Each big vendor has some kind of “community award” for individuals who have significantly contributed to the community of the specific vendor.

Note that each award is usually annually and related to users contributions over the past 12 months and must be reconfirmed with a candidate submission (almost similar to the submission for new candidates).

Those kinds of “technologies experts” could be book authors, bloggers (in most cases), leaders in some communities, tool builders, and other IT professionals who share their knowledge and passion with others. These people have gone above and beyond their day jobs to share their technical expertise and communicate the value of the specific vendor’s technologies to their colleagues and to the community.

Each award is not a certification and does not necessary demonstrate the technical level, but mainly the contribution, the passion and the community support.

Usually most of the submissions are annual (Microsoft MVP is quaternary, VMware vExpert with each six months,  but there are just few exceptions).

What are the different applications for the 2025 year?

• VMware vExpert is VMware’s global evangelism and advocacy program started on 2009.
  vExpert applications for the 2025  is open and the applications will be accepted until January 10th. The vExpert 2025 announcement will be in February (note that all subprograms will be opened after vExpert nomination).
  If you need help with your application or want to know the criteria in detail for you area of interest you can reach out to a vExpert PRO in your region. 
  This year all vExperts will receive a complimentary VMUG Advantage subscription.
• Omnissa Tech Insiders program is made up of individuals from all over the world who are the crème of the crop when it comes to their knowledge of Omnissa products like Workspace ONE, Horizon, App Volumes, and Dynamic Environment Manager.  The application form is live here and ready for you to submit your applications! We will CLOSE the forms on January 5^th. Tech Insiders 2025 will be announced on Feb. 3^rd.  
• Microsoft MVP (Most Value Professional) award is given to “exceptional, independent community leaders who share their passion, technical expertise, and real-world knowledge of Microsoft products with others”. Is one of oldest award program.
  As written, nomination is quaternary (and announces are on the 1st of Jan, Apr, Jul and Oct).
• Nutanix Technology Champion (NTC) is the Nutanix award annnounced on December 24th 2014.
  New nominations was opened until November 1, 2024. The list of NTC 2025 will be announced in December 2024.
• Veeam Vanguard represents Veeam brand (introduced on 2015) to the highest level in many of the different technology communities in which we engage. The selected individuals are chosen for their acumen, engagement and style in their activities on and offline.
  Application is already open, expect announcement of 2025 class and its members in the beginning of March ´25.
• Veeam Legends  are Veeam users and data protection industry experts who are passionate about technology, innovation and eager to further develop their career, while sharing their experiences with the community. As avid Veeam users, they participate in various community projects, drive local Veeam User Groups and can also influence development of Veeam products and solutions — they have real impact within the community! Apart from that, Veeam Legends are always eager to help their peers and get connected with other community members. The application form is not yet open.
• Cisco Champions is intended to create and nurture a network of people who are passionate about Cisco and enjoy sharing their knowledge, expertise, and thoughts across the social web and with Cisco (the program has been announced in later 2014). The application form is not yet open.
• Citrix Technology Professional (CTP) program provides an opportunity for participants to gain deeper insight into Citrix strategies and technologies, including advance knowledge of planned projects. Awardees engage with Citrix leaders to help shape the future of cloud computing technologies that enable mobile workstyles, providing valuable input on business needs and feedback on product strategy. Like the MVP is one of the oldest program.  Applications are open through December 31^st, 2024
  Note that Citrix has also a Citrix Technology Advocate (CTA) Program.