Event Location:
CGSB Curtin Graduate School Of Business
78 Murray Street
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Abstract:
When implementing Power BI in any enterprise, there are many options that the project team faces, and the choices are not always obvious. The different approaches are often dictated by organisational constraints, which are often different for many organisations. In this presentation, Craig will take you on a journey of discovery about the different best practices and options you have when implementing Power BI in your enterprise. Among others, we will discuss topics such as: • The different data storage and connectivity modes. • Power BI Pro vs Power BI Premium. • Efficient use of workspaces and apps. • Security Considerations. • Content Governance. • How all of the above (and other) topics impact your implementation. Craig will bring his extensive real-world experience to this presentation, in which the audience is encouraged to participate in the discussion.
Speaker(s): Craig Bryden,
Abstract:
The CEO just tasked you with moving all the SQL Server instances to Azure, or maybe you are deploying a brand new application and want to leverage Azure IaaS to host SQL Server. Beyond security and performance, your most pressing concern might be ensuring SQL Server running in Azure is highly available. While on-prem high availability and disaster recovery options for SQL Server are well defined, moving those instances to Azure immediately presents some questions and challenges. Can I simply lift and shift my SQL Server Failover Cluster Instance to the cloud? Do I need to upgrade to SQL Server Enterprise Edition and us Always On Availability Groups? What about shared storage and failover clustering? What about disaster recovery, what are my options there? Load Balancers, Fault Domains, Availability Zones, Azure Site Recovery and Region Pairs, what are these things and why do they matter to me? HA and DR professional Jason Aw with 20 years of experience explains all this and more in
Speaker(s): Jason Aw,
Abstract:
When Microsoft released SQL Server 2017 it allowed us to run SQL Server in docker containers. This radical change provides a wider and open platform that data professionals can choose how to deploy and run SQL Server. This session will demonstrate how containers are a game changer for deploying and managing SQL Server. It will also showcase how the Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) is a scalable and highly available platform for SQL Server running in containers. Demonstrations will show how easy it is to create containers, deploy SQL Server in them and how to automate and manage your SQL Server containers using Kubernetes on the Azure platform. This session will show you the exciting future of SQL Server and you will walk away with knowledge of practical scenarios where SQL Server running in containers on Kubernetes may be the right deployment model for you.
Speaker(s): Hamish Watson,
Abstract:
If you've dipped your toe into the waters of Azure SQL DB, you'll know that there's no SQL Agent available. Fortunately there are many options available to get you over this hurdle. One of these is Azure Automation, a scheduling engine which runs PowerShell or Python scripts to perform your tasks. As a bonus, these Runbooks can also be triggered from Azure SQL DB alerts. This session will introduce Azure Automation, from a basic, manually executed Runbook to an alert-driven responsive utility that can save you considerable effort. We'll then take Alert responses a step further and use them to trigger an Azure Logic App workflow - a utility that provides a robust workspace with built-in scalability retry logic along with a multitude of connectors which can expand the response to your alert. Imagine being able to capture an Alert, perform the remedial action, log the issue response in your ticketing system and switch on your kettle so you can sit back and let Azure do it all for you.
Speaker(s): Martin Cairney,
Abstract:
- Do you ever have trouble finding the latest version of a report? - Do you want to see the changes to a database/cube/report over time? - Do you need to identify where a field is used across your BI Environment? - Do you have issues with parallel development? - Do you work in a Business Intelligence environment with no source control? If you answered yes to any of these questions then this session is for you! We will go through 1. Why source control is important. 2. The different Visual Studio project types (Databases, Analysis Services, Integration Services, and Reporting Services) 3. How to bring an existing business intelligence environment into Source Control 4. How to facilitate parallel development Let's bring order to your chaos!
Speaker(s): Heidi Hasting,
Abstract:
Since its inception, Power BI has gradually folded more and more AI-powered capabilities into the platform so that some very complex and incredibly useful functionality is now easily accessible to a wide range of data-savvy users. Come and join Lee Moran, organiser of the Perth Modern Excel and Power BI User Group, as he walks you through the many ways you can tap into this great capability and understand how Microsoft’s goal of “democratising AI” can really take the insights surfaced in your Power BI report to the next level. In this demo-heavy session, Lee will cover everything from the Analytics pane on line charts through to some of the newly released capabilities around a simple mechanism to interface with published, enterprise-scale Azure ML models.
Speaker(s): Lee Moran,
Abstract:
Test Driven Development (TDD) is a design approach which has enabled application developers to write cleaner code. It is relevant for database development as it ensures that code produced using TDD and unit tests will be of higher quality which means interactions with data will be safer. TDD is not a new method of unit testing, it is an essential design practice for improving the quality of your deployed code. In this session it will be shown how we can use TDD to design and write better unit tests using open-source frameworks and industry standard tools. These tools can be run within SQL Server Management Studio which means DBAs can also take advantage of TDD and unit test, to ensure more reliable code is deployed to databases. TDD can result in code that can be deployed more reliably and faster when using DevOps processes such as Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery. A comprehensive DEMO will reveal how Test Driven Development can help you deploy database code
Speaker(s): Hamish Watson,
Abstract:
Even as many of the traditional DBA activities become automated or managed by Cloud providers, the ability to tune and optimize database query performance remains a desirable and marketable skill. Central to ability to tune queries is an ability to use information provided from Execution plans, DMVs, Query Store and Extended Events. In this demo based session we will look into: - What information is available - How it can be used. - Techniques to improve performance. Attendees will leave with an understanding of possibilities of turning queries and a roadmap for further learning. This session will assume a basic knowledge of T-SQL and execution plans.
Speaker(s): Patrick Flynn,
Abstract:
Machine Learning is a complex area, but what if as easy as just calling an API? Let's take a deeper dive into how we can incorporate Azure Cognitive Services to allow your applications to see, hear, and understand.
Speaker(s): Scott Holden,
Abstract:
In this demo-rich session, learn how to use the unique strength of Microsoft Excel and Power BI to boost your business analytics and insights with Office 365. Learn how to easily collect existing organizational data with Excel and publish to Power BI, create visually rich reports to monitor your business, and securely share it with your colleagues all from within Microsoft Teams. Use the extensive Excel capabilities with Power BI to get valuable business insights and drill down to the last bit of your data. To finish off we'll go from raw data to a voice generated Power BI mobile visual in under 10 minutes!
Speaker(s): Wyn Hopkins,
Abstract:
Azure Data Studio is no longer the new kid on the block. How many of you have used Azure Data Studio? In this session we will take you on a journey introducing you to Azure Data Studio so that you can understand the ins and outs and when you should consider using Azure Data Studio in place of SQL Server Management Studio. In this idemo heavy session we will look at how productive you can be with Azure Data studio and some of the features that are not available in SQL Server Management Studio.
Speaker(s): Warwick Rudd,
Abstract:
Governance is essential for every organization and this session will cover the implementation of governance in Azure for an existing and a greenfield Azure deployment using Azure Scaffolding, Management Groups, Policy, and Blueprints.
Speaker(s): Deepak Maheshwari,
Abstract:
Microsoft recently launched Data Flows in Azure Data Factory (ADF) to move the service beyond the pure orchestration space into the world of extract, transform and load (ETL). At roughly the same time, Microsoft also introduced dataflows into the Power BI service world, allowing users to leverage common query models across an enterprise. So, what do we do with these new offerings? What are they, really? Is Microsoft just trying to confuse us? This session untangles and explores ADF Data Flows and Power BI dataflows to help you to get a better understanding of how you may be able to apply them in your world.
Speaker(s): Nicholas Schafer,
Abstract:
The idea behind serverless compute is fantastic, less to manage, minimal code, and true elastic scaling. But what does serverless scale actually look like in the world of relational databases? Lets take a deep dive into the risks and rewards of serverless application development on Azure, a have a peek into the world of Azure SQL Serverless.
Speaker(s): Scott Holden,
Abstract:
There has been lots of focus recently on upgrades and migrations with the end-of-life of SQL Server 2008 and 2008R2. With so many critical databases running on these older versions, how do you ensure that you achieve a successful and safe transition to your new platform? Fortunately there are some fantastic tools and defined processes that can lead you through each stage. There are tools to test different versions and infrastructures, processes to track query regressions and provide a way to remediate them. This session will walk through the upgrade process from end-to-end and show what tools can help you at each step.
Speaker(s): Martin Cairney,
Abstract:
DAX is easy until it's hard. The same thing applies to Excel formulas. The advantage of Excel is you can see exactly which cells are being referenced and you see the immediate answer of your calculation. DAX formulas are written in isolation with the author having to "picture" the context of where that calculation will be used. This session compares and contrasts calculations in Excel formulas and DAX formulas to give you a better comprehension on how to tackle DAX. Tips, tricks and best practice ideas will set you up for more powerful Excel and Power BI reporting.
Speaker(s): Wyn Hopkins,
Abstract:
Azure Cosmos DB is Microsoft’s Globally Distributed, Multi-Model database service. Transparently scaling across multiple Azure regions, Cosmos DB provides for many API’s including MongoDB, Cassandra, Gremlin and SQL. It offers multiple consistency models and guarantees uptime or 5 9’s. In this session we’ll take a look at this technology and learn how it might be useful – either now or in the future.
Speaker(s): Martin Catherall,
Abstract:
Interactive reporting has changed the way that organisations share and consume information. Users can slice and dice their data in so many ways without needing to ask developers to change the reports. However, most organisations do still need paginated (fixed format) reports as well. In this session, Craig will discuss the various options available for implementing paginated reports in the cloud and/or on-premises using Power BI. We will explore this in depth from all angles so that you can come away understanding these options and implications.
Speaker(s): Craig Bryden,
Abstract:
Introducing the new capability in SQL Server 2019 that is Big Data Clusters, this session will take you on a journey to understanding its Architecture, Purpose and Capabilities (all in 1 hour). We will be asking pertinent questions such as “Why is Big Data Clusters needed… ” “What challenges will it solve... “ “How can this be integrated with my existing SQL Servers…” “What are its components...”
Speaker(s): Neil Hambly,
Abstract:
In this session, we will cover how to best to architect SQL server environment to run on Azure. We will showcase and go through a number of different proven practices around the network, storage and other best practices running large-scale SQL deployments on Azure.
Speaker(s): Nirmal Thewarathanthri,
This is a list of speakers from the XML Guidebook records. The details and URLs were valid at the time of the event.
LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/hamishwatson8
Contact: http://www.sqlservercentral.com/blogs/the-hybrid-dbas-blog/
Hamish Watson is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and VMware Expert with a passion for efficient database and application deployment using DevOps methodologies. He has 20+ years of IT experience in managing and deploying large scale databases on SQL Server technologies. He has been managing SQL Server since SQL Server 2000, and pragmatic approaches to delivering business value to clients is his career passion. Educating and helping others learn is a driver for Hamish. He is a Director-At-Large on the PASS Board, international speaker, and a repeat guest lecturer at a local university.
LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/neilhambly
Contact: http://dataidol.com/NeilHambly
Neil Hambly is a SQL Server consultant, founder and consultant at Datamovements, a Gold Microsoft Data Analytics Consulting company. Neil has 20+ years in a variety of SQL Server roles and is an MCT. He is a regular presenter (200+ events) at user groups, and PASS events, including PASS Summit and SQLSaturday, and many UK events (SQLBits, SQLRelay). Neil is the leader of PASS London (UK), a Professional Development VC, a Melissa Data MVP, and a SQL Cruise Technical Lead, who loves Guinness, whisky, and dancing.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martincatherall
Contact: http://martincatherall.com
Martin is a data consultant in Melbourne, Australia, a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, and PASS Regional Mentor for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Martin founded the Christchurch, New Zealand PASS Local Group and lead the group for a number of years before relocating to Melbourne. He has been using SQL Server in various roles since 2000. In addition to anything data related, he enjoys playing the guitar and having fun with his family.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigbryden/
Craig has been working with SQL Server for over 20 years and currently holds several SQL Server based certifications. He has also previously held an MCT certification. Craig's contribution to the SQL Server community was recognised in 2018 with a Microsoft MVP award. He was involved with Microsoft Learning to set some of the current SQL server Exams. Craig is the Chief Data Strategist at BiTQ. Craig is an organiser of the QLD Power BI User Group
LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/hamishwatson8
Contact: http://www.sqlservercentral.com/blogs/the-hybrid-dbas-blog/
Hamish Watson is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and VMware Expert with a passion for efficient database and application deployment using DevOps methodologies. He has 20+ years of IT experience in managing and deploying large scale databases on SQL Server technologies. He has been managing SQL Server since SQL Server 2000, and pragmatic approaches to delivering business value to clients is his career passion. Educating and helping others learn is a driver for Hamish. He is a Director-At-Large on the PASS Board, international speaker, and a repeat guest lecturer at a local university.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-holden-90736a153/
Contact: https://scott.ms
Scott Holden is a Technical Solutions Professional for Microsoft, focusing on Application Development within Azure. He spends his nights hacking away at a plethora of side projects, and has a strong passion for open-source technology, serverless stacks, physical and digital security, and going on random semi-educational rants about the state of cloud technology.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigbryden/
Craig has been working with SQL Server for over 20 years and currently holds several SQL Server based certifications. He has also previously held an MCT certification. Craig's contribution to the SQL Server community was recognised in 2018 with a Microsoft MVP award. He was involved with Microsoft Learning to set some of the current SQL server Exams. Craig is the Chief Data Strategist at BiTQ. Craig is an organiser of the QLD Power BI User Group
LinkedIn: http://au.linkedin.com/in/martincairney
Martin has 20 years’ experience in SQL Server technologies. His experience spans both the Database Engine and infrastructure requirements, and Data Warehousing and BI implementations. He has worked across many industry sectors including London’s global financial institutions and both State and Federal Government Departments. He is a SQL Server MVP, MCT and an experienced conference presenter, having presented at PASS Summit, SQLBits, and SQL Saturday events and User Groups round the world
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-holden-90736a153/
Contact: https://scott.ms
Scott Holden is a Technical Solutions Professional for Microsoft, focusing on Application Development within Azure. He spends his nights hacking away at a plethora of side projects, and has a strong passion for open-source technology, serverless stacks, physical and digital security, and going on random semi-educational rants about the state of cloud technology.
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/wynhopkins
Contact: https://accessanalytic.com.au/blog/
Microsoft Excel MVP providing "Amazing Excel and Power BI Solutions" for leading companies in Perth. Previously a Chartered Accountant with PwC and an analyst for HBOS and Barclays Group in the UK, Wyn is now a Director for Access Analytic. Access Analytic utilises Business Intelligence software including Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot and VBA to build applications that help companies with analysis and reporting, in order to assist growth, control cost and reduce risk.
Nicholas Schafer is a Lead Consultant at Readify with over ten years of experience in Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Analytics. He has worked with a range of BI tools with his current focus largely on the Microsoft stack, particularly data platforms and business intelligence and analytics in Azure with SQL Database and SQL Data warehouse, Azure Data Lake, Databricks and Power BI.
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/heidi-hasting-a068694
Heidi Hasting is a Business Intelligence professional and former software developer with over seven years experience in Microsoft products. She is an ALM/DLM enthusiast and Azure DevOps fan and co-founder and organiser of the Adelaide Power BI User Group. Heidi is a regular attendee at tech events including Azure Bootcamps, DevOps days, SQLSaturdays, Difinity and PASS Summit.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-moran/
Lee is an experienced Data AI consultant with a razor-sharp focus on Power BI and all of the good things it can do.
LinkedIn: http://au.linkedin.com/pub/warwick-rudd/0/956/718
Contact: http://www.sqlmastersconsulting.com.au/Blog
Warwick Rudd is a Microsoft Certified Master – SQL Server 2008 and Principal Consultant at SQL Master Consulting. He is a frequent speaker at local SQL Server User Groups and SQLSaturday events in Australia. When not playing with the SQL stack, Warwick likes to get away to the cold and spend time snowboarding.
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/wynhopkins
Contact: https://accessanalytic.com.au/blog/
Microsoft Excel MVP providing "Amazing Excel and Power BI Solutions" for leading companies in Perth. Previously a Chartered Accountant with PwC and an analyst for HBOS and Barclays Group in the UK, Wyn is now a Director for Access Analytic. Access Analytic utilises Business Intelligence software including Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot and VBA to build applications that help companies with analysis and reporting, in order to assist growth, control cost and reduce risk.
LinkedIn: http://au.linkedin.com/in/martincairney
Martin has 20 years’ experience in SQL Server technologies. His experience spans both the Database Engine and infrastructure requirements, and Data Warehousing and BI implementations. He has worked across many industry sectors including London’s global financial institutions and both State and Federal Government Departments. He is a SQL Server MVP, MCT and an experienced conference presenter, having presented at PASS Summit, SQLBits, and SQL Saturday events and User Groups round the world
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirmalmt/
Contact: https://nirmalt.com
Nirmal has over 15 years of experience in the APAC ICT industry as a solution architect and a thought leader. Prior to joining Microsoft, Nirmal was a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional speaking at a number of events, including Ignite Australia sharing his experience best practices around Cloud Datacentre technologies. In his current role as a Cloud Solution Architect, he works with some of the largest customers in Western Australia, helping their digital transformation journey to embrace Cloud solutions utilizing Microsoft Intelligent Cloud Platform.
Contact: http://sqllensman.com/blog/
Patrick Flynn is a Senior Database Administrator with 10 years experience in large 24 x 7 enterprise environments. He is a certified master for SQL Server and a regular attendee of the PASS Summit. Has presented at SQLSaturday events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland, Edmonton and Calgary, Oslo and Cambridge
Contact: https://techtalk.cloud
Deepak Maheshwari is a Microsoft Azure MVP currently working as Principal consultant in Perth. Deepak has been designing and implementing solutions on Azure from its early days, Deepak also shares his learning and experience on his blog Techtalk.cloud as well as on his YouTube channel https://youtube.com/c/techtalkcloud
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/awjason
Contact: http://www.sios-apac.com/
A passionate IT leader with over 20 years of experience in in technology, infrastructure, cloud environments particularly with high availability and disaster recovery solutions for different architectures including SQL database applications.
The following is a list of sponsors that helped fund the event.