SQL Azure is Microsoft's relational database offering in the cloud. While it's similar to SQL Server 2008 there are enough differences that it's important to understand what you can and cannot do with SQL Azure. This presentation gets you comfortable with SQL Azure and understand how it can best be used. Topics:

- Signing up for SQL Azure - Managing the SQL Azure Firewall - Creating a database, users and tables - Differences from other SQL Server 2008 editions - Moving schema and data up and down from the cloud - Getting the right connection string from the Azure UI - Checking Usage and Billing information - Connecting to SQL Azure - Data Access with OData

Speaker Bio: Andrew Novick is a SQL Server MVP and database consultant who has been developing business appcliations for 25 years. He is author of two SQL Books, "Transact-SQL User-Defined Functions", (Wordware, 2003) and "SQL Server 2000 XML Distlled" (Cornerstone/WROX 2002). Andrew has a Batchelors of Science in Computer Science and an MBA.

Session Goal #1: Understand the nature of SQL Azure and how it differs from other SQL Server editions.

Session Goal #2: Understand the Web Portal and how to create instances, databases, and firewall rules.

Session Goal #3: Undrestand the options available for moving schema and data up and down from SQL Azure.

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