SQL Server 2008 Improves Auditing, Change Tracking

New mechanisms for tracking changes made to SQL Server 2008 settings and databases could reduce the work associated with data security and compliance, and with development of data warehousing applications or applications that maintain offline databases. The new features close gaps that were previously covered by tools from third-party vendors, and those vendors could find fewer opportunities as SQL Server 2008 makes its way into production. However, some of the new capabilities are limited to SQL Server’s high-end Enterprise Edition and the product’s Developer Edition.

More Granular Auditing

A new server and database auditing tool, SQL Server Audit, can automatically log changes made to databases and database server settings and allows administrators to audit a wider range of information and settings than was possible in previous versions, without requiring custom code or third-party tools. Administrators configure SQL Server Audit using T-SQL, SQL Server’s main programming and query language, or the SQL Server Management Studio administrative tool. (See the illustration “Configuring SQL Server Audit“.)