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What's new in SQL Server Notification Services 2005?
Andrei Kossoroukov
Well, I went through the same exercise with SQL Server Notification Services 2005 as I did with SSNS 2000. Well, it was much easier. May be because I have done it with SSNS 2000.
A. First of all, everything works in the same way. I took my old examples, followed my document for SQL Server 2000, and voila! I had my notification services running.
B. Well, not EXACTLY the same way. You don't need to download and install Notification Services. They come with SQL Server 2005, which is good. And obviously, the installation diractory is different. So, you nscontrol.exe utility is now located in C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\NotificationServices\9.0.242\Bin. However, with this exception everything is the same.
C. SQL Server Management Studio now got some add-ons that simplify your work with Notification Services a little. Now in the Object Explorer, once you are connected to your SQL Server 2005, you can see the Notification Service folder. Right click on it, and you can manage your Notification Service Instances.
D. You still have to create a bunch of XML files. And you still have to write code to support subscriptions. Btw, there is a new namespace Microsoft.SqlServer.NotificationServices.Rules which did not exist in the previous version. However, maintaining these files, environment variables, and Windows services is much easier through the new interface.
Well, the bottom line is "Know a) the structure of the XML files and b) architecture of the Notification Services -- then use new tools."
To quickly start developing for SSNS 2005 I suggest to
1. Read Microsoft SQL Server Notification Services Technical Overview.
2. Read my previous article,
Demystifying SQL Server Notification Services.
3. Install and run my examples.
4. Briefly read Notification Services Tutorial from SQL Server 2005 Books Online. Don't spend too much time on it, just get familiar with the environment.
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