Windows Azure MVP Wely Lau

From: Singapore

Time as an MVP: 3 years

Blog: http://wely-lau.net  or A Cloudy Place

Which technical communities are you most active in?

AzureUG.SG (Windows Azure User Group Singapore)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MWAPSG

How did you first start in community?

The adoption and level of interest in Windows Azure are pretty high in the region, so I co-founded AzureUG.SG in December 2010 with the aim of sharing knowledge and experience. We have successfully conducted 8 user group meetings during the first year. Moving forward, we will consider other forms of engagement models and will hopefully reach more members.

What's the best technical tip you have for implementing Cloud deployment?

Always stay up to date with new releases of technology and you will become an early adopter that is well-distinguished in the IT industry. There's no magic here! The fundamentals are still everything. You will need to have basic fundamental software development skills and IT knowledge. Once you have good fundamental skills, then you must stay up-to-date with new technology. I would also encourage you to get involved more in practical scenario, because it will sharpen the knowledge you have studied.

What do you tell people who are considering using the Cloud, but aren't sure about making the move?

Cloud would bring tons of benefits starting from cost, elasticity, effectiveness, and so on. You are encouraged to assess your (your company’s) vision of Cloud adoption properly before stepping ahead. Resources like other’s success stories are a good place to start off. It is important to note that it isn’t necessary to move everything end-to-end to the Cloud. Many Cloud players (including Windows Azure Platform) enable customers to have a hybrid Cloud service model. Middleware services such as Windows Azure Service Bus and Windows Azure Connect are good implementations from Microsoft to make the hybrid model possible today.

What words of advice do you have for new MVPs?

Keep up the learning and sharing spirit. The more you share, the more you learn.