I know a lot of DBAs fall into the category of part-time DBAs, because they work in small IT shops and they often have to wear many hats. I have actually never shared this secret before, but I was an Exchange Administrator before became becoming a full-time DBA, back in the old days when Exchange was the new kid on the block. In fact, I cut my teeth on the old Microsoft Mail (a memory I do my best to block).
Monthly Archives: April 2010
Results of Microsoft Certification Poll
In a recent poll at www.bradmcgehee.com, I asked website visitors if they had any Microsoft SQL Server certifications, and if so, which certification. I also asked how many people who weren’t certified wanted to become certified, and how many people who weren’t certified didn’t have any interest in certification. The results are below.
An Introduction to SQL Server 2008 Change Data Capture
This is an excerpt from my free eBook, Brad’s Sure Guide to SQL Server 2008, which can be downloaded here.
As DBAs, one of our goals is to separate OLTP (On-Line Transaction Processing) and OLAP (On- Line Analytical Processing) activity, preferably onto different servers. This is because performing both types of activities in the same database, or even in different databases on the same server, can lead to performance problems. In order to accomplish this goal, DBAs must figure out the best way to move transactional data from OLTP servers to servers designated for OLAP activity so that the data remains more or less synchronized. This sounds simple, but can prove to be difficult in practice.
Missing European PASS (Updated)
As most of you know, the Icelandic volcano has played havoc with travel plans for speakers coming from the US to speak at European PASS, and many of us will not be able to attend in person, including myself. Fortunately, I have found someone to take over my presentations for me. His name is Bodo Michael Danitz, an experienced SQL Server DBA and Microsoft Certified Trainer.
The two sessions he will be doing for me include: “Essential DBA Skills: Best Practices Every& SQL Server DBA Must Know” and “How to Analyze Performance Monitor Data Using PAL”. I have been working with Bodo to get him up to speed with my presentations, and I am sure he will do a great job. Although I won’t be at European PASS in person, at least I will be there in spirit.
If you attend these sessions, he will be giving out a limited number of free, signed paperback editions of several of my books. You can only get these books if you attend his sessions.
Three Speaking Events in Six Days
AlantaMDF SQL Server Users Group. Photo courtesy of www.sqlvariant.com.
I have just finished up a three event speaking tour that, which unfortunately, should have been a four event tour, but my flight to Germany (via London) was cancelled, and I was unable to attend European PASS as I had hoped.
SQLBits to be Held this Friday in London
Just as a reminder, if you have registered to attend SQLBits this Friday, April 16, at the Church House Conference Centre in Westminster, London, be sure to confirm your registration if you have not done so already. And if you have registered and been confirmed, but now can’t attend, please sign in at the SQLBits website and let them know, as registration is now full, and there are people who would like to attend if you can’t make it.
Red Gate Software (unfortunately I can’t attend, as I am speaking at the Chicago SQL Saturday) will be having a vendor booth at SQLBits, and you are invited to stop by the booth and learn more about the upcoming version 2.0 of SQL Response. You will be able to see an early version of the product and provide your feedback. Tell them that Brad sent you. Hopefully, I will be able to attend the next SQLBits to be held later this year.
Brad M McGehee 