After a very long wait, SQLPASS has introduced its new website (www.sqlpass.org). If you were a previous member of PASS, you should have received an e-mail with your new username and password. If you thought you were a member, but did not receive the e-mail, you will need to register again.
The website sports a new, modern look, but on the other hand, still doesn't have a lot of content. More on this later.
One of the biggest differences between the old website, and the new website, is that there is no longer the concept of free and paid membership. Now, all memberships are free, which means that everyone who belongs to SQLPASS can access all the content on the website. This is a refreshing change from the older website, where paid membership didn't really offer you much more than the free membership did.
As I mentioned earlier, there site doesn't have much content on it yet. If you go to the Learning Center, you will see the outline of many good things to come.
And this is where you can get involved. As a member of SQLPASS, you have the opportunity to contribute content to the website. As I have mentioned in past blog entries, and in my book, "How to Become an Exceptional DBA," contributing to the greater SQL Server community is not only a great way to become recognized for your skills, but to also share your knowledge with others. I highly recommend you take this opportunity to share you knowledge with others. Besides being fun, it also provides you with great learning opportunities.
The events page on the website is especially useful. It lists the many various local and national SQL Server events that are available. This is a great way to discover events that may be happening close to where you live.
Besides the event page, there is a web page devoted to all of the local SQLPASS-affiliated chapters.
The sample above doesn't show very much, but the page lists many, many user groups from all over the world. If you aren't a member of a SQL Server users group, now is the time to join. If your area doesn't already have a user's group, start your own. SQLPASS offers a startup kit if you want to take the initiative and start a group.
This is just a small sampling of what the new SQLPASS website offers. Check it out today.