I am stepping away from community

This all happened rather suddenly, the realization that I didn't want to lead nor be as involved in community and user groups. It has been such a part of what I have done over the years that it surprised me how much I was in auto pilot around doing things for user groups and how much personal time and energy (and money) I was spending on community activities.

Several things have happened since I made this decision. First, I have formally retired out of the Microsoft MVP program (withdrew my renewal for 2014 - my renewal quarter is July). I have been awarded 10 years in a row (first in 2004) and I felt because I was stepping away from community activity it wasn't proper to be accepting something that is at it's core a community contribution award. I have fond memories of attending many MVP Summits - I will miss seeing many of those colleagues in person.

Second, I also retired out of the Springboard Technical Experts Panel (STEP) as that is focused on engaged local community members who are driving events and content. Clearly I will not be doing any of that anymore either. The Springboard group had been idle for almost the last year so I felt with its renewed kickoff recently my stepping off the group would allow them to add some more energized and active folks.

Third, I am retiring from Pacific IT Professionals, the IT Pro user group I have helped run for over 15 years. This user group was one of the reasons I became a Microsoft MVP and has lead to many wonderful relationships over the years. I wish all those involved with the group the best of luck and I hope it develops some of the next Microsoft MVP's and continues to have impact.

So, what will I be doing? I will still be involved in IPv6, I still find it very interesting and technically relevant to what is happening to the Internet today. So, for now, I will be staying on with the California IPv6 Task Force. In addition, I will tracking cloud technologies and what is happening in that market. Everything else is undetermined. I hope to have more free time to explore new things that are personally interesting to me.

For those that know me and are wondering why, I can only say I have been burnt out for several years and I reached the breaking (the "I'm too tired") point this month. I made the decision over a weekend and I sent out the emails retiring myself out of everything right after that. The last things to do are clean up the blog to remove some logos etc. after July as I will no longer be an MVP or on STEP. It was time, I acted on that, now on to the next adventure!
- Ed

Another year as a Microsoft MVP

I'm a little late getting the news out but I am happy to say I was renewed as a Microsoft MVP for another year. Many thanks to all those in the Microsoft MVP program for continuing to recognize my community contributions, I hope I can continue to live up to the award standards in the years to come. Eventually someone will get tired of hearing me go on and on about IPv6 but for now it seems there is some value in preaching the IPv6 message.

It also turns out this year is my 10th award. I find it hard to believe it has been 10 years since I was first an MVP and I am not sure how I feel about crossing that milestone. I'll let you know later after I have thought about it some more - or I will just avoid it altogether.

Congratulations to all the other renewing MVP's and a huge tip of the hat to brand new MVP's. It takes awhile to understand what just happened to you, enjoy it and make the effort to attend the MVP Summit, it really is worth your time.
- Ed

Renewed as Microsoft MVP for 2012

I'm happy to say that I was renewed as a Microsoft MVP for 2012 on July 1st. Hard to believe I was first awarded way back in 2004, I'm not the oldest MVP by any stretch but it does remind me how long I've been involved in IT Pro user groups and community.

It is always an honor to be recognized and I am definitely looking forward to the next MVP Summit as the number of product changes and announcements Microsoft has been making as of late is pretty remarkable. It should make for some interesting interaction at the Summit - plus I get to see who actually got a Surface vs. tablet vs. laptop out of all my colleagues.

Also, a quick congratulations to all my fellow renewed and the brand new MVP's on the July award cycle. Keep up the good work and I'll catch you at a community event somewhere!
- Ed

Presenting in Los Angeles on Deploying IPv6 in Microsoft Enterprise Networks

On Tuesday, September 20th at 6pm I will be in downtown Los Angeles at the Pacific IT Professionals User Group meeting presenting on Deploying IPv6 in a Microsoft Enterprise Network. In addition, Richard Hicks (fellow MVP) will be presenting on DirectAccess. I'm excited that Jessica DeVita (another MVP!) who runs the group invited me to come and present. If you are in Los Angeles and want to come join us the event is free to attend and you can sign up at their MeetUp site.

I will post the presentation after the event, I'm still updating some of the content. A quick abstract for my presentation.

Abstract: The presentation is focused on the basic deployment items that system and network administrators need to pay attention to for Enterprises networks that are primarily Microsoft focused. Topics covered include default IPv6 behavior of different Windows OS's, when transition technologies are enabled, what Microsoft products will use IPv6 and deployment guide modifications for Exchange, DirectAccess, Forefront UAG and TMG. In addition, if time allows, some design challenges around DHCP and DNS and how Windows 7 will behave vs Apple OSX or Linux implementations.

Hope to see you there!
- Ed Horley - Microsoft MVP - Windows IT Pro

Happy 4th of July, another year of being an MVP & more PacITPros stuff

On July 1st I received an email stating I was renewed for my 8th year as a Microsoft MVP. It's an honor every time to be awarded. The wonderful part was that my friend Jessica DeVita was awarded this year also, her first time as an MVP.


Springboard Series Technical Expert PanelSpeaking of Jessica, she has been working on running PacITPros down in the LA area and is hosting a big Microsoft Springboard event for Stephen Rose on July 12th on Deployment - sign up if you are in the area for the Microsoft Partner Conference as it is just down the street at the Microsoft downtown LA offices.

Tomorrow is our regular monthly San Francisco meeting. We will be having OpenDNS presenting at the Microsoft offices in San Francisco. RSVP for the PacITPros event and come participate in the largest IT Pro User Group in the San Francisco Bay Area - best part is that it is free.

As a final note, my thanks and gratitude to the men and women who serve in the armed forces, they allow us to celebrate this wonderful 4th of July under the watch of their dedication to liberty and freedom. Time to go put up our American Flag out front!
- Ed

IPv6 meet up at Microsoft 2011 MVP Summit

For those Microsoft MVP's attending the 2011 Summit who are interested in IPv6 I have scheduled a meet up. It is planned for Monday, Feb 28th from 12-2 in building 37 on the Redmond campus. I know many of you already have sessions scheduled for your specific MVP tracks but if you are interested in IPv6 please consider joining us.

The goal is the give MVP's and Microsoft blue badges a chance to chat about what is happening with IPv6, the road map Microsoft has planned for products and resources, challenges and opportunities IPv6 is presenting in the market place and events that are happening throughout 2011. A preliminary list of topics include:

Quick introductions - interest and involvement in IPv6, etc.

Current state of IPv6
    Service Provider
    Enterprise
    Consumer
    Gov / Ed

How are Enterprise professional learning about IPv6?
    Media
    Search (Bing/Google/Yahoo!)
    Task Force
    Conferences
      Upcoming important IPv6 conferences and events, and/or meetings? - wdix
      World IPv6 Day plans? What can MVPs do? - wdix
    Other
      Is there going to be an IPv6-specific MVP? Should there be one? - wdix
      How is Microsoft in general or the Microsoft partner program support IPv6 training for partners?
      Will there be an IPv6 training solution, or infrastructure solutions for partners? - wdix

Do consumers have to learn about IPv6?
   The sad state of consumer/soho ipv6 router support and the coming pain - barb

Points of interest around Microsoft:
    Matrix of products supporting IPv6 - roadmap of support would be nice too - mark
    What are Microsoft Windows product status in NIST IPV6 testing/certification? - wdix
    How is MS set up internally - who do I contact within MS about IPv6?
    Deployment guides - current and those in the works
    Labs - Tom and Joe
    Design and recommendations for migration to IPv6
    Specific transition technology options being supported by Microsoft
    What will be Microsoft's preferred recommendations around IPv6 be (if any)

If you are interested in participating (You have to be a current MVP or Microsoft Blue Badge) please comment below and I will add you to the list. We have limited space available for the room and we are almost full so please make sure you are willing to actually attend to participate. You will likely miss one of your sessions so check your schedule to see if it is one you are willing to forgo.

It is unlikely that most of the topic material will even get discussed given it is only 2 hours but having a large list of topics allows for people to break up and address specific topics offline after the meeting. If you have other suggestions of topic items to add to my list please comment and I will add them in.
- Ed

It is that Microsoft MVP renewal time of the year

I have several colleagues who are either up for a re-award for their Microsoft MVP award or others who are being considered for the award. I have to admit after all the years of being an award recipient myself I still find the process fascinating and a bit shrouded in mystery. Microsoft does the awards on a quarterly basis now to spread out the workload of reviewing people but the end of the year seems a good time to reflect on things especially since the award is given for the community work done in the "previous year."

My own experience has been really positive in terms of the nomination and re-award process and I think the Microsoft MVP leads (Shout out to Jake Grey who is my lead) do a remarkable job given the number of individuals they are doing checks on. Knowing the variation in participation and the breadth of technical topics the MVP community covers it is remarkable they can review though everyone.

I recently read a posting here by Eric Ligman and another posting here by Alessandro Teglia both on the MVP program, what it takes to become an MVP and a bit about the program also. The fact that the site list numbers like approximately 4,000 MVP's out of 100 million online community members seems to put my status in a staggeringly small category. It also means that a very small group of individuals (at least in Microsoft's opinion) influence a huge group of online and offline people.

It seems that some other companies have decided to model their community recognition after the Microsoft MVP program. For instance the VMware vExpert program seems almost a direct lift - I guess that is a great compliment to the work Microsoft has done and a validation that community really is important in a companies marketing and support relationships.

For those of you who are Microsoft MVP's I hope to see you at the Summit in Redmond. For those waiting to hear if you were re-awarded I have my fingers crossed for you and for those who are waiting to find out if they get to join the exclusive club, best of luck!
- Ed

Microsoft MVP renewal - this time Desktop Experience

I am happy to say I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP. This year I've been awarded in the Desktop Experience category. This is my third category so far in the program. A brief look back as I was first award in July 2004.

2004 - Windows Server - Networking
2005 - Windows Server - Networking
2006 - Windows Server - Networking
2007 - Windows Server - Networking
2008 - Enterprise Security - Networking
2009 - Enterprise Security - Networking
2010 - Desktop Experience

I still plan on being actively involved and paying attention to what is going on in Security and more specifically in networking. Most of the focus will be around IPv6 as I am now a co-chair on the California IPv6 Task Force.

I needs to extend some thanks to some Microsoft folks:
Jake Grey - MVP Lead
Emily Freet - MVP Regional Manager, Americas
Stephen Rose - Sr. Community Manager - Windows OS
Chris Avis, Harold Wong and Chris Henley - IT Pro Evangelist - DPE - West Region team

Also, thanks to Jennelle Crothers - fellow Microsoft MVP and PacITPros member for helping to make the User Group experience what it is, couldn't have made it this far without your help.
- Ed

How the Microsoft MVP program uses the three elements of motivation from Drive

I've been pondering the key area's of Daniel Pink's newest book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us and I think Microsoft indirectly has stumbled upon the key three elements of true motivation as defined in Daniel's book which are autonomy, mastery, and purpose. For those that are skeptical hold on and see if I might be onto something.

One of the key principles of the Microsoft MVP program is the fact that the award is given to independent experts who are actively involved in community, you can see more about the program here. Microsoft is leveraging via the MVP award those that are independent from Microsoft yet give back in both time and energy to make Microsoft products and technology better. Microsoft MVP's experience the ultimate in autonomy, they don't work for Microsoft and are therefore free to say and express what they want about Microsoft's products and technologies with a few NDA exceptions. By Microsoft expressing their appreciation of these individuals they are tapping into one of the key motivations and what drives many Microsoft MVP's - autonomy in what they say but third party validation of the quality of what they are saying. In other words, what Microsoft MVP's have to say is worth listening too.

To quote a portion of the Microsoft MVP site "MVPs make exceptional contributions to technical communities, sharing their passion, knowledge, and know-how." Many within the IT Professional and Developer community consider Microsoft MVP's to be experts within their respective field. Microsoft naturally is awarding those they think are at the top of their game but I believe the Microsoft MVP award pushes those who have been awarded to meet an even higher standard. Indirectly, Microsoft nurtures the motivation of mastery within their MVP community which make their program even better. After returning from the Microsoft MVP Summit I can honestly say I am motivated to work harder and do more, I'm always impressed by the caliber of individuals I meet at the summit each year. Feeling like there is always more to learn, more to do, more skills to work on seems an ever present mantra within the Microsoft MVP community and this directly relates to mastery.

Finally, purpose. I think almost all MVP's feel a connection to community in what they do. MVP's are purpose driven animals who love to share, teach and pass on the information they have learned with others. I think that is one of the most impressive aspects of those who are awarded. When you look at the total number of people Microsoft MVP's have direct and indirect influence on no wonder Microsoft is interested in nurturing a unique relationship with their MVP's.

I by no means want to toot my own horn, there are plenty of Microsoft MVP's out there that do a far superior job in all areas than I but after reading Daniel Pink's book I really felt it struck home how I feel about the Microsoft MVP program. So, in many ways I believe Microsoft has started to utilize the principles in Drive - it would be interesting to know if those on the inside of Microsoft feel the same way about being an employee there.
- Ed

Microsoft MVP 2010 Summit begins!

This morning is the first day of formal Microsoft MVP Summit activities. It is in a new location (Bellevue) for the off campus portion and even the on campus central drop off and pick up is in a new location. I'm happy about the new location for the campus since it is super close to the company store so it will be easier to pick up a few gift items for friends back home.

I'm looking forward to hearing about all the new stuff Microsoft is up to although I think the Windows Mobile folks will be capitalizing a bunch of stuff with the launch of Windows Mobile 7 yesterday. I'm sure it will be all the buzz everywhere.

Look forward to seeing a bunch of fellow MVP's over the week, sorry if I don't post a bunch during the week but there is a lot going on here.
- Ed

Microsoft MVP 2010 Summit

I am flying up to attend the Microsoft MVP 2010 Summit on Monday which is being hosted in Bellevue and Redmond, WA. I am looking forward to seeing fellow MVP's again, getting to meet new MVP's and participating in sessions and interaction with a lot of the Product Managers. It is always amazing how much stuff is packed into the 4 days, plus all the side sessions and private one on one meetings that seem to just happen.

I will update what I can that isn't under NDA which is sometimes a struggle at this event given the amount of material discussed.
- Ed

Microsoft MVP 2010 Summit in one month!

I'm really excited to be heading up to Redmond from Feb 15th to Feb 19th to participate in the Microsoft MVP 2010 Summit. I was first awarded in June of 2004 as a Windows Server - Networking MVP and was in that awardee category until it was eliminated in 2008. I was moved to the Enterprise Security category and continue to focus on networking and was re-awarded in that category in June of 2009.

I don't know if I ever expected to be a 6 year running Microsoft MVP awardee but it has been a wonderful experience and I am really looking forward to seeing a bunch of my fellow MVP's up in Redmond to hear about all the interesting things Microsoft is doing and to exchange ideas and information. I've managed to make it up every year I've been awarded so while not a veteran (compared to some MVP's out there) I am certainly no stranger to the whole extravaganza.

I owe a few shout outs to some Microsoft folks: Emily Freet, Connie Rennie, Jake Grey, Chris Avis, Stephen Rose, Joey Snow, Beth Massi, Chris Avis, Mike Wolfe, Joe Davies, Chris Henley, Sean Siler, Abolade Gbadegesin, Eddie Malik, Kevin Engman, Loretta Duncan-Brantley, Devrim Iyigun, Jeff Sigman, and many more (I hate knowing I forgot someone!)

And to non-Microsoft or former Microsoft, or Microsoft MVP folks: Kathy Jacobs, Steve Riley (ex-Microsoft, now Amazon cloud stud),Bill Pytlovany, Betsy Weber(the most awesome third party MVP supporter - love Techsmith!), Jennelle Crothers and of course PacITPros (and again, forgetting someone, I will correct the list as they come to me!)
- Ed

Ed Horley is a Microsoft MVP still

Well, I am happy to report that I still have my Microsoft MVP status. Many thanks to my MVP Lead Jake Grey and all the other wonderful Microsoft MVP staff who make the whole program possible. I deeply appreciate the award and recognition that Microsoft has shown to me.
I am hoping to hear that some of my other colleagues might be getting some good news and that others will be returning too.
- Ed

My MVP Video interview at TechEd 2009

I attended Microsoft TechEd for the first time ever this year. It was down in Los Angeles and while there I was interviewed by the Microsoft MVP Team. Here is the video. They also have video interviews with Daniel Nerenberg, a bunch of the video's will be released shortly and the list of them can be found here.
Many thanks to Emily Freet and to my MVP Lead Jake Grey for having me stick around to do that.
- Ed

Microsoft TechEd 2009 - Los Angeles

This was my first time attending TechEd and I had a wonderful time catching up with Stephen Rose, Joe Davies, Emily Freet, Jake Gray, Devrim Iyigun and lots of others with Microsoft. It was also nice seeing Betsy Weber with TechSmith, she is always entertaining. Got introduced to and a chance to chat with Rhonda Layfield (thanks Stephen!) regarding IPv6.
I also meet several other Microsoft MVP's at the event working the Springboard booth who are also STEP members. It was nice hearing about all the different things folks are working on.
I have to say I was surprised about how much interest Microsoft is getting in DirectAccess. I have some opinions on deployment guidance I would give to folks looking to implement DA and I shared those with the DA folks at TechEd. Let's just say I am not a fan of ISATAP and I am pushing for small Native IPv6 deployments with NAT-PT devices as the way to start. Guess I will find out shortly if my ideas are sticking at all!
- Ed

PacITPros - Microsoft Server Feedback event tomorrow evening

Tomorrow evening PacITPros will be hosting their regular monthly meeting however this one is very special.

Quick quote from the announcement:
"The Windows Server product and planning groups are joining us on May 5th to meet face-to-face with PacITPros members and capture valuable feedback related to your future IT business priorities. Your input will help establish the foundational feedback that will drive planning activities for Windows Server going forward."

The best part is all you have to do is RSVP on http://www.pacitpros.org and you can participate. So if you are in the San Francisco Bay Area you really should sign up to attend, this is a very rare and unique opportunity. We've even had internal Microsoft employees sign up to be able to give their feedback to this group.
- Ed

Microsoft 2009 MVP Summit - thoughts

I wasn't sure if I was going to attend the Microsoft MVP Summit this year. After the MVP program decided to remove the Windows Server - Networking category I didn't think I had much reason to attend and honestly was expecting to not be renewed because of the category going away.
I am now very happy I changed my mind and I attended. It seems that my new category of Enterprise Security felt that it was important to add networking sessions back to the mix.
A ton of folks from the MS Networking Team showed up! From Sandeep Singhal, Sean Siler, Dave Thaler, Ravi Rao, Tyler Barton, Devrim Asli Iyigun, Mahesh Prakriya, to Joseph Davies - thanks to you all for taking the time and effort to listen to my feedback and opinion about networking and what Microsoft is doing right and wrong.
So, without violating my NDA what was I most excited about from the event? Honestly, it is things that were already on my radar (NDA or not) - specifically Direct Access, Branch Cache and IPv6. I think any Enterprise that is running AD and has a large mobile workforce will adopt Direct Access just to make remote support of that mobile workforce easier, there is literally nothing the end user has to do at all (well, you have to turn the computer on and have some sort of Internet connection) to make it work and the initial scaling numbers I have heard put it on par with a typical traditional VPN deployment. Just as many Enterprises have adopted rpc over http/s for Outlook to Exchange the next natural step is to adopt a paradigm that allows ALL corporate applications the same flexibility and access that Outlook and Exchange currently have today - that solution is Direct Access.
Microsoft is pushing more advanced services into both Windows Server 2008R2 and Windows 7 - Branch Cache is one of these services and one that makes a lot of sense for folks to use (big and small IT shops will win with this one - and it is free to turn it on - how cool is that). It does not replace WAN accelerations devices (though with the changes in Windows Vista / Windows 7 / Server 2008 networking you could argue you might not need the acceleration part) but specifically targets the caching of file content. Given the cost point and relative easy of deployment I think it will have a good adoption rate.
Finally, IPv6 - there are several solutions in both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008R2 that just won't work without IPv6. There is no getting around it and you need to start learning it - period. In Windows 7 there is HomeGroup and for Windows Server 2008R2 if you want Direct Access you will need to get up to speed on IPv6. There are more subtle IPv6 items but those two alone should make folks stand up and notice.
- Ed

Windows 7 - cool new tool for IT Pros

I am finally getting around to posting about a cool new tool in Windows 7, it's called Problem Step Recorder. Just pull up a command window and type psr or execute it from the run option on the start menu.
It will not replace a remote desktop solution for help desk support people but I can see this as being very useful for remote works who can't get a system working properly or can't describe what the problem is accurately - which is about 70% of the problem in most cases.
I am also completely set to head up to Redmond for the Microsoft MVP Summit. Looking forward to hearing all about Direct Access, changes in the Advanced Firewall in Windows 7 and other cool networking changes.
- Ed

Microsoft MVP Summit

I finally got around to booking the Summit, Hotel and Airfare. I am trying to get into the sessions for Networking items but I am not holding my breath at all. I might have to find them while I am actually there. Looking forward to March 1-4 to enjoy some quality Microsoft technical time.
- Ed

MVP status

I got the official word this morning and I have been renewed for another year. To be honest, I was very surprised about this since my original MVP category of Windows Server - Networking was eliminated and I was moved to Identity and Access - Enterprise Security. I haven't changed my focus at all even though I have been put in a new category and felt it hurt my chances of becoming an MVP again. Apparently Microsoft felt differently, which I am grateful for. Looking forward to another year of MVP news and happenings. - Ed