Lets be honest SLAs are not particularly exciting. It’s a bunch of words you have to put together after (ugh) talking to end users who may not even know you exist. But hands down they are probably one of the most important documents you need to maintain (yes maintain, don’t just make it once and assume you are good). I recently checked in with my local user group and the results were mixed: some had SLAs but they existed for the application, not for the database, some just had an agreed on RPO/RTO (these are the six letters that can get you fired, some had nothing.

Summit was intense. I paced myself pretty well I thought but I was still exhausted by the end (even cutting out half a day early). It is a fantastic opportunity not only to learn and grow as a SQL professional but to grow and connect with other DBAs. To that end I quickly realized that the sessions were almost secondary: the value of purchasing the sessions for download or on USB drive is quite high especially once you return and start reviewing your notes and realize how much of them are tied directly back to something that was happening in the session and they make barely any sense.

So I’m missing out on the Summit 15 keynote this morning as I was sadly paged last night. Between that and the first timers meetup and welcome reception I was completely unable to get up at an appropriate time today. While my work colleague gets ready I wanted to jot down a few impressions from the last few days. SQL Saturday #446: Portland, OR This was my third SQL Saturday in Portland and the event continues to be fantastic for a number of reasons.