My first experience with databases was Microsoft Access. I was a self-taught developer and used this tool to create a data entry and reporting application for technical enquiries during my employment at Corus Tubes. In fact, this experience was rewarding enough to catalyse a career change towards IT.

It was during an MSc conversion course starting in 2000, that I first used SQL Server version 7.0. I used SQL statements through the Query Analyser to create and alter the contents of a database, however, I reverted back to Access as a back-end for my ASP (3.0) developments. Since 2003, I have used SQL Server 2000 as a back-end database for all my web application development using ASP.NET and also for .NET Windows Services. Since 2004, I have additionally used Wonderware's Industrial SQL Server, a data historian which sits atop SQL Server 2000. This database software includes extensions to T-SQL allowing the developer to report on real-time data with greater ease for typical consumers of this data.

From my early Access days I have progressed from being a pure 'database designer and developer' to much more rounded database professional. Typically, many assigned tasks are aligned with duties of a DBA, such backup strategy, index optimisation and error notification. Currently I am using best of breed enterprise databases and custom 3rd party solutions. I continue to put into practice a wide variety of programming and administration skills as a technical lead. My responsibilties extend to the ongoing maintenance and further development of application back-end databases, many of which are relied upon within a critical operational context.