New awards program recognizes contributions of exceptional DBAs

CAMBRIDGE, UK, May 28, 2008 – They manage and protect an enterprise’s most vital asset – its data – yet they are often overlooked or underappreciated.  They are database administrators (DBAs), and a new awards program wants to make sure the best in the SQL Server field get the recognition they deserve.

The Exceptional DBA of the Year award, sponsored by Red Gate Software, will be presented to one winner selected by popular vote of the SQL Server Central community from five finalists chosen by a panel of expert judges.  The awards are open to all those currently employed as a SQL Server database administrator.  

“We think DBAs are unsung heroes within the IT community and their companies,” says Claire Brooking, DBA tools brand manager for Red Gate Software.  “This award will shine a spotlight on the achievements of SQL Server DBAs.”

The Exceptional DBA of the Year will receive full conference registration for PASS Community Summit 2008 in Seattle, a four-night stay at The Westin Seattle, and $300 in travel expenses.  All five finalists will receive a free copy of Red Gate’s SQL Toolbelt with 36 months of support, publicity in a wide assortment of venues and media, and recognition awards.

Beyond knowledge and qualifications

Judging will take into account both accomplishments and “going beyond the call of duty,” according to Brad McGehee, SQL Server MVP and author of the book How to be an Exceptional DBA.

“It’s not just knowledge and qualifications that define an exceptional DBA,” says McGehee.  “It’s just as much about what you do – how a DBA handles myriad day-to-day actions and reacts in the face of extreme challenges.”

Joining McGehee as judges are Steve Jones, editor of SQL Server Central, the largest SQL Server community on the Internet; Nigel Rivett, a SQL Server MVP since 2003 and owner/director of Elmcrest Programming Ltd.; and Rodney Landrum, author of two books on reporting services who has been architecting SQL Server solutions for more than 10 years.

Nominations and deadline

For more information and to make a nomination, visit www.exceptionaldba.com.   IT professionals can nominate either themselves or a colleague for the Exceptional DBA awards.

Entries must be received by Friday, July 11 at 00:00 hours, GMT.  Finalists will be announced for public voting on August 18.

About the sponsor

Red Gate Software makes ingeniously simple tools for Microsoft technology developers and DBAs.  The company’s product line includes tools for testing, comparing, synchronizing, packaging, backing up and recovering SQL Server databases; understanding and fixing Visual Studio code problems to enable better performance; and profiling .NET web applications.  Red Gate is a silver sponsor for the Visual Studio 2005 launch and a Visual Studio Industry Partner.