VMware : Attention VMware SMEs! New Swag on the Horizon

Our new world of virtual events and conference calls has created a gap: no swag! I never thought it would be possible to run out of pens and sticky notes, but as the new year kicks off, I find my office supplies dwindling. And that level of swag doesn't even begin to cover the neat things that I'm used to hauling home from VMworld and other VMware-sponsored events. I'm excited to announce that you no longer have to live without VMware swag! We have a new rewards program to fill the void.

The VMware certification program is one of the best in the world. One of the main reasons for our success is our subject matter experts (SMEs) who volunteer countless hours toward creating world-class exams.

The VMware Education Contributor Program is our official way to recognize and incentivize these IT professionals. This year, we'll evolve the program with VMware-branded merchandise. Each time a VMware SME contributes to a development project, they'll earn points. Just like your favorite airline or similar rewards program, these points accumulate to unlock new levels. With each higher level, better rewards and swag are available to you.

The good news is that some of you are not starting a zero! In the coming weeks, we'll notify SMEs who have already met points requirements and provide instructions on how to redeem their points. Rewards are offered in four levels and are as follows:

• Level 1: 5,000 points
• Level 2: 10,000 points
• Level 3: 25,000 points
• Level 4: 50,000 points

VMware is excited to assign almost 100 people to Level 1 alone! With more opportunities to contribute and earn more points, SMEs can view their current points status through the program microsite.

Curious about the kind of swag you'll be able to earn? Here's a sample of some of the swag available for levels one and two - with new merchandise to come.

This new merchandise is offered at no charge to volunteer SMEs. These gifts are on top of the already-existing exam voucher reward, awarded at the different levels.

• Level 1: VCTA exam voucher
• Level 2: VCP exam voucher
• Level 3: VCAP exam voucher
• Level 4: VCDX application voucher

Did you know that's approximately valued over US$1,200 to our highest contributing SMEs? This is a part of our sincere thank you to all our SMEs who dedicate their experience to VMware! We are so grateful for the work you do to help craft our certification exams.

Interested in joining the VMware Education Contributor Program and earning swag? Sign up for the VMware Education Contributor Program and stay tuned for new opportunities.