MySQL Point

a bug is the biggest lie we know!

Reporters from the Times have exposed controversial Home Office plans to create a huge government database that will contain confidential details of every phone call and email in the UK. The database will be populated with confidential data that is collated from telecoms companies and Internet service providers (ISPs).

Under government orders, Telecoms companies have been holding information about phone calls and text messages since last year. However, under these new plans, the Home Office will extend this to include e-mails, too. These records can be easily accessed by police officers and the security services by simply applying to the courts for a warrant.

Although the plans for this Orwellian database are at an early stage, insiders believe that they might be included in the draft Communications Data Bill, which is due at the end of the year. The Communications Data Bill is being created in the interest of national security and crime prevention following the 7/7 bombings. A Home Office spokesperson said of the Bill: “The Communications Data Bill will help ensure that crucial capabilities in the use of communications data for counter-terrorism and investigation of crime continue to be available. ”

News of the database has been met with criticism. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis believes that storing such confidential information in one central place could be risky, he said: “This could well be more of a threat to our security than a support. ” Jonathan Bamford of the Information Commission, an independent authority that protects personal information, also believes that this database might be a security risk. He said: “This would give us serious concerns and may well be a step too far. We are not aware of any justification for the State to hold every UK citizen’s phone and internet records. We have real doubts that such a measure can be justified, or is proportionate or desirable. We have warned before that we are sleepwalking into a surveillance society. Holding large collections of data is always risky – the more data that is collected and stored, the bigger the problem when the data is lost, traded or stolen. ”

Chris Huhne, Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman, said that the government’s recent data protection scandals indicated that they “were not to be trusted” with such confidential data. Indeed, these scandals include the recent loss of a CD containing the details of every child benefit claimant in the UK, so it’s hardly surprising that he is concerned. He said: “Given the appalling track record of data loss, this state is simply not to be trusted with such private information. ”

A Home Office spokesperson said that any plans they consider would take privacy into account. They said: “These powers will continue to be subject to strict safeguards to ensure the right balance between privacy and protecting the public. “

The power of email marketing can never be underestimated. For quite some time, online marketers have been using email circulations to reach their intended and prospective clients. Business mailing lists have been considered one of the most effective and working tools for online marketing. Usually, access to business email database can be bought online. But did you know that you can resort to making your own email lists? Yes, if you will only be determined and strategic enough, you can build your own email list and not buy the online lists, which are always full of anomalies. One advantage to accumulating and producing your own business email database is that you can personally be sure the emails are valid and are active. You may not ask, but you should know that many of the email addresses contained in business mailing lists are not valid and are not in use anymore. Surely, when you generate and make your own business email database, the entries and email addresses may not be as numerous as contained in business mailing lists, but you are 100% sure the emails you accumulate are all active. So how can you proceed to build your own business email database? To begin with, you should have your active Website. Your online site can be a good tool how you can collect email addresses. Simply integrate into your site a feedback corner where readers and make inquiries and can communicate with you. Of course, when readers try the service, they have to furnish their email addresses. As people keep on registering, you are slowly but surely building your own business email database. Another strategy is to conduct a personal survey. You can roam the streets and ask people to accomplish and fill out survey questionnaires. Of course, you should allot a space to ask about the email addresses of respondents. It will also be appropriate if you will ask them if it is okay they receive regular emails from you. This way, you can make sure that your email messages do not land on the bulk and spam mails, which are not often read and looked at.

Scenario mapping methodology has been introduced into the current database design activity to assist database designers with the task of compressing complex data into byte-size chunks and thereby help simplify the project process of developing database applications. Traditional project management methods do not provide for individual creativity and innovation because metadata and scenario metrics are seldom even mentioned in the planning process. Project management is an area of expertise that has undergone some significant development in the last decade.   A business project can have a far-reaching effect on the business and result in either tremendous improvement in the businesses ability to function in the marketplace or a significant setback to that business entity. The idea of a formalized project management approach such as defined by the Scenario mapping methodology has been around in very small groups of systems analysts and application developers for quite some time.   But the method has not gained prominence, so it is not uncommon for any manager to find themselves learning the discipline of a structured project management system as a substitute for these storyboard ideas. This substitute project methodology takes any given business or IT project through the same standardized steps from conception through implementation.   Whether or not the Scenario mapping methodology represents a boon or a bust to the business world depends to a large extent on individual applications of the method and measurements and observations on whether the method itself introduces efficiency to the process of project management or just another layer of bureaucracy. There are some strong positives to utilizing a methodology that is standardized at an industry level.   Those project managers who have gone through the certification process can be depended on to implement that system the same way in each business setting.   As such, the process of finding qualified project managers becomes simplified because the certification process alone communicates to the business that it can expect the Scenario mapping methodology system to be implemented correctly. By putting into place an external method of certification and measurement of excellence, the project manager career begins to take a high level of professionalism similar to in the legal and medical fields.   So the Scenario mapping methodology movement represents a maturing of the IT and project management disciplines as they move toward greater levels of accountability and control. The dangers come in implementation of the Scenario mapping methodology on a project by project basis.   In order for a certified manager to live by his credentials, all projects must conform to a standard mold.   The unique nature of each project may not easily fit into the Scenario mapping methodology process of systematization. In addition, the Scenario mapping methodology system is heavily dependent on a large amount of meetings to document the fact that the project is adhering to standards and a methodical documentation process from which there is little room for variation or accommodation.   The Scenario mapping methodology is a complex methodology so the tool sets that must be used to track the process can be expensive and difficult to use. The outcome is that the introduction of the make-believe Scenario mapping methodology system can cause the actual business objectives of the project to take on a secondary priority to the high standards of a Scenario mapping methodology itself.   Project leaders working under the requirements of the make-believe Scenario mapping methodology can become more accountable to the methodology itself and lose sight of what is good for the business or what is efficient in terms of getting the project completed.   This does not occur when using the genuine methodology. Currently, there is very little room for creativity or individual judgment within the confines of the make-believe Scenario mapping methodology and that is problematic because the nature of business problems have historically depended on the judgment and creative problem solving skills of middle management.   By dominating the project process with the needs of the make-believe Scenario mapping methodology, excessive cost is introduced as well as cumbersome requirements that do not benefit the business or the project itself. Keep in mind that metadata has the main purpose of placing business-data ahead of computer-analysis data and provide for a continuing business-data approach through out the course of populating the database with profit-producing data. A Scenario mapping methodology is the only pattern that offers the more innovative opportunities to appear and therefore bust be considered in the vision for a better database driven business application.

Today, many people use the Internet as a resource for finding new apartments. If you are looking to move, chances are, you will likely put the term, “apartments” into a search engine like Google or Yahoo. There are two very distinct types of results you will get from your search. The first result will be an apartment locator site, and the other result will be an apartment database site. It is important to know the difference between these types of sites so you can choose the one which best fits your needs.
Many people who are moving into new apartments may be moving to an entirely new area of the country. Therefore, they are not familiar with the surroundings and don’t have knowledge about important things such as the location and status schools, banks, hospitals, supermarkets, etc. If this is your situation, then an apartment locator site may be perfect for your needs. When you place a query on a locator site, one of their employees will make telephone contact with you. The apartment locator is usually very knowledgeable about the specific area in which you desire to move. They will need to know your budget, desires, and your needs in order to find possible apartments that will suit you. The service is usually completely free-of-charge, because the apartment locator is usually paid a “finders fee” by the landlord or rental agent. Some people do not like apartment locaters because they require you to submit your telephone number and other personal information as well as have personal contact with you.
The other type of site is an apartment database site. This site is very useful for people who are moving into a familiar area, or who will only be staying in an area for a short period of time. Database sites have large catalogues of many apartments in a wide variety of areas. Users need only fill out a simple registration that asks for a very minor amount of personal information. Users will not be contacted by anyone, and they do not need to give out their telephone number. Once the registration is complete, users can search the online databases. The databases often have many pictures of the certain apartment with detailed descriptions of the living arrangement. This large amount of data can be very useful for people trying to decide what to do with an apartment.
When searching for an apartment online, it really comes down to simple preference. Some people like personal contact and help every step of the way. These same people also have little issue with giving away personal information. On the other hand, some people prefer to be independent and search for things on their own. These same people may have some reservations about giving away personal information online. Whatever type of person you are, apartment locators can be helpful if you are moving into a completely new area, and apartment databases can be useful if you are moving into an area with which you are familiar. A few stellar sites even offer the benefits of both types. Knowing the ins and outs of apartment searches online can make your search go much easier.

If you run a small business you can increase your profits through database driven mailings. It’s a lot cheaper than conventional advertising, and the returns can be far greater. So where do you start?
First gather those precious names and addresses. In fact, you might already have quite a few names on file from the following sources:
-Copies of invoices sent out.
-Guarantee forms filled in.
-Past enquiries or complaints.
Use these names to start your database file. As well as their name and contact details you should include as much relevant information as possible. To store the information you don’t need a complicated database program – a simple spreadsheet application will do. Just check that it will combine with your word processing application if you intend to send out mailings. If you’re going to contact your customers through email, you can keep their details on an email application such as Microsoft Entourage.
Now you need to make sure you gather names at every possible opportunity and add them to the list. Trade shows and exhibitions can be a goldmine. You should also make sure all members of your staff who come into contact with potential customers are well versed in asking for name and address details.
Of course, not everyone is willing to give out their details so easily. However, you can incentivise a request in several ways.
-Advance notice of special offers.
-A prize draw to win some of your merchandise.
-Free membership to a customer discount club.
-Your free newsletter.
The next step is to draw up a communication plan. You only want to speak to your prospects when you have something of value to say. But of course, in business, there’s always plenty to talk about. Here are a few examples.
-New products or services.
-End of season sale.
-Stocktaking sale.
-Buy 2 get 1 free.
-Quantity discount.
-Free trial.
-Free for kids.
-Interest free.
Write to your prospects in a friendly tone of voice, as if you were chatting to them over a cup of coffee. Briefly remind them of your dedication to offering first class service. If you have a website, don’t forget to include the address. And always ask for the order.
It’s good practice to track response to your mailings. By doing so you’ll find out what offers work best. To do this include a code for Internet redemption or a coupon if they have to come to your premises.
Send your communications out every 6-8 weeks; more frequent than this and you risk becoming a nuisance. And make sure you give them the opportunity to opt out of receiving any more communications.
These are humble beginnings for your database. Over time it can become more sophisticated and your mailings more targeted to the particular needs of prospects and customers.
You may find it profitable to run small enquiry ads simply to add more names to your database and then market these people over time.
Today all corporations realise the value of a database, although not all of them know how to use it well. For your company it can be a huge source of extra profit. Make the most of it.
Copyright 2006 by Tony Brecher

The sql server primary query language is Transact-SQL, an implementation of the ANSI/ISO standard Structured Query Language (SQL) used by both Sql server express and Sybase. SQL Server is commonly used by businesses for small- to medium-sized databases, but the past five years have seen greater adoption of the product for larger enterprise databases.

SQL Server Express is a product that has been released in Beta as a follow up to the MSDE product. Many new features as well as complementary products for all of the . NET development tools are now available. Read on for a quick summary of what this new product line is all about. Sql server express is moving forward with the next evolution of SQL Server, AKA Yukon, AKA SQL Server 2005. The product is being developed and coincides with the Visual Studio 2005. However the next Beta, Beta 2, which TechEd 2004 attendees were allowed to sign up for, will not be a large public release. Instead it should be here any day for a larger audience than Beta 1, but still a limited group, only about 100,000 users.

Beta 3 is expected to be available for the general public. Therefore, the product is not quite ready for prime time. I’d look for the dates to slip for the general release. It was expected for Q1 2005, now I’m thinking TechEd 2005, the June timeframe.

All of us that plan on sticking with SQL Server as one of our primary skills, be it DBA, developer, whatever, if you use SQL Server technically, you will want to learn something about . NET and the CLR Using . NET easily enables me to link a VB. NET function to a C#. Net library and data types, etc. match up and work seamlessly. Don’t think that the developers you work with won’t want to give this a try, especially if they each like different languages to code in.

SQL Server Express is the product taking the place of MSDE. It is installed with Visual Studio and also available as a separate download. It appears from the description that many of the complaints and issues with MSDE have been considered with this product. For example, this product supports: Single CPU systems, but can be installed on multi-cpu systems, 1GB RAM, 4GB databases, stored procedures, views, triggers, cursors, the same core SQL Server engine, many of the new database features like snapshot isolation, extended indexes, distributed transactions, it can act as subscription client for replication, full . NET and CLR integration, native XML data type and XQuery support, and it can easily migrate databases to the full edition once it is available Keep in mind that a few things are not included, DTS, Notification Services, Analysis Services. This is a learning system, not a development or production product.

The workload governor has also been removed, but with the limit of a single CPU and 1GB of RAM for the product, there is a limit to how well it will perform. Another omission is SQLAgent, so any scheduling you need to do will require the Windows scheduler as well as the new SQLCMD command line utility. This replaces MSDE, or will eventually, so it has the same multi-instance capabilities. At this time, Sql server express has said the instance limit is fifty.

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