I'm a Mac user. However, in the enterprise space of data loading and analysis, Windows remains the platform of choice. I spend time equally among Unix, Windows, and Macs. Its all good, since I love technology.
So at my new position, we use Microsoft Sql Server as our database. Not really that bad for a database. And the price stays low. With a Sql Server license, we get a product called Integration Services, SSIS. Free.
In medieval times when an enemy was laying siege to a stronghold, the enemy would catapult rotting corpses over the castles walls. This would cause healthy citizens and solders to contract diseases. Slowly this tactic destroys the people trying to defend the city.
Today, this tactic is being used with SSIS. Using bundled and free software, Microsoft is hurling rotting pieces of software in to the enterprise. Hoping that this software will take root, Microsoft can then expect yearly license renewals.
And don't get me started with SharePoint. If I could get relevant results from the SharePoint's search it might be useful. But nope I never do.
[Edit: Tuesday; November 27, 2007 1:08:57 PM ]
OK, I didn't think this rant required a new entry. So I figured I would just edit this post about SSIS.
There is a concept in SSIS called expressions that you can set properties of a task using mathematical or logic expressions. Except in a mode called data flow. What the hell. Its like selling a car with the caveat of 'doesn't work in downtown area cause of one way streets.'
Data Flows have a lot of SQL in them, and expressions would make it easy for dynamic queries. Nope. You have to use a variable, then you can use expressions. But if you are in control flow, and you use a Execute SQL task, then you have an expression available to you. It feels like SSIS is just a Frankenstein monster that Microsoft just throw together.