Update 1-January 2018: Vanguard Nominations are now closed and will re-open towards the end of 2018! Follow Veeam on Twitter for more info and watch this blog.

As we close out 2017, one of the things my team and I enjoy most are to open nominations for the Veeam Vanguard Program. The Vanguard program is Veeam’s influencer program that gathers individuals who, above all, just get what we do. We have Vanguards from all over the world from different technical backgrounds, and you can be the next one.

The 2018 program will grow the number of Vanguards by location, by areas of expertise and by how individuals interact. I like to explain the Vanguard program as an opportunity, an opportunity to have access to my team, product betas, briefings and many other benefits that are central to the program. Also, central to the Vanguard program is the annual Vanguard Experience. This year, it was a trip to VeeamON in New Orleans, last year a Vanguard symposium in London and more surprises are in store for 2018.

Nominate yourself or someone you know for the Veeam Vanguard award. Please note, nominations will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 29. Here are a few comments from existing Vanguards:

"Having been part of an amazing community program with Microsoft for the past eight years, the "MVP Program," I can say that the Veeam Vanguard program is undoubtedly my favorite that I am a part of. I have the luxury of being able to compare programs from other vendors, and Veeam just did it right. They have kept the group small and focused and give us the direction and interaction with the product teams that we need. Unlike other programs, the Vanguards have a "voice" within Veeam and they listen keenly to our constructive feedback. The program, benefit, and such are just a small part of this award. The single best part for me has been meeting all of the other like-minded community influences that love backup technologies from around the world. With all due respect to the other technical communities out there, Veeam is #1 in my books." Dave Kawula , Canada.

"The Veeam Vanguard program is the influencer program that all the rest should look up to. Its team-like approach to membership selection has led to a group that truly works together to not only improve our own careers but the products Veeam offers as well without emphasizing the marketing aspect." @K00lAidIT on Twitter.

"The Veeam Vanguard program — being the first influencer program I have the pleasure of being part of — I was not sure what to expect. What I have found are people both at Veeam and fellow Vanguards who go out of their way to help each other out. It’s not just about the product, it’s about sharing ideas and real-world experience. Feeling like we can help shape Veeam’s future product lines is a great privilege. I now consider many people involved in this program as my friends. If a bar was to be set for advocacy / influencer programs, this bar was set very high." Ian Sanderson , UK.

"Although classified as an influencer program, the Veeam Vanguard program is so much more than that. Yes, there are perks, but the value comes from the people. The folks who make up the Vanguards are there for a reason — they always bring their A game. These are some of the smartest folks in the industry, who are always willing to lend a helping hand. In return, the Veeam Team offers unparalleled insight and openness into their technologies and roadmaps and routinely seeks feedback, good and bad. This is one of the few groups I have been a part of that has not only forced me, but encouraged me to up my personal game." Matt Crape , Canada.

"Being a Veeam Vanguard, besides the personal recognition, is like having a really smart, diverse and experienced group of colleagues by your side while you go about your job. The collective experience and knowledge of the group is impressive, and, most importantly, they share that in various ways with the community." Didier Von Hoye , Belgium

The Vanguard Program is also a global, multi-language program. Here is one comment from Jorge de la Cruz :

"El programa de Comunidad de Veeam llamado Veeam Vanguards es uno de esos pocos grupos que todos conocen el nombre de todos los demás, donde además se hace un esfuerzo tremendo por el fabricante por reunirnos un par de veces al año, sin importar la ubicación, y donde además se tiene acceso a diferentes departamentos de la empresa como son Product, Product Strategy e incluso Marketing. Ser Veeam Vanguard es un honor, que además se acompaña con betas y previews antes de salir al mercado, relaciones sanas entre los participantes, y mucho intercambio de información entre los agraciados."

It's natural to have a few questions on this type of program, so I've created a few Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Who can apply to be a Vanguard? Anyone active in a technology community.

Can Veeam employees be awarded Vanguard status? No, but employees can nominate persons for consideration.

What criteria are needed to be awarded Vanguard status? The criteria are decided by our team that looks across communities to find the persons who embody our brand the best.

How will nominees be notified of the result? The Product Strategy team (my staff and I) are going to review the nominations after the registration closes, and then we will deliberate the results. Look for communication either way after that.

If you see a Vanguard in the wild, let us know!

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