SQL Server 2012 Databix

Enriched SQL-Flavoured cereal to nourish you and your customers

With three new ingredients to fortify customers and partners!

Cloud Based Learning Routes for SQL Server 2012

The volume of free training available for SQL Server in the cloud is continually increasing. The best sites I have found are below.

TechNet Virtual Labs: SQL Server 2012 Virtual Labs
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/virtuallabs/hh859575
This allows you to evaluate and test Microsoft's products and technologies with a series of hands-on labs that you can complete in 90 minutes or less.

Microsoft Virtual Academy
http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/Home.aspx
This is a training portal where you can learn at your own pace, focusing on Microsoft technologies, gain points and get recognition. There are tracks in SQL Server, SQL Azure, Clustering, Business Intelligence etc.

SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) Readiness Videos
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/ff977043
These videos are for those wanting to pursue SQL Server 2008 Microsoft Certified Master certification. Each module establishes the level of depth and breadth required to achieve this certification with deep dive subject matter included. These are good watch even if you are not thinking of taking the MCM exams.

SQL Server Best Practices
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/bb671430
Technical White Papers provide real-world guidelines, expert tips, and guidance for SQL Server.

EBooks
http://www.red-gate.com/community/books/
Free PDF downloads of ebooks specializing in database and programming technologies.

SQLBits
http://www.sqlbits.com/
Excellant community conference videos of recorded sessions which are available to watch on demand. 

24 Hours of PASS
http://www.sqlpass.org/24hours/spring2012/
The 24 Hours of PASS event is a virtual stage of SQL Server experts with in-depth sessions on the hottest SQL Server topics over 24 consecutive (and free!) technical webcasts.

SQL Server 2012 Certifications

The article 'Move Your Career to the Cloud with the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert certification' sets out details of the new certification.
http://blogs.technet.com/b/nraja/archive/2012/04/12/move-your-career-to-the-cloud-with-the-microsoft-certified-solutions-expert-certification.aspx

This new set of SQL Server certifications aims to provide a broader and deeper set of technology skills. The new certification is across technology solutions based on cutting-edge technologies for both On-premise or in the cloud solutions. The certification details are

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-sql-server-MCSA.aspx
Exam 461 Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012
Exam 462 Administering a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database
Exam 463 Implementing Data Warehouses with Microsoft SQL Server 2012

• To transition your certification
• Exam 457 Part 1
• Exam 458 Part 2

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) Data Platform
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-sql-server-data-platform.aspx?WT.mc_id=v3_MSL_social_MCSEDP

Exam 464 Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases
Exam 465 Designing Database Solutions for SQL Server 2012

• To transition your certification
• MCITP: Database Administrator 2008
• Exam 457 Part 1
• Exam 458 Part 2
• Exam 459 Transition your MCITP: Database Administrator 2008 to MCSE: Data Platform

MCSE: Business Intelligence
Further details of this route are here:-
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-sql-server-business-intelligence.aspx

SQLBits X - UK SQL Server 2012 Technical Launch Event

SQLBits X,  the official UK SQL Server 2012 Technical Launch Event was held from 29th - 31st March 2012 and took place at the Novotel London West, London.

This was another amazing event with plenty of chance to absorb the vast array of technical offerings from all areas of Database Management, Development and Business Intelligence.  It was a privilege to be a helper at such an event.

The event consisted of the Training Day, Conference Day and Community Day on Saturday. In the evening there was a chance to network with the largest attendance of any SQLBits.

The SQLBits keynotes were delivered by Quentin Clark , the Corporate Vice President of Microsoft SQL Server Database Systems Group and Conor Cunningham, Principal Software Architect at Microsoft. Quentin Clark showcased the vast set of new tools and new features of SQL Server 2012 to help deal with the data explosion and migration to cloud services. Conor Cunningham demonstrated the sheer speed of the new ColumnStore index and its benefits to the Data Warehouse.  A great plus for the conference was the presence of the SQLCAT team and international speakers.

The takeaway from the conference is that there is a change in how and what needs to be managed and where the future lies for database services.