Ashnik being the Certified Training Partner of EnterpriseDB, has been taking initiatives to educate and enable PostgreSQL users and customers in ASEAN region.
We recently organized public batch trainings in Manila, PH, Kula Lumpur, MY, Singapore and Jakarta, ID. The response was overwhelming. We had participants from different walks of database roles. There were existing customers, open source PostgreSQL users and few others who are considering Postgres Plus as a strong nominee to replace Oracle in their data centres. There were system administrators who are stepping into additional responsibilities of PostgreSQL administration and then there were Oracle veterans who were asked to pick up Postgres concepts (so that management can easily and smoothly roll out Postgres migration projects). Interestingly, there were developers who had been using PostgreSQL or other database but are now planning to step up and take up the basic administrative tasks as well.
On one hand, we saw participants who came from organizations trying to reduce costs by replacing proprietary solution with open source solutions. At the same time, we also saw that existing users wanting to build the capability to do day-to-day maintenance on their own. Helping them reduce the costs incurred on external consultation.
Though this good mix of participants helped everyone diversify the discussion and discuss topics from different perspectives, it also posed certain challenges for me as a Trainer. One issue we constantly faced was lack of understanding of basic database concepts e.g. ACID transaction, Locking, SQLs etc. I along with the rest of our trainers have worked in different roles and come from varied backgrounds. Our own experiences helped us to understand these participants and help them get on-boarded. Our team has taken up the task to setup a basic questionnaire which can help participants decide which training course is best suited for them. We are also working towards launching an Introductory Course for Database Concepts which can be taken by participants who are new to the concept of RDBMS. So stay tuned to hear more on that.
Coming back, one other challenge is definitely the delivery language. We delivered training in countries where English is not the primary language of communication. Although, I was able to overcome this with help of our local partners or just by taking a smaller measures like breaking down the sentences and stretching the syllables or using simpler words e.g. for ‘perspective’ I would use ‘view’, ‘understanding’ or some such. The most effective tool will always be having an effective body language and talking using the right gestures – nothing beats this I assume.
The training sessions added another feather to our cap literally, giving us an insight and clearer picture about the usage and acceptance of PostgreSQL and Postgres Plus in this region, reiterating the fact that organizations and IT managers still remain committed towards effectively utilizing their IT costs. But that is obvious, isn’t it?
Going forward, Ashnik has planned more public batches for Introduction to PostgreSQL Administration 3-day courses in Singapore, Jakarta, Cebu and Bangkok. There is one happening in Bangkok in June 2014. And again in Singapore, the next public batch by demand is for a combined training package of both Intro + Advanced courses open to all PostgreSQL and Oracle DBAs, which is slotted for June 9th – 13th, 2014.
Being one of the Postgres Trainers at Ashnik, we would be happy to share our experiences of our upcoming training sessions, keep reading. And better, would like to see you at one of the public batch training sessions! You can register for the next training session, right here

Read other articles in the Newsletter:
Business has changed, design approach needs to change as well – Sachin Dabir

Does your organisation want to be an Elephant or a Cheetah? – Kaustubh P
Guest Article: Overcoming the Costs of Oracle Migrations – Sandor Klein, VP – EDB