VMware vExpert for the First time...

Yesterday, VMware announced the VMware vExpert for the year 2017, I’m glad to say that my name is also there and I’m really excited with this award as this is the first time I got this award from VMware.

You can find all the VMware vExperts for 2017 here .

Those who are new to this and those who are not aware of this VMware vExpert programe, I would like share the overview of this from this post. There are many posts on the way while I’m working with a busy schedule but I think it is great to give the background, overview and the importance of this program as a Virtualization geek.

What is this VMware vExpert ?

“The VMware vExpert program is VMware’s global evangelism and advocacy program. The program is designed to put VMware’s marketing resources towards your advocacy efforts. Promotion of your articles, exposure at our global events, co-op advertising, traffic analysis, and early access to beta programs and VMware’s roadmap. The awards are for individuals, not companies, and last for one year. Employees of both customers and partners can receive the awards.“

How to obtain this vExpert Award ?

“If you are interested in becoming a vExpert the criteria is simple. We are looking for IT Professionals who are sharing their VMware knowledge and contributing that back to the community. The see the term “giving back” as defined as going above and beyond your day job. There are several ways to share your knowledge and engage with the community. Some of those activities are blogging, book authoring, magazine articles, CloudCred task writing, active in facebook groups, forum (VMTN as well as other non VMware) platforms, public speaking, VMUG leadership, videos and so on.”

How to Apply and become a vExpert ?

“The process to apply is easy, twice per calendar year we open applications for a period of 30 days. Once the 30 days are over we close the applications and move into voting mode which takes 45 to 60 days. Applications open for each calendar year are opened in November and results are announced in early February. We open applications again which we refer to 2nd half applications in June with an August announcement. Every vExpert, VCDX as well as any new applicants must apply at least once per year.”

What are the benefits as a vExpert ?

Invite to VMware private #Slack channel
vExpert certificate signed by our CEO Pat Gelsinger.
Private forums on communities.vmware.com
Permission to use the vExpert logo on cards, website, etc for one year
Access to a private directory for networking, etc
Exclusive gifts from various VMware partners
Private webinars with VMware partners as well as NFR’s
Access to private betas (subject to admission by beta teams)
365-day eval licenses for most products for home lab / cloud providers
Private pre-launch briefings via our blogger briefing pre-VMworld (subject to admission by product teams)
Blogger early access program for vSphere and some other products
Opportunity to receive a free blogger pass to VMworld US or VMworld Europe (limited to 50 for US and 35 for EU)
Featured in a public vExpert online directory
Access to vetted VMware & Virtualization content for your social channels
Yearly vExpert parties at both VMworld US and VMworld Europe events
Identification as a vExpert at both VMworld US and VMworld EU