Mastering the Fundamentals of SSIS

Based on the feedback compiled here, it seems that Microsoft's SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services) Fundamentals course by Mike Lane has generally positive reviews. Here are some key takeaways from both the pros and cons mentioned: **Strengths:** - The course provides a good introduction to SSIS for beginners with some SQL background. - The instructor is enthusiastic and delivers the content in an engaging manner. - It covers fundamental concepts of SSIS effectively, offering a solid base for new learners. - The pace of the course is generally good, although there are suggestions to slow down at times for clarity. - The course includes practical exercises that help in applying the concepts learned. **Areas for Improvement:** - Some learners found inconsistencies in the use of different versions of AdventureWorks databases (2012 vs. 2014) which could be confusing. - A few learners reported some technical issues, such as missing resources (like an Excel file or a T-SQL statement), which should be included for complete exercise execution. - The course could benefit from more comprehensive coverage of certain topics, like error handling and package deployment. - Some learners felt the course was too brief and would have appreciated more in-depth content on specific SSIS tasks or conditions. - The prerequisite assumption that learners have access to a running SSIS instance, Visual Studio with SSDT, and the correct version of AdventureWorks could be a barrier for some learners who are starting from scratch. - There were mentions of other tools like Hadoop that were not explained, indicating a need for better contextualization within the SQL Server ecosystem. **General Feedback:** - The course is considered to be good value for money and offers a solid overview of SSIS. - Some learners encountered difficulties setting up the necessary environment, highlighting the importance of clear setup instructions. - There are suggestions that the course could be improved by providing more detailed explanations on 'why' certain steps are taken in SSIS. **Additional Considerations:** - It's important for future iterations of the course to ensure all necessary resources and instructions are included, and that they match the tutorial content. - The course could also benefit from addressing common setup issues, such as installing and configuring SSDT and setting up the AdventureWorks databases. - Ensuring consistency in the use of database versions throughout the course will help maintain focus and clarity for learners. Overall, the course seems to be a valuable resource for those new to SSIS, with room for improvement in terms of setup guidance, resource availability, and depth of coverage on certain topics. It is recommended as an introductory course, with the caveat that learners have access to the necessary tools and resources or are guided on how to obtain them before starting the course.