Reflecting the decades of experience that have garnered us a global reputation as a leading Microsoft partner, Advania is delighted to congratulate eight of our colleagues who have been recognised by Microsoft as Most Valuable Professionals (MVP).
The Microsoft MVP award is presented to exceptional leaders who share their passion, technical expertise and real-world knowledge of Microsoft experience with others.
The Microsoft MVP community
Microsoft’s MVP award has for many years been a benchmark for outstanding technical professionals. Recognition as a Microsoft MVP conveys on the recipient not only an advanced level of knowledge but a willingness to share their expertise and experience with the wider tech community.
With around 4,000 people recognised globally as a Microsoft MVP, to have eight among our people is an exceptional number. Advania’s eight recipients of the Microsoft MVP award in 2024 have all demonstrated a desire to shape our industry, echoing our own commitment to share our knowledge and expertise with others.
We are incredibly proud to announce Advania’s Microsoft MVP class of 2024 and their award categories:
- Steve Goodman (M365)
- Chris O’Brien (M365)
- Anoop Tatti (M365)
- Jarbas Horst (M365)
- Ejaz Hussain (M365)
- Tomi Tavela (M365)
- Vard Deshpande (M365)
- Jon Jarvis (Security, Windows and Devices)
How a Microsoft MVP shapes the tech landscape
Generating original and engaging thought leadership, authoring blogs and articles, and participating in forums and social media conversations are all ways that tech professionals aim to get onto the Microsoft MVP radar. But becoming a Microsoft MVP takes more than simple audience engagement. It requires an ongoing thirst to educate and inspire, to give and receive feedback, to constantly seek out learning opportunities and to improve as a leader in your chosen specialism.
Although there are no formal criteria to be assessed on, the primary marker by which Microsoft select their MVPs is through analysing the impact that a Microsoft MVP candidate has had on the community in the preceding 12 months. Less a sprint and more a marathon, being recognised as a Microsoft MVP is a significant feather in the cap of any tech professional.
Breaking news: becoming a Microsoft MVP
Receiving the accreditation of MVP is a milestone moment for tech professionals. Often the culmination of years of focus, getting the call for the first time is often a memory seared into people’s minds. Here, in their own words, is what the Microsoft MVP award means to some of our recipients.
For Ejaz Hussain, an Advania Developer Architect, the award was the result of a great deal of hard work.
“I was absolutely thrilled and honoured to hear that I had been named Microsof MVP,” Ejaz said.
“It is a testament to my continuous growth and dedication in my field, and reflects that hard work and passion I have invested in my personal and professional development.”
For Jon Jarvis, Microsoft Security Pre-Sales Solution Architect, the announcement brought to a close a nervous waiting period.
“I felt very nervous, as this year was my first Microsoft MVP renewal, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was incredibly relieved to hear the news.
“I was renewed in two categories, receiving the Microsoft MVP award for Security as well as Windows & Device. Being dual awarded is quite rare, so it was an amazing honour. I was shaking when I found out!”
For some, the award represents a familiar achievement – but with the honour and distinction never fading. Chris O’Brien, Advania’s Product and Services Director, has been a Microsoft MVP for the past 17 years.
“I’m thrilled – even after 17 years in the program it’s still special and it means a lot to me. It’s nice to be recognised as making a difference in the Microsoft world and to be able to continue influencing Microsoft’s direction is still really important to me.
“Having been a recipient of a Microsoft MVP award for the past 17 years, the novelty may be diminished, but the accolade is absolutely no less important. The date when you hear from Microsoft whether you’ve been renewed is still a big day.
“It’s a case of having fingers crossed – you’re being judged on whether you have made a big enough impact over the last 12 months to justify this prestigious award.”
Career development as a Microsoft MVP
Achieving the distinction of Microsoft MVP recognises the recipient’s dedication and development in a particular area of Microsoft solutions. This holistic career arc is uppermost in the minds of Advania’s MVPs.
“The MVP status boosts my professional credibility and opens up new opportunities for career advancement,” said Jarbas Horst, Senior Product Manager.
“It provides access to exclusive networks, early insight into technologies and influential roles in product development. Having been a product manager for many years and building on top of Microsoft 365, being recognised as a Microsoft MVP for the area in which I am active is incredibly valuable.”
Jon Jarvis agrees:
“Being an MVP has definitely helped my career development – and what’s more, it has led me to a job that I love doing at Advania. Having a close relationship with the Microsoft product team in both Intune and Windows 365 allows me to give feedback directly to the source which is invaluable not only to me, but to my peers and my customers.”
For Chris O’Brien, being named Microsoft MVP is about more than just professional development.
“Being an MVP for the long-term is very much a lifestyle choice! I’m proud to have retained the award for so long, but it does take continual effort and willingness to give back and help others learn and succeed.
“However, it’s a very rewarding endeavour. I’ve made lifelong friends through the program and have contacts I can count on for amazing conversations and to learn something new.”
Microsoft MVP areas: how our MVPs make a difference
With the Microsoft MVP award comes a real responsibility to positively impact the field with great knowledge and an exceptional attitude. The award dictates a genuine commitment to excellence and a passion for technology.
For our people, that passion comes with the territory.
“My MVP specialism is in M365 Development and Microsoft Graph,” said Ejaz Hussain.
“I enjoy it immensely because it allows me to solve complex problems and to innovate and share knowledge with a vibrant community of like-minded professionals. The constant learning and collaborating is incredibly fulfilling. The community drives progress, it offers valuable insights from around the world, it supports everyone’s growth and development – it brings together experts who are passionate about technology and innovation, and I’m very proud to be among them.”
For Jarbas Horst, that same commitment to the community is also at the heart of his motivation, together with a desire to support his peers.
“I’ve always been interested in Microsoft technologies, particular how developers – people in my own role – can extend and integrate with Microsoft services. My particular specialism is in developing Microsoft 365 technologies and I love the extensibility and integration options that Microsoft has in this area.
“The MVP community increases the visibility of Microsoft services and improves them through active feedback and community engagement. The sharing of expert knowledge makes us a valuable commodity that contribute to even greater industry innovation.”
“It’s an amazing group, full of people who love to give” agrees Chris O’Brien.
“Microsoft managed to harness something amazing with the Microsoft MVP award and subsequent community, and this has helped fuel its success. It shows how peoples’ passion for technology can have a huge impact.
“For me, personally, being part of the MVP program has allowed me a first-person view of the development of some of our most relied-upon technologies. The world runs on Microsoft 365 these days – it’s how organisations of every size work effectively. It’s been a long journey from the days of SharePoint 2001 and Microsoft Content Management Server where I started my career!
“Through all the different eras, none have been as fascinating as this one. To be recognised in this space, especially amid the development of AI and Copilot which are transforming so much of the modern world of work, is very special.”
Building an Advania community of Microsoft MVP specialists
As part of the international Advania group, Advania UK now sits alongside our colleague organisations with a growing cohort of Microsoft MVPs.
For Jon Jarvis, being named an MVP reflects not only on the individual but also on Advania’s consistent support for development and achievement.
“There is no coincidence that we have eight Microsoft MVP professionals in the UK, four in Sweden and another in Iceland. It shows that Advania really supports its staff.”
“Being recognised as a community leader in Security, Intune and Windows 365 is something that I will never take for granted. I was the first Windows 365 Microsoft MVP in the UK, and it’s a direct reflection of how Advania strives for excellence across the entire business.
“By achieving this recognition, we have a platform to speak our minds, to give constructive feedback to Microsoft and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. This is such a benefit to Advania – as well as to our clients and those we support.”
Chris O’Brien and Ejaz Hussain echoed Advania’s commitment to its people.
Said Ejaz:
“The recognition of eight Microsoft MVP awards being achieved by Advania UK highlights the supportive and innovative environment that is inculcated in our business. It showcases the Advania commitment to excellence and to fostering talent and potential within the company.
For Chris, the recognition is a positive factor not only for Advania, but for clients, too.
“Having so many MVPs is just one indicator of the capability, passion and expertise that typifies Advania. It gives us great coverage and access to Microsoft’s roadmap and strategy information that isn’t always publicly available. While we respect the absolutely confidential nature of this insider information, it does ultimately help us get better outcomes for our clients.”
The exceptional dedication and commitment to the industry is what stands out for Jarbas Horst.
“Microsoft MVPs spend significant time – both at work and in their own, private time – studying new Microsoft technologies so that they can provide feedback to the source or create content themselves. Advania benefits from this continuous-learning mindset – it puts us in the spotlight as a company always striving to be better, to achieve more and to acquire further specialisations through continuous study.”
Long recognised as one of the UK’s leadig Microsoft partners, with eight Microsoft MVP awards received by Advania’s experts this year we are uniquely placed to answer your technology needs. Our teams – and our Microsoft MVP experts – are waiting to help you achieve your tech goals today.
