Who is the Exceptional DBA?

Check out what we're looking for in our winner

What makes the top 10 percent of SQL Server DBAs excel in their careers?

It's a tough question that has seen recent debate on the SQL Server Central member forums. It's also a question that Brad McGehee, SQL Server MVP and DBA guru, has examined in depth for his latest ebook, How to be an Exceptional DBA.

For Brad, the Exceptional DBA is not just defined by a list of qualifications. It's not a simple matter of knowledge, fine-tuned from a server room over years, either. It's just as much about the DBA's understanding of being defined by his or her actions that are taken every day.

So do you think you're exceptional at your job? Ask yourself these questions:

	It's Sunday. You hear that a hurricane is threatening to strike your area in six hours. Do you go straight to the office to ensure your data is secure?
	It's day one of your new job. You see that no backups have been made in weeks. Is your first action to explain this problem to your manager and how you will fix it?
	The SAN supporting a mission-critical server cluster fails as you are about to leave the office on Friday. Do you remain in the office for as long as it takes to ensure the issue is resolved?

Did you answer yes to all three? Then be sure to see how you could compare with our five finalists, selected by the judges.

All Exceptional DBAs want to keep learning. That's why you'll love Brad McGehee's new ebook.

Packed with expert advice, download your free copy now to see how you can reach the top of your career.

Want to try out one of Brad's tips straight away too?

Download your free, fully-functional, 14-day trials of Red Gate's DBA tools to see how you too can make the most of your office hours.