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New features in SQL Server 2008 every DBA should consider

A common assumption with database servers is that each new version only offers minor upgrades on functionality. Don't be fooled - SQL Server 2008 is more than just SQL Server 2005 version 2.

Ballard Chalmers SQL Server expert John Walsh expands on SQL Server 2008 new features.

The new features of SQL Server 2008 are numerous - here are a few that every discerning database administrator (DBA) should actively consider:

Data Compression

Reduces the amount of storage space needed to store tables and indexes, enabling more efficient storage of data. In addition, data compression does not require changes be made to applications in order to be enabled.

Save disk storage
Enable compression option for individual tables or indexes
Simple configuration is using the Data Compression wizard
Applications do not need to be reconfigured as SQL Server handles compression and decompression of data
Compression can improve disk I/O and memory utilisation

Backup compression

Enables the backup of a database to be compressed without having to compress the database itself. All backup types, including log backups, are supported and data is automatically uncompressed upon restore.

Save storage space
Compressed backups can be stored on tape or on disk
Simple configuration using SQL Server Management Studio
Default state of all backups on a server to be compressed can be configured

Filtered Indexes

These are essentially a non-clustered index created using a WHERE condition so only selected rows are indexed. It is a non-clustered index that is created on a subset of rows. Because filtered indexes generally do not contain all rows in the table, they are smaller and deliver faster performance for queries that reference the rows it contains.

Filtered indexes can be used to optimise performance for specific queries by ensuring that they contain only the rows referenced by the queries.

Improved query performance
Reduced storage and maintenance costs

Spatial Data Types

Spatial data types or GEOGRAPHY and GEOMETRY data types allow spatial data to be stored directly in a SQL Server 2008 database. Use these spatial data types to work with location-based data that describes physical locations, such as longitude and latitude.

GEOGRAPHY enables you to represent three-dimensional geodetic data such as GPS applications use. GEOMETRY enables you to represent two-dimensional planar data such as points on maps. Spatial data types help you to answer questions like 'How many of our stores are located within 20 miles of East Grinstead?'

Store spatial data natively in SQL Server 2008 databases
Describe physical locations natively using industry standards such as WGS84
Integrate SQL Server 2008 with Microsoft Virtual Earth to display location data visually

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 - key feature summary:

Easier to deploy - relatively simple to install and configure
Data compression - smaller databases utilising the same amount of data
Backup compression - compression without compressing the database itself
Policy based administration - manage policies across databases, instances and servers
Transparent encryption - encrypt data without applications even needing to be aware of it
Reporting services - easy and flexible reporting solutions built to leverage SharePoint mode
Spatial data types - allow spatialgeography and geometry data types data to be stored directly
Cluster enhancements - easier to configure with more supported scenarios and more intelligence for failover
Filtered indexes - optimise performance for specific queries by ensuring they contain only rows referenced by the queries

SQL Server 2008 resource links

Find our more about our SQL Server services

If you would like to know more about new Microsoft products or technologies, or how Ballard Chalmers can help you, please contact Andrew Chalmers on andrew.chalmers@ballardchalmers.com or call 01342 410223.

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