As much as DTS is used in the thousands of SQL Server (7 & 2000) implementations out there, for tasks as simple as copying or moving tables from one database to another, there is VERY little documentation on the product... that is, documentation that explores and explains the details and myriad of options available for use within the tool. I am a strong believer that because of this lack of documentation this wonderful tool is underutilized and regarded as a mystery to many.

Here comes Mr. Peterson and gives us this great resource to help us better understand the intricacies of the tool, in a very logical and organized manner with the respect and level of content that a professional (such as is the target audience for this book) needs and appreciates.

Chapters are specific, to the point and generally develop some sort of simple scenario that puts the theory into practice. The author constantly points out the areas where the 2000 version of the tool is enhanced over the previous version shipped with SQL Server 7. I also like the plethora of code samples and the side-by-side solution alternative presented with each code snippet vs. its UI counterpart implementation.

The first two chapters alone are enough to get you started and excited about using the tool and it could stand on it own as a great article!, whereas the rest of the book presents a more detailed view of all the additional features as well as a very complete tutorial on coding DTS solutions.

The book is a great sole reference and guide for DTS, partially because of the lack of "competition" but mostly because its content is valuable, complete and easy to follow. This text has been with me for almost 2 years and to this day it still helps me out when I'm in need.

Granted it lacks some creativity when it comes to the content of such examples and resorts to using the over referenced Northwind and Pubs databases... I see a trend nowadays with several publications coming up with their own theoretical applications for equally fictional businesses but that add so much to the value of a book aimed at helping the real world professional and broadens horizons of creativity and knowledge. For this I give the text one star less than perfect and hope that newer editions incorporate more lively examples and spark some much needed creativity.