SQLSaturday #161 - East Iowa 2012

Event Date: 08/11/2012 00:00:00

Event Location:

  • University of Iowa - University Capitol Centre
  • 201 S Clinton St
  • Iowa City, Iowa

PDF of Schedule

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Sessions

This is a list of sessions from the event, based on the schedule in the XML files.


Title: Master Data Services in SQL Server 2012

Abstract: Most DBAs at one time or another have been taught the importance of master data management(MDM), which is comprised of a set of processes and tools in order to keep your non-transactional data in a consistent state. However, with today’s fast paced environment and tightening budgets most DBAs lack the resources to properly implement it. With the upcoming release of SQL Server 2012, Microsoft has taken their second swipe at providing a tool known as Master Data Services(MDS) to aid the DBA in this endeavor. In this session, you will learn the how Master Data Services is implemented in SQL Server 2012, setting up models, working through the Excel plug-in, and utilizing DQS and business rules to help with that dirty data.

Speaker(s):

  • Arie Jones

Track and Room: Room 1 - N/A


Title: You’re My Density: Making Sense of Statistics

Abstract: The Query Optimizer uses statistics to decide how to execute a query. If statistics are out of date, improperly sampled or simply don’t exist, then you could unintentionally deceive the Optimizer. Accurate statistics can help avoid poor query plans, so if you’re not familiar with how to read a histogram, the various options for updating statistics or want to know why sample size does matter, this session is for you! We will also delve into what happens when a value doesn’t exist in a statistic, discuss methods to manage statistics for volatile tables and examine the challenges that exist with statistics on partitioned tables. Expect a session filled with demos and real-world examples that will create a foundation of statistics knowledge.

Speaker(s):

  • Erin Stellato

Track and Room: Room 1 - N/A


Title: Unit Testing made easy for Database Development

Abstract: Though most developers agree that unit testing plays an important role in software development, to ensure quality and meet milestones, most developers write unit tests only as an afterthought. Visual Studio Team System (VSTS) helps to mainstream Test Driven Development methodology (TDD) into world of database development. Unit testing presents a unique challenge in Database development, because of the need to provide a consistent test environment. In this session, we will not only cover the basis of unit testing concepts and terminology, but also discuss how unit testing helps ensure and document the quality and accuracy of database deliverables. We will run through a demo of creating and running database unit tests using VSTS 2010.

Speaker(s):

  • Sanil Mhatre

Track and Room: Room 4 - N/A


Title: Silverlight Reporting and Windows Phone Dev

Abstract: Join Russ Fustino as he shares how he develops reports for Silverlight viewing and how to use your Silverlight skills developing with the C1 Studio for Windows Phone Controls. This session will focus on the component approach using the ActiveReports Silverlight Report Viewer. See how the Silverlight Report Viewer is simple, lightweight, flexible, localizable, and easy to customize for quick end user deployment. Studio for Windows Phone enables Silverlight developers to create advanced phone applications with ease. These controls are designed to enhance and extend the rich user experience of the Windows Phone 7, making effective use of the phone’s form factor, touch and gesture capabilities, and Metro theme.

Speaker(s):

  • Russell Fustino

Track and Room: Room 2 - N/A


Title: Anatomy of a Join

Abstract: A lot of database professionals today do not have a Computer-Science Degree so they never attended a “Introduction to Databases” course. In this session we are trying to fix at least one thing and we’ll look in depth at the three types of join operations, visualize how their algorithms work in order to understand how query plans are computed, explain why these join operations have very different performance characteristics and why the optimizer chooses a specific join operator to use in a query plan. Will demonstrate that empirical cost calculations are similar to what Query Optimizer actually outputs. Good understanding of join algorithms is vital in order to diagnose and remedy issues related to bad query plans.

Speaker(s):

  • Luke Jian

Track and Room: Room 3 - N/A


Title: SQL Azure Intro and what’s New

Abstract: In this session, you will get introduced to SQL Azure and learn how to get started. We will explore how to migrate an existing on-premise SQL Server database to SQL Azure. We will then walkthrough how to manage and administer your SQL Azure servers and databases. We will take a look at how to connect and build applications using SQL Azure. Next, we will look at more advanced scenarios using new capabilities like reporting with SQL Azure Reporting, synchronizing data with SQL Azure Data Sync for hybrid scenarios and global reach. Finally, we will explore some of the things you should consider when using SQL Azure

Speaker(s):

  • Andy Thiru

Track and Room: Room 3 - N/A


Title: Automating SQL Server Administration

Abstract: This session will describe some time-tested techniques that we employ here at the University of Iowa to automate the administration of our 100+ SQL Server instances. I will describe the creation of a DBA utility database, the proper setup and configuration of SQL Server Agent features (operators, database mail, jobs and alerts), and the creation of SQL Server Agent jobs that perform maintenance tasks requiring little human intervention. I will also explain how to create a SQL Server central management server to manage multiple instances from a single SSMS query window.

Speaker(s):

  • Russ Allen

Track and Room: Room 2 - N/A


Title: Yesterday I Couldn’t Even Spell ‘DBA’.

Abstract: Referred to as “DBA by Default” or “Reluctant DBA”, many people are faced with the situation of suddenly becoming a SQL Server database administrator. Once the initial shock passes they realize that they need help. The abundance of SQL Server books and websites that exist, some good and some not so good, might only increase confusion leading to panic and rash decisions. DON’T PANIC! In this session we will cover ways to address basic problems and offer some suggestions for finding good places to find help.

Speaker(s):

  • Larry Toothman

Track and Room: Room 3 - N/A


Title: Freaky Fast Database Development Tips

Abstract: Join Rick and Dave on this most excellent adventure as they teach you how to get more work done in less time. Leave your checkbook at home, because this is all about maximum productivity with minimum budget. Leave with Visual Studio and SQL Server Management Studio shortcut keys, extensions, and add-ins. We guarantee you will see something you haven’t seen before, or your money back. Co-Presenter: Rick Krueger (@DataOgre)

Speaker(s):

  • Dave Valentine

Track and Room: Room 2 - N/A


Title: Database Health and Performance

Abstract: Sure, your SQL Server is up and running. Is it healthy? Is it performing the best that it can? Where are your performance bottlenecks? This dynamic dialog session will present a solid process for checking your environment’s overall health and performance levels as well as solutions for common problems. Some of the items focused on include dynamic management views (DMVs), Windows Perfmon, and disk performance tools such as IOMeter and SQLIO.

Speaker(s):

  • David Klee

Track and Room: Room 4 - N/A


Title: DBCC Commands: The Quick and the Dangerous

Abstract: There are many DBCC statements at the disposal of Database Administrators and Developers. Some are used for the greater good; others can wreak havoc in your system. The majority of these commands are informational, but if you’re not careful you can introduce chaos or at worst, lose data you may never find again. In this session we will explore DBCC commands that are useful for the DBA and developer, and cover when to use them and how. Expect demonstrations that provide a practical application of these commands - both documented and not - that database professionals can utilize quickly and easily.

Speaker(s):

  • Erin Stellato

Track and Room: Room 1 - N/A


Title: PWNED! Security, SQL Server, and You!

Abstract: With an ever increasing workload, security is often hoisted upon the DBA. So where do you start? Sometimes it’s better to start off by understanding what an attacker could do to you in order to get a clearer picture of what you need to do to prevent it. In this session, we will delve into the key features of the SQL Server and explain what the various attack vectors are, what an attack can do with them, and what you can do about them. We’ll also look at important features such as SQL Audit that, while not helping to prevent, can definitely help you in definitely help in figuring out what is going on. It’ll be AWESOME!

Speaker(s):

  • Arie Jones

Track and Room: Room 1 - N/A


Title: SSRS: Reporting on Reports

Abstract: Business Intelligence gets a lot of press these days, but do you often wonder to yourself as you are writing a report, ‘Who is going to use this’? Learn about the rich information that SSRS is already capturing for you about your reports: who is running them and how often, how long do they take to execute, how much time is spent in data retrieval vs rendering, which parameters were passed in, and more…

Co-Presenter: Dave Valentine (@IngeniousSQL)

Speaker(s):

  • Rick Krueger

Track and Room: Room 2 - N/A


Title: SQL Azure Federations

Abstract: This session is to introduce to SQL Azure Federations.

Will walk you through the process of setting up federation, managing feredations etc and converting an existing database to Federations.

This topic requires rudimentary SQL Azure understanding

Speaker(s):

  • Nitin Salgar

Track and Room: Room 3 - N/A


Title: GeoGRAPHY Spatial Analysis

Abstract: Tired of your PostGIS and Oracle friends bragging about all their geography data? Microsoft continues to support and add features to the spatial data types. It is time to let your friends know that Microsoft has stepped up. In this session we will take a deep look at analyzing the SQL Server Geography spatial data type in T-SQL. We will look at different scenarios to show how you can begin using the Geography data type. To begin, we will look at using T-SQL to analyze geographic locations and the surrounding geography data. Secondly, we will look at using T-SQL to analyze geographic lines such as roads, and borders.

Speaker(s):

  • Ross McNeely

Track and Room: Room 4 - N/A


Title: Dimensional Data Model Prototyping With PowerPivot

Abstract: Data modeling is often an abstract exercise involving a lot of talk and diagrams, but little hands-on experimentation. This may still be viable in the world of transactional systems where a lack of source data prevents the modeler from quickly creating a prototype system, however in the world of dimensional modeling where source data is abundant there’s no longer a reason to treat data modeling as an academic exercise. This session will cover how to use PowerPivot for Excel to quickly create prototypes of different dimensional models to try out and discard as necessary. The features of PowerPivot which allow quick import of data from a variety of data sources will also be demonstrated.

Speaker(s):

  • Eric Ness

Track and Room: Room 4 - N/A


Title: Virtualizing Business Critical SQL Servers

Abstract: Everyone knows that SQL Server can be virtualized, but most are only virtualizing development and testing environments. Top-tier production workloads can be virtualized too, and David Klee (@kleegeek) will provide valuable insight into how to properly prepare for and implement a successful virtualization campaign for ALL of your SQL Server environments and prepare your organization for the change. Practical tips, tricks, and gotcha’s will be discussed in this dynamic dialog session.

Speaker(s):

  • David Klee

Track and Room: Room 2 - N/A


Title: PowerPivot for Excel: For Those Unacquainted …

Abstract: Microsoft BI Architect and SQL Server MVP Bill Pearson overviews PowerPivot for Excel, the client side of Microsoft’s foray into self-service BI. The targeted audience includes BI professionals who are seeking an introduction to what PowerPivot offers their organizations. Among others interested will be Excel power users who are fluent with PivotTables and want to understand the new capabilities.

Speaker(s):

  • William E Pearson III

Track and Room: Room 1 - N/A


Title: Practically Normal

Abstract: Normalizing a database - splitting apart tables into simpler, more focused tables - can yield concrete benefits, including manageability, scalability, and space savings. The concept is a central tenet of a relational database system such as SQL Server, yet far too many database professionals are unfamiliar with it. This session will present a practical primer on normalization: what it is, why it’s beneficial, how to do it, and when not to do it.

Speaker(s):

  • Ed Leighton-Dick

Track and Room: Room 4 - N/A


Title: SSMS for Developers

Abstract: You’re a database application developer who’s using SQL Server now, but you’re no DBA. Sure you use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), and maybe you’re even pretty good at designing tables and executing queries. But there’s a whole lot more functionality in this seemingly simple program than you may realize. In this session we’ll share features in SSMS that you may have overlooked but will make your life as a developer a lot easier.

This session is good for anyone who spends some time in SSMS and wants to pick up some time-saving tips and tricks.

Speaker(s):

  • Eric Selje

Track and Room: Room 3 - N/A


Title: Best Practices for Monitoring Databases on VMware

Abstract: SQL Server on VMware??? Many of our customers are either virtualizing databases or planning to do so soon. I hear from many groups that attempted running their database on VMware but went back to physical hardware because of performance issues. There are many reasons this may have happened, but quite often the decision to go back to physical was not based on hard facts. This presentation will explore the fundamentals of monitoring databases running in a VMware environment. If you are using classic O/S monitoring tools, you may be getting misleading data. Understand what metrics are important and how to get to that data.

Speaker(s):

  • Kathy Gibbs

Track and Room: Room 2 - N/A


Speakers

This is a list of speakers from the XML Guidebook records. The details and URLs were valid at the time of the event.

Nitin Salgar

Nitin C Salgar has over 7 years of DBA experience including planning,design, development and implementation of line of business database applications. Nitin has worked primarily as a consultant holding positions primarily in the Benefit Management, Transportation and Government. He has worked on OLTP and OLAP applications housed on Premise (Co-Lo/Datacenter) as well as Cloud. He also possesses several Microsoft certifications on 2008, gearing toward 2012

I’ll be co-presenting with @andythir

Sanil Mhatre

Twitter: - sqlsuperguru

LinkedIn: Sanil Mhatre

Contact: http://sqlwithsanil.com

Sanil Mhatre is a Senior Data Engineer, currently focused on delivering Analytical insights for a large Technology solutions Services company in Missouri. He has a Master’s degree in Information systems and enjoys working with various Data processing technologies, analytics tools and visualization platforms. Sanil has an interest in Data Science, is an active member of PASS and a frequent speaker at technical conferences and user groups. He volunteers with STEM mentorship programs, blogs and loves to keep up with developments in the fields of Machine Learning AI. When Sanil isn’t working he enjoys spending time with family and friends, tasting craft beer and hiking with his dogs.

Arie Jones

Twitter: - @programmersedge

LinkedIn: Arie Jones

Contact: http://www.programmersedge.com

Arie Jones (quot;AJquot;) is one of the owners and Vice President of Emerging Technologies for Indy Data Partners, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN. AJ is a frequent speaker at national conferences and local user groups. With over 15 years of experience in application development and database administration on various platforms, he specializes in developing cross-platform solutions with an emphasis on .NET and SQL Server technologies. He blogs extensively at http://www.programmersedge.com.

Erin Stellato

Twitter: - erinstellato

LinkedIn: Erin Stellato

Contact: http://www.sqlskills.com/blogs/erin

Erin Stellato is a Data Platform MVP and lives outside Cleveland, OH. She has almost 20 years of technology experience and has worked with SQL Server since 2003. Her areas of interest include performance tuning, Query Store, Extended Events, and helping accidental/involuntary DBAs understand how SQL Server works. Erin is an active member of the SQL Server community, has volunteered for PASS at the local and national level, and is a regular speaker at conferences including the PASS Summit, SQLIntersection, and SQLBits. Outside of time with family and friends, she enjoys running, spinning, movies, and all things chocolate.

Arie Jones

Twitter: - @programmersedge

LinkedIn: Arie Jones

Contact: http://www.programmersedge.com

Arie Jones (quot;AJquot;) is one of the owners and Vice President of Emerging Technologies for Indy Data Partners, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN. AJ is a frequent speaker at national conferences and local user groups. With over 15 years of experience in application development and database administration on various platforms, he specializes in developing cross-platform solutions with an emphasis on .NET and SQL Server technologies. He blogs extensively at http://www.programmersedge.com.

William E Pearson III

Twitter: - @Bill_Pearson

LinkedIn: William E Pearson III

Contact: https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile=02C5CD07-7511-4151-A678-3A4A3451F85E

Bill Pearson created Island Technologies Inc. in 1997, and has developed a large and diverse customer base since. Bill#39;s background as a CPA, Internal Auditor, Management Accountant, and SQL Server MVP (BI) enables him to provide value to clients as a liaison between Accounting / Finance and Information Services. Bill has implemented enterprise business intelligence systems over the years for many Fortune 500 companies and focuses his practice upon the integrated Microsoft Business Intelligence

Andy Thiru

Andy aka Abhi has several years of BI experience including planning, design, development and implementation in business database applications.Andy has worked primarily as a consultant holding positions primarily in the Energy,Banking,Media,Consulting. Currently Working on Cloud development Project.

Dave Valentine

Contact: http://www.ingenioussql.com

Dave Valentine is a Development DBA with over 10 years of experience with SQL Server and Development technologies, specializing in Business Intelligence and ingenious solutions. Dave has also been an Adjunct Professor at Metropolitan State University for the past 10 years educating students in Database Management, Web Development, and Java Programming.

Eric Ness

LinkedIn: Eric Ness

Eric Ness has over ten years of experience in IT with a focus on data management and business intelligence on the Microsoft SQL Server platform during the last five. He tackles a variety of BI challenges as a Business Intelligence Consultant at Superior Consulting Services. He also currently serves as the Education Officer for the Minnesota chapter of DAMA. Eric has presented at SQLSaturdays in Minnesota and Iowa as well as Enterprise Data World 2012.

Luke Jian

Twitter: - @sensware

LinkedIn: Luke Jian

Contact: http://blog.sqlpositive.com

Luke Jian is an experienced database architect with a leading healthcare information company. A frequent speaker at conferences and local user groups he has 15+ years of experience in database design, development and optimization on SQL Server and Big Data projects.

Larry Toothman

Contact: http://IowaTechBear.com

Larry has been a Database Administrator for a non-profit health system in Cedar Rapids, IA since late 2007. With over 20 years of software and database development experience, he was drafted to be the DBA in 1999 for a dev company. Amazed by the wide variety of people in the SQL Server community as well as the support from the “SQL Family” Larry is always looking for opportunities to pay it forward, spread the word mentoring.

Eric Selje

Contact: http://www.geeksandgurus.com

Eric Selje is a consultant in Madison, WI who works on a wide variety of applications, from desktop to intranet to internet to web - all of them requiring databases. Eric has worked for government and private businesses, and is now consultant specializing in line-of-business data applications. He has been a user group leader since 1995, and other than coding he loves playing Ultimate and baseball, doing crosswords and reading.

Ross McNeely

Contact: http://mcneelydwbi.wordpress.com

Ross McNeely, BI Practice Manager, C2 IT Solutions

Ross has presented at several SQLSaturday events in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Recently, Ross adds real-world examples from the Financial Services, Logistics, and Retail industries in his presentations. Regardless if you have a beginner, intermediate, or advanced skill set, Ross will provide a solid foundation for each topic he presents. Please join Ross McNeely for a fun and informative meeting.

David Klee

Twitter: - kleegeek

LinkedIn: David Klee

Contact: http://davidklee.net

David Klee is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and VMware vExpert with a lifelong passion for technology. David spends his days focusing on the convergence of data and infrastructure as the Founder of Heraflux Technologies. His areas of expertise include cloud, virtualization, performance, and business continuity. David speaks at a number of national and regional technology related events, including PASS Summit, VMware VMworld, SQLBits, SQLSaturday events, and many SQL Server User Groups.

David Klee

Twitter: - kleegeek

LinkedIn: David Klee

Contact: http://davidklee.net

David Klee is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and VMware vExpert with a lifelong passion for technology. David spends his days focusing on the convergence of data and infrastructure as the Founder of Heraflux Technologies. His areas of expertise include cloud, virtualization, performance, and business continuity. David speaks at a number of national and regional technology related events, including PASS Summit, VMware VMworld, SQLBits, SQLSaturday events, and many SQL Server User Groups.

Ed Leighton-Dick

Contact: http://thedatafiles.com

Ed Leighton-Dick is a DBA with ten years of experience in SQL Server and over twenty years of experience in software development and IT. He is currently Senior Database Administrator for GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the chapter leader of the I-380 PASS SQL Server User Group. Outside of work, Ed is a devoted husband, father of two beautiful girls, and beginning runner.

Russell Fustino

Contact: http://www.clubfarpoint.com/Forums/blogs/russells_blog/

Russ Fustino heads up Developer Evangelism at ComponentOne as a Senior Developer Evangelist. He is also a highly experienced Windows Phone 7 software developer with a passion for conveying relevant, current, and future software development technologies and tools through live seminars, teaching, and internet video productions. Russ has a new innovative blog and interview video series with influentials, about current technology, ComponentOne products and developer community called ‘Russ Cam’!

Erin Stellato

Twitter: - erinstellato

LinkedIn: Erin Stellato

Contact: http://www.sqlskills.com/blogs/erin

Erin Stellato is a Data Platform MVP and lives outside Cleveland, OH. She has almost 20 years of technology experience and has worked with SQL Server since 2003. Her areas of interest include performance tuning, Query Store, Extended Events, and helping accidental/involuntary DBAs understand how SQL Server works. Erin is an active member of the SQL Server community, has volunteered for PASS at the local and national level, and is a regular speaker at conferences including the PASS Summit, SQLIntersection, and SQLBits. Outside of time with family and friends, she enjoys running, spinning, movies, and all things chocolate.

Russ Allen

Russ Allen has over 30 years of experience as a software developer, technical instructor and database administrator for a variety of companies in Eastern Iowa. As a technical trainer he taught classes throughout the United States and in Spain and Australia. For the last nine years, Russ has been a SQL Server DBA and BI developer for the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.

Rick Krueger

Contact: http://www.premierapps.com

Rick Krueger is a SQL Server indie based in the Twin Cities with 17 years of software and database development experience, working with SQL Server since 1998 (6.5). Don’t let his developer credentials (MCPD) and background fool you, he knows a thing or two about SQL, and is currently focusing on Development DBA work. Rick has recently started tweeting as @DataOgre to get more involved in the SQL Community.

Kathy Gibbs

Twitter: - KGdba

LinkedIn: Kathy Gibbs

Kathy has over 19 years of IT work experience and over 13 years of DBA experience including architecting, design, development, implementation, monitoring, and disaster recovery of databases. Before starting with Confio, Kathy worked in the financial, retail, and telecom industries working with critical OLTP and OLAP databases. Kathy excels in being a liaison between technical and the end-users or management teams to provide solutions

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