The person behind Netherwood

Steven Wittek.

Data professional.
Independent developer.
Runner.

I build apps, work with databases and connect information between systems. SQL Server and database engineering are the foundation of my work.

Netherwood Data Partners is my independent data and software business. My focus is building products that make data useful, from database investigation tools to a connection for live running readings.

Explore my software
Netherwood station in Plainfield, New Jersey
The place behind the name. Photo by Jerrye & Roy Klotz MD, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and cropped for display.
Since 2009Technology experienceNew JerseyIndependently ownedDirect contactWork with the developer

Why I build

Follow the data.
Understand the system.

I’m interested in how systems behave: where information comes from, how it moves, and what the measurements tell us. That curiosity runs through my database work and app development.

QueryVault began with a database problem: keeping query history available for later investigation. Motion Relay began while I was using ChatGPT during a run and wanted the conversation to include readings from my Garmin.

The questions are different, but the work has something in common: connect the right information, make its limits clear, and check what actually improves.

The Motion story

Professional background

Experience behind the software.

Examples from my engineering work and personal projects. These are not a list of Netherwood clients.

01

Database performance

I have developed and tuned SQL for financial reporting and analytics. I investigate execution plans, workload patterns, waits and blocking to understand what changed before choosing a fix.

SQL Server · T-SQL · Query Store

02

Recovery and reliability

My experience includes availability groups, geographic replicas, backups, encryption and restore testing. Recovery planning starts with how much downtime and data loss the business can accept.

Always On · Backup & restore · Recovery planning

03

Controlled changes

I have used Git, Azure DevOps and database projects to make changes reviewable and traceable. That includes capturing existing database objects to establish a dependable source baseline.

Git · Azure DevOps · DACPAC

04

Tools and metrics

I build reporting and investigation tools to make systems easier to understand. QueryVault preserves Query Store history for longer-term performance analysis.

QueryVault · Monitoring · Extended Events

Consulting

Focused work.
Direct involvement.

I also work with businesses on database performance, migrations and integrations. We agree on scope, fees and availability before starting, then define how to check the result.

You work directly with me. I explain findings, document changes and discuss vendor responsibilities or additional expertise when needed.

View consulting services

Contact

Questions about an app
or a data project?

Product feedback, testing inquiries and local business questions are welcome.

Contact Steven

New Jersey · Meetings by appointment