Reed Me : SQL Ranger

Awww, aren’t they just so cute?!

reedme — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:19:53 GMT

Look at all of them fixin’ to jump in the pool! Heh.

Not to minimize the difficulty that they’re embarking on, what with a 20% pass rate and all, but it’s great to see more people diving into the deep end of the SQL Server pool. Let’s hope as many Certified Masters as possible emerge from the other end of this rotation!

We had 17 victims, er attendees show up bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to take on the most challenging training available on the SQL Platform.
The Master Blog : Gentlemen (and Ladies) START YOUR ENGINES!!!

Good luck, folks. Study hard!!

It’s nice to be wanted!

reedme — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:43:58 GMT

Personally, I’ve always believed that “It’s the data, stupid!” when it comes to enterprise application development. I’m gratified to see that enterprises are figuring this out! It’s unfortunate that salaries seem to be slumping in all but three IT areas, but I’m glad to be part of one that’s not!

That counter-trending is what Foote called "an urgent demand for talent" in three areas: management/methodology/process, database, and messaging and communications skills. IT pay up in three areas, down elsewhere (infoworld.com)

As I’m sitting on the review board today for prospective MCA|SQL Server candidates (formerly known by the less politically correct monicker “SQL Rangers”), I see yet more validation that companies are learning more every day that the data is where the real value is. The database architects that we certify through the MCA program are top notch, all-around gurus; most of them come from previous lives with deep experience in non-Microsoft database platforms, and many of them know SQL Server better than they know themselves!

Just remember, there are lots of way to get to the data… and it doesn’t always have to be a web app!

Who is your [Certified] Master now?

reedme — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:10:42 GMT

If you weren't already confused by the Microsoft Certification tree that means that you weren't paying attention... ;-) But the new level of certification adds something that's been missing, and I'm glad to see it happen.

The new Certified Master levels are product-oriented certifications that are precursors to Microsoft Certified Architect. Foex, if you're interested in becoming a SQL Ranger, you have to become a Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008 first.

To make it less confusing, there are upcoming Live Meetings:

- July 30, 2008, at 7:30 A.M. Pacific Time --- (What time is this in my region?)

- July 30, 2008, at 5:00 P.M. Pacific Time --- (What time is this in my region?)

Read more details from Per on Trika's blog: More on the Certified Master programs from me, Per, the program owner...

SQL Ranger Rotation 4 is rounding the corner...

reedme — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:45:44 GMT

It was fun AND high pressure when I went through it, so I can sympathize. The study group and board review rehearsals are crucial, especially if you're nervous about talking with execs. (Or people pretending to be execs. Heh.)

Like a lot of technical Candidates and Consultants I suffer from problems talking far too much about technology and solutions, when the board is looking for Leadership, Organisational Dynamics, Strategy and tactics and Communication.... time to brush up on those soft skills and stop being so nerdy folks ;-)
Bob Duffy's Blobby Blog : The Pressure of the MCA/Ranger Course

I think there's supposed to be a Z in organizational, Bob. Heh. You'll do great!