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
SQLShack
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.
Hasan Savran
From SQL Server to Cosmos DB, a well-rounded place for the data professional.
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.
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.
Check out recent and upcoming events and webcasts
SQL Bits 2023
SQLBits will be landing in South Wales for 2023 and taking over the ICC for a marathon of top-quality training from global specialists. With a brand-new theme of Dungeons and Dragons, the 14th-18th March is going to be an exceptional five days of networking, growth and sharing of data knowledge.
Join us in-person or virtually, the choice is yours. We have two days of full-day training sessions, three days of general sessions as well as some exciting evening events. Saturday is our Community day. We have a full agenda schedule and, as always, it’s free to attend.
The agenda is now out and registration open, so sign up today for the data community's favourite event of the year.
Azure Data Explorer in a Day – Americas / EMEA / APAC
Azure Data Explorer (ADX) in a Day is an 8-hour workshop, to get familiar with Exabyte scale analytics service using ADX, Kusto Query Language, Timeseries Analytics and Dashboards through a hands-on learning experience from data ingestion to visualization. Each in a time zone convenient for a region. Choose the day that works best for you. Limited seats available!
Azure Data Conference
Dec 4-8, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. Join your favorite Microsoft leaders & engineers as they share their excitement about the future of Microsoft technologies. Executive keynotes set the stage for this great learning event. The Microsoft engineers will take a deep dive with you into the many new technology releases, including the latest updates to SQL Server, Azure SQL, and the entire Azure Data Platform.
Citus Con: An Event for Postgres 2023
Join us to hear from open source users, Azure database customers, and experts in PostgreSQL and Citus about how they use Postgres. Citus Con is a free and virtual developer event happening April 18-19, 2023—organized by the Citus & Postgres team at Microsoft.
There will be 2 unique livestreams happening at different times of day, plus on-demand talks too—from Citus open- source users, Azure Cosmos DB for Postgres & Azure Database for PostgreSQL customers, and experts in Postgres and Citus.
Talks are 25 minutes long and in English. Check out the #CitusCon Call for Speakers. (Hurry, the CFP closes February 5!)
Live! 360
Live! 360 returns to Orlando, November 12-17, 2023 at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Orlando, FL. Live! 360 offers six co-located technical conferences for the Developer, Data, Security, and IT community at one time for one low price. Incorporating knowledge transfer, networking and leading-edge training, these conferences keep attendees up-to-date on current technologies with a look to the future.
Live! 360 invites you to submit proposals for our upcoming event, which includes six co-located conferences:
Visual Studio Live!
SQL Server Live!
TechMentor
Artificial Intelligence Live!
Cloud & Containers Live!
Cybersecurity & Ransomware Live!
PSConfEU
Join us June 19th-22nd 2023 at Cubex Centrum, Prague, Czech Republic to discover what professionals around the globe are doing to solve real-world problems! Beyond PowerShell, today's engineers need to understand DevOps and increasingly evolve in the cloud. Meet the welcoming PowerShell community and talk as equals. At the PowerShell Conference Europe you can sit and talk with anyone - speakers, attendees, members of the product team. Share your code and show how you are solving problems so that others can learn from you. You can also learn from those that have a different approach to the same problem.
Data Saturdays
Data Saturdays are one-day events, hosted virtually or in-person around the world, for professionals using Microsoft's data platform. These community events provide free training on topics in database management, cloud and hybrid architecture, analytics, business intelligence, AI, DevOps and more. Find one that works for you.
SQLSaturday
SQLSaturdays are one-day free training events run locally in cities all around the world. Organized by community groups and leaders, these conferences allow people to learn, interact, and network in their local area. Come join us at an event in your community.
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.
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.
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.
General Questions
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Azure Data includes SQL Server, Azure SQL, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Arc enabled data services, Azure data governance, and other data-related Azure services.
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Please fill out this survey.
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Please contact the Azure Data Community team by filling out this survey.
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You must have at least one group leader and one designated co-leader.
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Both the leader and designated co-leader must sign and accept the T&Cs.
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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.
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Yes, Groups must maintain a published code of conduct that is easily accessible from the Group’s home page. See guidance.
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You must maintain a regular meeting cadence including having meetings at least SIX (6) times per year.
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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.
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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
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Yes, all groups must comply with the Program's Code of Conduct. See CoC.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
- To try to gain unauthorized access to or disrupt any Microsoft or third-party service, device, data, account or network.
- To financially enrich yourself, any member of the Group, or any third party.
- In a way prohibited by law, regulation, governmental order or decree.
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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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