Greetings, ALL:

   As more and more companies get on board and begin to adapt SQL Server 2008, what is the best way for DBA's to fast track and reconcile their SQL 2005 skills with the new 2008 platform?  Besides, as many have done, create a lab environment, if you can get it approved, or scrounge a spare swing server, training facilities across the country are offering courses designed specifically for the SQL 2005 DBA.  

 Following the official Microsoft Curriculum, you can find course #  6158 Updating Your SQL Server® 2005 Skills to SQL Server 2008. This course is intended for experienced SQL Server 2005 developers and database administrators who want to upgrade their skills to SQL Server 2008, and learn the new and enhanced feature set.

 I think this is the perfect "comprise" course for companies thinking of upgrading to SQL 2008, to send their much valued DBA's, given that it is only a 3-day course.  Anytime out of the office is valuable time,  but it is a legitimate and justifiable business need, and a good way to make use of those extra vouchers ;-).

This DBA, being between projects, looking for a new gig (hint, hint - I'm available for any of your database projects), has decided to register for this course, as a great way to fill my downtime and keep my skills sharp for the next great opportunity that comes along.  I've already test-driven and begun using the SQL 2008 platform, but nothing like an official refresher course to stay up to date.  Plus, I've promised the training facility Solartech, that I would give honorable mention, and thought that this would be an informative upcoming article (heads-up SJ 🙂 for those DBA's interested in updating their sql server skills.

Feel free to find a training center near you which offers this course, such as Solartech. http://www.solartechnj.com/

Here are some of the topics covered in this course. 

• Describe the new features of SQL Server 2008.

• Manage SQL Server 2008.

• Optimize SQL Server 2008.

• Secure a SQL Server 2008 Database.

• Develop databases with SQL Server 2008.

• Create and maintain highly available SQL Server 2008 databases.

• Create and use a SQL Server 2008 data warehouse.

• Use SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services.

• Use SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services.

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