The objective of the MVP awards is to ‘create an elite group of technical community leaders from around the world who foster the free and objective exchange of knowledge by actively sharing their real world expertise with users and Microsoft.’

Through Intergen, Mark was able to become actively involved in the Microsoft SharePoint beta program, which, he says, “Gave me (and Intergen) a great head start on the new platform.” This involvement led to opportunities to become a Touchdown trainer for Microsoft within the Office 2007 beta program, the opportunity to present at TechEd 2006 and the chance to help start a local Wellington SharePoint User Group.

“Through these activities, I have been able to grow my knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint 2007 and share this with the Microsoft community in New Zealand, and that is what being an MVP is all about,” Mark says.

He looks forward to the numerous growth opportunities this award presents. “Mostly this will provide me with further opportunities and channels to grow and share knowledge about Microsoft SharePoint with other MVPs and the SharePoint community. It will give me an inside channel into the Microsoft SharePoint space, giving me early access to new initiatives coming out of Microsoft,” Mark says.

Mark Orange joins the ranks of two other MVPs within Intergen, and one Microsoft Regional Director.