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Azure Data Community

Welcome to the Azure Data Community. Below, you’ll find user groups and resources related to SQL Server, Azure Data, and diversity and inclusion.

To empower our community, we are providing you with some resources to help you continue to connect with one another, learn and develop your skills, and grow in your careers.

Community-created resources

Below are community-created resources related to data from edge, to on-premises, to cloud, to multi-cloud.

Azure Databases Tech Community

SQL Server Tech Community

Data Architecture Community

Database Administrators StackExchange

MSSQLTips

SQLPerformance

SQLServerCentral

EightKB SQL Server Internals Conference

Data Exposed: MVP Edition

SQL Friday

DataGrillen Events

Daniel Hutmacher

A personal blog on SQL Server-related best practices, development tips and performance tuning from his work in the field.

Erwin de Kreuk

Personal blog on all different Azure Data Services, mainly focused on Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Factory and Microsoft Purview.

Andy Cutler

ServerlessSQL is a blog covering Azure Synapse Analytics, Data Engineering with Data Factory and Azure Data Lake, and Power BI.

Jungsun Kim

Blog in Korean covering SQL Server News, Seminars, Lectures, Videos, and any information Include Korean SQL Community activities.

Luiz Santana

Blog in Brazilian Portuguese sharing knowledge about databases, Microsoft certifications for the data area, SQL / T-SQL language, Microsoft technologies for the data area, Business Intelligence, Cloud data technologies, Career tips, Mentoring in the data area, technical Lives and talks on various subjects and etc.

Javier Villegas

Spanish blog that shares SQL Server tips, tricks and updates.

Hasan Savran

From SQL Server to Cosmos DB, a well-rounded place for the data professional.

Kenneth Fisher

Study and reference materials, free scripts and lots of SQL Server.

Meagan Longoria

A collection of interesting tips, links, and experiences in data warehousing and analytics on the Microsoft Data Platform written by experienced consultant and Microsoft Data Platform MVP Meagan Longoria.

Rob Farley

Opinion pieces and technical posts on a variety of data topics, including SQL, BI, Analytics, Cloud Data and responses to T-SQL Tuesday topics.

Taiob Ali

Read posts about SQL Services beyond GUI.

Wolfgang Strasser

Personal blog about everything Data Platform related, Power BI stuff and everything that's interesting.

Raw Data Podcast

Hosted by former Microsoft product manager Rob Collie, this podcast explores the unique and often-accidental paths career paths, human element, etc.

Tales from the Field

A web show by, for and about the Azure Data Community! Hosting 2 weekly live shows interviewing people inside Microsoft and MVPs and round tables featuring content directly from the community. Our channel also has videos to help you understand concepts around Azure Data.

United We Tech

United We Tech is a monthly podcast from Data Platform WIT featuring interviews with women in data world.  Beginning in 2023, interviews will focus on the challenges women face in tech and how they deal with them. We also feature highlighting interviews with women speaking at leading data conferences.

SQL Server Radio with Guy Glantser and Eitan Blumin

SQL Server Radio is a podcast for SQL Server DBAs, database developers, architects, system administrators, and anyone else who is interested in the SQL Server platform. The show is intended to add another platform of knowledge sharing to the already strong SQL Server community.

SQL Down Under with Greg Low

SQL Down Under is a podcast for SQL Server professionals. In each show, Microsoft MVP and RD Greg Low interviews a well-known identity from the SQL Server or data communities.

RunAsRadio with Richard Campbell

RunAs Radio is a weekly podcast for IT Professionals working with Microsoft products. Each 30-minute episode covers a specific topic in the field of IT from a Microsoft-centric viewpoint.

Knee-Deep in Tech

Knee-Deep in Tech is a bi-weekly(-ish) podcast covering IT and technology, focusing on the Microsoft stack, hosted by 3 MVPs & MCTs with over 35 years of IT infrastructure experience between them.

Totally Skewed

Totally Skewed, the podcast devoted to everything Data and AI. We are looking to put the world to rights, cut through the hype, give you the opinionated view of the state of tech and try to see if we are indeed, all totally skewed.

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Check out recent and upcoming events and webcasts

Microsoft-created resources

Below are resources related to data from edge, to on-premises, to cloud, to multi-cloud.

SQL Server and Azure Databases Tech Communities

Connect with Microsoft Engineering and other members of the community in message boards and access additional resources.

SQL Server and Azure SQL Labs and Workshops

Get hands-on experience with SQL Server and Azure SQL with labs and workshops created by Microsoft Engineering, hosted on GitHub.

SQL Server 2022 Data Sheet

Get an overview of what’s new in SQL Server 2022 including Azure-enabled governance, analytics, and disaster recover, enhanced security and accelerated query performance.

What’s new in SQL Server 2022 Mechanics Video

Bob Ward covers the latest features of SQL Server 2022 including Azure-enablement, and next-generation built-in query intelligence with parameter sensitive plan optimization.

SQL Server 2022 Announcement Blog

Check out the blog post announcing the SQL Server 2022 general availability by Peter Carlin, Microsoft CVP, Azure Database Services, to learn about the innovations and enhancements of this release.

Data Exposed Series on SQL Server 2022

Join Anna Hoffman and SQL Server 2022 engineering leaders as they explore the features and benefits you can look forward to in this latest release.

SQL Server and Azure Databases Tech Communities

Connect with Microsoft Engineering and other members of the community in message boards and access additional resources.

Developing on Azure SQL

Get started with Microsoft developer tools and technologies. Explore our samples and discover the things you can build.

SQL Server and Azure SQL Labs and Workshops

Get hands-on experience with SQL Server and Azure SQL with labs and workshops created by Microsoft Engineering, hosted on GitHub.

Professional Azure SQL Managed Database Administration

Get the free technical implementation guide for Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Managed Instance on how to deploy, configure, and modernize your existing applications with Azure SQL.

IT Resource Kit: Get started with Azure SQL

Get resources and information you need to start your SQL Server migration. Utilize your existing on-premises SQL Server skills and plan your successful deployment to Azure SQL with this resource kit.

Azure SQL for beginners

View the Azure SQL for beginners YouTube series. Modules include Introduction to Azure, Deploy and Configure, Security, Performance, Availability, and Putting It All Together.

Azure SQL Bootcamp

Tune in for four days of interactive Azure SQL learning with Anna Hoffman and Bob Ward. Get your Azure SQL questions answered, learn to solve real-world scenarios, and more in this free workshop.

Azure SQL Fundamentals

Learn how to translate your existing SQL Server expertise to Azure SQL including Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL managed instance.

Azure Cosmos DB Live

Join Azure Cosmos DB product managers and partners for a weekly webcast on new features, tips and tricks, and more.

Find Azure Cosmos DB Community Resources

Visit the Azure Cosmos DB Community page to see all the resources available to developers looking to get started using Azure Cosmos DB. You’ll find links to our social channels, forums to ask questions, samples, SDK’s, User Groups and more.

Learn Azure Cosmos DB from the experts

Learn how to use Azure Cosmos DB by watching experts in the community walk through our latest learning content in Learn Live series. In this series, you can enjoy over 30 lab modules watching the content and exercises while you follow along on your own. It’s a great way to get hands-on experience and requires no Azure subscription.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty

Demonstrate your expertise in designing, implementing, and monitoring cloud-native applications that store and manage data including developing apps and solutions working with Azure and Azure Cosmos DB.

How it works: Azure Arc-enabled data services

See how in just 5 steps, you can deploy Azure services like Azure Arc-enabled SQL Managed Instance or PostgreSQL on the infrastructure of your choice including on-premises or in other public clouds. This architecture guide will walk you the steps needed to bring Azure manageability, innovation, and security to your hybrid estate.

Azure Arc Jumpstart: Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server

 Access these deployment scenarios to guide you through deploying and working with Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server

Get started with Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server

Learn how extend Azure services to your SQL Server estate, even if they reside outside of Azure, with Azure Arc.

Data Exposed

In the episode of Data Exposed learn about the new Azure Arc-enabled SQL Managed Instance Landing Zone Accelerator.

Microsoft Learn

Start your free learning journey with Azure Arc.

Azure Arc Jumpstart: Azure Arc-enabled data services

This repository of scenarios will help to guide you through deploying and working with Azure Arc-enabled data services on multiple infrastructure platforms.

Introduction to Azure Arc-enabled Data Services

Azure Arc-enabled data services are designed to make it possible to run Azure Arc-enabled SQL MI and Azure Arc-enabled PostgreSQL on any infrastructure using the power of Kubernetes.

Azure Synapse at Microsoft Q&A

Azure Synapse Blog

Check out the Azure Synapse blog for technical articles and latest updates.

Azure Synapse Monthly Updates

Keep up to date with the latest Azure Synapse updates thanks to the monthly update blog post series.

Azure Synapse YouTube Channel

Learn Azure Synapse by watching the videos on the official YouTube channel.

Azure Synapse at Microsoft Q&A

Connect with Microsoft Engineering and other members of the community to get answers to your Azure Synapse related questions.

Get started with Azure Synapse in 60 minutes

Watch this 1-hour webinar to learn how to get started with your first analytics project using Azure Synapse.

Azure Synapse Analytics Toolkit

Download this toolkit to access a collection of technical resources about Azure Synapse and start gaining valuable insights faster.

Become Azure Synapse Practitioner

Take the 30-day Azure Synapse skills challenge and find more great resources to learn Azure Synapse.

Azure Synapse on Microsoft Learn

Browse free online learning paths on Microsoft Learn and learn Azure Synapse on your own schedule, at your own pace, and in your own place.

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Diversity & inclusion resources

Microsoft Inclusion Journey

Gain insights about how we can drive systemic and individual change, listen to reflections on our journey so far and stories from our communities, and commit to the work still to come.

Diversity – Beyond Microsoft

The issues behind social and economic inequality are bigger than any one organization can tackle alone. We have an opportunity—and an obligation—to foster collective movement towards greater diversity and inclusion through our actions and partnerships.

Humans of IT - Tech Community

Empowering technologists to achieve more by humanizing tech.

General Questions

  • Azure Data includes SQL ServerAzure SQLAzure Synapse AnalyticsAzure Arc enabled data servicesAzure data governance, and other data-related Azure services.

  • Please fill out this survey.

  • Please contact the Azure Data Community team by filling out this survey.

  • You must have at least one group leader and one designated co-leader.

  • Both the leader and designated co-leader must sign and accept the T&Cs.

  • Group leaders may not charge other members a fee to attend Group meetings, except in cases in which the venue and/or hosting costs (e.g., food and beverages) are passed through to members.

  • Yes, Groups must maintain a published code of conduct that is easily accessible from the Group’s home page. See guidance.

  • You must maintain a regular meeting cadence including having meetings at least SIX (6) times per year.

  • At least half of your meetings must relate to or cover Azure Data products & services or relate to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) or Professional Development targeted to data professionals.

  • SQL Server (on Windows, Linux, and in Containers, on-premises and in Microsoft Azure)

    Azure Arc Enabled Data Services

    Azure Cosmos DB

    Azure Data Catalog

    Azure Data Lake

    Azure Database for MySQL

    Azure Database for PostgreSQL

    Azure Databricks

    Azure HDInsight, Hadoop and Spark on Azure

    Azure Purview

    Azure Search

    Azure SQL (Database, Pools, Serverless, Hyperscale, Managed Instance, Virtual Machines)

    Azure SQL Edge

    Azure Stream Analytics

    Azure Synapse Analytics

    Big Data Clusters

    Cortana Intelligence Suite

    Data Warehousing (Azure SQL Data Warehouse, Fast Track and APS)

    Information Management (ADF, SSIS, and Data Sync)

    SQL Server Machine Learning Services

    SQL Server Reporting Services and Analysis Services

  • Yes, all groups must comply with the Program's Code of Conduct. See CoC.

  • All group must adhere to Microsoft’s Trademark and Brand guidelines, when using any Microsoft trademarks or referring to Microsoft’s software, products or services. See guidelines.

  • You may choose to remove the Group from the Program at any time by referencing the information here. If the Group leaves the Program, it will no longer receive related communications from Microsoft and no longer have access to Benefits.

  • You may stop being the group leader, or may make leadership changes at any time by providing Microsoft with at least 14 days’ written notice, via email at ms-data@microsoft.com. In order for the Group to continue as part of the Program without suspension, the notification to Microsoft must identify the new group leader or co-leader.

  • Your participation in the Program does not create a partnership, agency or employer-employee relationship with Microsoft or any of its suppliers. Neither you nor the Group will make any statements on behalf of Microsoft or its suppliers about Microsoft or its suppliers, or any of Microsoft’s or its suppliers’ products or services.

  • Yes. Failure to meet any of the Program requirements throughout the duration of the Group’s participation may result in the Group’s removal from the Program. We may also remove the Group or suspend the Group’s participation in the Program at any time if we suspect that the Group has violated any of these T&Cs. Unless Microsoft believes an immediate suspension is required, Microsoft will provide you reasonable notice before removing the Group from the Program.

    Prohibited Uses

    You or the Group will not use the Program:

    1. To try to gain unauthorized access to or disrupt any Microsoft or third-party service, device, data, account or network.
    2. To financially enrich yourself, any member of the Group, or any third party.
    3. In a way prohibited by law, regulation, governmental order or decree.
  • If you would like to remove your group from the Azure Tech Groups program, you can initiate that process by emailing ms-data@microsoft.com. By withdrawing from the program, all program benefits and communications for your group will be terminated.

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