The VMware vExpert is an annual award for people who have given back to the community of VMware users by sharing their technical expertise and evangelizing to others about VMware virtualization solutions.

Candidates qualify by being active and sharing their technical knowledge and experiences using VMware with others. This could be online -- answering questions on the VMware Communities, running a blog -- or it could be offline, for example by helping organize or speaking at VMware User Groups or other events.

Award winners can call themselves VMware vExperts and use the vExpert logo for one year. Award winners may receive the award in following years, but renewal is not automatic. Renewal is based on contributions to the community and evangelism over the preceding year.

Award winners must be at least 18 years old. vExperts can be employees of customers or partners, or even users of our free software. Awards are to individuals, not companies. VMware employees are not eligible.

Nominations and applications were taken from both inside VMware and the public in January, 2009. A committee of VMware employees determined the award winners based on their contributions in 2008.

The biggest benefit of the award is the public recognition as a VMware vExpert Award winner. Benefits also include:

• Award certificate and gift
• vExpert logo to display on website or email signature
• Access to a private vExpert community
• Free subscription to conference session materials on VMworld.com
• Access to exclusive online events and other opportunities to participate in activities
• Inclusion in public vExpert directory

No, vExperts do not represent VMware. vExperts do not have any further obligations; the award is based on their contribution over the past year.

There will be a gathering for award winners at VMworld, as well as other exclusive online events.