This Issue Sponsored By
This email newsletter comes to you free and is supported by the following advertisers, who offer products and services that might interest you. Please take a moment to visit these advertisers' Web sites and show your support for Developer .NET UPDATE.
Protect and Ensure Your Data's Integrity
http://www.windowsitpro.com/go/whitepapers/NSI/dataintegrity?code=devtop1118
Dundas Chart for Reporting Services available
http://www.dundasreporting.com/index.aspx?Section=Home&Campaign=SQLServerMag
Dashboard Development and Deployment - A Methodology for Success
http://www.windowsitpro.com/go/whitepapers/noetix/dashboard?code=devwatch1118
Learn VB 2005 Now -- Get a FREE training CD!
http://www.appdev.com/promo/RN00258
1. Developer .NET Perspectives
2. Events and Resources
3. Featured White Paper
4. Announcements
5. New and Improved
Sponsor: Protect and Ensure Your Data's Integrity
With the heightened awareness around national security and protecting important human and physical assets, having solutions that also protect your data's integrity is extremely critical. In this free white paper you'll learn the important ways you can ensure the integrity of your application's data, particularly with intradependent field like SQL Server and Oracle.
http://www.windowsitpro.com/go/whitepapers/NSI/dataintegrity?code=devtop1118
1. Developer .NET Perspectives
by Bill Sheldon, [email protected]
Leverage Reporting Services 2005 Independent of Your Database
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 consists of more than just the core database engine. With the release of SQL Server 2005 came updated components such as SQL Server Reporting Services (which I'll refer to as Reporting Services 2005). Similar to SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services, which I discussed in my last column "Get'em While They're Hot" (http://www.windowsitpro.com/sqlserver/article/articleid/48370/48370.html), Reporting Services 2005 is a standalone set of components that leverage data stored in SQL Server 2005. This distinction is important because when you're upgrading your database, you can install Reporting Services 2005 on a separate server and reference your existing databases.
Let me make myself clear: SQL Server 2005's core database features can be upgraded independently from Reporting Services 2005. Although, in theory, it's possible to transition all your databases and reporting services simultaneously, the reality is that individual applications often upgrade on slightly different schedules. Reporting Services 2005 supports this because the reports can be run against databases that are still running on SQL Server 2000. For that reason, it's advantageous to have standalone components that support services. That way, you can choose to upgrade your core database components for one application while separate servers for reporting are upgraded on their own schedule.
IT organizations often quickly see the value in upgrading the core database components because these components are typically upgraded with no significant operational impact. However, most IT organizations see components like Reporting Services as oriented more toward custom interfaces and end- user interaction, which typically have upgrade problems. Thus, IT organizations tend to put off such upgrades. But with Reporting Services 2005, migrating your report server is just as safe and easy as upgrading your database because you perform the upgrade on a backup of your production environment to verify there are no surprises in configuration.
According to Microsoft, Reporting Services 2005 has been improved in four main areas: core services, the developer experience, the end-user experience, and integration. I'm going to gloss over the core services and developer enhancements. It might seem strange to gloss over these two areas in a publication named "Developer .NET UPDATE," but the reality is that the improvements in these two areas are the types of enhancements you'd expect (or even demand) from Microsoft. Although improvements in performance and a better environment for building and testing reports are vital to the success of this release, they don't make news.
On the end-user experience front, Reporting Services 2005 has a new feature that is newsworthy. Back in 2004, Microsoft purchased a small privately held Utah company called ActiveViews. This event didn't generate much press coverage. The only publication in which I found it covered was Tech Digest (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/170743_tbrf27.html). However, ActiveViews produced a popular add-on to SQL Server 2000 Reporting Services. Microsoft, which had by this time started working on most of the features for Reporting Services 2005, saw how this design tool could be leveraged. Reporting Services 2005's new Report Builder is the result of this purchase and over a year of integration and enhancements. The Report Builder provides end users with the ability to design custom reports without needing to tie up development team resources.
The Report Builder actually has two parts: the Report Builder Client, which is used by end users, and the Report Builder Model Designer, which supports the Report Builder Client. The Report Builder Client is a .NET Click Once application. In other words, it uses the same set of tools that a developer can leverage with Windows Forms 2.0 to build applications. The Report Builder Client lets end users access a predefined database model that abstracts the underlying data implementation. End users can design a report that fits their needs without involving a developer and constantly requesting changes. The ability to build an application themselves gives end users a level of satisfaction that's hard to match. They can try six or seven alternatives without waiting for their changes to be routed through the IT organization each time.
The database abstractions aren't limited to the generated views. Developers can use the Report Builder Model Designer to customize the underlying database connection strings, tables, and other database objects to better fit the model to the business. The idea is that a developer helps define the model, then end users leverage that model to create the "pretty" report.
The remaining improvements for Reporting Services 2005 lie in the area of integration. However, given space constraints, I'm going to save my discussion of these improvements for my next column. Improved integration refers to not only integration with Analysis Services and other SQL Server 2005 components but also improved integration to external products, such as Microsoft SharePoint. In the meantime, if you'd like more information about Reporting Services 2005, you can start at http://www.microsoft.com/sql/technologies/reporting/default.mspx.
Sponsor: Dundas Chart for Reporting Services available
Just released, Dundas Chart for Reporting Services from Dundas Software is a powerful extension to the charting within SQL Server Reporting Services 2005. Instantly enhance reports with numerous advanced chart customizations, additional chart types, data analysis capabilities and more. Dundas Chart for Reporting Services is also integrated directly within the Visual Studio Toolbox, side by side with the native controls, for quick implementation. View our chart gallery, and download a full evaluation copy by visiting www.dundasreporting.com.
http://www.dundasreporting.com/index.aspx?Section=Home&Campaign=SQLServerMag
2. Events and Resources
(brought to you by SQL Server Magazine)
Get the Facts About Deploying SQL Server(TM) 2005!
SQL Server experts will present real-world information about administration, development, and business intelligence to help you put SQL Server 2005 into practice and how to use its new capabilities to improve your database-computing environment. Receive a one-year membership to PASS and one-year subscription to SQL Server Magazine. Register now at:
http://www.windowsitpro.com/roadshows/sqlservereurope/index.cfm?code=1116emailannc
Avoid Email Armageddon
A computer failing is a fact of life - but there's a difference between a business-ending catastrophe and a minor annoyance. In this free Web seminar, learn what you can do to avoid a messaging meltdown. You'll get the right tools, tips and training that you need to avoid a messaging meltdown when an outage strikes. Register today at:
http://www.windowsitpro.com/go/seminars/messaging/?partnerref=1116emailannc
SQL Server 2005: A New Day for BI
From business scorecards and dashboards to a unified dimensional model for OLAP and an enterprise ETL tool, Microsoft delivers on the promise of a new era for business intelligence. In this free Web seminar, you'll get all you need to know about the capabilities of Microsoft Business Scorecard Manager and its integration with Office, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, and SharePoint.
http://www.windowsitpro.com/go/seminars/businessintelligence/?partnerref=1109emailannc
Accelerate Time to Recovery with Minimal Data Loss
Learn how to meet RPO (Recovery Point Objectives) and RTO (Recovery Time Objectives) with a continuous, real-time backup system. In this free, on-demand Web seminar, you'll discover how to roll back data to any point in time--not just to the last snapshot or backup!
http://www.windowsitpro.com/seminars/continuousbackup/index.cfm?code=1116emailannc
Get the Most from Your Infrastructure by Consolidating Servers and Storage
Improved utilization of existing networking resources and server hardware lets you allocate money and time where they're needed most. In this free Web seminar, learn to optimize your existing infrastructure with the addition of server and storage consolidation software and techniques. You'll get the jumpstart you need to evaluate the suitability and potential of your computing environment for the added benefits that consolidation technology can provide.
http://www.windowsitpro.com/go/seminars/serverconsolidation?partnerref=1116emailannc
3. Featured White Paper
Protect and Manage Instant Messaging
85% of businesses use IM to improve communication and reduce email usage. In this free white paper, learn how to protect your company and implement a managed IM security solution! Download your free copy now at
http://www.windowsitpro.com/go/whitepapers/postini/instantmessaging?code=1116emailannc
2005 Watch: Dashboard Development and Deployment - A Methodology for Success
Business information carries little value unless it reaches the right person at the right time. This free white paper tells you what you need to know to remain competitive while improving the speed and quality of decision-making. Learn how a well-designed dashboard can provide critical information to decision makers, enable them to monitor the health of your organization and bring immediate ROI to your business.
http://www.windowsitpro.com/go/whitepapers/noetix/dashboard?code=devwatch1118
4. Announcements
(brought to you by SQL Server Magazine)
VIP Monthly Online Pass = Quick Answers
Sign up for a VIP Monthly Online Pass and get online access to ALL the articles, tools, and helpful resources published in SQL Server Magazine, Windows IT Pro, Exchange and Outlook Administrator, Windows Scripting Solutions, and Windows IT Security. You'll have 24/7 access to a database of more than 25,000 articles that will give you all the answers you need, when you need them. BONUS--Includes the latest issue of Windows IT Pro each month. Sign up now for just US$29.95 per month:
https://store.pentontech.com/index.cfm?s=1&promocode=eu275buv
Save up to $30 off SQL Server Magazine
You won't want to miss any of SQL Server Magazine's upcoming fall issues! Subscribe now and discover the best tools to keep SQL Server tuned, the ins and outs of SQL Server 2005, ways ADO.NET 2.0 solves your problems, and much more! You'll also gain exclusive access to the entire SQL Server Magazine online article database more than 2,300 articles), and you'll save up to $30 off the full cover price! Click here:
https://store.pentontech.com/index.cfm?s=9&promocode=eu215bum
5. New and Improved
(by Karen Bemowski, [email protected])
Extend the Power of Visual Studio 2005
ComponentOne released ComponentOne Studio Enterprise for Visual Studio 2005 a tool set for developing all layers of Windows, Web, and mobile applications. This new release includes more than 25 products compiled natively for Visual Studio 2005 and delivers many product enhancements that simplify the design-time experience. Studio Enterprise extends the power of Visual Studio 2005's new development environment at not only the presentation layer but also all layers of application development, including the data, reporting, and transformation layers. In this version, you'll find ComponentOne ADO.NET DataExtender (an extension for ADO.NET 2.0 that simplifies data modeling and programming for Windows Forms applications), ComponentOne Preview for .NET (this reengineered version adds printing and print-preview capabilities to Windows Forms applications), an enhanced object model, a more robust and modular design, improved performance, and more. For more information, contact ComponentOne at 412-681-4343, 800-858-2739, or [email protected].
http://www.componentone.com
Web Site Software Adds ASP.NET 2.0 Support
Kentico Software has added ASP.NET 2.0 support to Kentico CMS, a Web content management solution for ASP.NET Web developers. This new version works with ASP.NET 2.0, Visual Studio 2005, and SQL Server 2005. The ASP.NET 2.0 platform lets Web developers not only create web sites with less code but also save money because they can use the free Express Editions of Microsoft Visual Web Developer and SQL Server 2005. Kentico plans to support both ASP.NET 1.1 and 2.0 platforms until majority of Web developers switch to the new version. Kentico CMS Professional starts at $499 for one Web site license. For more information, contact Kentico Software at 888-225 2767 (US), (420) 533-309-021 (international), or [email protected].
http://www.kentico.com
Hot Spot: Learn VB 2005 Now -- Get a FREE training CD!
Start learning Visual Basic 2005 today with cutting edge training from AppDev. Get a FREE VB 2005 training CD from our new course (a $95 value). Click the link below for your FREE Visual Basic 2005 training.
http://www.appdev.com/promo/RN00258
Contact Us
Developer .NET UPDATE is brought to you by SQL Server Magazine, the only magazine devoted to helping developers and DBAs master new and emerging SQL Server technologies and issues. Subscribe today.
https://store.pentontech.com/index.cfm?s=9&promocode=eu215xdb
View the SQL Server Magazine Privacy Policy
http://www.winnetmag.com/aboutus/index.cfm?action=privacy
SQL Server Magazine is a division of Penton Media, Inc. 221 East 29th Street, Loveland, CO 80538, Attention: Customer Service Department
Copyright 2005, Penton Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
