I love my job!

When a new version of SQL Server comes out, database administrators want to know what features will make an immediate difference in their lives.  They want a very fast recap of what they need to do first, what they need to plan for, and what to tell the rest of their staff.  They don’t have the time to build lots of SQL testbeds, play around with the features, discover problems and figure out the best way to implement new policies.

As a full time SQL Server expert for Quest, I do have that time – it’s my job.  It’s my job to dive into SQL Server, learn how to embrace the new features, and learn how to help DBAs do their jobs faster and better.

Plus, since I joined Quest a few months ago, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the best SQL Server experts around. Our developers, support teams, QA teams and project managers have an absolutely jaw-dropping amount of expertise on SQL Server.

For example, I join a weekly conference call with our support teams to talk about really tough escalation cases.  I get genuinely excited at some of these cases, and when one of our customers pushes the limits of SQL Server, I’ve been known to say, “That’s really cool!”  Of course, our support teams then ask me if I’d like to take ownership of that ticket, and my answer is usually NO, but that’s only because I don’t have enough time in the day to do everything I want to do.

At PASS Camp 2008 in Dusseldorf, I’m doing a session about SQL Server 2008’s DBA-friendly features that have the biggest bang for the buck.  I’m going to concentrate on things that database administrators need to do right away after they install SQL Server – things that will make their lives easier and things that their managers will appreciate.  After a DBA installs SQL Server, we want the manager to say, “Ah, this new version is great!  How did we ever live without it?  Our DBAs rock!”

Making DBAs look good – I love my job.