My career
I’m a SQL Server Professional for a vendor that provides SQL Server solutions and have worked in IT since 1996, an era when it wasn’t unusual to be handed a floppy disk or a magnetic tape to load your data from. How things have changed!
I started working with databases in a commercial environment in 1996 starting with Unidata where I was an analyst/developer working for a direct marketing company. The company I was working for then acquired another software house where I was instrumental in migrating their client base which were on a Microsoft FoxPro platform. This same company later changed their IT strategy and implemented Avaya CRM on a clustered SQL Server 2000 platform which I was heavily involved in.
In 2004 I was presented with an opportunity to work with a software house primarily producing customer management software as a Consultant/Senior Support Analyst. This role saw me implementing, providing training and consultancy on the company’s products on the clients sites. The clients for this company were predominantly on Paradox, SQL Server and Oracle database platforms.
In 2007 I accepted a position as a SQL Database Administrator/Developer in a finance company where I was able to expand and specialise my knowledge in SQL Server especially in the area of SSIS.
In 2010 I accepted a new position with a major UK retailer as a SQL Database Administrator in a SQL 2008 clustered replication environment. In June 2010 I gained the ”SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance” MCTS qualification and in November 2010 I gained the ”PRO: Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administrative Solution Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008″ MCITP qualification.
In January 2011 I gained the “TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development” MCTS qualification and in April 2011 was awarded with the “Microsoft Community Contributor Award” for services to the online SQL community.
In August 2011 I accepted a position with one of the worlds best known provider of monitoring solutions for SQL Server where I work as a Pre-Sales Consultant providing product demonstrations and best practices to the SQL community.
My Hobbies
When I’m not at work or with my family I try to spend time playing the trumpet, over the last few years I have played in numerous bands and orchestras. Some of the more notable include:
- Northampton Symphony Orchestra
- New Phoenix Orchestra
- Solihull Symphony Orchestra
- Jaguar Brass Band
How to Contact Me
You can email me at Richard at RichardDouglas dotco dotuk, or catch me on Twitter as @SQLRich.
