Microsoft Learning:

Exam 70-448:

TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

Published:September 30, 2008
Language(s):English, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Chinese (Simplified)
Audience(s):IT Professionals
Technology:Microsoft SQL Server 2008
Type:Proctored Exam
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Audience Profile
Candidates for this exam are responsible for creating business intelligence (BI) solutions by using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for their organizations. Candidates typically work with the full suite of BI technologies in SQL Server 2008, including Reporting Services, Analysis Services, and Integration Services. The qualified candidate for this exam typically has:
  • One to two years of experience working with the Microsoft .NET Framework
  • Two to three years of experience using SQL Server 2005 BI components
  • Six months to one year of experience using SQL Server 2008
  • Experience using the SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS)
  • Experience using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
  • Knowledge of relational and multi-dimensional database schemas
  • Experience creating and deploying a cube in SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS)
  • Experience creating and deploying a data mining model in SSAS
  • Experience writing relational and multi-dimensional database queries
  • Experience creating and deploying SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) reports
  • Experience authoring and deploying SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) packages
  • Experience debugging, monitoring, and troubleshooting BI solutions
Credit Toward CertificationWhen you pass Exam 70-448: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance, you complete the requirements for the following certification(s):
Note This preparation guide is subject to change at any time without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft. Microsoft exams might include adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify the format in which exams are presented. Please use this preparation guide to prepare for the exam, regardless of its format.
Skills Being MeasuredThis exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below.The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam.
Implementing an SSIS Solution (17 percent)
  • Implement control flow.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: checkpoints; debug control flow; transactions; implement the appropriate control flow task to solve a problem; data profiling and quality
  • Implement data flow.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: debug data flow; implement the appropriate data flow components
  • Implement dynamic package behavior by using property expressions.
  • Implement package logic by using variables.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: system variables; user variables; variable scope
  • Implement package configurations.
  • Implement auditing, logging, and event handling.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: use system variables for auditing; use event handlers; propagate events; use log providers; data profiling
  • Extend SSIS packages by using .NET code.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: use the script task; use the script component; use custom assemblies
Configuring, Deploying, and Maintaining SSIS (15 percent)
  • Install and maintain SSIS components.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: implement disaster recovery for SSIS
  • Deploy an SSIS solution.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: deploy SSIS packages by using DTUTIL; deploy SSIS packages by using the deployment utility; deploy SSIS packages to SQL or file system locations
  • Manage SSIS package execution.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: schedule package execution by using SQL Server Agent; execute packages by using DTEXEC; execute packages by using SQL Server Management Studio; execute packages by using the SSIS .NET API
  • Configure SSIS security settings.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: MSDB database roles; package protection levels
  • Identify and resolve issues related to SSIS solution deployment.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: validate deployed packages; deploy packages and dependencies between servers
Implementing an SSAS Solution (21 percent)
  • Implement dimensions in a cube.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: translations; attribute relations; hierarchies
  • Implement measures in a cube.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: measure groups
  • Implement a data source view.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: named calculations; named queries
  • Configure dimension usage in a cube.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: implement reference dimensions; implement many to many relationships; implement fact relationships; implement role-playing relationships; define granularity
  • Implement custom logic in a cube by using MDX.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: actions; key performance indicators (KPI); calculated members; calculations
  • Implement data mining.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: implement data mining structures and models; query data mining structures by using DMX; data mining views
  • Implement storage design in a cube.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: aggregations; partitions; storage modes; proactive caching
Configuring, Deploying, and Maintaining SSAS (17 percent)
  • Configure permissions and roles in SSAS.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: server roles; SSAS database roles; cube roles; enable client application access; implement custom access to data
  • Deploy SSAS databases and objects.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: Deployment Wizard; BIDS; SSMS; SSIS Analysis Services Execute DDL task
  • Install and maintain an SSAS instance.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: disaster recovery
  • Diagnose and resolve performance issues.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: use SQL Profiler; performance monitor counters; DMVs; Usage Based Optimization Wizard
  • Implement processing options.
Implementing an SSRS Solution (17 percent)
  • Implement report data sources and datasets.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: query types; dynamic data sources; filter location (dataset vs. query)
  • Implement a report layout.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: apply conditional formatting; page configuration; headers and footers
  • Extend an SSRS solution by using code.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: custom .NET assembly; private code
  • Create an SSRS report by using an SSAS data source.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: MDX in an SSRS report; DMX in an SSRS report
  • Implement report parameters.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: databound parameters; multi-value parameters
  • Implement interactivity in a report.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: drilldown; drillthrough; interactive sorting
  • Implement report items.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: matrix; table; chart; image; list; grouping
  • Embed SSRS reports in custom applications.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: use the Windows Forms Report Viewer; use the Web Forms Report Viewer; use the SSRS Web service
Configuring, Deploying, and Maintaining SSRS (13 percent)
  • Configure report execution and delivery.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: subscriptions; report caching; schedules; snapshot history
  • Install and configure SSRS instances.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: deploy an SSRS Web farm
  • Configure authentication and authorization for a reporting solution.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: configure server-level and item-level role-based security; configure Windows authentication and custom authentication
  • Deploy an SSRS solution.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: RS.exe scripts; Report Builder; BIDS
  • Configure SSRS availability.

    This objective may include but is not limited to: key management; migrate SSRS databases
Preparation Tools and ResourcesTo help you prepare for this exam, Microsoft Learning recommends that you have hands-on experience with the product and that you use the following training resources. These training resources do not necessarily cover all of the topics listed in the "Skills Measured" tab.
Classroom Training
Microsoft E-Learning There is no Microsoft E-Learning training currently available.
Microsoft Press Books
Practice Tests
Microsoft Online Resources
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 – Learning Portal: Find special offers and information on training and certification.
  • Product information: Visit the SQL Server 2008 Web site for detailed product information.
  • Microsoft Learning Community: Join newsgroups and visit community forums to connect with your peers for suggestions on training resources and advice on your certification path and studies.
  • TechNet: Designed for IT professionals, this site includes how-to instructions, best practices, downloads, technical resources, newsgroups, and chats.
  • MSDN: Designed for developers, the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) features code samples, technical articles, downloads, newsgroups, and chats.
Have Questions? For advice about training and certification, connect with peers: For questions about a specific certification, chat with a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP): To find out about recommended blogs, Web sites, and upcoming Live Meetings on popular topics, visit our community site:
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