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Episode Summary

In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast, we're joined by our special guest, Elliot Leighton-Woodruff, for a deep dive into Azure cloud migrations. As an expert Principal Architect specializing in Azure, Elliot shares his unique insights on moving beyond simple "lift and shift" projects to truly modernize applications and infrastructure for maximum return on investment.

This conversation is centered around our guest's extensive experiences and knowledge. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the "Five Rs" of cloud migration, practical tips for avoiding common cost pitfalls and managing services effectively, and a fresh perspective on the "build vs. buy" dilemma for software solutions. This is a can't-miss episode for anyone interested in cloud architecture, DevOps, and data platform strategy.

Guest Information

• Name: Elliot Leighton-Woodruff
• Bio: Elliot Leighton-Woodruff is a Principal Architect and Azure expert with 15 years of industry experience. His journey has taken him from infrastructure engineering and data center fit-outs to specializing in Office 365 and now focusing on Azure application modernization for the past several years. Elliot is a strong advocate for Infrastructure as Code, applying an 80/20 rule to automation to help customers maximize their cloud investment.
• Website: https://www.synextra.co.uk/
• Social Media:
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliottlw/

Resources Mentioned

• The Five Rs of Migration: A framework mentioned by Elliot for classifying application migration strategies (Rehost, Refactor, Rearchitect, Rebuild, Replace) to ensure you choose the right approach.
• Terraform: An Infrastructure as Code tool discussed for its ability to automate, standardize, and efficiently deploy cloud resources, reducing human error.
• Northern Azure User Group: The local Manchester-area tech community where the host and guest met, recommended for networking and learning.

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Support the show!

Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
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• Leave a Review: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a 5-star review wherever you get your podcasts or leave a like and comment on YouTube.
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The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.

• Website: https://www.sqlsquared.co.uk/
• Twitter/X: @sql_squared
• LinkedIn: @sql_squared
• Email: mailbag@sqlsquared.co.uk

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In episode 1 of the sql_squared podcast, we welcome Alex Dean, Head of Application Delivery at Vaultex UK. Alex is a long term friend and a former supportive manager of mine. He has many years under his belt working with cutting edge data technologies, and leading teams delivering complex data warehouse and BI integrations. Alex is passionate data and prides himself in creating highly efficient development functions.

In our first ever episode, Alex talks to me about data architecture in the cloud and what it's like managing people and projects in the development space.

Visit the website here: https://www.sqlsquared.co.uk/home

Support the show

Support the show!

Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
• Listen on other platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• Leave a Review: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a 5-star review wherever you get your podcasts or leave a like and comment on YouTube.
• Share: Know someone who would love this episode? Go ahead and share a link!

The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.

• Website: https://www.sqlsquared.co.uk/
• Twitter/X: @sql_squared
• LinkedIn: @sql_squared
• Email: mailbag@sqlsquared.co.uk

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In this episode of The sql_squared Podcast, we're joined by our special guest, Lee Brownhill, for a deep dive into unit testing for databases, the importance of community, and the future of data platforms. As an expert with nearly 20 years of experience as a DBA and cloud consultant , Lee shares his unique insights on implementing the T-SQLT framework to create robust SQL unit tests. This conversation is centered around our guest's experiences and knowledge.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to get started with T-SQLT , practical tips for overcoming resistance to testing from development teams and leadership , and a fresh perspective on the value of continuous learning and giving back to the data community. This is a can't-miss episode for anyone interested in SQL Server development, improving code quality, and growing their career in the data space.

Guest Information

• Name: Lee Brownhill
• Bio: Lee Brownhill is a seasoned data professional with nearly two decades of experience in the IT industry. Starting in general IT support, he quickly specialized in SQL Server, moving from a production DBA to a hybrid developer-DBA role focused on scaling applications for enterprise customers. Now, as a DBA Consultant, he helps clients optimize their data workloads in Azure and AWS. Lee is also a Redgate Community Ambassador and a passionate advocate for community involvement and continuous learning.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leebrownhill/
• Blog: https://www.leebrownhill.com/

Resources Mentioned

• T-SQLT Framework: https://tSQLt.org/ - The open-source unit testing framework for SQL Server discussed in the episode.
• Redgate Software: https://www.red-gate.com/ - Provider of tools like SQL Test, SQL Prompt, and SQL Monitor that aid database professionals.
• SQLBits: https://sqlbits.com/ - The data platform conference where Lee will be volunteering.
• Finding Data Friends Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@findingdatafriends - A community-focused podcast where both David and Lee have been guests.
• Redgate's Simple Talk: https://www.red-ga

Support the show

Support the show!

Enjoying The sql_squared Podcast? The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel!

• Watch & Subscribe on YouTube
• Listen on other platforms: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• Leave a Review: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a 5-star review wherever you get your podcasts or leave a like and comment on YouTube.
• Share: Know someone who would love this episode? Go ahead and share a link!

The sql_squared podcast is your guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of data. We go beyond the code to explore the tools, techniques, and trends that shape the data landscape, from SQL Server and cloud platforms to AI and developer productivity. Join us as we chat with experts from the community to help you learn, grow, and make the right decisions on your data journey.

• Website: https://www.sqlsquared.co.uk/
• Twitter/X: @sql_squared
• LinkedIn: @sql_squared
• Email: mailbag@sqlsquared.co.uk