Microsoft Fortifies Next-Gen SQL Server

"It'll be up to you which algorithms you use [Triple DES or AES], but we can support cell-level encryption, so credit-card numbers can be encrypted but other cells not," said Tom Rizzo, director of product management for SQL Server.

"It's very granular, you can only encrypt this piece of data and not that. It will integrate with certificate authorities," he said.

The capabilities will be demonstrated Tuesday at Tech Ed 2004 in San Diego.

Microsoft is also making available the latest code for its Best Practices Analyzer for SQL Server this week.

This automated tool helps database administrators ensure that they're building and maintaining their databases for optimum performance, said Tom Rizzo, director of product management for SQL Server.

"It scans the database [and] makes sure you're doing your backups, you're separating log and data files," Rizzo said.

Database administrators can operate the tool either from a graphical or command-line interface to facilitate pre-scheduled operations. Reports can then be generated and sent out to the offending administrator, Rizzo said.

Another tool, SQL Server 2005 Upgrade Advisor, will scan SQL Server 2000 implementations to ascertain how difficult an upgrade will be. The beta for this will be available soon, but Tech Ed attendees will get certifications to obtain the code, he said.

For more Tech Ed coverage, see the CRN Tech Ed News Center.