Speaking at SQL Saturday Chicago 2019
Heraflux is proud to announce that we are speaking and helping to coordinate this year’s SQL Saturday in Chicago, to be held at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, on March 23rd.
Bob Pusateri is one of the event coordinators, and is active in the Chicago Suburban SQL Server Users Group.
David Klee is presenting a new session at 11:10am in room A called “Modern CPU Architecture and SQL Server Performance“.
Session Abstract: Modern CPU architectures are complex and misunderstood, especially as they relate to SQL Server instance configuration and database usage patterns. Default values in virtualization and the SQL Server instance can cause misalignments and improper balance in the way the SQL Server lines up with the CPUs and memory, which results in an immediate (and silent) performance penalty. Come learn as we discuss topics such as physical and virtual NUMA, hyperthreading, query parallelism, and instance settings, and show you how to validate your SQL Server architecture and improve the performance of your critical SQL Servers.
If you’d like to meet up at the event, contact us and we’ll find a quiet spot and talk tech!
Live360 2018 Conference
Heraflux is proud to contribute to this year’s Live360 conference, to be held in Orlando Florida at the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal from December 2nd to 7th.
David Klee is presenting two sessions at this conference. The first is Thursday in room SQH01 called “Cosmos DB for SQL Server Pros” at 8:00am.
Microsoft’s Cosmos DB is the first globally distributed database service, allowing low-latency scalability across multiple geographical regions. As a SQL Server pro, why does this matter? SQL Server is a great multi-function database that can handle many of your tasks with ease. However, it’s not the only tool in the toolbox, and Cosmos DB is a tremendous alternative for some use cases. This introductory session explores Cosmos DB and walks you through the similarities and differences in the two platforms. We explore how to provision and design your database, insert sample data and query for specific records. We’ll review the scalability and throughput settings, and help you ramp up your DBA and development skills on this compelling new platform.
You will learn:
- The core concepts of Cosmos DB and the reasons to consider it for data requirements
- Key concepts around data design, placement and document construction
- How to query for data and process client-side
Just after this session completes on Thursday, the next session is called “Level Up Your SQL Server Cloud Skills” in room SQLH05 at 9:30am.
Think infrastructure in the cloud is still just for sysadmins? Think again! As your organization moves into the cloud, infrastructure architecture skills are more important than ever for DBAs to master. Expert knowledge of cloud-related infrastructure will help you maintain performance and availability for databases in the cloud. For example, know what an IOP is? Should you use a Database as a Service or provision a cloud-based virtual machine? How many compute resources does your database consume during a given day? Can you secure it properly? Come learn many of the key cloud infrastructure points that you should master as the DBA role continues to evolve!
You will learn:
- To identify key concepts around database platform selection, such as Azure SQL DB versus Infrastructure as a Service, and make educated recommendations for the appropriate platform
- To identify key performance metrics, such as storage performance, vCPU/DTU requirements and so on, that help with properly sizing the destination resources
- About Identifying and recognizing the key reasons to migrate databases to the cloud versus keeping them on-premises
Register for this exciting conference today! We look forward to seeing you there!
PASS Summit 2018
What a whirlwind year this has been! I’m thrilled to invite you to my sessions at this year’s PASS Summit, happening this week in Seattle WA.
Tuesday 11:30am to 1:00pm I’m part of the cloud availability panel over lunch at the SentryOne Data Day precon at the Summit. I hope you already registered for this exciting opportunity to learn more about performance and availability-related topics in this whole-day discussion.
Next, for those of you that still have your mission-critical workloads in your on-premises datacenter (or even for those who have them in the cloud, because almost all of the topics directly apply!), come to my session Wednesday morning at 10:45am entitled “On-Prem SQL Servers, Interstellar Performance“. This deep-dive on virtual SQL Server performance will help you squeeze the most performance from your virtualized SQL Servers, and will help you communicate with your infrastructure team on things that matter the most to performance-oriented SQL Servers. You’ll be sure to have quite a bit of real-world tips and tricks to take back to the office as soon as you return from the conference.
Thursday morning I’m part of the SIOS PASS the Bacon breakfast panel, where we’ll get a good chuckle while we discuss a number of topics pertinent to today’s DBA, such as availability both on-prem and in the cloud, disaster mitigation and preparation, and other availability topics. Come register here, get a great breakfast on the house, and learn while you laugh!
Next, Bob Pusateri and I have a session Thursday afternoon called “SELECT STARS: A SQL DBA’s Introduction to Azure Cosmos DB”, where we discuss and present Microsoft’s new Cosmos DB offering on the Azure platform. This platform is a completely different model of databases than what most SQL Server professionals are accustomed to, and we’ll give you the details you need to expand your horizons and learn about this exciting platform. This session is more of the ‘what’ session to get you amped to learn more about the platform on Friday.
Friday my final session of the conference is entitled “Cosmos DB for SQL Server Pros”, designed to give you more of the ‘how’ when continuing your exploration of Cosmos DB. Bob Pusateri and I will share more of the use cases, scalability details, and live code demos of how to access and alter data in a Cosmos DB database.
I hope to see you at the show! If you want to sync up and talk geek, make sure to ping me to set up some time over your favorite form of caffeine.
Bob Pusateri Presenting at PASS Summit 2018
I’ve been honored to present a session at PASS Summit for the past few years, but this year I am especially humbled as I had not one but two abstracts accepted! The first is an introduction to Azure Cosmos DB. The other is covering some of my favorite SSMS and T-SQL tips and tricks that can help you save time!
Select Stars: A SQL DBA’s Introduction to Azure Cosmos DB
Level: 200
Where: Skagit 4 (TCC Lower Level)
When: Thursday November 8, 2018 1:30-2:45pm
Azure Cosmos DB has quickly become a buzzword in database circles over the past year, but what exactly is it, and why does it matter? This session will cover the basics of Azure Cosmos DB, how it works, and what it can do for your organization. You will learn how it differs from SQL Server and Azure SQL Database, what its strengths are, and how to leverage them. We will also discuss Azure Cosmos DB’s partitioning, distribution, and consistency methods to gain an understanding of how they contribute to its unprecedented scalability. Finally, we will demonstrate how to provision, connect to, and query Azure Cosmos DB. If you’re wondering what Azure Cosmos DB is and why you should care, attend this session and learn why Azure Cosmos DB is an out-of-this-world tool you’ll want in your data toolbox!
SSMS & T-SQL Tricks: Working Smarter, Not Harder
Level: 100
Where: Room 6A
When: Wednesday November 7, 2018 4:45-6:00pm
Do you spend a considerable amount of time in SQL Server Management Studio? Are you always in search of ways to write better code with less effort? Attend this session to see demonstrations of all the helpful gems SSMS has hiding in plain sight that will save you keystrokes, mouse clicks, and time while getting your work done. We will also cover useful T-SQL Scripts to make common tasks easier and faster, and solutions to frequently-encountered coding problems. Whether you’re a developer or a DBA, whether you do your work on-premises or in the cloud, attend this session to learn how easy it is to write better T-SQL code and save the day, all while working smarter, not harder!
I hope to see you there!
PASS Summit starts in a little over a month, and if you’re thinking this sounds pretty awesome, registration is still open! The program committee has put together an incredible schedule combining top presenters from all aspects of the Microsoft Data Platform. On top of that, opportunities for networking abound. While the sessions are awesome, the community is PASS Summit’s greatest asset. You really don’t want to miss this.
Even if you can’t attend, be sure to follow me on Twitter (@SQLBob). I’ll be sharing plenty of updates and photos from throughout the conference. Even if you can’t experience PASS Summit in person, by following myself, other community members, and the #PASSsummit2018 hashtag, you can get a great virtual experience.
This post was originally posted on Bob’s personal blog over at bobpusateri.com.
Where in the World is Bob?
Our Bob Pusateri has been quite busy lately with SQL Server technical talks, and we wanted to highlight some of the in-person events that he’s spoken at.
We love presenting for local technical user groups. Back in August, Bob spoke at the Chicago SQL Server Users Group on August 9th. This session was his first session highlighting Microsoft’s global scale database – Cosmos DB – called “Select Stars: A SQL Server DBA’s Introduction to Azure Cosmos DB.” Bob also presented this session for the Chicago Suburban SQL Server Users Group on September 18th.
We are also proud to speak at a number of SQL Saturdays. Bob spoke at the SQL Saturday in Oslo Norway on September 1st! Bob presented this Cosmos DB session at this event. His slides are available for you to download.
Bob also presented at the SQL Saturday in Boston MA on September 22nd. This session was called “Supercharging Backups and Restores for Fun and Profit“, and his slides are available for you to download.
Bob will be presenting at the Red-Gate SQL in the City Summit in Chicago on October 26th. This session is called “Maximize Availability and More with SQL Server Estate Monitoring“.
Bob is also presenting at this year’s PASS Summit in Seattle during the week of November 6th. He is presenting two sessions – the Cosmos DB introductory session, and “SSMS & T-SQL Tricks: Working Smarter, Not Harder“. This conference is world-class and we want to see you there with us!
If you want Bob or David to speak for your user group or SQL Saturday, contact us!
Heraflux and CRN at VMworld 2018
Heraflux is proud to have contributed to a few news releases from CRN at this year’s VMworld conference in Las Vegas. David Klee was there presenting on SQL Server on VMware related topics, was interviewed by CRN for his thoughts on the current state of VMware, and contributed to the conversation around networking.
Networking has been historically fragmented,” he said. “So, if you can turn it around…lock it down better, make it more streamlined and more automated, especially around NSX, then we can be closer to a more secure environment.
Read more on this release here.
Next, the interview talked more about networking here.
Finally, David spoke about the announcements that came from this year’s conference.
This was an exciting conference, and we are thrilled to work with CRN on these announcements!
CosmosDB Presentation Aug 2018 - Chicago SQL Server Users Group
Bob Pusateri is presenting this Thursday, August 9th, for the Chicago SQL Server Users Group in a new presentation called “Select Stars: A SQL Server DBA’s Introduction to Azure Cosmos DB“. This meeting starts at 5:30pm at the Microsoft Technology Center in the Aon Center in downtown Chicago at 200 East Randolph Drive, Chicago IL.
Azure Cosmos DB has quickly become a buzzword in database circles over the past year, but what exactly is it, and why does it matter? This session will cover the basics of Azure Cosmos DB, how it works, and what it can do for your organization. You will learn how it differs from SQL Server and Azure SQL Database, what its strengths are, and how to leverage them. We will also discuss Azure Cosmos DB’s partitioning, distribution, and consistency methods to gain an understanding of how they contribute to its unprecedented scalability. Finally we will demonstrate how to provision, connect to, and query Azure Cosmos DB. If you’re wondering what Azure Cosmos DB is and why you should care, attend this session and learn why Azure Cosmos DB is an out-of-this-world tool you’ll want in your data toolbox!
You must RSVP by 5PM Tuesday (today!) to attend the meeting due to building security. RSVP here to go see this fantastic presentation!
SQL Server Sessions at VMworld 2018 USA
We hope to see you all at this year’s VMworld 2018 USA conference where we are fortunate enough to have been selected to present four SQL Server-themed sessions!
The first is an all-day boot camp (VAP3768WU) with Oleg Ulyanov from VMware Corp. and David Klee from Heraflux where we take participants through a comprehensive journey of understanding how to manage, performance tuning, and business continuity planning for high performance SQL Servers on the VMware virtualization platform. It’s the Sunday before VMworld officially ramps up, and if you have infrastructure engineers attending this conference, please tell them to register for this boot camp.
Next, Thomas LaRock from SolarWinds (@sqlrockstar) and David will be presenting a session called “Performance Deep Dive for Demanding Virtual Database Servers” (VAP1425BU). We’ll be discussing advanced performance-related topics such as CPU scheduling and vNUMA, “right-sizing” for both performance and licensing, virtual disks and performance discrepancies, and general operational efficiency.
Next, Michael Corey from LicenseFortress (@michael_corey) and David will be presenting a session called “Database Virtualization (Monster VMs) with VMware vSphere: Doing IT Right” (VAP1296BU), which is an updated version of the continued track of performance-related tips and tricks. Come see us laugh our way through over a hundred slides packed full of things you can take back to your environments!
Finally, David has a solo session called “Database vDisks and You” (VMTN5520B), where he’ll talk about all of the various layers of queueing between the SQL Server database and the enterprise SAN, and how to measure and monitor these layers, plus discuss ways to performance tune each layer.
As always, it’s going to be a great show! Contact us if you want to meet up in person while at the show, and let’s geek out and talk shop! Register for this conference here, and make sure to enroll in the SQL Server on VMware boot camp!
Red-Gate SQL in the City Chicago 2018
Our very own Bob Pusateri is presenting as part of the Red-Gate SQL in the City conference at the Microsoft Technology Center in Chicago IL on October 26th!
SQL in the City Summit Chicago takes place at the Microsoft Technology Center, near Millennium Park, and will focus on the concept of Compliant Database DevOps.
With world-class speakers, thought-provoking sessions, engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops, keynotes, and time for networking, the Summit will support senior data professionals to deliver value quicker while keeping their data safe.
Key discussions:
- Reduce manual tasks to free up teams to spend more time on development
- Break down silos to enable Dev and Ops to work together to deliver value
- Reduce the risk of downtime or compliance breaches going undetected
- Processes and solutions that equally balance the need to release faster while ensuring data security
Who should attend?
The sessions are for C-level IT executives, directors, managers, and senior database engineers and administrators who work with the Microsoft Data Platform.
Professionals interested in learning about all things DevOps will learn what’s needed to effectively balance the demand for delivering software faster, while protecting and preserving business critical data.
From healthcare to finance, government to technology, today’s leaders should be embracing the benefits of DevOps and supporting the implementation of change across IT teams.
There is a limited number of tickets available for the Summit, to support effective networking and ensure a friendly and inspiring atmosphere for all
You’ll need to use an Access Code to register, please reach out to your regional Redgate Account Rep to obtain a code.
Get your access code and register here!
SQL Server on VMware Boot Camp at VMworld 2018
Heraflux is extremely proud to announce that we are presenting in conjunction with VMware Corp. an all-day boot camp for advanced SQL Server operations, performance tuning, and business continuity strategies at this year’s VMworld 2018 USA in Las Vegas on Sunday, August 26th, at the Mandalay Bay conference center.
David Klee from Heraflux will be joining Oleg Ulyanov from VMware Corp. to present this all-day intensive workshop.
Workshop Abstract: Learn the essential skills necessary to run SQL Server implementations on VMware vSphere. VMware expert Oleg Ulyanov will be joined by Microsoft MVP David Klee from Heraflux to cover best practices and optimal approaches to deployment, operation, and management of SQL Server on VMware vSphere. This technical workshop delivers real-life, instructor-led, live training and incorporates the recommended design and configuration practices for architecting business-critical databases on VMware vSphere infrastructure. Subjects covered in depth will include performance, monitoring , high availability and disaster recovery with failover cluster instances or availability groups, and advanced storage architectures.
Register for this exciting workshop as part of your VMworld conference admission ASAP, as seats are filling up! SQL Server is not a trivial business-critical application to manage in a virtual environment, and come learn many real-world tips and tricks for making these databases run as fast and smooth as possible.