Of the more than 300 SQLSaturdays around the world, I am lucky enough to represent Cisco at the one in Barcelona on October 25th. If you're attending TechEd Europe we encourage you to also join us at this one-day free event for IT professionals to learn more about SQL Server and the Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS).

If my experience at a recent SQL event in San Diego is any indication, it is going to be a great event. I was amazed that even after UCS being recognized as the#1 x86 blade server in Americas, many database administrators still came to our table and asked, "What is Cisco doing here at a SQL Saturday event?" The good news is that these same people left with an understanding of how UCS is different from our competitors and can help simplify, standardize and optimize SQL Server deployments.

In San Diego, 80 people showed up to Cisco consulting systems engineer, Aaron Rigney's presentation, "Optimize Your SQL Server 2014 Workloads with Cisco UCS" which covered the following key benefits.

• Quickly and easily deploy new SQL Servers in minutes
• Proactively manage and automate your  SQL Server workloads with Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 and PowerShell integrations with UCS Manager
• Achieve the highest levels of consolidation and performance for both virtual and bare metal implementations.

 Looking for more information? Cisco Engineering VP Satinder Sethi also discussed why Cisco UCS Integrated Infrastructure is optimal for Microsoft SQL Server workload in this video below.

Besides a great presentation, we also had great giveaways, Bose-SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker and Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Headphones. Look at how happy our winner is!

 Pic:  Speaker Aaron Rigney [Right], Winner Michael [Left]

This time around we will also be giving away another Bose Speaker! Follow @ReneeYao1 and  @gserda for real time updates! See you there.