Any MS SQL Server DBAs out there?

[wwhitby]

First off, a little bit about myself. I've been a DBA for almost 20 years now, having worked in the past with DB2, DB2/UDB, Oracle, and currently Sybase ASE. I've done a little bit with MS SQL Server, but its mostly been writing and executing queries, building tables, populating the tables, and updating the data in the tables. I have completed a SQL Server 2008 training class though.

Unfortunately, my current job as a DBA may be coming to an end in a little over a week. I talked to a fella today about an potential opening as a MS SQL Server DBA. I've been recommended to him by several people, and I think (hope) that I have a good shot at it. I'm excited, since besides being a job, i've always wanted to learn and work with SQL Server. The duties would be designing and building tables (check), working with developers (check) and maintaining the database.

The question I have for the SQL Server DBAs is what is the maintenance of the database and RDBMS like? What things would you need to watch out for? I don't doubt I can learn it, since i've learned the other RDBMS' in the past (my SQL Server training was the only RDBMS training i've had in my career), but I want to find out more about the ins and outs SQL Server from the folks who use and support it.

Thanks!

Warren

 

[n5ims]

You might want to download the trial version and work with it a bit on your own PC (Windows 7 or higher required for standard Windows, Server 2008 R2 or higher for server version of Windows). Should allow you to get comfortable with various tasks to help you prepare for any interview questions that may come up.

SQL Server 2012 SP1

 

[wwhitby]

Thanks!