View in Sql Server 2008
Creates a virtual table whose contents (columns and rows) are defined by a query. Use this statement to create a view of the data in one or more tables in the database.
For example, a view can be used for the following purposes:
-To focus, simplify, and customize the perception each user has of the database.
-As a security mechanism by allowing users to access data through the view, without granting the users permissions to directly access the underlying base tables.
-To provide a backward compatible interface to emulate a table whose schema has changed.
Example
--Partitioned view as defined on Server1
CREATE VIEW Customers
AS
--Select from local member table.
SELECT *
FROM CompanyData.dbo.Customers_33
UNION ALL
--Select from member table on Server2.
SELECT *
FROM Server2.CompanyData.dbo.Customers_66
UNION ALL
--Select from mmeber table on Server3.
SELECT *
FROM Server3.CompanyData.dbo.Customers_99
