Last Sunday I wrote about my VCDX Defense experience. This evening I am fortunate enough to share the news that I have passed the final board review and have achieved VCDX certification. I was awarded VCDX #34.  For the others who defended last week in Las Vegas, I offer my congratulations to you all on a job which I’m sure was well done.  Without a doubt, it was a journey which I’m sure will benefit me for many years to come.  I’m proud to have walked down a path paved by so much collective brilliance before me. I am inspired and driven by the knowledge shared in the virtualization community. I hope that I can continue provide the best I have to offer in return.

It is not my intent to turn this into the Acadamy Awards, but I would be extremely negligent if I didn’t thank key people who devoted their time to ensure my success by reviewing my design, challenging me with questions, as well as those who provided tips and encouragement for the defense.  I had several weaknesses exposed and with your help I was able to strengthen in those areas prior to my defense.

Amy (I didn’t receive your note until after the defense, but I was really touched. Your support, patience, and understanding is nothing short of amazing)
Gary Bowman (old guy… mock defense was very helpful!)
Gabrie Van Zanten (seriously, with the questions, you had too much fun…)
Roger Lund (great questions from you, thank you for taking the time)
David Davis (tremendous help from a CCIE… I’m not even worthy)
Scott Lowe (thank you for the offer and last minute design tips)
Michael Cardinal (Wednesday morning shot of confidence at Starbucks)
Rick Scherer (tips on calming nerves were great – I followed to a T)
John Arrasjid (so many great VCDX tips, invaluable!)
Duncan Epping (I got a lot more than breakfast out of you Tuesday morning, you don’t even know)
Frank Denneman (thank you for the help, confidence, & for not making faces at me)
Rich Brambley (UGG who told me Tuesday evening I can do this)
Andrew Hald (Tuesday dinner.. thank you for letting me join you)
Spencer Critchlow (your tips were invaluable!)
Doug Hazelman (Veeam played a helpful role in my design)
Dawn Theirl (thank you for the encouragement)

Tips for the Defense:
1) Know your design, I mean really know it.
2) Refer to tip #1

Good luck.

• Previous Entry: My VCDX Defense Experience
• Next Entry: RVTools 2.8.1 Released