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June 17, 2009

OttawaSQL.net June 17th Event: Introduction to Dimensional Modeling - A Case Study, Lynda Rab

Topic:  Introduction to Dimensional Modeling - A Case Study

What do they want to count?  And what do they want to count by?  This session will be presented in the form of a case study that will take the answers to those questions, the data from multiple OLTP databases and take you step by step through the path of creating a basic but well formed dimensional model.  What data should go in the Fact tables?  How many Dimensions tables are needed?   What do you mean by ‘Determine the Grain’?  What is a Bus Matrix?  This session will answer those questions using examples and also provide you with a step by step process that can be used for any new Data Warehousing project.  During the session, Lynda will share what she feels are the most important things to remember and the most important things to avoid based on her 8 years of experience creating and working with Dimensional models.

Speaker:  Lynda Rab, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

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Lynda Rab is an IT professional with over 15 years of technical experience. She has been working with SQL Server since version 4.2 and is now focusing her efforts on Data Warehousing working for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.  Lynda is the Program Director for the Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) and is a member of the OttawaSQL.net executive team.

RSVP:  http://www.clicktoattend.com/?id=138407
Arrival:  5:45 PM to 6:00 PM
Session:  6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Refreshments:  Pizza and Pop

June 02, 2009

OWSUG June 3rd Event: Windows 7 Security Tidbits & Understanding and Preventing Insider Threat

Topic:  Windows 7 Security Tidbits & Understanding and Preventing Insider Threat

Windows 7 Security Tidbits - Windows 7 is coming and the boss is asking you about all those new security features. Perhaps you've heard some buzz about AppLocker? What’s this about DirectAccess connecting securely to your corporate network without a VPN?  What’s up with BitlLocker To Go? In this fun and interactive session, Kai Axford, a Microsoft Senior Security Strategist with Microsoft’s Trustworthy Computing team, will demonstrate some of the new security features in Microsoft's newest desktop operating system. Bring your questions and get the scoop on these upcoming Microsoft security technologies!

Understanding and Preventing Insider Threat – Many analysts have stated that the Number One issue facing corporate customers today is the threat of targeted corporate espionage coming from within the organization. Join Kai Axford, a security strategist from the Microsoft Trustworthy Computing team for an entertaining and engaging session, as he shares real stories from the trenches about the risk this threat presents for both you and your customers. He’ll demo the means by which these attacks occur and discuss the mindset of the attackers. Don’t miss the chance to see how this is done!

Speaker:  Kai Axford, Microsoft Trustworthy Computing Group

Kai Axford (CISSP, MCSE-Security) is a Senior Security Strategist in Microsoft’s Trustworthy Computing Group.  A ten-year Microsoft veteran, Kai is responsible for discussing and recommending security solutions for both private and public sector organizations. In addition, he conducts Chief Security Officer councils worldwide, taking executive feedback and affecting change within Microsoft’s security products and processes.

Kai started with Microsoft in 1999 as a Server Support Engineer and then moved on to become an IT Pro Evangelist, focusing on his peers through the Microsoft TechNet Events program. Kai has delivered more than 300 security presentations on a variety of topics, including digital forensics, security management, incident response, and computer espionage. He is a frequent speaker at security conferences, executive meetings, and business seminars around the world.

He is finishing an MBA in Information Assurance and is a member of ISSA, INFRAGARD, ASIS, and the North Texas Electronic Crimes Task Force. He was the recipient of the 2006 “Rising Star” award from the Information Security Executive council. Kai is interested in security management and hopes to become a Chief Security Officer one day.

Prior to Microsoft, Kai served as a leader in several real-world operations with the U.S. Army's elite 75th Ranger Regiment. Originally from Wisconsin, Kai is a huge NFL Green Bay Packers fan.  He is based in Dallas, Texas with his lovely wife, a new baby boy, and a (very wet) yellow Labrador.

Agenda:

5:00 p.m.  Event registration
5:30 p.m.  Q & A
8:00 p.m.  Door Prizes

Notes:

  • Pizza and Pop will be served, Please RSVP to help us order enough of both.
  • Please note that no one will be admitted after 5:55 p.m.!

RSVP: http://www.clicktoattend.com/?id=138491

May 22, 2009

OttawaSQL.net May 25th Evening Event: Data Warehouse Architecture, Dejan Sunderic

Session: Data Warehouse Architecture

Dejan Sunderic presented this session on Data Warehouse Architecture to the Toronto group last December and attendees were very impressed. We are lucky to have him visit the Ottawa group to share his knowledge.

The main topics of his session include:

  • Objectives of a Data Warehouse System
  • Components of a Data Warehouse / Business Intelligence System
    • DW, ETL, ODS, OLAP, Data Marts, Grain vs. Presentation Marts, Reports, Analytic Tools
  • Data Warehouse Design Methods and Artifacts
    • Normalizing vs. Denormalizing, Dimensional Modeling, Star vs. Snowflake Schema, Surrogate Keys, Conformed Dimensions and Facts, Bus Matrix, Slowly Changing Dimensions, Fact Table Types

Speaker: Dejan Sunderic

Dejan Sunderic is an independent consultant specializing in SQL Server development and architecture. He is an author of couple of books (such as "SQL Server 2005 Stored Procedure Programming in TSQL and .NET") and maintains couple of other web sites (such as tsql.trigonblue.com, ssis.trigonblue.com...)


RSVP: http://www.clicktoattend.com/?id=138406
Arrival: 5:45 PM to 6:00 PM
Session: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Refreshments: Pizza and Pop

May 13, 2009

Upcoming OttawaSQL.net Events

Full session details for each of these events will be sent out to the OttawaSQL.net mailing list, but in the meantime we wanted to let you know the roadmap so you can save the dates (or register early)!  We will be continuing with a focus on BI for the next 2 events, and we'll be capping it off with a full day event this summer for people interested in the MCITP BI certification on SQL Server 2008.


Monday, May 25th 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Microsoft Ottawa, World Exchange Plaza

Session: Data Warehouse Architecture, Dejan Sunderic

Dejan Sunderic presented this session on Data Warehouse Architecture to the Toronto group last December and attendees were very impressed.  We are lucky to have him visit the Ottawa group to share his knowledge. 

The main topics of this session include:

· Objectives of a DW System

· Components of a DW / BI System

· DW Design Methods and Artifacts

Speaker: Dejan Sunderic

Dejan Sunderic is an independent consultant specializing in SQL Server development and architecture.  He is an author of couple of books (such as "SQL Server 2005 Stored Procedure Programming in TSQL and .NET") and maintains couple of other web sites (such as tsql.trigonblue.com, ssis.trigonblue.com...).

Register at:  http://www.clicktoattend.com/?id=138406


Wednesday, June 17th 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Microsoft Ottawa, World Exchange Plaza

Session: Introduction to Dimensional Modeling - A Case Study

Lynda will explore introductory dimensional modeling techniques and will demonstrate how to build an OLAP database using these techniques.  Her case study will examine source data from an operational database (OLTP) and step by step create a basic dimensional model and OLAP database.

Speaker: Lynda Rab

Lynda Rab is a Senior Data Warehouse Analyst and has been working with OLAP databases since 2000.  Lynda is the Program Director for the Professional Association of SQL Server (PASS) and is a member of the OttawaSQL.net executive team.

Register at:  http://www.clicktoattend.com/?id=138407


Late July / Early August

Certification Exam Review, MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer 2008

In keeping with the BI theme, we are working on having a full day event (6 to 8 hours) on a Saturday in late July or early August to review all of the exam objectives for the MCITP BI certification (on SQL Server 2008).  We will have a team of 3 or more presenters that will tightly base their presentations on the objectives for the 70-452 exam ( http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/Exams/70-452.mspx ).  Since we have not yet confirmed the date we are simply asking for people that are interested in attending to let us know via email (at Events@OttawaSQL.net ).  Once all of the logistics have been arranged we will setup a registration for the event.

April 13, 2009

OttawaSQL.net April 16th Event: SQL Server Offline Data Synchronization via the Microsoft Sync. Framework, Jean-René Roy

Session: SQL Server Offline Data Synchronization via the Microsoft Sync. Framework, Jean-René Roy

The Microsoft Sync Framework is a comprehensive synchronization platform that enables collaboration and offline access for applications, services and devices.  It features technologies and tools that enable roaming, sharing, and taking data offline.  Using the Microsoft Sync Framework, developers can build sync. ecosystems that integrate any application, with any data, from any store, using any protocol over any network.

In this presentation Jean-René will introduce you to this new platform.  He will demonstrate how the works and how you can integrate it in your applications with occasionally connected SQL Server 2005 & SQL Server 2008 clients.

Speaker: Jean-René Roy

Jean-René Roy, DevTeach

Jean-René Roy has been developing IT systems for large and small enterprises since 1987.  In 1991 he founded the consulting firm Technologies SoftDesign Inc.  Since that time he has worked on projects for Bell Canada, CGI, ArchiDATA, Sun Telcom, Accent de Ville, Kraft, ADN Medical and many other clients assuming the responsibility of Software Developers, Analyst, Team leader, Software architect and mentor.

Jean-René Roy is a SQL Microsoft MVP and is co-lead and mentor for the OttawaSQL.net BI study group.

He has been and is still very active in the developers’ community by acting as a user group leader for more than ten years with the Montreal .NET community and the Ottawa .NET community.  He is also the co-founder of an international developer’s conference www.DevTeach.com which is now directed by a member of his team.

Registration:

http://www.clicktoattend.com/?id=136562

Arrival: 5:45 PM to 6:00 PM

Session: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Refreshments: Pizza and Pop

OttawaSQL.net is a community group of Ottawa area developers and IT professionals.  We share an interest in Microsoft’s data technologies especially:  SQL Server, SharePoint, PerformancePoint, Workflow Foundations, LINQ, ADO.NET and Entity Framework.

April 06, 2009

EnergizeIT Ottawa, OttawaSQL.net April Event and Ottawa Code Camp 2009

Lots of activity in the Ottawa area over the next month…. it’s a good time to be alive :)

EnergizeIT 2009 Ottawa: Microsoft is hosting several sessions in Ottawa this week as part of the EnergizeIT tour.

Check out the details:

EnergizeIT 2009 is a national series of events to support you in learning what's possible. From sharing innovative solutions, and connecting with peers and local experts you will learn how technology can help you navigate the path for your organization and gain direction to take advantage of the Microsoft platform from the cloud to client. You will see how Windows® 7 and Windows Server® 2008 R2 will provide a richer platform for your Developers and IT Professionals, and how new virtualization options can help you solve key application compatibility issues.

 

Coffee and Code

April 7

http://www.coffeeandcode.org/

 

User Group Connection: Future of the Platform

April 7

Learn more and Register

 

Energize IT: From the Client to the Cloud

April 8

Learn more and Register

 

Architecting Flexibility

April 8

Learn more and Register

 

Install Fest for Windows 7

April 9

Learn more and Register


OttawaSQL.net April 16th Event: Use MS  Sync. Framework to synchronize your off line data with SQL Server

The OttawaSQL.net group will be having an event on April 16th.  Local SQL Server MVP Jean-Rene Roy will be presenting a session on SQL Server and the Microsoft Sync. Framework.  Look for registration information to be posted very soon:

Microsoft Sync Framework is a comprehensive synchronization platform that enables collaboration and offline access for applications, services and devices. It features technologies and tools that enable roaming, sharing, and taking data offline. Using Microsoft Sync Framework, developers can build sync ecosystems that integrate any application, with any data from any store using any protocol over any network. 

In this presentation I will introduce you to this new platform and we will take a look at how it’s works and how you can integrate this in your applications and SQL Server 2005/2008.


Ottawa Code Camp 2009: Saturday, May 2nd

Last year’s Code Camp was an awesome event with over 150 developers in attendance and we’re expecting more of the same this year.  The day long event will feature a dozen sessions focusing on key technologies and “The Code” behind them.  The event is organized by the Ottawa Developer Community and intended for the Ottawa  Developer Community so come on out and be part of what promises to be an exceptional developer experience. For info about speakers, the sessions, and registration go to www.OttawaCodeCamp.ca.

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009 (8:30am – 4:15pm)

Location: Algonquin College

Registration: http://ottawacodecamp.ca/pages2009/Registration.aspx

March 31, 2009

Content Posted: Building and SSIS Management Framework

Earlier this month Rushabh presented a fantastic session on SQL Server Integration Services at our PASS chapter in Ottawa.

I was lucky enough to attend the SQLTeach BI Boot Camp in Ottawa that Rushabh was teaching and I was amazed to see him go straight from delivering 2 days of intensive boot camp training to deliver the user group session.  I’m telling you, this guy is a trooper! :)

Rushabh has been gracious enough to share some of the T-SQL code for his framework solution with our community.  ( Thanks Rushabh !!! )

I’ve posted the material on the OttawaSQL.net site (on the Events page) for everyone to check out:

http://www.OttawaSQL.net/Events/tabid/510/Default.aspx

Remember, if you are serious about implementing an SSIS Management Framework then consider contacting Solid Quality Mentors to help your organization with this process.  You will definitely find that the investment is worth it!

Cheers,

David

David E. Myers

OttawaSQL.net Executive Director

March 05, 2009

OttawaSQL.net March 10th Special Event: Building an SSIS Management Framework (Level 400), Rushabh Mehta

Feature Session: Building an SSIS Management Framework (Level 400), Rushabh Mehta

As more and more organizations and teams within organizations have started adopting SQL Server Integration Services for data processing and other management task automation, there is increasing need for standardization early in the process to avoid common management problems that arise from lack of standardization and good management techniques. In this session, we will help you identify areas of standardization and pitfalls that arise from lack of standards, reviews some common standardization approaches and best practices and finally walk you through a standardized template example that can be customized, deployed and used as a starting point for an SSIS project.

Speaker: Rushabh Mehta, Solid Quality Mentors

Rushabh Mehta

Rushabh is a Mentor for Solid Quality Mentors' global Business Intelligence Division and the Managing Director for Solid Quality India. He has worked with Microsoft SQL Server since 1998 and has designed and developed BI systems on the Microsoft platform since 2001, including predictive analysis system, health-care analysis solution as well as a multi-terabyte financial decision support system. He has been the lead architect for many large scale and complex business intelligence solutions for clients such as Publix, Raymond James Financials, Jackson Hewitt, and Checkers. Through his work experience, Rushabh has been instrumental in creating multiple best-practices in the implementation of the BI technologies.

Rushabh serves on the Board of The Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS), is a SQL Server MVP and a frequent speaker at large conferences and PASS Chapters around the world.

Registration:

http://www.clicktoattend.com/?id=136527

Arrival:  5:45 PM to 6:00 PM
Introductory Session:  6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Feature Session:  6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Refreshments:  Pizza and Pop

Event Sponsors:

Solid Quality Mentors

SQLTeach BI Boot Camp Ottawa, March 9th & 10th


Last Chance: SQLTeach Special Event: BI Boot Camp, March 9th to 10th in Ottawa!!!

Use our group’s rebate code OT00SQLNET to register and save $100 off the $999 registration!

Business Intelligence is one of the topmost IT priorities and is increasingly pervasive within organizations large and small. Business Intelligence touches many aspects of our daily lives, from enhancing our online and retail shopping experience to the healthcare we receive. BI also impacts the quality of decisions that business leaders make.

The 2 day (March 9-10, 2009) boot camp has been designed to give you a head start in Business Intelligence practice. You will acquire fundamental knowledge of Business Intelligence and dimensional modeling along with understanding on how to use the various Microsoft technologies to implement a BI solution.

OttawaSQL.net is a community group of Ottawa area developers and IT professionals.  We share an interest in Microsoft’s data technologies especially:  SQL Server, SharePoint, PerformancePoint, Workflow Foundations, LINQ, ADO.NET and Entity Framework.

March 04, 2009

BI Certification Study Group: Resources for setting up your learning lab….

A few people in the OttawaSQL.net certification study group were asking about setting up their own lab environments to use while studying for the 70-445 & 70-448 SQL Server Business Intelligence exams.

Microsoft makes a number of trial versions of their software available for download.  This provides a perfect way to get setup to practice your skills in a safe environment.  The fact that they are time limited is only 1 more motivating factor to stay on task and write the exam :)

Here’s the list of links to resources that I suggested to the study group.  You can take advantage of these resources to set up your very own learning lab!


Resource Links for Lab Setup


You can download a trial of a pre-configured OS and then install your SQL Server trial.  All you need to do is install Virtual PC or Virtual Server 2005 (both free downloads) and boot up the VHD.

 

Virtual PC 2007 with SP1:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=28c97d22-6eb8-4a09-a7f7-f6c7a1f000b5&displaylang=en

Virtual Server 2005 R2 with SP1:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca/bb738033.aspx

Windows Server 2003 R2 with SP2 VHD (30 Day Trial):

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=77f24c9d-b4b8-4f73-99e3-c66f80e415b6&displaylang=en

Windows Server 2008 VHD (60 Day Trial, can be extended to 240 days):

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=961db8ce-8473-47c2-92eb-b822ec5af0c9&displaylang=en

*** Note, you cannot use the CORE edition of Windows Server 2008 with SQL Server, use the FULL edition. ***

 

Alternatively you can download the OS trial software ISO image and create your own VHD....

 

Windows Server 2003 R2 with SP2 ISO (180 Day Trial):

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca/windowsserver/bb430831.aspx

*** Note, when you follow the link on this page called Download Trial Software you will have to sign in with a Live ID.  You will then proceed through a store checkout which is kind of confusing.  Complete the process and you will be given a install key.  You will be emailed with a link to download the software.

Windows Server 2008 Enterprise ISO (60 Day Trial, can be extended to 240 days):

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=13C7300E-935C-415A-A79C-538E933D5424&displaylang=en


I highly recommend installing the SQL Server Enterprise Edition yourself a few times since installation is a tested skill on the exams! (vs. using the pre-configured SQL Server VHDs)

 

SQL Server 2005 Enterprise (180 Day Trial):

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca/bb738031.aspx

SQL Server 2008 Enterprise (180 Day Trial):

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/trial-software.aspx

March 01, 2009

Schedule Finalized for Certification Study Group - MCTS: SQL Server Business Intelligence 2005 & 2008

The next OttawaSQL.net study group is quickly approaching!  We’ll be covering the 70-445 and 70-448 BI exams and using the MS Press 70-445 Training Kit as our main resource.  Since there is a lot of similarity in the material we’ll cover the SQL Server 2005 material first and then review the differences for the SQL Server 2008 exam at the end.  Jean-Rene Roy (SQL Server MVP) and I have finalized the schedule and will be meeting with the members soon to get the ball rolling.  Unfortunately we didn’t have enough spots for everyone that wanted to participate.  For those who didn’t get in, all is not lost :)  I’ll be sharing resources and blogging about some of the best questions that come out of the group.  So if you are interested in getting the certification and want to follow along with us, check out the schedule and stay tuned for more information via my blog!  If you are really interested in getting a kick start to your certification, check out the SQLTeach Business Intelligence Boot Camp in Ottawa on March 9th and 10th.  If you are interested in following along with us, send me an email and we’ll chat about options.

Study Group Schedule:

OttawaSQL.net

Week

Date

Content

Pages

1

17 Mar 2009

Introductions & Study Group Overview

Chapter 1: Installing SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence Tools

Chapter 2: Configuring SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence Components

Chapter 3: Migrating to SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence Components

70

2

24 Mar 2009

Chapter 4: Developing SSIS Packages

Chapter 5: Debugging and Error Handling with SSIS Packages

58

3

31 Mar 2009

Chapter 6: Developing SSAS Cubes

Chapter 7: Extending SSAS Cubes

74

4

07 Apr 2009

Chapter 8: Defining SSAS Storage, Partitions and Aggregations

Chapter 9: Developing SSAS Data Mining Models

63

5

14 Apr 2009

Chapter 10: Developing SSRS Reports

Chapter 11: Formatting and Extending SSRS Reports

66

6

21 Apr 2009

Chapter 12: Deploying and Configuring SSIS Packages

Chapter 13: Deploying and Processing SSAS Objects

62

7

28 Apr 2009

Chapter 14: Deploying and Scheduling SSRS Reports

Chapter 15: Securing and Executing SSIS Packages

56

8

05 May 2009

Chapter 16: Administering and Securing SSAS Cubes

Chapter 17: Securing and Querying SSAS Data Mining Models

68

9

12 May 2009

Chapter 18: Managing and Securing SSRS Reports

Exam Review: SQL Server 2005 (70-445) (Part 1)

26

10

19 May 2009

Exam Review: SQL Server 2005 (70-445) (Part 2)

TBD

11

26 May 2009

New Features in SQL Server 2008 Business Intelligence

TBD

12

02 Jun 2009

Exam Review: SQL Server 2008 (70-448)

TBD

This study group would not be possible without the support from our volunteers and sponsors!!!

CTE Solutions

 MSDN Canada

 Microsoft TechNet Canada

SQLTeach Business Intelligence Boot Camp in Ottawa on March 9th and 10th