This article will focus on how to use SQL statements to retrieve data, and will not cover database architecture or design. They can be downloaded (FREE) from the following sites: Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 Express AdventureWorks sample database We are going to use Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 Express and a sample database, AdventureWorks. We are going to learn what SQL is and how we can use SQL to manage data. Most enterprise data is stored in databases, and IT uses structured query language (SQL) to process data held in a relational database management system (RDBMS).

So how does IT retrieve data from the systems?

It would be great if we could retrieve data ourselves. It can take days or even weeks before they can obtain the additional data. When they need more data, they have to go back to their IT department. Most analysts receive the data from their IT department.

Excel is a global standard analytical tool that is used in every industry.