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MS SQL Server 6.0 Datasheet

Client-Server Database
Management System
Version 6.0 (Preliminary)

Microsoft SQL Server 6.0 is a scalable high performance database management system designed specifically for distributed client-server computing. Its powerful management tools, built-in data replication, and open system architecture provide a superior platform for delivering cost-effective information solutions for organizations of all sizes.

Overview

Today's organizations are becoming increasingly dynamic in order to respond to changing business conditions. More and more decision making is being decentralized and business processes are being streamlined to improve productivity. To support these changes, organizations are turning to distributed computing-moving information closer to users who need it for critical decision making.

Microsoft® SQL Server ™ version 6 is the first DBMS designed specifically for the new world of distributed client-server computing. It combines-in one box at one price-an integrated system of components for distributed data management tuned to meet today's demanding business needs.

Powerful built-in data replication provides a reliable way for organizations to disseminate information throughout an enterprise to reduce risk of downtime and put timely, accurate information close to people who need it. Visual management is built in for ease of use. There are no costly add-on products to buy.

You can centrally manage servers throughout an enterprise with the comprehensive distributed management framework built into SQL Server. A Windows®-based management interface provides visual drag and drop control over multiple servers for remote management of data replication, server administration, diagnostics, and tuning. Powerful engine-based services, such as job scheduling, automate remote operations for lights-out control even in a distributed environment. A single logon to both the network and DBMS simplifies password management. And integration with the Microsoft Windows NT™ operating system provides a visual way of working to reduce training and support costs.

A new multithreaded parallel database design provides scalable high performance on the new generation of cost-effective standard hardware. It is multiprocessor-ready out-of-the-box to take advantage of the latest in hardware design without the complexity associated with other systems.

Microsoft SQL Server is engineered to meet the most demanding production requirements for reliability, data integrity and security. It is designed to keep your distributed production systems running and to keep your vital business data secure from loss or theft.

Rich integration with desktop technologies such as OLE, ODBC cursors, and mail-enabled queries provides unparalleled data access. An open architecture based on industry standards ensures interoperability with the broadest choice of applications, tools and gateways. Support for multiple networks lets you connect all of your workstations without changing your existing network infrastructure.

As part of the Microsoft BackOffice family, SQL Server takes full advantage of the Windows NT Server platform and works with other BackOffice applications to create powerful client-server solutions that help organizations improve decision making and streamline business processes.

From one screen, locally or remotely, SQL Enterprise Manager lets you configure and manage all SQL Servers in a distributed network. The usability-tested interface combines tools for administration, diagnostics, event/alert processing and copy management.

HIGHLIGHTS

Built-in data replication for reliable distributed systems

Microsoft SQL Server version 6 incorporates a built-in data replication architecture that offers reliable, high performance distribution of data in an enterprise while preserving transaction integrity and security.

n Easy to manage and deploy: With an intuitive publisher/subscriber metaphor and drag and drop interface, replication is easier to use and more flexible than other implementations.

n High performance: Log-based replication delivers high levels of transaction throughput with minimal latency and minimal impact on the publishing server. The distribution process can be moved onto a separate server to achieve optimal resource utilization. The administrator can use the Windows NT Performance Monitor to view throughput, latency and other statistics for replication.

Secure, reliable data delivery: SQL Server guarantees transaction integrity for replicated data, with automated resynchronization and recovery.
CONSTRAINTS for replication, an extension to ANSI SQL, ensures update integrity for replicated data.
Optional encryption of the data stream provides the highest level of security for distributed transactions.
Flexible: To give organizations a choice of replication strategies, Microsoft SQL Server supports both continuous log-based replication and "point-in-time" synchronization (snapshots).
Extensible: The replication architecture is built around standard services such as ODBC so it will be easier for Microsoft to support heterogeneous databases, including desktop systems, in the future.
Other distributed processing features:
n Remote stored procedures provide a transparent, distributed server-to-server communication mechanism.
Distributed transactions are supported via the two-phase commit protocol.
Scalable high performance on today's cost-effective hardware
Microsoft SQL Server version 6 is based on a new parallel database architecture that achieves high levels of performance and scalability on today's new generation of cost-effective multiprocessing hardware.
True multithreaded kernel: Microsoft SQL Server is tightly integrated with native Windows NT threading and scheduling services to provide:
Higher transaction throughput and performance even for hundreds of concurrent users.
Smoother, more reliable operation through preemptive task scheduling which balances the workload dynamically across CPUs.
Greater robustness and reliability because user tasks execute on separate threads and are protected from one another in case of fault.
Parallel architecture: By executing internal database functions in parallel, the performance and scalability of the system is dramatically increased:
Parallel data scanning allows SQL Server 6.0 to perform certain queries up to 400% faster than before.
Asynchronous read-ahead uses predictive algorithms to pre-fetch data into cache for increased performance.
Parallel load and index operations improve performance and scalability for very large databases.
Parallel backup to up to 32 devices allows even very large databases to be backed up quickly and efficiently.
n Dump and load of individual tables allows more granular recovery.
High system capacity: SQL Server supports up to two gigabytes of memory and eight terabytes of disk storage, so it can handle your needs as they grow.
Centralized control over distributed servers
Microsoft SQL Server incorporates an extensible, object-oriented Distributed Management Framework (SQL-DMF) that addresses the dynamic needs of today's client-server environments.
Visual management is built-in: With Microsoft SQL Server, the management components, tools, and services are integrated into the core product to reduce complexity and improve ease of use.
SQL Enterprise Manager is a comprehensive 32-bit administration tool that provides rich drag and drop control over groups of servers from a central site.
SQL-Distributed Management Objects (SQL-DMO) is an OLE automation layer that connects the tools and engine services and can be scripted using the Visual Basic® programming system.
SQL Executive is a powerful "intelligent agent" that provides scheduling services to automate tasks on remote servers, including replication, task management, and event/alert handling. With SQL Executive, administrators can define corrective actions for specific events (such as a database log becoming full) that can be triggered automatically.
Distributed security integrated with Windows NT provides a single logon to network and database, and encryption services for logon and data stream.
SQL Server will support SNMP in a future update to participate in heterogeneous management environments.

Rich integration with the desktop

Microsoft SQL Server is designed not only to manage information, but to make that information easy to use. Microsoft SQL Server is the first DBMS to support key desktop technologies such as OLE automation, ODBC cursors in the engine, and MAPI for sending and receiving queries via electronic mail.

Because it runs within the Windows computing environment, SQL Server is able to 'plug-and-play' with desktop tools. For example, it is possible to run a query from a SQL Server trigger, pipe the results via OLE to the Microsoft Excel charting engine, format the graph and data in a Microsoft Word report, and mail it as an attachment to users. A high-performance native ODBC interface with engine-based cursors provides superior support for rich desktop applications and tools.

Reliability your business can trust

Robust transaction processing: Ensure database consistency with:
Automatic roll-forward/roll-backward recovery in case of system failure.
Two-phase commit protocol for transaction integrity across servers.
High availability: Keep your systems up and running with built-in protection from system failure:
Database mirroring maintains a mirror image of database or log.
Online backup performed without halting the system.
Scheduled services provide lights-out operation of distributed systems.
Server-enforced integrity and security: Manage data integrity centrally and program business rules into the server for consistent, reliable information:
ANSI-standard referential integrity and constraints ensure consistent data.
Stored procedures ensure fast performance for common application logic as well as high-performance transactions.
Triggers enforce complex application logic and business rules.
Open to protect your computing investments
Broad choice of applications: Works with hundreds of available client-server applications and tools.
Open client-server architecture: Microsoft SQL Server supports open, published interfaces at both the client and server for unmatched interoperability.
Microsoft Open Data Services (ODS): Build gateways to host database systems or other data sources such as real-time data feeds.
Microsoft DB-Library™ and ODBC support hundreds of client applications.
Mail integration: A built-in MAPI interface allows SQL Server to send and receive queries via mail messages with attached documents.
Network integration: Operates smoothly with all popular networks and protocols, including UNIX® environments.
Enterprise interoperability: Access host database systems-such as IBM® DB2®, IBM AS/400®, Ingres™, Informix®, ORACLE®, and Teradata®-through gateways developed with Microsoft ODS or those from third-party vendors such as Information Builders and Showcase Corporation.
More ways to leverage client-server solutions with Microsoft BackOffice
Microsoft Windows NT Server: The powerful networking foundation for a new generation of client-server business solutions.
Microsoft SNA Server: An open solution for connecting desktop computers to enterprise-wide IBM SNA networks.
Microsoft Systems Management Server: A new set of technologies that make it easier to support networked PCs through integrated functions: software and hardware inventory, software distribution and installation, and remote control and troubleshooting.
Microsoft Mail Server: A complete electronic mail and messaging solution for both large and small organizations.
Graphical tools cut development schedules down to size
Microsoft Access database: Use powerful database features to create applications easily as well as access and work with data in popular servers, including Microsoft SQL Server.
Microsoft FoxPro® database: Deliver superb productivity, speed, and power on the MS-DOS®, Windows, and Macintosh® platforms with Microsoft FoxPro.
Microsoft Visual Basic: Develop custom solutions in a highly productive and visual programming environment with built-in access to SQL Server data.
Microsoft Visual C++™ development system: Shorten the development process by combining the power of reusable, prebuilt code with a seamless, visual environment.
SPECIFICATIONS

System requirements
Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.5 or higher (acquired separately)
System using an Intel® 386, 486, or Pentium™ microprocessor (486 or higher recommended) or a MIPS® R4xxx or Digital Alpha AXP™ system
16 MB of memory minimum
CD-ROM drive and hard disk with 45 MB free
Networking options
The following networks are supported using native protocols:
Microsoft Windows NT Server
Microsoft LAN Manager
Novell® NetWare®
TCP/IP-based networks
IBM LAN Server
Banyan® VINES®
DEC® PATHWORKS™
Apple® AppleTalk®
Clients supported
Windows 3.x
Windows® 95
Windows NT Workstation
MS-DOS
OS/2®
Apple Macintosh
UNIX

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Database specifications

Database                                                               
Maximum databases per SQL Server         32,767                        
Maximum database size                    Limited only by available     
                                         storage                       
Maximum databases spanned by one update  8                             
Practical number of databases opened by  16 (depends on available      
one query                                memory)                       
Maximum tables in a join                 16                            
Tables                                                                 
Tables per database                      2 billion                     
Indexes per table                        251 (1 clustered)             
Rows per table                           Limited only by available     
                                         storage                       
Columns per composite index              16                            
Characters per database object name      30                            
System                                                                 
Memory                                   2 gigabytes                   
Storage                                  8 terabytes                   
Maximum user connections                 32,767 (15 with workstation)  
System data types                                                      
Integer                                  int                           
                                         smallint                      
                                         tinyint                       
Floating point                           float                         
                                         real                          
Exact numeric                            decimal                       
                                         numeric                       
Money                                    money                         
                                         smallmoney                    
Character data                           char(n)                       
                                         varchar(n)                    
                                         text                          
Binary data                              binary(n)                     
                                         varbinary(n)                  
                                         image                         
Date and time                            datetime                      
                                         smalldatetime                 
Other                                    bit                           
                                         timestamp                     
                                         sysname

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