Are Microsoft MVPs hardcore techies?

We all know Microsoft as the 'the world's largest software maker,' but the company does a lot more than just making software. Microsoft is aggressively targeting various sectors be it academic institutions, government offices or communities like System Integrators (SIs), Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to make its presence felt. So is it selling to these communities? Incidentally the answer is 'NO' there is no direct selling happening in most of them but all of these have the potential to become a part of Microsoft's future customer base, in some way or the other. Now that's what is called farsightedness.

The company has launched specialized programs to engage these communities. Point in example are its 'Windows Live @ edu' program -- a program that provides colleges and universities around the world with e-mail with the institution's own domain name, massive mailbox sizes and other services like blogging and instant messaging all free-of-cost and its 'India is Innovation' program, targeted at Indian software start-ups to help them build world class software products and solutions.

Microsoft 'Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs)' is one such initiative. Targeted at professionals working on Microsoft technologies, this program is aimed at bringing together developers working on various MS platforms. According to the Microsoft website, "MVP is an award to recognize and award the top individual contributors in technology communities e.g. Windows community, Office community. The MVP Award is given in recognition of a recipient's technical expertise, spirit of community, and their willingness to help their peers by providing reliable and accurate information about Microsoft products & technologies. An MVP is a person with a passion for technology."

Started more than a decade back as a 'thank you program for contributing to the community' this program has come a long way and is considered as a very important piece in Microsoft's community building efforts.

Currently, there are over 3,100 MVPs in 75 countries worldwide, covering more than 75 technologies in nine languages. Individual product teams at Microsoft play a active role in communicating with MVPs, engaging them in beta runs and early previews thereby enabling them to be much more effective at contributing to their respective communities.

Are MVPs hardcore techies?

So are MVPs hardcore techies, the geeks as we call them? Well, not necessarily. These are people with sound technology backgrounds but more importantly with exceptional leadership and community building skills. They play a very active role in various community building activities both online and offline. In the age groups that range from 18 to 60 these people run user groups, train peers and also author best sellers.

Worldwide, these MVPs run technology specific user groups and organize events to educate their community about latest technology advancements in that platform. With key industry speakers on board, such events provide a knowledge-sharing platform for its participants.

Read

what Beverly Howard MS MVP-Mobile Devices has to say about this article...

What does it take to become a MVP?

Anybody working on Microsoft technologies qualifies for becoming a MVP provided he or she engages in community building initiatives in some way or the other. The official MVP website writes, "MVPs are awarded for their demonstrated technology community passion and contribution. Only significant participation in communities would earn you the respect of your peers and consequently recognition from Microsoft."

A person can self-nominate himself, or can get nominated by another MVP, Microsoft employee or a member of technical communities for the MVP award. Once the nominations are filed, the company checks for community contribution and technical expertise credentials of the person and takes the decision to accept or reject the request. MVP awards are declared every quarter and a person can re-file nomination after three months in case of rejection.

 

How does a MVP benefit?

How does a MVP benefit?

"Being a MVP is an honor that recognizes my activities in the community as worthwhile and gives me confidence that I can access information that I need in a timely manner,"

says a MVP. Other than the intangible benefits like 'honor', 'feel-good-factor' and not- to-miss the weight it adds to ones resume, MVPs get access to valuable technical resources, access to private newsgroups, and a channel to speak directly to product groups. MVPs are also awarded a certificate commemorating the MVP award.

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what other MVPs have said about this article...

Access to specialized training material and webcasts, opportunity to participate in private Microsoft Product Betas as well early access to the company's products gives these MVPs an edge over the rest. Microsoft also gives this community a chance to be a part of its local and international events where they get a chance to interact directly with Microsoft employees as well as a huge community of developers.

"The MVP award motivated me to work harder to know more about .NET and be able to give valuable information to people who want to know,"

says a MVP.

How does MS benefit?

'Community is the key' and MVP program has helped Microsoft build dedicated communities covering more than 75 technologies in nine languages. With students being a big part of these communities MVPs play a key role in creating awareness about Microsoft technologies among them.

MVPs provide feedback on beta releases and interact very closely with various product teams playing an important role in helping them improve upon their products before it actually goes into production. And most importantly by building such communities Microsoft is actually building a customer base for itself, as it is these people who would play a key role in deciding 'what to buy?' at some point in their careers.

So, can we say MVP program is a win-win situation for the developers as well as Microsoft, or is it hype created by MS to get to its numbers in the years to come? Send us your views at aparnal@www.ciol.com