SQL Server Database Consulting
Where I go on a rant about the “death of the DBA”…which by comparison to others barely even qualifies as a rant 🙂
This is the post I reference in the video:
And these are the names I mentioned:
I’ll let you YaBingGoogleHoo them yourself…
One thing I forgot to mention: If you are not improving your skills and learning all the time…you are not a dead DBA, but you are becoming a “Zombie DBA” (baaaackuuuupssss….)
Thanks for watching!
T-SQL Tuesday is a monthly blog party for the SQL Server community. It is the brainchild of Adam Machanic (b|t) and this month’s edition is hosted by Ewald Cress (b|t), asking us to post about those who have made a difference our life in the world of data.
I’d like to call out 3 (of the many) people who have been instrumental in my SQL Server career (and two of them will only see this if I send it to them):
The early years: Max Lutz
Max was my manager at Jobs.com back in 2000. He taught me quite a bit about T-SQL development that I had no clue on. Max had been with Microsoft for some time before jobs.com and came in with a wealth of experience. He also covered me when I took down the company by pointing out that I had implemented a “disaster recovery” plan for situations just like that. I have not seen or heard from him since 2001.
The middle – current: Rand Boyd
Rand is one of my best friends on the planet. I met him in 2004 when I was on the first of two contracts I did at Microsoft in the SQL Support center in TX. He was my go-to for calls where I had no clue what to do. After my second contract was up I recruited him into the job I was moving to and we worked side by side every day either in person or WFH for the next 8 1/2 years. He’s still there, I’ve moved on but we stay in touch as well as 2 introverted DBAs can. His friendship is more valuable to me than all the SQL I know.
The current: Brent Ozar
Cliché? Probably. I met Brent at PASS Summit 2008, when I was wandering around the Daily Grill at the Sheraton the first morning. Brent was waving people over to his table to join him for breakfast. Funny guy, super approachable and great stories. I recall bacon. Tim Ford was there as well and someone else I’ve forgotten the name of. Since then I’ve been reading his blogs, buying his training and went to a pre-con of his at SQL Saturday Houston this year. A lot of people know the same things as Brent, but his style of teaching them works as well for me as it probably doesn’t work for others. I’ve started speaking/presenting this year and in addition to my own personality I’ve brought in some Brent and some Pinal Dave to my style.
Special shout-out to Andy Yun (b|t) for giving me the kick in the pants I needed to start the public speaking journey I began this year. 3 SQL Saturdays, one pre-con and two DFW area independent classes…all in 6 months. I had the chance to thank him in person last week at Summit.
There are a great number of people that could have been mentioned here due to their amazing work in and for the community, but these are the ones that have impacted me directly and in person.
Thanks for reading!
Kevin3NF (<<stalk me!)
20 minute video of me setting up and demonstrating a point-in-time database restore in SQL Server.
If you’ve ever been on a SQL DBA interview, more than likely you’ve been asked about this. I was recently, and I’ve been a DBA for 18 years…it never goes away. But, the reason for that is that many DBAs know the concept, but have never actually needed to do one.
Its a basics video, so please don’t be looking for Paul Randal level internals here 🙂
Thanks for watching!
PASS Summit is the largest gathering of SQL Server developers, admins, vendors and MS product people in the world.
I’m making my third trip to Seattle next week for this festival of brain-melting, best friends making insanity. For those not in the know, there is FAR more going on over the 3 official days of the conference than any person can possibly consume. From all day pre-conferences, to multiple sessions across multiple time slots, to just chilling in the community zone, there is ALWAYS something to do, see or learn. Plus the vendor area and their unofficial evening events.
As with last year, I have planned out my schedule, knowing full well that I will probably skip at least one session a day to just network with other members of the #sqlfamily, or even just be a new friend to someone that is on their first trip and looking very overwhelmed.
I have also volunteered to be the “host” of the Thursday night Game Night…set up for those that either are not into or just need a night off from the bar scene but still want to be around others. Lots of board and card games available, or bring your own and teach your new friends.
I might even attend the unofficial #SQLRun on Wednesday morning.
I think so highly of this conference and the opportunities available that I pay my own way. As with last year, I will not be paid while there (contractor blues), unless a client needs me to resolve an emergency. Conference fee, airfare, parking, Uber, hotel, food, beverages, etc. This will cost me several thousand in non-income and expenses.
Worth. Every. Penny.
A short list of people I want to meet or see again:
And I’ll do it again next year, Lord willing and the clients don’t dry up in between 🙂
Thanks for reading!
As of September 28, 2017, Dallas DBAs LLC is officially recognized by the Texas Secretary of State:
Let the data adventures begin!
Just a quick 101 style video I put together to show the pieces of a SQL Server database for those that are starting to learn the product. Also a teaser for my teaching style of my DBA Fundamentals classes!
Enjoy!
