Meet Manuel Quintana
About
Manuel Quintana is a Senior Consultant, Trainer, and Content Author at Pragmatic Works with more than 12 years of experience helping organizations modernize their data and analytics platforms. He specializes in Microsoft Fabric and works extensively across its end-to-end workloads, including data engineering, data warehousing, data integration, real-time analytics, and business intelligence. Manuel helps organizations design and implement scalable data solutions that transform raw data into actionable insights while enabling self-service analytics and AI-driven decision making.
In addition to his consulting work, Manuel has spent over a decade developing and delivering technical training for thousands of professionals worldwide. His expertise spans the Microsoft data platform, including T-SQL, SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, Azure data services, and Microsoft Fabric. Known for his practical, hands-on teaching style, Manuel specializes in helping teams adopt modern analytics architectures and get measurable business value from their Microsoft investments.
Manuel is also an accomplished author, having written books and training content focused on Power BI and the Microsoft Power Platform. Beyond client engagements, he actively contributes to the Microsoft data community through conference presentations, user groups, webinars, and technical events, where he frequently shares expertise on Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, modern data architecture, and analytics best practices. When he's not consulting, teaching, or creating content, Manuel enjoys spending time with his wife, Lindsey, and their two children, Parker and Sebastian.
Current engagements
- Writing blogs at SQLRican.wordpress.com
- Presenting at user groups locally and virtually
Certifications
PL-300: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
Microsoft
PL-100: Power Platform App Maker Associate
Microsoft
Microsoft Certified Trainer
Microsoft
DP-200: Implementing an Azure Data Solution
Microsoft
70-778: Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Microsoft Power BI
Microsoft • Issued January 2019 • No Expiration Date
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft
AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft
AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Microsoft
PL-900: Power Platform Fundamentals
Microsoft
AZ-400: DevOps Engineer Expert
Microsoft
DA-100: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
Microsoft
DP-600: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate
Microsoft
AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate
Microsoft
PL-200: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate
Microsoft
DP-700: Microsoft Certified: Fabric Data Engineer Associate
Microsoft
AZ-500: Azure Security Engineer Associate
Microsoft
DP-800: SQL AI Developer Associate
Microsoft
Course
Administering Business Intelligence
Administration of SQL Server can often be as simple as query tuning a T-SQL statement or configuring a server properly. When a Business Intelligence developer gets a hold of other ‘cool’ features provided in Standard or Enterprise Edition of SQL Server, then the range of knowledge a DBA has needs to keep up with developers. The Administrator does not need to know how to develop an integration Service (SSIS) package or create a calculated measure in Analysis services (SSAS), but it is good to understand what is needed to help debug and maintain the features used in their enterprise IT systems. Most shops do not use all these components, but most do use more than one.
Course
Advanced SSRS
Report Developers must hold unique traits to set themselves and their work apart from others. This class is designed to take you to the next level in your understanding of SQL Server 2016/2017 Reporting Services (SSRS). We use a variety of lab exercises to ensure lecture sessions are backed up by hands on experience. With the hands-on labs, you will learn how to create complex reports that use Analysis Services as a data source and custom code assemblies. This course will cover all the advanced topics of Reporting Services like scaled-out deployment, .Net integration and monitoring Reporting Services usage.
Course
DAX for Paginated Reports
In this class we will look at how to read and leverage DAX with Paginated reports. We will see the default behavior of the Analysis Services query designer and how to enhance it or even write your own DAX from scratch. As well we will see how we can use a tool like DAX Studio can help us curate our DAX statements.
Course
Installing SQL Server
We have tons of great training on our platform that leverage SQL Server and its features.This could by using the database engine to connect to data, or maybe running SSIS packages, to also hosting SSAS models. In this series of videos we will walk through a basic installation of SQL Server 2022 to get your prepared and ready to take some of our most popular classes. It is important to understand that this is not meant to serve as a comprehensive tutorial on how to install SQL Server at an enterprise level but to serve as a tool to help get you setup to take some of our other classes on the platform.
Course
Introduction to Azure Analysis Services
This Introduction to Azure Analysis Services class will take users through the Azure Portal to get a basic understanding of navigation and Azure services. This course covers creating and deploying tabular data models using SQL Server Data Tools to Azure Analysis Services. Also we will look at basic data modeling concepts as well as a little of the Data Analysis Expression (DAX) language. This class also covers administrative topics such as partitions, perspectives and row level security. Lastly we will also explore how to connect to Azure Analysis Services using Excel and Power BI. Users should have a good understanding of Azure Analysis Services and whether it is a good option for them.
Course
Introduction to Azure Logic Apps
The introduction to Logic Apps course is designed to teach the fundamentals of building automated workflows using the Logic App Designer provided in the Azure Portal. This course quickly progresses from building basic logic apps from the provided templates to designing more complex and reusable automated workflows from scratch.
Course
Introduction to Azure Machine Learning Services
Cash registers, websites, patients, employees, customers, students, machines, warehouses and nearly every other aspect of the modern business world generate enormous amounts of data. Hiding within these ever-increasing mountains of data are patterns that can optimize nearly every business decision. Knowing how to find and leverage these patterns is a skill-set that is in high demand and will remain there indefinitely. Data science and machine learning are the core components used to understand, transform, model and execute on those data patterns. In this class we will learn the basics of the Azure Machine Learning Services platform and how to create machine learning experiments.
Course
Introduction to Azure SQL Database Managed Instance
In this introductory class for Azure SQL DB Managed Instance, users will get an overview of what this azure service can bring to your organization. A major focus will look at various performance options and the pricing that comes along with making certain decisions. Also there will be some comparison between Azure SQL DB and Managed Instance. At the end of this class you will know if Managed Instance is the right option for your organization and how to provision this resource.
Course
Introduction to Paginated Reports
In this class you will learn to create professional reports with Microsoft's Paginated Reports. This introductory class covers the basics of creating, designing, and publishing reports that can be printed or shared digitally. Gain skills to enhance data visualization and create engaging reports for business analysis and decision-making
Course
Introduction to SSIS
This SSIS class is designed to help you understand all aspects of SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), the ETL tool of choice for SQL Server users. We will use a variety of lab exercises and small projects to ensure you gain familiarity in how the design and execution environments work and be prepared to build your own real world applications using this SQL Server application. Students will learn how to use SSIS in the real-world. With the hands-on labs, you will learn how to create a SSIS package to load a database. You’ll also learn how to make the package dynamic to where it will work and self-heal in the event of a failure. This course gives detailed and extensive demos on how to use SSIS in your environment.
Course
Introduction to T-SQL
The Introduction to T-SQL virtual class is an intensive course that is designed to get you developing with T-SQL very quickly. You will first learn about the structure of a SQL Server database, then you will dive right in learning how to query the tables. Next, we will cover how to sort and filter the results. Then we will dive into how to write queries that involve multiple tables and summary queries. You will also learn how to modify data and finally about the logical programming aspects of T-SQL.
Course
Learn with the Nerds - Azure Data Factory (Recorded Live Event)
Azure Data Factory (ADF) is a cloud-based service for data integration. ADF is used to integrate disparate data sources from across your organization including data in the cloud and data that is stored on-premises.
In this session, Manuel Quintana will teach you the basics of how to create data-driven pipelines to direct the movement of data. You will learn linked services, integration runtimes, and datasets. You will also be introduced to Dataflows which allows users to transform their data at an enterprise scale and load that information into various azure destinations of your choice.
🔴 Certificate of completion:
If you have completed this class and would like a certificate, fill out this form - https://share.hsforms.com/1TCn6X346SsW4e7ijUKRPnw8xue
Course
Learn with the Nerds - Power BI Administration (Recorded Live Event)
In this session we will cover proper Power BI Administration. This is critical to successfully implement Power BI across your organization. We will also discuss topics such as licensing, workspace management, Apps, data refreshing through a gateway, security, auditing, and other important features.
✔ What You’ll Learn:
- Power BI Licensing
- Workspace Management
- Data Gateway
- Security (MFA & RLS)
- Auditing
- Deployment Pipelines
- Dataset Endorsement and Data Sensitivity
✔️ Download student files - [LWTN - Power BI Administration](https://learning.pragmaticworkstraining.com/api/upload/get/96431a55-4ac3-4b20-98b7-ac91d04fdc4a.zip)
Course
Learn with the Nerds - Power BI Dataflows (Recorded Live Event)
Exploring Power BI Dataflows, the latest major development in the self-service BI world, opens up the possibility of re-usable, scalable ETL work in the Power BI Service. Learn how this bridge piece can serve as a single source of the truth and support your team and enterprise BI goals while setting a framework to understand the role of the Common Data Model and integration with other Azure Data Services, including Azure Data Lake Gen2.
What you’ll learn:
- ✔️ How to build re-usable, scalable ETL work in the Power BI Service
- ✔️ Learn how Power BI Dataflows can support your team and enterprise BI goals
- ✔️ To understand the role of the Common Data Model and integration with other Azure Data Services, including Azure Data Lake Gen2
👉Download student files - [Learn with the Nerds - Power BI Dataflows](https://learning.pragmaticworkstraining.com/api/upload/get/3ca84d49-ef3f-4476-b9d3-adf7a1b8299a.zip)
Course
Modern Data Warehousing with Azure Databricks
The modern data warehouse is capable of ingesting data from various data sources like structured or unstructured data, on-prem data or data in the cloud, and this includes big data. A critical element to making the modern data warehouse applicable is Azure Databricks. Azure Databricks is a managed service built on the backbone of Apache Spark and is capable of not only ingesting data but also preparing and cleaning that data and then loading it. Once the data has been prepared, Databricks can leverage thousands of libraries in Python or R to run predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms.
The Modern Data Warehousing with Azure Databricks course is designed to teach the fundamentals of creating clusters, developing in notebooks, and leveraging the different languages available. Specifically, this course is designed to show how and why Azure Databricks fits perfectly into the design of the “modern” data warehouse. Within a single Databricks notebook you can use multiple programming languages and install thousands of libraries extending the capability of what can be achieved.
Course
Paginated Reports in a Day
Paginated Reports in Power BI is built on the technology used for years in SQL Server Reporting Services, and allows you to create pixel-perfect reports that are optimized for printing and sharing across your organizations. With paginated reports, you can consolidate your self-service and enterprise reports in a unified, secure, enterprise-wide reporting platform accessible to any user across your organization.
At the end of this class, you will better understand how to:
- Design report layouts
- Connect to data sources to retrieve report data
- Work with parameters visualize report data
- Add interactive features
- Publish, consume, deliver, and embed paginated reports
Course
Power BI Dataflows
Exploring Power BI dataflows, the latest major development in the self-service BI world, opens up the possibility of re-usable, scalable ETL work in the Power BI Service. Learn how this bridge piece can serve as a single source of the truth and support your team and enterprise BI goals while setting a framework to understand the role of the Common Data Model and integration with other Azure Data Services, including Azure Data Lake Gen. 2.
Course
Power BI with Azure DevOps Integration
In this class, you will learn about Power BI with Azure DevOps & Git integration. This will allow you to unleash the collective potential of Power BI's analytics prowess, Azure DevOps' project oversight, and Git's version control finesse. You will learn how to create DevOps Organizations, Projects, Repositories, and branches. As well, you will learn strategies on how to implement DevOps with Power BI workspaces. Find out everything you can about this new feature available within the Power BI service. (This feature is currently in a preview state and we will update this class as changes are introduced).
Course
SSIS in the Cloud
This SSIS in the Cloud class will take users through the process of creating simple SSIS packages that interact with various Azure Storage options like Azure Blob Storage and Azure SQL DB. It will start with creating, deploying, and executing packages that move data in the Cloud via an on-premises solution. Then users will be introduced to Azure Data Factory and the feature known as Lift and Shift which will allow us to deploy our packages to an Azure SQL Database and execute them uses Cloud resources. Users should have a basic understanding of SSIS prior to watching this class.
Course
Learn with The Nerds - Power BI Developer of the Future with Fabric (Recorded Live Event)
You have probably heard about Microsoft Fabric at this point if you are doing anything with Power BI. Initially, it may seem intimidating and to be safe you stick to the normal practices of creating your Power BI datasets through either Power BI Desktop or Dataflows Gen 1.
In this session, we will show that there is nothing to be scared of when it comes to Fabric, and once you embrace what it has to offer you will unlock the highest level of performance your reports could have.
You will learn about:
- How we can take advantage of OneLake and Fabric Lakehouse to be our central storage location for housing our data to support our Power BI Reports
- Using Dataflows Gen2 to continue taking advantage of the capabilities of Power Query to connect to data, transform it, and now load into the new Lakehouse
- Exploring your data stored in the Lakehouse either through the Power Query language or even using SQL
- How To Take advantage of the Lakehouse to use the new DirectLake connection to maximize the performance of your Power BI reports.
Course
Introduction to Azure Key Vault
"Introduction to Azure Key Vault" is a comprehensive course that covers the essential aspects of securing and managing cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates in the Azure cloud. The course begins with an introduction to Azure Key Vault and its importance, followed by an exploration of its architecture and fundamental concepts. You'll learn best practices for creating, storing, and accessing keys and secrets, as well as implementing access policies, role-based access control, and auditing. The course also delves into integrating Key Vault with Azure services and third-party applications and real-world use cases. Finally, it addresses common issues, troubleshooting tips, and best practices for optimal security. Ideal for IT professionals and developers, this course provides hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge to effectively protect sensitive information in an Azure environment.
Course
Databricks Sources
Dive into the world of data integration with our specialized class on Databricks Sources. This course is designed to demystify the process of connecting to diverse data sources using the robust, cloud-based platform of Azure Databricks. You'll gain practical knowledge on navigating the Azure portal to set up essential components such as resource groups, Databricks instances, key vaults, and data lakes. We'll walk you through the steps to access both public and private data repositories, ensuring you have the skills to leverage Databricks Sources effectively for any data project or challenge you face.
Course
Microsoft Fabric - OneLake and Lakehouse
In this class, led by Manuel Quintana, students will embark on an exploratory journey into the Microsoft Fabric OneLake and LakeHouse, gaining hands-on experience with the Fabric portal, workspaces, and the creation of lake houses. Manuel will guide participants through the intricacies of SQL endpoints, leveraging tools like SQL Server Management Studio to enhance understanding. The course aims to demystify the concepts of One Lake and Lake House, differentiating between the two and providing practical insights into their applications.
Course
Learn with the Nerds - Master Paginated Reports
In this tutorial, we take you through the new Get Data option in Paginated Reports, which gives you access to the Power Query Editor and all its power transformation capabilities. Whether you're working with complex datasets or need highly formatted reports, this walkthrough will show you how to connect your data sources effortlessly and build dynamic reports with precision.
Course
Implementation of PySpark Merge in Fabric
Dive into the power of PySpark in Microsoft Fabric with Implementation of PySpark Merge in Fabric, led by Manuel Quintana. This course introduces you to the concept of using PySpark to merge data in Lakehouses, helping you understand how Fabric handles large-scale data processing with flexibility and performance in mind.
Manuel walks you through a hands-on example of writing a PySpark merge statement in Fabric, showing you where to write, how to test, and how to run the code directly in the platform. Whether you're new to PySpark or exploring how Fabric supports advanced data workflows, this session provides a practical, focused introduction to a powerful technique.
Course
Real-Time Intelligence in a Day
In Real-Time Intelligence in a Day, Manuel Quintana guides you through building a complete real-time analytics solution using Microsoft Fabric. You’ll explore event-driven architectures, data ingestion, and real-time processing workflows while learning to leverage tools like Eventstreams, KQL, and Real-Time Dashboards. By the end, you’ll have the skills to design, implement, and visualize streaming data solutions that deliver actionable insights instantly—empowering faster decision-making and smarter business operations.
Course
Real-Time Intelligence in a Day - Setup
Real-Time Intelligence in a Day – Setup is your essential first step toward working with live data in Microsoft Fabric. In this recorded session, Manuel Quintana walks you through everything you need to prepare your environment before the main RTIIAD event. You’ll learn how to configure your workspace, connect to real-time data sources, and set up ingestion pipelines that ensure a smooth experience for live analytics. This setup course focuses on best practices, security considerations, and troubleshooting tips so you can start the main training with a fully operational environment. By completing this session, you’ll be ready to focus on analysis and insights without being slowed down by configuration issues.
Course
Introduction to Power BI Datamarts (Course Retiring on 7/1/2025)
This course will dive into the topic of Power BI Datamarts which is currently a preview feature available within the Power BI Service. After taking this course you will have a better understanding of what Power BI Datamarts are, what license is required and when you should be using this new technology. Be sure to stay in touch with this class, as it will be updated once this technology becomes generally available for use!
Popular articles by Manuel Quintana
What our clients say
Anonymous
Manuel is a very engaging speaker. I liked his tone of voice and rate of presentation, and little bits of humor. Any 7-hour course of online modules can potentially get dull, but Manuel kept it interesting!
Sumit K.
Manuel did a fantastic job. It was easy to follow him and sessions were well planned.
Andrea T.
I love Manuel’s personality. Made me chuckle so many times. Thank you for the energy!
Anonymous
Manuel was a great, and very patient, trainer and a fantastic resource.
Hope S.
I enjoyed the class very much, especially how hands-on it was. This is the best online training I have had. Matt is the best!
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