NJ SQL Server User Group

NJSQL July 15th Meeting: TDD Principles for Database Development w/ Dennis Lloyd Jr & Sebastian Meine

SQLDiva — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:05:00 GMT

Date: Tuesday, July 15th

Sponsor: Microsoft

Refreshments: Pizza / Soda

Give-A-Ways: Books / T-shirts

Topic: TDD Principles for Database Development

Success in object-oriented agile development is currently being achieved with a technique known as test driven development (TDD). In database development however, TDD practices are not wide-spread and development teams struggle with applying the TDD principles to the SQL language. This is a problem, because it leads to poorly tested code. In turn, not having the appropriate test cases, makes it difficult to improve your existing database design. Not implementing TDD practices in the database, overtime, leads to a decaying architecture and can hinder the evolution of the overall application.

This presentation will discuss ways to enable software developers to use TDD to develop in databases. Beginning with a case study of a successful project that employed database TDD, presenters will then provide examples on specific TDD techniques that borrow from similar techniques in OO development. In addition to an overview of writing simple database test cases, you will see demonstrations on the effective use of techniques like mock procedures, fake tables and stub records. Guidance will also be provided on situations in which these techniques are inappropriate.

For additional information on this presentation, please see http://submissions.agile2008.org/node/2936

About the Presenters:

Dennis Lloyd Jr

I have been working professionally in software development for over 10 years. My recent focus has been applying agile software techniques to database and object-oriented development. Over the next year, I will be investigating how agile practices apply to intelligent systems projects with emphasis on TDD in a natural language processing program. I have a bachelor's in Information Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology and master's in Software Engineering with a minor in BioInformatics from Penn State.

Sebastian Meine

After receiving his PhD in Computer Science, Sebastian joined Siemens Medical Solutions USA as a software developer. Sebastian has been an active part in the transition of Siemens to the Agile development process focusing primarily on the creation of frameworks for testing database code and performance testing and tuning. He has been sought out to speak at several technical conferences in the US and Germany about UnitTesting of database code and performance tuning of SQL Server.

For additional information on these presenters, please see http://sqlity.net/

Database Analyst - Parsippany, NJ

SQLDiva — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:10:00 GMT

As part of a dynamic team, the position is responsible for the timely and accurate loading and distribution of various financial MIS database & front-end applications. The position supports end users through informal training and issue resolution. The position also entails ad-hoc reporting, data quality assurance and the designing/coding of new features to the MIS Business Analytics Suite by using VBA and TSQL.

Requirements: A Degree in Business or Information Systems along with Excel, Access and some Microsoft SQL Server 2000/2005 experience. Applicant must have strong written and oral communication skills along with solid analytical skills as he/she must be able to interface with field users and internal employees to help troubleshoot and address issues. Experience developing queries, stored procedures in Microsoft SQL Server or another RDMS is required. Experience with VBA and experience with SSIS packages is desired.

This job is perfect for a recent college graduate or someone who is very motivated and has just stuck their "big toe" into the database world. If you are interested in this position or know someone that might be, please contact me.

SQLDiva

Email: Melissa[at]SQLDiva.com

2008 PASS Summit: November 18th - 21th

SQLDiva — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:06:00 GMT

Excitement is building within the PASS Board and around the Microsoft SQL Server community as planning heats up for this year's PASS Community Summit-our biggest and best ever! The team has been working diligently behind the scenes to launch our new Summit website at http://summit2008.sqlpass.org and to finalize our keynote and pre-conference seminar line-up.

We encourage you to take a look at the new website and peruse through the pre-conference seminar line-up so you can begin registering for these popular one-day seminars.

We're also very pleased to confirm keynote addresses by Ted Kummert, Corporate Vice President, Data and Storage Platform Division and Tom Casey, GM for SQL Server Business Intelligence at Microsoft Corp. Ted and Tom will provide a sneak peek look at the future of Microsoft SQL Server.

This year's Summit, at the Washington State and Convention Center in Seattle on Nov 18-21, promises to be the don't-miss event of the year with over 150 in-depth technical and skills development sessions showcasing expert speakers from Microsoft and the SQL Server community. We'll also have hands-on labs, peer-to-peer learning, idea exchanges, and our new SQL Server Heroes Unite party to top off this action-packed agenda.

Register by Monday, June 30, 2008 to receive the discounted rate of just $1395 - that's US$800 off the regular rate of US$2195!

SQLDiva

NJSQL June 17th Meeting: CANCELLED

SQLDiva — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:26:00 GMT

The Tuesday, June 17th NJSQL meeting has been cancelled. Enjoy your free evening and we'll see you in July...

Upcoming Meetings/Events:

Tuesday, July 15th

Topic: TDD Principles for Database Development

Presenters: Dennis Lloyd Jr & Sebastian Meine

***************************************************************************

Tuesday, August 19th

Topic: SQL Server Service Broker in the Real World (SQL 2005+)

Presenter: Denny Cherry (BIO: http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/sql-server/about)

Denny's Blog: http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/sql-server/

***************************************************************************

September (Tentative Saturday Event)

Date: Saturday, September 20^th (8:30am - 12:30pm)

Location: Microsoft Office (Iselin, NJ)

Topics: 2 to 3 Business Intelligence Presentations

*************************************************************

SQLDiva

NJSQL May 20th Meeting: SQL Server 2008 Data Compression with Linchi Shea

SQLDiva — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:16:00 GMT

Date: Tuesday, May 20th

Topic: SQL Server 2008 Data Compression

One of the most significant new features in SQL Server 2008 is data compression, which has been long sought after by the SQL Server community.

Now that it's here, the question becomes:
How is it, and How can you effectively use it in managing your databases?

In this session, Linchi gives an independent assessment of SQL Server 2008 data compression with solid empirical test results, and looks at what types of data may be good/bad for data compression, and what workloads may benefit from data compression. The focus is on the performance and space implications. To help appreciate the feature in a bigger context, the
presentation will also include a competitive analysis of data compression across the major DBMS products.

Presenter: Linchi Shea

Linchi Shea has been working with Microsoft SQL Server since version 4.2. He is currently responsible for SQL Server engineering at a major Wall Street firm in the New York City area. Linchi is passionate about creating robust and automated infrastructures for managing SQL Server in a large enterprise environment. He has written many tools and utilities to simplify deploying, operating, and testing SQL Server. You can find him blogging about SQL Server enterprise issues at www.sqlblog.com. Linchi is a co-founder and co-lead of the NY Metro SQL Server users group, and has been a Microsoft MVP since 2002.

SQLDiva

Senior SQL Developer (SSIS/SSRS) Montvale, NJ

SQLDiva — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:24:00 GMT

Senior SQL Developer (SSIS/SSRS) Consultant

Over all 8+ database experience involving database design and coding
4+ SQL 2005
Reporting Services (SSRS) – expert level
Integration Services (SSIS) - expert level
Notification Service
XML Database, Open XML
Migration of complex data using SSIS and custom mappers.
Some hands on experience with Performance tuning activities.

If you are interested in this position, please contact Scott Pinkowitz with Job Code NJSQL.

Scott Pinkowitz
Conversion Services International
P: 973.560.9400ext.2042
E: spinkowitz@csiwhq.com

SQLDiva

Philly Code Camp 2008.2 - May 17, 2008

SQLDiva — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:21:00 GMT

Philly.Net is hosting a code camp on Saturday, May 17th. See the link below for more info and to register:

http://www.phillydo tnet.org/ Meetings/ MeetingEmails/ 2008/May172008/ tabid/677/ Default.aspx

SQLDiva

NJSQL April 15th Meeting: An overview of SSIS with Jay Krishnaswamy

SQLDiva — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:00:00 GMT

On April 15th, the NJ SQL Server User Group will host New Jersey based author Jay Krishnaswamy(See details below). One of my goals for the NJSQL group is to grow the SQL Server Community in New Jersey. It's awesome to be able to host all types of presenters at the NJSQL meetings, but it's important to encourage New Jersey bases folks to present at a NJSQL meetings.

If you are a New Jersey based SQL Server Professional who is thinking about becoming a speaker, please contact me.

SQLDiva

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Date: Tuesday, April 15th

Sponsor: Microsoft

Refreshments: Pizza/Soda

Give-A-Ways: TBD

Topic: An overview of SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS)

Presenter: Jay Krishnaswamy

Dr. Jay Krishnaswamy is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore writes on database and web development related topics to several computer programming related web sites. Before working in the IT industry as a Microsoft Certified Trainer and a Siebel Certified consultant he taught and worked at several institutes of technology and universities in India, Australia, Brazil and the USA. His book on SQL Server Integration Services was published by Packt Publishers, Birmingham, UK.

Overview:
This session will allow beginners to get a jump start on the SQL Server Integration Services concepts using Visual Studio 2005. The emphasis of this talk will be mostly on the Microsoft wizardry that puts rapid application development on a stable platform.

Local User Group Websites (NJ/NY/CT/PA/DE)

SQLDiva — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 13:29:00 GMT

I attended the NYC Microsoft Heroes Happen Here Launch event on 3/4/08. My role in attending this event was to represent PASS and the local user groups at the Community User Group Table. As the day went on, it became more apparent to me that folks are having a difficult time finding the websites of the local user groups. Peter Laudati (NY/NJ/CT Developer Evalgelist) does a great job of blogging about the monthly events scheduled for the local user groups (http://blogs.msdn.com/peterlau/), but selfishly I wanted to capture just the user group websites for me (and of course for you...).

Enjoy!!!

SQLDiva

New Jersey

New York

Connecticut

Pennsylvania

Delaware

2008 PASS Community Summit Call to Speakers Extended

SQLDiva — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:53:00 GMT

The Deadline for the 2008 PASS Community Summit Call to Speakers has been extended until Midnight ET on Monday April 7th. Join other industry professionals and help build the SQL Server community as a 2008 PASS Community Summit speaker in Seattle, Washington, November 18-21.

Act now and submit an abstract by the April 7th Deadline.

All speakers receive:
Complimentary registration to the 2008 PASS Community Summit
Industry recognition
Networking opportunities with thousands of attendees
Microsoft employees are encouraged to submit presentations using the online submission website. Please note that any Microsoft submissions will be reviewed and abstract status will be determined by Microsoft.

For more information, please visit the PASS Call To Speakerswebsite at http://calltospeakers.sqlpass.org/ or e-mail any questions to calltospeakers@sqlpass.org

SQLDiva

SQL Programmer - Northern NJ

SQLDiva — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:44:00 GMT

Long term contract opportunity.At least 2-3 years as programmer, a minimum of 1-4 years in
analytical role. Must has Strong SQL experience. vb.net a plus.

Requirements:
* Analysis, design, coding, and testing of components of large systems.
* Develop detailed specifications from which code will be written.
* Develops project plans
* Excellent Communication skills

If you are interested in this position, please contact Maggie with job code NJSQL.

Maggie DaRonco
Senior IT Staffing Specialist
Vega consulting Solutions
Phone: 973-335-7800
Email: mdaronco@vegaconsulting.com

Redmond Magazine April, 2008(Cover Story): The New Face of User Groups

SQLDiva — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:44:00 GMT

The current issue of Redmond Magazine includes a cover story on "The New Face of User Groups". This 4+ page article goes through the history of User Groups and illustrates why they are so vibrant and required in today environment. For some time, I’ve wanted to blog about the reason why user groups are needed and what they provide to their attendees. But, this article has already done it. Thanks, Redmond Magazine!!!

Enjoy!!!
SQLDiva

Redmond Magazine Article: http://redmondmag.com/features/article.asp?EditorialsID=2439

SQL Server 2005 Developer: Princeton, NJ (Contract to Hire)

SQLDiva — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:47:00 GMT

SQL Server 2005 Developer must have a strong demonstrable experience in creating detail designs for relational databases to achieve high performance and to be able to develop through development lifecycle.

Study Requirements and High Level designs specs and produce detailed designs

Define Database layer logic and interfaces and document them

Define Physical Data Models

Contribute to database layer coding efforts

Ensure that quality and performance standards are met

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE NEEDED TO ADEQUATELY PERFORM THIS ROLE:
5+ years of database design and development

Solid knowledge of SQL Server 2000 and familiarity with new features of SQL 2005

Excellent Data modeling skills (Erwin or other modeling tools)

Experience in developing large multi-tier, database applications

Expert in strategies and approaches for physical database design, performance optimization/tuning

Interact with peer teams effectively

Good communication and team skills

Good experience SDLC and/or other development methodologies

BSCS or MS Degree or concentration in a technical field

If you are interested in this position, contact Thomas Glatz with Job Code NJSQL.

Thomas W. Glatz
Global Employment Solutions
IT Consulting Division
Business Development Manager
One Presidential Blvd, Suite 310
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
610-822-1251
http://www.gesnetwork.com

SQLDiva

FREE Microsoft Conference in Atlantic City, NJ April 22-24‏

SQLDiva — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:35:00 GMT

Event Overview: This is a unique event designed for developers, architects, technical and business decision makers in the healthcare industry. Please join us to discover how Microsoft, its partners, and customers make possible the delivery of Software + Services in Health & Life Sciences.

Conference: http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032360756&Culture=en-US

Agenda and Tracks: http://blogs.msdn.com/hlsdpe/pages/HLSDevCon2008Tracks.aspx (adding a few more!)

NOTE: Discounted Hotel Rooms are available until 4/8.

SQLDiva

SQL 2008 Training on Saturday, April 5th

SQLDiva — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:13:00 GMT

See http://njsql.org/blogs/user_group_news/archive/2008/03/07/SQL2008.aspx

SQLDiva

SQL Server 2005 SP3 - Your Vote is Needed!!!

SQLDiva — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:52:00 GMT

The current "buzz" about SQL Server is the upcoming release of SQL Server 2008 and all the new features that will help to revolutionize the way data is used. This is awesome and it's great that Microsoft is sticking with their promise to release new versions of the product every 2-3 years. But, I feel it's just as important for Microsoft to focus on the quality of the current version that is being used on production systems today.

Vote Here for SQL Server 2005 SP3:

http://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/ViewFeedback.aspx?FeedbackID=326575

Verbage from connect.microsoft.com:

Since Service Pack 2 was relelased, numerous bugs have been fixed. They are available in cumulative update packages (6 to date). However, Microsoft recommends customers not to install these cumulative updates unless affected by one of the fixed bugs. That creates a dilemma for SQL Server administrators. You do not want to install a package if Microsoft recommends against it, but you also want to take pro-active action so that you can squash the bug BEFORE it affects you.

See Comments on this topic from other folks like you:

http://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/Validation.aspx?FeedbackID=326575

SQLDiva

PASS Database Adminstration SIG Live Meeting Event: February 27th at 12pm EST

SQLDiva — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:51:00 GMT

PASS hosts several SIGs (Special Interest Groups) in the area of Database Administration, Business Intelligence, Application Development and Women in Technology.

The PASS Database Adminstration SIG is offering a live meeting event featuring TJay Belt. TJay will give a talk about SQL Server Logical Query Processing

Abstract: The first noticeable aspect of SQL that is different from other programming languages is the order in which the code is processed. In most programming languages, the code is processed in the order in which it is written. In SQL, the first clause that is processed is the FROM clause, while the SELECT clause, which appears first, is processed almost last. The presentation will be a brief description of the different logical steps applied in both SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005. You'll also see a demonstration of SQL code written by Itzik Ben-Gan from his book Inside Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2005 T-SQL Querying.

TJay Belt is a Database Administrator for the Accounts Payable division of Affiliated Computer Services. He has studied computer science at BYU and developed in and administered databases his entire career. TJay has used SQL Server versions 7, 2000 and 2005 since 1998, and has been a DBA for 5 1/2 + years. TJay has enjoyed delivering presentations for Microsoft, Affiliated Computer Services, and local SQL Server User groups. He is the founder and PASS chapter leader of the Utah County SQL Server user group. TJay truly enjoys working with and administering database, and his real passion lies in creating solutions.

To attend the meeting, you will need:

· An Internet connection for the presentation
· A telephone connection for the audio

The URL for the meeting is: https://www.livemeeting.com/rm/microsoft/join

The Meeting ID is SIGS
The Meeting Key is SGISSIGS

The Location is https://www112.livemeeting.com/cc/microsoft

Audio Conferencing (Toll-free): +1 (866) 500-6738
Participant Code: 4048733

When attending the meeting, please observe the following common courtesies:

1. If you are using a speaker phone, please mute it unless you are asking a question. That way, other participants will not be disturbed by the noise in your environment.

2. If you need to leave the meeting temporarily, please hang up and call us back, unless your phone is silent when on hold. Your hold music and/or message is disturbing to other participants.

FIRST TIME USERS:

To save time before the meeting, check your system to make sure it is compatible with Microsoft Office Live Meeting: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52354

If you have any questions, please contact sharond@voicenet.com

Interested in presenting on your favorite topic for a Live Meeting Event? Presentations are an hour to an hour and a quarter long. You use your own computer. You can present PowerPoint slides and do demos. If you're interested, contact sharond@voicenet.com

SQLDiva

SetFocus is partnering with Conversion Services International

SQLDiva — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:36:00 GMT

SetFocus has partnered with Conversion Services International to combine the power of CSI’s leading-edge expertise in information management with SetFocus’ world-class training in Microsoft Business Intelligence and Microsoft Performance Point Server™.

CSI Partner Page: http://www.setfocus.com/partners/csi.aspx

CSI is a leading provider of professional services focusing on strategic consulting, data warehousing, business intelligence, and business process reengineering, as well as integration and information technology management solutions.
Press Release: http://www.setfocus.com/pressrelease/csi_partnership.aspx

As part of this partnership launch, SetFocus will be offering the opportunity to secure reduced one-on-one consultative services with CSI: http://www.setfocus.com/partners/seminars/CSI_InfoMngmtAdvisory.aspx

SetFocus will also be hosting two specialty seminars developed and delivered by CSI’s Senior Vice President of Information Management, William McKnight:

“Introduction to Master Data Management for the Enterprise” http://www.setfocus.com/partners/seminars/masterdatamanagement_enterprise.aspx

“Introduction to Data Warehousing” http://www.setfocus.com/partners/seminars/introdatawarehousing.aspx

Both one day seminars will be held this March. For registration details and pricing, please see the links listed about.
And don't forget - all SetFocus Alumni receive an exclusive 20% discount off all SetFocus services!

SQLDiva

Free Business Intelligence/Business Objects Session: 2/21 at the Hanover Marriot (Whippany, NJ)

SQLDiva — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 01:41:00 GMT

Calming the Information Storm

A seminar focused on optimizing trust and visibility into your data using Business Intelligence (BI), and maximizing the effectiveness through BI user adoption

You've automated your business processes and invested in CRM, ERP and other operational systems. Yet, you feel inundated by the storm of data coming in and out of your system. Isn’t it time to optimize your investments and convert your data into a strategic asset that all of your business and IT stakeholders will be able to leverage?

Attend our seminar to discover how you can use your data as your competitive edge and get everyone on board with the strategy. Learn how other organizations have successfully capitalized on Business Intelligence to achieve corporate goals and overcome 3 key informational challenges surrounding:

	1.		Data integrity and trust—learn more
	2.		Consolidation and automation of performance metrics—learn more
	3.		User adoption—learn more

Do you relate to any of the touch points above and wish to calm the manic data storm? Then this is a seminar you do not want to miss! Register now

We look forward to seeing you.

SQLDiva




February 21, 2008 8:00am–12:00pm *Marriott Hanover* 1401 Route 10 East Whippany, NJ, 07981 Cost: Complimentary

Senior DBA Position: NJM in Trenton, NJ

SQLDiva — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:20:00 GMT

Job Description:
The candidate will be responsible for the operational support of NJM’s SQL Server Database environment. This advanced position plays an integral role in the maintenance and support of business critical applications. Candidates should be team players with excellent communication skills and have the ability to manage a multitude of database assignments independently.

Responsibilities include:

* Database object review, creation, maintenance, and change control
* Monitor relational databases to optimize performance, resource use, and physical implementation

* Support Highly-available database technologies (clustering)
* Monitor and maintain database security in cooperation with data security administrators

* Migrating databases between servers and various platforms

* SQL Server Reporting services support and implementation
* Database back-up/recovery
* Fault analysis and resolution

* Implementation and maintenance of disaster recovery solutions including replication and Log Shipping
* Monitor and manage database backups, logs, and maintenance

* Support the Data Modeling unit with the design of new databases to meet application requirements
* Support design and implementation of ETL processes between disparate systems

* Assist the DB2 DBA team with DB2 administrative duties

* On-Call Support

Required Skills
* Strong expertise (4+ years) in SQL Server 2000 and 2005

* Proven troubleshooting abilities
* Specific SQL Server Administration experience including:

- Triggers
- Stored Procedure Code reviews and Development
- Data integration and Migration
- Management Studio
- SQL XML
- Database Auditing and controls

* Strong understanding of Security implementation

* Strong knowledge of Windows 2000, 2003 and XP 5+ years
* Strong knowledge of SQL and Stored Procedure Language
* Strong knowledge of relational database concepts
* Ability to translate Logical Data Models into physical structures
* SQL Server performance management and tuning
* Strong Project Management and communications skills
* Strong planning and analysis skills
* Ability to mentor/guide junior administrators
* Prior application development experience including architectural and design skills are strongly preferred.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

If you are interested in this position, contact NJM HR with Job Code NJSQL.

NJM Insurance Group

Email: careers@njm.com

SQLDiva

European PASS Conference: Why not spend a few April days in Neuss, Germany!!!

SQLDiva — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 20:51:00 GMT

The next European PASS Conference will take place between the 14th - 16th of April 2008 in Neuss, Germany!

The NJ SQL Server Group is a member of "PASS", the Professional Association for SQL Server & Business Intelligence which boasts having more than 25 thousand Database administrators, Business Intelligence Experts and Application Developers as members, from all over the world.

Apart from the numerous community meetings and technical workshops PASS provides to its members globally, they hold 2 major conferences every year, one in the United States, and one in Europe. This year, the European PASS Conference will be held in beautiful Neuss, Germany from Monday the 14th of April 2008 until Wednesday the 16th of April 2008 inclusive.

Almost perfectly timed with the lead up to the SQL Server 2008 launch, attendees will be able to choose from two focussed technical preconference workshops and over 24 technical sessions on SQL Server & Business Intelligence as well as discuss new and improved SQL Server-based technologies and services with exhibitors and sponsors at the European PASS Expo held during the conference.

For details of the sessions available, visit http://www.european-pass-conference.com or contact your Regional PASS Chapter Leader.

European PASS Conference 2008
April 14-16, 2008
Swissôtel
Neuss, Germany

Click here to Register – and join us in Germany!

SQLDiva