If you need to deploy, manage, or secure Microsoft SQL Server 2008, this is the complete, fast-paced, task-based reference you've been searching for. Authored by a world-class expert on SQL Server in the enterprise, this book goes far beyond the basics, taking on the complex tasks that DBAs need to make the most of Microsoft's flagship database platform. SQL Server MVP, Ross Mistry presents proven techniques for SQL Server 2008 installation, upgrades, backup/restore, data transfer, indexing, high availability, security, and much more. He draws on extensive testing in high-profile production environments to offer step-by-step solutions and powerful tips you won't find anywhere else. Every chapter begins with a section identifying SQL Server 2008's most significant new improvements, and concludes with a convenient summary of best practices. Each chapter also outlines the benefits of leveraging Windows Server 2008. Understand how to: * Master DBA tips, tricks, and best practices proven in actual enterprise environments* Install, upgrade or transition to SQL Server 2008.* Harden and Secure an implementation.* Encrypt SQL Server from an end-to-end perspective.* Implement high availability--and leverage SQL Server 2008's major improvements to failover clustering and database mirroring* Save time with SQL Server 2008's new policy-based management tools* Performance tune and troubleshoot a SQL Server 2008 environment.* Optimize application performance and manage workloads with the powerful new Resource Governor* Implement Performance Studio, maintenance plans, Transparent Data Encryption and much more!Bonus Content: * The book is based on Windows Server 2008* Step by step instructions of how to implement a failover cluster on Windows Server 2008* SQL Server PoweShell Administration Tasks* Consolidate and virtualize SQL Server with Hyper-V* Step by step instructions on how to install Hyper-V* Proactively Monitor SQL Server with Operations Manager* Install Windows Server 2008 certificates to encrypt SQL Server dataContributing Writers include: Hilary Cotter -- SQL Server MVP John Welch -- SQL Server MVP Marco Shaw -- PowerShell MVP Maciej Pilecki -- SQL Server MVP Shirmattie Seenarine -- Technical Writer