In January 2021, Microsoft publicly launched the new Azure Data Community webpage, began onboarding qualified user groups to the new Azure Data Meetup network, and began providing Microsoft Teams access to qualified user groups. To empower the community, we are providing you with some resources to help you continue to connect with one another, learn and develop your skills, and grow in your careers. Below are some frequently asked questions to help group leaders decide if the Azure Data Community is a good fit for their group.
Q: How many group leaders are required?
A: You must have at least one group leader and one designated co-leader.
Q: How can I apply?
A: You and your co-leader must complete the application https://aka.ms/AzureDataCommunity/Apply
Q: Who needs to sign the Terms and Conditions?
A: Both the leader and designated co-leader must sign and accept the T&Cs.
Q: May I charge a fee to members?
A: Group leaders may not use the group or it's platform to enrich themselves. Leaders may not charge other members a fee to attend Group meetings, except in cases in which the venue and/or hosting costs (e.g., food and beverages) are passed through to members.
Q: Do I need a Code of Conduct?
A: Yes, Groups must maintain a published code of conduct that is easily accessible from the Group’s home page. See guidance.
Q: How many meetings must I have to participate in Azure Data Tech groups community?
A: You must maintain a regular meeting cadence including having meetings at least SIX (6) times per year.
Q: What topics should be the focus of our group?
A: At least half of your meetings must relate to or cover Azure Data products & services or relate to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) or Professional Development targeted to data professionals.
Q: What technologies does my local group need to focus on for my group leader to qualify for benefits?
SQL Server (on Windows, Linux, and in Containers, on-premises and in Microsoft Azure)
Azure SQL (Database, Pools, Serverless, Hyperscale, Managed Instance, Virtual Machines)
Microsoft Fabric (Data Factory, Synapse Data Engineering in Fabric, Synapse Data Science in Fabric, Synapse Data Warehousing in Fabric,
Real-Time Analytics, Power BI workloads in Fabric, OneLake, Data Activator)
Azure Data Lake
Azure Cosmos DB
Azure HDInsight, Hadoop and Spark on Azure
Azure Search
Data Warehousing (Azure SQL Data Warehouse, Fast Track and APS)
Azure Stream Analytics
Information Management (ADF, SSIS, and Data Sync)
Paginated Operational Reports (RDL, SQL Server Reporting Services, Paginated Reports)
Analysis Services (Azure Analysis Services, SQL Server Analysis Services, Power BI Semantic Models)
SQL Server Machine Learning Services
Azure Database for MySQL
Azure Database for PostgreSQL
Azure SQL Edge
Azure Databricks
Azure Arc Enabled Data Services
Azure Synapse Analytics
Azure Data Catalog
Microsoft Purview
Azure Data Explorer
Tools & Connectivity for Databases
Q: Do group leaders need to comply with the Program’s Code of Conduct?
A: Yes, all groups must comply with the Program's Code of Conduct located at https://aka.ms/azure-data-tech-group-guidelines.
Q: Do groups need to consider Microsoft Trademark & Brand guidelines?
A: All group must adhere to Microsoft’s Trademark and Brand guidelines, when using any Microsoft trademarks or referring to Microsoft’s software, products or services (see https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/intellectualproperty/trademarks/usage/general.aspx
Q: What if my group wants to leave the program?
A: You may choose to remove the Group from the Program at any time by sending an email to ms-data@microsoft.com. If the Group leaves the Program, it will no longer receive related communications from Microsoft and no longer have access to Benefits.
Q: What if my group has a leadership change?
A: You may stop being the group leader, or may make leadership changes at any time by providing Microsoft with at least 14 days’ written notice, via email at ms-data@microsoft.com. In order for the Group to continue as part of the Program without suspension, the notification to Microsoft must identify the new group leader or co-leader.
Q: Does this program constitute a relationship with Microsoft?
A: Your participation in the Program does not create a partnership, agency or employer-employee relationship with Microsoft or any of its suppliers. Neither you nor the Group will make any statements on behalf of Microsoft or its suppliers about Microsoft or its suppliers, or any of Microsoft’s or its suppliers’ products or services.
Q: Can my group be removed from the program?
A: Yes. Failure to meet any of the Program requirements throughout the duration of the Group’s participation may result in the Group’s removal from the Program. We may also remove the Group or suspend the Group’s participation in the Program at any time if we suspect that the Group has violated any of these T&Cs. Unless Microsoft believes an immediate suspension is required, Microsoft will provide you reasonable notice before removing the Group from the Program.
Prohibited Uses
You or the Group will not use the Program:
- To try to gain unauthorized access to or disrupt any Microsoft or third-party service, device, data, account or network.
- To financially enrich yourself, any member of the Group, or any third party.
- In a way prohibited by law, regulation, governmental order or decree.
Check out the Azure Data Community landing page today to join local user groups and access SQL Server and Azure Data content.
