How did we all get together to write this book? All of us came to Magenic for different reasons. Some of us came because Magenic was the top Microsoft Partner and we wanted to see whether we could be good enough to be among the best. Others came to Magenic for the opportunity to build a database consulting practice that helps businesses solve their toughest data problems. Others came to Magenic to be able to focus on one thing and become really good at it. Regardless of the reason, all of us wanted to be a part of the most dynamic and energetic company in the industry, to solve tough problems, and to help our peers in the field.
When SQL Server 7.0 first came out, Microsoft bundled a great tool called Data Transformation Services (DTS). At the time there was very little information about DTS. It seemed like nobody was writing about it. There were no books and few magazine articles. Marcelino and Jim had both been working on several projects where DTS was the perfect solution, and they decided to write a white paper. Its goal was to help other technologists learn DTS. This white paper ended up being presented at PASS99, and it was on the venue for TechEd2000 when New Riders approached us about expanding the white paper into a full book. That was when we sat down at Magenic and thought about what kind of book we would like to read and what kind of book would help us with our jobs. Our hope is that we accomplished that goal and that you find this book helpful.
Steve Hughes graduated from Bethany College of Missions in 1996 with a degree in Cross-Cultural Studies. He worked at Bethany House Publishers where he designed a warehouse management system using Microsoft tools. Steve has since become a Microsoft Certified Professional with MCSD, MCDBA, and MCSE certifications. He now works as a consultant in the Enterprise Data Services practice at Magenic Technologies, Inc.
Steve Miller is a Senior Business Intelligence Consultant with Magenic Technologies (www.magenic.com) in Minneapolis, MN. In addition to his development responsibilities, he has presented numerous seminars showcasing Microsoft Business Intelligence tools, on a regional basis through Microsoft’s For Developers Only Series, and at the national level TechEd 2000. Steve also regularly presents to various database user groups, and he instructs at The University of Minnesota and Normandale Community College.
Steve has more than 15 years experience in the software and financial analysis industries. He holds a B.S. degree in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota and is a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD).
Jim Samuelson is the Enterprise Data Services Practice Manager for Magenic Technologies (www.magenic.com) and has been actively involved with Decision support and Business Intelligence Systems for more than 12 years. Jim speaks on a variety of database and software topics at local, regional, and national events. Jim holds a B.S. degree in Agricultural Business and an MBA in Finance & Management Information Systems. He currently serves on the Microsoft Business Intelligence Partner Advisory Council.
Marcelino Santos is an MCDBA, MCSD, and MCSE working as a Senior Consultant at Magenic Technologies (www.magenic.com). He is focused on data modeling and SQL Server technologies, including database design and implementation, performance tuning, DTS, and OLAP. He has an M.S. in Computer and Information Systems from Boston University in Brussels (Brussels, Belgium).
Brian Sullivan is a Senior Consultant in Magenic Technologies Enterprise Data Services group. He has more than 20 years experience as project lead, business analyst, and software developer. He has specialized in integration of new technologies, data migration, and productivity tool building. Prior to his exposure to DTS, he was involved in developing numerous systems required for the ETL of data between disparate systems. Brian has his Microsoft Certified Database Administration (MCDBA).