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Designing Intelligent Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (Exam 70-473)

Course Overview

Welcome to the training course for Microsoft Exam 70-473: Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions. This course is specifically focused on SQL Server 2012, designed to provide professionals with the essential knowledge and skills required to build intelligent, scalable, and secure data solutions. The goal of this course is not only to prepare you for the certification exam but also to give you real-world experience and insight into how intelligent data solutions are crafted in enterprise environments.

Purpose of This Course

The purpose of this course is to enable database professionals, architects, and developers to design intelligent business solutions by leveraging the power of SQL Server 2012. This includes understanding key concepts such as high availability, disaster recovery, data security, data integration, and business intelligence. The course emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical implementations. Whether you are aiming to upgrade your certification portfolio or improve your skill set, this course provides a deep dive into the components and capabilities required for intelligent solution design.

Understanding the Intelligence in SQL Server

SQL Server 2012 introduced several features that greatly expanded its capabilities in intelligent data solutions. These include AlwaysOn availability groups, contained databases, SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), and enhanced Business Intelligence features. Intelligence in this context refers to the ability of a data solution to not just store and retrieve data but to analyze, report, and make predictions based on it. SQL Server supports this through integrated BI tools, reporting services, and performance-tuning capabilities.

Structure of the Course

This training course is divided into four parts. Each part builds upon the previous one and collectively prepares you for Exam 70-473. Part 1 focuses on course overview, structure, and general understanding of what the course entails. In Part 2, we delve into the specific requirements of the course, including software, hardware, and knowledge prerequisites. Part 3 covers course descriptions and details the skills and knowledge you'll gain. Part 4 will explore the target audience and who will benefit most from the course.

What Makes This Course Unique

This course is designed not just around theoretical knowledge but also emphasizes real-world application. Scenarios, use cases, and case studies are introduced throughout to ensure learners can apply what they learn in a practical environment. Microsoft’s Exam 70-473 is often misunderstood as purely a theoretical certification, but the exam rewards understanding of real-world implementation. This course bridges that gap.

Alignment with Microsoft Exam Objectives

This course directly aligns with the objectives set forth by Microsoft for Exam 70-473. Key areas covered include designing and implementing database solutions, data security, high availability and disaster recovery, and business continuity strategies. The course reflects the official exam structure to help students familiarize themselves with the domains covered and prepare efficiently.

Real-World Scenarios

One of the most effective ways to learn is through examples and scenarios. Throughout the course, we will examine real-world challenges faced by organizations and how SQL Server 2012 can be used to solve them. These scenarios include designing a failover strategy for a mission-critical application, implementing secure data encryption for a financial services company, and building an integrated reporting solution for a global retail enterprise.

Modular Learning Path

To ensure a comprehensive and organized learning experience, the course is structured into well-defined modules. Each module corresponds to a key area of SQL Server intelligent solution design. You will progress from fundamental concepts to advanced implementations. Each module includes learning objectives, key topics, and applied projects or labs where possible.

Course Duration and Format

This course is designed to be completed over a period of four to six weeks, depending on your prior experience and available study time. The format includes lectures, readings, lab exercises, assessments, and review sessions. For those preparing for the 70-473 exam, additional resources such as practice questions, exam tips, and readiness checklists are included.

Technologies Covered

SQL Server 2012 is the centerpiece of this course, but other technologies also play a supporting role. These include Windows Server, Azure integration concepts, Reporting Services (SSRS), Integration Services (SSIS), Analysis Services (SSAS), PowerShell scripting, and T-SQL. You’ll learn how to integrate these technologies to build intelligent, scalable solutions.

Learning Environment

A suitable learning environment includes a machine with SQL Server 2012 installed, along with access to relevant services such as SSIS, SSRS, and SSAS. You’ll also need a Windows Server environment for testing high availability configurations. Virtual labs or cloud-based labs may also be used if available.

Focus on High Availability

High availability is a core component of intelligent solution design. This course includes detailed instruction on implementing SQL Server AlwaysOn, failover clustering, database mirroring, and log shipping. These technologies ensure business continuity and data integrity in the face of system failure or disaster.

Emphasis on Security and Compliance

Security is not just an optional feature; it is a foundational requirement. You will learn how to implement data encryption, auditing, user authentication, and role-based access control. This module also covers compliance topics including GDPR and HIPAA, and how SQL Server can help maintain regulatory standards.

Data Integration and ETL Processes

Modern intelligent solutions rely on clean, structured, and timely data. In this course, you'll explore the full lifecycle of data integration using SSIS. Topics include data transformation, error handling, incremental loads, and real-time data feeds. Integration with cloud-based sources will also be explored.

Business Intelligence and Reporting

Another major component of the course is business intelligence. You'll gain experience in building dashboards, KPI reports, and data visualizations using SSRS and PerformancePoint Services. The goal is to transform raw data into actionable insights for decision-makers.

Performance Tuning and Optimization

An intelligent solution must not only be functional but also perform optimally. This section of the course teaches indexing strategies, query optimization, statistics management, and the use of execution plans. You’ll learn how to identify and address performance bottlenecks in both OLTP and OLAP environments.

Advanced Design Principles

As you progress, the course will introduce more advanced design principles. Topics include designing for multi-tenancy, building hybrid solutions across on-prem and cloud, and architecting for scalability and elasticity. These are the features that separate standard databases from intelligent solutions.

Preparing for the Exam

Exam 70-473 is a challenging and comprehensive certification that validates your ability to design and implement intelligent data solutions. The course includes quizzes, mock exams, and review modules specifically designed to reinforce your learning and boost your confidence. Tips and strategies for managing time, handling difficult questions, and understanding exam formats will also be shared.

Instructor Support and Community Access

Throughout the course, you’ll have access to expert instructors who are available to answer your questions and clarify difficult topics. Additionally, you’ll be part of a learning community where you can collaborate, share insights, and learn from others taking the course.

Building Real-World Projects

To reinforce your learning, the course includes several mini-projects and capstone assignments. You’ll apply what you've learned in a simulated enterprise environment, building a complete data solution from scratch. These projects cover design, implementation, testing, and optimization, mirroring the responsibilities you’d face on the job.

Why Choose SQL Server 2012

Even though newer versions of SQL Server are available, SQL Server 2012 remains widely used in legacy systems and many enterprise environments. It’s a robust and stable platform that continues to offer great value. Understanding its capabilities ensures that you can maintain, upgrade, and integrate with existing infrastructure effectively.

Certification Value

Achieving the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) credential by passing the 70-473 exam is a powerful way to validate your expertise. It enhances your resume, increases your job prospects, and potentially boosts your salary. More importantly, it demonstrates that you have the skills to build and manage real-world data solutions that meet business needs.

Learning Beyond Certification

While the course is tailored for Exam 70-473, the knowledge you gain extends far beyond exam preparation. The focus on intelligent solution design prepares you to take on complex projects, improve organizational data infrastructure, and lead initiatives in data-driven transformation.

Career Opportunities

With the rise of big data and cloud computing, the demand for data professionals with intelligent design expertise has surged. Completing this course and passing the exam opens doors to roles such as Data Architect, Database Developer, Business Intelligence Analyst, and Cloud Solutions Consultant. The foundational knowledge in SQL Server 2012 will also help you pivot to newer technologies with ease.

Requirements of the Course

This section will outline the essential prerequisites for the Microsoft Exam 70-473: Designing Intelligent Solutions with SQL Server 2012 training course. Understanding these requirements is crucial to ensure you have the necessary foundation before diving into the deeper aspects of the curriculum. These requirements will cover both technical skills and environment setup, including hardware and software specifications, along with the ideal background knowledge for participants.

Technical Prerequisites

Before enrolling in this course, it’s important to have a solid understanding of foundational database management concepts and experience working with SQL Server. While the course is designed to take you through advanced concepts, you will be expected to already be familiar with basic database administration, query writing, and general SQL Server environments.

Familiarity with SQL Server

A strong familiarity with SQL Server 2008 R2 or later is highly recommended. The course primarily uses SQL Server 2012, but understanding previous versions, such as SQL Server 2008 R2, provides a solid foundation for grasping new features. It is essential to know how to navigate SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), write T-SQL queries, manage database objects, and perform simple administrative tasks.

Understanding of Database Concepts

You must have a basic understanding of core database concepts such as relational data modeling, normalization, indexing, and querying. Familiarity with primary keys, foreign keys, and joins is also necessary. You should be comfortable with the fundamentals of working with tables, views, and indexes in SQL Server. A background in database design and query optimization will be beneficial as the course delves into more advanced features and configurations.

Prior Experience with Windows Server

Since SQL Server runs on the Windows Server operating system, knowledge of how to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Windows Server environments will be invaluable. This includes familiarity with Active Directory, Windows PowerShell, and networking concepts. You will be expected to set up and configure SQL Server instances, databases, and related services in a Windows Server environment as part of this course.

Knowledge of Cloud Technologies

While this course mainly focuses on SQL Server 2012, there is a strong emphasis on designing solutions that integrate with cloud-based technologies such as Microsoft Azure. You should have a basic understanding of cloud computing and its services, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). Basic concepts like virtualization, scalability, and cloud databases will be useful for understanding how to integrate on-premise SQL Server solutions with cloud platforms.

Understanding of Business Intelligence (BI)

An understanding of Business Intelligence concepts is highly beneficial as the course covers topics related to data analysis, reporting, and visualization. This includes knowledge of SQL Server’s Reporting Services (SSRS), Integration Services (SSIS), and Analysis Services (SSAS). If you have experience with data warehousing, OLAP, or creating reports and dashboards, this will enhance your learning experience. While the course will guide you through these BI tools, prior knowledge of their function in an enterprise setting will help you understand their use more thoroughly.

Basic Knowledge of High Availability and Disaster Recovery

SQL Server’s high availability and disaster recovery (HADR) features are essential for any intelligent solution. Having an understanding of database mirroring, log shipping, and failover clustering will be useful, as these are covered extensively in this course. While this course will walk you through advanced configuration, basic familiarity with HADR principles will help you grasp the concepts more quickly.

Hardware and Software Setup

The setup of your learning environment is crucial for ensuring a smooth course experience. In this section, we’ll review the recommended hardware and software specifications required to build your SQL Server 2012 environment.

Hardware Requirements

To run SQL Server 2012 effectively, your computer must meet or exceed the following hardware requirements:

• Processor: A modern multi-core processor (64-bit) with a clock speed of at least 2 GHz. SQL Server 2012 can be demanding, particularly when running multiple services (e.g., SSIS, SSRS), so a higher-end processor is recommended for performance.
  
  

• Memory (RAM): A minimum of 4 GB of RAM is required, but for larger databases or more intensive workloads, 8 GB or more is recommended. More RAM ensures faster query performance, especially when handling large datasets or business intelligence tasks.
  
  

• Hard Drive Space: The installation of SQL Server 2012 itself requires a minimum of 6 GB of available disk space, but you should plan for additional space based on the size of your databases, backups, and transaction logs. Having at least 100 GB of free disk space is a good practice for larger environments.
  
  

• Network: A reliable internet connection is required for downloading software, updates, and exam materials. If you are working in a virtualized environment, ensure that your network is properly configured for inter-VM communication.
  
  

• Graphics: Although not a critical requirement for SQL Server, it is advisable to have a basic graphics card capable of rendering the Windows user interface for SQL Server Management Studio and other graphical tools.
  
  

Software Requirements

You will need several software tools to fully participate in this course. The following are required:

• SQL Server 2012: The main software you’ll be working with. You can download the SQL Server 2012 Developer Edition for free from the Microsoft website. This edition includes all the features of SQL Server but is intended for development and testing.
  
  

• Windows Server 2008 or later: This is the operating system required for deploying SQL Server 2012 in an enterprise environment. Make sure your version of Windows Server is fully updated before starting the course.
  
  

• SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): This is the primary tool for administering SQL Server. You will use SSMS to connect to your databases, write queries, and manage your SQL Server instances. Ensure that you have the latest version of SSMS installed for compatibility with SQL Server 2012.
  
  

• SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT): SSDT is a tool that allows you to develop, test, and deploy SQL Server databases. It is an essential part of the development workflow when working with SQL Server 2012, especially for creating and managing projects in Visual Studio.
  
  

• Azure Account: While working on cloud integration, you will need an active Microsoft Azure account. If you don’t already have an Azure account, you can sign up for a free account that offers limited credits for experimentation and learning purposes.
  
  

Ideal Candidate for the Course

While the course is open to anyone with the required prerequisites, it is ideal for professionals in certain roles. Below are the types of individuals who will benefit most from this course.

Database Administrators

Database Administrators (DBAs) play a key role in managing and maintaining database systems in organizations. This course will provide DBAs with the knowledge needed to design high-availability, secure, and intelligent SQL Server environments. Key areas such as disaster recovery, backup strategies, and business continuity are integral to their role, and mastering these concepts will enhance their ability to manage large-scale SQL Server environments.

Database Developers

Database Developers who work with SQL Server will find this course beneficial in enhancing their skills related to solution design and implementation. Developers will gain expertise in designing databases that not only perform well but also integrate with other technologies, including reporting services, business intelligence tools, and cloud solutions. The course provides insight into how to develop databases that are scalable, secure, and intelligent, which is critical for development in enterprise environments.

IT Professionals Seeking SQL Server Expertise

For general IT professionals aiming to expand their skill set in database management and SQL Server, this course provides an in-depth look at how to design and implement intelligent solutions using SQL Server. Whether you are transitioning from another database system or are looking to specialize in SQL Server, this course will enhance your understanding of key SQL Server 2012 features and their real-world applications.

Cloud Solution Architects

Professionals working in cloud architecture or seeking to design hybrid solutions that integrate on-premise databases with cloud-based systems will benefit from the cloud integration topics in this course. SQL Server 2012 supports hybrid configurations, and the course covers how to design and implement solutions that leverage the cloud for scalability, elasticity, and cost management.

System Architects

System Architects are responsible for designing enterprise systems that integrate databases with other software and hardware solutions. This course is ideal for system architects who need to understand how to design complex database solutions that meet performance, security, and availability requirements. Knowledge of SQL Server 2012 and its intelligent solution features will help system architects design systems that are robust, scalable, and secure.

Pre-requisite Skills for Certification Exam

As mentioned earlier, successful completion of the Microsoft Exam 70-473 requires knowledge and skills in multiple domains, including high availability, disaster recovery, security, integration, and business intelligence. The following are the key skills you should be comfortable with before attempting the exam:

• Experience with SQL Server 2012 features such as AlwaysOn, data security, and data integration.
  
  

• Familiarity with backup and restore strategies, including point-in-time recovery and automated backup policies.
  
  

• Experience with high availability configurations like database mirroring, clustering, and log shipping.
  
  

• Understanding of BI tools such as SSRS, SSIS, and SSAS.
  
  

• Proficiency in performance tuning and query optimization.
  
  

Course Description

The course for Microsoft Exam 70-473: Designing Intelligent Solutions with SQL Server 2012 is structured to guide you through the key concepts, technologies, and strategies required to design and implement intelligent database solutions. This training focuses on how to leverage the capabilities of SQL Server 2012 to build scalable, high-performance, and secure data environments that support business intelligence, high availability, and disaster recovery.

Course Objectives

The main goal of this course is to prepare you for Exam 70-473 by focusing on all the core competencies that are tested. These competencies include database design, integration, reporting, security, and performance optimization. You will also gain a deeper understanding of cloud-based solutions and hybrid architectures, as the course emphasizes the integration of on-premise solutions with cloud technologies like Microsoft Azure.

Throughout the course, you will be introduced to SQL Server's AlwaysOn availability groups, Business Intelligence tools such as SSRS, data security measures like encryption, and best practices for disaster recovery. By the end of this course, you should be able to design intelligent solutions that not only meet the immediate business needs but also scale effectively as business requirements evolve.

SQL Server 2012 Key Features

SQL Server 2012 introduced several important features that are covered extensively throughout this course. You will learn how to use AlwaysOn to provide high availability and disaster recovery. Additionally, the course delves into SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) for database development, PowerShell scripting for automation, and SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) for data integration.

With a focus on performance and scalability, the course will explore indexing strategies, query optimization, and execution plans to help you improve the performance of your SQL Server databases. You will also dive into SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and Analysis Services (SSAS) to develop data-driven reports and analytical solutions.

Topics Covered in the Course

The course is divided into multiple modules, each focusing on specific areas of SQL Server 2012. In the first section, you will learn about the high availability features of SQL Server 2012, including how to configure and implement AlwaysOn availability groups and failover clustering. You will gain an understanding of disaster recovery techniques, including database mirroring, log shipping, and backup strategies.

As you progress, the course moves into data integration and ETL processes using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). You will learn how to integrate data from various sources, perform data transformations, and load data into SQL Server for analysis. This section also covers real-time data integration and how to build efficient, fault-tolerant integration pipelines.

Security is another key topic covered in the course, with a focus on how to secure SQL Server databases using features such as transparent data encryption, data masking, and auditing. You will also learn about role-based security and authentication models that help safeguard data in high-security environments.

In the later modules, you will explore Business Intelligence solutions using SSRS, SSAS, and PowerPivot. You will gain hands-on experience in creating dashboards, KPIs, and reports that help business users make informed decisions. The course also emphasizes how to design OLAP cubes and how to work with data warehouses for effective data analysis.

The final section of the course focuses on performance tuning and optimization, with practical guidance on how to improve query execution time and optimize database workloads. You will learn how to use execution plans and query optimization techniques to address performance bottlenecks in both OLTP and OLAP environments.

Course Delivery

The course is designed for a mix of self-paced learning and instructor-led sessions, ensuring that you can learn at your own pace while still having access to expert guidance. Each module includes video lectures, hands-on labs, and interactive assignments that reinforce the learning material. There are also practice exams to help you evaluate your readiness for the 70-473 exam.

You will also have access to discussion forums and study groups where you can collaborate with peers and instructors to clarify doubts and share insights. The course uses a variety of real-world case studies and scenarios to ensure that the concepts you learn are applicable to actual business challenges. You will also be encouraged to work on mini-projects that simulate the design and implementation of SQL Server solutions.

Who This Course is For

The course is aimed at database professionals who want to enhance their skills in designing intelligent, scalable, and high-performing database solutions using SQL Server 2012. It is ideal for individuals who are either preparing for the Microsoft Exam 70-473 or those who wish to expand their knowledge of SQL Server’s advanced features.

Database Administrators

If you are a Database Administrator (DBA), this course will help you sharpen your skills in high availability, disaster recovery, and performance tuning. You will learn to implement AlwaysOn availability groups, manage database security, and optimize your SQL Server environments. This training will enable you to design robust solutions that meet business needs while ensuring minimal downtime.

Database Developers

For Database Developers, the course is perfect for expanding your expertise in data integration, Business Intelligence (BI), and performance optimization. You will gain experience in developing SQL Server databases, working with SSRS for reporting, and using SSIS for data transformation. This course will teach you to build intelligent solutions that support decision-making in businesses of all sizes.

IT Professionals Transitioning to SQL Server

If you are an IT professional with experience in other database systems, this course will help you transition to SQL Server. It is designed to provide both foundational and advanced knowledge about SQL Server 2012, enabling you to gain the skills required to manage and design solutions in a Microsoft SQL Server environment. The course is ideal if you’re looking to specialize in SQL Server or if you need to integrate SQL Server into your existing systems.

Cloud Solution Architects

Cloud Solution Architects who design hybrid solutions that combine on-premise SQL Server installations with cloud technologies will find this course highly beneficial. You will gain in-depth knowledge of how to integrate SQL Server 2012 with Microsoft Azure and design cloud-first data solutions that scale as needed. The course covers everything from setting up cloud-based SQL Server instances to ensuring secure and efficient data management across environments.

System Architects

For System Architects, the course will enhance your ability to design enterprise-level systems that integrate databases with other software components. The content covered will help you design high-availability and disaster recovery solutions, ensuring that your systems are both scalable and resilient. You will also gain valuable insights into cloud architecture and how to architect systems that span both on-premise and cloud infrastructures.

Business Intelligence Professionals

For professionals working in Business Intelligence, this course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement BI solutions using SQL Server 2012. You will gain hands-on experience in building reporting solutions using SSRS and data warehousing using SSAS. The course will help you deliver actionable insights to decision-makers through powerful, interactive reports and dashboards.

Consultants and Project Managers

If you are a Consultant or a Project Manager working with clients who need to design intelligent solutions, this course will help you understand the technical requirements and best practices involved in SQL Server 2012 design. You will gain insights into project scoping, estimation, and how to guide your clients through the design and implementation process. While you may not be performing hands-on work, this course will allow you to have informed conversations with technical teams and ensure successful project delivery.

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, you will have a solid understanding of how to design, implement, and manage intelligent solutions using SQL Server 2012. You will gain hands-on experience in:

• Designing high-availability solutions using AlwaysOn and other failover technologies.
  
  

• Securing SQL Server databases using encryption, auditing, and role-based access control.
  
  

• Integrating data from various sources using SSIS and building data pipelines.
  
  

• Implementing Business Intelligence solutions using SSRS, SSAS, and PowerPivot.
  
  

• Optimizing query performance and addressing bottlenecks using execution plans and indexing strategies.
  
  

Additionally, you will be fully prepared for Microsoft Exam 70-473, with practical experience that will give you the confidence to pass the exam and demonstrate your expertise in designing intelligent solutions.