SQL Server 2005 End of Life

SQL Server 2005 end of extended support finishes 12 April 2016. This means no further hotfixes and support from Microsoft when things fail.

There is an excellent article highlighting some of the new features that can be utilized if you upgrade. Enhanced Security features are a must to consider.

The article is entitled:

What You Are Missing by Sticking with SQL Server 2005: Data Architects Version

http://www.datamodel.com/index.php/2015/12/01/what-you-are-missing-by-sticking-with-sql-server-2005-data-architects-version/#sthash.2S7QPAfs.dpuf

Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases – 70-464

Useful links whilst studying for 70-464

Exam Syllabus

Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases – 70-464

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/learning/exam-70-464.aspx

Skills Measured

Implement database objects (30-35%)

Implement programming objects (20-25%)

Design database objects (20-25%)

Optimise and troubleshoot queries (20-25%)

Exam Prep Videos

70-464: MCSE: Data Platform

 

Microsoft Virtual Academy 

Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases Course

Boost Your T-SQL with the APPLY Operator Course

and plenty of reading on MSDN...