Over the last few days, you may have noticed that there’s been a bit of talk about a SQL Server MCM Study Group.  In fact, Robert Davis (Blog | @SQLSoldier) tweeted about it the other day when he provided some sample corrupt databases.

You may be wondering, what is this study group on yammer?  Let’s break it down a bit to help explain.

What is Yammer?

Yammer is a twitter alternative that is aimed at smaller, focused networks.  For instance, the primary network that Yammer aims to support is the corporate environment.  A way to get everyone in the company, on the same domain, together in a twitter-esque network.  These networks can be expanded, as I’ve done, to reach outside of a domain to pull together people on a similar topic.

But, why not twitter?  If this is so much like twitter, why not just use twitter with a twitter list and a hash tag?  The reason being is that the signal to noise ratio would still be too high.  There is so much that happens on twitter and constantly streams by that if someone tweeted a great study resource last week, the chances are you’d have missed it forever.

Using yammer, helps us slow down the flow of information and keep everything relevant to the topic at hand.  If you are offline for a week, you won’t miss anything and can rejoin the focused conversations at your leisure.

SQL MCM Study Group

Now about that study group.  One of the things that’s hard in preparing for the SQL Server MCM certification is finding people that you can get together to study with.  With our hectic, crazy schedules, it would be nice to have some others to bounce ideas off of as we prepare to take the MCM written and lab exams.

Hence, the idea for the study group.  A group of like mind and similarly skilled professionals that are looking for a few others to help them cram for the next exam.  The aim of the group is to provide a venue to share resources that are beneficial.  And, also, a place to reach out and ask for help from people that more than likely are going to be able to help you out.

Getting In The Group

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, contact me and I’ll get an invite out to you.  Right now there are 14 people in the study group and we’re looking for more and it’s only been around for about a week.

The requirements for joining aren’t too formal at the moment.  Generally, you have to be actively interested and working on pursuing the SQL Server MCM.  If you already have passed the MCM exam you are welcome to join as well, since you have the chops that we are looking to prove of ourselves.

Let me know what you think?

Related posts:

1. Minnesota SQL Server Study Group (August)
2. Minnesota SQL Server Study Group
3. Minnesota SQL Server Study Group (July)