Follow-up on my earlier post, I'll be speaking on Tuesday afternoon at 14:55.

And feel free to ask about the RAID5 array built using USB sticks I'll be using to host the demos since I don't have an SSD in my laptop.

My session at TechEd New Zealand this year is:

Ten Things that are going to make your life as a DBA better

So often presentations focus on the new ‘shiny’ things in the next release of SQL Server and best practices that only work when you have unlimited resources. As a DBA you live in the real world; a world where you are supporting multiple versions of SQL Server and where the limited time that you have in your day is being juggled between trying to keep the lights on as well as focus on your bosses next crazy project. In this presentation you will get real world experience from real world DBA’s that spend their life in the trenches.

MVPs Dave Dustin and Peter Ward will share with you 10 tips that will help you manage your SQL Server environment so that you will have time to start focusing on implementing SQL Server 2008 R2 and utilizing the new ‘shiny’ things.

If you a reading this, for real, please drop me a note at dave [at] aucklandsql.com so I know if it's worth running a competition to win $12000 worth of Microsoft software licenses...

Cheers

MS Communities Code Camp / Tech Summit
Sunday,  August 29th, 2010
University of Auckland Business School

We know it can be a struggle to keep up with all of the new technologies that developers and IT professionals are expected to use. You can read blogs, books, articles, but the best solution is often the conversation you have with others. You ask a question and you get an answer. That's what makes a day like this so valuable.
 
You listen, you ask questions, you listen more and you get answers.

The MS Communities Code Camp & Technology Summit is a Free, non-commercial event, open to everybody with an interest in any of the technologies being discussed.
 
Development
This year we will be running two development streams for developers. We will be covering a range of development topics, such as ASP.NET web development, Windows Phone 7, Silverlight, Security, Building Quality Software and more!
Our aim is to have sessions on technologies that you use every day and may want to learn more about, as well as more advanced sessions on emerging technologies or techniques.
 
SQL
Don't miss your chance for a free day of SQL Server and BI technical education and business networking. Meet industry experts, professionals and fellow IT Professionals.
Learn about best practices, effective troubleshooting, how to prevent issues, save money, and build a better SQL Server environment for your company or clients.
 
SharePoint
The SharePoint track at Code-Camp is designed to build on your technical training and insight for SharePoint. Come and learn from your local community & SharePoint experts on how you can help your customers and partners envision solutions using the new capabilities SharePoint deliver.
 
Infrastructure
This stream will run several sessions focusing on the latest topics around core IT infrastructure systems. If you are an IT professional interested in or supporting; server platforms, systems monitoring and management, virtualization and other technologies, then this is the stream for you!
 

More information and registration can be found at www.codecamp.co.nz
 
Call for Speakers:
Are you interested in speaking in one of the streams above? 
Please visit the website and contact the relevant stream owner.

No, I it wasn’t trying to stop the falling chef’s knife with my foot. 

It was the light socket exploding in a shower of sparks

Urk!  May 9th for my last update.  Is there anybody still following this?

A lot has happened in the past few months.  Work has been insane (as usual), family life has been up and down (as usual) and user group stuff has been ramped up (new)

I did a tour of New Zealand talking about SQL Server which went really well except for the minior disasters.  Lots of cool new things ramping up in the user group community world.

I will (I know I've said this before) attempt to keep this updated and more relevant...

As some of you may be aware SharePoint 2010 is now already released and available for download on MSDN. To celebrate the launch the New Zealand SharePoint user groups are organising an unique event to be held simultaneously across three cities of Auckland, Christchurch and of course Wellington.

You can now sign up to be part of this unique event by registering on the following URL

The event will be hosted online if you can't physically be there. Once you have signed up you will receive instructions via email

Attendees will enter to win a number of 'door prizes' :

  - SharePoint Conference Ticket to be won ($650)

  - XBox Elite  (w00t !!)

  - Web cameras and more

** NOTE : You must RSVP to be in the running for the major prize draw

The event will start at 6PM in Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch on May 13th (Thursday) to coincide with the global SP2010 launch and will be held In the following locations

Auckland
Gen-I Tower
Level 1,
41 federal street
Auckland

Wellington
Gen-i Mobility Café,
Level 2 68-86 Jervois Quay
Wellington

Christchurch
Level 6 - Anthony Harper Building ,
47 Cathedral Square,
Christchurch CBD

Join us for an evening of community celebration and learning on the 13th May in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch!

You can now sign up to be part of this unique event by registering on the following URL

Thanks to the following Sponsors

Thanks AvePoint for the Xbox's

Thanks Silicon for the PC's to run the Hands On Labs

Thanks Gen-i for providing the venues

Thanks Microsoft for your support

According to the facebook page, Earlybird Registration will open on Monday, May 10th.  Make sure you get in…

Last year, the SQL PASS association held the first “24 Hours of PASS”, 24 hours of webcast training/teaching.  It was a great success, with huge numbers attending many sessions.

It’s happening again, kicking off at 1200 (GMT) on May 19 and running for 24 hours. As with last year, the topics are wide and varied, but this year there is a special focus on the newly released SQL Server 2008 R2.  Here are some of the sessions:

1. PowerPivot
2. PerformancePoint
3. Utility Control Point
4. Parallel Data Warehouse
5. StreamInsight
6. Master Data Management
7. Multi-Server Management
8. Report Builder
9. Data Tier Applications

So, if your calendar doesn’t already look like this:

Then you seriously need to be clicking on this link

The AucklandSQL User Group is proud to present:  SQL Server Integration Services

Session
Ready to get started using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). Join Patrick LeBlanc, founder of the SQL Lunch in the session on how to use SSIS. Patrick will cover everything you need to get started with this powerful technology. You’ll learn how to utilize several key components of SSIS, while applying common business rules to your data.

Patrick LeBlanc is currently a Business Intelligence Architect for Pragmatic Works. He has worked as a SQL Server DBA for the past 9 years. His experience includes working in the Educational, Advertising, Mortgage, Medical and Financial Industries. He is also the founder of TSQLScripts.com, SQLLunch.com and the President of the Baton Rouge Area SQL Server User Group. Patrick is a regular speaker at various SQL Server community events, including SQL Saturday’s, User Groups and the SQL Lunch

Time
Tuesday, 27th April
Food & Drink from 5:30pm, Presentation starts at 6pm.

Location
Datacom Systems Ltd
210 Federal St
Auckland CBD

Registration: http://www.aucklandsql.com/Meetings/April2010.aspx

If you are unable to attend the session at Datacom, it will also be broadcast online at: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usergroups/join?id=FFG9R9&role=attend&pw=MzC4g%24B5n

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.