Top SQL Server Experts to Follow on Twitter

Regardless of whether you’re an IT pro or software developer, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have some degree of SQL Server knowledge under your belt. As an IT professional, possessing SQL Server knowledge is useful for understanding security-based architecture, and it also helps familiarize you with how those databases are being used. As a developer, an understanding of SQL Server will help you write better structured and more efficient code for interacting with databases.

One of our own Petri IT Knowledgebase contributors, Michael Simmons, recently wrote about his experience delving into SQL Server from an IT pro perspective, which outlines why we should be eager to learn a new skill set. As Michael mentioned in his article, it’s helpful to be connected to a variety of experts and resources for easier learning. As a result, I’ve gone and compiled a list of top SQL Server experts, which I hope you’ll find helpful in learning the platform.

Please be mindful that this is not a comprehensive list, as there are many well-known professionals who are making an impact within the SQL Server community. If you have a go-to expert that’s on the top on your list and has made a beneficial impact to your SQL Server learning experience, please let us know in the article comments below.

The Official Microsoft SQL Server Twitter Account (@SQLServer)

The official Microsoft account for SQL Server is a go-to resource for those looking for up-to-date announcements about new features and improvements directly from the SQL Server team.

Allen White (@UpSearchSQL)

Allen White is a SQL Server MVP with over 20 years of experience working with relational database systems. White is currently a Practice Leader at UpSearch, which provides several different and useful SQL Server DBA services, including disaster recovery, performance tuning, and on-site services.

Brent Ozar (@BrentO@BrentOzarULTD)

Brent Ozar is a Microsoft Certified Master of SQL Server and MVP, where he spends a great deal of time heading up his company, Brent Ozar Unlimited. With his team of “Critical Care” specialists, they are dedicated to remedying common and critical SQL Server pains in four days or less.

Denny Cherry (@mrdenny)

Denny Cherry is a SQL Server MVP and has over a decade of experience managing SQL Server, where he emphasizes in system architecture, performance tuning, security, replication, and troubleshooting. In addition to running his consulting company, Denny spends his time blogging about his SQL Server experiences on Tech Target.

Kevin Kline (@kekline)

Renowned for his SQL Server expertise, Kevin Kline is a long-time SQL Server MVP and top-rated speaker at a variety of industry events. Kline is founder and former president of the Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) and currently works as the Director of Engineering Services for SQL Sentry.

Paul Randal and Kimberly Tripp (@PaulRandal@KimberlyLTripp)

Paul Randal and Kimberly Tripp are a husband-and-wife team with a love for SQL Server, where the two have decades of experience writing, presenting, training, and consulting on all things SQL Server. You can visit SQLskills.com to learn more about their consulting services, and be sure to spend some time perusing their videos and blogs that are also hosted on the site.

Pinal Dave (@pinaldave)

Pinal Dave is a Pluralsight Developer Evangelist and has authored 11 database books and blogs frequently about SQL, SQL Server, and big data on his blog, SQL Authority.

Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) (@sqlpass)

PASS is a not-for-profit, independent organization that’s a great resource for anyone who wants to dive into the SQL Server community. It’s especially helpful if you’re looking for an in-person network opportunity, where you can find local chapters and meet ups near you.

Thomas LaRock (@SQLRockstar)

Thomas LaRock is a Microsoft Certified Master and SQL Server MVP with over a decade of experience as a database professional. In addition to his certification accomplishments, he’s also authored DBA Survivor: Become a Rock Star DBA that’s aimed to provide advice to mid-level DBAs an understanding of skills that can boost their careers to the next level. You can stay up-to-date with Thomas on his blog, SQL Rockstar.

Michael K. Campbell (@AngryPets)

Michael K. Campbell is a Microsoft Certified Professional in SQL Server and has more than 12 years of experience architecting and managing SQL Server solutions. Not only does he frequently provide his expertise on SQL Server Pro and Dev Pro, but he also provides hands-on SQL Server help through his consulting company, SQL Server Audits.

The Life-Saver of Hash Tags: #sqlhelp

If you’ve got a specific problem that you can ask in 140 characters or less, then you can use the #sqlhelp hash tag to ask your question. This is a great way to quickly receive feedback and advice from the SQL Server community, as you might just meet new and like-minded database professionals along the way.

I’ve personally seen how strong the SQL Server community is in both online and offline venues, and they are an incredibly dedicated and vibrant bunch of professionals. Don’t hesitate to reach out should you have questions on your SQL Server journey. As always, please feel free to drop me a note on Twitter or in the article comments below.