15 years managing mission-critical SQL Server and Azure database platforms for regulated, high-stakes environments — now applying enterprise AI to make database operations faster, safer, and smarter.
Candidus Data Lab is an independent database engineering and advisory practice founded by Octavian Candidus, a data engineering, management & governance specialist with 15 years administering SQL Server and Azure database platforms across regulated, mission-critical enterprise environments — including federal, financial services, and large-scale production operations.
The practice exists for one reason: most database environments were built and maintained by teams that never expected to pair them with AI. Candidus Data Lab closes that gap — modernizing and securing SQL Server and Azure SQL environments, and applying enterprise AI tools (Copilot, Azure AI Foundry, and similar) to build intelligent runbooks and knowledge workflows that cut manual troubleshooting time.
Pick the entry point that matches where your data platform is today.
For teams running mission-critical databases that are slow, fragile, or under-documented.
For teams that need reliable, well-governed database operations, not just a one-time fix.
For teams that want to apply enterprise AI to database operations, not just office productivity.
I build and fix pipelines and databases myself — no handoff to a junior team.
15 years of hands-on SQL Server and Azure DBA work, paired with real experience applying enterprise AI to operations. Most consultants only have one side of that.
Every engagement starts with a free fit call — including telling you if this isn't the right project for me.
A scoped audit of your database or data platform with a written findings report and prioritized roadmap. Fixed fee, quoted after a discovery call.
A scoped, fixed-fee project — database migration, automation build, or governance implementation — with clear milestones and deliverables.
Ongoing monthly support for teams that need continuous database or data platform coverage without a full-time hire.
Anonymized to protect client confidentiality.
Designed AI-enabled knowledge and operational workflows that reduce manual troubleshooting effort across production and nonproduction SQL Server and Azure SQL environments in a regulated federal enterprise setting.
Managed SQL Server 2012/2016/2019 environments supporting mission-critical workloads exceeding 10TB, including 24/7 production operations, performance tuning, and Always On availability groups.
Supported high-availability SQL Server environments for financial and ERP systems, focused on uptime, security, compliance, and business continuity.
Provided 24/7 production support and led legacy SQL Server upgrades, migrations, and reliability improvements, including clustering, replication, and Always On availability groups.
Book a free 20-minute call — I'll tell you honestly whether this is a quick fix, a bigger project, or not something I'm the right person for.
Book a call