Hello all,
I'll begin a series of articles on SQL Server Manageability, which includes SMO (SQL Server Management Objects), Database Mail, SQL Server Agent, SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) and more.
Most of articles will be on SMO because it's really huge, and knowing this fact, I'll insert an article or two on other subject rather than SMO every three of four SMO articles.
Now let's define the main components of SQL Server Manageability:
1- SMO:
SMO stands for SQL Server Management Object, simply it's a library which includes dozens of classes which could do anything the user could make using normal T-SQL or using SSMS (which is built on the top of SMO), in other words, you could nearly manage any SQL Server feature through SMO (there's another library named RMO which do the same like SMO but for SQL Server Replication), you can make databases, tables, indexes, send database emails, virtually make anything through very easy set of C# classes, SMO will be the main subject of my articles here, you can access SMO through its official library: Microsoft.SQLServer.Management.SMO.dll
2- Database Mail:
Database Mail is an enterprise solution for sending e-mail messages from the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Database Engine. Using Database Mail, your database applications can send e-mail messages to users. The messages can contain query results, and can also include files from any resource on your network. Database Mail is designed for reliability, scalability, security, and supportability.
3- SQL Server Agent:
SQL Server Agent is a Microsoft Windows service that executes scheduled administrative tasks, which are called jobs. SQL Server Agent uses SQL Server to store job information. Jobs contain one or more job steps. Each step contains its own task, for example, backing up a database. SQL Server Agent can run a job on a schedule, in response to a specific event, or on demand. For example, if you want to back up all the company servers every weekday after hours, you can automate this task. Schedule the backup to run after 22:00 Monday through Friday; if the backup encounters a problem, SQL Server Agent can record the event and notify you.
4- SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio):
Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, new in Microsoft SQL Server 2005, is an integrated environment for accessing, configuring, managing, administering, and developing all components of SQL Server. SQL Server Management Studio combines a broad group of graphical tools with a number of rich script editors to provide access to SQL Server to developers and administrators of all skill levels.
SQL Server Management Studio combines the features of Enterprise Manager, Query Analyzer, and Analysis Manager, included in previous releases of SQL Server, into a single environment. In addition, SQL Server Management Studio works with all components of SQL Server such as Reporting Services, Integration Services, SQL Server Mobile, and Notification Services. Developers get a familiar experience, and database administrators get a single comprehensive utility that combines easy-to-use graphical tools with rich scripting capabilities.
5- SQL CMD Utility:
The sqlcmd utility allows you to enter Transact-SQL statements, system procedures, and script files at the command prompt. This utility uses OLE DB to execute Transact-SQL batches.
That's all for a quick intro, next time I'll begin in SMO, so stay tight ;)
