Michael J. Swart

Thought I’d mention a couple things that aren’t technical, but might interest you any way.

I’m Changing Jobs

It’s true, I left my position as a Senior Database Developer at Desire2Learn. But I’ve accepted a new position at the same company (because Desire2Learn it just that cool) as a Data Warehouse Architect.

What this means for me: For me it means more focus, more BI, more data integration.

What this means for you: For you (dear blog reader) it means that the topics I write about could shift. I’ve never given myself restrictions on what I could and couldn’t write about. But I expect the new and different challenges I face to lead to new and different blog post topics. My hope is that instead of writing posts explaining how I prefer one technique over another, I’ll be writing posts explaining how I prefer one strategy over another. We’ll see what happens.

I’ve Joined TorPASS

 I’ve been asked to help reboot TorPASS Toronto’s SQL Server User group. I spoke at the first meeting along with Karen Lopez (@Datachick) and I thought it went well. Toronto’s SQL Server community deserves to be more active. I mean it certainly has the talent. I’m encouraged by the start.

What this means for me: I’ll be more involved with the local SQL Server community. My hope is that I get opportunities to speak a little more. Blogging has done wonders for my writing skills. So maybe speaking skills are next.

What this means for you: If you’re local great! I hope to see you come out some time. I’ve already met some great people. Even if you’re from another part of Southwestern Ontario… I’m hoping that maybe the group can hold a few meetings out this way (Kitchener-Waterloo). Stay tuned!

I’m Attending the PASS Summit

The PASS summit is the largest event dedicated to SQL Server. The first time I attended the summit was in 2009. For one reason or another I missed the next two. (I did catch the keynotes online though). Well this year, I’m not missing it. I’m coming to the PASS summit in Seattle and I’m psyched!

What this means for me: umm… the world.

What this means for you: If you’re coming too that’s great! I’d love to meet you. Introduce yourself to me, I look like that guy in the illustration above and if my memory serves correctly, it’s likely that I’ll be wearing some sort of over-sized conference badge with my name on it. Just know two things: (1) I have no dinner or lunch plans and (2) I like to talk about databases.

If you’re not coming to the summit that’s okay too. I know how you feel. Keep reading this blog. I’ll be writing about stuff I hear and learn and giving my take on it.

Cheers!