What is the role of a SQL Server Architect? And would you ever want to be one? SQL Server Architect

Scott Shaw, MCT, MCSA in/scottpshaw Big Data Business Intelligence Database Administration NoSQL Hadoop

Agenda Overview of Data Management Roles Emerging Technologies SQL Architect Expectations The pluses and the minuses Data Management is not restricted to being only a DBA The expectations for a SQL Architect can be daunting The role may differ depending on the environment

Data Management Roles  SQL Server Developer  SQL Server DBA  SQL Server Consultant  SQL Server BI Administrator  SQL Server ETL Developer  SQL Server Data Warehouse Administrator  SQL Server Architect Many of these skills are combined and mixed together

Data Management Roles  What I see are contributing factors to the confusion:  There is no SQL Server “degree”  Few people, especially those hiring, have any idea what we do.  Many companies don’t know what the problem is. They only know they have data issues.  The industry is dependent on buzzwords  Companies have been burned by unqualified, “accidental” DBA’s.  Salaries are high – what are companies getting for their money?  Assumption that an individual can know all the skills

Changing Roles  Requirements are changing and the traditional DBA role is becoming more and more complex. DBA’s may be required to:  Advise on and implement BI solutions  Architect hardware recommendations  Configure virtual server environments  Integrate disparate database systems  Troubleshoot and performance tune SAN environments  Develop stored procedures and functions It’s no longer about just keeping the lights on

Emerging Technologies In-Memory Databases Azure (Cloud Computing)Big Data - HadoopMPP Appliances NoSQL Solutions Private Cloud Polyglot\Polybase Hybrid Architectures

Role of the SQL Architect The primary role of a SQL Architect is to put it all together in the context of business objectives The solution must be accessible by both non- technical and technical business owners

Other Considerations  A architect must be concerned with the scope and feasibility of delivery.  This is why it is critical for a SQL Architect to have delivery experience  An architect needs to be open to unfamiliar technologies which may, in fact, serve a company better than known technologies  An architect needs to understand the “system” and all dependent processes  How will implementation of the solution affect other components?  An architect is the “Google” of the company  He\She is who they go to for answers

Most Common Questions FAQs What are other companies doing? Which is the best option? How can we scale? Can you discover and document our environment?

Technical Questions  High availability  Disaster recovery options  Virtualization  Licensing  Maintenance plans  Hardware specification  Data and log file strategies  “Best Practices”

Role of the SQL Architect In many cases, companies simply want to make sure they are on the right path

Upsides What are the upsides to being a data architect? Explore new technologies and their relationships Sense of control and influence Insight into enterprise business objectives No on-call pager

Downsides Sound exciting? Keep these things in mind. Stressful, on-the-spot questioning. Documentation, documentation, documentation. Take your work home with you Lack of a sense of completion

Characteristics of a Good Architect If you want to be an architect: Be comfortable with feeling uncomfortable Be willing to take a stand on what you know is the right solution Be open to alternative ideas Develop the ability to listen Develop a resume of unique experiences

Questions? QUESTIONS?