Voice of the DBA

Author: way0utwest

  • I’m Speaking at ….

    Last week I noted that I was speaking at the new SQL Intersection event. Hopefully I’ll see some of you there and get the chance to shake some hands.

    As I was writing that post, I included a “I’ll be there” graphic, which I’ve included here as well. It was the first time I’d been sent a graphic from an event that specifically mentioned my as a speaker. It’s a neat idea, not only for promotions, but also as a way for me to include a small memory of my blog of the event. Somehow it seems slightly more personal than the event logo.

    A few days after I received that graphic, I got another email, this one from Karla Landrum of PASS. She noted that she was sending out “I’m speaking at” graphics for the SQL Saturday events. I got mine yesterday for the Albuqerque event this weekend.

    sqlsat183_speaking

    I think this is a great idea, and I’ve updated my speaking schedule with the graphic. I think it brightens up the page, and I’m looking forward to the other logos that will come from future events.

    Promoting events is hard, and every interesting thing you can do will help. Banner ads are often blocked or ignored by many people, but I do think the logos and pictures embedded into posts like this one can help raise awareness.

    And they’re a nice keepsake for your online blog, whether you’re a speaker or a trainer.

    Thanks to Jonathan Allen for suggesting this enhancement. If you’ve got an idea to help grow the SQL Saturdays or other events, please let the organizers know. Growing the SQL Server community and exciting others to join is something we all can do.

  • The Cloud in Large IT Shops

    Toyota is focusing on software the enhance its business.
    Toyota is focusing on software the enhance its business.

    I’ve seen many presentations and talks from companies that are using cloud services to replace traditional IT infrastructures and lower their costs. Often these presentations are from smaller companies that don’t want to hire an IT administrator, or buy server or learn how to host and manage that hardware. Plenty of small companies would prefer that each employee manage their own laptop and nothing more.

    However many of those strategies don’t match the situation for large companies. Once you’ve hired an IT staff and made an investment in hardware and facilities, can the cloud really help you? I had my doubts, but this article about Toyota makes me rethink those doubts, or at least many of them.

    The lesson from the article, for me, is that Toyota’s IT group is learning to be a lean part of the business; they are building applications and tools that internal employees and customers can use to work better. They’re not acting as a separate business that needs to build software and also manage and administer the platforms that run those applications. By building software for Toyota and its customers, and outsourcing other functions, the Toyota IT group is more focused.

    Will this work in the long term? Will there be security issues from hosting email and other applications? Possibly, but I’m not sure if the problems and issues they encounter will be any worse than those problems that might come from managing all the hardware themselves.

    I still think the idea of container data centers, running cloud platform software, makes sense for large companies, but I suspect that even if they host an application like Salesforce.com, the administration of the software will come from Salesforce and not internal IT server administrators.

    Steve Jones

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    The Voice of the DBA Podcasts

    We publish three versions of the podcast each day for you to enjoy.

  • Dealing with Supervision

    Micro-managers can be hard to deal with.
    Micro-managers can be hard to deal with. You need a few techniques handy if you want to enjoy your employment.

    I’ve been working at home for a decade, first for my own company and now for Red Gate Software. In that time, I’ve learned to manage myself, motivate myself, find work to do, and meet deadlines, all of which I’ve done without having anyone manage me. Over the last five years I’ve worked at Red Gate, I’d like to think that I was one of the easier people to manage since I work well on my own. I’m not sure if my various managers would agree, since I know that I can be particular about how I work and not necessarily work closely with others, but at least I haven’t required much of their time.

    A short while back I was talking with a friend that was under pressure to complete a deployment that was proceeding poorly and their manager stood next to their desk, watching, commenting, and asking how long each process would take. I’ve had to deal with that situation in the past, and it was  maddening to me. It’s hard enough to focus and work on a task when there are problems with the technology. Having someone that can’t contribute but is in a supervisory role nearby usually makes things worse.

    Ultimately I think micro-management says more about the manager than the employee. There are trust issues or control issues, or perhaps pressure from the manager’s boss. It can be hard to deal with micro-management, but if you plan to continue your employment, you need to find some way to deal with it.

    There is no shortage of ideas. You can search for “dealing with micro-management” and you will get a wide variety of advice. I’ve tried different techniques in the past and some have worked, some haven’t. The best way to handle micro-management seems to vary with the situation, but it’s good to have a few things to try.

    Steve Jones

    The Voice of the DBA Podcasts

    We publish three versions of the podcast each day for you to enjoy.

  • SQL Intersection 2013 – Las Vegas in April

    I'll_Be_ThereIt’s not too hot, it can be fun, and after a full day of SQL Server learning, there are lots of things to do. I’m heading back to Las Vegas in April to speak at the new SQL Intersection event. It’s in conjunction with DevIntersection, and it’s at the MGM Grand Hotel.

    This event is taking the place of the DevConnections, but it’s a little more focused. There are some great sessions and I’m honored to be picked to be speaking alongside these amazing individuals

    It’s a great spring conference with improve your SQL Server knowledge during the day and enjoy amazing shows at night. I’m hoping to get the chance to see one of the comedy acts while I’m there.

    Come join me if you want to get away this spring from work, learn more about SQL Server and find some warm weather in the early spring.

    One more note. If you register by Feb 11, 2013, you’ll get $100 to spend at the MGM, and a Surface RT tablet. A good reason to lobby your boss to make a decision early and attend this event.