Machine-Learning-and-Ai

In a recent post, I discussed issues I found when testing the Machine Learning Services setup in SQL Server 2017.

After that, my old friend Niels Berglund also posted about issues he found after installing CU7 (cumulative update 7) and how he solved them. Niels’ article is here: http://www.nielsberglund.com/2018/06/01/sql-server-machine-learning-services-and-sql-server-2017-cu-7/

What each of those articles discussed though was detail on how temporary files are used by Machine Learning Services in SQL Server to hold R or Python data for sessions. By default, SQL Server configures itself to hold data for up to 20 concurrent sessions.

2018-06-08

In a post the other day, I described how to test if machine learning with R and/or Python was set up correctly within SQL Server 2017.

One of the comments on that post, said that the info was useful but they were still to be convinced why you’d want to have machine learning in the database in the first place.

Fair question.

I see several reasons for this. SQL Server Machine Learning Services is the result of embedding a predictive analytics and data science engine within SQL Server. Consider what happens in most data science groups today, where this type of approach isn’t used.

2018-05-25

One of the wonderful additions to SQL Server in 2016 was the R language. In SQL Server 2017, Python was also added and the combination of both with SQL Server rebranded to Machine Learning Services.

Why would you want these installed? The most common answer is to enable you to run predictive analytics.

But I’ve found that at many sites, getting R and/or Python installed turned out to be more complicated than it seemed.

2018-05-16

In the last year or so, there has been a quiet revolution going on with how Microsoft delivers training and certification.

Previously, the main option was Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) courses delivered by Certified Learning Partners. For some years, I’ve been saying that I don’t see that as the longer-term model for Microsoft. I believe that’s for three reasons:

• The learning experiences team in Microsoft have needed to be a profit center.
• The product groups want as much information out there as possible and as free as possible.
• The creation and delivery processes for MOC courses don’t lend themselves well to constantly-evolving information.

That has to lead to real challenges within the company.

2018-04-06

Digital Transformation and Cloud Transformation are phrases that I hear bandied around at nearly every large organization that I currently doing consulting work for.

Yet, in so many cases, I can’t see the organization achieving the changes required. This is for two core reasons:

• The first is that the culture within the organizations is a major hurdle. There just isn’t enough flexibility to think outside the box about alternative ways to work.
• Worse (and probably more concerning), I see these companies taking advice on how to make these transformations from companies who don’t themselves “get it”.

An organization that is cloud-antagonistic internally, and stuck in an endless IT management quagmire, isn’t likely to make a good cloud transformation, and they’re certainly not going to be a successful partner to be able to help you to make a successful cloud migration or to implement a cloud transformation within your company.

2018-02-06

In recent months, I’ve been brushing up my R skills. I’ve had a few areas of interest in this:

* R in Azure Machine Learning

* R in relation to Power BI and general analytics

* R embedded (somewhat) in SQL Server 2016

As a client tool, I’ve been using RStudio. It’s been good and very simple but it’s a completely separate environment. So I was excited when I saw there was to be a preview of new R tooling for Visual Studio.

2016-03-10

Hi Folks, we’ve been working hard on a new Azure Machine Learning course.

Come and spend a solid day finding out why Azure Machine Learning should be part of your arsenal.

Our first Melbourne offering of Azure Machine Learning Core Skills is 31st July. I’d love to see you there:

SQL Down Under Training

2015-04-15

Have you looked into Azure Machine Learning as yet?

If not, this might help. It’s a free eBook on getting started with it. Click the book to follow the link:

2015-04-14