How long have you been an MVP?
Since July 2008
How did you first start in community?
I started in 2000 as a community user, and then I began writing articles in 2002. After that, I became a forum answerer, author of books, speaker and so on.
Which technical community or communities are you most active in (where can people find you)? Provide links if necessary
The Italian Visual Basic Tips & Tricks community site and forums (www.visual-basic.it)
The Italian LightSwitch Tips & Tricks community site and forums (www.lightswitch.it)
Italian and US MSDN forums
Twitter (@progalex)
What’s the best technical tip you have today for implementing a cloud deployment?
I usually don’t use technical words or show advanced stuff. I tell people that they have been using the cloud for a long time by storing their Windows Live contacts, emails, calendars. I tell them that their SkyDrive is on the cloud. I make them understand how they already use the cloud and how, after all, they’re happy to have a lot of items synchronized and always available with a network connection.
When considering using the cloud, what do you tell people if they aren’t sure about moving to the cloud?
I usually don’t use technical words or show advanced stuff. I tell people that they have been using the cloud for a long time by storing their Windows Live contacts, emails, calendars. I tell them that their SkyDrive is on the cloud. I make them understand how they already use the cloud and how, after all, they’re happy to have a lot of items synchronized and always available with a network connection.
Do you have a blog/website link to Cloud related Tips or deployment stories you would like to share?
Yes, I have a primary Italian blog (http://community.visual-basic.it/Alessandro) and an English blog (http://community.visual-basic.it/AlessandroEnglish). Both have specific categories related to the cloud. Cloud category for the Italian blog is here, and the cloud category for the English blog is here. You might be interested in this blog post about the Platform Ready solution.
Speaking from your experience, what words of advice do you have for new MVP’s?
Never forget the NDA. Never forget the code of conduct. Continue in sharing your passion and enjoy the great connections with peers and Microsoft employees that the MVP Award allows. Connecting with people is the greatest benefit!