Where vExpert 2010 Ranks For Me
June 5th, 2010 | 
Author: Along with others yesterday, I received email notice from VMware’s @jtroyer that I was designated a vExpert for 2010. I was thrilled to win the award in 2009, VMware’s inaugural year of the program, and I’m just as thrilled to be named again this year. But being named a vExpert is now more to me than just winning an award. It’s a virtualization community honor with a responsibility.
First, let’s be honest.
vExpert is not a certification. VCDX is the badge for the VMware technically elite. Those that have endured the study, passed the tests, and triumphed in the design defense have earned the rare status of true VMware guru. There are many VCDXs that are also vExperts, but do not confuse the two. A vExpert should always stand at attention, salute, and then listen closely when a VCDX enters the room and speaks. They are the battle proven Generals. They’ve walked the walk.
Second, let’s be real.
Not all VCDXs are vExperts today, and I would suspect that as more are certified the ratio of VCDXs that will not get recognized for community contributions will rise. That’s not a negative. Let’s call this the “Epping Curse”. For example, when you are that good you end up working for VMware and you can’t win the vExpert award. It’s a problem to have in my opinion. Then there will always be some VCDXs who do not contribute to the community at all. Nothing wrong with that either.
Third, let’s recognize the effort and the honor.
vExperts volunteered, spoke out, contributed, organized, mentored, corrected, or gave others recognition in the VMware community. Arguably the same can be said for the entire virtualization community. vExperts scout the battlefields, provide reconnaissance, and are invaluable allies in the fight. They may not have all achieved General’s stripes, but they are in the line of fire on a regular basis. vExperts charge the hill and dig the bunkers. You need them on that front line.
Unfortunately, some might never be fully recognized like they should. All successful field operations rely on selfless troops who’s efforts are never properly revealed. All we can do to thank these nameless heroes is stop and perform a “Troyer Salute”. We can never do it enough.
Finally, let me be personal.
Being a vExpert has made a huge difference in my personal and professional life. Up until VMworld 2008 I went to the conference for the sessions, yet In 2009 I was only able to make a handful of them. I have met so many new friends and contacts over the last 2 years that VMworld and Partner Exchange evolved into business and social networking events. I have weekly conversations now on Virtumania about virtualization and VMware with the most respected names in the business. The honor is not lost on me.
I feel it is my responsibility to share these conversations with the community. I’ll continue to do that via this blog and the podcast. There is so much to learn and there are always so many changes. You could say I have been awarded for just working “out loud” over the years. It’s ironic really.
Thank you VMware for the vExpert program, and thank you for including me again in 2010. And to all the VM /ETC readers and Virtumania listeners, thanks for motivating me to keep on being a virtualization Scout.
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