SQL Server 2000 is the leading relational database in the Windows market. The increased manageability of SQL Server 2000 has "lowered the bar" with regard to the people that can use it - anyone can use a SQL Server database. However, this book recognizes that aspiring DBAs need more than just a basic knowledge of the available features in order to be considered "a safe pair of hands" for the database and the mission-critical data that is stored in it. They require direction and advice from an expert mentor who not only understands the features available and how they should be used, but also knows what it takes to be a good and effective DBA. In essence, this book is that "mentor", and this is why the book stands apart from the "feature overview" competition.

* Gives a fresh perspective in a stale market segment: "How to be a good SQL Server DBA", rather than "This is SQL Server, this is feature A, here is an example of feature A".

* Only book on the market to provide complete coverage of the core jobs and roles involved in SQL Server DBA. Therefore, has broad, general appeal to novices who are browsing shelves, and looking for a book that makes sense of SQL Server entirely.

* Written by an expert DBA who lets the reader know exactly what the essential aspects of a DBAs job are, the sort of issues that novices commonly run into and provides effective solutions and troubleshooting tips for all of the most common problems.