What is a brilliant gift at Christmas for a DBA? I mean apart from having the day off…..
For those new to the event, #mememonday is the community creation of Thomas LaRock (Blog|Twitter), the driving force of which is to encourage the SQL community to put virtual pen to paper. This months theme “What gift do you want Microsoft to leave for you under the tree this year?”
As Data Professional’s we’re all super busy in our day jobs. Keeping the production environment operational is naturally priority number one. Then there’s all the trimmings that go with it like backups, DR, supporting new product and feature development but what about innovation? Sadly it all too often takes a backseat. I don’t know if it’s the same for some of you but I find that I can get so immersed in what I’m working on right now that I sometimes loose sight of the bigger picture. How often do you challenge the way you are currently working or consider if that process really is the best way to get the job done? Not as often as you would like or should do I bet!
That’s why this year I’m asking Santa for a Buck Woody Gift Card in my Christmas stocking. John you’ve clearly lost the plot I hear you cry(launching your triple strength coffee across the room in dismay). Fear not friend, for I shall make sense of this madness for you……
As many of you know already, Buck Woody (Blog|Twitter) is a Microsoft technology ninja, a brilliant speaker, an educator, a renowned blogger, an inspiring mind, a comedian and a SQL community champion. Were the #SQLFamily to hold a banquet I think he would almost certainly have a seat at the head table. He’s the kind of talent that you want on your team, working on your toughest challenges and innovative projects. With a Buck Woody Gift Card you can have this and more! Redeemable against a single technology project or task of your choosing, the man himself could work with you as part of your team to get the job done.
In my current shop we use the full SQL Server product stack to power a whole variety of technology solutions. I bet we have an abundance of different ways that we could use cloud technology to our advantage, to deliver improved, more robust and cost effective solutions. Where would be the best place to start? What business areas would see the most benefit from cloud technology? What solution implementations are suitable for which scenarios? How can I identify when cloud technology is the right tool for the job? As a DBA sure I could research these questions and more but at the expense of my core responsibilities I fear. That’s why I would cash in my Buck Woody Gift Card to show me the way. To work with me and my teams to educate us on how best to leverage cloud technology solutions and where to focus our efforts on existing systems. With Buck on the team I think we would not only come up with some brilliant and innovative solutions but also have a cracking good time doing so.
Next time you have a really challenging data technology project and are not sure where to turn, play the ace up your sleeve (or would it be a Joker 
) and cash in that Buck Woody Gift Card. The ideal Christmas gift for the modern day technology professional. Terms and Conditions apply……
