SQL Server for the Oracle DBA – Free DVDs at OpenWorld

At the COLLABORATE Oracle user group conference back in April, we had a number of Oracle DBAs and developers ask us about SQL Server training resources. As SQL Server becomes more widespread in their organizations, and more accepted for mission-critical workloads, these DBAs and developers are being asked to take on responsibility for managing and developing against a database platform that they have little or no experience with. Their complaint to us is that their managers often have little idea of the differences (or similarities) between SQL Server and Oracle, simply telling them to “go do it”.

If you are an Oracle DBA or developer like those we’ve talked to, or else you’re hearing about more and more SQL Server deployments in your organization, then you should definitely check out our Learning Center to get a head start on understanding how to work with SQL Server. The Learning Center resources include training & certification, guides, books, whitepapers, webcasts, demos and more. You can find more details here:

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/en/us/learning-center.aspx

As a teaser for those of you attending Oracle OpenWorld in San Francisco this week, we will be handing out a limited number of free DVDs, including the content of our popular “SQL Server 2008 for the Oracle DBA” training course. How to get your free DVD:

When: Wed, Sep 22nd, starting at 11:30am

Where: Outside Moscone West, between Howard and 3rd/4th Streets

Who: Watch for people wearing Microsoft SQL Server t-shirts to get your free DVD

If you couldn’t make it to San Francisco this year, you should check out the free course webcast, with relevant, downloadable content, and searchable by topic:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sqlserver/dd548020.aspx

Looking for more? Soon we will offer a two-day, 300-level, instructor-led training course on “Migrating from Oracle to SQL Server”, available through Microsoft training partners in January 2011. Check back at the Learning Center for more details.

And finally, since we know a course won’t be enough for some of you, we want to let you know about a great new book coming out in November. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Administration for Oracle DBAs is co-authored by Microsoft data platform technical specialist Mark Anderson; James Fox from Oracle and Microsoft partner Skyline in the UK; and Microsoft Certified Architect and SQL Server MVP Christian Bolton. The book covers content both deep and broad (592 pages!), and includes real-world examples, step-by-step labs, and interviews with Oracle DBAs. Check out the Amazon page here:

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Server-2008-Administration-Oracle/dp/0071700641/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1284743714&sr=8-1

See you at OpenWorld!

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