Microsoft SQL Server 2000 DTS [Data Transformation Services] (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Data Transformation Services covers all facets in the development of data transformations with DTS. The reader will learn how to create each of the DTS tasks, both in the User Interface supplied with SQL Server and through the object model using Visual Basic or VBScript.

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Data Transformation Services is filled with numerous small examples, showing how each of the capabilities of DTS can be used. It also includes a number of Data Transformation Templates, which can be used by the readers to help develop their own packages.

From the Author

The inclusion of DTS makes SQL Server a more powerful platform for data warehousing and other uses as an enterprise database. DTS in SQL Server 2000 provides much more functionality and convenience than DTS in SQL Server 7.0.

The Transform Data task gives you a convenient, flexible, and fast method to move data. This task gives you control of each row of data. At the same time, the Transform Data task can use an extremely fast bulk insert to load batches of records at a time into SQL Server.

What do you have to know in order to begin using DTS?

Not much. You can use the DTS Import/Export Wizard and easily create a DTS package.

But to really be effective with DTS, you need to learn about DTS packages, connections, tasks, and steps. You need to be able to combine the set-oriented logic of SQL with the programmatic logic of a scripting language. You need to learn the wealth of possibilities provided by the 21 different built-in tasks.

My book tells you the purpose for each of the tasks and its properties. I have also provided numerous code samples to help you get started with your scripts and programming. You can do a lot with DTS without buying a book about it. But I hope my book can help you learn how to use this great tool more quickly and more effectively.

One note - the text of the book refers repeatedly to a CD, which was not included with the book. All the source code is available on the publisher's web site. The source code includes a version of the Local Cube Task, a custom DTS task that can be used to automate the creation of local cube files from an Analysis Services cube. You can find a current version of the task on the localcubetask web site. You can also sign up on the web site to receive code updates and new insights into using DTS.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 744 pages
• Publisher: Sams (December 22, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0672320118
• ISBN-13: 978-0672320118
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,050,054 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thorough look at all of the DTS packages, May 14, 2001

By	Douglas Welzel (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Complete and Useful reference for DTS., March 14, 2003

By	Guillermo F. Salas (Milwaukee, WI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great overview- great reference, June 27, 2001

By	Darta (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

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.