Event Location:
George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics
160 East St. John Street
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Abstract:
Balancing the needs of different groups of users on your servers isn't always easy. Competing workloads and business priorities can present a challenging problem to DBAs. Between maintenance, operational, and reporting queries, you can find yourself rather constrained in terms of performance. Resource Governor is one the most underused features available to enterprise edition users of SQL Server. In this session, we delve into the basics of the Resource Governor feature in SQL Server and when, why, and how you should use it. We look at the types of issues this feature can help resolve. We delve into various components of the feature, such as a classifier function, workload groups, and resource pools and how those components change the behavior of SQL Server. We bring all this together with a sample implementation. Along the way, we look at best practices and questions to answer to ensure a successful implementation.
Speaker(s): Brandon Leach,
Abstract:
Perhaps you’ve heard the buzz about Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) and wondered, “Why is everyone so excited about Biml?” Occasionally, a new technology emerges that changes everything. For SSIS developers, Biml is one such technology. Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) is a powerful solution for rapidly creating SSIS packages and solutions. SSIS Design Patterns support various load profiles. Combined, Biml and SSIS Design Patterns offer a compelling solution for automating enterprise data integration. In this session, you will learn: - How to rapidly build multiple SSIS packages using Biml - How to apply different SSIS Design Patterns using Biml - How to automate SSIS Design Patterns using Biml
Speaker(s): Andy Leonard,
Abstract:
Understanding how SQL Server organizes your data under the hood can seem like a daunting task. In this session, we'll explore various concepts in the storage engine and tell humorous stories along the way. We'll also look at why certain best practices exist and what they are really doing. You'll hear how these concepts tie in to your work as a DBA or developer. You’ll get to see the concepts in action through demos and learn how you can use this knowledge to design better solutions. In addition you'll see some neat tools to help you dig in and learn further. After this session you will understand: • The three basic types of storage in SQL Server • The physical structure of a row and how it affects performance • Differences in how SQL Server works with heaps and clustered indexes • How pages are allocated and tracked • How to use various tools to continue your learning
Speaker(s): Brandon Leach,
Abstract:
Elastic Database Tools for Azure SQL DB offers a set of features that make it easier to build and manage a scaled-out data tier for cloud applications. With elastic database tools, applications can easily access data spanning multiple DBs, coordinate management tasks and manage how data is distributed among them. As part of the session, we explore workloads that are a natural fit for Azure SQL DB's elastic database tools. Patterns discussed in depth include multi-tenant applications created by cloud ISVs and SaaS vendors, and applications relying on temporal data distribution. The session will illustrate how easy it is now to build, scale and manage cloud applications in SQL DB when using elastic tools capabilities such as the elastic database client library for .NET.
Speaker(s): Silvia Doomra,
Abstract:
Most DBAs use multiple native and third party tools to fully document SQL Server instances yet still dont get all the objects. Even using Visual Studio and Database Projects, not all objects are exported because they live at the server level, above the database. Using Powershell, we will script out an organized set of files that can be checked into any Source Control system and or used for Disaster Recovery purposes. Objects exported include: SQL Agent Jobs/Alerts/Schedules, NT Service Credentials, SSIS-MSDB, SSIS-Catalog, SSAS Cubes, SSRS Reports, Logins, Server Configs, Linked Servers, DB Mail Operators/Accounts, Server Triggers and much more
Speaker(s): George Walkey,
Abstract:
Do you have tables and indexes that have grown really large? Are you moving around a lot more data than you used to? Are your windows for jobs and maintenance getting tighter? If you answered yes to any of these questions, partitioning may be for you! With partitioning, you can break a table or index down into smaller more manageable chunks. It can help you perform maintenance on just part of a table or index. You can even move data in and out of tables with quick and easy metadata only operations. We’ll go over basic partitioning concepts such as horizontal vs. vertical partitioning, and techniques like partitioned views and full blown table partitioning. We’ll also look at how partitioning affects things under the hood. Finally you'll see some cool demos/tricks around index maintenance and data movement. At the end of this session you’ll have a firm understanding of how partitioning works and know how to make decisions on how and when to implement.
Speaker(s): Brandon Leach,
Abstract:
Perhaps you’ve heard the buzz about Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) and wondered, “Why is everyone so excited about Biml?” Occasionally, a new technology emerges that changes everything. For SSIS developers, Biml is one such technology. Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) is a powerful solution for rapidly creating SSIS packages and solutions. SSIS Design Patterns support various load profiles. Combined, Biml and SSIS Design Patterns offer a compelling solution for automating enterprise data integration. In this session, you will learn: - How to build and execute your first Biml file! - How to design a single SSIS package using Biml - How to rapidly build multiple SSIS packages using Biml
Speaker(s): Andy Leonard,
Abstract:
In-Memory OLTP in SQL Server 2016 has been reborn. Many limitations within the previous versions have been removed, making it a viable option for a variety of workloads. As DBAs responsible for ensuring data integrity, recoverability and performance of the databases under our care, we need to know how In-Memory tables impact our jobs and our environment. In this session we will highlight critical issues in implementing and managing SQL Server 2016 instances and databases containing In-Memory tables. The bulk of this session will be spent walking through the process of identifying candidate In-Memory tables, migrating an on-disk table to an in-memory table and comparing performance.
Speaker(s): Justin Randall,
Abstract:
MDX is an industry standard query language for OLAP systems and is used to query Microsoft Analysis Services (SSAS). Custom MDX queries can be authored in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), in Reporting Services, Power BI and custom applications. While SQL and MDX share some common keywords, they have very different syntax and concepts. This session is for anyone familiar with SQL concepts who wants to get started with MDX. In this session we will first explore data organization in SSAS in multidimensional mode using AdventureWorks sample database. Then we will review a couple of MDX and SQL queries that return the same results and continue to learn MDX fundamentals by running queries in SSMS. We will see how certain queries are much easier to write in MDX, especially when it comes to querying data with hierarchies such as a date rollup. Finally, we will learn how to capture MDX queries generated by Excel and SSMS, to use as practical examples of how to write MDX queries.
Speaker(s): Shabnam Watson,
Abstract:
R is a pure data science and statistics scripting language. It is considered the best fit for Machine Learning. With more than 5000 packages all machine learning algorithms are covered and improving. R packages help you prepare the data, e.g.: packages for cross validation with N folds, build machine learning models, validation, create plots and to generate predictions. SQL Server 2016 and R Server are a perfect match for building enterprise grade solutions that support deployments for real time predictions and continuous model updates. Join this session for an overview based on sample cases about how to build enterprise grade machine learning solutions with SQL Server and R.
Speaker(s): Paco Gonzalez,
Abstract:
Each application and system is different, but all have a similar quality: there will be times where the systems are used more, and other times where they may appear to be sleeping. Good examples are monthly, quarterly, and yearly for financial systems and the holiday season for retail. The last thing you want to have in these timeframes is your CxO standing at your desk wondering why things are slow or possibly down. Ensuring that your SQL Servers are optimally configured for those heavy usage periods cannot be done with a wing and a prayer – you need an actionable, realistic plan. This session will discuss how to guarantee that your SQL Server instances and the configurations they use are as scalable and reliable as possible.
Speaker(s): Ben DeBow,
Abstract:
Are your business and data analysts frustrated with the amount of time and effort that takes them to wrangle and massage the data they need for their analysis? Is your IT development team flooded with requests to integrate and deliver data? Self-Service BI technologies have evolved to include data preparation capabilities and in that space Power BI comes with a rich set of features that often goes unnoticed or underused. In this session we will explore how Power BI can be used to respond to more advanced data preparation scenarios while requiring no or minimal coding, making it an ideal tool for users such as data and business analysts. We will show how Power BI can be used to reduce time and cost of preparing the data used in analysis and reports, while keeping in check considerations and concerns that we, as IT stakeholders, have when adopting this type of technologies in our organizations.
Speaker(s): Rafael Salas,
Abstract:
For beginning database professionals, execution plans can be intimidating. This 1-hour session takes you through the basics of reading graphical execution plans and drills into key operators, warnings, and properties. Learn how, why, and when an execution plan is created and saved to plan cache. Reading execution plans becomes much less intimidating as we walk through the flow and process of a graphical execution plan. After looking at the key operators, you will be able to analyze the operators of your execution plans, view the operator properties, and identify common performance-tuning opportunities. Finally, you will be able to capture the execution plan and save it for analysis and comparison after modifications.
Speaker(s): Mike Lawell,
Abstract:
In this session we will Learn R through an Example. We will Extracting Data from Multiple Excel sheets, transforming the data, Visualizing the data and Loading it into SQL Server Table.
Speaker(s): Kiran Math,
Abstract:
Take an introductory journey into the world of SSIS through the eyes of a SQL Server DBA as he navigates the Business Intelligence waters. This is an introductory course for beginners or users without any SSIS experience. Come learn how to SSIS with me!
Speaker(s): Ed Watson,
Abstract:
The sqlcmd utility is a powerful tool in every SQL Server administrator's toolbox. Simpler and easier to learn and implement than PowerShell, sqlcmd has all the power and flexibility you need to automate recurring tasks via T-SQL statements, system procedures and script files. After this session you will have a working knowledge of sqlcmd basics including: • How to invoke commands interactively, through scripts, and in scheduled tasks, • Important command switches, • Examples of how to use sqlcmd to make your job easier and more productive
Speaker(s): Justin Randall,
Abstract:
Moving day is one of life's most stressful times. Details drown you, critical items consume time and attention, and there is always someone demanding you get something done now. This is true whether you are moving your personal residence or your data platform. SQL Server migrations are a core competency for a DBA. This presentation will give you a strong structured process for a successful SQL Server migration using real-world examples and experiences.
Speaker(s): Geoff Hiten,
Abstract:
With so many languages around to extract, transform, analyze, and visualize data, Microsoft introduced yet another language : U-SQL. In this session, we'll take a look at what U-SQL is, what it brings to the table, and how it differs from (or overlaps with) the existing constructs (T-SQL, SQL CLR, DAX/MDX, PowerQuery/M, R etc.,). We'll go over step-by-step in getting started with U-SQL, and review some use case scenarios.
Speaker(s): Azhagappan Arunachalam,
Abstract:
Demonstrate the steps to import raw data from text file, Access database and Excel file into Excel 2013, and then build a BI dashboard using PowerPivot and Power Map.
Speaker(s): Vazi Okhandiar,
Abstract:
Let’s face it, using SQLPS prior to SQL Server 2016 was like installing training wheels on a Ducati. Then, some community feedback was incorporated before SQL 2016 shipped and presto, SQLPS is actually useful all of a sudden. There is a faster way to manage and even SQL Servers using PowerShell. I will show you what the new features in SQLPS and why you will probably find it useful, even if you aren't a "DBA".
Speaker(s): Aaron Nelson,
Abstract:
Join us for a practical look at the components of Cortana Intelligence Suite for information management, data storage, analytics, and visualization. Purpose, capabilities, and use cases for each component of the suite will be discussed. Expertise required for implementation of each component will be covered as well. If you are a technology professional who is involved with delivering business intelligence, analytics, data warehousing, or big data utilizing Azure services, this technical overview will help you gain familiarity with the components of Cortana Intelligence Suite and its potential for delivering value.
Speaker(s): Melissa Coates,
Abstract:
So you have a good backup strategy in place, but now you have to think about a disaster recovery. Where do you start and what are your options? SQL Server offers several options, but then how do you choose the right one to meet your business requirements? In this session, we will go over some of the common DR options including log shipping, replication, mirroring, clustering, and AlwaysOn. Then we will talk about how to choose the best one to meet your business needs.
Speaker(s): Tracy Boggiano,
Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being out there for a long time. Now it is time to take advantage of it with our own data. There are many different terms that relate to AI: machine learning, data mining or data science. This session will introduce the concepts, techniques, and tools. We will explore different real scenarios: classification, basket analysis, clustering or forecasting. All different tools available will be shown: SQL Server Analysis Services Data Mining, Azure Machine Learning, HDInsight Mahout, or R. Join this session for an introduction that will position you to understand further concepts.
Speaker(s): Paco Gonzalez,
Abstract:
A common practice when a script is needed for a particular task is to copy an existing script and modify it to meet a new need. At some point, a bugs are found and fixed in the script it was found in. After a while, there are many versions of the script, but the variations are numerous. This session provides one method to break this cycle by creating a script that is highly flexible to the kind of variations that will exist in an environment.
Speaker(s): Robert Eder,
Abstract:
This session will take a look at the new Query Store feature in SQL Server 2016. Query Store tracks changes in execution plans, allowing you to easily view performance differences and revert to older plans with a few clicks of the mouse. We will take a hands on look at how to use Query Store to troubleshoot problems as well as some of the new DMVs you can use to find issues as they arise.
Speaker(s): Tracy Boggiano,
Abstract:
In this session users will be introduced to the concepts and capabilities of Policy Based Management. We will review the basics of what policies are, the process for setting up new policies, evaluating policies against an environment, and scaling policies across an environment.
Speaker(s): Ryan Brickey,
Abstract:
Defining and documenting a backup strategy in today's data platform is simply not enough to prevent a major catastrophe. For that, a company needs to define a recovery strategy that encompasses their backup solution with an appropriate, tested recovery plan. This session outlines the various backup strategies and how to implement them in a recovery scenario to minimize data loss. This session will discuss various case studies of backup strategy implementations that neglected a strong recovery strategy and resulted in catastrophe for the company.
Speaker(s): Ed Watson,
Abstract:
AutoHotKey (AHK) is an open source Windows application used to create macros, hot keys, and "text expansions". Nathan has used this program for years in many different ways, but he finds it especially useful in SQL Server Management Studio. Come and see how AHK can put a library of code snippets--and full queries--at your fingertips.
Speaker(s): Nathan Boster,
Abstract:
While we are not the NSA, certain vital data needs to be collected – for example audit data, trace data, session information, performance data etc. – all to a central SQL Server repository, for analysis. In this session let us see how freely available PowerShell code can be used to collect data from multiple SQL Servers instances/databases. At the end of this session, you will have the knowledge and ability to collect pretty much any data to a central repository with just a couple of lines of code all in a manner that works specifically for you!
Speaker(s): Jana Sattainathan,
Abstract:
What if you could import 25 million rows of CSV data in less than 2 minutes? Or regain lost sysadmin access to your SQL Server in 20 seconds? Need to check which of your 200 servers has misconfigured max memory, calculate the proper memory and then set it? No problem, couple of minutes, tops. PowerShell can do amazing things for database administrators. It can automate your complex, onerous tasks. It can also automate the boring yet vital tasks like testing backups, and it can do it faster than you think. Even better, it is easier to learn than you might expect. Get Better, Faster, Stronger with PowerShell SQL Server.
Speaker(s): Aaron Nelson,
Abstract:
So you jumped on the bandwagon and set up a Hadoop cluster…but now what? Your database developers and app developers know how to integrate with and develop against SQL Server, but the Hadoop world is a completely different experience. This talk will help bridge the gap between SQL Server and Hadoop, using tools such as SQL Server Integration Services and Sqoop to migrate data between a Hadoop cluster and a SQL Server instance, as well as PolyBase to integrate the two like never before.
Speaker(s): Kevin Feasel,
Abstract:
Azure Machine Learning is a point-and-click Software-as-a-Service offering on the Microsoft Azure platform. It allows data scientists to manage, cleanse, and filter data; train, score, and evaluate models; and write custom components in R and Python. Once the data scientist's work is done, Azure ML then automatically generates a production-ready web service to implement the model, saving significant development effort. This talk will walk through the Azure ML offerings and discuss how they may integrate into a mature business platform.
Speaker(s): Kevin Feasel,
Abstract:
Data breaches abound! Sql Server has several options to encrypt the data, Transparent Data Encryption, Cell Level Encryption and Sql Server 2016 Always Encrypted. Let’s review each option to hide the encrypt the data. Let’s also look at new options to hide data with Always Encrypted.
Speaker(s): Thomas Norman,
Abstract:
The cloud is here! Are you ready? Microsoft, Amazon and others are all vying for your cloud attention. In this session, we will review the different types of cloud platforms available and what they mean to you. We will pay close attention to Microsoft’s Azure platform that offers two hosting solutions. What are these hosting options and what are the differences between them? Most importantly, how do I get started with all of this cloud business? Let's put SQL Server into the cloud!
Speaker(s): Thomas Norman,
Abstract:
In this session, you'll learn how to quickly build an Access Web App within SharePoint, tour the online development environment and see a real, live working app in action. We'll discuss sharing the app and Power BI integration. And lastly, you'll learn the pros/cons of Access Web Apps and hybrid solutions in a corporate environment as well as how to extend the data to iPhone and Android phones. Presented by Andy Tabisz, Microsoft MVP, WorkSmart Database Masters (Michigan).
Speaker(s): Andy Tabisz,
Abstract:
Policy Based Management is a great feature of SQL Server and easy to implement; however, for most organizations you need a way to customize it to your enterprise. Join me for this session as we take a deeper dive into PBM to see how you can customize polices, evaluate those polices across your entire enterprise environment, track those changes over time, and deliver reports to management showing your progress.
Speaker(s): Patrick Keisler,
This is a list of speakers from the XML Guidebook records. The details and URLs were valid at the time of the event.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/armordba
Contact: https://armordba.com/
Tom Norman is a Database Architect at KPA with a strong fervor to protect data. He works daily to review and improve data protection methodologies while reviewing governing laws affecting finance, healthcare, and personal data. His areas of expertise include encryption, auditing, data identification, and database object deployment. He is the current leader of the PASS Virtualization Group and Vice President of the TRIPASS user group. You can read his blog at https://armordba.com/ and reach him on twitter at @armordba. Tom speaks at a number of SQLSaturday events and SQL Server user groups.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/janakiraman-jana-sattainathan/a/a07/b95
Contact: http://www.sqljana.wordpress.com
Jana works as a Senior Oracle and SQL Server DBA at SCOR, a leading Reinsurance company in the world. He has spent most of his professional life around databases. At work, he has automated most aspects of his job using PowerShell. Most recently, he created PowerPump, a “PowerShell Database Copy Server” for his company to copy 50 billion rows (> 20 TB,) from 4000+ of Oracle/SQL Server tables on a recurring basis to SQL Server targets for migration/testing. He has also fully automated the database deployment which supports all components of SQL Server and Oracle using PowerShell (with about 150 functions) that is tracked extensively.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyboggiano
Contact: http://databasesuperhero.com
Tracy Boggiano is a Senior Database Administrator for DocuSIgn. She has spent over 20 years in IT, using SQL Server since 1999, and is currently certified as an MCSE Data Platform. Tracy has worked on SQL Server since 6.5. She has spoken at local user groups and numerous SQLSaturdays. She is currently a co-leader of a TriPASS Local Group in Raleigh, NC. Tracy also tinkered with databases in middle school to keep her sports card collection organized. She blogs at databasesuperhero.com. Her passion outside of SQL Server is volunteering with foster children as their advocate in court through volunteerforgal.org and being a mental health advocate as part of the PAIMI NC Advisory Council.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanbrickey?
Contact: http://mindofadba.blogspot.com/
Ryan is currently a Database Administrator with Wells Fargo where he is responsible for a production SQL Server environment. Before coming to Wells Fargo, he started his career working as a data analyst doing data mining and developing ETL procedures. From there he turned to performance monitoring and tuning as a Software Support Engineer with SQL Sentry. He also holds the certification of MCITP - SQL Server 2008 Database Administration.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vazio
Contact: https://vaziok.wordpress.com/
Microsoft Certified and CTT+ Certified Trainer with over 20 years of experience in proving Information Technology (IT) training and consulting services to both small and large companies. Corporate Training included in Software Development, Project Management, Database Design and Database Administration at NR Computer Learning Center, mLogica, National University, DeVry Institute of Technology, Orange Coast College and Irvine Valley College. Extensive experience in Software Development, Mobile Application Development, Databases Design amp; Development and Project Management. Previously worked for Toyota, General Motors (GM), Computer Science Corporation (CSC) and Electronic Data Systems (now HP).
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/armordba
Contact: https://armordba.com/
Tom Norman is a Database Architect at KPA with a strong fervor to protect data. He works daily to review and improve data protection methodologies while reviewing governing laws affecting finance, healthcare, and personal data. His areas of expertise include encryption, auditing, data identification, and database object deployment. He is the current leader of the PASS Virtualization Group and Vice President of the TRIPASS user group. You can read his blog at https://armordba.com/ and reach him on twitter at @armordba. Tom speaks at a number of SQLSaturday events and SQL Server user groups.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/melissacoatesprofile
Contact: https://www.CoatesDataStrategies/blog
Melissa Coates is a data architect with a background in data warehousing and business intelligence. Her current professional focus is enterprise-level Power BI governance, deployment, security, and administration. As the owner of Coates Data Strategies, Melissa produces training and consults to help companies strengthen and sustain their data-driven initiatives. Melissa is big supporter of the technical community, and has been a Microsoft Data Platform MVP since 2013. You can visit Melissa's website at CoatesDataStrategies.com, which includes community resources like diagrams, blogs, and videos.
Contact: http://insyncva.com
SQL Server DBA, Developer, IT Manager, Business Owner from the Richmond, VA USA Area Interested in pushing the limits of both hardware software and my own brain
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/public-profile-settings?trk=prof-edit-edit-public_profile
Contact: http://blogs.sqlsentry.com/justinrandall
Justin Randall is a Senior Consultant at SQL Sentry, LLC. He has over 30 years of data management experience in a variety of roles from Enterprise Data Modeler to DBA, supporting development in DB2, Sybase, and SQL Server. Justin frequently speaks at SQL Server User Group meetings and SQL Saturdays, and has presented at several SQLintersection conferences. His current professional interests are SQL Server performance monitoring and tuning, and career development.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffhiten
Geoff Hiten is a Technical Solutions Professional at Microsoft. Geoff began working with SQL Server in 1992 with version 4.2 and has used every version since. He specializes in highly available SQL systems, performance tuning, and systems migration. Geoff is heavily involved in the Microsoft SQL Server Community and was initially awarded MVP status in 2004. Geoff was appointed in 2011 to fill an interim Director position at the National PASS organization.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-feasel/7/716/504
Contact: http://www.catallaxyservices.com
Kevin Feasel is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and CTO at Envizage, where he specializes in data analytics with T-SQL and R, forcing Spark clusters to do his bidding, fighting with Kafka, and pulling rabbits out of hats on demand. He is the lead contributor to Curated SQL (https://curatedsql.com), president of the Triangle Area SQL Server Users Group (https://www.meetup.com/tripass), and author of PolyBase Revealed (https://www.apress.com/us/book/9781484254608). A resident of Durham, North Carolina, he can be found cycling the trails along the triangle whenever the weather's nice enough.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickkeisler
Contact: http://www.patrickkeisler.com
I#39;m a husband, a father, an Atlanta Braves fan, and oh yeah...I know a thing or two about Microsoft SQL Server, because I work for Microsoft supporting it as a Premier Field Engineer. I have over 15 years of DBA experience and have gained considerable knowledge in SQL Server by supporting lots of different type of applications ranging from high-volume trading applications to large data warehouses. I hold several certifications: MCSE: Data Platform, MCITP SQL 2008 Admin and Dev, and Security+.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sqlservernerd
A Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Brandon manages the DB Operations team for financial company x. With a data estate of several petabytes, he puts a high focus on performance tuning and automation. He is a frequent speaker at events like conferences and user groups.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanbrickey?
Contact: http://mindofadba.blogspot.com/
Ryan is currently a Database Administrator with Wells Fargo where he is responsible for a production SQL Server environment. Before coming to Wells Fargo, he started his career working as a data analyst doing data mining and developing ETL procedures. From there he turned to performance monitoring and tuning as a Software Support Engineer with SQL Sentry. He also holds the certification of MCITP - SQL Server 2008 Database Administration.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/AndyLeonard
Contact: https://andyleonard.blog
Andy Leonard is founder and Chief Data Engineer at Enterprise Data Analytics, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, creator of the DILM (Data Integration Lifecycle Management) Suite, an SSIS trainer, consultant, developer, Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) developer and BimlHero, SQL Server database and data warehouse developer, community mentor, engineer, and farmer. He is a co-author of "The Biml Book and SQL Server Integration Services Design Patterns" and author of "Managing Geeks - A Journey of Leading by Doing", "Data Integration Lifecycle Management with SSIS", "Building Custom Tasks for SSIS", and the "Stairway to Integration Services". Andy blogs at andyleonard.blog where you can learn more on the About Andy page.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sqlservernerd
A Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Brandon manages the DB Operations team for financial company x. With a data estate of several petabytes, he puts a high focus on performance tuning and automation. He is a frequent speaker at events like conferences and user groups.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/public-profile-settings?trk=prof-edit-edit-public_profile
Contact: http://blogs.sqlsentry.com/justinrandall
Justin Randall is a Senior Consultant at SQL Sentry, LLC. He has over 30 years of data management experience in a variety of roles from Enterprise Data Modeler to DBA, supporting development in DB2, Sybase, and SQL Server. Justin frequently speaks at SQL Server User Group meetings and SQL Saturdays, and has presented at several SQLintersection conferences. His current professional interests are SQL Server performance monitoring and tuning, and career development.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/watsoned
Contact: http://sqlgator.com
Ed Watson is a Principal Data Platform Consultant for Improving Enterprises, a full-stack Microsoft consulting firm in Atlanta. Ed is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP since 2014 and like most children, Ed was born at an early age. Today, Ed specializes in the Business Intelligence stack and enjoys specializing in Power BI immensely. He currently lives in Atlanta and is active with the Atlanta MDF and Atlanta BI user groups and is an organizer for SQL Saturday Atlanta, Atlanta BI, and Pensacola.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/armordba
Contact: https://armordba.com/
Tom Norman is a Database Architect at KPA with a strong fervor to protect data. He works daily to review and improve data protection methodologies while reviewing governing laws affecting finance, healthcare, and personal data. His areas of expertise include encryption, auditing, data identification, and database object deployment. He is the current leader of the PASS Virtualization Group and Vice President of the TRIPASS user group. You can read his blog at https://armordba.com/ and reach him on twitter at @armordba. Tom speaks at a number of SQLSaturday events and SQL Server user groups.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffhiten
Geoff Hiten is a Technical Solutions Professional at Microsoft. Geoff began working with SQL Server in 1992 with version 4.2 and has used every version since. He specializes in highly available SQL systems, performance tuning, and systems migration. Geoff is heavily involved in the Microsoft SQL Server Community and was initially awarded MVP status in 2004. Geoff was appointed in 2011 to fill an interim Director position at the National PASS organization.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-feasel/7/716/504
Contact: http://www.catallaxyservices.com
Kevin Feasel is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and CTO at Envizage, where he specializes in data analytics with T-SQL and R, forcing Spark clusters to do his bidding, fighting with Kafka, and pulling rabbits out of hats on demand. He is the lead contributor to Curated SQL (https://curatedsql.com), president of the Triangle Area SQL Server Users Group (https://www.meetup.com/tripass), and author of PolyBase Revealed (https://www.apress.com/us/book/9781484254608). A resident of Durham, North Carolina, he can be found cycling the trails along the triangle whenever the weather's nice enough.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shabnamwatson
Contact: https://shabnamwatson.wordpress.com/
Shabnam Watson is a Business Intelligence architect with 20 years of experience developing data warehouse and business intelligence solutions. Her work focus within the Microsoft BI Stack has been on Analysis Services and Power BI. She is an active member of PASS community and has spoken at PASS Summit, SQL Saturdays, PASS Business Analytics and Women in Technology virtual chapters, and many other local user groups and conferences. She is one of the organizers of SQL Saturday Atlanta BI Edition. She holds a master's degree in computer science, a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, and a Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP) certification by The Data Warehouse Institute (TDWI).
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bendebow
Contact: http://www.fortifieddata.com
Ben DeBow is an active member of the technology community. With his strong belief in creating relationships and supporting others, he has actively worked on providing results to clients in order to provide them with the end result that the client may have not even had known they needed. Over the year, Ben has presented at several industry thought leadership events and aspires to educate others on data in order to expand the technological community and provide knowledge to those seeking to discover hidden talents within the field. As founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fortified Data, Ben DeBow guides the team of Fortified Data under the core values of giving back, maintaining curiosity, driving towards results, being respectful, and
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyboggiano
Contact: http://databasesuperhero.com
Tracy Boggiano is a Senior Database Administrator for DocuSIgn. She has spent over 20 years in IT, using SQL Server since 1999, and is currently certified as an MCSE Data Platform. Tracy has worked on SQL Server since 6.5. She has spoken at local user groups and numerous SQLSaturdays. She is currently a co-leader of a TriPASS Local Group in Raleigh, NC. Tracy also tinkered with databases in middle school to keep her sports card collection organized. She blogs at databasesuperhero.com. Her passion outside of SQL Server is volunteering with foster children as their advocate in court through volunteerforgal.org and being a mental health advocate as part of the PAIMI NC Advisory Council.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-feasel/7/716/504
Contact: http://www.catallaxyservices.com
Kevin Feasel is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and CTO at Envizage, where he specializes in data analytics with T-SQL and R, forcing Spark clusters to do his bidding, fighting with Kafka, and pulling rabbits out of hats on demand. He is the lead contributor to Curated SQL (https://curatedsql.com), president of the Triangle Area SQL Server Users Group (https://www.meetup.com/tripass), and author of PolyBase Revealed (https://www.apress.com/us/book/9781484254608). A resident of Durham, North Carolina, he can be found cycling the trails along the triangle whenever the weather's nice enough.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/watsoned
Contact: http://sqlgator.com
Ed Watson is a Principal Data Platform Consultant for Improving Enterprises, a full-stack Microsoft consulting firm in Atlanta. Ed is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP since 2014 and like most children, Ed was born at an early age. Today, Ed specializes in the Business Intelligence stack and enjoys specializing in Power BI immensely. He currently lives in Atlanta and is active with the Atlanta MDF and Atlanta BI user groups and is an organizer for SQL Saturday Atlanta, Atlanta BI, and Pensacola.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelawell
Contact: http://sqlserverassociates.com/Blog
Mike Lawell is an 19 year veteran of SQL Server, working with all versions since 6.5. He specializes in performance tuning and high availability as an independent consultant. He is a Linchpin People Teammate, he also consults with SolidQ, Intellinet and Microsoft Consulting Services. He is also a certified Scuba instructor with a long bucket list of dive sites. He resides in Atlanta, GA and you can catch him at many of the SQLSaturdays in the SE region of the United States.
Az Arunachalam has been working with SQL server since v4.21/SQLNT. He started his career with troubleshooting at chip level, worked as a network engineer managing Novell NetWare networks, graduated into managing Windows NT, moved onto development, administered databases, and is currently working as a database architect. He#39;s excited about all the cloud offerings that Microsoft and others have made possible, and in sharing his findings with aspiring data enthusiasts.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sqlservernerd
A Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Brandon manages the DB Operations team for financial company x. With a data estate of several petabytes, he puts a high focus on performance tuning and automation. He is a frequent speaker at events like conferences and user groups.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/public-profile-settings?trk=prof-edit-edit-public_profile
Contact: http://blogs.sqlsentry.com/justinrandall
Justin Randall is a Senior Consultant at SQL Sentry, LLC. He has over 30 years of data management experience in a variety of roles from Enterprise Data Modeler to DBA, supporting development in DB2, Sybase, and SQL Server. Justin frequently speaks at SQL Server User Group meetings and SQL Saturdays, and has presented at several SQLintersection conferences. His current professional interests are SQL Server performance monitoring and tuning, and career development.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/AndyLeonard
Contact: https://andyleonard.blog
Andy Leonard is founder and Chief Data Engineer at Enterprise Data Analytics, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, creator of the DILM (Data Integration Lifecycle Management) Suite, an SSIS trainer, consultant, developer, Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) developer and BimlHero, SQL Server database and data warehouse developer, community mentor, engineer, and farmer. He is a co-author of "The Biml Book and SQL Server Integration Services Design Patterns" and author of "Managing Geeks - A Journey of Leading by Doing", "Data Integration Lifecycle Management with SSIS", "Building Custom Tasks for SSIS", and the "Stairway to Integration Services". Andy blogs at andyleonard.blog where you can learn more on the About Andy page.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickkeisler
Contact: http://www.patrickkeisler.com
I#39;m a husband, a father, an Atlanta Braves fan, and oh yeah...I know a thing or two about Microsoft SQL Server, because I work for Microsoft supporting it as a Premier Field Engineer. I have over 15 years of DBA experience and have gained considerable knowledge in SQL Server by supporting lots of different type of applications ranging from high-volume trading applications to large data warehouses. I hold several certifications: MCSE: Data Platform, MCITP SQL 2008 Admin and Dev, and Security+.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviadoomra?
Silvia is a Program Manager in Azure SQL Database Team. She has experience of over 8 years in Microsoft working on different technologies like Windows Server, Visual Studio, Mobile Operators. Currently she is working in Azure SQL Database team building scale-out database technologies.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sqlvariant
Contact: http://sqlvariant.com/
Aaron Nelson is an author, public speaker, blogger, and leader in the community. He has over 15 years of experience in architecture, Business Intelligence, development, and performance tuning of SQL Server. Aaron has received many certifications and is a six time winner of the Microsoft MVP Award. Aaron leads the PowerShell Virtual Group of PASS (SQLPS.io), is a board member of PowerShell.org, and is a volunteer at his PASS Local Group, AtlantaMDF.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pacosql/
Paco Gonzalez is the CEO of SolidQ North America, and a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. Focused on Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, he specializes in helping organizations become data driven from a strategic and technical perspective. Paco is a speaker at small and large conferences such as PASS Summit, Ignite, and Business Applications Summit, and he has published several books and whitepapers. He is based in Atlanta, GA.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sqlvariant
Contact: http://sqlvariant.com/
Aaron Nelson is an author, public speaker, blogger, and leader in the community. He has over 15 years of experience in architecture, Business Intelligence, development, and performance tuning of SQL Server. Aaron has received many certifications and is a six time winner of the Microsoft MVP Award. Aaron leads the PowerShell Virtual Group of PASS (SQLPS.io), is a board member of PowerShell.org, and is a volunteer at his PASS Local Group, AtlantaMDF.
Contact: http://www.rafael-salas.com
Rafael Salas is a recognized speaker and published author with more than 17 years of experience in business intelligence and information architecture. He is the recipient of multiple industry recognition, including the Microsoft MVP Award and The Data Warehouse Institute Best Practices Award. Rafael is also an active member of the SQL Server technical community and blogs regularly at www.rafael-salas.com.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyboggiano
Contact: http://databasesuperhero.com
Tracy Boggiano is a Senior Database Administrator for DocuSIgn. She has spent over 20 years in IT, using SQL Server since 1999, and is currently certified as an MCSE Data Platform. Tracy has worked on SQL Server since 6.5. She has spoken at local user groups and numerous SQLSaturdays. She is currently a co-leader of a TriPASS Local Group in Raleigh, NC. Tracy also tinkered with databases in middle school to keep her sports card collection organized. She blogs at databasesuperhero.com. Her passion outside of SQL Server is volunteering with foster children as their advocate in court through volunteerforgal.org and being a mental health advocate as part of the PAIMI NC Advisory Council.
Kiran Math is a Software Engineer on the Construction Predictive Analytical team at Fluor, where he specializes in T-SQL, R, Python, C# etc. A resident of Greenville, South Carolina, he can be found cycling and hiking the trails around Greenville. He is active in his local SQL PASS chapter in Greenville, speaking and volunteering at SQL Saturdays.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/andytabisz
Contact: http://www.worksmartdb.com/blog/
Andy Tabisz is a Microsoft MVP and owner of WorkSmart Database Masters based in Grand Rapids, MI. WorkSmart provides custom database and mobile solutions for small to mid-sized corporations using Access, SQL/Azure, ASP.NET, SharePoint, Power BI, Excel and integration with many technologies. Through rapid application development, WorkSmart empowers organizations to work smarter and make better decisions by automating workflow, alerts and reporting capabilities.
Robert Eder is a database administrator with nearly 20 years experience in designing, implementing and maintaining the SQL Server database engine. His experience includes more than 10 years working with high availability from the traditional fail over cluster to the AlwaysOn cluster. Robert has a passion for automation though scripting in vbscript and PowerShell.
Nathan Boster is a data services developer for Improving - Atlanta.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/watsoned
Contact: http://sqlgator.com
Ed Watson is a Principal Data Platform Consultant for Improving Enterprises, a full-stack Microsoft consulting firm in Atlanta. Ed is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP since 2014 and like most children, Ed was born at an early age. Today, Ed specializes in the Business Intelligence stack and enjoys specializing in Power BI immensely. He currently lives in Atlanta and is active with the Atlanta MDF and Atlanta BI user groups and is an organizer for SQL Saturday Atlanta, Atlanta BI, and Pensacola.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-feasel/7/716/504
Contact: http://www.catallaxyservices.com
Kevin Feasel is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and CTO at Envizage, where he specializes in data analytics with T-SQL and R, forcing Spark clusters to do his bidding, fighting with Kafka, and pulling rabbits out of hats on demand. He is the lead contributor to Curated SQL (https://curatedsql.com), president of the Triangle Area SQL Server Users Group (https://www.meetup.com/tripass), and author of PolyBase Revealed (https://www.apress.com/us/book/9781484254608). A resident of Durham, North Carolina, he can be found cycling the trails along the triangle whenever the weather's nice enough.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pacosql/
Paco Gonzalez is the CEO of SolidQ North America, and a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. Focused on Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, he specializes in helping organizations become data driven from a strategic and technical perspective. Paco is a speaker at small and large conferences such as PASS Summit, Ignite, and Business Applications Summit, and he has published several books and whitepapers. He is based in Atlanta, GA.
The following is a list of sponsors that helped fund the event.