Published on

April 7, 2006

Exploring New Features in SQL Server 2005

SQL Server 2005, released in November 2005, brought a host of new features and enhancements that positioned it as a strong competitor to Oracle’s RDBMS. In this article, we will explore some of the key concepts and ideas introduced in SQL Server 2005.

1. Dynamic Management Views (DMVs)

One of the standout features of SQL Server 2005 is the introduction of Dynamic Management Views (DMVs). These views provide valuable server state information such as CPU usage, memory utilization, IO statistics, and index usage. DMVs are incredibly useful for troubleshooting, diagnosis, and performance tuning. Oracle users may be familiar with a similar feature called Dynamic Performance Views (DPVs), which serve a similar purpose. The inclusion of DMVs in SQL Server 2005 brings it on par with Oracle in terms of providing comprehensive server monitoring capabilities.

2. Enhanced Concept of Schema

The concept of schema is not new to SQL Server, but its implementation in SQL Server 2005 differs from previous versions. In SQL Server 2005, a schema is now associated with object ownership rather than users. This departure from SQL Server 2000 brings it closer to the schema concept in Oracle, where a schema is akin to a database in SQL Server. This change simplifies the management and organization of database objects within SQL Server.

3. Introduction of Synonym Object

SQL Server 2005 introduced the concept of synonyms, which had been a feature in Oracle for some time. Synonyms provide alternative names for base objects such as tables, views, stored procedures, and more. They offer a layer of abstraction, allowing applications to reference objects by their synonym names, even if the underlying base objects change in name or location. This feature enhances flexibility and simplifies application development and maintenance.

4. Enhanced Partition Implementation

Partition creation and management received significant enhancements in SQL Server 2005. Unlike the somewhat awkward implementation in SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2005 introduced more consistent and industry-standard partition management capabilities. It now supports both table and index partitioning, bridging the gap between Oracle and SQL Server in this aspect. These enhancements provide improved performance and manageability for large databases.

5. sqlcmd Utility

Microsoft revamped the command line tool with the introduction of sqlcmd in SQL Server 2005. This powerful utility offers automation capabilities and enhancements comparable to Oracle’s SQLPlus. Notably, the “ed” command allows users to invoke the default editor in both sqlcmd and SQLPlus, streamlining the query editing process.

6. More Advanced Query Tuning Options

SQL Server 2005 introduced additional query tuning options, including the newly introduced plan guides. Plan guides enable the optimization of queries by attaching query hints without modifying the query itself. This feature aligns SQL Server with Oracle’s query tuning capabilities. While Oracle has long been known for its extensive query tuning options, Microsoft’s efforts to bridge the gap in this area are commendable.

SQL Server 2005 brought a wealth of new features and enhancements that positioned it as a strong competitor to Oracle. However, it is important for Microsoft to strike a balance and not overcomplicate the product. SQL Server’s strength lies in its simplicity and ease of management. While tools like SQL Server Management Studio and Business Intelligence Development Studio offer powerful capabilities, Microsoft should ensure they remain user-friendly and efficient.

In conclusion, SQL Server 2005, combined with Windows 2003 64-bit, emerged as a formidable contender in the database management system market. Its robust features, improved performance, and simplified management make it an attractive choice for both low-end and high-end database solutions. While Oracle may have faced challenges with bugs, complexity, and pricing, it is important to acknowledge the contributions made by both companies. Ultimately, the success of a database system lies in its ability to meet the needs of its users and provide a seamless experience.

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