I'd like to thank the people who have helped me complete this book. In particular Barry McGillin, who reviewed each chapter for technical errors, and Michael Wickham, who joined Barry, to add his technical insight when my writing became more sporadic and the chapters backed up! The editorial staff and publishing team at Packt who patiently accepted each new delay to the schedule, while gently reminding me of the ever-encroaching deadlines.
I'd like to thank my friends who patiently listened each time I said I couldn't go out, "because I was writing…" even those in different countries who were also on the receiving end of my tales that life had become seven-days SQL Developer!
I wasn't planning on writing a book. Working with the product, the team, and customers keeps me busy enough, but there seemed to be more demand for a source of answers to the many questions that bubble up to the surface from forums and events, that it seemed a good thing to do. Believe it or not, I enjoyed it. This would not have been possible without the support of my team, which I am very happy to be a part of. Despite the distances, we are in regular contact, whether chatting to team members in Ireland or Northern Ireland, India or Bulgaria, or in any of the various States of America. We know that we can pick up the phone or dash off a quick instant messenger note and have a chat or ask a question. In particular, I'd like to thank my manager, Kris Rice, and Mike Hichwa who runs the group. Without their guidance and support, the team wouldn't work the way it does, a rare gift when managing a remote and culturally disparate group. Kris in particular, who has his hands full helping me keep things in perspective and constantly tries to help me maintain the balance.