MVP Insider Archive: August 2006Chema Alonso – Madrid, Spain
Most Valuable Professional - Windows® Security |  | Chema Alonso works as a Security Consultant for Informática64 (http://www.informatica64.com/). Chema presents at more than 100 speaking engagements per year and has participated in Security Days, MSDN events, DotNet Club, Training Days, TechNet events, as well as other IT-Pro campaigns together with the local Microsoft® DPE teams. He has presented for audiences of up to 400 people, including systems engineers, developers, general IT professionals and user groups. He also has written technical articles in specialized press such as "IT Magazine" and "eSecurity." Most recently, he was interviewed about security by "IT Magazine," one of the largest national IT magazines, and "El Pais Semanal," the largest national weekly newsletter."Being an MVP is often like finishing a puzzle or helping people to finish their own puzzles." |
What does MVP mean to you?Being an MVP means facing constant challenge and having many opportunities to enjoy the passion for computing. Sometimes being an MVP can mean facing every critic and compliment, being attacked and admired at the same time. While it is not something that I think about everyday, I consider it to be great fun!What do you think the best software ever written was?In my security sessions, I always say that the one of the most powerful tools ever written is Microsoft OneNote® because it enables us to remember things more easily. However, I do not think that I could easily make a decision if forced to choose only one software product as the “best.” Monkey Iland’s SCUM System, the famous MFC from Visual C++, or the game "The Crime Abbey" are some of my favorite ones, although I have to admit that Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft BizTalk® Server still amaze me! If you were the manager of WINDOWS SECURITY, what would you change?I would invite all Security MVPs to the BlackHat & BlueHat Conferences. Microsoft is doing a fabulous job in the security field by developing specific security products and procedures, creating the Security Lifecycle and inspiring much communication around this topic for customers, partners, users and IT Professionals. I feel fortunate to be contributing to a Security campaign for large companies called "Security On Site" and also am participating in a research project about security with the Spanish National Data Security Authorities. Both initiatives have been instigated by Microsoft and the response at the client site is extremely positive. | If you were given unlimited data bandwidth,what would you do with it?Wow, what a big responsibility – I would not know what to do with it, so I would try to partner with wise people who know how to best utilize this resource to help other people.What was the last book you read?Most recently, I have been reading stories written by Stephen King and "The Yellow Shirt Knight" by Arturo Perez Reverte simultaneously. I am also an avid comic reader (I own more that 20,000 comics), and my favorites are those written by Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Dufaux, Ibañez, Byrne, Claremount, etc.What’s in your computer bag?One will always find a comic (usually EC selections that are edited in Spanish in pocket format), candies and several pen drives.What is the best thing that has happened since you have become an MVP?I consider the best experience to be when someone who attends one of the conferences at which I have spoken approaches me to thank me. I also enjoy seeing people laughing and having fun, or when they ask to have their picture taken with me and ask me to come back again. These are things that stay in your heart. | What is your motto?Computing security is a way of life for which I have a real passion. It is often like finishing a puzzle or helping people to finish their own puzzles. For instance, if someone buys a crossword magazine and invites you to work on one together.Who is your hero?Well, my astrological sign is Gemini, so as is typical with someone as having the "twins" horoscope – I am often unable to make a singular choice (as evidenced by my previous answers). I admire the Spanish rock singer Rosendo, who has been playing music for more than 25 years, I also admire Kevin "Silent Bob" Smith, who has directed "Clerks," "Mallrats," "Chasing Amy," and "Dogma." And, of course, I idolize Rodol, my workmate, who is a crazy developer. I only have to tell him "you cannot do that" to inspire him to try something.What does success mean to you?I consider success to be having fun with what I choose to do and finishing the day by saying: “Is the day already over?” In essence, I consider myself successful and happy because I am currently doing what I always hoped to do! |
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