iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I will be speaking on "Understanding Optimized Locking to Improve Performance" at Day of Data - Pittsburgh 2026 (#1163) on October 10th, 2026! dayofdata.org/2026-10-10-d... #SQLSaturday #DataSaturday #ThePitt

Understanding Optimized Locking to Improve Performance by John Deardurff

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I'm starting to think I need to update my @Goodreads reading goal. This is what happens when your local pub closes.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Happy Dolly Parton Day (9/25) to all who celebrate! 🦋

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

My former team is looking for someone to take over my previous role that focuses helping customers with established Data technologies such as SQL Server and Power BI, while guiding them through modernization and migration. apply.careers.microsoft.com/careers/job/...

apply.careers.microsoft.com

Cloud Solution Architect - Data & AI | Microsoft Careers

You will understand customers' overall data estate Business and IT priorities and success measures to design Data & Analytics solutions that drive business value and drive positive Customer Satisfacti...

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Bittersweet Nostalgia! I worked at Columbia House for all of the 90's. Learned SQL Server and built a CD/DVD collection. Today is the last day to pay your overdue bill. www.nbcnewyork.com/news/busines...

nbcnewyork.com

Columbia House, the mail-order club that offered 12 CDs for a penny, is ceasing operations

A message on its website's description says after Sept. 15 "The Columbia House will no longer be accepting new orders."

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

25 years ago today, I was teaching an Access 2000 database class. One of those moments where you always remember exactly where you were. Today, I'm delivering an Azure SQL Database Essentials workshop. A quarter century later, a different platform, but still teaching data.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

The next AI optimization challenge isn't compute. It's tokens! Learn how Tokenomics can help you build faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective #AI solutions in my latest post! #Copilot #AgenticAI sqlmct.com/tokenomics-t...

sqlmct.com

Tokenomics: Think Like a Zero-Waste Architect

Unlock the power of Tokenomics in AI development. Learn how to manage token consumption for better performance and lower costs.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Passed three Copilot certifications in 10 days. I'm the Captain now! 🧑‍✈️

Microsoft Certified: Transformation Leader, GitHub Foundations, Microsoft Certified: Business Professional

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Microsoft Certification #68 Microsoft Exam Passed #91

Microsoft Certified: AI Transformation Leader (John Deardurff)

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Forty years ago, I earned my Eagle Scout award. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_S...

en.wikipedia.org

Eagle Scout - Wikipedia

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Microsoft Certification #67 🤷‍♂️ Microsoft Exam Passed #90

Microsoft Certified: AI Business Professional

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Just a note that if you are going to be donating blood, they don't like it when you bring it in buckets without lids.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Just a note that if you are going to be donating blood, they don't like it when you bring it in buckets without lids.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Data Exposed gets a facelift! Oh, and something, something, FREE Azure SQL! www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_iK...

youtube.com

Get Started with FREE Azure SQL Managed Instance | Data Exposed

YouTube video by Microsoft Developer

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Looking back on the last six months, I realized I earned quite a few badges and awards. Rather than posting about each one, I thought it would be easier to share them all in one place. Grateful for the journey and excited for what's next! #AlwaysLearning sqlmct.com/summer-holid...

sqlmct.com

Summer Break Badges: A Mid-Year Reflection

Reflecting on my journey, this post showcases the Summer Break Badges I earned during my continuous growth in technology.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

This Do not Disturb is disturbing me. 😡

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

To begin exploring the new features of #SQLServer2025, it is essential to install it correctly. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the full installation process for SQL Server 2025, #SSMS22, and includes steps for restoring the AdventureWorks2025 database. sqlmct.com/create-a-sql...

sqlmct.com

SQL Server 2025 Practice Environment Installation Guide

Set up your SQL Server 2025 practice environment with this comprehensive installation guide and explore new features effectively.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

It’s been a while since I’ve written a personal blog post, but I’m excited to share my new role as Global Delivery Solution Lead for Data & Apps at Microsoft. #CareerGrowth #TechnicalTraining sqlmct.com/new-role-sam...

sqlmct.com

New Role. Same Mission.

Starting a new role as Worldwide Solution Lead for Data and Apps for Global Delivery that is aimed at improving our delivery of technical workshops.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Deeply disappointed in the new movie "The Odyssey". They completely removed all of Homer's doughnut references.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

I bought a new box fan, and it makes the best white noise for sleeping.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

I'm patching servers on a Friday afternoon! Might go to Taco Bell later...

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

My biggest issue with Artificial Intelligence is that it is being trained from our Natural Stupidity. 🤔

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

With the end of extended support for SQL Server 2016 on July 14, 2026, organizations need to act to reduce risk, maintain compliance, and modernize their data platforms. Find out more: sqlmct.com/sql-server-2...

sqlmct.com

SQL Server 2016 ESU Pricing Changes Explained

Explore SQL Server 2016 ESU pricing and understand the new consistent pricing model across all platforms.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

I really hate it when a song gets stuck in your heeeaaddd, in your heeeaaaaadd... ZOMBIE, Zombie, Zooombieeee... eeehhh. eh. eh.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

I’m excited to step into a new role at Microsoft as the Worldwide Solution Lead for the Data and Apps portfolio. I will get to work with teams from around the world to drive more consistent, high-quality workshops and help accelerate readiness for data, cloud, and AI solutions.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

A photographer was tragically crushed when a massive block of cheddar fell on him. In fairness, the people he was photographing tried to warn him.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Earlier today I discovered that not everybody, was in fact, kung fu fighting!

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

That was a well-deserved nap. You are welcome, me.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

I'm starting a new role on July 1st but can't tell anyone yet. Figure I'm safe posting on Bluesky.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

I earned my "Explore SQL Server 2025 capabilities" trophy! I’m so proud to be celebrating this achievement and hope this inspires you to start your own @MicrosoftLearn journey! learn.microsoft.com/en-us/users/...

learn.microsoft.com

Profile

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Indiana has now stolen two teams from other NFL cities. Other NFL teams should be worried... Don't worry Cleveland, your team is safe.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Microsoft is introducing a consistent pricing model for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) across Azure, on-premises environments, and other public clouds. This change directly impacts organizations running SQL Server 2016 end of support. sqlmct.com/sql-server-2...

sqlmct.com

SQL Server 2016 ESU Pricing Changes Explained

Explore SQL Server 2016 ESU pricing and understand the new consistent pricing model across all platforms.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

SQL Server evolved from blocking locks to row-versioning. Find out how #SQLServer2025 using Optimized Locking allows for higher concurrency and better scalability. sqlmct.com/understandin...

sqlmct.com

Understanding Optimized Locking in SQL Server 2025

Explore optimized locking in SQL Server 2025, enhancing concurrency without compromising consistency for modern workloads.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

A search condition is considered SARGable (Search ARGument ABLE) when SQL Server can use an index to efficiently locate rows. So, ask not what an index can do for you, but what you can do for your index. #SQLServer #SQL #Sargable sqlmct.com/writing-sarg...

sqlmct.com

Writing SARGable Expressions in T‑SQL

Learn to write SARGable expressions in T-SQL for efficient SQL Server queries. Improve performance and reduce CPU usage.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

SQL Server migrations have become significantly easier with the introduction of the new “Migrate SQL Server” experience in SSMS 22.5 or later. This unified, guided, end-to-end flow combines assessment, migration, and modernization into one streamlined process. sqlmct.com/simplify-sql...

sqlmct.com

Simplify SQL Server Migration with SSMS 22.5

Explore A New Migration Experience in SSMS 22.5, simplifying SQL Server migrations with a unified guided approach.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Europe released their third album on May 26th, 1986. That's right, "The Final Countdown" is 40 years old!

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Data rarely arrives in perfect condition. Typos, regional spelling differences, and inconsistent formats make exact matching unreliable in real-world scenarios. #SQLServer2025 introduces powerful built-in functions to handle it directly in T-SQL. sqlmct.com/fuzzy-matchi...

sqlmct.com

Similarity Matching in SQL Server 2025

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Fun little prompt I borrowed, "Use everything you know about me, INSERT NAME, from our conversations, including my personality, habits, strengths, profession, and overall vibe, to turn my photo into a hand-drawn sketchbook character sheet."

John Deardurff Character Sheet Sketchbook

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

We're #1! realestate.usnews.com/places/ranki...

realestate.usnews.com

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Have you’ve ever run into unexplained CPU spikes caused by dynamic SQL? Introducing OPTIMIZED_SP_EXECUTESQL in #SQLServer2025, which reduces compile storms by allowing one session to compile while others can reuse the plan. sqlmct.com/optimized_sp...

sqlmct.com

Optimizing sp_executesql in SQL Server 2025

Explore the benefits of optimizing sp_executesql in SQL Server 2025. Improve query efficiency and reduce CPU usage effectively.

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John Deardurff @sqlmct.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

AI in the data platform is evolving fast, but what’s often missing in conversations is context. Not just data, but how work happens, what data means, and where knowledge lives. That’s where Microsoft IQ comes in for the #SQLServer DBA. sqlmct.com/microsoft-iq...

sqlmct.com

Microsoft IQ for the SQL Server DBA

Explore Microsoft IQ for the SQL Server and discover its three-layer intelligence framework for enhanced data management.

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