Peter Whyte, About Me

Hi, my name is Peter Whyte – Welcome to my tech blog.

This website is a place for me to post anything of interest within the world of computing & software. My area of interest, or niche, very much revolves around Database Administration, so there will be a lot of RDMS related blog posts here, particularly on SQL Server. I spend a lot of time testing random features during my journey as a Database Administrator (DBA). In my free time, I enjoy taking deep dives into different technologies, testing out various ideas, and taking notes along the way.

The primary idea behind starting this blog for me was to have a place to refer back to for links and scripts, like a cheat sheet. The best thing is, some years into the journey I find myself utilizing my hosted tech notes frequently. Creating this and reiterating it over the past years has led me to become quite good at developing and managing websites too!

When I’m not tied up with the DBA life, I’m likely being kept busy with family activities/duties, working on other projects, or getting outside hiking & camping. My overall aim is really just to continue to enjoy this family & work-focused journey, and try to achieve a balanced, healthy and sustainable life; while slowly improving my surroundings through hard work and consistency.

I hope you enjoy whatever you might find here. Please feel free to leave a comment on posts or contact me using the form below for submitting feedback. I’m particularly keen to know if there are any inaccuracies in my content if you spot that – ty!

Peter Whyte

Career History

Site Reliability Engineer – Database Services
GoDaddy
Aug 2021 – Present

Description:
# Working within the Database Services Team – Global SQL Server & MySQL Support.
# Traditional MSSQL DBA responsibilities including; Always On, Mirroring, Replication, CDC, Partitioning, Backups, Security & Monitoring of the estate.
# More updates to follow…

Postcode Lottery Logo

Database & System Administrator
People’s Postcode Lottery
Oct 2016 – Oct 2017

Description:
# Monitor & maintain the Data Platform & Legacy Data systems. Help ensure they remain secure, compliant, stable, performant, and data are kept accurate.
# Take ownership of incidents, troubleshoot & resolve issues on data systems.
# Assist with the design & development of new AWS Data Platform features, including active involvement in peer reviews.
# Perform software, OS upgrades & data configuration changes (cleaning/deduplication tools).
# Support the Insight & Campaigns teams, guiding on technical issues and automation of SQL tasks.
# Work with Data Governance & other teams to help ensure GDPR & Security measures are adhered to across the data.
# Produce data system security audit reports and work with department managers to ensure agreed permissions are in place.
# Attend and contribute to wider business security audits & meetings.
# Create, schedule & maintain ETL workloads.
# (project) Deliver phase 1 of a new AWS Data Platform.
# (project) Lift and shift the BI stack to AWS.
# (project) On-board & configure Tableau.
# (project) Build out data selection history, retention, and anonymization components in advance of GDPR 2018.
# (short-term) Support with BAU IT Operations tasks & other small projects.

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Database Administrator
Zonal Retail Data Systems
Oct 2016 – Oct 2017

Description:
# Administration, monitoring and tuning of live datacentre and customer on-premise database services.
# Promptly respond to database alerts ensuring high uptime and performance targets are archived.
# Configure SQL Server features to enable reporting or to improve performance.
# Proactively upgrade SQL Server instances, Operating Systems and VM Build versions.
# Ensure backups are sound and RPO/RTO targets are achieved.
# Spawn and provision new Windows GUI or CLI VMs for production SQL Server use, ensuring best practices have been adhered to.
# Configure permissions and arrange networking line of sight required for external data uplifts.
# Attend CAB meetings with external stakeholders and perform database changes in accordance with plans.
# Work with R&D and support teams to resolve issues at hand, including assisting with deployments of new software changes.
# Produce database performance reports for clients.
# Maintain database inventory and other shared documentation.

IT Operations Application Support Engineer
Exova
Apr 2015 – Oct 2016

Description:
# Provide internal on-site & remote IT Support to office & lab sites within Europe, working with other divisions on a global scale to support shared systems. Travel to other locations within the UK to provide VIP support and for other projects.
# Administration & configuration of IT Operations tools & hardware.
# Support internal SQL-based applications and servers.
# Manage new start & leaver requests and re-patching of site server equipment.
# Communicate with 3rd party vendors to query information, report faults, and for purchase.
# (project) Tech-lead on the roll-out of Web Security (Forcepoint) across the UK.
# (project) Assist in domain migrations for several sites.

Peter Whyte

Contact Me

Please feel free to leave a comment on posts or contact me using this form here for feedback. I’m very keen to know about any inaccuracies within my content if you notice any.

Cheers,
Pete

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