Microsoft Certified

It has been a while since I last pursued a Microsoft certification.

After a few years working as a developer, I focused primarily on SQL Server data platform and business intelligence. I learned from work experiences, Microsoft articles as well as various blogs from the awesome SQL Server communities. To test my level of knowledge and exposure in this field, I also took the challenge of certification for Microsoft Certified Solution Expert for Data Platform and Business Intelligence.

As my role at work continue to evolve, I have been wearing multiple hats and at time switch hat. I found myself heavily involved in Azure AD, Okta, Azure cloud resources, Azure Devops, Github, App / API Gateway, etc.. in addition to SQL Server administration.

Microsoft Recertification

Year 2016 is just around the corner. People are in holiday mood and in fact a lot of folks are on vacation at this time around. Project usually take this slow period into account and avoid any heavy personnel involvement and introduce changes only where necessary. This slow time of the year could be a great opportunity to expand knowledge and skills, and possibly look into certification / recertification.

One Important Aspect - Mentor

Looking back to my education and career journey, there were times when I felt like it was totally stagnant, and other times of leap and bound moment. I have came to realize the importance of a mentor.

Microsoft Specialist - Implementing Microsoft Azure Architecture Solutions

I have been using Microsoft Azure with credit from MSDN subscription (Free credit! See the MSDN subscription section on this post) for sometimes now. Mostly for VMs and SQL Database (Microsoft Azure SQL Database). Recently I have also started exploring other Azure services like Azure Active Directory for cloud identity and access management, as well as deploying and implementing .NET web application to Azure Websites along with Visual Studio Online.

SQL Server 2014 RTM Release!

Microsoft releases SQL Server 2014 RTM to public today! Yes, it's April Fool day, I know what you thinking but this is real. This post discuss different ways of getting the software.

NoSQL - MongoDB Free Courses

Have you been hearing all the buzz about NoSQL? Have you been tasked to research or provide assistance on some NoSQL database system? Are you interested in learning more of NoSQL/MongoDB? If yes, read on.

Learning Continue

I found strong interest in SQL a few years ago while I was developing .NET application and website. I started reading SQL books and Microsoft Book Online (BOL), and continue my learning through a few great SQL bloggers. Just FYI, SQL communities are amazing! 

Microsoft Certification Program - Promotion

If you are thinking of getting certified with Microsoft, there is no better time but now. Microsoft is offering a lot of free preparation materials together with special offer discounts!

Microsoft Certified Solution Expert - Business Intelligence

I previously blog about learning SQL Server through certification, and I continue doing so. Last year I obtained my MCTS and MCITP in database development an database administration respectively. The certification provides me a comprehensive overview and exposure of different features and techniques that often being overlooked as we bury ourselves in our regular busy work schedule.

Microsoft Certification - MCITP Database Administrator 2008

Ever since I decided to jump into the SQL Server water, I have been actively learning SQL Server from books, BOL (Microsoft Book-On-Line), user groups, bloggers and last but not least, through certification.

Learn SQL Server

The best way to learn SQL Server is to get your hands on it. Build your SQL Server on your workstation or even better in an virtual environment. No matter if you are trying new features, testing your scripts or learning for your certification, it is more efficient to put the new knowledge in practice and see the end result yourself. At least for me. You may read some books, blogs or articles about doing things in certain ways. You won't be 100% sure until you try it yourself.

Technical Blog

About a month ago I was inspired to start blogging about my technical skills (mentioned in this post). Recently I came across these two posts from Kendra Little and Paul Randal of why do people blog about SQL Server or have a technical blog, and get me to review my goal of my technical blog.

Blogging my technical knowledge

There are abundant technical helps and sources out there; community-driven Q&A site (eg. StackOverflow, SQLServerCentral, Microsoft .NET forum, MSDN forum), user groups (PASS, .NET), blogs dedicated of helping others to solve problems and give constructive suggestion. I am a database administrator and software developer, and I wish I found out about this sooner. I used to go to book store to read about technical books or download online books to learn new technology. They are very useful in explaining the concepts and methods, but most of the time it does not address some real life situations in a practical way.