SQL Server Training
Microsoft SQL Server is widely used by businesses of different sizes around the world, that’s why learning SQL Server programming and SQL Server database administration is a must for almost every IT professional working with Microsoft’s technologies.
Microsoft offers SQL Server training in several different forms – e-learning, books for self-paced SQL training and SQL classroom training. This allows the IT professionals to choose the most suitable form of SQL Server training. Lets have a look at each of the SQL Server learning options.
The most inexpensive SQL Server training option offered by Microsoft is using books – either printed or online. The online option is to use the SQL Server 2005 Books Online, which is accessible for free from Microsoft’s website. The other alternative for SQL Server training is to buy one of the Microsoft Press Books like Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2005: T-SQL Programming, Programming Microsoft SQL Server 2005, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services Step by Step, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services Step by Step or Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Database Essentials Step by Step.
The SQL Server training books are moderately priced (usually less than $50 per book) and are an excellent way to learn SQL at your own pace without breaking the bank.
Microsoft also offers the e-learning SQL training option. The E-Learning can be courses, clinics, or workshops. The clinics consist of 100% content, and they explain the features and functionality of the product. The clinics range between 2 and 5 hours. The courses are usually longer (2-30 hours) and offer both content and practical online SQL Server training. Finally the workshops are around 2 hours and they are more practice oriented where you learn by training your SQL Server skills in Microsoft hosted environment.
The last SQL Server training option offered by Microsoft is SQL classroom training, led by experienced SQL Server professionals. These SQL training courses range between 1 and 5 days, and are a great way to learn how to administer or develop on SQL Server.
There are many independent IT education companies offering SQL Server training as well. If you need a SQL Server training though the Microsoft’s learning options are your best choice.