Random Technology Ramblings

Well for my two readers out there I have some huge news… I am leaving my current job at InterKnowlogy for a job with Microsoft! WOW that is correct MR politically incorrect is going to work for Microsoft. Yes I do see some changes happening in my life due to this.

• I am going to take some time off teaching at UCSD until I settle in to my new job
• I am going to take less of an active roll in the San Diego .NET Developers Group
• I am going to get my car tuned up (there will be a lot of driving in this position)
• I am going to work in my political skills 😉
• I am going to enjoy a new challenge

So you may ask… What are you going to do for Microsoft? Are you moving to Redmond? Who did they hold hostage to get you to take the job?

Well I am going to be a Developer Evangelist for the US West Region Developer and Platform Evangelism Team. No there is no white tents involved this is the full job description:

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Are you passionate and pumped to engage the developer community?

The US West Region Developer and Platform Evangelism (D&PE) Team has an immediate opening for a dynamic Developer Evangelist (DE) located in Southern California.

The D&PE Team’s mission is to secure platform adoption and revenue growth through evangelism, community engagement, direct interaction with local influential software developers, intelligent audience marketing and a vibrant solutions ecosystem.

The DE is a technical role with the mission of engaging the broad community of developers in the region and driving excitement around developer related tools.

Specific responsibilities include:
• Increasing satisfaction with Microsoft and Microsoft tools in the developer community by partnering with local, influential software developers
• Delivering persuasive and passionate, high impact, high quality, presentations on site with customers and partners, and at industry events and developer communities
• Driving Broad Customer Connection programs in the region and local geographies
• Engaging and fostering third party and non-Microsoft technology focused communities and influencers
• Participating actively in the developer community through web logs, newsletters, videos, forums, newsgroups, websites and events
• Researching and analyzing specific technologies and industries as well as feedback from the developer community
• Developing and executing on strategy around non-Microsoft developer tools, languages and platforms
• Communicating and building relationships with large corporate customers, Account Executives, and additional sales professionals that work within the Microsoft virtual team environment.

A solid technical background and development experience is required, among the technology skills we are looking for are:
• Demonstrated development hands-on experience using the current Windows platform (Client and Server), the .NET Framework and Visual Studio, and other Microsoft technologies such as SQL Server, Connected Systems, Smart Clients, Office and Next Generation Business Solutions. Knowledge of one or more Microsoft languages is preferred
• Demonstrated development hands-on experience using non-Microsoft technologies E.g. Linux, Open Source development, Eclipse, Java/J2EE (Websphere, BEA), web development (PHP, Flex/Flash)
• Experience writing and testing secure code is preferred
• Experience with or knowledge of future Microsoft developer technologies a plus.
• Preferred qualifications include Computer Science/Engineering or related discipline, 7-10+ years of developer qualifications

To be successful, the following skills are required:
• Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, and analytical skills
• A blend of passion, optimism, customer advocacy, curiosity and creativity
• A team player and excellent at cross-group collaboration
• Knowledge of technology trends, industry participants and leaders
• Methodical and organized; able to manage multiple opportunities, projects, and relationships concurrently
• Desirable additional skills include PR or media experience
• The ability to show a past track record of involvement in the local developer community.
• The experience and continued Passion to be a pioneer in the developer community
• The ability to clearly articulate ideas and gain trust in contentious environments

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may vary based on assignments. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer, we support workplace diversity

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My guess is that if you know me that is a decent fit for me, I don’t have much non Microsoft experience but I will be aggressively going after some information including classes etc.

No I will not have to move to Redmond, which is good as I am not sure my wife would come with me… No for now we don’t want to move our boys away from there extended family.

And no, no one was held hostage, I have wanted to work for MS for a long time but as I did not take a job with the VB team in the early 90s like I should have I had to get what I could.

I will be leaving a great company and a cool project but I think for me this is the correct time and I hope I have handled me leaving as well as possible so as to do no harm and not to burn any bridges. I have loved my time at IK and will remain in close contact with the people at IK and have nothing but phrase for it and them, if you are looking for a great group of people to be associated as an employee or a customer do give them a look.