John Deardurff

These Copilot exams provided three perspectives that are increasingly important: using AI effectively, understanding how AI can transform an organization, and understanding the collaborative development platform. Which exam is the right one for you? #Copilot #Certification sqlmct.com/three-copilo...

Is it time to rethink index maintenance? Automatic Index Compaction challenges the traditional rebuild-and-reorganize approach and offers a new way to think about index health. #AzureSQL sqlmct.com/rethinking-i...

A recent study of over a billion people found that hyperbole is the greatest word ever invented.

SQL Modernization Day brings together eight sessions from the Microsoft SQL team on moving SQL Server to Azure without the rewrite, then building AI-ready apps once you land. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwqy...

SQL Modernization Day: October 20, 2026 | 12:00 - 4:00 PM (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Your chance to hear from the Microsoft SQL Team: Eight free sessions on Azure SQL SQL Server 2025, and Microsoft Fabric. developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reacto...

What's in a Name? How Do you Spell Yours? | Deardurff Genealogy deardurff.com/whats-in-a-n...

I'm heading out the door for a short 6-hour drive to Pittsburgh where I will be speaking at their SQL Saturday about "Understanding Optimized Locking in SQL Server 2025". If you can't make it, here is my blog post with "most" of my presentation. #SQLSatPitt sqlmct.com/understandin...

It must be fall, the local weather service has just issued a “Flannel Advisory” for the entire state.

Check your voter registration. Deadline is today, October 5th! indianavoters.in.gov

I will be speaking on "Understanding Optimized Locking to Improve Performance" at Day of Data - Pittsburgh 2026 (#1163) on October 10th, 2026! dayofdata.org/2026-10-10-d... #SQLSaturday #DataSaturday #ThePitt

I'm starting to think I need to update my @Goodreads reading goal. This is what happens when your local pub closes.

Happy Dolly Parton Day (9/25) to all who celebrate! 🦋

My former team is looking for someone to take over my previous role that focuses helping customers with established Data technologies such as SQL Server and Power BI, while guiding them through modernization and migration. apply.careers.microsoft.com/careers/job/...

Bittersweet Nostalgia! I worked at Columbia House for all of the 90's. Learned SQL Server and built a CD/DVD collection. Today is the last day to pay your overdue bill. www.nbcnewyork.com/news/busines...

25 years ago today, I was teaching an Access 2000 database class. One of those moments where you always remember exactly where you were. Today, I'm delivering an Azure SQL Database Essentials workshop. A quarter century later, a different platform, but still teaching data.

The next AI optimization challenge isn't compute. It's tokens! Learn how Tokenomics can help you build faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective #AI solutions in my latest post! #Copilot #AgenticAI sqlmct.com/tokenomics-t...

Passed three Copilot certifications in 10 days. I'm the Captain now! 🧑‍✈️

Microsoft Certification #68 Microsoft Exam Passed #91

Finally got around to writing about how batching transactions improves performance, reduces blocking, and potentially lower costs in #SQLServer and #AzureSQL. sqlmct.com/batching-tra...

Forty years ago, I earned my Eagle Scout award. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_S...

Microsoft Certification #67 🤷‍♂️ Microsoft Exam Passed #90

With #SQLServer2025, you can store vector embeddings and perform semantic searches. Here I demonstrate how using #VectorSearch and #VectorIndex. sqlmct.com/vector-searc...

Just a note that if you are going to be donating blood, they don't like it when you bring it in buckets without lids.

Just a note that if you are going to be donating blood, they don't like it when you bring it in buckets without lids.

Data Exposed gets a facelift! Oh, and something, something, FREE Azure SQL! www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_iK...

Looking back on the last six months, I realized I earned quite a few badges and awards. Rather than posting about each one, I thought it would be easier to share them all in one place. Grateful for the journey and excited for what's next! #AlwaysLearning sqlmct.com/summer-holid...

This Do not Disturb is disturbing me. 😡

To begin exploring the new features of #SQLServer2025, it is essential to install it correctly. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the full installation process for SQL Server 2025, #SSMS22, and includes steps for restoring the AdventureWorks2025 database. sqlmct.com/create-a-sql...

It’s been a while since I’ve written a personal blog post, but I’m excited to share my new role as Global Delivery Solution Lead for Data & Apps at Microsoft. #CareerGrowth #TechnicalTraining sqlmct.com/new-role-sam...

Deeply disappointed in the new movie "The Odyssey". They completely removed all of Homer's doughnut references.

I bought a new box fan, and it makes the best white noise for sleeping.

I'm patching servers on a Friday afternoon! Might go to Taco Bell later...

My biggest issue with Artificial Intelligence is that it is being trained from our Natural Stupidity. 🤔

I was not expecting this!

With the end of extended support for SQL Server 2016 on July 14, 2026, organizations need to act to reduce risk, maintain compliance, and modernize their data platforms. Find out more: sqlmct.com/sql-server-2...

I really hate it when a song gets stuck in your heeeaaddd, in your heeeaaaaadd... ZOMBIE, Zombie, Zooombieeee... eeehhh. eh. eh.

I’m excited to step into a new role at Microsoft as the Worldwide Solution Lead for the Data and Apps portfolio. I will get to work with teams from around the world to drive more consistent, high-quality workshops and help accelerate readiness for data, cloud, and AI solutions.

A photographer was tragically crushed when a massive block of cheddar fell on him. In fairness, the people he was photographing tried to warn him.

Earlier today I discovered that not everybody, was in fact, kung fu fighting!

That was a well-deserved nap. You are welcome, me.

What's New in SSMS 22.7: T-SQL formatting, GitHub Copilot in Agent mode, Copilot execution context, Schema Compare, and more... techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/sqlserv...

I'm starting a new role on July 1st but can't tell anyone yet. Figure I'm safe posting on Bluesky.

I earned my "Explore SQL Server 2025 capabilities" trophy! I’m so proud to be celebrating this achievement and hope this inspires you to start your own @MicrosoftLearn journey! learn.microsoft.com/en-us/users/...

Indiana has now stolen two teams from other NFL cities. Other NFL teams should be worried... Don't worry Cleveland, your team is safe.

Microsoft is introducing a consistent pricing model for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) across Azure, on-premises environments, and other public clouds. This change directly impacts organizations running SQL Server 2016 end of support. sqlmct.com/sql-server-2...

SQL Server evolved from blocking locks to row-versioning. Find out how #SQLServer2025 using Optimized Locking allows for higher concurrency and better scalability. sqlmct.com/understandin...

DP-800 - SQL + AI, hands-on: Join a free workshop near you related blog, if you want to learn more: devblogs.microsoft.com/azure-sql/sq...

A search condition is considered SARGable (Search ARGument ABLE) when SQL Server can use an index to efficiently locate rows. So, ask not what an index can do for you, but what you can do for your index. #SQLServer #SQL #Sargable sqlmct.com/writing-sarg...

SQL Server migrations have become significantly easier with the introduction of the new “Migrate SQL Server” experience in SSMS 22.5 or later. This unified, guided, end-to-end flow combines assessment, migration, and modernization into one streamlined process. sqlmct.com/simplify-sql...

Europe released their third album on May 26th, 1986. That's right, "The Final Countdown" is 40 years old!