June 2008 Edition
Feature Spotlight: Job Profitability SQL Report
Q&A with Technical Support: Database Backup Report
Smart Tip of the Month: Identifying Empty Fields with MetaScript
Additional Resources: Microsoft SQL Server Maintenance Plan Resources
Knowledge Builder: New Articles
Feature Spotlight: Job Profitability SQL Report
The Job Manager Job Profitability custom query has recently been turned into a Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services report. This Reporting Services report version of the Job Profitability custom query provides the same search criteria options and report data as the custom query version, but gives users the option of returning the report as a PDF, Excel document or CSV file. This report is available in all newly created Job Manager databases or is available for download in MetaCommunications Knowledge Base article 16325 for databases created prior to package 156.
For more information visit:
http://www.meta-comm.com/support/knowledge_base/article.asp?id=16325
Q&A with Technical Support: Database Backup Report
What is the best way to confirm that database backups are happening?
Knowledge of successful database backup is crucial to any disaster recovery plan. There are several methods for confirming that SQL database backups are completing as scheduled, including viewing the SQL backup job history, setting up the Microsoft SQL Server Mail functionality to send an email on backup success and failure, and using the database backup report included with the MetaReportGenerator solution. The MetaReportGenerator solution makes the process easy because no direct modification of the SQL Server setup is required to make the solution work. Knowledge Base article 16149 contains the details for downloading and configuring this report.
For more information visit:
http://www.meta-comm.com/support/knowledge_base/article.asp?id=16149
Smart Tip of the Month: Example - Identifying Empty Fields with MetaScript
Recently, a Virtual Ticket system administrator inquired about producing alerts if a field in a form is left blank, contains a null value, or contains a space. Making the field required for entry accounts for the first two scenarios, but it does not account for a field where a space has been entered. Knowledge Base article 16324 contains two example functions, (one function for character fields and one function for integer fields) which can be used to determine if a field has been left blank.
For more information visit:
http://www.meta-comm.com/support/knowledge_base/article.asp?id=16324
Additional Resources: Microsoft SQL Server Maintenance Plan Resources
Earlier in this article we discussed the importance of verifying the successful backup of SQL databases. The link below provides additional information on how SQL Server 2005 maintenance plans can be created.
http://www.sql-server-performance.com/articles/dba/creating_backup_jobs_p1.aspx
In addition, the MetaCommunications Server Installation Guide provides important details on setting up your own maintenance plan.
For more information visit:
http://www.meta-comm.com/documentation/
Knowledge Builder
New articles this month
16149 - Updated! Using MetaReportGenerator Solution
This article describes the MetaReportGenerator solution that generates reports on various aspects of database activity and e-mails them to the Administrator.
http://www.meta-comm.com/support/knowledge_base/article.asp?id=16149
16324 - Identifying Empty Fields with MetaScript
This article provides example MetaScript functions which can determine if a Virtual Ticket field has been left blank.
http://www.meta-comm.com/support/knowledge_base/article.asp?id=16324
16325 - Job Profitability SQL Server Reporting Services Report for Job Manager
This article provides a version of the Job Manager Job Profitability report for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services.
http://www.meta-comm.com/support/knowledge_base/article.asp?id=16325
16326 - MetaScript Example - Excluding information from the Bill To Field
This article provides a MetaScript example which strips out the Contact Name information from the Bill To field data when it is displayed on a Virtual Ticket form.
http://www.meta-comm.com/support/knowledge_base/article.asp?id=16326
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