Information & Communications Technology

Seasoned technologists, digital innovators, and other ICT experts, dedicated to advancing the field of information and communications technology

Øystein Hagen Blixhavn

Øystein Hagen Blixhavn


Øystein Hagen Blixhavn is passionate about getting stuff done, in basically all senses of the words. If it reduces wasteful effort and time, fantastic. If it improves the developer experience and increases their flow, amazing! This aspiration has led him to roles as system- and platform architect and platform developer, because these roles are directly concerned with increasing rate of stuff getting done.

Learning stuff and gaining cool insights is another thing that drives him, and his talks always seek to stimulate curiosity and induce this feeling in the audience.

Øystein Hagen Blixhavn is passionate about getting stuff done, in basically all senses of the words. If it reduces wasteful effort and time, fantastic. If it improves the developer experience and increases their flow, amazing! This aspiration has ... Show more

David Kjerrumgaard

David Kjerrumgaard

David Kjerrumgaard is a Developer Advocate at StreamNative and a committer on the Apache Pulsar project. He is recognized for his expertise in real-time data streaming, messaging systems, and big data technologies. As author of Pulsar in Action and co-author of Practical Hive, he has established himself as a leading voice in the streaming data ecosystem.

An accomplished international speaker, David presents at conferences worldwide on big data, streaming technologies, and agentic AI. His technical contributions extend beyond the stage—he actively contributes to Apache NiFi and maintains his committer status on Apache Pulsar, directly advancing these open-source platforms.

David's career includes leadership roles at industry-leading companies. He previously served as Principal Software Engineer on Splunk's messaging team, specializing in real-time data analytics. Before that, he held Director of Solutions positions at Streamlio and Hortonworks, where he implemented enterprise-scale solutions using Hadoop, Hive, and Kafka for Fortune 500 clients.

Through his technical expertise, thought leadership, and community engagement, David continues to shape the future of real-time data streaming.

David Kjerrumgaard is a Developer Advocate at StreamNative and a committer on the Apache Pulsar project. He is recognized for his expertise in real-time data streaming, messaging systems, and big data technologies. As author of Pulsar in Action and c... Show more

Cláudio Silva

Cláudio Silva

I work as a Data Platform Architect.
I love performance tuning and I'm also a PowerShell lover who automates any process that needs to be done more than a couple of times.

I'm a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and an active SQL Server and PowerShell community member. Also, I'm a contributor to open-source projects such as dbatools (https://dbatools.io) and dbachecks (https://dbachecks.io).

I blog at https://claudioessilva.eu .

I work as a Data Platform Architect. I love performance tuning and I'm also a PowerShell lover who automates any process that needs to be done more than a couple of times. I'm a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and an active SQL Server and PowerShel... Show more

Andreas Schlüter

Andreas Schlüter

Andreas Schlüter is a practitioner for process automation, AI and digital work. He supports organizations in using technology not as an end in itself, but as a practical and effective part of how work, processes and leadership actually function.

His focus lies on execution: how AI, automation and platforms can be integrated into everyday operations in a way that creates real value. Andreas combines strategic perspective with hands-on implementation and acts as a bridge between leadership, business teams and IT.

As a speaker, Andreas deliberately moves between two worlds. He addresses strategic questions around responsibility, decision-making and leadership in the age of AI, while also delivering concrete technical and operational sessions based on real-world projects. His talks range from C-level keynotes to deep-dive and hands-on formats covering process automation, the Power Platform and AI.

What characterizes his sessions is a clear stance: execution over hype. Complex topics are put into context rather than simplified, always with a strong focus on what actually works in practice.

Andreas is a Microsoft MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer. He brings many years of project, consulting and speaking experience from mid-sized and enterprise environments and is known for making technology actionable rather than impressive.

Andreas Schlüter is a practitioner for process automation, AI and digital work. He supports organizations in using technology not as an end in itself, but as a practical and effective part of how work, processes and leadership actually function. H... Show more

Eddie Knight

Eddie Knight

Eddie Knight is a Software and Cloud Engineer with a background in banking technology. When he isn’t playing with his 3-year-old son, he combines his passion and job duties by working to improve the security of open source software.

Eddie currently helps lead several security and compliance initiatives across the CNCF, OpenSSF, and FINOS.

Eddie Knight is a Software and Cloud Engineer with a background in banking technology. When he isn’t playing with his 3-year-old son, he combines his passion and job duties by working to improve the security of open source software. Eddie current... Show more

Tomasz Pęczek

Tomasz Pęczek

With almost 20 years of experience in architecture and software engineering, Tomasz is a seasoned staff+ engineer dedicated to crafting solutions that power companies across various sectors including healthcare, banking, e-learning, and e-discovery.

Throughout his career, Tomasz has transitioned between developer, architect, and consultant roles. Over the past few years, his primary focus has been on leveraging Azure to facilitate cloud adoption and building solutions tailored to meet the true needs of his clients.

Tomasz is also an active member and supporter of the open-source community, having founded several projects of his own. He also participates in the community through speaking engagements at conferences and user groups, where he shares his insights and expertise. Additionally, he shares in-depth technical articles and tutorials on his blog at tpeczek.com. His commitment to sharing his knowledge and experiences has earned him a Microsoft MVP title in the Azure and Developer Technologies categories.

With almost 20 years of experience in architecture and software engineering, Tomasz is a seasoned staff+ engineer dedicated to crafting solutions that power companies across various sectors including healthcare, banking, e-learning, and e-discovery. ... Show more

Alex Merced

Alex Merced

Alex Merced is Head of DevRel for Dremio and co-author of "Apache Iceberg: The definitive guide" from O'reilly and has worked as a developer and instructor for companies like GenEd Systems, Crossfield Digital, CampusGuard and General Assembly.
Alex is passionate about technology and has put out tech content on outlets such as blogs, videos and his podcasts Datanation and Web Dev 101. Alex Merced has contributed a variety of libraries in the Javascript & Python worlds including SencilloDB, CoquitoJS, dremio-simple-query and more.

Alex Merced is Head of DevRel for Dremio and co-author of "Apache Iceberg: The definitive guide" from O'reilly and has worked as a developer and instructor for companies like GenEd Systems, Crossfield Digital, CampusGuard and General Assembly. Alex ... Show more

Derek Smith

Derek Smith

Derek Smith works as the Chief Architect of Cloud and Infrastructure at Apex Systems. As part of the Service Delivery Organization, he engages with clients to provide insights into the technology landscape, guidance on digital transformations and strategy for cloud and infrastructure. Additionally, Derek also regularly serves within the Azure Community as a Mentor, Public Speaker, Content Creator, and Enthusiast for all things Microsoft Cloud.

Derek Smith works as the Chief Architect of Cloud and Infrastructure at Apex Systems. As part of the Service Delivery Organization, he engages with clients to provide insights into the technology landscape, guidance on digital transformations and str... Show more

Kim Berg Hansen

Kim Berg Hansen

Kim Berg Hansen is a database developer from Middelfart in Denmark. Originally wanting to work with electronics, he almost coincidentally tried computer programming and discovered where his talent lay, as the programs he did worked well – unlike the electronics projects he soldered that often failed. After that experience he progressed from Commodore Basic on VIC-20 over Modula-2 and C at Odense University to Oracle SQL and PL/SQL, which last two languages he now has worked with extensively since the year 2000. His professional passion is to work with data inside the database utilizing the SQL language to the fullest to achieve the best application experience for the users.

Kim shares his experience and knowledge by writing the Practical Oracle SQL book, blogging, presenting at various Oracle User Group conferences, and being the SQL quizmaster at the Oracle Dev Gym. His motivation is when peers go "now I understand" after his explanations, or when end users "can't live without" his application coding. He is certified Oracle OCE in SQL as well as awarded Oracle ACE Director. Outside the coding world Kim is married, loves to cook, and is a card-carrying member of Danish Beer Enthusiasts association.

Kim Berg Hansen is a database developer from Middelfart in Denmark. Originally wanting to work with electronics, he almost coincidentally tried computer programming and discovered where his talent lay, as the programs he did worked well – unlike the ... Show more

Pasha Finkelshteyn

Pasha Finkelshteyn

Years of experience in software engineering and the team's leading roles combined with his passion for Java made Pasha know all the hidden details in this IT niche. As a Developer Advocate for @Bellsoft, he educates the public on the latest software tools built by BellSoft and helps to create and test instruments for developers. He writes in Kotlin, speaks at conferences, composes a new articles, or maintains his pet projects.

Years of experience in software engineering and the team's leading roles combined with his passion for Java made Pasha know all the hidden details in this IT niche. As a Developer Advocate for @Bellsoft, he educates the public on the latest software ... Show more

Alberto Castro

Alberto Castro

Del 81 y de A Coruña. En 2020 se cruza por mi camino profesional la Power Platform y actualmente desempeño tareas de administración y gobierno sobre la misma.
Enganchadísimo a la comunidad que hay detrás de la Power intento aportar mi granito de arena en todo lo que puedo.

Del 81 y de A Coruña. En 2020 se cruza por mi camino profesional la Power Platform y actualmente desempeño tareas de administración y gobierno sobre la misma. Enganchadísimo a la comunidad que hay detrás de la Power intento aportar mi granito de are... Show more

Oliver Engels

Oliver Engels

Oliver Engels is CEO of oh22data AG, a Microsoft Data & AI Partner in Germany specialized in CRM, Data and AI. His interests are on Azure, Data Governance and Integration, AI and Visualization Tools like Power BI and Tableau. Oliver has worked with SQL Server since version 6.5 and is a founding member and current president of German Microsoft Data Platform Community (Datamonster e.V.) and runs the Frankfurt Datamonster Chapter (Hord). Since 2012 he is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and a also worked as a Microsoft pTSP. If he is not working with data, he loves working with his Golden Retrievers and supports a charity project training dogs for disabled children. OK, he is an enthusiastic Land Rover Defender driver as well 😊

Oliver Engels is CEO of oh22data AG, a Microsoft Data & AI Partner in Germany specialized in CRM, Data and AI. His interests are on Azure, Data Governance and Integration, AI and Visualization Tools like Power BI and Tableau. Oliver has worked with S... Show more

Krzysztof Kania

Krzysztof Kania

Passionate about leveraging the power of Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Committed to delivering top tier services and solutions that empower productivity. My dedication to staying abreast to the latest tools and maintains a high level of integrity has not only facilitated to transformation through technology but also contributed to the ongoing pursuit of excellence in my field.

Passionate about leveraging the power of Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Committed to delivering top tier services and solutions that empower productivity. My dedication to staying abreast to the latest tools and maintains a high level of integrity has not ... Show more

Vlad Catrinescu

Vlad Catrinescu

Vlad is a Microsoft 365 and Power Platform expert specializing in empowering organizations to securely and effectively integrate AI-powered tools, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI Agents, into their digital workplaces. An IT professional at heart, Vlad excels at preparing, securing, and governing modern environments, enabling IT administrators and business users to automate processes, enhance productivity, and drive digital transformation with confidence.

As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, author, and internationally recognized speaker, Vlad has trained millions of IT professionals globally through impactful workshops, engaging conference sessions, and accessible online resources. He has authored three books published by Apress and developed over 100 comprehensive courses on Pluralsight, covering Microsoft 365 administration, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Automate, and some of the most in-demand Microsoft certifications.

A Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) since 2013, Vlad regularly shares insights, best practices, and industry trends on his blog at VladTalksTech.com and YouTube channel at youtube.com/@VladTalksTech. Frequently featured as an expert contributor across leading industry platforms, Vlad has consistently been recognized among the "Top 25 SharePoint & Microsoft 365 Influencers," underscoring his significant impact within the global Microsoft community.

Vlad is a Microsoft 365 and Power Platform expert specializing in empowering organizations to securely and effectively integrate AI-powered tools, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI Agents, into their digital workplaces. An IT professional at heart... Show more

Christian Cote

Christian Cote

Christian Coté is an IT professional with more than 20 years of experience working in data warehouse and data lakehouse projects. He developed ETL processes using a range of tools on multiple platforms. Christian has been a presenter at a number of conferences and code camps. He currently co-leads the SQL Server PASS chapter in Montreal. He is also Microsoft Data Platform MVP.

Christian Coté is an IT professional with more than 20 years of experience working in data warehouse and data lakehouse projects. He developed ETL processes using a range of tools on multiple platforms. Christian has been a presenter at a number of c... Show more

Jon Unzueta Rueda

Jon Unzueta Rueda

Arquitecto de soluciones de Power platform con 4 años de experiencia haciendo desarrollos en Power Platform

Arquitecto de soluciones de Power platform con 4 años de experiencia haciendo desarrollos en Power Platform Show more

Thorsten Pickhan

Thorsten Pickhan

I work as Cloud Architect at glueckkanja AG where I am responsible to plan and deploy UC infrastructures based on Microsoft technologies. I'm working as technician and consultant for more than 15 years and been specialized in Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams for 8 years. From beginning of my UC consultant career, I was focused on Enterprise Voice implementations.
Since a few years I am co-organizer of the Microsoft Teams User Group Germany and involved in the community as speaker and blog post author. In March 2020, I started my own Office 365 YouTube channel where I publish on a regular basis new video content for my weekly “Office 365 QuickTipps” channel. In a further YouTube project, together with my friend Michael Plettner, we release a German Microsoft 365 Talk.
Since July 2021, I have been a Microsoft MVP for Microsoft 365 in recognition of my commitment to the Microsoft Tech Community.

I work as Cloud Architect at glueckkanja AG where I am responsible to plan and deploy UC infrastructures based on Microsoft technologies. I'm working as technician and consultant for more than 15 years and been specialized in Microsoft Lync/Skype for... Show more

Yannick Reekmans

Yannick Reekmans

Yannick (a Microsoft 365 & Business Applications MVP) was born and raised in SharePoint, starting his career in 2011 when SharePoint 2010 was still new and shiny. The changing reality of the cloud made him expand his knowledge to the whole of Microsoft 365, Azure, and Power Platform. He is a Managing Partner and Cloud Solution Architect at Qubix, a Belgium-based consultancy firm, responsible for the technical underpinnings of products and solutions. Problem-solving and development are his passions, and he is still working day-to-day with code. He always asks the important questions: How does it work? What do you want to achieve? Does it have an API? Do we really need development for this? Where's the coffee?

Yannick (a Microsoft 365 & Business Applications MVP) was born and raised in SharePoint, starting his career in 2011 when SharePoint 2010 was still new and shiny. The changing reality of the cloud made him expand his knowledge to the whole of Microso... Show more

Marcelo Adade

Marcelo Adade

Marcelo is a Microsoft Data Platform Database Consultant and Engineer. He has more than 15 years of experience in several Companies from different branches and sizes. Like financial companies, consultant shops, datacenters and e-commerce sites. Currently holds the MCSE, MCT and MCSA Microsoft Certifications and also the Oracle OCP. Loves technology and enjoys sharing his Database knowledge delivering presentations and official Microsoft Training Courses. Currently he is also the co-leader of the SQLMANIACS PASS User Group, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Marcelo is a Microsoft Data Platform Database Consultant and Engineer. He has more than 15 years of experience in several Companies from different branches and sizes. Like financial companies, consultant shops, datacenters and e-commerce sites. Curre... Show more

Michel Murabito

Michel Murabito

I'm Michel Murabito, Mich to my friends! Born in 1986 in Turin with Sicilian roots, I now live in Milan. My journey in software began at 12, coding for fun. At 18, I started my first job as a software developer and have continuously sought new challenges to grow and learn. Today,

I'm a Tech Evangelist @Fractal Cloud and a Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) Ambassador, sharing my passion for cloud native technologies with a community of curious minds. I'm also an organizer of the Cloud Native Days Italy (formerly KCD Italy) and KCD San Francisco Bay Area, fostering collaboration and innovation within the cloud native ecosystem.

I'm Michel Murabito, Mich to my friends! Born in 1986 in Turin with Sicilian roots, I now live in Milan. My journey in software began at 12, coding for fun. At 18, I started my first job as a software developer and have continuously sought new challe... Show more

Marco Obinu

Marco Obinu

Curious by nature, talkative geek who can speak in front of a public or a camera, in love with technology, especially Azure and SQL Server.
I want to understand how things work and to solve problems by myself during work as in my many hobbies.

Curious by nature, talkative geek who can speak in front of a public or a camera, in love with technology, especially Azure and SQL Server. I want to understand how things work and to solve problems by myself during work as in my many hobbies. Show more

Gabriel L. Manor

Gabriel L. Manor

Gabriel is an engineering executive with extensive experience in security and developer platforms. Over the years, I have worked as a technical leader and principal engineer at large corporations such as Cisco and Palo Alto Networks and a few startups.
For the last couple of years, Gabriel has mainly focused on fine-grained authorization. As the VP of developer relations at Permit.io, he advocates for and creates content around security and permissions, guiding engineers in this journey.
In my spare time, I'm an avid writer, kitchen enthusiast, and adventurous traveler.

Gabriel is an engineering executive with extensive experience in security and developer platforms. Over the years, I have worked as a technical leader and principal engineer at large corporations such as Cisco and Palo Alto Networks and a few startup... Show more

Joakim Nilsson

Joakim Nilsson

Joakim has a background in Mathematics and is working as Knowledge Graph Lead for Capgemini. He has experience running Knowledge Graph project both from the public and private sector - in Sweden and abroad.

Joakim has a background in Mathematics and is working as Knowledge Graph Lead for Capgemini. He has experience running Knowledge Graph project both from the public and private sector - in Sweden and abroad. Show more

Ram Iyengar

Ram Iyengar

Ram Iyengar is an engineer by practice and an educator at heart. He was (cf) pushed into technology evangelism along his journey as a developer and hasn’t looked back since! He enjoys helping engineering teams around the world discover new and creative ways to work. He is a proponent of community-first product development.

Ram Iyengar is an engineer by practice and an educator at heart. He was (cf) pushed into technology evangelism along his journey as a developer and hasn’t looked back since! He enjoys helping engineering teams around the world discover new and creati... Show more

Gilles Pommier

Gilles Pommier

Gilles Pommier is a senior SharePoint Consultant and Office 365 MVP. During the last 15 years, he has helped numerous companies in their implementation for SharePoint architecture and development. Since 2005, he has also participated in several events such as SharePoint Saturday, SQL Saturday, Microsoft TechEd U.S., TechEd Australia, TechEd EMEA TechEd Dubai TechDays France as a speaker on Office 365, SharePoint, .Net and VSTO technologies.

Gilles Pommier is a senior SharePoint Consultant and Office 365 MVP. During the last 15 years, he has helped numerous companies in their implementation for SharePoint architecture and development. Since 2005, he has also participated in several even... Show more

Alex Rostan

Alex Rostan

Microsoft Bizz Apps MVP and seasoned technology leader with over 18 years of global experience designing and delivering intelligent solutions across diverse industries. As an AI Solutions Specialist and Power Platform Architect, Alex has been at the forefront of integrating Cognitive Services, developing enterprise-grade chatbots and Copilot solutions, and driving automation through RPA and low-code platforms. His expertise spans cloud architecture on Azure and Microsoft 365, with a strong focus on empowering organizations through innovation, scalability, and user-centric design. A passionate advocate for digital transformation, Alex combines technical excellence with a deep understanding of business needs to create impactful solutions that bridge people and technology.

AI Solutions Specialist / Copilot Studio / Copilot / Power Platform Architect / RPA / Cloud Architect / Azure / M365 /Fabric

Microsoft Bizz Apps MVP and seasoned technology leader with over 18 years of global experience designing and delivering intelligent solutions across diverse industries. As an AI Solutions Specialist and Power Platform Architect, Alex has been at the ... Show more

Ron Dagdag

Ron Dagdag

Ron Dagdag brings over 25 years of experience as a software artisan to his role as Research Engineering Manager at Thomson Reuters, where he leads teams to develop transformative AI solutions. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Ron is an active member of the tech community, recognized as a Microsoft MVP in AI, Mixed Reality, and IoT. Ron is an international speaker, sharing his knowledge at industry events, and remains an active maker and tinkerer with a passion for Augmented Intelligence.
🚀 Code > Create > Coach > Repeat.

Ron Dagdag brings over 25 years of experience as a software artisan to his role as Research Engineering Manager at Thomson Reuters, where he leads teams to develop transformative AI solutions. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Ron is ... Show more

Karl Ots

Karl Ots

Karl Ots is a cloud security leader, author, and educator with over 15 years of experience in the technology industry. He serves as the Head of Cloud Security at EPAM Systems, where he leads global teams in delivering secure, scalable, and compliant cloud solutions for Fortune 500 clients across diverse industries.

Karl is the author of the book Securing Microsoft Azure OpenAI (Wiley) and a LinkedIn Learning instructor, where he teaches advanced topics in cloud security architecture. He is a recognized Microsoft Regional Director and Security MVP, and holds certifications including CISSP, CCSP, and SABSA SCF.

A frequent speaker at global conferences, Karl is passionate about helping organizations build secure cloud-native systems and communicate complex security designs effectively across technical and executive audiences.

Karl Ots is a cloud security leader, author, and educator with over 15 years of experience in the technology industry. He serves as the Head of Cloud Security at EPAM Systems, where he leads global teams in delivering secure, scalable, and compliant ... Show more

Dr Booma Poolan Marikannan

Dr Booma Poolan Marikannan

Dr Booma Poolan Marikannan – Microsoft AI MVP, GenAI SME, Group Manager, Data & AI, Avanade, Charlotte, NC,USA
Dr Booma, a seasoned technologist with over a decade of extensive experience in the realms of technology and leadership, stands at the helm as the Microsoft AI MVP, AI Solution Architect, GenAI SME, Group Manager, Data & AI, Avanade, Charlotte, NC,USA. Her illustrious career has spanned more than 14 years, during which she has been a stalwart contributor to the conception and realization of groundbreaking GenAI solutions. With each endeavor, she adeptly illustrates the transformative potential of GenAI, casting a luminous spotlight on its profound implications for businesses.
Her contributions in this domain have earned her international acclaim, as she stands as a revered luminary in the field. Notably, she has been bestowed with the prestigious title of "Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in AI Platform(MVP-AI)", "Young Women Scientist" by the esteemed institution, HumCen, a testament to her unwavering dedication and exemplary work. Further enhancing her standing as a trailblazer, Dr Booma has been honored as an "Outstanding Researcher/Academician" by Women Icon, a tribute to her relentless pursuit of excellence.
Beyond her remarkable achievements, Dr Booma frequently imparts her profound wisdom and experience through the written word, sharing her erudition in the field of Artificial Intelligence through insightful articles and engaging tech discussions.
Notably, Dr Booma's dedication extends beyond her professional achievements. She is deeply committed to raising diversity and inclusivity within the world of technology. As a mentor to budding talent, she emphasizes the profound significance of inclusivity and equity, championing the cause of underrepresented voices and championing the principles of fairness and opportunity for all. Her indomitable spirit and achievements serve as an enduring inspiration to the world of technology and beyond.

Dr Booma Poolan Marikannan – Microsoft AI MVP, GenAI SME, Group Manager, Data & AI, Avanade, Charlotte, NC,USA Dr Booma, a seasoned technologist with over a decade of extensive experience in the realms of technology and leadership, stands at the hel... Show more

Nerando Johnson

Nerando Johnson

Current Atlanta freeCodeCamp Organizer | Software Developer

Current Atlanta freeCodeCamp Organizer | Software Developer Show more

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