Conclusion

This paper has pointed out some of the most important principles and trade-offs of SQL Server development. For many decisions, there is no one correct choice. In these cases, know the trade-offs and make an informed decision. For other decisions, consider the themes that crop up again and again in this discussion:

Follow these simple guidelines, and you will achieve most of your application's performance potential without a lot of work.

For More Information

This section describes some other sources for information about designing for SQL Server.

SQL Server Web Site

Every SQL Server developer should get to know and use what's available on the Microsoft SQL Server Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/sql/default.asp). This Web site is updated regularly and includes product and service pack announcements, benchmark results, white papers, partner information, and much more. The SQL Server Web site also includes links to the following areas of specific interest to developers:

Articles

Articles published by Microsoft Corporation give detailed guidance to SQL Server developers. Several of these articles are relevant to the issues discussed in this paper:

Microsoft Press Books

Two books published by Microsoft Press® are of particular interest to SQL Server developers: Inside SQL Server by Ron Soukup (available in 1997) and Inside ODBC by Kyle Geiger. Both of these books give in-depth advice based on the authors' years of experience.

Other Microsoft Products

The best place to get information about the many Microsoft products that work with SQL Server is the Microsoft Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/). In particular, check out the following products and technologies: