... and Hi SQL Devs
Sure thing - there's a lot to say and learn around SQL Server. And leaving the trivialities of high availability storage and hardware related topics to Roger, I will focus on the real thing: Designing and developing software solutions with SQL Server - sensibly.
Why bother with hardware, if well designed software performs well even in suboptimal infrastructures? Why maintain complex architectures and tools if optimal index design and self-tuning setups and tasks keep your SQL Server database happy on autopilot? Or why bother running SQL Server yourself at all, if you can rent it easily in The Cloud and leave all the hassle of patching and pampering the systems to Microsoft's Azure crew?
But generally, I agree with Roger - SQL Server returns most value for the money if it's understood well, across all layers. We'll add our five cents and try help the world one step further there. And of course we'll relate to local Swiss requirements, culture and events where possible - SwissSQL!