Veeam Vanguard: Do I get a shield?
I received some very welcome news in my inbox yesterday as I returned from lunch. I was delighted and thrilled to learn that I had been accepted into the Veeam Vanguard program for 2016.
So what is the Vanguard program? According to Google, Vanguard has three definitions:
- a group of people leading the way in new developments or ideas;
- a position at the forefront of new developments or ideas;
- the foremost part of an advancing army or naval force.
Going by the third point, it sounds pretty risky (hence the need for shelter). I don’t believe there were any casualties with the 2015 members. With that in mind, I’ll assume that Veeam is using the first two points as a reference.
Why did I apply?
This year Veeam opened up nominations (including nominating yourself), and I opted to apply. I have been a little Veeam-heavy as of late. This includes my blog posts, co-presenting at a VMUG, a podcast, and starting a Veeam User Group. A lot of this focus though comes from the fact that I have been using Veeam for years and it has solved a lot of problems for me. Because of that, I enjoy sharing the information in the hopes that it helps others. Based on feedback, that does seem to be the case thus far.
So, why did I apply? I applied because some of the benefits will have a direct impact on my understanding and use of the product. Things such as access to product management and private webinars and briefings. But one of the benefits I am looking forward to most is interacting with fellow Vanguards. In Veeam’s own words: “… the Vanguard membership body is the best of the best of the best.” That sounds like pretty good company to be keeping.
Similar to when I became a first-time vExpert earlier this year, I also see this as a checkpoint in my career. I have always enjoyed taking part in the community. This past year I decided to finally start contributing instead of participating passively. Being accepted into this program is another checkpoint for me – it tells me that I must be doing things right.
Congrats to all my fellow Vanguards.
Edit: Apparently I do get a shield! I’ll just need to work on my dexterity.
@veeam @MattThatITGuy here's the real thing pic.twitter.com/G1OIti8kIk
— Craig Dalrymple (@cragdoo) April 5, 2016