Trade Me's 'Database Dave' Leading Microsoft SQL Server User Group in Wellington

Trade Me’s David Curlewis is the guy to go to when you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place when using SQL Server in the capital.

As the SQL Server Database lead at Trade Me, Curlewis found the right fit as the new SQL Server User Group leader for the Wellington region. SQL Server User Groups are forums for local developers and IT Pros to network and share ideas.

The community groups are run on an entirely volunteer basis, in the free time of the members. Leadership of these groups is generally taken on by individuals with the expertise and experience to facilitate discussions. Catering is sponsored by Microsoft.

For Curlewis, accepting this role was an easy choice, despite the challenges. “It was another step to network and improve my skills. I’m busy with work, but I wouldn’t have taken it on if it wasn’t something I enjoyed.”

Microsoft SQL Server Product Manager, Corina Oliver, says Curlewis is a perfect fit for the role.

“The community user groups are thriving in New Zealand and it’s exciting for us to have someone of such a high calibre leading the way in Wellington. Trade Me is an early adopter of SQL 2012, which launches soon, and this gives the group great access to information about the new features.”

Curlewis has a few tips for using Microsoft SQL Server 2012 that he shares at the user group meetings. “It looks pretty promising. There are several features we are interested in, especially around the high availability areas, disaster recovery, and archiving and purging.”

Curlewis is excited about the future of the group and is on the lookout for new speakers to come on board.

“Big name speakers are always a draw card. We always get a good turnout when we have speakers from local, well-known companies in New Zealand that discuss real world scenarios. It’s like a voyeuristic peek behind the curtains.”

Curlewis also hopes to increase the communication between groups in other parts of New Zealand, including Auckland. “I’m interested in getting more collaboration with user groups across the country and making it possible to travel more between different cities and user groups. I want the user groups to be one central place where everyone can catch up with what’s going on.”

Once a month, the Intergen headquarters in Wellington are taken over by this group but they also have room for more members. “It’s just about getting free access to regular meetings and information. Free pizza, free beer and free training – all it costs is an hour or two on a Thursday evening,” he says.

So, for pizza, beer and a chat with ‘Database Dave’ and other high calibre speakers, join the Wellington SQL Server User Group on the third Thursday of every month.

For further information please visit  www.mscommunities.co.nz/Groups/Wellington_SQL_UG.aspx.