BIS 634 Mark Buckley Course Project

7/29/2019 BIS 634 Mark Buckley Course Project

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BIS 634 1

Running head: BIS 634

BIS 634 Course Project

Diane Doak-FisherCentral Michigan University BIS 634


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Abstract

Database management software is designed to connect to database engines and provide

users with a means of developing database applications as well as administer features of the

database. Its these databases that house the organizations most precious commodity their

corporate data. This information is what allows them to understand their customers, react in a

timely fashion, and maintain competitive advantages. In past decades, users were dependent upon

character based interfaces that utilized complex commands to accomplish tasks. Todays

management software has highly customizable graphical interfaces that greatly simplify these

development and administrative tasks, leading to far greater productivity for the user.

As database engines become more complex, the management software must follow.

While database software companies such as IBM, Oracle and SQL Server produce managementsoftware for their respective database engines (most times, for free), there is a clear 3rd party

market for database management software. Such companies as EMS, Qwest, and RedGate

produce various database management tools for developers and database administrators. Some of

these software packages can carry significant price tags when scaled out among an entire

enterprise or organization.

Are the extra features that these management software packages offer worth the extra

cost, considering the effective low or no cost options already available? This paper seeks to

answer that question by examining Qwest Softwares Toad for SQL Server.


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Software Category Summary

The software category that I chose was Business Software, subcategory: Digital Photo

Software (ZDNet, 2011). The different sorts of digital photo software can be broken out into

several different types. Some software products contain a single feature while others may contain

aspects of all five. These types are:

1. Photo editors

Photo editors allow photos to be modified enhanced, and resized. Photos may be cut out and

special effects applied them. Most photo editors are also the place to go when scanning an image

with a scanner.

2. Image viewers or photo viewers

Image viewers allow an overview of photos. They show every photo in a selected folder as small

thumbnails. Many viewers have editor functions as well.

3. Image batch processors

Batch processors define a list of tasks that will be applied to a huge number of pictures. A

collection of pictures can be resized, a watermark added, clarity enhanced.

4. Photo album, organizers or databases

These are databases that allow the addition of a short description to photos, as well as let you

keep a catalog of all your photos from your hard disk and from removable cdrom drives.

5. Photo enhancers

Photo enhancers are programs that allow automatic correction of photos. Areas like the

exposure, contrast and color may be adjusted.

Software Category Description Total

Number in

Category

Examples

Database I Database management tools have

a very broad range of intended

18 Sesame Database

Manager 2.5.2,
http://www.digital-photo-software-guide.com/photo-editor.htmlhttp://www.digital-photo-software-guide.com/image-viewer.htmlhttp://www.digital-photo-software-guide.com/batch-image.htmlhttp://www.digital-photo-software-guide.com/digital-photo-album.htmlhttp://www.digital-photo-software-guide.com/photo-enhancement.htmlhttp://www.digital-photo-software-guide.com/image-viewer.htmlhttp://www.digital-photo-software-guide.com/batch-image.htmlhttp://www.digital-photo-software-guide.com/digital-photo-album.htmlhttp://www.digital-photo-software-guide.com/photo-enhancement.htmlhttp://www.digital-photo-software-guide.com/photo-editor.html


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uses. .. MesaSQLLite

3.0.9, EMS SQL

Manager for

PostgreSQL

4.8.0.2, SQLite

Expert Personal

3.2.18, EMS SQL

Management

Studio for SQL

Server 1.2.0.7Database II . 17 DataSlave

Professional 2.2.2,

Advanced ETL

Processor

Professional

4.2.4.3, Data

Moving Tool 1.1.1,

EMS Data Pump

for DB2 3.0.0.13,

EMS Data Importfor DB2 3.4.0.2

Database III This type of software is designed

specifically ..

13 EMS SQL Query

for MySQL

3.2.0.7, EMS SQL

Query for MySQL

3.2.0.7, EMS SQL

Query for

InterBase/Firebird

3.2.0.6, EMS SQL

Query for Oracle

3.2.0.6, EMS SQL

Query for DB2

3.2.0.6


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Database III These types of software packages

attempt to categorize .

26 PAID 5.1, SOHO

Organizer 9.0.3,

eXtreme Movie

Manager 7.1.1.1,

LogTen Pro 5.5.17,

DEVONthink

Personal 2.0.7Database IV Software in this category

performs a vital role for

developers and database

administrators. .

16 EMS DB

Comparer for

Oracle 3.3.1.5,

EMS DB

Comparer for

PostgreSQL

3.3.1.5, EMS Data

Generator for

Oracle 3.0.0.10,

EMS Data

Comparer for

Oracle 3.1.0.7,

EMS DataGenerator for SQL

Server 3.0.0.10Other I used the other category to

place software products that did

35 Classic Menu for

Access 2010 3.01,

Acronis Recovery

for Microsoft

Exchange 1.0,

dotConnect

Express for

PostgreSQL

5.10.103, Classic

Menu for Office

Standard 2010 (64-


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Bit) 3.05, Recovery

for SQL Anywhere

1.0.15228.1

Within the Database Administration sub-category, I found the following software

packages to be the most interesting:

- Toad for SQL Server: A productivity toolset for database administration and

development. Simplifies database tasks with wizards and graphical interfaces. Toad

for SQL Server immediately caught my eye because it has long been a highly regarded

tool for Oracle database development and administration. For many years, companies

that produced database engine software such as SQL Server and Oracle didnt focus

on productivity tools such as database management software, instead focusing on the

database engine software. For years, 3rd party vendor tools such as this were the only

way for businesss to gain real productivity in their database management tasks.

Database management tools such as this allow DBAs to graphically administer and

monitor the database instance.

- EMS Data Generator for SQL Server 3.0.0.10: This is a very robust data generator.

It comes with the obvious benefit of generating production scale test data. In addition,

it has the advantage of performing such tasks as loading tables within a database

simultaneously, the ability to save data and query it with SQL code outside of thedatabase, and a user console that allows users the ability to configure the data

generation to a high degree. I was particularly impressed with the ability to query

generated data using standard SQL outside of the database engine. This allows for in

depth testing, while avoiding the resource cost of loading and querying the data on a

database server that may be used for other purposes.

- EMS DB Extract for Oracle 3.0.0.7: This software is a backup/recovery tool for

databases, though its a slightly different approach. Most backup and recovery

software backup the entire database instance, at the file level. This software generates

SQL code and ASCII data files as a method of backup the SQL code is generated

for every table object in the database, and the ASCII file contains the table data. This

allows for a very granular approach to recovery you can create and load whichever


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objects you choose, instead of restoring an entire database. The drawback is that this

is a time consuming way to perform backup/recovery operations.

- Anonymous Data 1.1: The benefit of this software is two-fold. First, it acts as a data

generator for testing purposes. Secondly, it allows you to replace specific values

within your database with anonymous data. This is a valuable feature for many

reasons. Many organizations dont allow the use of production data within test

databases, because of the potential for confidential data being seen by those who

would otherwise not have access. A tool such as this would allow a company to

utilize their own data in test scenarios, while not violating security audit compliance.

Feature Software Package

- Description of FeaturesA.) Name and Version

Toad for SQL Server 5.0.2 Professional Edition

B.) Name and Description of Vendor

Qwest Software is the company that produced and supports Toad for SQL Server. Qwest

software has been in business since 1987, and sells and markets a broad portfolio of corporate

software and services. Qwest has divided their offerings into four categories Application,

Database, Windows, and Virtualization Management software. Application management

software consists of toolsets that allow businesses to monitor their .NET, Java and other custom

applications. Database management software is a suite of development and administrative tools

for multiple types of database software. Windows management is a suite of tools to enhance the

productivity of administration of the Windows operating system. Virtualization management

software allows for the administration and monitoring of virtual servers and desktops to save

costs.

From the Qwest website (Qwest, 2011):

- Total 2010 revenue was $767 million (up 10%)

- $493 million in cash investments

- R&D investment is 18.5% of revenues

- 100,000 customers worldwide (87% of the Fortune 500)

- More than 60 offices in 23 countries

C.) Reason for Selection


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My choice for the selection of this software was because it is highly relevant to what I do

at work on a day to day basis. I act as a SQL Server Database Architect, in the Department of

Management, Technology and Budget for the State of Michigan, supporting the Department of

Education. Im responsible for dozens of instances of SQL Server, and of course, IT dollars are

always in demand at any organization, especially a non-profit driven organization such as the

State. Any software that helps me do my job in a more efficient manner warrants consideration.

D.) Purpose, History and Selected User Group

The purpose of this software is to provide a productivity tool for development and

administration of databases in a SQL Server database instance. Most, if not all, development

tasks can be accomplished using command line syntax and T-SQL (SQL Servers interpreted

language for accessing data in the database). However, this can be very time consuming, as it

requires a high degree of knowledge and memory (to remember the countless commands andsyntax options) and can be tedious because of the typing involved. Toad for SQL Server, and

other database management tools seek to ease these development and administration tasks by

presenting the user with a GUI interface, providing common, intuitive mouse-clicks and

keystrokes. Furthermore, for tasks such as real-time performance monitoring, tools such as this

provide graphical data in a single click versus writing code to get back data that may be less

intuitive to understand, especially for management personnel.

Toad was originally developed by Jim McDaniel and was distributed as freeware. Toad

was an acronym for Tool for Oracle Application Developers as Mr. McDaniel was primarily

developing applications for Oracle databases. As time went on, the online user community grew,

and Mr. McDaniel decided that the effort that it took to support the tool was more than he could

handle himself. In 1998, Qwest Software purchased the tool. Since then, theyve expanded the

functionality of the tool to support most of the major database engines, including IBMs DB2, and

Microsofts SQL Server. Toad is now a trademarked name, and the acronym has been dropped.

The targeted user groups for this software are professional IT staff that are developing

database applications, and the database administrators that support those databases. Therefore,

theres an expectation that users of this software have a very good grasp of database and SQL

fundamentals. This is not a software package that an average user would be able to use, nor

would they have a clear cut usage for it, as most people dont have access to or maintain

enterprise scale databases.

E.) Features/Capabilities


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Qwest touts the following capabilities of Toad for SQL Server (Qwest, 2011):

- Group Execute Execute SQL scripts across multiple instances.

- Compare and Synchronize Compare and synchronize data, schemas, and servers in a

few clicks.

- Transaction Log Reader Recover data stored in transaction log files, roll back

operations, and reconstruct transactions.

- Xpert Tuning Resolves SQL performance issues automatically. Identify, tune, and

benchmark problematic SQL, no matter where it resides in your environment.

Investigate indexing strategies through automated index generation.

- Recall SQL Scripts Saves every SQL statement executed against the database

automatically. Allows you to quickly locate statements for review or save them for

long-term use.- Version Control Integrates with popular version-control vendors including: Visual

Source Safe, Subversion, and CVS.

- SQL Performance Optimization Ensures optimal SQL performance by automatically

identifying, optimizing, and testing SQL prior to deployment.

- Query Builder Lets you quickly drag and drop tables to create queries.

- Report Writer Documents database objects and report on schemas. Includes support

for pivot grids and a chart designer.

- Database Administration Simplifies database administration tasks. Create, alter, and

manage database objects, SQL code, users, logins, and security across multiple

servers.

- CodeCompletion Automates the coding process and provides suggestions for rapid

completion of T-SQL commands.

- Difference Viewer Identify discrepancies between files, data, and objects, then edit

duplicate data. Export data to Excel with linked queries and add notes to database

objects.

- Grid Customization Customize data grid styles.

- Visual Data Modeling Visualize tables, dependencies, and database relationships in

your SQL Server environment in a data modeling view.

F.) Technical Requirements

Toad for SQL Server has the following technical requirements (Qwest, 2011):


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Platforms:

- Windows Server 2003

- Windows XP Professional (32-bit or 64-bit)

- Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit)

- Windows Server 2008 (32-bit or 64-bit)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit)

- Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)

System Requirements:

- 512 MB of RAM minimum, 1 GB recommended, 104 MB to install on disk

- 600 MHz minimum, 1 GHz recommended

G.) CostQwest charges the following cost schedule for Toad for SQL Server (Qwest, 2011):

- Professional Edition: $595 per license

- Xpert Edition: $1045 per license. Includes all of the features of the Professional

Edition, along with Qwests Tuning and SQL Scanning capabilities

- Development Suite: $1295 per license. Includes the features of Professional and

Xpert Editions, along with Qwests Benchmark Factory for Databases.

- Software Evaluation Matrix

When developing my software evaluation matrix, I chose high level evaluation points

instead of evaluating the internal functionality of the software. I chose this method primarily for

two reasons. First when choosing a software package such as this, it is largely an enterprise

decision, as many developers and a number of database administrators would likely be using it.

Secondly, database management software in general has a core set of functionality that it must

support to be able to perform the necessary tasks. That is, minimally, the software must support

all of the functionality of the database engine software that it is managing. In this respect, all of

the database management software such as Toad will have a very similar look, feel and

functionality.

In addition, Ive decided to rate the software in terms of its primary competitor

Microsofts SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). Ive rated each criteria on a seven point

scale (where 7 = very effective; 4=no opinion/dont know, and 1=very ineffective).

- Cost: Toad rating: 2


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Toad is very expensive when compared to its primary competitor, SSMS. SSMS

comes free when purchasing a license for a full version of SQL Server (SQL Server

express would be the only version that excludes a copy of SSMS). Once the database

engine licensing has been purchased (CALs, or Client Access License, purchased per

processor), the SSMS can be installed on any number of clients. Most organizations

license SQL Server in this fashion, in which case, SSMS is essentially free to distribute to

client machines within the organization.

On the other hand, Toad costs $595-$1295 per license, depending upon the

version acquired. Depending upon the size of the organization, this could add significant

cost to license.

In addition, theres additional cost for support of the Toad software. I was unable

to obtain annual costs for the support without going through a quote process, though theymake the distinction between three different levels of support standard, business critical,

and premier.

Support for SSMS is included in the cost of the SQL Server database support. Of

course, this support isnt free, but any organization that is paying for SQL Server support

therefore has support for client tools such as SSMS without incurring additional costs.

- Support: Toad rating: 6

Aside from the cost, Toad seems to have an excellent support environment. In

addition to the cost-based corporate support that organizations can purchase, the Qwest

software website has a knowledge base by product, as well as free technical

documentation and white papers. The online user community is limited in volume but

robust in nature due to the longevity of the product. The support base isnt nearly as large

as that for SSMS, but certainly firmly positioned for the long term.

- Functionality: Toad rating: 6

Functionality is where Toad really shines as a stand-alone product. As mentioned

previously, any database management software package has a certain level of functionality

that must be provided to take advantage of all of the features that the database engine

software provides. The bulk of the functionality of this software accommodates these

needs.

Of the additional features, I found a few to be very compelling. The compare and

synchronize feature is something thats not offered in SSMS and is a very useful feature.


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An administrator can compare data and schema objects and reconcile differences. This is

a very powerful feature, especially in the case of testing development releases and

database versions. In addition, the group execute feature is something that SSMS

doesnt offer, and is a very useful feature. Essentially, it offers the DBA the ability to

execute T-SQL statements across multiple database and multiple database instances. This

could simply and streamline the efficiency of administrative tasks. Lastly, the version

control feature is very intriguing. As software systems life cycle process matures, more

and more organizations are recognizing the fact that they need to version control the

object definition of their databases. Toad seeks to address this issue by integrating with

version control software such as Visual Source Safe.

- Integration: Toad rating: NA

Toads documentation states that it integrates with common development platformssuch as .NET and Java. Testing this functionality would take an in depth analysis that is

beyond the scope of this paper. With that said, in todays database environment,

development platform integration is of utmost importance and is a serious consideration

for any enterprise solutions such as this.

- Training/Reference Material: Toad rating: 5

The training that Qwest software provides is robust and diverse. They offer four

different options. Their classroom training is formal training done onsite at the customer

location. Their private virtual classrooms are tailored for an organization on a specific

schedule, where participants can access online training without incurring the travel

expense. Public virtual classrooms are the same as private virtual classrooms, though the

content is standardized and the participants are from several different organizations.

Lastly, they have self-paced computer training that individuals can participate in at their

leisure.

In addition, they have numerous white papers and documentation that pertains to

both their software as well as SQL Server, and database design/administration in general.

This content is freely accessible, along with video demos of how to use certain features.

Where Toad falls short, and SSMS shines is in 3rd party training opportunities and

commercially written books on the subject. A quick search on Amazon shows seven

results for books regarding Toad, and 477 hits for books regarding SSMS. The training

opportunities for SSMS are far more diverse than Toad.


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- Quality Management: Toad rating: NA

In this category, Im specifically looking at the availability of patches for the software,

as well as the reliability of the patches supplied. Again, this type of testing is beyond the

scope of this paper, but before considering a database management tool, this aspect is

something that I would want to investigate thoroughly.

SSMS isnt patched on a scheduled basis per se, though SQL Server patches are

released on a regular basis. Microsofts security plight is well documented, which may be

the reason that patches are released so regularly. However, security through obscurity is

not a viable option for database management software, and an organization cannot afford

to rely on a software package that lags behind on software updates and patches.

- Software TutorialThe software install for Toad is straightforward and simple. Users can simply double-click

on the downloaded executable and they will be presented with the standard software licensing

agreement, and installation screen. Upon successful installation, users will be presented with the

following screen:


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In this screen, users can select the layout of the software so that it similates other software that

they ve used in the past. I chose to simulate the MS Management Studio (or SQL Server

Management Studio SSMS).

Users are then presented with the following Welcome screen.

Users can x out of the welcome page and get started with working with Toad. By pressing

Ctl+Alt+G (or ViewConnection Manager), users can bring up the connection manager.

Initially, there wont be any connections created, and users can create a connection to a SQL

Server instance by clicking FileNewConnection (In the future, these connections will be

retained by the software and show up in the connection manager window pane:


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The initial connection manager will show the local computer as the default location for a SQL

Server database instance. Ive changed it to a test instance called hct313oeaadd901. Here you

can see that Ive clicked on the expand button to get a list of databases on that instance and have

selected the test Bis 634 database:


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After selecting the database, I can select the connect button to connect to the database instance

and database. From here, in the connection manager window pane, I can select FileNew and

select any number of database objects. In this case, Ive selected Table, and have called the

table Customer and added a few columns:


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From this page, I can do several things. I can specify one or more of the columns to be the

primary key of the table. I can alsow specify default values for columns, provide descriptions, etc.

After creating the table, I can view it by opening the object explorer (ViewObject Explorer)

and drilling down in my database (test Bis 634tablescustomer):


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Any number of database objects can be created in this fashion. In addition, for those who feel

more comfortable coding their database objects, they can open an editor window

(ToolsEditor) and enter T-SQL code directly. In the following example, I create an

additional table called CustomerOrder with an orderNumber and orderDetail column:


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By pressing the execute button (F5), I can execute the query and see the table created in the

schema object view on the left (by clicking on the tables object and right mouse clicking

refresh:


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As you can see, results from the query in the editor pane will show up below, in the Results pane.

In this case, we see the results of the table create statement, but if we had a select query, wed see

the results of the select statement. For example, if I insert some rows into the Customer table,

and then select the rows:


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As we can see, the results from our query are displayed in the bottom pane. In addtion, if users

want to browse the properties of an object, they can right mouse click the object and select View

details in which case we are presented with a pane that shows every detail about that object.

In this case, we select the details for the customer table, and can see everything from related

indexes to foreign keys:

The object explorer is the primary pane that users will continue to gravitate to. From here

we can accomplish everything from creating objects, to adding connections, to tracking user

activity on the database instance. Everything from development tasks to administrative tasks can

be originated from this window pane.

In addition, the Toad software has the standard look and feel of common Windows

interfaces users can click the folder button to open files, the save button to save files in the

editor, etc. Anyone familiar with databases and SQL can be productive with the software in short

order.

- Work Samples


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Ive chosen not to include extra screen shots of work produced from the software because

database management software doesnt really produce an output product so much as it

accomplishes tasks. Adding screen shots of tasks already completed would be rather redundant.

- Development Challenges

The single greatest developmental challenge I found with this software is that so much of

the extended features are disabled in the free trial version. Most, if not all of the features that

make Toad unique that functionality that differentiates the product from all of the other

database management software thats available, is disabled. This makes it difficult to truly identify

whether these features are worth the extra cost, especially when a very able competitor such as

SSMS is available for free with licensed versions of SQL Server.

In addition to the extended features that consumers are willing to pay for, I found thatmuch of the features considered standard among database management software programs were

unavailable in the free version. This seems shortsighted in that it limits the amount a consumer

can really evaluate.

I did not, however, have any problems utilizing the base features of the software. From

this standpoint, anyone who is familiar with a graphical database management software program

could easily navigate the software. The menus and options are intuitive and follow the Windows

standard look and feel.

- Recommended Improvements/Limitations

I have no real recommendations for this software. In terms of database management

software, I was able to install it, and use it immediately to perform most of the daily functions that

a database administrator would need to perform, without training or documentation. The

software was reliable and highly configurable for users that want to arrange the software in

specific presentations to fit their preferences.

- Benefits

Toad has a couple of features that make it very attractive. The log reader function that

is available with Toad is a very powerful tool that allows a database administrator or developer to

read the transaction logs of the database, and undue specific changes in the database.

Every database records all data manipulation language operations inserts, deletes,

updates, etc. that occur within a database. Along with the individual statements, the database

records before images. This allows the database to recover to a point in time in the event of a


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failure. Where the Log Viewer function of the Toad software is valuable is that it allows a user to

choose individual transactions to recovery. Traditionally, a DBA can recover the database to a

point in time, assuming the proper backup mechanisms have been put in place. However, this

type of recovery requires that all transactions be recovered to a specific point in time. If someone

accidentally deleted data 15 minutes ago, a DBA would have to recover the database to that point

in time to get the data back. But what if there were additional transactions within the past 15

minutes that we didnt want to lose? Log Viewer allows us to avoid that by allowing us to

choose a single transaction, instead of having to roll the database back to a point in time.

Another valuable feature that Toad offers is their Synchronization and Compare tool.

Essentially, this allows the developer or DBA to compare and synchronize database schema

objects, and the data within them.

For example, when developing applications, there may be tables, columns, storedprocedures, indexes, etc., that may need to change from version to version. With this tool, a DBA

can compare the schema of one version of a database, with the schema of another. The tool will

graphically display all of the differences in schema objects one table might have additional

columns or indexes, differences in stored procedures might be highlighted, etc. With the click of

a button, the DBA can perpetuate the changes to one database or the other so that the two are

synchronized. This greatly aids in the process of deploying new versions of databases. In the

same respect, the tool can determine the differences in table objects and identify differences in

data. For example, when comparing two databases with the same customer table, one database

might have additional rows in the table. A click of a button and the software will reconcile the

difference in data in whatever database the DBA chooses.

Lastly, the Group execute feature is a simple though time saving feature. It allows

someone to execute a single SQL statement across multiple databases at the same time, instead of

going through the tedious process of connecting to a database, executing the statement, then

connecting to another, executing the statement, and so on. This is a frequent occurrence for the

DBA, who often times finds himself doing repetitive administrative tasks among multiple database

instances.

None of these features come standard in traditional Database system management tools

for SQL Server. SSMS has nothing to compare to these features. These are the types of

features, therefore, that allow people to justify the additional cost for the database management

software over competitors, such as SSMS, which are free with a licensed version of SQL Server.


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- Overall Recommendation

Toad for SQL Server has some nice features above and beyond the standard features that

lesser costing software alternatives have to offer. These features provide real productivity gains

for the developer and the database administrator in todays world. However, Im reluctant to

give a ringing endorsement of its enterprise usage for todays budget conscious IT departments.

Depending upon the features that an organization is looking for, the features worth paying

for in Toad may or may not be worth it. For example Toads versioning control component.

Toad integrates with version control software such as Microsofts Visual Source Safe. This

allows the DBA to keep versions of schema objects, so that a history of the database schema

objects is available. However, it seems to me that most IT departments that have made the

investment in enterprise database software such as SQL Server and the .NET programming

platform have already invested in software that performs version control and more. Visual SourceSafe is really just version control. However, Microsoft Team Foundation Server includes version

control along with automated code builds and deployments, and collaborative tools such as

SharePoint.

Furthermore, some of the attractive features such as the synchronize and compare

feature discussed previously, can be obtained in other software for significantly lower costs.

RedGate software, for example, writes a software package called SQL Compare, and Data

Compare, which combined, can be purchased for about $500 per license, or roughly half of the

cost of a license of Toad. RedGate has an outstanding reputation in the SQL Server community

and has been around for many years. A software package such as this, coupled with Microsofts

SQL Server Management Studio, may provide all the functionality that an organization needs at

lower costs.

Lastly consider some of the touted features that other software offers for free such as

the Visual Data Modeling, which allows users to graphically see their database objects and their

dependencies (often referred to as a Logical data model or entity relationship diagram). Toad

offers this as well as SSMS, which is free. However, in my experience, often times when a

company tries to squeeze in as many features as possible, they end up creating a software package

that is average in most functionality, and excels in none. The data modeling offered by Toad, and

SSMS for that matter, is a poor substitute for a true data modeling tool such as CAs ERWin.

Though, to be honest, that is an expensive tool with individual license prices in excess of

$3,000. Tools like this, however, would probably not be distributed enterprise wide by


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organizations as their functionality is focused primarily on the database administrator or database

modeler in the organization.

I see the real benefit of software such as Toad for the IT department that is smaller in size,

and doesnt have the capital to invest in multiple, much more robust tools. Smaller organizations

that havent made these investments can achieve the benefits that Toad offers, sacrificing some

functionality in the big picture, for an overall reduced cost on software licenses.

- Future Outlook

With that said, Toad has been around for many years, and continues to thrive within a

loyal user community. After being acquired by Qwest many years ago, Qwest has done well to

expand Toads functionality to several different database engines to capture a specific segment of

the database management software market. If history is any predictor of the future, Id have to

say that Toad has a firm footing for the future. Nevertheless, companies such as Oracle and SQLServer are relentless in their pursuit of business. If these companies offered the client

management tools available now years ago, I highly doubt that there would have even been a

market for 3rd party database management software. That product niche arose because database

engine software companies were focusing on the database engine, and not the client software.

These days, Microsoft, Oracle and IBM have robust, reliable database engines, and also have the

means and the capital to invest in endeavors such as client software. And as the market for

database software gets ever more competitive, these companies will offer more and more low cost

or free features to expand their user base and return on investment in the area of database

licensing, which dwarfs the client software business model. Companies such as Qwest will have

to tread carefully and produce highly cost effective and functional software to remain relevant in

the industry. Customer loyalty will only carry a company so far.

-References:

Qwest Software (2011). Toad for SQL Server.

Retrieved from http://www.quest.com/toad-for-sql-server/

ZDNet.com (2011). ZDNet Downloads

Retrieved from

http://downloads.zdnet.com/Software/Business+Software/Database+Management

+Software/?&tag=zd-left
http://www.quest.com/toad-for-sql-server/http://downloads.zdnet.com/Software/Business+Software/Database+Management+Software/?&tag=zd-lefthttp://downloads.zdnet.com/Software/Business+Software/Database+Management+Software/?&tag=zd-lefthttp://www.quest.com/toad-for-sql-server/http://downloads.zdnet.com/Software/Business+Software/Database+Management+Software/?&tag=zd-lefthttp://downloads.zdnet.com/Software/Business+Software/Database+Management+Software/?&tag=zd-left