The only constant is change (Heraclitus)

Regular readers might notice I've been quieter than normal lately. All sorts of changes have been happening.

First, I decided to leave Readify. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time there and think I've definitely managed to leave my mark there. It's still a great company but I've just found that the directions I want to head and where it seems to me to be heading are different places.

I have decided to immerse myself even deeper into SQL Server and surrounding technologies. My old friend from Barcelona (and fellow RD) Fernando Guerrero contacted me and told me he was wanting to set up a new Australian operation for Solid Quality (www.solidq.com) and was keen for me to be involved. So I have agreed to do so. Along with Peter Myers, I'll be heading up the new operation and together with a group of talented locals will be operating as Solid Q Australia Pty Ltd. I will post more as things solidify over the next few weeks but I expect we'll be operating strongly by some time in January.

The focus will be on both consulting and training. I prefer a mix of both. I like training as it makes you consider aspects of the product you might not have even wondered about but I find also the common model where you have full-time trainers to be pointless. You need to have a solid range of consulting experience to draw on when offering training. I think the ideal mix is about one week training and three weeks consulting per month. I've seen countless full-time trainers that have only learned from the product materials and don't even know when they are giving you the wrong advice. You also need to be doing enough consulting to have to feel the effects of your decisions and advice in the longer term.

We'll be offering the following at first:

• High quality consulting and technical readiness activities on SQL Server technologies
• High quality private training on SQL Server technologies
• High quality public training on SQL Server technologies

We are being very careful about selecting staff to ensure the highest quality consulting outcomes, every time. We are also being careful about selecting the right course materials to ensure the highest quality training outcomes, every time. This will include advanced training workshops. We believe we will be able to offer a level of insights into the products that are not commonly available and be well placed to show how to use them to achieve great outcomes. As an example, Peter and I are currently preparing two of the four modules that will be seen at the SQL Server launch events around the world next year.

If you would like to talk to us about how we can help with your consulting needs, bringing your staff up to speed with any version of SQL Server or you think you have what it takes to become a mentor with us, email me at GLow @ SolidQ.com and we'll see how we can be involved.