Our Consulting’s Journey to SQL Bits X 2012 in London

Anthony Fourie, Microsoft SQL Server Team Leader and Lee-Ann Cloete, a Database Consultant at RDB Consulting, recently attended the SQL Bits X conference in London this year. SQL Bits X is the largest SQL event in Europe with over 900 attendees per day.

The sold out event took place on 29 – 31 March 2011 at the Novotel Hotel in Hammersmith. SQL Bits X is organised with one thing in mind – spreading knowledge of the latest updates and features of the SQL Server product suite amongst the SQL community. It is a platform where thought leaders and technological specialists can collaborate and share knowledge about SQL Server.

“It’s convenient that the conference took place right after the launch of SQL Server 2012 because many SQL server experts were able to showcase new functionalities, extensions to previous modules, brand new modules and new methodologies relating to the new SQL Server,” said Anthony of RDB Consulting.

The conference events were split into three days with pre-conference training on the 29th of March, followed by two full days of lectures and presentations. Anthony attended a workshop for SQL Developers while Lee-Ann attended a workshop on High Availability in BI Solutions on the training day.

Multiple sessions ran simultaneously during the day. The topics included various facets of SQL Server, ranging from Business Intelligence to Database Administration and Development.

“There were so many sessions that we wanted to attend, but you have to knuckle down and pick the ones that will be most relevant for you. Both Lee-Ann and I were very happy about the sessions that we chose to attend – there were some amazing presentations and we would definitely recommend the conference to anybody in our industry.” Anthony even quipped that he would like to return as an expert speaker one day.

Lee-Ann felt that the way the different topics were demonstrated and presented stood out the most for her. “Speakers used demo’s to illustrate the focus points on SQL server 2012, which ensured that everyone was on the same page,” said Lee-Ann before adding that the SQL Bits mentors also did a fantastic job during the conference.

“The SQL Bits presenters made these sessions so entertaining. We were asked to share our funniest SQL bloopers for a chance to win a prize, so we got to hear all the funny mistakes that other DBAs have made in the past. We had a laugh, but also learned some valuable lessons,” said Lee-Ann.

The topics and the speakers stood out the most for Anthony. He particularly enjoyed Denny Cherry, Kevin Kline, Mark Stacey, Leonard Lobel and Karen Lopez who were amongst the prominent industry thought leaders sharing their ideas with attendees. The SQL Helpers as well as the sponsors, including Redgate, FushionIO and Quest Software, also did an excellent job to ensure the conference ran smoothly.

SQL Bits highlighted the strength of the SQL Server community. “The conference just proved that you don’t have to search far and wide for information and support because there are so many people who are willing to offer their knowledge and help,” concluded Anthony. The event showcased the collaborative nature of the SQL server community and their willingness to support others in their field.

Contact RDB Consulting for database management and maintenance – Jennifer Mbesa, jennifer@rdbconsulting.com or +27 (0)11 807 7663