Microsoft to Join the Big Data Conversation as an Elite Sponsor at Strata + Hadoop WorldOn October 28-30, Microsoft will join 2,700 of the world’s leading big data scientists, CIOs and executives at the Strata+Hadoop conference in New York City. For some, Microsoft does not come immediately to mind when thinking about leadership in data; however, along with the power of HDInsight, Microsoft is working to democratize big data – connecting companies to previously untouched data sources and enabling everyone to gain insight through familiar and powerful tools in Microsoft Office Excel.

Quentin Clark, Corporate Vice President of the Data Platform Group will share some of that vision in his keynote address followed by an interview with O’Reilly’s Mac Slocum – streamed live from the Strata + Hadoop conference website. Additionally, Eron Kelly, GM, Microsoft will deliver a joint session with Microsoft partner, BiSmart (view the Bismart Barcelona Open Data Project on YouTube).  Lastly, we will also host an editorial session presented by Rusty Sears. Visit the Strata Website for full Event Agenda.

Microsoft is also celebrating NYC DataWeek with a hack-a-thon on October 26 / 27.  Not limited to technology, this big data hack-a-thon is aimed at spending a 1½ days hacking for a good cause. Extra credit will go to those who develop using HDInsight and Power BI, but you are free to use whichever technology you like.

Join the conversation – attend one of our sessions in person, visit our exhibit booth (#309) and interact with our data experts or follow us on Facebook.com/sqlserver and Twitter @SQLServer. You will how Microsoft’s complete data platform delivers Big Data: enabling you to enrich your data with external data sources; connect any type of data – structured or unstructured; and extend the accessibility of data analysis beyond scientists into the hands of every employee.

KEYNOTE: Can Big Data Reach One Billion People?

Quentin Clark, Corporate Vice President of the Data Platform Group
Tuesday, Oct 29, 9:35am, Hilton Grand Ballroom

The idea that big data will transform businesses and the world is indisputable, but are there enough resources to fully embrace this opportunity? Join Quentin Clark, Microsoft Corporate Vice President, who will share Microsoft’s bold goal to consumerize big data – simplifying the data science process and providing easy access to data with everyday tools.

SESSION: Big Data in the Real World

Eron Kelly, GM of SQL Product Marketing, Microsoft Corporation
Guest Speaker – Albert Isern, CEO, Bismart
Tuesday, Oct 29, 11:00am, Hilton Rhinelander South Room

Learn more about how Microsoft’s Big Data tools are being used to change the way we all do business.  Hear from Eron Kelly, General Manager, Microsoft and Albert Isern, CEO, Bismart, on how one of Europe’s largest cities provides a smart-city template that boosts collaboration between the City of Barcelona, its citizens and businesses and other global cities. Big Data offers them the opportunity to design better services and to provide citizens with better information in the right place at the right time.  This information will help to improve quality of life of citizens while also providing new opportunities for local businesses.