ABSOLUTE DATA EXCELLENCE
ABSOLUTE DATA EXCELLENCE
Prepare for the SQL Server 2025 era with a sequenced strategy for modernisation, optimisation, and protection across architecture, operations, and enterprise risk.Key Takeaways SQL Server 2025 should be approached as the start of a broader platform era, not simply...
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...
Explore how SQL Server 2025’s built-in intelligence helps organisations optimise performance, gain deeper insight, and reduce data-platform complexity.Key Takeaways SQL Server 2025 shifts optimisation from a reactive activity to an intelligence-driven discipline....
Prepare for the SQL Server 2025 era with a sequenced strategy for modernisation, optimisation, and protection across architecture, operations, and enterprise risk.Key Takeaways SQL Server 2025 should be approached as the start of a broader platform era, not simply...
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...
Explore how SQL Server 2025’s built-in intelligence helps organisations optimise performance, gain deeper insight, and reduce data-platform complexity.Key Takeaways SQL Server 2025 shifts optimisation from a reactive activity to an intelligence-driven discipline....
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...
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...
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.We've...
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...
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...
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.We've...
On October 10, 2023, support for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 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...
On July 9, 2019, support for SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 will end. 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...
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...
Microsoft SQL Server 2025 marks an important shift in how organisations modernise, optimise, and protect their data platforms. As data estates become more hybrid, more intelligent, and more tightly governed, SQL Server 2025 is no longer just another upgrade cycle. It...
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...
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...
Microsoft SQL Server 2025 marks an important shift in how organisations modernise, optimise, and protect their data platforms. As data estates become more hybrid, more intelligent, and more tightly governed, SQL Server 2025 is no longer just another upgrade cycle. It...
As we wrap up the year, we’d like to extend our sincere thanks to our clients, colleagues, and partners for your continued trust and support. We hope the festive season brings you the chance to slow down, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. Warm wishes...
Facing platform ‘end of life’ issues together with increasing pressures to digitise processes, increase profitability and innovate on product and service, organisations are finding Data Platform Modernisation projects can deliver significant value by enabling IT cost...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Microsoft Azure Data Platform Services not only boosts the company’s DR facilities, it also helps them deliver value-added services and innovative strategic solutions to its customers. In a digitising world, it comes as no surprise to learn that Compatible Automotive...
Ascent Technology assists Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) with modernising its Windows Server and SQL Server, Azure Based Data Platform Architecture, ensuring Agility and Flexibility to cater for the company’s increased workloads. RMA is South Africa’s leading...
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...
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...
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...
Technology is one of the major driving forces behind the evolution of how business gets done as well as how organisations of all sizes transform themselves into digital businesses. In an era of digital disruption, technology is the answer to how your business can thrive and not just survive.
At this full day South African launch event you can expect to hear announcements on Microsoft’s intelligent cloud products such as SQL Server 2016, Windows Server 2016 and Systems Centre 2016. The event will cover exciting topics such as the Internet of Things and Predictive Analytics and how it is transforming industries.
Data scientist and thought leader Rafal Lucawiecki – will unpack how to make Advanced Analytics easy and useful, look for valuable patterns in data and build Business Intelligence. Rafal has been a popular speaker at major IT conferences since 1998, and has shared keynote platforms with Bill Gates and Neil Armstrong. A natural educator, he explains how ‘if digital is the new economy, data is the new currency’.
Partner and Chief Economist at KPMG, Lullu Krugel – she has acted as an advisor and project manager for a range of private and public sector clients wanting to invest in South Africa, but also in the rest of the African continent.
Join us for a full day of Empowering your Business and Empowering YOU!
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Registration | |
| 09:00 – 09:10 | Introduction and Welcome Microsoft South Africa Chief Innovation Officer |
Clifford De Wit |
| 09:10 – 09:20 | Market Trends First Technology Executive |
Executive |
| 09:20 – 10:05 | SQL Server 2016 Empowering you To Do More Global Data Scientist Leader, Project Botticelli Ltd |
Rafal Lukawiecki |
| 10:05 – 10:50 | Modernise your Datacentre Platform with Windows Server 2016 and the Microsoft Azure Stack | Anant Sundaram |
| 10:50 – 11:20 | Tea | |
| 11:20 – 12:05 | Opportunities and challenges with South African economic conditions and what lies ahead Chief Economist, KPMG
What to consider when selecting a Business Partner for Technology Compete Lead, Microsoft South Africa |
Lullu Krugel
and Riedwaan Bassadien |
| 12:05 – 12:50 | Is Advanced Analytics empowering your business innovation? Global Data Scientist Leader, Project Botticelli Ltd |
Rafal Lukawiecki |
| 12:55 – 14:20 | Lunch | |
| 14:20 – 15:20 | Customer Showcase Session:
Microsoft South Africa Solutions Team Unit Lead hosts Microsoft Partners: First Technology Enterprise Data Solutions and their customers |
Rory Headon-Weeks |
| 15:20 – 16:05 | Modern Management for your Hybrid Cloud with Operations Management Suite and System Center 2016 | Anant Sundaram |
| 16:10 – 16:20 | Close Microsoft South Africa Chief Innovation Officer |
Clifford De Wit |
| 16:30 – 18:00 | Cocktail Event | All |