Monica Rathbun

Monica Rathbun lives in Virginia, is a Microsoft MVP for Data Platform, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert and VMWare vExpert. She has nearly two decades of experience working with a wide variety of database platforms with a focus on SQL Server and the Microsoft Data Platform. She is a frequent speaker at IT industry conferences on topics including performance tuning and configuration management. She is the Leader of the Hampton Roads SQL Server User Group, on the Microsoft Azure Data Community Board and the Data Saturdays Board. She is passionate about SQL Server and the SQL Server community, doing anything she can to give back. Monica can always be found on Twitter (@sqlespresso) handing out helpful tips. You can find Monica blogging at sqlespresso.com

Monica Rathbun's Sessions

Performance Tuning Azure SQL DatabaseSQLBits 2023

Have you moved to a cloud database like Azure SQL Database and are having performance issues? While the Azure SQL services running in Azure are similar to SQL Server, they are key differences in performance tuning methodologies. In this session, you will learn about monitoring options, changes in cloud DMVs, and additional cloud tuning tools like Azure SQL Analytics and Performance Insights that can allow you quickly get to performance data across a number of instances. You will learn about what you need to keep in mind when choosing between scaling-out to readable secondaries and scaling-up to higher tier solutions. Discuss with Microsoft MVP Monica Rathbun the challenges and benefits of tuning, what to keep in mind, and what to expect in the cloud.

Tales from the Field - How to Avoid BurnoutSQLBits 2023

In the fast paced "always plugged in world" we all live in today, getting burned out is something that you will most likely experience. That feeling of emotional and physical exhaustion that leaves you overwhelmed, trapped, defeated and stagnant can be unbearable. Taking the time to learn how to avoid burnout can be game-changer for your mental health, motivation, and productivity. In this 20 minute session, we will discuss ways to help prevent that burn out.

Your Performance Tuning Check ListSQLBits 2022

Everyone needs a list of what to double check in your environment to ensure your servers and databases are optimized in order to make SQL Server run faster, better and more efficiently. In this session you will learn about what you need to review and implement to get a performance and configuration improvements.

Erin & Monica’s Favorite SQL StuffSQLBits 2022

Two consultants, two different companies, two data professionals passionate about performance tuning. Do we like the same things? Do we have the same approach to problems? Topics will include: Trace Flags, DMVs, DBCC commands, Community Scripts and Intelligent Query Processing Features. We will talk about the features and solutions we agree on, and discuss where we disagree.

Always Encrypted for BeginnersSQLBits 2020

Let's learn about what Always Encrypted is, how it works, and the implications for your environment. By the end you will know how to now easily encrypt columns of data and just as importantly how to unencrypt.

Getting Started with Learning AzureSQLBits 2020

Join three Microsoft Data Platform MVPs to discuss the best approach with building your Azure skills. You will learn the best approaches to gaining the skills you need to function in a cloud world.