Exclusive Interview with Ittichai Chammavanijakul
Posted by Kamran Agayev A. on 14th April 2010
Ittichai Chammavanijakul has started working with Oracle database since 2000, he has been involved in about all aspects of Oracle database technologies including RAC, ASM, Data Guard and Streams. He has designed and implemented many different varieties of high available database environments using RAC on ASM and Veritas Cluster File System. He enjoys database and SQL tuning. Recently he has also been interested in web development using Oracle APEX.
In his current role as data warehouse architect with Motorola, he has architected and implemented many business-driven solutions using Oracle and other vendor products to meet critical business needs especially in warehousing area.
He is Oracle Certified Master, OCP (8i,9i,10g), CCNA, SCSA and MCP
Could u please provide answer to the following questions as follows:
- Brief information about yourself and your family
I’m married to the most beautiful, charming, funny and talented woman on earth (who is also watching my screen as I’m typing this). We live in Chicago, Illinois with our daughter and a dog who thinks he’s a cat.
- Your education
I did my Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering with the emphasis on Telecommunications. My Master Degree is also in the same field with the same emphasis.
- Your experience with Oracle. When you started first? Has it been interest of your side or just a coincidence?
I started my career as a wireless engineer, but later switched into IT as a system administrator. Then one thing led to another and I got into Oracle. I’ve been working with Oracle since version 8.0.
- What was the motive behind to prefer Oracle? Who you have been influenced by?
Whatever I say here will bore you to tears. I was interested in Oracle because it has the largest market share in RDBMS, and I found its technology to be very challenging. So I motivated myself to learn and become better at it. I’ve had fun along the way.
- What would your preference of profession if not Oracle?
In the alternate universe, I would be a professional golf player.
- What motivates you in your job?
I’m a troubleshooter by nature. I like to solve problems the way I do puzzles or riddles. And in this field, problem is something you never run out of.
- Do you give lectures on Oracle?
I do internal workshops and trainings all the time.
- Have you authored any book in Oracle?
No, but I’d love to someday.
- Do you manage with your time as to read books on Oracle? What is the name of the book that you read recently?
Yes, definitely. Currently I’m reading the “Oracle PL/SQL Programming” by Steven Feuerstein. There are many tips and tricks I’ve never known before.
- What do you think on OTN forums?
It is interesting place where you can interact directly with Oracle experts. I believe what makes Oracle great is its community and contributions, especially in the OTN forums, from all Oracle technologists worldwide.
- Do you refer to the documentation? And how often does it happen?
All the time. I always go to tahiti.oracle.com for Oracle documentation if I would like to research for any topics.
- What was your greatest achievement as an Oracle DBA?
Besides the OCM certification, the fact that I’m still able to balance my technical and management roles at work is my personal achievement.
- What is you priority to manage the challenges you face?
Plan ahead as much as you can, but expect the unexpected.
- How would you describe the essence of your success? According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far?
In addition to dedication and hard working, I love what I’m doing. That will drive you to accomplish anything.
- What are your best skills which make you differ from others?
Seeing the big picture to connect the dots.
- What’s your major weakness?
I can’t say no to ice cream.
- Have you ever lost your spirit? If so, what has been the reason and how have you overcome it?
Have I lost my spirit? I would say no. Occasional discouragement, perhaps. But doesn’t that happen to everybody?
- What is the next success you would like to attain and your efforts to this end?
I’d like to find more time to blog more consistently. Ideas abound, but time is scarce.
- How do you balance your daily life with your career?
It hasn’t been a challenge, really. I love my job and I enjoy goofing off with my family. I’ve been blessed to have a good balance between the two while making time for myself as well.
- Please describe your one day summary of activities?
I work 8-10 hours a day with occasional breaks in between and lots of phone calls and (back-to-back) meetings. In the evening, I walk the dog, play with my daughter, and cook up something with my wife in the kitchen. We love to cook.
- How many hours do you work and sleep in a day?
It is varied. Usually I work about 8-10 hours a day. I also sleep 8-10 hours a day.
- Where and how do you spend your daily, weekly and annual holidays?
At home, we relax in the kitchen a lot, cooking up new dishes. On weekends, my family and I like to visit a new restaurant to try their food. Each year, we make a point to travel to a new overseas destination.
- Do you think about Oracle during vacations?
Uh, heck, no.
- Do you have time or motivation to go in for any sports? If yes, which kind of sport do you go in for?
I play golf. It relaxes me and helps increase my ability to focus at the same time. Golf is about figuring out creative solutions to problems. You practice a lot disciplines in this game. You compete with yourself because, unlike other sports, it has no referee or umpire.
- What’s your favorite meal and non-alcoholic drink?
I love Thai street foods: Khao Man Gai, Pad Thai, etc. I’m a fan of foie gras torchon, artisan cheeses and all those things, but the truth remains — the best foods in the world are made street-side and sold on carts.
- What foreign languages do you know?
English (foreign to me as my mother tongue is Thai). I also speak some Mandarin and read Attic Greek and Classical Hebrew.
- What’s your average typing speed?
63 WPM last time I checked when playing SpongeBob SquarePants Typing game at Apple Store.
- Have you ever get involved in politics?
No. Never.
- What are your hobbies?
Golf, photography and reading.
- How do you spend your free time?
We’re a family of foodies, so we’re always going out to eat different types of food at different places.
- What’s your biggest ambition?
I’d like to start a nonprofit organization that deals with education for the underprivileged.
- What would be your advice to the beginners in Oracle?
Read a lot especially Oracle documentations and/or blogs. Ask questions on forums or blogs. Test everything you read or you are told. Understanding basic concepts is the key. It is tempting to jump into more advanced concepts like RAC, ASM, etc. But without a solid foundation, it may be difficult to grasp the whole.
- Would you like your children to follow in your footsteps or take a different path in life?
I just want my daughter to be a happy person. That’s all I ever want for her in life. If happiness means she follows my footsteps, then so be it.
- Do you have any followers of you?
You mean stalkers?
- What is your vision on the future of Oracle?
Oracle will continue to expand its product portfolios by acquiring more companies. Oracle solutions will be more complete covering more aspects of technologies.
- Could you please take a photo in your office near to your desktop?
Unfortunately, this is against the company’s policy to take picture in the office.
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