SQL Server 2012/2014 DBA

Hi, I have been working as system engineer for almost seven years. My primary focus is on Windows Server 2008 R2/2012 R2 technologies, Exchange Server 2010/2013, PowerShell (v2, v3 and v4), SCCM/SCOM 2012 R2, MDT 2012 U1/2013, IIS 8/8.5 and list goes on
with no MS technologies like Symantec (AV, backup products) and vSphere 5/5.5 since I am big fan of most of these technologies (honestly I am not thrilled working with Exchange Server - too much things under the hood just to send an email :-)). I
have recently decided to also dig deep into SQL Server 2012/2014 although in my company we do not have anyone whose job is primarily working as SQL DBA. Knowing that SQL Server 2012/2014 has SSRS, SSIS and SSAS beside the main
one Database Engine, I would like to find out whether SQL DBA has to know very well these three SQL components or he/she should be focused on administering SQL Server databases and querying SQL server (in case of SQL Server
2012 areas covered by exams 70-462 and 70-461). Having deep knowledge of all these SQL Server services seems like mission impossible and honestly I do not think anyone could master SQL Server "as whole" - unless, maybe, that person is working only
and I repeat only with SQL Server. It looks like SC 2012 R2 suite - mastering all products in this suite is impossible. So what should I do?

SSIS was mentioned as very powerful tool in DBA arsenal for automating many administrative tasks without too much difficulties. Since I have no experience in working with SSIS how tough is it for learning and mastering and what books/videos do you
recommend?
SSIS is a must for a DBA. In case you have questions, there is an excellent SSIS forum:
https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/sqlserver/en-US/home?forum=sqlintegrationservices
Kalman Toth Database & OLAP Architect
SQL Server 2014 Database Design
New Book / Kindle: Beginner Database Design & SQL Programming Using Microsoft SQL Server 2014

Similar Messages

  • What will I do with the SQL Server (2012/2014) (Standard/Enterprise) Licenses?

    What will I do with the SQL Server (2012/2014) (Standard/Enterprise) Licenses?
    Are these the same as software product keys, or just some pieces of paper the company needs to have on hand?
    In which case, when we install SQL Server 2014, (and when looked for videos) - there is only 1 product key value to be put in, is there some other screen in the setup to input the License bought ( in our case will be Core licenses).
    So in addition to the Core Licenses do will a Product key be needed? Would product key from an msdn work, as it is the licenses that we will buy to indicate that we bought to run the software on server X?
    Thanks for any indications.

    1. What will I do with the SQL Server (2012/2014) (Standard/Enterprise) Licenses?
    Are these the same as software product keys, or just some pieces of paper the company needs to have on hand?
    2. In which case, when we install SQL Server 2014, (and when looked for videos) - there is only 1 product key value to be put in, is there some other screen in the setup to input the License bought ( in our case will be Core licenses).
    3. So in addition to the Core Licenses do will a Product key be needed? Would product key from an msdn work, as it is the licenses that we will buy to indicate that we bought to run the software on server X?
    Thanks for any indications.
    I will answer your question point wise
    1. Keeping license key is good idea it helps you during audit and you have proof that you are using a valid Microsoft License. Plus in scenario of disaster where whole box gets damanged you might need to install SQL Server again in that case during
    reinstallation on setup page where you need to enter key you might need need it. If you are missing your paper then you are in trouble.
    2. Only on product key page license key is required and it is not required anywhere else during installation. Unless you enter valid product key installation will not proceed further.
    3 License makes you a valid owner of Microsoft product with restrictions on how much hardware resource you can use how much max connections you can make etc. Key lets you install it on Windows machine making sure that you are using valid Microsoft product.
    This was just a general idea please speak to your licensing specialist for more details. This is technical forum and we generally ask user to speak to licensing expert for such queries.
    Please mark this reply as answer if it solved your issue or vote as helpful if it helped so that other forum members can benefit from it.
    My TechNet Wiki Articles

  • Sybase ASE 11.9 to SQL Server 2012/2014 Data Migration

    I am given a task of migrating the Sybase ASE 11.9 server databases to SQL Server 2012/2014.
    We have Sybase server installed on Windows server 2000.
    We are going to setup a SQL Server 2012 on another server machine.
    We are planning the migration using SSMA Version 6.0.
    My questions are as below:
    1. Do i need to install the SSMA Sybase Client tool on both the servers?
    2. The database is quite huge, so they want us to perform the migration on a Copy of Sybase database. Is it possible?
    Also please let me know what are the requirements for all this process so we can take care of it before doing actual migration.

    Hi Lydia ,
    Thanks a lot for making it clear to me.
    So as per my understanding i will install both the client
    application of SSMA for Sybase and the
    Server extension pack on Windows Server 2012. 
    So, if i can access the Sybase Server from Windows Server 2012(Sql Server Destination) then no
    need to install the client application of SSMA for Sybase on Windows Server 2000(Sybase
    Source).
    Thanks

  • Installing SQL Server 2012/2014 components on different servers

    What are the licensing requirements under the following scenario:
    Server A, virtual machine/server, 4 virtual cores, only SQL Server Database Services installed (and associated client tools)
    Server B, virtual machine/server, 4 virtual cores, only SQL Server Analysis Services installed
    Does this scenario require FOUR two-core pack licenses (so a total of 8 core licenses) or TWO two-core pack licenses?
    Thanks.

    Hi Bob Hmine,
    Thank you for your post.
    For more detailed information regarding to the license issue, please call 1-800-426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. For international customers, please use the Guide to
    Worldwide Microsoft Licensing Sites to find contact information in your locations.
    Thanks,
    Sofiya Li
    If you have any feedback on our support, please click
    here.
    Sofiya Li
    TechNet Community Support

  • In sql server 2012 or 2014 which one is best for production enviornment

    Dear All,
    right now we are using sql server 2008 r2 we want to upgrade our production  servers to latest versions.
    i wnat to know which one is best in sql server 2012 & 2014.
    Thanks in Advance!!!

    Dear All,
    right now we are using sql server 2008 r2 we want to upgrade our production  servers to latest versions.
    i wnat to know which one is best in sql server 2012 & 2014.
    Thanks in Advance!!!
    I will not qualify it as best. Best depends on your requirement. 2008 r2 is much cheaper than SS2012 and SS2014. First make sure what all features you need in your new environment. Please read below link for features supported by various editions of SQL
    server
    http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc645993.aspx
    If you think 2012/2014 fits in your requirement well then go ahead.
    Please mark this reply as answer if it solved your issue or vote as helpful if it helped so that other forum members can benefit from it.
    My TechNet Wiki Articles

  • Sql Server 2012 features

    Hi,
    What are the new features in SQL Server 2012/2014 for DBA's prospective?

    SQL Server 2012 new features:
    http://www.sqlusa.com/sql-server-2012-new-features/
    Kalman Toth Database & OLAP Architect
    SELECT Video Tutorials 4 Hours
    New Book / Kindle: Exam 70-461 Bootcamp: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012

  • Do we need to format data and log files with 64k cluster size for sql server 2012?

    Do we need to format data and log files with 64k cluster size for sql server 2012?
    Does this best practice still applies to sql server 2012 & 2014?

    Yes.  The extent size of SQL Server data files, and the max log block size have not changed with the new versions, so the guidance should remain the same.
    Microsoft SQL Server Storage Engine PM

  • Reports & Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB support policy

    Hello,
    Willing to move some databases into Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (2014) Express LocalDB, I have tryed to map some reports on that database.
    Using OLE DB SQL Native Client (v11) and SAP CR RunTime SP10 (>SP9), I still have trouble when using this data source:
    After drawing some simple reports (standard ones with 2-3 fields from the database):
    - VS designer:
    + when "checking database" or "getting a preview" of the report, it always complains about missing tables.
    + when trying to "re-map" tables from one SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB to another one it fails, complaining about not findind resources.
    - Running application (.NET 4.0, 32 or 64-bits):
    + without any change to the report configuration: CR Viewer complains with multiple error codes (17, ...) that it cannot find the tables
    + trying to change the configured database from the report: CR VIewer complains with some more error codes
    => Is Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB now officially supported by CR ?
    => Is changing datasource/database configuraton during execution now officially supported by CR ?
    Feel free to provide an any links / howto's / white paper about how managing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB with SAP CR !
    Many thanks in advance.
    Regards.

    Don,
    I did not want you to think that I am not willing to change anything...
    The issue is that LocalDB specs (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms130822(v=sql.110).aspx) are not (seems not) fulfiled by what SAP APIs provide.
    Following specs, I need to provide ADO DB/SQL Native Client v11 an "AttachDBFileName" property which, for LocalDB instance, is equal to the DatabaseName property (check below screenshot from MS Mgmt Studio connected to a SQL Server 2012 LocalDB instance).
    Moreover, OLEDB discovery provide in CR 2013 UI this same list of "DatabaseName":
    When connected, this same CR 2013 UI got the right "view" of connected "MDF-labelled" names:
    Moreover, CR connected datasource properties also provide an "initial catalog" (databasename) value with that "MDF-labelled" name:
    That is what I saw previously in API dumped objects and what I tryed to reproduce in my code:
    As previously explained, after adding tables, I am also beeing able to add fields from those tables in my fresh-new report document:
    It fikrst shows results in preview but as soon as I try to refresh / add some more fields / ask CR to "check database" / "change database source", the interface always complain about having "lost" objects:
    Site note for Ludek Uher: CR 2013 StandaAlone fresh-new builded reports are not working neither using CR runtime SP10 when opening/updating that report..
    So YES, I am OK to change whatever is required but please explain me what to use/put into the "crConnectioninfo.DatabaseName" property for a SQL Express 2012 LocalDB case.
    Or leave it as is, LocalDB not being supported by CR ...
    (all my reports & c# code are working well while using SQL Express 2012 "classic" (not localdb)).
    Thanks again for your time.
    Regards.

  • SQL Server 2012's Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW) Optional Add-on?

    Hi, I work for the State of Illinois and though we have progressive IT shop, we tend to be a bit behind the curve.  We are still using SQL Server 2005 for all our data needs and have been planning to move to 2012 for the past two years (may actually
    occur soon, even though I have been trying to influence our department to just go straight to the new SQL Server 2014).  Because I was selected to work in our new Data Warehouse team, I have a keen interest in learning what I can about the PDW. 
    However, I suspect that just because we are moving up to 2012 does not mean that any PDW licensing will automatically be included, or does it?  Can someone point me to an article on PDW licensing (I have seen something hinting at more than one
    level of PDW licensing)?   

    Hi Ron. PDW is a scale-out SQL Server data warehouse workload on the Microsoft Analytics Platform System appliance. You can learn more about APS here (http://www.microsoft.com/aps). As for the licensing, PDW is licensed separately from SQL Server 2012/2014. 

  • How to restore a database backup taken from a SQL Server 2012 instance to SQL Server 2014

    I am trying to restore a database backup taken from a SQL Server 2012 instance to my new SQL Server 2014 instance.  When I add the .bak through the Mgmt studio UI, it does not seem to find a backup set in the file so I cannot proceed (does not give
    me any errors though either.  I tried restoring through TSQL command but only got a database restore terminating abnormally error with no other details.  How can I restore this database to SQL 2014?

    Hello,
    Please examine SQL Server Error Log and share with us any error you can find. The following article may locate the log:
    http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187109.aspx
    Regards,
    Alberto Morillo
    SQLCoffee.com

  • Difference between SQL SERVER 2008 & SQL SERVER 2012 & SQL SERVER 2014

    Difference between SQL SERVER 2008 & SQL SERVER 2012 & SQL SERVER 2014 ?

    What sort of databases do you have OLTP? Data warehouse? What requirements do you have for High Availability?
    The main features for SQL 2012/2014, as I see it:
    o  Support for window functions, which makes it possible to write fast queries for running totals, sliding windows etc.
    o  Columnstore indexes, which can speed up your data warehouse enormously. But of no interest for OLTP. Only writable in SQL 2014.
    o  AlwaysOn and Availability Groups, a vastly improve story for high availability and disaster recovery.
    o  try_convert/try_cast, you can now easily filter out values from a column which does not convert to a number. A small but essential feature.
    o  In memory-OLTP, a new in-memory engine in SQL 2014. This far with very limited feature set, and quite specialised.
    Of the points above, the second and third require Enterprise Edition, the first and fourth are in all editions. For the last, I don't think Microsoft has announced anything yet.
    There are also new stuff in the BI area, but that's out of my league.
    And, oh, there is a new licensing model - which I think is holding more than one customer back.
    Erland Sommarskog, SQL Server MVP, [email protected]

  • Upgrading from SQL Server 2012 Standard to SQL Server 2014 Standard Failover Cluster

    Goal: To upgrade my default instance from SQL Server 2012 to SQL Server 2014 in a failover cluster.
    Given:
    1) Operating System Windows 2012 R2
    2) 2 Virtual Machines in a cluster with SQL Server as a Guest Cluster resource.  The two VMS are called APPS08 and APPS09.  They are our development environment that is setup similar to our production environment.
    Problem:  When running the SQL Server 2014 upgrade, I started on the VM that was not running the instance.  I then moved onto upgrading on the node that was running the instance.  As soon as the install attempt to failover the running instance
    an install error occurred that it could not failover.  After many install attempts I consistently received the error
    The SQL Server Failover cluster instance name 'Dev01'
    already exists as a cluster resource.  Opening Failover cluster manager there is no record of a DEV01.
    New Strategy:  Create a SQLCluster called DEV07.  At the end of the Install I get 'Resource for instance 'MSSQLSERVER' should not exists.  Neither I nor my Windows 2012 guy understand what Resource the install may be referring to.  
    We do not see anything out of the ordinary.
    Any suggestions as to what Resource may be seeing the default instance would be greatly appreciated.

    Hi PSCSQLDBA,
    As your description, you want to upgrade the default instance in SQL Server cluster.
    >> 'SQL Server failover cluster instance name 'Dev01' already exists as cluster resource'
    This error could occur when there is a previously used instance name which may not be removed completely.
    To work around the issue, please use one of the ways below.
    1. At command prompt, type Cluster res. This command will list you all the resources including orphan resources. To delete the orphan resource, type Cluster res <resource name>/delete.
    For more information about the process, please refer to the article:
    http://gemanjyothisqlserver.blogspot.in/2012/12/sql-2008r22012-cluster-installation.html
    2. Delete DNS entries, and force a replication of DNS to the other DNS servers.
    For more information about the process, please refer to the article:
    http://jon.netdork.net/2011/06/07/failed-cluster-install-and-name-already-exists/#solution
    >> 'Resource for instance 'MSSQLSERVER' should not exist'
    This error could occur when you already have MSSQLSERVER as a resource in the cluster, which may not be removed completely. To work around the issue, you could rebuild the SQL Server cluster node.
    Regards,
    Michelle Li

  • Which version of sql server 2012 or 2014 is best for sharepoint 2013.. Any excellent comparision available please let me know..

    Which version of sql server 2012 or 2014 is best for sharepoint 2013.. Any excellent comparision available please let me know..i mean enterprise version BI version or standard version.. i just need a detailed comparison if available please thank you

    As of right this very second, SQL Server 2014 is not supported. SharePoint 2013 supports:
    One of the following:
    The 64-bit edition of Microsoft SQL Server 2012.
    The 64-bit edition of SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1
    Hardware and software requirements for SharePoint 2013
    Edit: I may be mistaken. It looks like the April 2014 CU adds support for SQL Server 2014. If this is the case generally going with the latest SQL Edition provides you with the latest SQL functionality. I'm not aware of any SharePoint features that would
    make use of functionality that is new to SQL Server 2014 but this could change with a future service pack.
    Jason Warren
    @jaspnwarren
    jasonwarren.ca
    habaneroconsulting.com/Insights

  • Moving databases from SQL Server 2012 to SQL Server 2014

    Hi
    I need to move all my SP 2013 databases from a SQL Server 2012 to a SQL Server 2014. I have read these articles:
    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc512725(v=office.15).aspx
    http://sharepointpromag.com/sharepoint-administration/simple-guide-moving-sharepoint-content-databases-new-server
    The TechNet article says:
    The new database server must run either the same version of Windows Server and SQL Server as the existing database server or one of the following versions:
    SQL Server 2008
    SQL Server 2012
    SQL Server 2014
    And the article in SharePoint Pro Magazine says:
    Obviously you’ll need your target SQL server (or instance) installed and configured. It should use the same version and patch level of SQL Server as the source SQL server
    So I'm a bit confused. Which article is right?
    Thanks
    Jakob

    it is fully supported and a simple process to move to a new sql server (anything 2008+ works).  just don't go back in versions.  you can go 2008-2012, 2008-2014, 20120-2014, just not 2012-2008, etc.
    just be sure not to detach/attach the databases in sql, do a sql database backup, then a sql database restore on the new server and point sharepoint (hopefully using aliases, as it makes this all much smoother) to point to the new server.
    Also, be sure to put SP1 and the April 2014 CU or newer on the farm BEFORE moving the databases.  2014 is "supported before the April CU, but there are several compatibility issues prior to april CU.  one example is that user profile sync doesn't
    work properly with sql 2014 if sharepoint is not at least april 2014 CU.
    hope that all is clear and helps you out, let me know if there are more questions.
    Christopher Webb | Microsoft Certified Master: SharePoint 2010 | Microsoft Certified Solutions Master: SharePoint Charter | Microsoft Certified Trainer| http://tealsk12.org Volunteer Teacher | http://christophermichaelwebb.com

  • Installing SQL Server Express 2014 but server is still 2012

    I upgraded my main system from SQL Express (with advanced) 2014 from 2012. I have successfully installed 2014 on another system and it seems to have automatically upgraded the database I looked at to 2014. But when I try to look at that database on the system
    with the upgrade (as opposed to the clean install) I'm told that the database is a newer version.
    It seems as if the SQL Express server is still running as the 2012 version. How do I make sure the local server is running 2014? (Would it help to use the developer version instead?)

    Hi Bob Frankston,
    According to your description, from
    supported version and edition upgrades, SQL Server 2014 supports upgrade from SQL Server 2012 SP1 or later. Since you want to upgrade to SQL Server 2014 Express with Advanced Services, the earlier versions of SQL Server 2012 should be
    SQL Server 2012 SP1 Express, SQL Server 2012 SP1 Express with Advanced Services and so on.
    After upgrading to SQL Server 2014 Express, you need to verify if it is upgraded successfully, you can check the summary and detail from the installation log. If it failed, the detailed error message also is saved in the following error log.
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\120\Setup Bootstrap\LOG\Summary.txt.
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\120\Setup Bootstrap\Log\<YYYYMMDD_HHMM>\Detail.txt
    Regards,
    Sofiya Li
    Sofiya Li
    TechNet Community Support

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