
Des FitzGerald
Des FitzGerald works as a Principal Engineering Architect Manager in the Azure SQL Product Group at Microsoft. He has over 27 years of experience working within the SQL Server and RDBMS space and currently works as part of a team within the SQL Product Group that helps Microsoft customers & partners adopt Azure Data Services as well as SQL Server. One focus of this highly skilled team is to accelerate and unblock complex modernizations from Mainframe, Oracle, Teradata, Netezza, OSS and, naturally, SQL Server to Azure SQL as well as other Azure Data Services. Des has spoken previously at SQL PASS, SQL Bits as well as at various local user group meetings on all sorts of SQL topics down the years.
Des FitzGerald's Sessions
Mainframe Modernization in the Fast Lane: Bright Insights for Mainframe Modernization to AzureSQLBits 2025
Mainframe modernization is complex and unique to every workload. The Azure SQL Engineering (SQL CSE) team has worked with customers navigating this transformation, uncovering insights, challenges, and strategies to streamline the journey. In this fast-paced 20-minute session, we bring you real-world customer experiences, showcasing key lessons learned and top optimization tactics for migrating Mainframe data to Azure SQL. Discover how first-party solutions and custom-built toolsets are leveraged to tackle real migration scenarios, ensuring a smoother path to modernization.
Join us as we illuminate success stories, share expert recommendations, and highlight actionable approaches that can accelerate your transition to Azure Databases. Whether you're in the early planning stages or deep in the migration process, this session will deliver the brightest insights to help you move forward. The future of Mainframe data is Neon—and it’s time to step into the light.
SQL Performance Supercharged: Strategies for Azure SQL Performance OptimizationSQLBits 2025
The Azure SQL PG Engineering (CSE) team has worked extensively with customers to sustain, optimize, and elevate performance for mission-critical workloads on Azure SQL DB and Managed Instances. In this session, we dive into real-world observations, best practices, and strategic approaches to investigate performance challenges pre- or post-migration to Azure.
Through driving performance improvements utilizing intelligence driven query processor improvements, we will showcase key methods for helping remove performance bottlenecks and unlocking optimization opportunities. We will illuminate the most frequent pitfalls and share proven approaches for enhancing database performance.
Whether you are troubleshooting existing workloads or planning ahead for optimization, this session will equip you with actionable insights to maximize your success on Azure SQL. Get ready to light up performance—because your data deserves to shine!
Sybase to Azure SQL: Lighting Up Your Modernization JourneySQLBits 2025
The path to modernizing Sybase environments is illuminated by real-world successes and hard-earned insights. While ASE and SQL Server share a common lineage, the nuances of migrating Sybase databases to Azure SQL require deep expertise and tailored approaches. Join the Azure SQL Engineering (SQL CSE) team as we showcase customer case studies and lived experiences, detailing the challenges, solutions, and lessons learned from complex migrations.
Discover how first-party tools and custom innovations have empowered organizations to navigate this transformation successfully. In this session, we will highlight practical strategies and custom IPs that can accelerate your migration journey. Whether you're just starting or deep into the modernization process, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to ensure a smooth transition to Azure SQL. Let’s ignite your modernization journey—because the future of data is bright.
Accelerate your Oracle & Mainframe Modernization journey to Azure SQLSQLBits 2024
Come join this session if you are helping Oracle, Mainframe/AS400 workloads move to SQL and Azure. You will understand our product strategy, reusable solutions, and get to know real world customer case studies who have done this on Azure/SQL for their mission critical workloads.
SQL Modernization Journey with Tools, Assets & Migration Best PracticesSQLBits 2024
This session gives an overview of your SQL modernization journey to Azure SQL using Azure SQL Migration Tools, Custom solutions and Migration Best practices
Meet the PG: SQL Migration SQLBits 2024
Bring your migration challenges for a personalized discussion. Join us to share your thoughts and gain insights into the future of tech migrations. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and shape what's coming next. See you there
Accelerate your Oracle & Mainframe Modernization journey to Azure SQLSQLBits 2024
Come join this session if you are helping Oracle, Mainframe/AS400 workloads move to SQL and Azure. You will understand our product strategy, reusable solutions, and get to know real world customer case studies who have done this on Azure/SQL for their mission critical workloads.
SQL Modernization Journey with Tools, Assets & Migration Best PracticesSQLBits 2024
This session gives an overview of your SQL modernization journey to Azure SQL using Azure SQL Migration Tools, Custom solutions and Migration Best practices