Modern-Zombie
Posted Wed Dec 29 00:00:00 EST 2010
I am a developer of 16 years. Like many of you, I use these types of books to quickly get me up to speed on new technologies. This book delivers on this for the SQL Azure platform.
Pros :
- The book is concise and detailed about the Sql Azure platform.
- It explains and shows how to set up, use, develop to and maintain the Sql Azure databases.
- It details the differences of the Sql 2008 R2 and the Sql Azure platform.
- Explains cloud design patterns for cloud and mixed data including OData producing and consuming.
- Details how to work with other Azure web applications and services and how to securely write the applications.
Cons:
- The book isn't, but feels a little short. I am used to huge books filled with fluff.
Do not be disappointed because this book is short (about 300 pages) compared to most of the Pro books that are 1200+ pages. Unlike many "Pro" books, this one doesn't spend 400 pages introducing the technology and getting you up to speed in baby steps. It gets to the point of Azure, Microsoft's cloud solution, and explains the current state of SQL Azure and how to use it. The authors expect you to be a professional developer at this point and know how to use .Net and Sql Server. So, if you really are a beginner at .Net development with Sql Server, this book is probably not for you.
The authors compare the cloud SQL Azure server to the current SQL 2008 R2 server and explain the differences in critical detail. This is invaluable to me as I have been looking into cloud applications and have been leery of how to properly architect a cloud and mixed application. The coverage of the differences of the 2008 R2 server and Sql Azure are detailed in the appendixes so you know what works in each place when you design your apps. Also, the chapter on OData and how it works with SQL Azure was enlightening.
To conclude,
I learned a lot from reading this book and it has helped direct me in my cloud development at this point.
More About This Textbook
Overview
SQL Azure represents Microsoft’s cloud-based delivery of its enterprise-caliber, SQL Server database management system (formerly under the code name "Oslo"). Pro SQL Azure introduces you to this new platform, showing you how to program and administer it in a variety of cloud computing scenarios. You’ll learn to program SQL Azure from Silverlight, ASP.NET, WinForms, and from SQL Reporting Services. You’ll also understand how to manage the platform by planning for scalability, troubleshooting performance issues, and implementing strong security.
What you’ll learn
Who this book is for
Pro SQL Azure is for database administrators and developers who want to use SQL Server in the cloud, and especially for those who want to go deeper and learn important strategies and techniques for effective cloud computing.
Table of Contents
Product Details
Meet the Author
Herve Roggero, Windows Azure MVP, is founder of Blue Syntax Consulting, a company specialized in cloud computing products and services. Herve's experience includes software development, architecture, database administration, and senior management with both global corporations and startup companies. Herve holds multiple certifications, including an MCDBA, MCSE, and MCSD. He also holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Indiana University. Herve is co-author of the Apress books PRO SQL Server 2012 Practices and Pro SQL Database for Windows Azure. For more information, visit www.bluesyntax.net.