In my experience the most notable DB platforms are Microsoft and Oracle. I have come to learn that MySQL is popular in start-up companies and DB folks who know this platform will make higher salaries, but I honestly rarely ever found MySQL in job searches.
One reason why I favor MS SQL Server is because it also includes the SSRS BI
platform which is powerful and popular. DB folks who know SSRS (SQL Server
Reporting Services) have become very sought-after candidates in several
companies. In many instances, companies end up needing to buy licenses for
third-party BI (Business Intelligence) applications which often can cost a lot
of extra money.
With SQL Server, BI and ETL (extract, transform, load) tools come with the first
license. I realize that maybe the interest in databases is especially to
understand DB construction, however , you can't predict when or if you decide to
branch out and get more info.
The great thing about SQL is the language is fairly universal. I only say fairly
because each vendor has added their very own functions and syntax. Microsoft and
Sybase both use T-SQL, Oracle uses PL/SQL and MySQL uses ANSI-SQL. Ultimately
what you learn on one platform may be put on other platforms.
To become a SQL Server Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) is a small task now.
Under 1 percent of certified professionals hold a Master certification, and for
good reason: In addition to having difficult minimum competencies (5 years SQL
Server experience and deep knowledge in every facets of SQL Server), training
for a SQL Server MCM has always come at a significant cost. In fact, that cost
have been about $18,500, when you accumulate the necessary three week training
and four exams.
The SQL Server MCM certification is the highest technical certification that
Microsoft offers to SQL Server professionals. It's suitable for individuals with
five or more years of hands-on SQL Server experience in critical environments.
Competencies include designing and implementing high-performance, scalable
enterprise environments and troubleshooting the most challenging SQL Server
issues.
Well, at (The Professional Association for SQL Server) this week, Microsoft
announced all of that has been evolving. Based on the company, the changes are
in reply to requests from experienced SQL Server pros who want to earn MCM's but
(go figure) don't have $18,500.
Now, candidates can earn the certification by ing just two exams: the
four-hour Knowledge Exam, and also a six-hour hands-on Lab Exam, which will be
obtainable in early 2011.
Fortunately, Microsoft has made some significant changes on the program,
including:
- The 3-week in-person training is no longer required. So, if you feel like you have what it takes, it is possible to march right up and take the certification exams. You only pay the cost of the exams, that is about $2,500.
- Now there are only two exams rather than four: 88-970 (Knowledge Exam) and 88-971 (Lab Exam).
- To aid SQL Server professionals plan the exams at a lower cost, Microsoft now offers some free MCM videos.
And you? Do you think the newest MS SQL
Certification will help you in your job?