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[Focus]

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Easy Coding with SMO
SMO, the new programming access layer in SQL Server 2005, lets you quickly and easily develop applications while reducing coding errors and increasing the likelihood that your solution will work the first time.
 — John Paul Cook


Making the Most of the CLR
The integration of the common language runtime (CLR) in SQL Server 2005 opens up so many new possibilities that a developer might not know where to start. Here are three ways you can start taking advantage of SQL Server 2005's enhancements.
 — Vinod Kumar

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[Features]

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Buyer's Guide: Backup and Restore Software
Backup and recovery software offers fabulous new features to help you work safer and faster; but which software is best for you? Use this handy guide to narrow down your choices.
 — Morris Lewis


Rev Up Performance with Custom Connectors
SQL Server 2005 Integration Services lets you create custom source components that improve performance and solve uncommon ETL problems. Walk through the steps to create your own custom connector and see how easy it is.
 — Douglas McDowell , et al.

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[SQL Server Savvy]

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SQL Server's Rounding Secrets
Find out how SQL Server calculates the result precision and scale for various operations.
 — Brian Moran

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[Editorial]

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The High Availability Puzzle
Creating a highly available environment requires more than just technology. Make sure you have all the pieces before it's too late.
 — Michael Otey

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[Inside SQL Server]

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10 Things to Love About SQL Server 2005
Whet your appetite with this sneak peek at the top new and enhanced features of SQL Server 2005.
 — Kalen Delaney

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[Solutions by Design]

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Time-Recording Schemes
A walk-through of a common data-modeling problem shows how to sift through many potentially workable solutions to find the one that is best for the company.
 — Michelle A. Poolet

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[T-SQL Black Belt]

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Assigning Row Numbers for Non-Unique Rows
Assigning row numbers has many practical applications, but what if your table has non-unique rows? You don't have to give up on the idea, but you do need to flex your logic muscles a bit.
 — Itzik Ben-Gan

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[New Products]

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New Products, May 2005
Check out new and improved SQL Server-related products.
 — Dawn Cyr

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[SELECT TOP(X)]

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SQL Server 2005 Editions
Microsoft has announced the four SQL Server 2005 editions, their pricing plans, and three licensing options.
 — Michael Otey

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[Preparing for SQL Server 2005]

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Seeing the CLR's Potential
The SQL Server CLR draws strong reactions from all camps. If you know how to use it judiciously, you'll see great rewards.
 — Matt Nunn

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[Ask Microsoft]

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Preventing Runaway Connection Growth
Microsoft's Patrick Conlan describes how to keep your connection pool size and number of connections from runaway growth.
 — Microsoft's SQL Server Development Team