SG SQL UG Meetup - Apr 2016

Date: April 28th

Agenda:

April 28th - 6:45 PM to 7 PM - Registration and Snacks

7 PM to 8 PM - Topic 1 - Presentation by Matt Hitchcock

8:00 PM to 8:15 - Break

8:15 PM to 9:15 - Topic 2 - Presentation by Nagaraj Venkatesan

Location: Microsoft Office, One Marina Boulevard, Conf Room SINOMB 22CF-12

Topic 1: Deploying SQL Clusters in Azure: Tales from the field

Synopsis: As more workloads move to the cloud, some workloads still have a requirement to run their databases on non-PaaS SQL servers. Cloud does not automatically mean Always On and Highly Available, so the requirement for Clusters is alive and well! In this Tales from the Field, Matt talks about implementing SQL Clusters in Azure as part of a production project for a high profile customer. We will cover why Clusters were required in the first place, how we approached the planning (networks, backup, VM Sizes, HA, etc.), what implementation steps were involved, where we got help, lessons we learned and most importantly; how we would do it differently if we had to do it today! This is what we learned along the road of a project that Satya himself has been tracking ... Don't screw up!!

Speaker Profile: Matthew Hitchcock

Matthew, a Microsoft MVP, has deep experience of Identity & Directory Services including Hybrid Identity for Cloud. He now specializes in Microsoft Azure and currently works at Microsoft Services, helping customers to automate their operations, start dealing with Infrastructure-as-Code and to adopt Cloud solutions.

Topic 2:  Optimizer's choice of Indexes

Synopsis: Indexes are perhaps the key parameter in deciding the performance of a query. Hence, understanding how an index is picked by query optimizer becomes extremely vital performance tuning. The presentation would explain how optimizer choses an index at diferent scenarios discussing the reasons for optimizer's choices. Session would be a Demo driven one, driving home the importance of designing optimizer friendly indexes. 

Speaker Profile: Nagaraj Venkatesan

Nagaraj Venkatesan, a SQL Server enthusiast exploring SQL Server for the last 10 years. Working for NCS Pte Ltd as SQL Server DBA, Nagaraj maintains databases used by one of the busiest public facing applications in the city. He frequently blogs at strictlysql.blogspot.com and is a regular contributor sqlservercentral.com. Besides these, he also holds a Masters Degree in Computing from National University of Singapore

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/233621587001279/

Meetup Link : http://www.meetup.com/mssgug/events/230438319/

Download link for the slides: here

Singapore SQL Saturday 2016 - Tracks and Schedule !!!

Dear All,

We are very happy to announce that we will be organizing 1st ever SQL Saturday event in Singapore on August 20th 2016. SQL Saturday events are a day long technical seminar / conference with top class speakers from across the globe will be providing technical content of excellent quality. For registering for the event, go to http://www.sqlsaturday.com/549/eventhome.aspx

Tracks and the tentative schedule have been announced below. 

Tracks and Schedule

We have 2 types of sessions. They are

1) 60 minute regular sessions
2) 90 minute deep dive session

90 Minute sessions are the in depth technical sessions at level 400 / Advanced levels. We plan to have atleast one deep dive advanced session per track, while the rest of the sessions would be on intermediate level. If you are interested in submitting a abstract, please click here

If you have any feedback / questions, please email to sqlsaturday549"at"sqlsaturday.com

SG SQL UG Meetup - Mar 2016

Date: Mar 17th

Agenda:

Mar 17th - 6:45 PM to 7 PM - Registration and Snacks

7 PM to 8:15 PM - Topic 1 - Presentation by Edwin Sarimento

8:15 PM to 8:30 - Break

8:30 PM to 9:30 - Topic 2 - Presentation by Martin Catherall

Location: Microsoft Office, One Marina Boulevard, Conf Room SINOMB 22CF-15 (24) AV

Topic 1: 5 Things To Consider: Stretching SQL Server Failover Clustered Instances and Availability Groups to Microsoft Azure

Abstract : Dealing with SQL Server Failover Clustered Instances and Availability Group for local high availability is already complicated with a lot of the external dependencies such as the network and the Windows Server Failover Cluster (WSFC.) But it becomes even more complicated when you stretch it out for disaster recovery to Microsoft Azure. In this session, learn the five (5) things that you need to consider when you implement SQL Server Failover Clustered Instances and Availability Group for disaster recovery into Microsoft Azure. We will cover how Active Directory, DNS, WSFC heartbeat and quorum configuration affects deployments of SQL Server Failover Clustered Instances and Availability Group in a disaster recovery site and how to properly configure a client application for connectivity.

Speaker Profile: Edwin Sarimento

Edwin M. Sarmiento is the Managing Director of 15C, a consulting and training company that specializes on designing, implementing and supporting SQL Server infrastructures. He is a  Microsoft SQL Server MVP and Microsoft Certified Master from Ottawa, Canada specializing in high availability, disaster recovery and system infrastructures running on the Microsoft server technology stack ranging from Active Directory to SharePoint and anything in between. He is very passionate about technology but has interests in music, professional and organizational development, and leadership and management matters when not working with databases. Edwin lives up to his primary mission statement: "To help people and organizations grow and develop their full potential."

Topic 2:  A Lap around Columnstore

Abstract : Columnstore indexing was first introduced in SQL Server 2012, however it was not widely adopted.SQL Server 2014 added additional functionality to columnstore which resulted in a marginally higher uptake. The initial versions required some creative thinking to get all of the promised performance gains out of the technology. Now, SQL Server 2016 enhances this functionality greatly and it’s all set to become mainstream. Columnstore promises significant performance gains for datawarehouses along with operational analytics. This presentation will look at many of the new features in columnstore as well as briefly look at some of the internals and give the audience some insight into how they can leverage its potential.

Speaker Profile: Martin Catherall

Martin is a RockSolid SQL consultant, a SQL Server MVP, PASS Regional Mentor for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region and until recently leader of the Christchurch, New Zealand SQL Server User Group. Now based in Melbourne, he’s getting to know the Australian SQL community. He has been using SQL Server in various roles since 2000. In addition to anything data related be enjoys playing the guitar and having fun with his family.

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/122152061510961/

Meetup Link : http://www.meetup.com/mssgug/events/229405273/

Download link for the slides: here

SG SQL UG Meetup - Feb 2016

Date: Feb 25th

Agenda:

Feb 25th - 6:45 PM to 7 PM - Registration and Snacks

7 PM to 8:15 PM - Topic 1 - Presentation by Dharmendra Keshari

8:15 PM to 8:30 - Break

8:30 PM to 9:15 - Topic 2 - Presentation by Khilitchandra Prajapati

Location: Microsoft Office, One Marina Boulevard, Conf Room SINOMB 22CF-15 (24) AV

Topic 1: Performance monitoring and Tuning Series: - Waits and Queues

Abstract : Wait Stats play a crucial role in identifying the correct root cause of a performance problem and also zeroing in on the actual query causing the slowness. This month's session will cover wait states, queuing process and the life cycle of a thread. Session will also explain the common wait types observed and their implications. Session would share a few useful DMVs and scripts for monitoring wait statistics.

Speaker Profile: Dharmendra Keshari has strong and in-depth experience in Database Management and its internals. Currently, working as Senior Database Administrator in one of the best Semi-Government organization in Singapore. He is an avid, regular mentor on social media, helping several enthusiast in solving problems related to Database management. He has completed certification for “Microsoft SQL Server® 2008, Implementation” and “Maintenance & Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database”

Topic 2: Deep dive into Configuring SSIS Packages

Abstract:

Configuring SSIS Packages can be a tricky problem to encounter more often than not. This session on SSIS Packages will run thro various methods in configuring SSIS packages, their pros and cons and the scenarios at which they can be applied. The Session will also cover the end to end deployment cycle of a SSIS Package and discuss package and project deployment models. The session would explain the various best practices to be followed while configuring and deploying SSIS Packages.

Speaker Profile:

Khilitchandra V. Prajapati, an Enterprise Architect (Data Warehouse & Business Intelligence) at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. He has implemented various BI solutions in last couple of years for industries like Oil & Gas, Banking, Telecom, Insurance, Casino & Gaming, Hospitality and IT. His prime focus is on Microsoft BI Stack (SQL Server, SSAS, SSIS, SSRS) with MOSS, C#.Net. He is a MSBI enthusiast and shares his knowledge, experience & expertise via his blog (www.bigator.com)

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1541469802813079/

Meetup Link : http://www.meetup.com/mssgug/events/228948056/

Download link for the slides: here

SG SQL UG Meetup - Jan 2016

Date : Jan 28th 2016

Agenda:

Jan 28th - 6:45 PM to 7 PM - Registration and Snacks

7 PM to 8:15 PM - Topic 1 - Presentation by Dharmendra Keshari

8:15 PM to 8:30 - Break

8:30 PM to 9:15 - Topic 2 - Presentation by Nagaraj Venkatesan

Location: Microsoft Office, One Marina Boulevard, Conf Room SINOMB 22CF-12 (60) AV VTC

Topic 1: Performance monitoring and Tuning Series: - Introduction to Performance monitoring & tuning - Perfmon Counters

Abstract : Perfmon counters is the fundamental tool, used not just in analyzing and monitoring of SQL Server health, but also plays a important role in providing data for decision making processes, resulting in cost savings for organizations. The presentation would cover the key perfmon counters, data analysis, easy ways to configure perfmon counter(s) on the server(s). Presentation would also demonstrate how perfmon counters help in mapping performance behavior patterns with internal processes and help in identifying the root cause of the problems

Speaker Profile: 

Dharmendra Keshari has strong and in-depth experience in Database Management and its internals. Currently, working as Senior Database Administrator in one of the best Semi-Government organization in Singapore. He is an avid, regular mentor on social media, helping several enthusiast in solving problems related to Database management. He has completed certification for “Microsoft SQL Server® 2008, Implementation” and “Maintenance & Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database” 

Topic 2: SQL Server 2016 - Always Encrypted

Abstract:

"Always Encrypted" is one of the major features to be released in SQL Server 2016, which would change the way application data security is managed in SQL Server. The Presentation would provide sneak preview into the yet to be released feature and would compare how "Always encrypted" improves the existing security solutions available. Presentation would also explain the way "Always encrypted" achieves end to end encryption and would analyze the various pros and cons of the solution

Speaker Profile:

Nagaraj Venkatesan, a SQL Server enthusiast exploring SQL Server for the last 10 years. Working for NCS Pte Ltd as SQL Server DBA, Nagaraj maintains databases used by one of the busiest public facing applications in the city. He frequently blogs at strictlysql.blogspot.com and is a regular contributor sqlservercentral.com. Besides these, he also holds a Masters Degree in Computing from National University of Singapore

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1050484051675606/

Meetup Link : https://www.meetup.com/mssgug/events/228250986/

Download link for the slides: here

SG SQL UG Meetup - Nov 2015

 Date:  Nov 26th 2015

Agenda:
Nov 26th - 6:30 to 7 PM - Registration and Snacks
7 PM to 8 PM   - Topic 1 - Presentation by Nagaraj Venkatesan
8 PM to 8:15   - Break
8:15 PM to 9   - Topic 2 - Presentation by Sarbjit Singh

Location: Microsoft Office, One Marina Boulevard, Conf Room SINOMB 22CF-15 (24) AV

 Topic 1: Hekaton - In Memory tables - Transaction Logging and Checkpoint processes

Hekaton “In Memory” tables, introduced in SQL Server 2014, has achieved huge performance gains, after making several changes in query processing, transaction processing, and storage of data.  One of the major changes has been the way in which "In Memory" transactions are written to transaction log and storage of "In Memory" data on to the disk. The presentation will do a deep dive into the transaction logging, checkpoint processes of "In Memory" tables, compare them against disk based tables and demonstrate the performance gains achieved in "In Memory" tables.

 About Speaker:
Nagaraj Venkatesan, a SQL Server enthusiast exploring SQL Server for the last 10 years. Working for NCS Pte Ltd as SQL Server DBA, Nagaraj maintains databases used by one of the busiest public facing applications in the city. He frequently blogs at strictlysql.blogspot.com and is a regular contributor sqlservercentral.com. Besides these, he also holds a Masters Degree in Computing from National University of Singapore

 Topic 2: SQL Management Pack for SCOM - Session 2
  Management pack for SQL Server provides the capabilities for Operations Manager 2012 to discover SQL Server 2005, 2008, 2008 R2, and SQL Server 2012. It monitors SQL Server components such as database engine instances, databases, and SQL Server agents.
 The monitoring provided by this management pack includes performance, availability, and configuration monitoring, along with performance data collection, and default thresholds. You can integrate the monitoring of SQL Server components into your service-oriented monitoring scenarios.
 In addition to health monitoring capabilities, this management pack includes dashboard views, diagram views and extensive knowledge with embedded inline tasks, and views that enable near real-time diagnosis and resolution of detected issues.

 About Speaker:   Sarbjit Singh
I bring 24 years of IT experience spanning consulting, architecture and training for Microsoft technologies such as Lync, Exchange, SQL Server, SharePoint, Windows Server, Active Directory, System Center range of products. I am also experienced in carrying out a Microsoft IO (Infrastructure Optimization) and Implementation of the MS MOF (Microsoft Operations Framework).
Since 2005, I have been a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) with Technical Expertise in Lync, SCOM and SharePoint.
I have participated as a speaker and proctor in numerous conference and forums and co-authored a book on MS Exchange monitoring using SCOM. As a MVP, I am founder of Singapore Lync User Group and an active member of other MS Technologies User Group communities. 
I hold a FIA International "C" racing license and I race actively in Japan and Malaysia in touring cars endurance and club races.I am an active Scuba Diver with interest in underwater videography.

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/533760196779287/

Meetup Link : http://www.meetup.com/mssgug/events/226807531/

Download link for the slides: here

SG SQL UG Meetup - Oct 2015

Date: Oct 29th - 6:30

Agenda:
Oct 29th - 6:30 to 7 PM - Registration and Snacks
7 PM to 7:45 PM - Topic 1 - Presentation by Harminder Sethi
7:45 to 8 PM - Break
8 PM to 9 PM - Topic 2 - Presentation by Khilit Prajapati

Location : Microsoft Office, One Marina Boulevard, Level 22, SINOMB 22CF-15

Topic 1 : Microsoft Data Platform Overview

Microsoft provides the complete, end-to-end data platform approach to get a return on your data. Microsoft’s data platform includes all the building blocks customers need to capture and manage all of their data, transform and analyze that data for new insights, and provide tools which enable users across their organization to visualize data  and make better business decisions. In this session we would like to share a brief overview on end-to-end
Microsoft Data Platform capabilities and vision.

About Speaker:

Harminder Sethi is currently working as Data Platform Technical Solution Architect with Microsoft Singapore.  He is a Database and Analytics professional with over 12+ years of experience across multiple platforms. His core skills include Database Migration, Architecture and Designing, Data Integration, Advanced Analytics and BI, Performance Optimization & Data Resiliency. Harminder’s expertise in Microsoft Data Platform offers a great value proposition for large infrastructure customers. He provides strategic visions and guidance around Data Platform Solutions including BI, Big Data & Advanced Analytics.

Topic 2: Power BI - Session 2 (Updates & Demos)

In this session, We will touch base some of the key features (difference between Power BI Desktop and PowerBi.com, Content Packs, Natural Language Query, Quick Dashboard creation etc.) of Power BI. We will see some cool updates recently made available for Power BI by Microsoft Team. And last but not least, I will present some pretty Dashboard examples created in Power BI :)

About Speaker:

Khilitchandra V. Prajapati, an Enterprise Architect (Data Warehouse & Business Intelligence) at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. He has implemented various BI solutions in last couple of years for industries like Oil & Gas, Banking, Telecom, Insurance, Casino & Gaming, Hospitality and IT. His prime focus is on Microsoft BI Stack (SQL Server, SSAS, SSIS, SSRS) with MOSS, C#.Net. He is a MSBI enthusiast and shares his knowledge, experience & expertise via his blog (www.bigator.com)

 Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/904263886333069/
Meetup URL : http://www.meetup.com/mssgug/events/226181209/
Slides Download Link: here