Data science is the hot topic nowadays. Customers are looking to get more value out of their data. This world includes a large skillset that may not intersect with more traditional relational databases.
The world of data science has now intersected squarely with the Microsoft data platform. The first example I can think of recently is Machine Learning Studio in Azure. This is a web based area for building and testing machine learning models.
Recently, Microsoft acquired Revolution Analytics, who develop robust tools for the open-source R language. R is one of the languages that work inside of Azure Machine Learning. This language will be integrated into SQL Server 2016 when it releases.
In my role with Microsoft, I need to articulate the newer features that exist, or are coming, with the Microsoft Data Platform. How do I bridge that gap, understand our offerings, and how can you gain hands-on experience with these new tools?
Within our Azure platform, we have a premade virtual machine released recently, called the Microsoft Data Science Virtual Machine.
Inside of this virtual machine you can find the following tools, ready to use:
I encourage you to spin this environment up in Azure, and play around.
Let me know what you think of this, and where you feel Data Science will land in your data world.
Thank you!
The technology space I have been involved with for around 18 years is Microsoft, SQL Server, and Windows. In recent years, Azure has been added, and advanced analytics as well.
I have had the pleasure of getting more involved in these groups, and I will testify to the friendly nature of the people involved. Technology does not have to be a scary thing to get involved with!
One question I get from customers is, “Where can I go to learn more about SQL Server and Azure?”
Fortunately, we have a wonderful set of communities full of experts, who volunteer their time to share knowledge. Both technical and nontechnical people should consider attending to better the understanding and skills in these areas.
The SQL Users group in Boston meets in the Microsoft Office at 255 Main street, Cambridge, MA:
http://www.meetup.com/NESQLUG/
The Boston Azure users group meets at Microsoft’s 1 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA community area.
http://www.meetup.com/bostonazure/
The Windows users group meets in the Microsoft Office at 255 Main street, Cambridge, MA:
http://www.meetup.com/WindowsBoston/
The Boston BI group meets in the Microsoft Office at 255 Main street, Cambridge, MA:
http://www.meetup.com/Boston-Business-Intelligence/
The Rhode Island Business Intelligence User Group meets at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI:
http://www.meetup.com/The-RI-Microsoft-BIUG/
The Rhode Island SQL Users Group meets in East Greenwich, RI:
http://www.meetup.com/Rhode-Island-SQL-Server-Users-Group/
I welcome comments for your own favorite user groups. Thank you!
Are you in the mood to learn more about data? Perhaps you’re a server or desktop admin, but the DBA seems to have a cool job? Do you want to get connected to the data your company uses?
Why do companies care about that data? They care because we are moving to a data-driven economy.
Good data can help companies earn more, and understand their customers better, if used properly. The skills needed to handle this data tend to start with storage and maintaining that valuable data.
To break into the field, perhaps start with some of these courses on Microsoft Virtual Academy. They will help you understand the concepts, see some of the work in action, and help you decide to go further.
To help you decide where to start: SQL Server is rated the top operational database system as rated by Gartner, a highly respected research firm.
Anything you learn in the following courses can generally be applied to other relational database systems. So let’s get you started!
https://mva.microsoft.com/en-US/training-courses/database-fundamentals-8243
George Walters 