… and by government data, I mean the mountain of data recently made available by the G-Men on Data.gov.  This site contains what must be terabytes of data on every topic from environmental measurements to crime statistics, from geographical data to labor statistics.  The Obama administration has committed to greater transparency, and the availability of this data is a significant step toward that goal.  The trendy geek magazine Wired.com recently did a feature on Data.gov that is worth reading.

It’s obvious that Data.gov is an immature portal.  Delivery types are inconsistent – some files are available only as flat files, others as only Excel, and a few claim to offer XML feeds.  The formatting can vary wildly from one set of data to the next, and often includes headers and footers which muddy up otherwise clean raw data files.

So why should you, as a database professional, care about this information? If you’re trying to improve your skills in database technologies (and especially in this economy, who isn’t trying to improve him/herself?), this data store is a great place to start.  Because of the sheer size and sometimes unusual layouts, this information is an excellent test bed for honing one’s skills at Integration Services, Analysis Services, or for creating VLDBs (very large databases) on which to practice.  And if you’re truly ambitious, there’s a contest to come up with the best application of this data, with a $10,000 bounty to the winner.

As for me, I’m currently pulling down some FBI crime data with the intention of using it in an upcoming SSIS class I’m presenting.  Perhaps I’ll think up an app that could win the $10K as well….

Like many SQL Server (and other technology) people, I utilize several social networking vehicles to stay in touch with others in the SQL community.  Some of those who don’t use Facebook and Twitter (among others) have expressed skepticism of the real value of social networking.  Does it work? Does it provide any value beyond entertainment? Can it actually help your career?  I believe the answer to all of these queries is Yes.

I read a post by Chuck Boyce Jr. earlier today.  Chuck, a fellow SQL tweep, found himself suddenly looking for a new job.  He posted a brief message on Twitter indicating that he’s looking for a new opportunity, and almost immediately, his tweet was re-tweeted by at least two dozen others (could be many more – those were the ones that I observed from my list of friends).  Now I don’t know Chuck or the quality of his work, but I do know from his online activity that he cares enough about his career to share knowledge through Twitter and his blog.  As a result of that “relationship”, I was happy to share his job quest with those who follow me

We all have a relatively small geographic circle of associates, and a few more that we know through professional associations past and present.  I’ve found that social networking is an excellent way to broaden that reach.  I’ve asked a number of quick questions on Twitter, and have always received feedback, usually in a matter of minutes. 

I’ll bet if you ask Chuck in a few weeks, he’ll tell you that his virtual network generated leads which wouldn’t be otherwise available to him.  And it’s those kinds of favors that aren’t soon forgotten, and turn beneficiaries into benefactors down the road.