#MeetOurTeam – Rasser

First off, should we call you "Rasser" or Bjarne? 

Well, I respond to both, but for many years customers and friends have primarily called me "Rasser". This is something I have got used to, and it is also what I introduce myself as when I e.g. answer the phone. 

What does a typical workday look like to you?

A large part of the day consists of troubleshooting in complex and at times extremely urgent tasks. I am particularly passionate about performance optimization on Microsoft SQL servers. That is what we are known for by our partners and customers.

It could be the customer’s ERP, billing, GIS or self-developed web applications, that have become slower than expected. 

Furthermore, I am an architect on new and existing projects. I help the customers with designing the setup with Microsoft SQL that fits their needs, E.g. how they can use new variants. We need to uncover their current and near future wishes, their security requirements, expectations of speed and look at the total budget.

Which technologies do you work with?

I primarily work with Microsoft SQL. This can be in all varieties on both standard and enterprise edition. I myself have followed SQL since version 6.5 back in the 90s. Furthermore, I also work with Azure Managed Instance, Microsoft Integration Services and Microsoft Reporting Services. 

You are recognized as a super skilled Microsoft SQL consultant. How did this interest start? 

My original interest came from when I early on in my career worked as self-employed real estate agent, in Australia.

I needed to do something smarter and built a program in Microsoft Access (database). The program could help me to automatically find changes in zoning on the Gold Coast in Australia, as well as generating contracts and easing administration.

I got pretty excited about what was possible at the time. 

Which Microsoft SQL server projects do you particularly look back on with pride? 

That is when I, in the fall of 2016, was tasked with building a new SQL Always On server for the Danish energy company EWII. The task was, among other things, improving the existing performance when they started to send invoices to their supply customers far more often than before. The result being that we went from being able to calculate 13-14.000 invoices an hour to calculating 114.000 invoices an hour! A great optimization and a very satisfied customer. 

What drives you at work and in your role, what’s fun?

“I enjoy solving seemingly unsolvable tasks, and I love inspiring others to find new and wild solutions. 

Furthermore, I naturally get professionally proud, when a customer is happy with the work that I or the consultants do for them, both in the short term, but also as perennial sparring partner”.

“I enjoy solving seemingly unsolvable tasks, and I love inspiring others to find new and wild solutions. 

"Rasser"

You recently chose to sell you life’s work Systemtech to Cegal. Can you say something about the motivation behind this choice?

I received an inquiry from Cegal and could feel that there was a lot of similarity in both our history, employee culture and thus also the approach to working with customers. 

With Cegal, I also saw an opportunity to grow the Microsoft SQL business in a larger setup. I have no plans of stopping in the near future but being able to focus solely on the business side, which I am passionate about, and less on the administrative side, that naturally comes with being a business owner, was enticing. 

Read more about Cegal and Systemtech here > 

What is the best part of working in Cegal?

The best part of working in Cegal is that there are a lot of good and extremely competent colleagues that salute the saying:

Together we are stronger!

Which app do you use the most?

Honestly, I mostly use SQL. 😃

Can you recommend any interesting podcasts or other sources of inspiration?

I love nerdiness, and the American Brent Ozar is absolutely the most skilled SQL consultant, that I have ever met. He always inspires me on his blog. It is Microsoft SQL nerdiness at the highest level. 

What is your favorite quote?

“NEVER GIVE UP”

Is there a fun fact we should know about you?

I am a BIG fan of motorsports. I don’t just watch it on TV, I have raced in go karts and Legend cars until I stopped the career in 2017. I finished with 2nd place in the Danish Championship.

I went to Australia as a 21 year old, and lived there for 15 years before I went back to Denmark. 

I still love traveling and experiencing other forms of culture, nature, food, and wine.