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ABSOLUTE DATA EXCELLENCE

Ascent Technology Logo
Ascent Technology Logo

ABSOLUTE DATA EXCELLENCE

Ascent Technology Logo

Table of Contents

  1. Microsoft Azure

VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS

FROM THE DESK OF THE MD

Security by Default – Protecting the Enterprise in SQL Server 2025

Security by Default – Protecting the Enterprise in SQL Server 2025

Explore how SQL Server 2025 strengthens enterprise security through enforced secure defaults, identity integration, encryption, and governance assurance across hybrid environments.Key Takeaways SQL Server 2025 shifts enterprise security from optional hardening to...

SQL Server 2025 – Redefining the Modern Data Platform

Explore how SQL Server 2025 reshapes the modern data platform with AI-ready capabilities, developer-first enhancements, hybrid modernisation, and practical upgrade readiness guidance.Key Takeaways SQL Server 2025 represents a shift from database upgrade to platform...

CAMPAIGNS

Azure by Credit Card vs CSP: Why Finance & IT Prefer CSP

Azure by Credit Card vs CSP: Why Finance & IT Prefer CSP

Still paying Microsoft for Azure by credit card? Discover why finance and IT leaders prefer the CSP model for predictable billing, built-in partner support, cost optimisation, and long-term value. Key Takeways Credit card billing creates risk - Failed or expired...

Prepare for SQL Server 2014 End of Support

On July 9, 2024, support for SQL Server 2014 ended. That means the end of regular security updates. Don't let your infrastructure and applications go unprotected. We're here to help you migrate to current versions for greater security, performance and innovation....

Prepare for SQL Server 2012 End of Support

On July 12, 2022, support for SQL Server 2012 ended. That means the end of regular security updates. Don't let your infrastructure and applications go unprotected. We're here to help you migrate to current versions for greater security, performance and innovation....

NEWSFLASHES

Season’s Greetings from the Ascent Technology Team

Season’s Greetings from the Ascent Technology Team

As the year draws to a close, we would like to express our appreciation to our clients, partners, and colleagues for the trust and collaboration that have defined the year. We wish you and your teams a restful festive season and a successful year ahead, and we look...

Ascent’s SQL Server 2025 Blog Post Series – Coming Soon

Ascent Technology announces a four-part SQL Server 2025 blog series covering AI-driven intelligence, Fabric integration, security enhancements, and the future of the modern data platform. Microsoft SQL Server 2025 is set to become one of the most impactful releases in...

Microsoft Tiered EA/MPSA Pricing Ends – Explore the CSP Advantage

Standardised pricing will replace Microsoft’s long-standing tiered discount model - prompting many organisations to review the CSP programme for its cost savings, licensing flexibility, and simplified management. Microsoft Tiered EA/MPSA Pricing Ends Microsoft will...

CLIENT CASE STUDIES

DB Administration, Security and Compliance for First Distribution

DB Administration, Security and Compliance for First Distribution

First Distribution’s Database Administration, Security and Compliance needs lead it to trusted advisor, Ascent Technology. For any large organisation, Database Administration (DBA) is a vital part of maintaining their Data Platform Operations effectively. As it has...

Ascent Technology helps Bidfood SA migrate to Microsoft Azure

When Bidfood SA chose to modernise and migrate its data platform to Microsoft Azure, it turned to Ascent Technology for help. In a world that is digitally transforming, it is more vital than ever to an organisation’s success to utilise the latest platforms to drive...

Ascent Technology helps migrate Phumelela Gaming to Azure

A Windows Server and SQL Server consolidation, optimisation and migration to Microsoft Azure enables the company to reduce costs, modernise its data platform and boost its innovation capabilities. As an operator running two distinct betting businesses, Phumelela...

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Microsoft Data and Analytics Partner of the Year Finalist

Microsoft Data and Analytics Partner of the Year Finalist

Ascent Technology continues its strong showing in the Microsoft Partner of the Year awards, as a finalist in the Data and Analytics Partner of the Year award. Finalist Data and Analytics Partner of the Year "It is always gratifying to be recognised by Microsoft as one...

Database Consulting Services

Database Consulting Services

Ascent Technology delivers specialist Database Consulting Services that modernise, optimise, and protect mission-critical database environments. We help organisations enhance performance, strengthen governance, and execute complex database initiatives with clarity and control.

Our consultants support heterogeneous technology estates including Microsoft Azure SQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, Azure Cosmos DB, PostgreSQL, EnterpriseDB and Amazon RDS.

Engaged across strategic transformation programmes and time-critical operational scenarios, we combine cross-platform expertise with method-led execution to deliver measurable, business-aligned results.

Database Strategy and Architecture

We assess your database landscape and design scalable, resilient architectures aligned to long-term business strategy. Our consulting approach integrates performance, availability, governance, and cost efficiency across on-premise, hybrid, and cloud environments – ensuring structural coherence from design through implementation.

A future-ready database architecture engineered to support strategic objectives, operational resilience, and sustained enterprise growth.

Database Performance Optimisation

We evaluate workload behaviour, resource utilisation, and query execution patterns to improve database performance across complex environments. Our consultants implement targeted optimisation strategies that increase efficiency, strengthen stability, and reduce operational strain without compromising governance or scalability.

Improved database performance that reinforces operational efficiency, cost discipline, and sustained enterprise reliability.

Database Migration

We design and execute controlled database migrations across on-premise, hybrid, and cloud platforms, ensuring smooth transitions with minimal operational disruption. Our methodology safeguards data integrity, preserves performance continuity, and mitigates risk at every stage of migration.

A controlled migration pathway that safeguards stability while positioning your data platform for long-term strategic advantage.

Database Health Check

We conduct comprehensive evaluations of configuration integrity, workload behaviour, security posture, and resilience to identify performance constraints and latent exposure. Our health checks deliver prioritised insight that enables informed decision-making and proactive remediation before issues impact operations.

A disciplined evaluation framework that strengthens operational stability and reduces enterprise risk exposure.

Database Backup and Recovery Solutions

We design and implement resilient backup and disaster recovery frameworks that protect critical data assets across on-premise and cloud environments. Our approach integrates recovery objectives, governance requirements, and operational dependencies to preserve continuity under adverse conditions.

A resilient recovery strategy that safeguards critical data and sustains operational continuity under pressure.

Database Security and Compliance

We establish robust security controls, access governance models, and compliance frameworks that protect sensitive data across diverse database environments. Our consulting approach integrates encryption, identity management, auditing, and regulatory obligations within broader enterprise risk management strategies.

A strengthened security posture that supports regulatory compliance, governance maturity, and long-term risk reduction.

Database Management, Monitoring and Support

We provide proactive database management and monitoring to sustain performance, availability, and stability across complex environments. Our consultants apply structured oversight, disciplined incident response, and continuous optimisation to reduce operational risk and maintain uninterrupted service delivery.

Sustained operational reliability reinforced by disciplined oversight and continuous performance enhancement.

Planning Your Next Database Initiative?

Contact Us to discuss your database strategy and next steps.

Why Choose Ascent Technology?

Ascent Technology combines deep cross-platform database expertise with methodical consulting execution to deliver measurable outcomes across complex enterprise environments. Our consultants operate confidently across Microsoft, Oracle, and open-source technologies, ensuring cohesive strategy and delivery regardless of platform mix.

We are frequently engaged in high-impact environments where operational stability and risk mitigation are paramount. Our ability to diagnose root causes, implement corrective action, and connect remediation to long-term strategic intent differentiates our approach from reactive support models.

Our consulting engagements are reinforced by our integrated database service suite – including DB Admin, DB Health, and DB Shield – ensuring continuity from strategic advisory through operational execution and governance oversight.

We support organisations across South Africa, EMEA, the United Kingdom, and North America, delivering consistent results across diverse and demanding data estates.

As an ISO 27001:2022 certified organisation, we embed governance, security, and compliance into every engagement – ensuring performance improvements strengthen, rather than compromise, control.

Aligned to Modernise – Optimise – Protect

Our Database Consulting Services operate within Ascent Technology’s Modernise – Optimise – Protect framework, ensuring transformation, efficiency, and governance integrity are addressed in balance.

Modernise
We evolve database architectures to support digital transformation, cloud enablement, and scalable growth.

Optimise
We improve performance, efficiency, and operational reliability through targeted optimisation and continuous refinement.

Protect
We reinforce security, compliance, and resilience through disciplined controls and risk-aligned recovery strategies.

How We Engage

Ascent Technology delivers Database Consulting Services through flexible engagement models tailored to operational and strategic requirements. Each engagement is governed by defined scope, disciplined execution, and outcome-focused accountability.

Time and Materials
Appropriate for exploratory initiatives, performance investigations, and evolving consulting requirements where flexibility is essential.

Fixed-Fee Engagements
Clearly defined consulting assignments with agreed deliverables, timelines, and governance checkpoints to ensure predictable execution.

Emergency and Critical Response Support
Rapid-response consulting for high-impact database incidents requiring immediate stabilisation, root cause analysis, and controlled remediation.

Ready to Strengthen Your Database Environment?

Engage with Ascent Technology’s specialist consultants to enhance performance, reduce operational risk, and position your database environment for sustained strategic success.

Contact Us About Database Consulting.