As a SQL Server enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to engage in a technical discussion with my friend and fellow MVP, Suprotim Agarwal, during our travel to Seattle. We delved into various topics related to SQL Server and its best practices. In this blog post, I will share some of the key points we discussed and invite your opinions on these topics.

1) Importance of Database Requirement Gathering

One of the crucial aspects often overlooked is the proper gathering of database requirements. While application requirements are given due importance, the database requirements are sometimes neglected. It is essential to understand the data needs and design the database accordingly to ensure optimal performance and scalability.

2) The Role of SQL Experts in Database Design and Architecture

Database design and architecture should ideally be handled by SQL experts. However, in many cases, this responsibility falls on software or application developers, leading to potential issues in the future. It is vital to involve SQL experts from the beginning to ensure a robust and efficient database design.

3) The Significance of Capacity Planning

Capacity planning is often overlooked or avoided by many expert DBAs. However, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the database can handle the anticipated workload and growth. We plan to delve deeper into this topic in a future article, providing insights and best practices for effective capacity planning.

4) Exploring SQL Server Auditing and Policy Management

SQL Server offers excellent features for auditing and policy management, which can enhance application security. It is essential to explore and utilize these features to safeguard sensitive data and prevent SQL Server injection attacks. We encourage further exploration of these capabilities.

5) Database Benchmarking for Performance Evaluation

Database benchmarking is commonly performed after an application goes live. However, in an ideal scenario, benchmarks should be established before the design phase and measured after the application is completed. This approach allows for a clear assessment of whether the benchmarks are met or not, ensuring optimal performance.

These are just a few of the topics we discussed during our journey. We had many other engaging conversations, which I will cover in detail in future articles. I am eager to hear your thoughts and opinions on these five topics. Please feel free to share your insights and experiences in the comments section below.

Thank you for joining me on this SQL Server exploration journey!