This practical, hands-on book offers deep, thorough coverage of the internals of architecture and resource management in SQL Server 2005, focusing on the Storage Engine. The book features extensive code samples and table examples.

The Classic SQL Tutorial: Fully Updated for Today’s Standards and Today’s Top Databases For twenty years, van der Lans’ Introduction to SQL has been the definitive SQL tutorial for database professionals everywhere, regardless of experience or platform. Now van der Lans has systematically updated this classic guide to reflect the latest SQL standards and the newest versions of today’s leading RDBMSs: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, DB2, and MySQL. Using case study examples and hands-on exercises, van der Lans illuminates every key SQL concept, technique, and statement. Drawing on decades of experience as an SQL standards team member and enterprise consultant, he reveals exactly why SQL works as it does–and how to get the most out of it. You’ll gain powerful insight into everything from basic queries to stored procedures, transactions to data security. Whether you’re a programmer or DBA, a student or veteran, this book will take you from “apprentice” to true SQL master. Writing queries and updating data: all you need to know about SELECT Working with joins, functions, and subqueries Creating database objects: tables, indexes, views, and more Specifying keys and other integrity constraints Using indexes to improve efficiency Enforcing security via passwords and privileges Building stored procedures and triggers Developing with embedded SQL and ODBC Working with transactions, including rollbacks, savepoints, isolation levels, and more Optimizing performance by reformulating SQL statements Using object-relational features: subtables, references, sets, and user-defined data types Reference section: SQL statement definitions and SQL function lists

This comprehensive book guides readers through Microsoft's brand-new SQL 2005 administrator exam: Designing a Database Server Infrastructure by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (Exam 70443) Addresses the database tasks that the MCITP exam focuses on such as design, development, deployment, optimization, maintenance, and support Reviews key topics, including defining high availability solutions, automating administrative tasks, defining security solutions, monitoring and troubleshooting the database server, and much more The CD-ROM features leading-edge exam prep software with test engine plus hundreds of practice questions and electronic flashcards Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

In-depth coverage of Microsoft’s powerful new data integration tool Learn to maximize the features of SQL Server 2005 Integration Services from this essential guide. Hands-On Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Integration Services makes learning SSIS easy through the use of extensive real-world exercises structured around every component within the tool. You will learn to collect corporate data from various sources and transform that data for analysis, mining, and reporting.

SQL Server 2005 is Microsoft’s next-generation data management and analysis solution that delivers enhanced scalability, availability, and security features to enterprise data and analytical applications while making them easier to create, deploy, and manage. Now you can teach yourself how to design, build, test, deploy, and maintain SQL Server databases—one step at a time. With STEP BY STEP, you work at your own pace through hands-on, learn-by-doing exercises. Instead of merely focusing on describing new features, this book shows new database programmers and administrators how to use specific features within typical business scenarios. Each chapter puts you to work, providing a highly practical learning experience that demonstrates how to build database solutions to solve common business problems.

The MCTS 70-431 Exam Cram is a must-have resource in your MCTS 70-431 exam preparation. The Exam Cram focuses on exactly what you need to know to get certified. This includes features like: Complete coverage of all 70-431 exam objectives Exam alerts, practice questions, notes, tips, sidebars, cautions, test-taking strategies, and time-saving tips Access to MeasureUp practice questions and innovative testing software The popular Cram Sheet tear card, giving you the key facts you should review before you enter the testing center Insight from author Thomas Moore, a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and SQL Server expert who has helped hundreds of students earn their SQL Server certifications

SAP Query Reporting is everything an SAP user needs to know to create your own reports in SAP using Query tools, no programming required! Designed as a hands-on learning aid, you will be able to follow along and perform each new skill learned on your own SAP system. The book's tutorial style, step-by-step instruction will teach you everything you need to know to use the SAP Query tools, including its configuration, advanced usage, and integration to Microsoft. Additionally the book gives best business practice recommendations for the technology and internal business use of the tools. Learn to: Understand query security, table reads, and table joins Perform basic and advanced calculations Incorporate pictures and graphics into reports Configure shortcuts and tran codes, schedule jobs and email PDFs Utilize SAP Reporting with Microsoft Office applications

All medium to large companies have to deal with data being stored in a number of databases, spreadsheets and proprietary applications. Bringing all this data together into one system can be useful to analyzing the business; but can also be quite difficult to do. Integration Services is the next big bet in Microsoft's business intelligence lineup, providing you with true enterprise extract transform and load features (ETL). Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Integration Services concentrates on providing you with real world solutions to real world problems, giving you a head start on various projects. If you are only evaluating Integration Services, you'll be able to focus on the early chapters with the option of drilling down into details in the later chapters where some of the more complex concepts will be discussed in detail. The interesting sidebars peppered throughout the book provide insight into the processes, people and decisions that yielded the final IS product.

SQL Server 2005 is Microsoft’s next-generation data management and analysis solution that delivers increased security, scalability, and availability to enterprise data and analytical applications while making them easier to create, deploy, and manage. This book shows readers with fundamental SQL Server skills, as well as new-to-topic but experienced database developers, techniques to design, build, test, deploy, and maintain better SQL Server databases. The format is a hands-on, sequential, developer’s companion, providing beyond-the-basics guidance. This book is not a feature-driven reference manual, but a highly practical learning experience demonstrating how to build database solutions to solve business problems.

Written with clarity and a down-to-earth approach, Sams Teach Yourself SQL Server 2005 Express in 24 Hours covers the basics of Microsoft's latest version of SQL Server. Expert author Alison Balter takes you from basic concepts to an intermediate level in 24 one-hour lessons. You will learn all of the basic tasks necessary for the administration of SQL Server 2005. You will also learn how to write and fully utilize: SQL Server stored procedures Functions Triggers using T-SQL, VB.NET, and C# You will also learn how to output SQL Server data to reports and the Internet. Sams Teach Yourself SQL Server 2005 Express in 24 Hours is a well-organized, authoritative introduction that will quickly have you up and running with SQL Server 2005.

Written by the lead developers of Analysis Services at Microsoft, this book begins with an overview showing how Analysis Services and MDX can be used to build data warehouses and multidimensional databases The authors then describe the development processes for building dimensions and cubes from various data sources Demonstrating a variety of techniques in real-world scenarios, the book shows how MDX can be used to query databases to provide sophisticated analysis of business problems Finally, the book explains how Analysis Services can be used with other components of SQL Server, including DTS, data mining, and Report Services, to provide comprehensive, end-to-end solutions

A comprehensive, hands-on reference for database developers and administrators, this book focuses on advanced language features of Transact-SQL (T-SQL), the database programming language built into SQL Server. Includes code and table examples.

"I come from a T-SQL background, so when I first laid my eyes on SQL Server 2005, I was shocked--and then, I was scared! I didn't have a CLR or XML background and suddenly had an urgent need to learn it. SQL Server 2005 is too big of a release to learn from the books online. Fortunately, now there is a book for developers who need to go from SQL Server 2000 to SQL Server 2005 and to do it as painlessly as possible. Basically, it's one-stop shopping for serious developers who have to get up to speed quickly. I'll keep this one on my desk--not on my bookshelf. Well done, Bob and Dan!" --Dr. Tom Moreau SQL Server MVP and Monthly Columnist SQL Server Professional, Brockman Moreau Consulting Inc. "A SQL book truly for developers, from two authorities on the subject. I'll be turning to this book first when I need to understand a component of SQL Server 2005." --Matt Milner Instructor Pluralsight "An excellent book for those of us who need to get up to speed on what's new in SQL Server 2005. The authors made sure this book includes the final information for the release version of the product. Most other books out now are based on beta versions. It covers key areas from XML and SQLCLR to Notification Services. Although the wide variety of information is great, my favorite part was the advice given on when to use what, and how performance is affected." --Laura Blood Senior Software Developer Blue Note Computing, Inc. "SQL Server 2005 is a massive release with a large number of new features. Many of these features were designed to make SQL Server a great application development platform. This book provides comprehensive information about the SQL Server features of most interest to application developers. The lucid text and wealth of examples will give a developer a clear understanding of how to use SQL Server 2005 to a whole new class of database applications. It should be on every SQL Server developer's bookshelf." --Roger Wolter Solutions Architect Microsoft Corporation "While there will be a lot of good books on SQL Server 2005 development, when people refer to the 'bible,' they'll be talking about this book." --Dr. Greg Low Senior Consultant Readify Pty Ltd "SQL Server 2005 is loaded with new features and getting a good overview is essential to understand how you can benefit from SQL Server 2005's features as a developer. Bob and Dan's book goes beyond enumerating the new SQL Server 2005 features, and will provide you with lots of good examples. They did a good job striking a balance between overview and substance." --Michiel Wories Senior Program Manager, SQL Server Microsoft Corporation Few technologies have been as eagerly anticipated as Microsoft SQL Server 2005. Now, two SQL Server insiders deliver the definitive hands-on guide--accurate, comprehensive, and packed with examples. starts where Microsoft's documentation, white papers, and Web articles leave off, showing developers how to take full advantage of SQL Server 2005's key innovations. It draws on exceptional cooperation from Microsoft's SQL Server developers and the authors' extensive access to SQL Server 2005 since its earliest alpha releases. A Developer's Guide to SQL Server 2005 You'll find practical explanations of the new SQL Server 2005 data model, built-in .NET hosting, improved programmability, SQL:1999 compliance, and much more. Virtually every key concept is illuminated via sample code that has been fully updated for and tested with the shipping version of the product. Key coverage includes Using SQL Server 2005 as a .NET runtime host: extending the server while enhancing security, reliability, and performance Writing procedures, functions, triggers, and types in .NET languages Exploiting enhancements to T-SQL for robust error-handling, efficient queries, and improved syntax Effectively using the XML data type and XML queries Implementing native SQL Server 2005 Web Services Writing efficient, robust clients for SQL Server 2005 using ADO.NET, classic ADO, and other APIs Taking full advantage of user-defined types (UDTs), query notifications, promotable transactions, and multiple active result sets (MARS) Using SQL Management Objects (SMO), SQL Service Broker, and SQL Server Notification Services to build integrated applications

This thorough, hands-on reference for database developers and administrators delivers expert guidance on sophisticated uses of Transact-SQL (T-SQL)—one of the most familiar and powerful programming languages for SQL Server. Written by a T-SQL guru, this guide focuses on advanced querying techniques and how queries are interpreted and processed by the SQL Server execution engine. You’ll get in-depth coverage of the sophisticated uses of T-SQL, including the differences between logical and physical processing, nesting of queries, and much more. The book explains and compares solutions to database-development problems in both SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005, discussing the new T-SQL programming features added to SQL Server 2005 in detail. Includes extensive code samples, table examples, and logic puzzles to help database developers and administrators understand the intricacies and help promote mastery of T-SQL

SQL is the language of databases. It's used to create and maintain database objects, place data into those objects, query the data, modify the data, and, finally, delete data that is no longer needed. Databases lie at the heart of many, if not most business applications. Chances are very good that if you're involved with software development, you're using SQL to some degree. And if you're using SQL, you should own a good reference or two. Now available in an updated second edition, our very popular SQL Pocket Guide is a major help to programmers, database administrators, and everyone who uses SQL in their day-to-day work. The SQL Pocket Guide is a concise reference to frequently used SQL statements and commonly used SQL functions. Not just an endless collection of syntax diagrams, this portable guide addresses the language's complexity head on and leads by example. The information in this edition has been updated to reflect the latest versions of the most commonly used SQL variants including: Oracle Database 10g, Release 2 (includingthe free Oracle Database 10g Express Edition (XE)) Microsoft SQL Server 2005 MySQL 5 IBM DB2 8.2 PostreSQL 8.1 database

Your hands-on guide to learning Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services, Microsoft’s customizable analysis solution for business data modeling and interpretation. Analysis Services is a powerful tool for business intelligence, so understanding the essentials—how to create a cube, as well as how to deploy, customize, and extend the basic calculations—is critical to harnessing the full benefits of SQL Server. This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to get started, how to build scalable analytical applications, and how to use and administer advanced features. Interactivity features (enhanced in SQL Server 2005), data translation, and security are also covered in detail. With STEP BY STEP, you work at your own pace through hands-on, learn-by-doing exercises. Whether you’re a beginning programmer or new to this version of the technology, you’ll understand the fundamental techniques for using Analysis Services. A companion CD includes data sets and sample code.

When Microsoft releases Windows Vista, the new operating system will support applications that employ graphics now used by computer games--clear, stunning, and active. The cornerstone for building these new user interfaces is XAML ("Zammel"), the XML-based markup language that works with Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Vista's new graphics subsystem. An acronym for Extensible Application Markup Language, XAML offers a wealth of new controls and elements with exciting capabilities, including animation and rendering of 3D graphics. Windows developers are already jazzed by the possibilities of using XAML for fixed and flow format documents like PDF and HTML, 2D and 3D vector-based graphics, form development, animation, audio and video, transparent layering, and a lot more. Many feel that XAML will eliminate the need for multiple file formats or plug-ins (read: Flash), while lowering development costs and reducing time to market. The problem is, most developers don't know XAML. While it is fairly easy to understand, you still need a quick guide to bring you up to speed before Vista's release, and that's where this book's simple, no nonsense approach comes in. XAML in a Nutshell covers everything necessary to design user interfaces and .NET applications that take advantage of WPF. Prerequisites such as Microsoft's new unified build system, MSBuild, and core XAML constructs and syntax--including shortcuts--are all presented with plenty of examples to get you started. The Core XAML Reference section lets you dig even deeper into syntax rules and attributes for all XAML elements with a series of quick-reference chapters. This section divides XAML elements into logical categories of elements, controls, shapes and geometry, layout, animations, and transformations for easy reference. XAML in a Nutshell helps you learn, firsthand, how to use this XML-based markup language to implement the new generation of user interface graphics. As one reviewer noted, "Strong code examples and an efficient, conversational style take the tedium out of learning XAML and make the subject understandable--even interesting."

SQL Server Reporting enables the creation, management, and delivery of both traditional, paper-oriented reports and interactive, Web-based reports. An integrated part of the Microsoft business intelligence framework, Reporting Services combines the data management capabilities of SQL Server and Microsoft Windows Server with familiar and powerful Microsoft Office System applications to deliver real-time information to support daily operations and drive decisions. Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services will help you understand Reporting Services from various perspectives: How it fits business scenarios How to install and configure Reporting Services Reporting Services components Developing reports As you progress to advanced user status, you will enjoy the chapter about accessing Reporting Services programmatically and extending Reporting Services, and you will be able to use this book as a convenient reference.

Clustering is the final component of MySQL that makes it truly enterprise-level and able to compete fully with proprietary databases such as Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server. The increased number of high-demand, high-productivity corporations and institutions choosing MySQL, including MIT, the Department of Homeland Security, NASA, and Nokia, to name a few, need the benefit of clustering databases for high performance and scalability. MySQL AB has stepped up to the plate to offer advanced, high-availability, reliable clustering. As this demand has increased, so has the need for information. MySQL Clustering offers thorough, authoritative instruction on setting up and administering a MySQL Cluster from the developers of the cluster itself. You will learn about everything from installation and configuration to performance and troubleshooting in this authoritative reference guide to MySQL clustering.

Need to get your arms around Microsoft SQL Server 2005 fast, without getting buried in the details? Need to make fundamental decisions about deploying, using, or administering Microsoft’s latest enterprise database? Need to understand what’s new in SQL Server 2005, and how it fits with your existing IT and business infrastructure? SQL Server 2005 Distilled delivers the answers you need–quickly, clearly, and objectively. Former SQL Server team member Eric L. Brown offers realistic insight into every significant aspect of SQL Server 2005: its new features, architecture, administrative tools, security model, data management capabilities, development environment, and much more. Brown draws on his extensive experience consulting with enterprise users, outlining realistic usage scenarios that leverage SQL Server 2005’s strengths and minimize its limitations. Coverage includes Architectural overview: how SQL Server 2005’s features work together and what it means to you Security management, policies, and permissions: gaining tighter control over your data SQL Server Management Studio: Microsoft’s new, unified tool suite for authoring, management, and operations Availability enhancements: online restoration, improved replication, shorter maintenance/recovery windows, and more Scalability improvements, including a practical explanation of SQL Server 2005’s complex table partitioning feature Data access enhancements, from ADO.NET 2.0 to XML SQL Server 2005’s built-in .NET CLR: how to use it, when to use it, and when to stay with T-SQL Business Intelligence Development Studio: leveraging major improvements in reporting and analytics Visual Studio integration: improving efficiency throughout the coding and debugging process Simple code examples demonstrating SQL Server 2005’s most significant new features

Serving as both a tutorial and a reference guide to the MDX (Multidimensional Expressions) query language, this book shows data warehouse developers what they need to know to build effective multidimensional data warehouses After a brief overview of the MDX language and a look at how it is used to access data in sophisticated, multidimensional databases and data warehousing, the authors move directly to providing practical examples of MDX in use New material covers changes in the MDX language itself as well as major changes in its implementation with the latest software releases of Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services 2005 and Hyperion Essbase Also covers more advanced techniques, like aggregation, query templates, and MDX optimization, and shows users what they need to know to access and analyze data to make better business decisions Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

When an application is part of the Microsoft Office suite, it's sure to be a leader in its field. In the realm of desktop database management, Access is top dog with millions of users. But this is one dog that can bite. Although Access is a powerful, relational tool with the fetching talents of a Labrador, it's not an easy beast to train. Still, millions of users count on Access for everything from managing parts databases to running Web catalogs to working as a front end to mondo SQL databases. But Access is chockablock with annoyances---report hassles, query conundrums, VBA bugs, arcane error messages, and more. O'Reilly's Annoyances series offer real-world help, right now, and Fixing Access Annoyances continues tradition. You'll not only squash bugs and workaround Access' limits, but you'll learn how to use Access to the max, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro. Coverage includes install/configuration annoyances, building better tables and queries, creating forms that work right, generating reliable and sophisticated reports, pulling in data from a variety of sources, crafting macros and VBA code to customize Access, and much more. You could grab those other books for help, but do they solve problems from page one? Meet a book of a different stripe. The authors come armed with knowledge of the program's quirks, design hurdles and interface snags. They provide you with battle plans in Fixing Access Annoyances to save you time and bouts of hair pulling. Stop information from spiraling out of control when working with Access and trying to make this #$@@#$ thing work! Don't let its quirks, bugs, and troublemaking features beat you. Who you gonna call for help? Instead of waiting on the line for tech support or searching for the answer on the Internet with its too many resources to find exactly what you need, take control of databases with Fixing Access Annoyances, your partner on database adventures.

SQL Server 2005, Microsoft's next-generation data management and analysis solution, represents a huge leap forward. It comes with a myriad of changes that deliver increased security, scalability, and power--making it the complete data package. Used properly, SQL Server 2005 can help organizations of all sizes meet their data challenges head on. Programming SQL Server 2005 from O'Reilly provides a practical look at this updated version of Microsoft's premier database product. It guides you through all the new features, explaining how they work and how to use them. The first half of the book examines the changes and new features of the SQL Server Engine itself. The second addresses the enhanced features and tools of the platform, including the new services blended into this popular version. Each chapter contains numerous code samples-written in C# and compiled using the Visual Studio 2005 development environment-that show you exactly how to program SQL Server 2005. Programming SQL Server 2005 can help you: Build, deploy, and manage enterprise applications that are more secure, scalable, and reliable Maximize IT productivity by reducing the complexity of building, deploying, and managing database applications Share data across multiple platforms, applications, and devices to make it easier to connect internal and external systems Because the goal of Programming SQL Server 2005 is to introduce all facets of Programming SQL Server 2005, it's beneficial to programmers of all levels. The book can be used as a primer by developers with little experience with SQL Server, as a ramp up to the new programming models for SQL Server 2005 for more experienced programmers, or as background and primer to specific concepts. Any IT professional who wants to learn about SQL Server 2005's comprehensive feature set, interoperability with existing systems, and automation of routine tasks will find the answers in this authoritative guide.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Notification Services covers the basic problems of notification applications, describes the SQL Notification Services platform and describes how to use it to build rich, scalable notification applications. Written by Shyam Pather, the Technical Lead for the SQL Notification Services Team, this book is based on his three years of experience teaching SQL Notification Services to new customers. This book is your complete resource for learning SQL Notification Services application development and the underlying architectural concepts.

Key Features Architecture, syntax, development and composition of Business Processes and Services using BPEL Advanced BPEL features such as compensation, concurrency, links, scopes, events, dynamic partner links, and correlations Oracle BPEL Process Manager and BPEL Designer Microsoft BizTalk Server as a BPEL server Book Description Web services provide the basic technical platform required for application interoperability. They do not, however, provide higher level control, such as which web services need to be invoked, which operations should be called and in what sequence. Nor do they provide ways to describe the semantics of interfaces, the workflows, or e-business processes. BPEL is the missing link to assemble and integrate web services into a real business process BPEL4WS standardizes process automation between web services. This applies both within the enterprise, where BPEL4WS is used to integrate previously isolated systems, and between enterprises, where BPEL4WS enables easier and more effective integration with business partners. In providing a standard descriptive structure BPEL4WS enables enterprises to define their business processes during the design phase. Wider business benefits can flow from this through business process optimization, reengineering, and the selection of most appropriate processes . Supported by major vendors - including BEA, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, Novell, Oracle, SAP, Sun, and others - BPEL4WS is becoming the accepted standard for business process management. This book provides detailed coverage of BPEL4WS, its syntax, and where, and how, it is used. It begins with an overview of web services, showing both the foundation of, and need for, BPEL. The web services orchestration stack is explained, including standards such as WS-Security, WS-Coordination, WS-Transaction, WS-Addressing, and others. The BPEL language itself is explained in detail, with Code snippets and complete examples illustrating both its syntax and typical construction. Having covered BPEL itself, the book then goes on to show BPEL is used in context. by providing an overview of major BPEL4WS servers. It covers the Oracle BPEL Process Manager and Microsoft BizTalk Server 2004 in detail, and shows how to write BPEL4WS solutions using these servers. What you will learn Chapter 1 provides a detailed introduction to BPEL and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). It discusses business processes and their automation, explains the role of BPEL, web services, and Enterprise Service Buses (ESB) in SOA, provides insight into business process composition with BPEL, explains the most important features, compares BPEL to other specifications, provides an overview of BPEL servers, and discusses the future of BPEL. Chapter 2 provides a detailed introduction to the Web Services Technology Stack. It discusses the important standards and specifications for using BPEL and implementing SOA with web services, such as WS-Security, WS-Addressing, WS-Coordination, WS-AtomicTransaction, WS-BusinessActivity, WS-Reliable Messaging, etc. Chapter 3 discusses the composition of web services with BPEL. The chapter introduces the core concepts of BPEL and explains how to define synchronous and asynchronous business processes with BPEL. The reader gets familiar with BPEL process structure, partner links, sequential and parallel service invocation, variables, conditions, etc. Chapter 4 goes deeper into the BPEL specification and covers advanced features for modeling complex business processes. Advanced activities, scopes, serialization, fault handing, compensations, event handling, correlation sets, concurrent activities and links, process lifecycle, and dynamic partner links are covered in detail. Chapter 5 explains how to use the Oracle BPEL Process Manager for deploying and executing business processes defined in BPEL. It describes the server architecture, tools, features, and common approaches for managing and debugging BPEL processes. The chapter also looks at graphical development of BPEL processes using Oracle BPEL Designer for JDeveloper and for Eclipse. Chapter 6 takes a detailed look at the advanced features of the Oracle BPEL Process Manager including extension functions, dynamic parallel flows, Web Services Invocation Framework, Java embedding, Notification service, Workflow service, Identity service, and Oracle BPEL Server APIs. Chapter 7 discusses MS BizTalk Server 2004 and its support for BPEL. It explains how to develop business processes in BizTalk and export them to BPEL. It also explains how to import BPEL processes into BizTalk and how to use the Orchestration Designer tool to define processes graphically, and compares BizTalk and BPEL constructs. Appendix A provides a syntax reference for BPEL version 1.1. The appendix covers standard BPEL activities and elements, functions, attributes, and faults. Who this book is for This book is aimed at architects and developers in the design, implementation, and integration phases of advanced information systems and e-business solutions, developing business processes and dealing with the issues of composition, orchestration, transactions, coordination, and security. The book presumes knowledge of XML and web services, web services development (either on J2EE or .NET), and multi-tier architecture