Customer Reviews

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 DTS [Data Transformation Services]

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(4)
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2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

SQL Server DTS gives a very good review all the DTS packages available in SQL Server 2000. Each package is presented with an overview of it's features, a dicussion of the package options and examples of using the package. In most cases, there are nice examples of how to use (and extend) the package programmatically (using Visual Basic).

The book is useful beyond learning about DTS because it explains how to use DTS effectively. The book frequently comments on performance implications of certain features and gives the tradeoffs between certain packages.

If there is a downside, it is that the book doesn't cover the DTS object model too well. The code examples are very good, but if you want to delve deeper you'll find yourself sifting through the DTS online documentation. However, I'm not sure this is a downside. Leaving this information out allows the book to stay on topic without drifting off into reference material.

Overall a very good both for those looking to learn about DTS and use it effectively.

SQL Server 2000 DTS by Peterson.

As much as DTS is used in the thousands of SQL Server (7 & 2000) implementations out there, for tasks as simple as copying or moving tables from one database to another, there is VERY little documentation on the product... that is, documentation that explores and explains the details and myriad of options available for use within the tool. I am a strong believer that because of this lack of documentation this wonderful tool is underutilized and regarded as a mystery to many.

Here comes Mr. Peterson and gives us this great resource to help us better understand the intricacies of the tool, in a very logical and organized manner with the respect and level of content that a professional (such as is the target audience for this book) needs and appreciates.

Chapters are specific, to the point and generally develop some sort of simple scenario that puts the theory into practice. The author constantly points out the areas where the 2000 version of the tool is enhanced over the previous version shipped with SQL Server 7. I also like the plethora of code samples and the side-by-side solution alternative presented with each code snippet vs. its UI counterpart implementation.

The first two chapters alone are enough to get you started and excited about using the tool and it could stand on it own as a great article!, whereas the rest of the book presents a more detailed view of all the additional features as well as a very complete tutorial on coding DTS solutions.

The book is a great sole reference and guide for DTS, partially because of the lack of "competition" but mostly because its content is valuable, complete and easy to follow. This text has been with me for almost 2 years and to this day it still helps me out when I'm in need.

Granted it lacks some creativity when it comes to the content of such examples and resorts to using the over referenced Northwind and Pubs databases... I see a trend nowadays with several publications coming up with their own theoretical applications for equally fictional businesses but that add so much to the value of a book aimed at helping the real world professional and broadens horizons of creativity and knowledge. For this I give the text one star less than perfect and hope that newer editions incorporate more lively examples and spark some much needed creativity.

I liked the book. It has helped me in any DTS task I undertake. The book gives you everything you need to perform DTS manipulation. Like every book, it cannot provide you with "everything". Therefore, for starters, try this book to give you the knowledge that you need to be a DTS power user. Then supply it with deja.com groups, MDSN and Books Online if needed. There is no need to buy any other book.

An excellent resource of example dts packages and visual basic dts examples. A little too much of the book is devoted to practically all available tasks. Would have been more useful is the more commonly used tasks i.e. data transformation, execute sql. etc were given more attention.

This book was recommendation to me by a company that trains. I have read 100 pages, and I still don't know what to do. I have experience with Analysis Manager, MDX and Business Intelligence viewers, but this book lacks process. I think that it may be OK for an advanced person. I am buying another book.
TC

Probably a good reference if you happen to already know how to program in DTS. Otherwise I found it difficult to find many good examples of doing some real world stuff that I would consider a notch above basic.

This book is a waste of time and money. I had hoped for a dedicated, informative book on DTS methods and strategies, but got a book written from the Microsoft pre-release notes. Fortunately, I bought it used and just tossed it in the trash.

You will find better examples and information from SQL Server BOM. Consider SQL Server 2000 Unleashed. It has more examples and up to date information at least.