Pre-Con Details

Delivering BI solutions using the Microsoft stack of tools requires knowledge of several different technologies, an understanding of what you are trying to accomplish, and the fortitude to do things right the first time.  Too many organizations attempt to simply throw something together in order to gain insight and intelligence from the data they have. More often than not, however, this produces poor results, a solution that is not easy to manage or extend, and unsatisfied users.

During this day-long journey, we’ll explore all the steps and technologies needed to deliver fully functioning BI solutions within an organization.  We’ll start with BI-centric database designs, learn about Extract/Transform/Load (ETL) development and management, and take a look at both multidimensional and tabular On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) solutions.  We’ll also look at various reporting and analytics options, including relational reporting, OLAP reporting, and several of Microsoft’s newest analytics tools.  Finally, we’ll round out the day discussing challenges and solutions related to managing and extending the BI solution and the overall BI environment over time.

Attendees will learn about the BI features included with SQL Server 2014 (including SQL Server Integration Services, SQL Server Analysis Services, and SQL Server Reporting Services) as well as the analytics features built into Office 2013, Office 365, and Power BI.  The sessions will include several instructor-led demonstrations, but will not include student exercises or labs; thus, students are not required to bring laptops to the session.  Attendees will receive handouts of all session materials along with a USB drive containing scripts and artifacts related to the demonstrations completed during the day.

Logistics

Please note that parking at the Microsoft Technology Center is NOT free (and not included in the price of the pre-con).  Attendees will have to pay for parking themselves or take the Metro (the center is close to the Friendship Heights stop on the Red Line).  WiFi access should be available, but network speeds are not guaranteed.  Snacks and lunch are included in the price of the pre-con.

Pricing

Individuals may register for $150.00.  Group pricing is available for $125.00 per attendee when 3 or more people register from the same company.  No cancellations or refunds are allowed unless the event itself is cancelled (due to lack of registrations or other situations outside the control of the organizer or the SQL Saturday Washington event team).