SQL Table Talk Blogging Team:
Yvonne VanSlageren
Yvonne VanSlageren was the co-founder and guiding spirit behind this blog, and her passing on February 15, 2025, marked a profound loss for our community. Without her unwavering dedication, vision, and expertise, this blog would never have existed or flourished into the valued resource it is today.
Yvonne served as a Senior SQL Server Principal Engineer at Microsoft, beginning her journey with SQL Server 6.0. Throughout her impressive career, she embraced each iteration of SQL Server with enthusiasm, deeply contributing to the evolution of modern data management practices. Her expertise encompassed high availability, core engine architecture, and replication processes, areas where her knowledge and insights were widely recognized.
Beyond her deep technical mastery, Yvonne was deeply passionate about troubleshooting and solving complex SQL Server issues. Her methodical approach, analytical precision, and patient guidance empowered colleagues and clients alike, fostering deeper understanding and self-reliance within the SQL community.
Yvonne’s dedication to exemplary customer service was unmatched. She consistently went beyond merely solving technical issues, cultivating relationships through personalized consultations and collaborative problem-solving, always focused on helping customers leverage SQL Server’s full potential to achieve their business goals.
As an active and generous contributor to the data engineering community, Yvonne mentored countless professionals, actively engaged in forums and workshops, and guided emerging talents. Her career at Microsoft and her broader contributions reflect her passion for continuous learning, teaching, and maintaining a standard of excellence within the rapidly evolving landscape of database technology.
Yvonne’s legacy endures through the community she built and inspired. We honor her memory by continuing the work she so deeply cherished, guided always by her remarkable example.
Stephen Planck
My name is Stephen Planck. My love for technology started when I was five years old, with days spent on the Commodore 64 and Amiga 1000. Those early interactions with Commodore BASIC 2.0, AmigaBASIC and setting up a small BBS system were the cornerstones of my tech journey as a youth.
Being homeschooled provided a unique canvas for my explorations. Although I was born visually impaired, this challenge only strengthened my determination and perspective in the tech world. My academic pursuits led me to Ivy Tech Community College and later to Purdue, where I earned a bachelor of science in Computer Information Technology. Beyond academics, I cherished the moments teaching math at Ivy Tech, nurturing the next generation of thinkers.
My professional path saw a significant shift when I ventured to Australia. I joined Wardy IT, later to be acquired by Brennan IT, in Brisbane as a junior DBA, and over four years, honed my skills and expertise. By the time I left, I was equipped with the knowledge and experience to take on a role as a SQL engineer at Microsoft, a journey I’m grateful for every day.
Now, alongside my role at Microsoft, I’ve embarked on a personal mission to craft my own toy OS kernel. With each line of C and assembly, the implementation of memory management, a read-only FAT16 file system, and a task scheduling system, I’m reminded of the curiosity that began with the Commodore.
By sharing my story and engaging with the SQL Server community with this blog, I hope to inspire others to embrace their passion, no matter where their starting point might be. You are most welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn. I am happy to answer any questions as time permits.
The objective of this blog is to offer valuable insights into the workings of SQL Server. I owe much of my growth to the incredible mentors and supporters who’ve been by my side, and this is my way of giving back. It’s important to note that while I am proud to be a part of the Microsoft family, this blog operates as a separate entity and is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft Corporation.
Ian Packer
My name is Ian Packer, and I’m delighted to join Stephen’s renowned SQL Server blog—a cornerstone resource within the data platform community. Historically rooted in SQL Server, our platform is now broadening to embrace PostgreSQL, aligning with today’s diverse data landscape and the growing demand for expertise across multiple database technologies.
With over eight years of experience as a SQL Server consultant, my professional journey has also encompassed managing extensive PostgreSQL deployments, including clusters scaling to hundreds of terabytes and even into the petabyte range. Additionally, my responsibilities encompass overseeing mission-critical Oracle systems and managing a large fleet of Red Hat Enterprise Linux servers. My expertise emphasizes robust system hardening, stringent operational security, and designing resilient, high-availability infrastructure tailored for enterprise demands.
As we embark on this new chapter, my contributions will initially focus on foundational PostgreSQL concepts, specially designed for those new to PostgreSQL or transitioning from a SQL Server background. Additionally, I will be covering essential SQL Server and Azure topics, including deploying and managing PostgreSQL on Azure. Gradually, we will delve deeper into advanced topics, addressing the complex challenges inherent in large-scale, mission-critical environments. These include detailed performance optimization techniques, sophisticated architectural strategies, and rigorous operational practices that ensure system resilience and security.
My approach to technology combines methodical problem-solving with a passion for knowledge sharing and community engagement. I strongly believe in empowering professionals with practical, in-depth insights, enabling them to navigate and excel within multi-database environments confidently.
Together with Stephen’s continued SQL Server expertise, our expanded scope aims to create a comprehensive learning environment, equipping you with essential knowledge and skills, whether your focus lies in PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or both. I’m excited to connect, engage, and support our community’s growth, contributing to a rich exchange of ideas and best practices in data management.