22-25 April 2026 
Getting started with SQL and Azure.
2018TL; DR
Azure and its many SQL offerings can be complex to get started with. We will look at and understand the options, where and when to use them. Then through worked examples and labs we will setup, configure and use the different options available.
Session Details
Azure and its many SQL offerings can be complex to get started with. Together we will understand the options, where and when to use them.
Then through worked examples and labs we will setup, configure and use the different options available.
The main areas that will be covered in this training day are:
- Azure platform essentials
- Azure SQL Database
- Azure SQL Database Managed Instance
- SQL Server in Containers
- SQL Server in Azure Virtual Machines
With a mix of theory and hands on labs. By the end of the day you will be able to make informed recommendations to your peers on which is the appropriate technology to use for any given task.
Pre-requisites
You should have a basic knowledge of SQL Server and an appreciation of Microsoft Azure.
Laptop Required:Yes
- Spec: Enough to run SSMS, and Azure storage tools.
- Software: Latest Version of SSMS from Microsoft, Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer (https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/features/storage-explorer/) or Cloudberry Explorer Freeware (https://www.cloudberrylab.com/explorer.aspx)
- Subscriptions: None
3 things you'll get out of this session
Speakers
John Q. Martin's previous sessions
Laying the Foundation for GDPR
GDPR is coming, no matter where you are if you are handling data on European data subjects. Laying a solid foundation of data security practices is vital to avoid the potential fines and damage to reputation that being non-compliant can bring.
Designing for Concurrency
SQL Server normally relies on concurrency models in order to maintain the Isolation in ACID. As systems scale, this method can go from being a benefit to a hindrance, limiting the concurrency for our applications and hurting performance.