» Training

A Big Shout Out to all SQL Webcasters Out There

Colin Stasiuk — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:41:55 +0000

I just want to take this time to say “WOW” to all the great and even the not so great SQL Webcasters out there. It is amazing the time and effort that goes into doing a webcast and feeling happy with the final product. Tieing the powerpoint with the Management Studio, with the webcam video, with what you’re wanting to say and putting a nice bow around the whole thing is a HUGE undertaking.

So at the PASS Summit this year I’ll be buying a drink for some of the greats out there cause after finishing my first webcast (link coming soon) these guys make it look/sound effortless:

I hate doing a list like this cause I’m sure I’m missing some great webcasters but these were the first webcasters that popped into my head as being memerable and effective webcast presenters for one reason or another.

This is NOT a Top 5 list (so save the hate mail saying I missed this person or that person) but simply a list of webcasters that if you haven’t seen a webcast from then you should take the time to do so.

Who is on your list??

Enjoy!!

70-453 Exam coming up…

Colin Stasiuk — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:41:04 +0000

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/Exams/70-453.aspx

So I’m writing my upgrade exam for my MCITP-DBA (missed cutoff date for the beta on this one) in a couple weeks and haven’t found much of anything in regards to Microsoft approved practice exams so I guess I’ll be going in blind.

With SQL Server’s new aggressive release schedule of a new version every 2 – 3 years it feels like I”m going to always be writing some kind of exam every few months to stay on top of my current certifications. As an independent contractor I feel more of a need to not only bring the experience but also the certs to back it up. I guess the constant exam writing ensures that I’m on top of all the new features/functionality that comes with each new version.

Anyways not the most groundbreaking blog this fine Monday morning but just something that was on my mind when I got my email reminder that my exam is coming up.

Have a good week everyone!

Second Shot Incentives

Colin Stasiuk — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:56:31 +0000

Second Shot

Microsoft is offering some additional incentives in registering for exams. Not only does the second shot give you a free rewrite in the case of a failure but until December 31st 2008 if you pass your exam you will receive an additional voucher for 25% off a future exam.

So if you’re looking to write an exam in the next little while sign up today (or tomorrow) and get some additional value for your money. That is if you’re like me and have to pay for all your exams

SQL Server 2008 Jumpstart

Colin Stasiuk — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:13:56 +0000

OK not exactly new information for most who have investigated SQL Server 2008 but for those who are just now looking to get into 2008 and the new features/functionality then I would HIGHLY recommend going to

http://sqlserver2008jumpstart.microsofttraining.com/

There is a TONNE of free information broken down by “track” (Overview, Database Infrastructure, Business Intelligence, Developer, and Upgrade). There is also some great demos as well as a bunch of hands on labs.

Definitely worth a look if you’re new to SQL Server 2008 or if you’re wanting to get some information on features that you haven’t looked at in 2008.