Relational database systems (RDBMSs) play an important role in any successful information system. Sybase is one of the leading RDBMSs in the market. This book describes Sybase SQL Server versions 10 and 11. It is almost impossible for a user to read all of the relevant publications from Sybase. This book covers topics concerned with the management of a typical complex information system.

The book is divided into Part 1, with ten chapters, and Part 2, with four chapters. Chapter 1 starts with the basic concepts of RDBMSs, including tables and indexes. Chapter 2 deals with SQL Server processing features, including locks, auditing, and utilities. Chapter 3 explores the internal structure of SQL Server, particularly tabular data stream (TDS) packets, redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID), and disk mirroring. The next chapter concentrates on the internal processing of SQL Server, including system files, memory maps (caches), and remote procedure calls (RPCs). In chapter 5, system catalogs, including system tables, are described in detail.

Chapters 6 and 7 are concerned with configuration details of the SQL Server. Specific features of the configuration of Sybase, databases, and users are described. The author describes a number of options to control different users’ sessions.

Performance analysis is one of the most important aspects of database management. The SQL Server can be improved by modifying a number of factors, including index, query formulation, memory, disk, CPU, and network. Use of these factors is described in chapter 8. Other important concepts, such as benchmarking, indexing, and optimization of queries, are also covered. With the popularity of enterprise information systems (EISs), Sybase SQL Server provides various facilities so that distributed databases, data warehousing, and online analytical processing (OLAP) can be implemented. Chapter 9 takes a closer look at these topics in the context of SQL Server.

The important new idea of middleware in client/server applications is explained. Hogoboom refers to various standards that are helpful in designing an information system. Dealing with conflicting requirements in an RDBMS application is difficult. Chapter 10 explains a procedure to interview users in order to resolve such conflicts. Aspects of disaster recovery and upgrading the server are covered.

Part 2 covers general system management topics. The author refers to the facilities of SQL Server wherever possible. Chapter 11 discusses the role of organizational goals. Reduction of product cycle time is usually imperative for successful business operation. Using a scalable database that conforms to standards is important.

Changes in the information system are unavoidable. Chapter 12 covers managing changes. The last two chapters describe important aspects of systems management, namely leadership and cost/benefit analysis.

The appendix describes important Sybase products under the broad classification of servers, tools, and middleware. An important feature of this book is the description of procedure manual suggestions at the end of each chapter, so that the systems manager can develop such documents. The book is meant for technical professionals. It is not meant to be a textbook for any academic program, which may explain the absence of end-of-chapter questions.

Some chapters have more descriptive material than technical details. A small example of “Sandy’s Sport Shop” is used in all of the chapters, but another practical case study would have been helpful. The author has identified about 15 good references, but the absence of exhaustive references, particularly in the chapters concerned with systems management, is felt, as is the absence of a glossary.

The writer should be congratulated on having produced such a good book on management of Sybase SQL Server. Chapters 8 through 14 are equally relevant for an information system using any other RDBMS package.