BizTalk MVP Mick Badran
How long have you been an MVP?
6 years
How did you first start in community?
I started as a BizTalk developer/integrator and ran the Sydney BizTalk User group. I also had equal in depth knowledge in SharePoint.
I also created and involved fellow peers into 2 successful ‘BizTalk Light and Easy’ 2009 & 2010 series –which are hosted on MSDN.
Which technical community or communities are you most active in (where can people find
you)?
I am active in:
- OzTalk technical mailing list for Australian integrators – OzTalk@groups.yahoo.com
- Twitter - @mickba
- Linked In
What’s the best technical tip you have today for implementing a cloud deployment?
Developers need to know the costing model!
Previously this didn’t enter into our development or design, memory is unlimited, services, processes, etc. are just there.
When considering using the Cloud, what do you tell people if they aren’t sure about
moving to the Cloud?
“How the cloud can help you integrate” is generally the pitch I take. I find these days it’s not about clients jumping into the cloud or not, it’s about what tools (cloud or other) exist and co-exist to solve the client’s challenges in the most effective way. To that obviously Windows Azure has many features that are superb and provide so much value for clients. I’m even getting large financial institutions lending an ear to these sorts of possibilities. First get the general picture of what is in the cloud – many articles exist on the Microsoft site. The next step is to realise how the hybrid world looks for you. It’s not a matter of cloud or no cloud – the cloud functionality is complimentary with existing client processes. Finding the balance is where experience comes from.
http://blogs.breeze.net/mickb/2011/09/20/BreezeAzureSessionsOverviewOfUpcomingSessions.aspx
Do you have a blog/website link to Cloud related Tips or deployment stories you
would like to share?
http://blogs.breeze.net/mickb/CategoryView,category,Azure.aspx
Speaking from your experience, what words of advice do you have for new MVPs?
Take the time to get to know the team, Microsoft and the structure. Think first and foremost about those in the community who are less fortunate than you and whom you can have a direct impact on. Community and sharing is the essence of the MVP program in my opinion. Keep this close and don’t forget it in all you do as an MVP.