Tag Archives: sqlpass

Let’s Meetup [Updated]!

Posted on April 17, 2012 by | 2 comments

I have a confession to make. I like to meet people who also work with SQL Server. There are so many different ways to use SQL Server. I love to hear how people are using it differently than me.  One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to connect with people and start a conversation at SQLSaturday’s, User Group Meetings and PASS events like SQL Rally coming up in Dallas in May. Once upon a time, I would attend similar training events and was so shy I didn’t connect with anyone. Why didn’t I connect with anyone? Mainly, because I was afraid. If this is you, you are not alone I was in the same place as you. In fact, let’s meetup at one of the events listed below.

NOTE: The following schedule has been updated on May, 17th 2012

SQL Saturday #107 (Houston, TX) on April 21st

I will be presenting my Evaluating your Daily Checklist with PBM and CMS presentation. I always look forward to SQL Saturday’s in Houston as this gives me the opportunity to visit my family and my #sqlfamily in the same trip. If your in Houston its not too late to sign up.

WVPASS (Wheeling, WV) May 24th

I will be presenting “DBA’s use RML Utilities to help get your next raise!” If your in Pittsburgh or Morgantown area make the drive out. Anyone, can still signup for this free event. Not only will you learn how to prove that your new indexes or application upgrade will improve performance but you will get free pizza. As a bonus, you will also get to meet some cool DBA’s in Wheeling, WV.

SQL Satuday #117 IN COLUMBUS, OH ON June 2nd

I am looking forward to my first SQL Saturday in Columbus, OH. I will be giving my Performance Tuning for Pirates presentation. Columbus is only a two hour drive and I hope to bring #babybeluga and the wife out with me. I think they would have a blast at the Columbus Zoo.

SQL Saturday #121 in Philadelphia, PA on June 9th

Do we really need to say more?  I cannot wait for SQL Saturday in the city of brotherly love.  The schedule hasn’t  has been posted and I will be giving my Performance Tuning for Pirates presentation. I look forward to learning, connecting and sharing.

Pittsburgh SQL Server User Group (Pittsburgh, PA) on June 26th

I will be presenting, “Performance Tuning for Pirates!” in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh has a great SQL Server User Group and it’s always an honor to present for this group.

Performance Virtual Chapter – June 28th

I will be presenting, “Performance Tuning for Pirates!” Being that this is a virtual chapter I will not be presenting in person. This doesn’t mean that we cannot connect and chat.  We always have twitter so send me shout out before or after the session.

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6 ways to get free SQL Server 2012 Training

Posted on January 31, 2012 by | 2 comments

I always get excited when a new version of SQL Server gets released and rumor has it that  SQL Server 2012 will be released on March, 7th 2012. Why do I get excited? Well its quite easy, I know that each new release includes new features. These new features make my job easier. How do I know that these new features make my job easier? I know because I test them out and attend training sessions to see how other people are using them.

This year Microsoft is teaming up with the Professional Association of SQL Server Professionals (PASS) to provide several opportunities to give free SQL Server 2012 training.   Here are six ways you can learn about SQL Server 2012 and it won’t cost you a cent.

Online Labs

I love to get my hands dirty and throw things against the wall and see what sticks. Microsoft provides several virtual labs that allow you to do this without worrying about your servers.  If you want to checkout upgrading to SQL 2012, AlwaysOn Availability Groups or Installing SQL 2012 on Windows Core they have labs up and waiting for you.

Special Ops Tour

If you like to physically experience a launch event and rub shoulders with others who are using SQL Server you have to take part in the Special Ops Tour.  The Special Ops Tour is a 12 city event where Microsoft experts and local DBA’s will show you the must use features coming in this new release.  You can still sign up now. Hopefully, there is an event near you.

SQL Server 2012 Virtual Launch

Microsoft is also providing an all day virtual launch on March 7th that will include several topics on Mission Critical Confidence, Cloud on your Terms and Breakthrough Insights.  You can review the agenda and there still is room to sign up.

24 Hours of PASS

Once again, PASS is gearing up to deliver another 24 hours of PASS on March 21, 2012.  For those who don’t know 24 hours of PASS is  an in-depth look at the hottest SQL Server topics over 24 back-to-back free technical webcasts. You can gain access to the best SQL Server training and several of these session will be focused on SQL Server 2012. For more information visit the 24 hours of PASS website. If you want to speak get your abstract submitted now. The deadline is today!

SQL Saturday

SQL Saturday is an all day multi-track training event for SQL Server professionals and those wanting to learn about SQL Server. These events are spread all across the USA and the globe.

User Group Meetings

User Groups are monthly or bi-monthly meetings held to allow PASS members to connect, share and learn on a local level. There are several User Group’s spread out across the country.  Do you wonder if there is a user group in your area? You can find all the user groups here.

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Speaking at the Columbus SQL Server User Group

Posted on January 11, 2012 by | 1 comment

This week on Thursday, January 12th, 2011 a 6pm I will be speaking virtually at the Columbus, OH SQL Server User Group.  I will be giving an introduction to Policy Based Management.

If you are a chapter leader and would be interested in having me speak at your user group contact me.

Abstract

This talk will give you an introduction into monitoring SQL Server using Policy Based Management and Central Management System which is provided out of the box with SQL Server 2008. I will then show you how you can combine these features with the Enterprise Policy Management Framework on codeplex to provide monitoring for your whole SQL Server farm. This topic assumes you know nothing about PBM and CMS and will include lots of examples with only a few PowerPoint slides.

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Top 4 ways I will contribute to the SQL Community in 2012

Posted on January 10, 2012 by | 2 comments

One of my friends, Tom LaRock asked, “What do you want to do for your #sqlfamily in 2012?” Below is how I plan contribute to the SQL Community, and my #sqlfamily in 2012.

  • Bring  SQL Saturday to a new city
    Anyone who knows me in the community knows I am a huge fan sucker for a SQL Saturday. I have had the pleasure of being a host, attende, and a speaker. This year I am looking forward to being a volunteer and sharing all my knoweledge to bring a SQL Saturday to a new city.  With that said, there is a city very close to me that has never hosted one.  The ball is already rolling and I look forward to helping this chapter host their first SQL Saturday in 2012.
  • Help Chapter Leaders
    Being a chapter leader I personally know it can be hard running a user group. I was very lucky and thankful to get a lot of help.  I look forward to helping other chapter leaders who can use a hand. I am willing to help connect leaders to a sponsors; help leaders find swag, find books, find a speaker or anyting else. I am game and looking forward to helping.
  • Give Virtual Presentations
    Typically I do at least four presentations a year.  To this point I have never done a virtual presentation. This will change shortly as I am speaking  at the Columbus User Group virtually this week.
  • Mentor
    I have been blessed with having good mentors in my career. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. There advice and guidence has been very valuable.  I reciently started mentoring a DBA but would more than willing to help others out. If you would be interested please shoot me an message.

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2011 was a crazy year!

Posted on December 29, 2011 by | 1 comment

Now that we are finishing up the last few days of the year its time to take a few minutes and reflect on my accomplishments for the year. To be honest, looking back at the blog posts I have no idea how I completed so many mile stones.  Last year I privately established some long term goals and I knocked several items off my three year and five year plan in the first year.

Major Accomplishments in 2011

PASS Member Summit 2011 Ribbons

Vendor said, "Wow... it looks like you had a very big year. Would you like to attend our vendor party?"

My first child was born in February.  Typically having a child would slow you down but somehow I still completed several milestones. I have to give huge props to my wife for all her help and support.

This year I gave presentations at the first SQL Rally; the SQL PASS Member Summit; SQL Saturday in Houston, TX (presented multiple sessions); the Pittsburgh SQL User Group and several session at the West Virginia SQL Server User Group.

One of my good friends and I co-founded the first SQL Server User Group in West Virginia. I also helped relaunch the Pittsburgh SQL Server User Group and was truly honored to  speak at the relaunch event. I also organized the 2nd  Annual SQL Saturday in Wheeling, WV. Its was truly an honor to bring my peers and friends to my hometown for some free SQL Training (photos). Towards the end of the year I also became a PASS Regional Mentor for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Personally, I also had the following accomplishments.  I was included in a local

Reading with my baby

It's never to early to get started on your professional development.

magazine article on “Digital Generation.” Finally, I changed jobs and became a SQL Server Consultant.  I am truly blessed to say that many of these milestones couldn’t happen without my #sqlfamily and  my tech giants mentors .

My 11 Favorite Blog Posts in 2011

The following are my favorite blog posts and tips written by me in 2011.

I look forward to sharing some goals next week as we break in the new year!


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My #sqlpass 2011 Member Summit Schedule

Posted on October 11, 2011 by | Leave a comment

The following is my tentative plans for the SQL PASS Member Summit this week.  I have listed scheduled sessions to attend but may switch or do something else. You never know what will be going down on the #sqlpass or #sqlfun hash tag on twitter.

Isn’t it awesome that the sessions are recorded and available for playback after the event? I will get the sessions on DVD and will be able to watch them later.

Tuesday, October 11th 2011

* 7:30am to 1pm – Travel to Seattle for PASS Conference (Yes, I am actually writing this on the airplane)
* 1pm to 2pm – Regional Member Meeting (Hopefully, logistics work and I won’t miss this)
* 2:15pm to 5pm – Chapter Leaders Meeting
* 6:30pm to 8pm – Welcome Receptions and Quiz Bowl
* 8pm to 10pm – Red Gate Party

Wednesday, October 12th 2011

* 5:30am to 8am – Visit Pike Place Market or Top Hat Donuts Shop
* 8:15am to 10am – Attend Keynote
* 10:15am to 11:30am – This isn’t your fathers Cloud: Kevin Kline, Buck Woody
* 11:30am to 1:00pm – Chapter Leaders Lunch
* 1:30pm to  3:00pm – Visit and get know Vendors @ Vendor Expo
* 3:00pm to 4:15pm – Tips and Tricks for Writing Better Queries: Joe Webb (AD-314)
* 4:45pm to 6:00pm –  Characteristics of a Great Relational Database : Louis Davison (AD-318)
* 6:15pm to 8:00pm – Attend SQL PASS Vendor Reception
* 8:00pm to 10:00pm – SQLPeople Party & PUSS Party

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

* 8:15am to 10:00am – Keynote Bloggers Table @ Dell Ballroom
* 10:15am to 11:30am – Advanced SQL Server 2008 Troubleshooting: Klaus Aschenbrenner (DBA-403) @ 6E
* 11:30 am to 1:30pm – Women in Technology – Lunch @ 6B
* 1:30pm to 2:45pm – Lighting Talk (I am presenting) @ 201
* 3:00pm to 4:30pm – All the Magic Knobs: Cindy Gross @2AB
* 5pm to 7pm – Vendor Appreciation Party
* 7pm to 10pm – Microsoft Community Appreciation @ GameWorks

Friday, October 14th, 2011

* 7:00am to 8:00am – Breakfast
* 8:15am to 10am – Keynote Presentation or Microsoft Labs
* 10:15am to 11:45am – Query Tuning Mastery: Adam Machanic (AD-500) @ 6E
* 11:30am to 12:30 – Birds of a Feather – Lunch
* 12:15pm to 1:30pm – Board of Directors Meet and Greet
* 1:30pm to 2:30pm – Final review for my sessions
* 2:30pm to 3:45pm – Evaluate your Daily Checklist against 100+ Instances of SQL(ME) @602-604
* 4:15pm to 5:30pm – Best Practices for Deploying SQL Server on VMWare: Wanda He (DBA-310) @ 2AB

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Monday Meme: My First SQL Pass Member Summit

Posted on September 5, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Once again Tom LaRock (blog | twitter) has put together another Monday Meme assignment.  The goal is simple just get your writing juices going. This months topic is to write about your favorite moment from a previous  PASS Member Summit.

What is PASS Member Summit?

PASS Member Summit is an annual conference to bring together SQL Server professionals for deep-dive technical learning, hands-on labs, and the best networking in the community.

My Favorite PASS Summit

Last year was by far my favorite PASS Member Summit.  Why was last years Summit my favorite? The answer is very simple. Last year was my first Member Summit. I paid my own way and it was one of the best decision I made. In fact, I enjoyed the Member Summit so much that I decided to make it a goal to try to make it every year.

Favorite Member Summit Moment

On Saturday after the Summit ended I stood inline at the hotel lobby to checkout.  I noticed the guy standing next to me had the same backpack so I started a conversation saying, “nice backpack, I am John Sterrett.”  Little did I know this was Aaron Nelson (blog | twitter) and I quickly learned that he was trying to meet me all week. We are both big fans of SQL Saturday’s and he told me that he tried to motivate other chapter leaders into hosting a SQL Saturday by saying, “If Wheeling, WV can host a SQL Saturday so can you.”  We ended up chatting for about an hour.  It’s strange to think that I built a good friendship while I was checking out of my hotel room after the Member Summit.

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Photo Gallery – SQL Saturday #80 in Wheeling, WV

Posted on August 4, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Below is a collection of photos at SQL Saturday #80 in Wheeling, WV on July 23rd.

You can find my recap of hosting SQL Saturday #80 here.

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SQL Saturday #80 was a Success!

Posted on July 25, 2011 by | 7 comments

On Saturday July 23rd the WVPASS and Greater Wheeling Chapter of AITP joined forces to host the 2nd Annual SQL Saturday in Wheeling, WV. SQLSaturday is a one-day free training event for SQL Server professionals and those wanting to learn about SQL Server brought to you by the local SQL Server community and PASS (Professional Association for SQL Server).

The following is a quick run down of our stats for the event. We had 108 people signup, 85 attendees, 11 speakers covering 18 sessions on Saturday.   Many thanks goes out to the speakers, volunteers, sponsors and attendees for making this a successful SQL Saturday.

The Good

  • We had a great mix of MVP’s, experienced speakers and first time speakers. One of the greatest accomplishments for this event is giving Matt Velic (Check out his #sqlsat80 photo’s), Abi Chapagai and Shannon Lowder their first opportunity to speak at a SQL Saturday. The speakers all did a fantastic job. We received several comments from attendees thanking us for having fantastic speakers.
  • Registration was quick and smooth. Everyone was able to get in and get to the main room to socialize and enjoy a free breakfast. The volunteers did a fantastic job.
  • We took a step outside of the box with lunch and got burrito’s from Salsa Café. With only a few complaints this was a hit. Last year we did box lunches from Panera and it was expensive and we also got lukewarm reviews.
  • Speakers received their evaluation’s shortly after their sessions. Personally, I have spoken at a few events and never received my feedback so I completely understand how important it can be towards growing as a speaker.
  • WVNCC was a fantastic host facility. The staff was very friendly and able to get us everything we needed to be successful.
  • Hosted the event on a $2,400.00 budget. There will be more on this in a future blog post.

Stuff to work on Next year!

  • Speakers dinner might have been a little too early. We held our dinner at 6pm and a few speakers wanted to attend but couldn’t make it in time. We also had plans of following our dinner with a voyage of the Italian Festival but a rain storm quickly sidelined that plan.
  • SQLGolf was a great idea and fun until the heat kicked our butt around the fifth hole. Once we got to the eighteenth hole I forgot we were still playing golf.
  • We need more onsite sponsors next year.
  • Bacon was not included in breakfast.

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Intro to Central Management Server

Posted on May 11, 2011 by | 2 comments

Do you have a DBA team that consists of more than one dba? Do you have a windows authenticated account that has access to all the SQL Server instances in your farm? If so, you might really want to consider leveraging the Central Management Server (CMS) to do your heavy lifting.

Today, we will cover creating your first Central Management Server. Come back later in the week to see a great example to automate the process of verifying full daily backups.

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 Step 1: You might not be able to registered serves or see Central Management Servers in SQL Server Management Studio. To view them click on view in the menu bar and click on Registered Servers.

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 Step 2: Now that you can see Central Management Server folder right click on it and click on Register Central Management Server. This will allow you to designate a server as your Central Management Server.

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 Step 3: Register your new CMS. In this example I am going to use PBMDEMO\SQL2008 as my Central Management Studio. Once you enter the name test the connection and then save your settings.

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Step 4: Now that the PBMDEMO\SQL2008 Central Management Server is configured lets add a group to hold development and production instances. This is done by right clicking on the instance (PBMDEMO\SQL2008) and clicking on New Server Group.

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Step 5: Configure a folder for your production servers. We will use Production as the group name. This will be shown as a folder in the screen shot below.

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Step 6: Configure a folder group for your development servers. In this case we will add our SQL Express edition as a development server.

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Step 7: Lets add our Express edition server to the development group. Right click on Development folder and select New Server Registration.

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Step 8: Add PBMDEMO\SQLEXPRESS as the server name and test the connection. Once its successful save the connection. Lets now repeat steps 7 and 8 to add four instances of SQL Server to the production group (PBMDEMO, PBMDEMO,2008 and PBMDEMO\2005, PBMDEMO\2000)

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The screen shot above should be the final result for adding five production instances and one development instance. Come back later in the week as we show you how to leverage the CMS server to run and automate the execution of multi-server queries.

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