Turn Days of Manual SQL Server Builds into Repeatable Code.
Build consistent SQL Server environments in minutes. Replace outdated runbooks and scattered PowerShell scripts with version-controlled Ansible playbooks, and master enterprise automation risk-free in disposable local labs.
Enterprise Administration Shouldn't Mean Clicking “Next-Next-Finish”
Manual setups create silent configuration drift, multi-day build bottlenecks, and high-stress deployments. Here is the modern alternative.
Silent Configuration Drift
Manual setups and outdated runbooks make every server a snowflake build. Folder paths, collation, TempDB settings, and trace flags drift without notice between Dev, QA, and Production.
Define your server foundation in code. Rebuilding an environment produces an identical, auditable standard every single time.
The Multi-Day Build Bottleneck
Provisioning a new SQL Server instance or cluster takes days of clicking through setup wizards, running disconnected PowerShell scripts, and waiting on infrastructure handoffs.
Turn days of manual setup into minutes of automated execution. Run tested, repeatable Ansible playbooks that configure and validate platforms on demand.
The Production "Fear Factor"
Testing new configurations or learning modern automation against production or corporate shared test environments is high-stress and risky.
Build safe, authentic multi-machine test environments right on your workstation. Make mistakes, iterate, and destroy them at will—with zero cloud bills.
Luke Campbell
20-Year Enterprise Production DBA
Founder, AutomateSQL
Why I Built AutomateSQL
For over 20 years as an enterprise production DBA, I've seen the headaches of outdated build documents and inconsistent configurations.
I know the frustration of watching a team improvise server builds. One person formats drives with the default block size, while another uses 64KB. One person names folders Data, Logs, while another uses Data, Log. Add in everyone's private stash of custom scripts, and your database environment turns into a fragile house of cards.
To make matters worse, modern DevOps often treats Windows like a dinosaur. Meanwhile, DBAs are left hoping the sysadmin assigned to their current project configures storage and the OS the same way the last sysadmin did.
I created AutomateSQL to bridge that gap.
My mission is to give you the blueprints and hands-on environments to demystify the full stack. You will master modern automation, own your infrastructure, and advance your career with confidence.
— Luke Campbell
AutomateSQL.com
From Manual Builds to Automated Database Platforms
Stop improvising in production. Follow a proven roadmap to master Configuration as Code through hands-on practice.
Learn by Doing in a Real Lab
Build a disposable, multi-node Windows and Active Directory lab right on your own computer. Get a zero-risk flight simulator to practice automation skills without fear or cloud bills.
Learn the Fundamentals of Configuration as Code
Master Ansible and declarative automation. Learn how to write idempotent playbooks and reusable patterns that configure complex Windows environments, manage drift, and replace fragile one-off scripts.
Deploy with Confidence
Take the confidence gained in a safe sandbox back to your enterprise environment. Standardize your build process, eliminate tribal knowledge, and prepare for end-to-end configuration management.
The Enterprise Sandbox Engine
Stop spending days manually building test VMs from scratch. The Enterprise Sandbox Engine teaches you how to combine Packer, Vagrant, and automated scripting to spin up a fully isolated, 5-node Active Directory and Windows Server environment on your workstation.
- 15 Guided Lessons & Hands-On Runbooks
- Complete Codebase Access (Vagrant, PowerShell, Packer)
- 5-Node Architecture (DC1, SQL1, SQL2, SRV1, AC1)
- 24/7 Dave AI Lab Assistant (grounded in codebase)
- 1-Year Access Pass & Verified Completion Certificate
Learn the Mechanics
Build base images, configure Active Directory, perform automated OS installs, and understand domain joins from the ground up.
What students say
Real feedback from engineers and IT professionals who have built their environments with AutomateSQL.
“Undoubtedly a game-changer”
Luke’s course, which simplifies the process of setting up your own test lab, is undoubtedly a game-changer. Having a dedicated environment for experimentation will accelerate my learning journey significantly. Moreover, the responsiveness and clarity of Luke’s support are commendable. When I encountered some issues during lab setup, his timely and precise instructions made all the difference.
“Practical & well-structured”
Overall, I have found the course to be excellent. The content is well-structured and practical, and it has given me a solid foundation in automating SQL Server environments using Vagrant and related tooling. The lab environment is a great concept and I appreciate the level of detail that has gone into the Vagrantfile and the provisioning scripts.
“Saves hours prepping systems”
I really enjoyed this course content. It was well laid out and presented. This will save hours when prepping systems for testing moving forward.
What's Coming Next
In the pipeline are deep-dive courses on Ansible for Windows, automated SQL Server 2025 builds, and Always On clustering. Join the list for early course previews, in-depth guides, and practical automation snippets you can run directly inside your sandbox lab.