Iโm honored to be re-selected as ๐ ๐๐ง ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ for the ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ โ and this one feels extra special: it marks my ๐ญ๐ต๐๐ต ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ ๐ ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ผ๐ณ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ.
What began as a small feather in my cap has grown into a cornerstone of my career. From Windows, .NET Developer to Microsoft Azure, the journey has been all about always learning, always teaching, and blending lessons from real customer projects into practical, hands-on guidance for the community.
To everyone whoโs paced with meโmentees, peers, customers, and fellow Cloud Marathoners โ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ ๐๐ผ๐ for the miles weโve logged together.
The next chapter is calling (I might have to ask my agent(!) which one it is ๐), but the mission remains the same: ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ด๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ.
Letโs keep training, sharing, and lifting each other โ ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐บ๐ถ๐น๐ฒ, ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐น, ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ.
This week we had an informative Cloud Lunch and Learn session on SAP S/4HANA. Our speaker was Siva Pulluru. He has been working in SAP systems for almost 15 years, and specifically for the version of 4HANA he has been working on it in the last 5 years. Our speaker joined from the sunny Austin, TX.
Details of the session
The focus of the session is on how to enable touchless Order-to-Cash in SAP S/4HANA using AI, RPA, and cloud integration. This session covers real-time order ingestion via APIs and EDI, automated credit checks, pricing, and inventory with AI, and RPA-driven task automation. it outlines, actionable strategies for SAP BTP integration, exception handling, and innovations like blockchain and predictive analytics to boost accuracy, speed, and cash flow.
What IS covered?
Our speaker covered the steps when you are considering capturing the customer journey of transforming Order-to-Cash (O2C) into touchless experience. This involved understanding of Traditional O2C challenges and benefits, followed by architecture, real-time order ingestion, intelligent risk assessment with AI, and many other aspects.
Becoming a Microsoft MVP isnโt about chasing a titleโitโs about embracing a mission.
As the community lead of Cloud Marathoner, Iโve had the privilege of walking alongside cloud engineers, architects, and passionate tech enthusiasts who are building, sharing, and growing together. Many of them ask me: โHow do I become a Microsoft MVP?โ
The answer is both simple and profound: do what you love and give back.
๐งญ What Is a Microsoft MVP?
The Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award recognizes exceptional community leaders who share their expertise, uplift others, and contribute meaningfully to the tech ecosystem. Itโs not a certificationโitโs a celebration of consistent, authentic impact.
According to the official Microsoft MVP site, the MVPs are selected for their contributions across blogs, talks, open-source projects, user groups, and more. They are the spark that keeps the community thriving.
๐ค๏ธ My Journey: From Passion to Purpose
When I started Cloud Marathoner, it was just a blog. But it quickly became a movementโa space where cloud professionals could learn, share, and grow together. I didnโt set out to become an MVP. I set out to help others to succeed in their unique Cloud journey. And thatโs the secret.
As Betsy Weber, Microsoft Program Manager beautifully put it:
โDonโt follow the crowdโfind your gap and fill it with passion, creativity, and community.โ
๐ Celebrating Microsoft AWARD
This year, Iโm incredibly honored to celebrate myย 4th consecutive Microsoft MVP awardย recognition from Microsoft. Itโs a meaningful milestone that reflects the many community events, sessions, and contributions Iโve wholeheartedly delivered over the last year. My focus remains strong onย Infrastructure as Codeย andย Cloud Optimization, while I continue to explore and share innovations inย AIย andย GitHub Copilotย to empower and uplift our community of cloud engineers, architects, and tech enthusiasts.
๐งฉ Find Your Gap, Fill It with Passion
You donโt need to be the loudest voice. You need to be the most authentic one.
๐จ Like MVP Luise Freese, who turned technical content into sketchnotes that even Satya Nadella noticed.
๐ Like Sharon Weaver, who kept her user group alive through the pandemic.
๐ค Like Lee Englestone, who built a Visual Studio tips site that led to talks and a book.
Each of them found a unique way to give back. So can you.
๐งฑ actionable Steps to Becoming a Microsoft MVP
Be an Expert Master your craft. Stay current. Share what you learn.
Be a Leader Start a user group. Mentor others. Create inclusive spaces.
Be an Advocate Provide feedback to Microsoft. Champion tools that help others.
Be Consistent MVP is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep showing up.
Be Visible Blog, speak, stream, postโwhatever suits your style. Just share.
๐ฌ Final Thoughts: Your Spark โจ Matters
You donโt need permission to start. You donโt need a title to lead. You just need to care enough to contribute.
Whether youโre streaming your learning journey, launching a user group, or writing your first blog postโyouโre already on the path.
So go ahead. Share your knowledge. Be helpful. Look for gaps to fill. The community is waiting for your spark. โจ
Last week, we had an interesting session with Rodrigue Yengo on how you could transform data management in Dynamics 365 Sales through Data Mesh architecture!
This session was different as Cloud Lunch and Learn welcomed our #CloudMarathoner friend Martin Dimovski into studio to drive session as we did the discussions together by asking questions to our speaker from France.
In this session, Rodrigue will walk us through: ๐น How to decentralize data ownership ๐น Strategies to improve data accessibility across teams ๐น Seamless integration of new Business Units (BUs) ๐น Maintaining governance and data quality at scale ๐น Data Fabric vs Dynamics 365 for Sales?
what we covered as well?
๐ก A practical use case will bring these concepts to life and show how Data Mesh principles can be effectively applied in a Dynamics 365 environment.
In addition, we sparked discussion around Data Fabric and how it is related or different from the Dynamics 365. Which tool is for what and how to navigate those questions.
When and Where
๐ Date: June 4th, 2025 ๐ Time: 5 PM UTC ๐ Recorded session URL
check the recording
Whether you’re a data architect, Dynamics 365 professional, or just passionate about modern data strategies, this session is for you!
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, blockchain stands out as a revolutionary force reshaping industries across the globe. As cloud engineers and architects, understanding how to leverage the cloud for blockchain solutions is crucial for staying ahead in this dynamic landscape.
Last week, we had a session with a Blockchain researcher, DevOps and SRE professional – Samule. Our speaker is an experienced engineer with hands-on skills in operating blockchain nodes within cloud environments. This session is aiming to be a deep dive into the intersection of blockchain and cloud technology, offering valuable insights and practical strategies.
The Power of the Cloud in Blockchain
Blockchain technology, with its decentralized nature, demands robust infrastructure to ensure high availability, scalability, and security. The cloud emerges as a critical enabler, providing the necessary resources to support these requirements. Samuel will share his experiences and knowledge on how cloud platforms can effectively power decentralized systems, making them more resilient and efficient.
Real-World Challenges and Solutions
One of the highlights of Samuel’s session will be his exploration of real-world challenges faced when integrating blockchain with cloud environments. From managing the complexities of decentralization to ensuring seamless scalability, Samuel will discuss practical solutions that bridge the gap between centralization and decentralization. His insights will be invaluable for anyone looking to build and deploy blockchain solutions in the cloud.
Building the Next Generation of Web3 Applications
As we move towards a more decentralized web, often referred to as Web3, the role of cloud technology becomes even more significant. Samuel’s session will provide actionable strategies for cloud engineers and architects to design and implement the next generation of Web3 applications. By leveraging the cloud, we can create more robust, scalable, and secure blockchain solutions that drive innovation and transformation.
Feel free to check the recorded session with Samuel and gain the knowledge and tools needed to excel in the world of blockchain and cloud technology. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this session is sure to provide valuable insights and inspire you to push the boundaries of what’s possible with blockchain in the cloud.
Recorded Session
If you are intrigued to watch the entire session, then please visit the following YouTube link below on our Cloud Lunch and Learn channel.
Hello dear #CloudMarathoner family and community members!
I’m thrilled to share that Sessionize.com has recognized me as one of the top 3% most active speakers for 2024 ๐
This is my second time receiving this honor in the past few years, thanks to 42 international speaking events over the years.
Thank you for support
Huge Thank You to everyone for your incredible support, including our awesome #CloudMarathoner community and Sessionize.com for this recognition๐
I also want to extend my gratitude to T-Rex Solutions, LLC for their unwavering support in my Microsoft MVP and speaker journey. Your encouragement has been invaluable!
My Sessionize.com presentations
If you never checked it before, then please feel free to check my speaker profile ๐ https://lnkd.in/eUcQ2tWS
You should be able to see my bio, past and upcoming events, and the topics I love discussing in my online and in-person sessions.
Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of cloud engineering and learning together ๐
I am trilled and honored to share this great news with all of you. As of the beginning of January, I have been notified and recognized as Microsoft Certified Trainer (#MCT) Community Lead for the #USA region for 2025!
What is MCT Community Lead?
This role represents an incredible opportunity to continue empowering our vibrant training and learning community, fostering collaboration, and supporting MCTs in their mission to deliver impactful training experiences.
As your MCT Community Lead (previously known as, MCT Regional Lead), my focus will remain on sharing knowledge, nurturing connections, and elevating the presence of #Microsoft technologies across regions while helping new #MCT colleagues to excel!
Honored to serve you as MCT Community Lead in 2025
I am excited to continue working alongside my high-caliber trainer friends, driving meaningful initiatives, and building on the strong foundation of innovation and mentorship that makes our #community thrive in helping customers with #Microsoft technologies.
This week, we had another interesting session to explore the Modern Data Architecture – Gen AI empowered solutions with a guest speaker Sanchit.
SESSIOn agenda details
Our guest speaker, Sanchit, started with introduction into the Modern Analytics Data Architecture, aka MADA, followed by diving into the core components of MADA. Then our session followed with identifying the best practices of MADA Core Components and how to enable Gen Ai within this architecture.
In addition, he deep dive into common questions on where to start with Gen AI, some products and services to consider, and what pitfalls to avoid.
Thank you, Sanchit!
Sanchit Srivastava is a seasoned data strategist with a distinguished career spanning over 18 years. With a deep understanding of advanced Data Analytics, Data Engineering, Generative AI, Data Observability and modern Data Architecture, he has successfully delivered transformative data solutions across diverse industries, including consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, pharmacy, and retail. His motto, “make data easier, faster and more reliable” encapsulates his belief in the transformative power of data.
Thus, feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn if you have any inquiries.
what is next?
If you would like further to explore this topic then you are encouraged to check with Sanchit on his LinkedIn page.
Recorded Session
If you are intrigued to watch the entire session, then please visit the following YouTube link below on our Cloud Lunch and Learn channel.
I would like to “Thank You” ALL the community members in the #cloudmarathoner for their support and continued contributions in 2024 ๐ ๐ ๐
Your continued dedication to learning, sharing, and excelling at cloud knowledge has a great impact on everyone.
Our community is growing
Thank you again for your continuedย feedbackย andย support! Our community has grown to 1935+ members and we can reach and empower more people now than ever before ๐ช.
Again and again, โHUGE THANK YOU!โ to everyone who has #shared and contributed to the #CloudMarathoner posts on social media.
We are having โGREATโ progress that will continue to provide the power of #knowledge to empower and elevate the people.
IN SUMMARY
Thank you for being a true “trailblazer of the cloud” by being the #cloudmarathoner!
Please, actively check our #CloudMarathoner #tag on LinkedIn. Share and tag information with the community.
In this first week of October, we had an interesting session to explore privacy and confidential computing from an engineering perspective.
FOCUS OF THE SESSION
Our speaker focused on some hidden details of Implementing Confidential Computing, namely learn how to leverage Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) to build secure and privacy-conscious cloud workflows. Ridwan also emphasized aligning Governance with Privacy Regulations, as well as discovering strategies to ensure your cloud governance practices comply with evolving data privacy regulations.
In addition, he expanded topic with optimizing Cloud Investments by exploring how enhanced data security and minimized compliance risks can optimize outputs from your cloud investments.
Thank you, Ridwan!
Ridwan Badmus is a lawyer and privacy engineer who is interested to help customers. He has legal and as well as engineering experience to help in these matters. Thus, feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn if you have any inquiries.
what is next?
If you would like further to explore this topic then you are encouraged to check the following resources:
