Executive Summary:
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We've redesigned SQL Server Magazine to sharpen our focus on the content readers want more of, such as business intelligence and Microsoft SQL Server fundamentals, and to make it easier to read the magazine, interact with the community, and find related content on the Web.
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SQL Server has changed a lot since 1999,
when SQL Server 7.0 launched
and SQL Server Magazine began providing experience-based content created by the most respected
members of the community. However, what
hadn't changed was SQL Server Magazine's look
and feel, which had grown dated and cluttered,
leading us to realize that a redesign was past due.
After examining reader surveys, Web traffic, gaps
in Microsoft's documentation, and community
resources, we reached three conclusions that led to
the new approach we're introducing this month.
First, readers still need in-depth, increasingly
specialized, deeply technical content written
by experts. Michael Otey, Kalen Delaney, Itzik
Ben-Gan, Brian Moran, Michelle Poolet, Kevin
Kline - these are the industry's top experts and the
core of our team. These luminaries - and bright
new stars - will continue to ensure that you get the
inside information and tested solutions you won't
find anywhere else.
Second, coverage of database development, administration,
and business intelligence (BI) is more
relevant than ever. Because database professionals
must maintain expertise in database development as
well as administration, SQL Server Magazine will
continue providing the best content in both areas.
And we're kicking our BI coverage into high gear.
A wider variety of BI content will cover both the
SQL Server back end and the front end, including
solutions using Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and
Microsoft Office PerformancePoint Server 2007.Adding context to our technical problem-solving
articles is a new column by BI expert Douglas McDowell, who pulls no punches and draws the line
between hype and reality.
Third, readers at all levels have an insatiable appetite
for articles on the fundamentals of SQL Server,
database administration and development, and
BI. We also see a new user base emerging as SQL
Server becomes a requirement for using products
ranging from Microsoft System Center Configuration
Manager and System Center Operations Manager
to Windows Server Update Services, Forefront
Security Server, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server,
and on and on. In response to this demand for fundamentals
content, each issue will include articles
that let you test and expand your knowledge.
SQL Server Magazine is dedicated to making
your job easier. This redesign extends that mission to
making it easier to read the magazine; interact with
editors, writers, and fellow readers; and find related
content on the Web. Our cleaner, more consistent
design guides you through elements such as tables,
figures, and code, without being overwhelming.
Months of work went into this refresh, and I
thank Diana May for leading the editorial efforts
and managing the project, David Kirby for his design
leadership and excellence, and Kate Brown for
making the production piece top-notch.
Please tell me what you think of our new approach
and design. I promise we'll listen and respond
to your feedback.
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