Cary Sun
Cary Sun has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in data center and deployment solutions. As a Principal Consultant, he likely works closely with clients to help them design, implement, and manage their data center infrastructure and deployment strategies. With his background in data center solutions, Cary Sun may have experience in server and storage virtualization, network design and optimization, backup and disaster recovery planning, and security and compliance management. He holds CISCO CERTIFIED INTERNETWORK EXPERT (CCIE No.4531) from 1999. Cary is also a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), Microsoft Azure MVP, Veeam Vanguard and Cisco Champion. He is a published author with several titles, including blogs on Checkyourlogs.net, and the author of many books. Cary is a very active blogger at checkyourlogs.net and is permanently available online for questions from the community. His passion for technology is contagious, improving everyone around him at what they do. Blog site: https://www.checkyourlogs.net Web site: https://carysun.com Blog site: https://gooddealmart.com Twitter: @SifuSun in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sifusun/ Amazon Author: https://Amazon.com/author/carysun
396 Posts
Cristal Kawula
Cristal Kawula is an accomplished author, prolific blogger, and world-renowned speaker with over two decades of experience in the IT industry. She is highly regarded for her expertise in enterprise consulting and Microsoft technologies, having built a reputation as a trusted leader who has helped numerous clients overcome complex IT challenges. Her deep knowledge across Microsoft’s ecosystem, from Windows Server to cloud solutions, underpins her ability to deliver practical, impactful results for organizations of all sizes. Microsoft Community Leadership For more than 20 years, Cristal has been a steadfast contributor to the Microsoft technical community. She has been repeatedly recognized as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for her ongoing community contributions and expertise. Cristal remains an active mentor and participant in the Microsoft Windows Server community, frequently sharing insights through blogs, forums, and technical books. In addition, she has co-founded influential community initiatives – including the MVPDays Community Roadshow and the #MVPHour live Twitter chat – to foster knowledge exchange among IT professionals. Her passion for community engagement extends beyond Microsoft: Cristal was one of the first women in the world to earn the prestigious Veeam Vanguard award, highlighting her impact and leadership in the broader IT community. Industry Engagement and Speaking Cristal is a sought-after speaker who has presented at numerous conferences and industry events around the world. She shares her real-world expertise at premier events such as Microsoft Ignite, Live! 360 (TechMentor), VeeamON, and many regional user groups and workshops. Whether discussing Windows Server best practices, cybersecurity and ransomware defense, or emerging cloud technologies, Cristal’s sessions are known for their depth and practical insights. Her engaging speaking style and authority in her field have made her a frequent highlight at these events, where she inspires IT professionals to adopt innovative solutions and community-driven learning. Leadership at TriCon Elite Consulting As the founder and President of TriCon Elite Consulting, Cristal leads a team of experts delivering top-notch enterprise consulting services to clients worldwide. Under her leadership, TriCon Elite has developed a reputation for excellence in solving complex IT problems and driving digital transformation. Cristal is an innovative leader who approaches challenges with creative problem-solving, leveraging her broad expertise in Microsoft technologies to craft solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. She is deeply dedicated to client success – ensuring that every project not only meets technical requirements but also empowers the client’s business goals. Innovative Vision and Impact Widely respected for her visionary approach, Cristal Kawula exemplifies the blend of technical acumen and community spirit. She is known for her innovative thinking and her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service. Equally important, Cristal is devoted to helping others succeed: she actively mentors peers, contributes to community knowledge bases, and champions inclusive growth in the IT sector. This dual focus on client success and community support has made her a highly respected figure in the industry, and an inspiration to IT professionals who follow in her footsteps. Every aspect of Cristal’s career – from leading a consulting firm to speaking on global stages – reflects her passion for technology and her commitment to empowering others, solidifying her status as an innovative leader and community icon.
88 Posts
Émile Cabot
Émile Cabot is an 8-year Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) who started in the industry during the mid-90s, and has been deploying Windows ever since. He has a strong background specializing in datacenter and deployment solutions, and has spent many years performing infrastructure analyses and solution implementations for organizations ranging from 20 to over 200,000 employees. Émile is a published author with several titles, including Enforcing Compliant Configurations. He organizes the Calgary Microsoft User Group, blogs on CheckYourLogs.net, and has presented at several conferences, including Ignite, VeeamOn, TechReady, TechMentor, and MVPDays. You can find him on Twitter under the alias @ecabot. From 2002-2019, he volunteered as a member of the Canadian Ski Patrol, providing over 250 hours each year for first aid services and public education at Castle Mountain Resort and in the community.
70 Posts
John O'Neill Sr.
I consider myself lucky, having spent my entire career in IT. Blessed with a brother owning a software startup in the 80’s, I began learning coding at 13. By 16, those skills were earning me a paycheck. Loving technology, my journey since then has encompassed many IT disciplines, empowering me to complete widely diverse projects. Everything from multi-national networking, messaging, and communications projects, to ERP, HRIS, and security projects. Today, I work as CTO for an international manufacturing company. In this day and age, IT shouldn’t just keep the lights on. We must endeavor to empower the use of technology as a competitive advantage for our organizations. Using existing technology smarter, while leveraging next generation tech in a manufacturing space is my team’s focus day in and day out. Personally, I love learning and I love sharing what I’ve learned with others. I believe we all have knowledge to share. When we do, the community grows stronger and our lives more fulfilled! I’m passionate about giving back to the IT community. Speaking at conferences, hosting webinars, writing books, magazine articles, and blog entries are some of my favorite methods to live up to the responsibility. Thanks for letting me become part of your IT journey! I look forward to meeting you in person be it at an event, during a virtual event, or even through social media. Twitter is my daily go to for getting hot off the press content out. Follow me @JohnONeillSr.
72 Posts
Kawula Dave
Dave Kawula is a seasoned author, renowned blogger, global speaker, and enterprise consulting leader with over 30 years of experience in the IT industry. A recognized expert in Microsoft technologies, Dave has built a reputation for delivering practical, impactful solutions tailored to meet diverse business needs. Dave has authored numerous technical books, covering topics such as Windows Server, System Center, and Hyper-V. His publications have become essential resources for IT professionals looking to deepen their understanding of these technologies. Beyond writing, Dave is a prolific blogger, sharing insights and expertise on his blog and other prominent platforms, where he demystifies complex concepts and offers actionable advice to the tech community. As a world-class speaker, Dave has presented at leading conferences and events across the globe. His engaging style and in-depth knowledge have made him a sought-after speaker, inspiring IT professionals to harness the full potential of Microsoft technologies. Whether addressing audiences on Azure, Windows Server, or virtualization, Dave’s presentations are packed with practical insights that resonate with technical and business audiences alike. Dave’s extensive consulting experience spans a broad spectrum of organizations, from small businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises. As an enterprise consulting leader, he has guided clients through digital transformation, leveraging Microsoft technologies to drive innovation and achieve strategic goals. His ability to align technology with business objectives has made him a trusted advisor and invaluable partner. A Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) and Veeam Vanguard, Dave’s expertise is widely recognized by both the tech community and industry leaders. His contributions to the IT field, combined with his passion for mentoring and empowering others, solidify his position as a thought leader and a pillar of the global IT community.
351 Posts
Kevin Kaminski
Meet Kevin Kaminski—a seasoned expert in Microsoft enterprise solutions with over 25 years of hands-on experience, ranging from device management to designing robust data center architectures. Kevin’s journey in IT has been defined by a relentless pursuit of innovative, solutions-based approaches to modern challenges, a passion that shines through in every project he tackles. Kevin’s career has spanned working with some of Canada’s most prominent organizations, earning him recognition as a Microsoft MVP not only for Windows and Devices for IT but also for an impressive fifteen-year tenure as an MVP for Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V). Starting his career as a Systems Management Server administrator in the late nineties, he has consistently been at the forefront of emerging management technologies, including Intune, always ready to embrace the next big breakthrough. When Kevin takes the stage at conferences like TechMentor, Briforum, or the Microsoft Management Summit, his speaking engagements are anything but dry. With a perfect blend of technical expertise and a dash of humor, he transforms complex IT topics into engaging narratives. Whether it’s discussing application packaging and virtualization, exploring the depths of System Center Configuration Manager, or demystifying the latest in Windows 365 and VDI, Kevin connects with audiences of all backgrounds. Beyond the stage, Kevin is a dedicated consultant and thought leader. He’s currently driving projects such as transitioning a major retailer from corporate-owned devices to a BYOD approach, implementing enterprise mobility strategies for mid-sized companies, and spearheading innovative SaaS solutions to extend Intune capabilities. In addition to his technical pursuits, Kevin is a passionate community builder—serving as the vice president of the Calgary Microsoft User Group and co-founding the Canadian Workplace Ninjas. Through his blog, speaking engagements, and hands-on work, Kevin Kaminski continues to inspire and educate the IT community, making the ever-evolving world of technology both accessible and exciting.
49 Posts
Rick Vanover
The Rickatron. Rick Vanover works for Veeam, loves Microsoft and cloud technologies and likes to fiddle and learn.
36 Posts
Steve Labeau
With a robust foundation of over thirty years in the Information Technology industry, a specialized degree in Systems Analysis, and the honor of serving as a United States Navy veteran, my career has been a testament to dedication, continuous learning, and leadership. My journey through the realms of technology and service has endowed me with a unique perspective on problem-solving, team collaboration, and driving innovation in fast-paced environments. My tenure in the IT field began after my service in the Navy, where I not only defended my country but also cultivated a strong sense of discipline, adaptability, and teamwork. These virtues have been the cornerstone of my professional life, especially as I transitioned into the civilian workforce, leveraging the analytical skills and technological interest sparked during my service. Holding a degree in Systems Analysis has allowed me to understand and optimize complex IT infrastructures, ensuring they not only meet current demands but are also scalable for future challenges. This educational background, combined with hands-on experience, has enabled me to contribute effectively to every organization I've been part of, from executing detailed system analyses to leading large-scale technology projects. Throughout my career, I have remained at the forefront of the technology evolution, embracing changes and spearheading initiatives that harness the latest in tech to solve real-world problems. My roles have ranged from system design and analysis to strategic IT management, where I've had the privilege of leading talented teams towards achieving collective goals, all while maintaining a laser focus on operational excellence and strategic innovation. Leadership for me has meant more than guiding teams; it has been about mentoring the next generation of IT professionals, sharing the wisdom gained from my experiences, and fostering an environment where curiosity and innovation flourish. I am passionate about not only meeting the technological needs of today but anticipating those of tomorrow, preparing organizations to face the future confidently. As I look forward to the next chapters in my professional journey, I am excited about the opportunities to leverage my extensive experience, technical expertise, and leadership skills to continue making a significant impact in the IT domain. I am committed to not just keeping pace with the digital transformation but being a proactive contributor to it.
30 Posts