IT Storage Blog

So you're running your business on SQL. What did others have to say about that recently?

Here is my interview with John Magnabosco.  Premier database consultant and DBA.  John recently co-hosted a huge training day for local companies.  It was an all day event with multiple sessions / tracks to sign up for.  In one building there was enough industry talent to solve the worlds IT problems 3 times over.  I was there as a guest speaker talking about virtualizing SQL server.  It was a great event.

John and I met at the Microsoft 2008 Launch event in Indianapolis.  We both had booths in the vendor session.  It's cool to have extended our networks together since then because we both are out trying to do the same thing.  To develop and find real IT solutions that grow the business.  Here is the interview I had with John after the IndyTechfest event last week.

Tell us about yourself.
I am a database consultant and a business owner. I have been developing applications with VB and SQL Server for over 13 years. My primary focus and interest has been SQL Server for many of those years.

In 2005, I co-founded the local SQL Server user group, The Indianapolis Professional Association for SQL Server (IndyPASS), and currently hold the President role. In 2006, I co-founded the technical conference IndyTechFest.

What is IndyTechFest?

Leading the Way with Local VMware Users & Customer Networking

Interview with Shane Weinbrecht.  Network Manager, Adidas Group

Tell us a little about yourself.  Who are you and what do you do professionally and also for fun;

First and foremost I am a father and husband, happily married for nearly 6 years. I have a 4 year old and a 2 year old, both boys and both monsters.  I work for the Adidas-Group Sports Licensed Division managing the LAN/WAN, the overall direction of the service desk/technicians, and the virtual and physical server environments for the division. 

What got you started in Virtualization?

I was told to consolidate our data center soon after I started, so there was not much of a choice.

What got you started with VMware?  (Why do you/your company use it?)

VMware is the corporate standard for virtualization.  Not to mention the vendor support out weighs the competitors.

Tell us about how you promote leadership in the VMware community (ie, the Indy VMUG)?

To me, being a leader is all about listening to what the people want and acting accordingly.

How did your idea of the recent Indy VMUG event begin? 

It began as a general idea of wanting to showcase products being used rather than watching a slideshow.

How many registered users attended?

There were 325 registered attendees.

How many actually attended the day of?

We had 400 attendees including vendors, so I would say there were roughly 360 user attendees.

Picture from one of the breakout session demonstrating VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure).  Standing room only...

Assuming some of the VMUG members in surrounding cities want to do an event similar “Demo Days”, could they contact you?  What is the best way?

I would love to help out another user group.  Preferred method of contact would be email: shane.weinbrecht@adidas-group.com

Any other advice would you have for IT managers, who want to get involved in virtualization?

Support local groups, go to the meetings, offer time/space, be involved, and make things happen.