Twitter Handle: @davidmdavis
Blog URL: http://www.VMwareVideos.com
Current Employer: www.TrainSignal.com
I am a vSphere video training author and product manager/marketer. We have created over 100 hour of vSphere training across many different topics like vSphere performance, troubleshooting, PowerCLI, security, and VMware View. At VMworld 2011 we launched our new vSphere 5 training course.
In my spare time, I create articles, whitepapers, and webinars for websites like SearchVMware.com, SearchServerVirtualization.com, VirtualizationAdmin.com, the VMware vCloud Blog, ComputerWorld.com, and VirtualizationReview.com (including the print magazine).
How did you get into IT in the first place?
I was in love with computers since I was in 5th grade. My Uncle had an Apple (which I couldn’t afford) so instead I got a TI-994a and starting writing BASIC programs for it. I ran my own BBS before the Internet and always knew I wanted to do something in computers. Later, in college, I used the Internet before there was a GUI and thought it was amazing. I got a job running backups using round-reel tapes on a minicomputer and worked my way up to network admin, server admin, and IT manager from there. I started writing the weekly Cisco articles for TechRepublic.com in 1999 and then my blogging and video work grew from there. I’ve always loved working with technology and I’m so thankful to still be doing that today.
How did you get into working with VMware and becoming a 2011 vExpert?
I was an IT manager struggling with the volume of new servers we had to install for new apps. My lead admin suggested we try virtualization. I said, “what’s that?” I worked with him on the project of consolidating our infrastructure and fell in love with VMware virtualization from there. I thought it was so cool that I wanted to write articles about that instead of Cisco.
I believe I became a VMware vExpert in 2011 thanks to my continued blogging, video training courses that I create, speaking at VMworld, and VMUGs.
I could not have been successful without hospitality, generosity, and advice of the experts in the VMware community. For example, when I first started in virtualization, a couple of my idols were Mike Laverick and Scott Lowe. Today, I periodically get to shake hands and have dinner with those same experts who welcomed me into the community. THANK YOU to everyone!
What would you tell someone who wanted to get a job like yours to do?
First, you have to have a passion for technology and virtualization. If they meet that initial requirement, then I would recommend building you’re their own home lab and trying out every piece of virtualization tech they can get their hands on. Once they have experience and passion – go out and share it any way you can!
