Tag Archives: Azure

From Hyperscaler Seller to Partner: What I Learned Switching Sides

After spending over two decades in hyperscale cloud environments, the author transitioned from a vendor role to the partner ecosystem, becoming Principal Data Solution Engineer at Formula5. This shift transformed their perspective on data modernization and AI. Key insights include the distinction between platform vision and operational execution, the agility of partners, the importance of empathetic co-selling relationships, and the necessity of robust data foundations for successful AI deployment. The experience highlights the critical role of partners in driving real business value from cloud technology. Continue reading →

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Microsoft SQL Server 2025 is coming! SQL 2025 Features, and Azure Arc features

SQL Server 2025 introduced significant enhancements including AI features, improved developer tools, and better disaster recovery options. Key updates feature vector data support, real-time change event streaming, and enhanced query performance with intelligent query processing. New developer editions are available, and Azure Arc integration improves management across various environments while boosting security, operational efficiency, and hybrid flexibility for SQL instances. Continue reading →

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SQL Saturday NYC 2025 Conference, a Success!

Once again, the organizers and volunteers of SQL Saturday NYC created a wonderful experience at the Microsoft Times Square office! Continue reading →

Posted in AI, Architecture, Azure, Business Intelligence, Conferences, Data, Fun, Open Source, SQL Server, Training, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Key Highlights from Fabric Community Conference 2025

Fabric Community Conference 2025 just finished this past week. There have been a lot of updates since last year when I published this blog: https://george-walters.com/2024/05/10/microsoft-fabric-presentation-and-links-to-help-you/ Please review that blog for the basics around Microsoft Fabric, and how to migrate towards … Continue reading →

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SQL Saturdays, and Future Data Driven Summit: Networking and Learning for Data Professionals

For over ten years, the author has participated in SQL Saturdays, free one-day training events for Microsoft data platform users, featuring technical sessions on SQL topics and networking opportunities. Recently, they presented at events in Albany, Syracuse, and Boston, also attending a virtual summit, promoting local tech event involvement. Continue reading →

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CDOIQ Symposium at MIT

I have the pleasure of being chosen to staff the Microsoft booth at the CDOIQ Symposium in Cambridge, MA, from July 18-20th! It will take place at the Hyatt Cambridge/Boston Hotel. I posted on LinkedIn below, and there you can … Continue reading →

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SQL Saturday NYC 2023! A Success!

SQL Saturdays are an amazing, volunteer-led, conference held in various cities. The NYC 2023 SQL Saturday was great! Continue reading →

Posted in Conferences, Data, Fun, SQL Server, Training, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

MySQL on Microsoft Azure

Microsoft has the community edition of mysql available as a platform service for you to run your mission critical workloads while alleviating administrative overhead Continue reading →

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Azure SQL Vulnerability Assessment

The goal of this post is to show Azure SQL Database, and how the vulnerability scans available can help you baseline security, and how to remediate one of the items. Azure SQL Database is a great way to host your … Continue reading →

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How to choose a cloud relational database when you know SQL Server

When choosing to migrate applications into Azure, many organizations want to reduce the burden of patching and maintenance. Going towards platform as a service (PaaS) helps in this journey. If you have some control over the code used in the … Continue reading →

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