What does being an MVP mean to you?Being awarded the MVP status has played a significant role in my life. It has given me access to a passionate group on a global scale. I am most grateful because it means that Microsoft values my input enough to grant me use of the MVP title. If you could ask Steve Ballmer one question about Microsoft, what would it be?Passion is something about which Steve Ballmer is greatly versed. If I met Steve, I would probably ask him to describe his passion for Microsoft in five words or fewer. Personally, I love Microsoft’s: Commitment, Acumen, Depth, Strategy and People. What do you think the best software ever written was?Although I feel that its Tablet PC integration is very poor, I believe Microsoft® Outlook 2007 is the best application since one can access most features with only two mouse clicks. I have noticed productivity gain through the use of Indexed Search, new menu layouts and customizable User Interfaces (UI). Microsoft® OneNote 2007 definitely deserves an honorable mention – Optical Character Recognition is great for Tablet PC users. If you were the manager of Windows™ Tablet PC, what would you change?I would suggest changing the marketing message. Recent changes have diluted the marketability of Tablet PC’s biggest strength – Digital Ink. Though Tablet PC now exists in nearly all Windows Vista SKUs, I still feel that the marketing campaign does not adequately promote maximum awareness. A simple “Origami Enabled” sticker or a “Digital Ink lives Here” promotion could do wonders for Tablet recognition. How would you describe your work with Windows Tablet PC and what are your favorite features or recent improvements in Windows Tablet PC?My involvement has been twofold. First, I am a blogger and keynote speaker and am often called upon to evangelize Tablet PC. Furthermore, I am an entrepreneur who saw a void in the market and proceeded to fill it. My company Tegatech Australia is the only Tablet PC-specific wholesaler designed to teach and grow Tablet PC awareness to resellers in Australia and New Zealand. Tablet PC is a key force in my life because I am committed to expose people to the power of Digital Ink. The recent arrival of Ultra Mobile PC helped to pluck Tablet PC from obscurity and give it a truly mobile form factor. This project miniaturized the traditional Tablet PC and reduced its cost. As we head into an age of ubiquitous Internet connectivity, it will be the Ultra Mobile PC that will be most useful. | What was the last book you read?Most recently, I read “Funky Business” by Kjell A. Norstrom and Jonas Ridderstrale, who are Assistant Professors at the Stockholm School of Economics. The book is based on the desire to expose a new and exciting breed of business and entrepreneur than that which exists today. This is a great read for anyone who is willing to think outside the box in business. What music CD do you recommend?I am currently listening to Wolfmother. They hail from Australia and are categorized as dirty, raw, heavy rock. I know this does not sound very geeky, but I highly recommend them! What makes you a great MVP?The MVP status represents those with a willingness to serve the community. I think most people would describe me as passionate, always available and constructive, and these qualities make me a great MVP. My service is based on three things that I feel constitute a great MVP: knowledge, concise communication and relevant content. What's in your computer bag?Recently before flying to China to attend some Vista Labs, I posted a video of my gadget bag content on my blog. Some of my favorite Gadget Bag inclusions are at least two Tablet PCs and a four-port USB hub that includes a retractable Ethernet cable. I also like my portable DLINK wireless pocket router, but my favorite gadget is my Samsung USB-to-USB data transfer cable. I prefer this because its drivers are embedded in the device itself. | What is the best thing that has happened since you have become an MVP?The highlight of the year was at the MVP Summit when Bill Gates touted Tablet PC as one of his favorite children yet to blossom, which was a huge vote of confidence. However, I also appreciate the MVP community. My network of friends has expanded dramatically and includes residents from countries which I have not yet visited. On recent trips to Seattle and Beijing, I was lucky enough to meet folks from all over the globe, some of whom I had already encountered previously in a virtual capacity. I think Microsoft should include Gamer Tags, Blog Aliases or pictures of Avatars on our name badges because this would help us identify everyone more easily. What is your motto?It is said that people can only master a lesson once they are able to teach that lesson so that others may master it too. My motto pertains to being the best teacher possible – “Each day I must add more value to the people whom I meet than anyone else has ever added before me.” While I may not attain this goal, it is the best way I know to approach relationships. Who is your hero?Since becoming a father of three, I consider Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi and Jesus as my heroes – to name a few. I believe the great teachers of the past and present will always remain dear to me. What does success mean to you?To me success is attained only by empowering others. After meeting me, if someone can believe that they can attain his or her heart’s desire, then I have succeeded. Everyone can contribute to The Solution, so my personal goal is to identify people’s strengths and help them live in it. |
