Phil Grayson

I’m Phil Grayson, founder of Aireforge, where we build tools to make database management more efficient, secure, and performance-driven. I’ve been working in the SQL Server space for over 25 years, with a focus on performance tuning, security, and observability. Currently, I’m gearing up to launch dbOptics, a platform designed to simplify database observability and performance tuning across complex estates, as well as Guard, a database firewall set to release next year.

I’m passionate about helping data professionals and organizations get the most out of their database environments. Aireforge has been active in the SQL community since 2016, sponsoring events like Data Relay and SQLBits, and we continue to contribute through knowledge sharing and community-driven events.
  • Interests: SQL Server performance tuning, index management, database security, automation of database tasks, observability and monitoring, knowledge sharing, cloud services, Azure infrastructure, motorcycle touring.

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Blogs

Ramblings about data communities and your contributions, no excuses

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I have been active in the data community throughout my career. I have met...

SQL Server Journey till 2025 (brief)

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Quick Summary for Microsoft SQL Server till 2025, I am fortunate to be part...

Building Power BI Reports: Desktop vs Fabric

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Why this comparison feels confusing If you’re a Power BI report author who’s just...

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Having a Little Fun at SQL Server Central

By Steve Jones - SSC Editor

Comments posted to this topic are about the item Having a Little Fun at...

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Question of the Day

String Similarity I

On SQL Server 2025, when I run this, what is returned? 

SELECT EDIT_DISTANCE_SIMILARITY('SQL Server', 'MySQL')

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