Notable Projects

From reverse-engineering MPP internals to building enterprise DevSecOps from scratch — work that moved platforms forward.

Current · Enterprise Security
Enterprise DevSecOps Program

Present · High-Stakes Regulated Environment

Building an enterprise DevSecOps program for a large-scale regulated environment, with active workstreams across governance framework development, cross-functional team onboarding and alignment, policy-as-code standards, and enforcement models that extend Zero Trust to platforms, management planes, and pipelines. CI/CD scaffolds incorporating separation of duties and operating models that surface accountability are being designed and implemented in parallel with the organizational and standards work required to support long-term effectiveness.

Microsoft · Foundational Innovation
PDW Diagnostic Health Check Framework

Microsoft Corporation · 2010–2012

Applied reverse engineering techniques to resolve internal engine challenges in Microsoft's Parallel Data Warehouse Massively Parallel Processing system that were preventing operational insight into the MPP nodes. The resulting health check framework increased problem resolution, decreased data-related incident escalations to the engineering team, improved customer satisfaction, and delivered substantial revenue growth and multi-million-dollar savings for Microsoft and customers. The framework directly influenced the evolution of the PDW and Cloud Solution Platform, contributing to the architectural foundation of Azure's modern data services.

Microsoft · Cloud Pioneer
Azure Private Cloud Incubation

Microsoft Corporation · 2008–2012

Selected as one of the original field engineers on Microsoft's Appliance Incubation Team, contributing to early private-cloud-in-a-box deployments that became the Cloud Solution Platform (CSP), the direct precursor to Microsoft Azure, and the Parallel Data Warehouse, which evolved into Azure Synapse Analytics. Work included leading migration efforts for early cloud adopters, performing datacenter installations, and contributing to the foundational architecture of what became Azure's enterprise cloud infrastructure.

Oracle · Platform Engineering
Migrate360: Oracle's Enterprise Migration Platform

Oracle Corporation · 2020–2023

Served as lead developer architect for Oracle's Migrate360, the internal automation platform supporting large-scale database and virtual machine migrations. Designed PL/SQL programs and Oracle APEX applications covering the complete migration lifecycle: workload consolidation planning, infrastructure provisioning, migration execution, post-migration validation, and QA testing. Led the 4.2 release, managed product documentation and enablement, and drove quality standards across all platform modules. Migrate360 was used by Oracle teams globally to execute complex customer migrations.

Oracle · Data & AI
Autonomous Data Warehouse and Oracle Analytics Cloud Integration

Oracle Corporation · 2020–2023

Led the integration of Oracle Autonomous Data Warehouse with Oracle Analytics Cloud, enabling enterprise clients to leverage machine learning for predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making. The integration connected Oracle's autonomous database capabilities with its analytics platform, reducing manual overhead, accelerating insight delivery, and embedding machine learning into operational reporting workflows for improved performance and predictive accuracy.

Microsoft · Innovation
VR-Assisted PTSD Treatment, Microsoft One Week Hackathon Winner

Microsoft One Week Hackathon · 2017

Worked with the team that won a Microsoft company-wide One Week Hackathon by applying virtual reality technology to PTSD treatment. The project combined AI, VR, and behavioral health research to produce a proof-of-concept therapeutic experience, demonstrating practical application of emerging technology to outcomes with direct human impact. Microsoft's One Week Hackathon is a competitive company-wide event; recognition requires the strongest idea and execution across thousands of participants.

Consulting · Cloud Migration
Dynamics 365 CRM Migration to Azure

Independent Consulting

Led a Dynamics 365 CRM migration and Azure cloud implementation, achieving $1.5M or more in annual cost savings while improving system performance and scalability. Recognized for leadership in strategic integration, cost optimization, security protocol hardening, and data protection.

Microsoft · Security & Compliance
SQL Server NIST STIG Framework Revisions

Microsoft Corporation

Developed critical revisions to the NIST STIG (Security Technical Implementation Guide) for SQL Server — ensuring compliance with federal data governance and security standards. This work directly shaped how SQL Server is secured in federal environments and contributed to Microsoft's standing in the most rigorous regulatory contexts in the country.

Oracle · Emerging Technology
Web3 & Metaverse Security Architecture

Oracle Corporation · 2021–2022

Founded and led Oracle's internal Metaverse and Web3 security working group — bringing together cybersecurity experts and architects to design strategic frameworks for decentralized identity, data ownership, and enterprise security in immersive environments. Positioned the initiative as enterprise architecture innovation, not experimentation, connecting next-generation technology to Oracle's market opportunities.

InCharge · Disaster Recovery
Critical Data Warehouse Recovery, President's Star Award

InCharge Debt Solutions · 2006

Led disaster recovery operations and offsite testing at SunGard's Philadelphia facility for InCharge Debt Solutions. Recovered a critical data warehouse from a corrupted backup, preserving financial data integrity under high-pressure conditions. The successful recovery earned the President's Star Award in recognition of exceptional performance in a mission-critical situation.

Microsoft · AI & Analytics
Azure Machine Learning for Enterprise Financial Analytics

Microsoft Corporation

Developed predictive machine learning models using Azure Machine Learning to support financial forecasting and risk management for enterprise clients. Work included applying algorithms to large datasets to enable market trend prediction, credit risk assessment, and investment performance analysis, delivering AI-driven analytical capabilities within mission-critical financial workloads.

VERITAS Software · Platform Engineering
In-House ITSM Platform, Seagate Software Merger

VERITAS Software · 1999–2002

During the Seagate Software and VERITAS merger, designed and built an in-house IT Service Management platform to manage support policies across more than 100 products. Concurrently led global training programs across California, Florida, and Ireland, integrated IT services with the phone system to establish call queue management capabilities, and designed a project management system for the business development group. The role also included leading adoption of internet-based support services. Operational contributions led to promotion from customer service into business development, the only time that path had been taken in company history.

Profile
Peter J. Constantine
Consulting Technical Manager @ Oracle
I worked with Dana in Oracle's Cloud Engineering group supporting an innovative database and vm migration automation platform for over a year. We also collaborated on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure certification preparation for ourselves and our team. Dana is very organized and methodical in her approach to solving complex business problems. She demonstrates deep understanding of data integrity and security issues facing the digital world and is committed to finding new ways to safeguard against data manipulation and abuse. She possesses an enthusiastic persona with a 'can-do' attitude and I look forward to working with her again.
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Zaheer Tanveer
President @ OpenText Public Sector Solutions, Inc
Dana is a very unique technologist. She is smart, intelligent and extremely competent at her job. She is humble yet does not succumb to pressure. While working for me at Microsoft, she always demonstrated her desire to do what is right for the customer. Sometimes, this meant disagreeing with the customer but she had the skills to make her customers see the value in her architecture and overall benefits in the business solution she was recommending. I truly enjoyed working with her and highly recommend her for technical leadership positions. I am available for discussion with potential employers. Thank you, Dana. I, and your customers, remain indebted. -Z
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Danny Wunder
Customer Success Lead @ Lantern
I worked with Dana for just a short period of time, but in that time Dana showed great potential. She didn't hesitate to jump in to help lead and deliver for complex customers. She was respected by her team and her peers and would be a valuable addition to any team.
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Channa Wijesinghe
Data + AI Capability Lead @ Cognizant Microsoft Business Group
Dana is an amazing resource to any team. She has a solid background in database design and maintenance. She has been able to transfer those skills to Azure and Microsoft's modern data services, to help companies achieve their full potential in the cloud
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Patty Delafuente
Data Scientist, Solution Architect for Public Sector @ NVIDIA
I had the privilege of working with Dana in the trenches when we both were working on a project to implement enterprise level data management services at a federal agency. I was one of the database engineers for the federal agency and Dana was the solution architect for Microsoft. I was impressed with Dana's breadth of knowledge and and she had the deep knowledge of the Microsoft Platform that we needed to successfully plan out our strategy. I have found a kindred spirit in Dana as it is not often I come across fellow women in the technical arena. that has her level of expertise. I am honored to recommend Dana for any technical, complex data and analytical project that comes her way.
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Dana Piermarini
Industry Advisor, Workday Federal
Dana has a brilliant mind with the ability to solve complex problems.
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Tamer Farag
Global Partner Ecosystem Lead @ Microsoft Fabric
I've known data for more than ten years, she is an expert on the data platform and database technologies. She did an excellent job supporting some of the largest SQL Server and PDW customers in the world. Dana has amazing work ethics and deep technical expertise. She is a real team player and a great mentor for her coworkers. I would highly recommend her for any customers looking for an Data Architect.
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David McDonald
Technical Leader and Solutions Architect @ Microsoft
I've known Dana for many years at Microsoft. She's a rock star Data architect. She is well known to have deep technical knowledge and experience. She has unique skills in being able to connect technology and solutions to our customer's business needs. She's passionate about the Microsoft's Data platform. She brings energy along with great knowledge to solve our customer's most challenging problems.
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Marty Larsen
Senior Service Delivery Manager @ Microsoft
Love my work with Dana. A great team player, very inclusive, resourceful and effective.
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James Herring
Principal Content PM @ Microsoft
I've had the pleasure to work with Dana on several tough customer projects during my time in product incubation at Microsoft. Dana is an engineer that is all about customer obsession and her ability to quickly establish technical credibility removed many barriers that could delay success by months. Dana exemplifies the type of resources I look for when building successful teams and is just an amazing person to work with.
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Abraham Samuel
Director Specialist, Cloud Solutions @ Microsoft
Dana is a seasoned technology professional with a understanding for relating technology to customers and clients. I had the pleasure of working with her on the Microsoft Services Support and Escalation team for data warehousing appliances. She is a team player, with a inclusive mindset. We supported similar customers for data warehousing and Azure data technologies and collaborated on a number of different customer and team projects. She always had a great attitude and it was a pleasure to work alongside her!
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Miro Flasza
Principal Development Lead @ Microsoft
I enjoyed working with Dana in her role as a technical support engineer for the SQL Server Analytics Platform System. Beyond being a seasoned professional, well versed in distributed data processing and cloud computing, Dana deeply cares about her customers and coworkers. Her commitment to understanding, translating and addressing customer requirements and issues is exemplary.
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Ka Wo Fong
Senior Software Engineer II, Generative AI @ Qarik Group
I have worked with Dana in the same team since I joined Microsoft for a year now. Coming from Premier Field Engineer background, she is equipped with deep technical expertise on the Azure data platform, SQL Server, and business intelligence technologies. Whenever I have questions on any of those areas, Dana is my go-to person. When I first joined the team, I learned so much from her through her active and periodic contribution of Azure best practices to the team. Moreover, she exhibited excellent leadership in hosting the "What The Hack" series for both internal and external audience. Most importantly, she is never afraid of stepping out of her comfort zone. When I was working with her, she was eager to learn continuously by volunteering herself to work on customer engagements where she knew she could learn from. It is difficult to find someone like Dana who has many years of technical experience while continuing to remain humble and learn. She was a true pleasure to work with.
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Devin Jaiswal
Principle Cloud Solution Architect @ Microsoft
While working with Dana, I have learned a lot about technology, she is a great teacher, who strives to share her knowledge and experience with her peers. Dana is very proficient with the Azure Data Service stack, SQL Server, NoSQL and many more.
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Aubrey Truex
System Administrator @ FFVA Mutual Insurance Co
Dana is a detail-oriented DBA who would listen to our needs and work on fulfilling the requirements until they were complete. She had a great attitude and was very personable. Plus, she knew her stuff! A great resource for anything related to SQL Server.
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Todd Albers
Information Security Engineer
I worked with Ms. Dana Rivkind at InCharge Institute where she worked as Database Administrator. She is knowledgeable and experienced in the area of Database Administration. Dana is also very easy to work with in the corporate setting. I always knew Dana as a friendly and professional co-worker during the time that we worked together.
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Esteban Garcia
CEO (US) - Microsoft Services @ Xebia
Dana is a strong DBA that is always looking for pro-active ways to improve existing processes and servers/databases. She is always willing to work with others to arrive at the best solution to a problem. She is also always looking to learn and understand new technologies, which makes her a valuable asset to any team.
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Tom Andraszek
Senior Software Developer @ Touchpaper
Dana is a committed database administrator. She is enthusiastic about her work, and she strives to be the best.
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Steven Schreiber
Senior Investment Consultant @ Newport Group
I would highly recommend Dana Rivkind. She distinguished herself from the rest of her group by being the most dependable person when work needed to be completed. Whenever I needed any type of IT help I would request to work with Dana. She was easy to work with and she always did what was necessary to get the job done on time and done correctly.
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Hubert H. Rivera
Executive, Bank Sales and Service @ USAA
Dana is a highly capable and experienced individual that would make an asset to any organization. Her ability to manipulate systems to retrieve the desired results was second to none. She was always willing to go the extra mile and was always courteous and very professional in every project she managed. I highly recommend Dana.

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