The Voice of the DBA is a moniker that Steve Jones has adopted for his writing and work with SQL Server. It came about after functioning as the editor of SQLServerCentral for many years as a title for his podcast efforts in 2008.

Steve has been working with SQL Server since 1991, when he became the accidental DBA for a SQL Server v4.2 system running on OS/2 1.3. It was an unstable combination that lead to Steve working almost 400 hours one month as the system needed constant babysitting and there were upgrades through SQL Server 4.2a and 4.2b, OS/2 2.0 and then v2.1. Eventually the system migrated to Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server, and Steve could get some sleep.

Since that time, Steve has worked with all versions of SQL Server at various jobs and been greatly pleased with the enhancements and growth of the product. He feels it is an outstanding database platform that is suited to a wide variety of needs and situations.

In 2001, Steve founded SQL Server Central.com with Brian Knight, Andy Warren, and three other partners that were bought out the next year. In 2002, Steve left his job with Peoplesoft to manage SQL Server Central full-time as editor, publisher, and writer. Andy, Brian, and Steve continued to manage and grow SQL Server Central until 2007 when it was sold to Redgate Software along with Database Weekly (then Database Daily). At that time Steve went to work for Red Gate and has continued his work with SQL Server Central and Redgate since that time.

Steve is currently an advocate for Redgate Software, and engages with customers and marketing. He has also been awarded as a Microsoft MVP 20 times.

Steve regularly speaks at SQL Saturday and other technical events on career and technical topics, and enjoys meeting and interacting with the SQL Server community. If you are interested in inviting him come speak at your event, please feel free to contact him through email, Twitter, or Facebook. You can also get the text of his keynote talks.

Steve was first awarded the Microsoft MVP award in 2008 and has been renewed 19 times for his many contributions to the community. Steve holds an MCSE from NT 4.0, an MSITPro in SQL Server, and numerous other MCP certifications in SQL Server. He also has an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in Economics.

Photos (for use at other sites)