Although I try to remain active in the community, it’s not the same thing not being part of this exciting and passionate group of IT Professionals. I mostly miss the MVP Summit, where I had the chance to meet in person some of the people I interacted during the year, and where I could make some friends while having a locally brewed beer from Seattle.
If you’re interested in joining this (not so) small group of people, please read How to Become an Exchange MVP.
Overview
Microsoft MVP is Microsoft Most Valuable Professional.
The MVP Award recognizes exceptional technical community leaders from around the world who voluntarily share their deep, real-world knowledge about Microsoft technologies with others.
Potential MVPs are nominated by other technical community members, current and former MVPs, and Microsoft personnel who have noted their leadership and their willingness and ability to help others make the most of their Microsoft technology.
To receive the Microsoft MVP Award, MVP nominees undergo a rigorous review process. A panel that include members of the MVP team and Microsoft product groups evaluate each nominee’s technical expertise and voluntary community contributions for the past 12 months. The panel considers the quality, quantity, and level of impact of the MVP nominee’s contributions. Active MVPs receive the same level of scrutiny as other new candidates each year.
MVPs are independent of Microsoft, with separate opinions and perspectives, and are able to represent the views of the community members with whom they engage every day.