One of Dennis Shasha’s universal tuning principles is “Partioning breaks bottlenecks.” SQL Server 2005 introduces some new techniques for partitioning large tables as a means of improving performance. While previous versions of SQL Server have supported partitioned views as a mechanism for achieving partitioning solutions, such solutions have not been easy to manage. The new capabilities of SQL Server 2005 give database designers powerful, easy to manage tools for implementing these solutions. This talk will explore the definition of partitioning functions and the ways of managing partitioned data. An important part of the presentation will be the illustration of how to manage common scenarios, such as the rolling 13-month window. This is a 300-level presentation and assumes a good command of Transact-SQL and a thorough understanding of database design principles.

Sharon Dooley has worked with SQL Server since its first release. Her major areas of specialization are database design and performance tuning, though she also does a lot of administration. She has a consulting practice and teaches and writes courses for Learning Tree International, where she is SQL Server Curriculum Manager. Ms. Dooley is the author of SQL Server 7.0 Essential Reference (New Riders), the lead author of Professional SQL Server 6.5 Administration (Wrox) and is a contributing author for the forthcoming SQL Server 2005 Bible. Sharon is an active member of PASS (The Professional Organization for SQL Server) and has presented at numerous conferences. She was named a Microsoft MVP in 2001 and was an MVP for SQL Server until 2004. In her spare time, she enjoys being bossed around by her three cats.