll revisit these scenarios as we explore the capabilities of SQL Server.