In this issue of GoldMine Success I’ve already mentioned SQL Queries. But I realize that many of my readers don’t know what I’m talking about when I say “SQL Queries,” let alone why this is such a great feature in GoldMine Premium. So, this article will provide you a brief explanation and hopefully some understanding of this fantastic tool.
Let’s begin with a broader explanation of what a SQL Query is, and then I’ll bring it back to its place within GoldMine.
GoldMine Premium runs on Microsoft SQL. Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) produced by Microsoft Corporation. Its primary query language is Transact-SQL, an implementation of the ANSI/ISO standard Structured Query Language (SQL) used by both Microsoft and Sybase.
SQL is a standard interactive and programming language for querying and modifying data and managing databases. IBM deserves credit here because the first version of SQL was developed at IBM by Donald D. Chamberlin and Raymond F. Boyce in the early 1970s. (Windows isn’t the only thing IBM paid to develop.J) This version, initially called SEQUEL, was designed to manipulate and retrieve data stored in IBM’s original relational database product.
The most common operation in SQL databases is the query, which is performed with the declarative SELECT keyword. SELECT retrieves data from a specified table, or multiple related tables, in a database. SQL queries allow the user to specify a description of the desired result set. A SQL query returns a list of columns with all the relevant data.
OK … maybe I have you more confused, so let’s say all this another way and get to the point at the same time! If you want to find and see specific information stored in your SQL database, a “SQL Query” is one way to do it!
Now let’s talk about what this has to do with GoldMine. First of all, since GoldMine7x., all the data “stored in GoldMine” is actually really all stored in a MS SQL database. (It’s in either MS SQL 2000 or 2005, depending on when you purchased GoldMine and if you’ve upgraded your SQL.)
Here’s the implication! Because your data is in SQL, you can QUERY it!! Which also means you can find and see information with SQL queries that you can’t get to with the standard GoldMine pull down menus and screens. The implications are huge!
SQL Queries, which can be run and looked at from within the SQL Tab of the Filters & Groups Menu as well as other Query tools, unlocks information in ways you couldn’t have before. It gives you the ability to apply conditions so that you can select and see your information a multitude of ways. It can literally change the whole value proposition of your GoldMine database!
The applications are far reaching including but not limited to better workflow, better management information, ability to target market, etc., etc.
The possibilities are so great that I can’t cover them all in one article. This is why I’ve decided to organize a webinar to show you. Would you be interested in the details? Click here to register and I’ll invite you to the event once I’ve locked down the specifics.
It’s worth mentioning that SQL Reporting Services is another just as powerful feature that comes with your Microsoft SQL. SQL Reporting Services was greatly enhanced with SQL 2005, and further so in SQL 2008. First Direct Corporation also has training and technical services available to help you leverage this feature with your GoldMine software. Let us know if you’re interested!
Last but not least, if you’d like our help writing a SQL query, just contact my office. Send me an email describing the nature of your query and we will contact you. A lot of times we can write the query pretty quickly and email it back to you with instructions on how to easily put in your system and start using it.
