Summary

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 remains a very capable and powerful database management server, but I am more than just a little excited about the upcoming release of SQL Server 2005. SQL Server 2005 takes T-SQL and database management a huge step forward. Having worked with "Yukon" since its first beta release, I have witnessed the emergence of a world-class database management system that will undoubtedly strike fear in the heart of its competitors.

The coming chapters explore all the longstanding features and capabilities of T-SQL and preview some of the awesome new capabilities that SQL Server 2005 brings to the field of T-SQL programming. So sit back and hold on; it's going to be an exciting ride.

If the whole idea of writing T-SQL code and working with databases doesn't thrill you like it does me, I apologize for my overt enthusiasm. My wife has reminded me on many occasions that no matter how I may look, I really am a geek. I freely confess it. I also eagerly confess that I love working with databases. Working with databases puts you in the middle of everything in information technology. There is absolutely no better place to be. Can you name an enterprise application that doesn't somehow interface with a database? You see? Databases are the sun of the IT solar system.

In the coming months and years you will most likely find more and more applications storing their data in a SQL Server database, especially if that application is carrying a Microsoft logo. Microsoft Exchange Server doesn't presently store its data in SQL, but it will. Active Directory will also reportedly move its data store to SQL Server. The Windows file system itself is likely to be moved to a SQL-type store in a future release of the Windows operating system. For the T-SQL programmer and Microsoft SQL Server professional the future is indeed bright.