If you haven't already filled out an application to try and become a 2012 VMware vExpert or if you haven't already nominated someone else for this honor, good news -- there is still time.  However, the clock is ticking and time is running out.  You have until March 15th to do so.

What is the VMware vExpert award?   

The annual VMware vExpert title is given to individuals who have significantly contributed to the community of VMware users over the past year. The title is awarded to individuals (not employers) for their commitment to sharing their knowledge and passion for VMware technology above and beyond their job requirements.

And this year, VMware is doing something a little bit different.  They've created three different paths to become a VMware vExpert.  They are:

• Evangelist Path - The Evangelist Path includes book authors, bloggers, tool builders, public speakers, and other IT professionals who share their knowledge and passion with others with the leverage of a personal public platform to reach many people. Employees of VMware can also apply via the Evangelist path.
• Customer Path - The Customer Path is for internal evangelists and community leaders from VMware customer organizations. They have contributed to success stories, customer references, or public interviews and talks, or were active community contributors, such as VMUG leaders.
• VPN (VMware Partner Network) Path - The VPN Path is for employees of our partner companies who lead with passion and by example, who are committed to continuous learning and to making their technical knowledge and expertise available to many. This can take shape of event participation, video, IP generation, as well as public speaking engagements.
  

Some of the benefits to the VMware vExpert program include:

• Public recognition of the vExpert award with a certificate, gift, permission to display a logo, and inclusion in any public vExpert listing
• Access to a private vExpert community of your peers
• Free subscription to conference session materials on VMworld.com
• Access to exclusive events, beta programs, software licenses, and other exclusive opportunities to participate in activities with VMware. vExperts do not represent VMware and are not required to participate in any activities

I'm proud to say, I was honored with the VMware vExpert award in 2009, 2010 and 2011.  And this year, we received these fantastic items:  a vExpert award certificate, a metal VMware vExpert luggage tag and a wonderful VMware vExpert branded bag, all seen below.

Click here to find out more about the vExpert 2012 program and nomination form: http://communities.vmware.com/vexpert.jspa