Mike Burek
SQL Programmer
Austin, Texas, United States
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With over 25 years of experience in SQL, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise to the table. Having worked extensively in development and administration, he has tackled everything from designing data warehouses to building and fine-tuning complex ETL processes. Known for an ability to extract valuable insights from data, he has honed skills in performance tuning, working with massive databases, and crafting efficient stored procedures.
Throughout a career spanning independent roles to consulting roles in diverse environments across many different industries—from nimble startups to massive enterprises—Mike has developed a knack for adapting to unique challenges and delivering practical solutions. A seasoned presenter, he has shared insights and best practices at SQL-focused events across the country, making technical concepts accessible and engaging. Combining deep expertise with an approachable style, Mike is passionate about helping others unlock the full potential of SQL.
Area of Expertise
Topics
SSIS vs Azure Data Factory
As organizations transition from on-premises solutions to cloud-native platforms, many SQL professionals face the challenge of choosing between SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and Azure Data Factory (ADF) for their ETL and data integration needs. While ADF is the future for cloud-based data workflows, SSIS still offers capabilities that ADF has yet to replicate—or may never develop.
In this presentation, we’ll take a deep dive into a side-by-side comparison of SSIS and ADF, exploring their strengths, limitations, and key differences. We’ll discuss:
Features SSIS offers that ADF doesn’t (and vice versa).
The varying levels of control over processes in each tool.
How alerts and error handling differ between the two platforms.
Approaches to parameterization and how they impact flexibility.
Performance considerations and ease-of-use benefits in real-world scenarios.
Whether you’re considering migrating from SSIS to ADF or simply curious about the trade-offs between the two, this session will provide actionable insights to help you choose the right tool for the job. Join us to gain a balanced perspective on these powerful platforms and make informed decisions for your data integration projects!
Powershell DBATools for SQL Developers
PowerShell and SQL development might seem like an unlikely pair, but with the powerful DBATools.io module, SQL developers can unlock a whole new level of productivity. In this session, we’ll focus on how SQL developers can leverage DBATools to streamline their workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance their development process.
From generating scripts for database schema changes to quickly exporting data, DBATools offers a range of tools designed to save you time and reduce manual effort. You’ll learn how to use the module to:
Automate routine development tasks like backups, restores, and deployments.
Generate and manage database objects and scripts with ease.
Streamline data import/export operations and enhance data migration.
Simplify interactions with SQL Server instances, boosting productivity.
While DBATools has great administrative uses, this session will highlight the practical ways developers can use it to write better, faster, and more efficient SQL code. Whether you’re looking to automate your workflows or improve your SQL scripting, this session will provide valuable insights you can apply to your daily tasks.
AI vs SQL: Spotting the Flaws and Staying in Control
AI is transforming the way we write SQL code, offering powerful tools to speed up development and simplify complex tasks. However, AI isn’t perfect, and relying on it blindly can lead to errors that compromise the integrity of your data and results.
In this presentation, we’ll dive into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) world of AI-generated SQL. You’ll see real-world examples of the mistakes AI can make, from renaming columns incorrectly to inventing non-existent ones. I’ll discuss why these errors occur and, more importantly, how to spot and correct them.
This session will emphasize the critical need for SQL professionals to understand the code AI generates. We'll laugh at the confident answers that AI gives us. By blending the power of AI with your expertise, you can harness its potential while avoiding its pitfalls. If you’re curious about working smarter with AI but want to avoid costly mistakes, this presentation is for you!
Metadata Driven ETL in Azure Data Factory
Simplifying ETL processes while maintaining flexibility and scalability is a constant challenge in modern data engineering. In this session, we’ll explore how to build a metadata-driven ETL process in Azure Data Factory (ADF) that strikes the perfect balance.
This approach allows you to handle both full and incremental data loads seamlessly, with all configuration managed through an easily editable metadata table. By abstracting the complexities of pipeline logic into metadata, you can:
Add or modify data sources without rewriting pipelines.
Configure full or incremental loads with minimal effort.
Maintain consistency and scalability across a dynamic ETL environment.
I’ll walk through the architecture and practical implementation of this solution, sharing tips, tricks, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re new to ADF or looking for advanced strategies to optimize your ETL processes, this session will provide you with the tools and insights to build efficient, metadata-driven pipelines that adapt to your evolving data needs.
Yes, AI really can help with SQL code
Writing SQL code can often feel like piecing together an intricate puzzle, especially when creating templates, crafting complex join statements, or deciphering the purpose of lengthy stored procedures. But what if you had an AI-powered assistant to lighten the load?
In this presentation, we’ll explore how AI can revolutionize the way we write and manage SQL. I’ll demonstrate how to use AI to generate templates for similar stored procedures in seconds, saving hours of repetitive effort. We’ll dive into creating long and detailed join statements with ease, turning what used to be a daunting task into a breeze. And finally, I’ll show how AI can quickly and accurately analyze stored procedures, giving you a clear understanding of their function at a glance.
Whether you’re new to SQL or a seasoned pro, this session will provide practical tips and real-world examples to help you use AI as a powerful tool in your coding toolbox. Say goodbye to tedious tasks and hello to smarter, faster, and more enjoyable SQL writing!
Mike Burek
SQL Programmer
Austin, Texas, United States
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