Embark on a transformative journey with the masterful Charlie Sukup, Director of Cloud and Data Engineering, as we navigate the seas of Microsoft Azure through the lens of the Cloud Adoption Framework. With Charlie's guidance, we decode the strategic phases essential for a seamless shift to the cloud, offering a tailored approach for businesses both big and small. Imagine crafting the perfect grocery list, where every essential is captured; that's the level of meticulousness we bring to exploring CAF's six phases, from easing the transition of IT resources to embracing a world of robust Azure services.

As we chart the roadmap of cloud migration, the conversation with Charlie turns practical, shedding light on the journey from strategy formulation to adoption. The digital estate plan emerges as your North Star, helping to determine the destiny of every workload while equipping your team with the skills for a smooth transition. Feel the excitement build as we discuss laying the groundwork in Azure, igniting the momentum as projects morph from meticulous planning to execution, testing, and optimization in real-world scenarios.

Lastly, we tackle the tall tales and real challenges entwined with cloud migration head-on. Charlie demystifies the 'power of 10' principle, providing a lifeline for businesses intimidated by the scale of migration, and we confront the common fears around data control and cost transformations. As we near the peak of our cloud summit, governance, ROI, and the revolutionary role of AI in cloud and IT domains are unraveled, ensuring you leave this episode armed with a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights for your business’s upward climb into the cloud.

Discover the unexpected synergy between the chords of music and the codes of SQL as former musician Rick unveils his encore career in database administration. His story, marked by rhythm and records, harmonizes the artistic with the analytical, presenting a soulful take on SQL Server and Azure. As Rick articulates the essence of Emergent Software’s secure data management, you'll grasp the significance of their vigilant SQL Server Managed Services, a symphony of 24/7 proactive monitoring that promises to keep your databases finely tuned and performance-ready.

Data security takes center stage in this melody of caution and prevention, where the nuances of protecting information play out like a complex composition. We explore the dire consequences of a careless data note, and the mastery required to orchestrate a foolproof backup strategy. With disaster recovery planning set to the beat of recovery time and point objectives, you'll learn how to conduct your data in a manner that ensures it's always ready for an encore, even in the face of the most unforeseen events.

The episode crescendos with an in-depth exploration of data warehousing, as we pull back the curtain to reveal the meticulous craftsmanship behind these repositories of information. The enlightening dialogue with our guest, Ulrich, adds a layer of profound wisdom to the conversation, as we examine the intricacies of ETL processes and the finesse involved in selecting the right tools for data integration. Whether you're a data maestro or a novice looking to fine-tune your understanding, this episode orchestrates a comprehensive guide to the strategic asset of data warehousing.

Our team of SQL experts is available on a project basis or as your on-call Remote DBA with our SQL Server Managed Services or SQL Server Support packages.

Discover how AI is revolutionizing the way we write code with Mike Allen, a seasoned software development virtuoso, as he unpacks the transformative powers of GitHub Copilot. Mike's deep dive into the integration of OpenAI's GPT model with GitHub's repositories reveals how this cutting-edge tool is elevating developers' efficiency and precision. By assisting in the coding process, Copilot is not only an advanced autocomplete system but a new essential partner for programmers, reshaping the creative process and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of software development.

As AI continues to disrupt the tech industry, it also raises thought-provoking questions about the hiring landscape in companies like Emergent Software. Mike Allen and I investigate how the advent of tools like Copilot affects the evaluation of developer talent, suggesting a seismic shift in the skills that define a top-tier software engineer. The conversation acknowledges the blurred line between human expertise and AI-generated code, highlighting the need for strategic rethinking in both recruitment and the retention of tech talent.

Wrapping up, we delve into the dynamic world of software testing, where AI tools like Copilot are transforming previously onerous tasks such as unit testing into efficient processes. Mike offers an optimistic vision of AI as an indispensable assistant, rather than a replacement, offering anecdotes on using AI for code optimization and ideation phases. We also look towards the horizon of custom software and cloud services, where innovative integrations, like chat features in applications, are changing the landscape of business-customer interactions. Join us for an eye-opening episode that charts the course of AI's integral role in the present and future of software development.

Visit us at emergentsoftware.net to learn more about a company that isn't afraid to use AI to maximize productivity.

Ever shuffled a deck of cards and found your life's calling? That's precisely what Jason did, transitioning from the high-stakes world of professional poker to the meticulous craft of software engineering. Our latest episode brings you the story of this remarkable shift, as Jason shares his insights on mastering poker, the emotional rollercoaster of wins and losses, and the strategic mindset that ultimately led him to develop 'Tournament Life,' a software aiding poker players in making data-driven decisions.

Strap in for a conversation that deals out wisdom on adapting skills from one profession to another. Jason's journey through the world of poker mirrors the analytical problem-solving he now applies to coding, illustrating the unexpected intersections between managing a poker bankroll and navigating the complexities of software development. His tale is a masterclass in emotional intelligence, showcasing how a cool head and a sharp mind triumph in environments as volatile as poker tables and tech startups.

We round off our session with Jason's pragmatic approach to breaking into the tech industry, a sector known for valuing skill and determination over diplomas. Highlighting the merits of coding boot camps and the importance of genuine curiosity in interviews, Jason's narrative is not just a roadmap for career transformation but a testament to the power of authentic passion. Join us for an episode that promises to leave you inspired, whether you're holding a pair of aces or a freshly minted app.

Need some custom software development? Visit our site emergentsoftware.net to work with Jason and many other super-qualified software engineers.

Ready to revolutionize the way you approach web development? That’s precisely what awaits you with Aaron Varga, the Microsoft maestro from Pittsburgh, lighting the path in this tech-packed episode. With his seasoned insights, we unravel the mysteries behind Blazor and JavaScript, comparing their functionalities, productivity, and how they've shaped the coding cosmos. Aaron, a veritable encyclopedia of .NET prowess, shares his firsthand experiences, guiding us through the labyrinth of choosing the right framework for your project, and spilling the secrets on leveraging Blazor's potential for .NET developers keen on type safety and code reuse.

Strap in for a session that's as enlightening as it is practical, where we break down not just the ‘how’ but the ‘why’ behind Blazor's rise in the ranks of web application development. We'll navigate through the learning curves associated with Blazor, assess its integration prowess with databases and APIs, and weigh it against the robust, well-established world of JavaScript. For developers plotting their career trajectory or simply aiming to stay ahead of the curve, Aaron's prognostications on the implications of Microsoft's investment in Blazor are not to be missed. Join us for a conversation that promises to arm you with the knowledge to make informed decisions in the dynamic landscape of web technologies.

Visit our blog post Is Blazor Better than Javascript to read more about this great topic.

Visit us at Emergent Software to learn more about our web development processes.

Ever feel like you're just scratching the surface of what Microsoft Teams can do for your workplace? Prepare to unlock new levels of productivity and innovation as we sit down with Jeremy Brewer, an Azure architect from Emergent Software, who's turning thLearne tide on workplace collaboration. Our enlightening discussion traverses from the cutting-edge walkie-talkie function for instant communication to the AI-powered Co-Pilot system—showcasing how Teams is not just a platform but a revolution in work dynamics. Even if you've never knee-boarded like Jeremy has, you'll ride the waves of his relatable personal anecdotes and professional insights in transforming everyday work life with technology.

Imagine a virtual office where your ideas mingle in Immersive Spaces, and AI-driven meeting recaps become the wind beneath your project management wings—thanks to the Planner tool in Teams. Whether you're the 'reluctant admin' of a fledgling startup or the tech maestro of a sprawling enterprise, our chat highlights the indispensable role of a system manager in steering the digital ship. We spill secrets on how Office 365 users can stay ahead of the technology curve, with simple yet effective strategies like tapping into the Message Center. So, tune in, and let's navigate the tech terrain together, ensuring every feature you pay for propels your team towards uncharted heights of efficiency and collaboration.

Want more tips? Click here to discover more Microsoft Teams features.

Emergent Software is a certified Microsoft Partner that can help you fully realize your business's potential. 

Discover how the software development landscape is radically shifting with insights from Sal, director of product delivery at Emergent Software. He brings you the inside track on Agile methodologies and their transformative impact on tech deliverables. We promise you'll gain a profound understanding of the need for speed and responsiveness in creating software that not only meets but exceeds market demands. Sal and I dissect the journey from Waterfall's rigidity to Agile's dynamic prowess, emphasizing the crucial transition that's redefining industry standards.

Embark on a deep exploration of Agile's practical application with us, as we reveal how it goes beyond mere meetings to truly empower developers and stakeholders alike. By integrating customer feedback and market awareness, we conjure up more than just features; we forge solutions that resonate. Sal provides real-world examples illustrating how these practices not only fuel product evolution but also elevate team morale and client contentment. You'll grasp the significance of iterative development and how it fosters an environment where early and continuous delivery reigns supreme.

Finally, we unravel the toolkit that makes all of this possible—highlighting how tools like draw.io and Figma play pivotal roles in ideation, while also addressing how to maintain your development projects' integrity as they expand. A special focus on managing technical debt and the collective responsibility for quality sheds light on the finer points of crafting excellence in software. Sal and I share stories on how granting teams the freedom to innovate within structured parameters can unleash their potential, leading to more impactful and fulfilling work. Tune in to bridge the gap between technical precision and creative freedom with us!

You can check out our full blog post on the 7 stages of SDLC here.

If you're interested in working with us, visit emergentsoftware.net by clicking here.

Imagine unraveling the complexities of software engineering with the guidance of AI, and who better to accompany us on this journey than Emergent Software's CTO, Mark Bajema. Together, we delve into the transformative power of AI tools in coding, dissecting their capabilities to automate and their critical need for the discerning human eye. Prepare to have your perspective on software development reshaped as we discuss the nuanced integration of AI across various industries, highlighting the shift toward an era of AI-assisted problem-solving that beckons every coder to adapt and thrive.

Venture with us into the future, where AI doesn't just code, but educates, innovating the way we learn and disrupting the status quo of software creation. Mark Bajema lends his expertise to navigate the evolutionary path from coding playgrounds for the young to the sophisticated AI platforms that are redrawing career maps for engineers. We'll also draw parallels between historical shifts in technology and today's AI integration, offering a lens to view the potential and challenges that lie ahead for job security and professional growth in a world where software and artificial intelligence converge. Join Derek Jacobs for a captivating exploration of technology's new horizon.

Visit https://www.emergentsoftware.net/ to learn how AI can help your business become more efficient and effective.