I’m Gary, an architect, administrator and developer and a long-time data professional who’s spent my career building, fixing, and running data platforms at scale. After years of leading enterprise data operations, I want to help you adopt Microsoft Fabric and SQL Server with confidence, clarity, and proper engineering discipline.
I’ve worked across SQL Server, Azure, Power BI, on-premise estates, and complex hybrid environments. I know what it takes to deliver reliable data platforms in the real world, not just in slides, demos, or lab environments. My approach is grounded in experience, pragmatism, and a deep understanding of how data and analytics actually work inside a modern business.
What I Believe
Fabric should make things easier, not harder
New platforms often introduce chaos if they’re rushed or misunderstood. My job is to bring structure, clarity, and simplicity to your Fabric journey.
Good architecture pays for itself
I believe in building for the long term, scalable, secure, well-governed structures that don’t collapse under pressure or grow into unmanageable sprawl.
Operations matter just as much as design
A beautiful diagram means nothing if the pipeline fails every evening. I care about security, reliability, maintainability, and day-to-day operations just as much as strategic architecture.
Straightforward advice beats hype
You’ll never get buzzwords or noise from me, just clear, honest guidance based on what actually works.
Why I started this website
After years of overseeing large-scale data environments, I realised something:
Most people moving to Fabric are doing it without an architect, administrator or developer who truly understands the operational realities. And some places don’t know how to take advantage of SQL Server’s powerful database systems.
Vendors deliver a slide deck.
Internal teams don’t have the experience yet.
Executives want results quickly.
The missing piece is someone who can bridge all of that, someone who understands cloud architecture, engineering practices, operational constraints, and business priorities.
That’s where I come in.
I help people avoid expensive mistakes, accelerate their Fabric adoption, and build platforms they can rely on for years to come. Also, over the years, I have learnt a lot from Free content, so I want to give back to the industry and try to help others who are struggling with Microsoft Fabric and SQL Server.
Outside of Work
I’m based in Preston, spend far too much time taking photos around the Lake District, and have a soft spot for British wildlife, R&B, and the occasional Everton heartbreak.
When I’m not helping organisations with data, I’m usually behind a camera or editing a video.
LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/garycowanlk