Microsoft wants MVPs in Windows, Azure, HyperV; Also in China, Russia, India, Brazil

[HappyAndyK]

At Microsoft's 2009 MVP Global Summit, March 1–4, approximately 1,500 outstanding members of the world’s technical community have descended on Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Wash. Attending the summit are Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs), a highly select group of technical experts who represent a vital component of the global technical community and illustrate Microsoft’s commitment to listen and respond to its customers.



Want to become a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), one of the company's elite volunteer army of tech experts?

Then now's the time to brush up on Windows Vista and Windows 7, the upcoming cloud-computing platform Windows Azure and virtualization software such as Hyper-V, according to a Microsoft executive in charge of the MVP program. And plan on sharing that knowledge as widely as possible on developer and user forums run by Microsoft and others.

Microsoft is heavily looking for MVPs for these areas, Toby Richards, General Manager for community and online support, said this week.

It is also actively looking for MVP candidates in important overseas Microsoft markets such as China, Russia, India and Brazil.

Microsoft, which holds its annual MVP Summit March 1-4 in Seattle, added several hundred MVPs this year and now has 4,200 worldwide. "We would like to keep expanding our pool of influencers," said Richards, adding that despite recent layoffs and belt-tightening at Microsoft, the MVP program has seen "no de-investment."

Microsoft started the MVP program in 1993 with 38 initial MVPs. Contrary to some myths and jokes, there is no set formula that determines whether someone is MVP material, said Richards.

WinVistaClub, A Microsoft Featured Community, would nominate its Members for the MVP Award. Two have already been nominated, but as I have already said, its a 100% Microsoft decision.

[tweakwindows]

^ Nice to know that they are looking for MVPs from India. Any live stream available of this event?

[nitinagarwal1988]

^^ that is a great news....contribute at your fullest, deserving will surely get this great achivement...

[seti]

This is an interesting post, because you mention China. WIth the restrictions on freedom there which are well known I would ask just one question. Surely MS can operate in such a place where knowledge is controlled by the state so any MVPs there would become servants of that state? Or do commercial reasons now take first place from human rights, which is strange being based in a country that claims that freedom of religion and the press are basic human rights. Sorry just asking

[Pankaj]

Wow thats cool. who r the lucky one's ? and when will the results be out?

And if there is no pymnt wat are benefits of becmg mvp???

[HappyAndyK]

^ If they get the Award, all will know; if not ... life will go on. MS will observe and continue to observe activities for 3-6 months and see consistency too. Benefits ? Primarily recognition imo, followed by access to software, etc... maybe other MVPs have something to add about the benefits.

seti: I don't think there must be any sort of interference in the MVP program there. China already has around 200 MVPs and an active community. It is an emerging and a promising market for MS.



MS has a Research Center there and in fact Beijing was where the first Asian Research Lab was opened (I think). The Chinese govt should be more than happy with all the technological developments that must be taking place as a result.

tweakwindows: Will let you know if I come across something. But you can follow it at http://twitter.com/mvpglobalsummit

[tweakwindows]

^ Thanks for twitter link.

[iMav]

I'd rather suggest you to follow this link for quicker & more comprehensive updates. There will be a bit of trash, ignoring that, the updates will be much more fun to follow.