SQL Server DBAs: Today, Let’s Thank Steve Jones.

Back in 2001, Steve Jones, aka @way0utwest on Twitter, cofounded SQLServerCentral.com. He shepherded it into an incredibly large resource, well-known in the industry for its active forum, strong email list, Question of the Day, and the really well-done Stairways series of tutorials. He’s been a pioneer in our industry, and he freely gives away knowledge.

Along with his cofounders, he sold SQLServerCentral to Red Gate years ago, and he’s still managed to keep the site as a fun place to be that has its own personality. It’s not vendor spam – it’s a fountain of helpful information and community participation.

In 2007, Steve was part of the 3-person team that started SQLSaturday. No, not the one in Denver or the one in Orlando – the entire SQLSaturday phenomenon. It grew large enough that they gave the whole thing to PASS free and clear in order to keep the community moving forward.

Steve also blogs at VoiceOfTheDBA.com, where he keeps links to his extensive community presentations. He speaks all over the place.

If you meet him in person, he’s even nicer than he seems online. He’s always got time for a smile, a kind word, and a photo.

And oh yeah, he’s been working with SQL Server since 1991, and he’s been awarded Microsoft MVP status.

Today, stop for a moment and say thanks to Steve for helping make your job easier. You can catch him as way0utwest on Facebook, on Twitter, or in the off-topic forums at SQLServerCentral.