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  • Databricks to acquire Neon for $1 billion 💰|Free MySQL training and certification from Oracle University 🎓🆓|My real-world training regimen

Databricks to acquire Neon for $1 billion 💰|Free MySQL training and certification from Oracle University 🎓🆓|My real-world training regimen

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DATABRICKS

TL;DR: Databricks plans to acquire serverless database startup Neon for $1 billion, enhancing cloud data management and simplifying workflows, reflecting a broader shift towards serverless computing in analytics.

  • Databricks is reportedly acquiring serverless database startup Neon for $1 billion to enhance its data capabilities.

  • Neon’s technology will improve cloud-based data management, aligning with Databricks' mission of simplifying workflows.

  • The acquisition aims to attract more users by allowing businesses to focus on data insights over database management.

  • This move signals a shift toward serverless computing in the tech industry, emphasizing agility and innovation in analytics.

Why this matters: Databricks leveraging Neon's serverless innovation signifies a tactical shift toward streamlined digital infrastructure, capitalizing on cloud solutions to lower operational hurdles. In doing so, Databricks enhances its competitive edge, caters to evolving cloud demands, and fosters a future where analytics drive strategic decisions by eschewing traditional database management complexities. 

OCI

TL;DR: Oracle University offers free MySQL training and certification to boost database skills, removing financial barriers and enhancing workforce development in data-driven roles across various industries.

  • Oracle University offers free MySQL training and certification programs to enhance the skills of database professionals.  

  • Participants gain access to comprehensive courses and hands-on labs, covering essential MySQL features and abilities.  

  • Free certification exams validate knowledge and skills, aiding individuals in advancing their careers in data roles.  

  • This initiative supports workforce development by removing financial barriers and fostering a skilled talent pool in technology.

Why this matters:  By offering free MySQL training, Oracle University democratizes access to critical database expertise, addressing the skill gap in data-driven roles. This empowers individuals to enhance career prospects in a data-centric market, creating a robust talent pool that can drive innovation and strategic decision-making in various industries. 

DATA OBSERVABILITY

TL;DR:  Bigeye launched a patent-pending AI tool that automates data issue resolution for enterprises, improving data quality and governance while enabling teams to prioritize analytics and strategic decision-making.

  • Bigeye has launched a patent-pending AI solution to improve data quality issue resolution for enterprise teams.  

  • The AI tool uses machine learning to monitor data in real-time and automatically spot discrepancies.  

  • This technology significantly reduces the time needed for data issue resolution, allowing focus on analytics.

  • The innovation enhances data quality and governance, fostering trust in data analytics for strategic decisions. 

Why this matters: By automating data issue resolution, Bigeye's AI tool enables enterprises to optimize data quality and accelerate decision-making processes. This innovation not only enhances operational efficiency and strategic focus but also establishes higher trust in analytics, potentially setting a new benchmark in data governance. 

NOSQL

TL;DR:  Redis launched version 8 as open-source, enhancing community engagement and innovation with new features like multi-threading support and advanced data types, likely increasing adoption and competitiveness in tech.

  • Redis 8 has launched as open-source, marking a strategic shift to enhance community involvement and innovation.  

  • The new version introduces features like the RediSearch module and multi-threading support for improved performance.  

  • Advanced data types enable developers to manage complex structures more efficiently, boosting the platform's versatility.  

  • The open-source decision is expected to accelerate development and increase Redis's adoption across various industries.

Why this matters:  Redis 8's return to open-source can catalyze innovation within cloud-native applications by offering unrestricted access to new features. This strategic shift is poised to revive interest, community involvement, and competitive advantage for Redis, potentially reshaping data management practices across industries by enhancing performance and versatility. 

RELATIONAL DATABASE

TL;DR: "Learn SQL in a Month of Lunches" by Ryan Turner offers beginners practical, hands-on SQL learning across one-hour sessions, enhancing data literacy and productivity for non-technical roles in a data-driven world.

  • - "Learn SQL in a Month of Lunches" targets beginners with no prior programming experience through practical exercises.

  • The book, authored by Ryan Turner, emphasizes real-world applications and efficient database querying techniques.

  • It covers essential topics like data manipulation and SQL dialect differences, providing a comprehensive learning foundation.

  • This resource aims to enhance data literacy, improving career prospects and productivity for readers in non-technical roles.

Why this matters: As businesses become more data-centric, accessible resources like "Learn SQL in a Month of Lunches" empower non-technical individuals to effectively engage with data. This enhances overall data literacy, offering a critical edge in career development and productivity, and democratizes essential skills in today’s data-driven economy. 

DEEP DIVE
My real-world training regimen

I am a bit bemused that some of my current colleagues were not even born when me and my friends were running around in our twenties, in school, not really worrying about the future too much. We just went to university, college, or did apprenticeships, etc. I never thought 30+ years later that I would still be writing exams at this point.

I didn’t really hear about IT certifications until about 2000/2001. My childhood friend Mike, became a networking wizard, and obtained many certification, including the fabled MCSE. That one was a big deal back then. Don’t even mention the mythical and storied CCIE from Cisco. That’s when I got the buzz for a nearly 25 year certification and learning odyssey.

At this point, I have honed down a pretty reliable SOP for studying for and passing IT certifications. Let’s just say I have a lot of certifications. One of my office walls looks like the chest of a General at some Pyongyang military parade.

I am going to list in point form how I study and pass exams. I am also going to intersperse some not-so-intuitive tips as well. Here we go:

  • Set a date. If it is a very comprehensive exam, like a 3 hour AWS nightmare exam, give yourself about 6 weeks

  • set aside early mornings, your commute time, and maybe an hour per evening

  • make notes and group them as per the domain of the exam objectives

  • If books are available as a study guide, buy as many you can afford and read them twice, time permitting

  • Buy Udemy and/or Coursera courses

  • Spin up stuff on your personal cloud portals, but be very cognizant of the spend (I guess this is what you call FinOps)

  • Document your journey. Here is an example here and here

  • Get a good nights sleep before the exam

  • One more bonus one. Use Google Gemini or ChatGPT deep research capabilities to create your own supplemental study guide. Their capabilities are beyond comprehension and very helpful

That’s it. Nothing too esoteric and metaphysical. If you like music, here is a second bonus tip. The night before the exam, or the day of the exam, if you have time, listen to some music.

My suggestion would be the Jazz, Classical, or LoFi music of your choice. I wouldn’t suggest a YouTube workout playlist with a thumbnail that looks like the Incredible Hulks big brother.

It’s up to you though.

Gladstone Benjamin