Writing

Bye, Facebook (for now)Curious about the real impact of stepping away from social media, I share my experience deactivating Facebook to reclaim mental clarity and reduce anxiety. While I initially feared missing out, I discovered that meaningful connections thrive through direct communication rather than endless scrolling, allowing me to invest my energy more intentionally.

productivityJanuary 9, 2019

On writing booksAlthough many peers dismiss writing books as an obsolete endeavor in the age of digital media, I argue that the process offers significant professional and personal benefits. By mapping out my own experiences and motivations, I demonstrate how crafting a book forces deeper research, creates timeless content, and serves as a powerful professional tool that concise blogs or podcasts often cannot match.

productivityJanuary 7, 2019

Hello, iPhone! (and bye, Android)Discover my personal journey from being a loyal Android user to switching to the iPhone XS Max after years of using Nokia and Windows devices. I explain how a combination of tech conference inspiration and Android fatigue led to this major change, along with my initial impressions after living with the iPhone for three months.

macosJanuary 3, 2019

Building a simple and secure DNS updater for Azure DNS with PowerShellIf you struggle with managing dynamic IP addresses at home, you might find my experience building a custom DNS updater useful. I decided to automate the process of updating my Azure DNS records using PowerShell, turning a small, persistent annoyance into a practical solution. This post shares how I leveraged modern cloud tools to solve a common connectivity issue in a simple and secure way.

azureJune 15, 2018

Managing your costs in Microsoft Azure with Sharegate's OvercastDiscover how to effectively transition from traditional capital expenditures to optimized operational costs in Microsoft Azure by leveraging modern governance strategies. I share insights on identifying underutilized resources and implementing automated scaling solutions through Sharegate's Overcast to ensure your cloud infrastructure remains cost-efficient without manual intervention.

azureJune 12, 2018

Thoughts on Microsoft ❤ GitHub announcementWith Microsoft’s $7.5 billion acquisition of GitHub making headlines, I dive into the prevailing skepticism surrounding the deal by examining Microsoft’s past acquisitions. Contrary to common fears that Microsoft ruins the platforms it buys, I argue that services like Skype, LinkedIn, and Minecraft have actually improved or found new value under its stewardship.

azureJune 4, 2018

Thoughts on Always Connected PCs from the Microsoft and Qualcomm partnershipAs someone with unlimited mobile data, I initially questioned the necessity of Always Connected PCs, but my recent visit to Microsoft Build 2018 shifted my focus toward their impressive 22-hour battery life and lightweight design. I discuss the limited current market options, specifically the HP Envy x2 and Asus NovaGo, and share my concerns regarding their hardware specifications and availability.

windowsMay 10, 2018

I feel bad for not paying for quality software - so I made a small donationAs a lifelong IT professional, I felt compelled to finally express gratitude to the developers of the free tools I rely on by making a small donation. To determine which applications truly deserve this support, I used PowerShell to analyze my installed software and usage patterns, ensuring my contribution went to the right places.

windowsMay 7, 2018

Using Logitech BRIO 4K webcam with Windows HelloIf you are looking to streamline your remote work setup, I explain how I finally enabled Windows Hello on my home workstation after years of using it on my laptop. I share my experience selecting the Logitech BRIO 4K webcam as the ideal solution for convenient, secure facial recognition login at my desk.

windowsMay 2, 2018

My favorite features with Windows 10 April 2018 updateIf you are curious about how the new Timeline feature in Windows 10 actually performs, this post shares my hands-on experience testing the April 2018 update on my personal devices. I discuss my setup using the Insider program and detail how Timeline works for syncing work history across multiple PCs, noting that its full potential depends on your specific account configuration.

windowsApril 30, 2018

I am speaking at SharePoint Saturday Netherlands in June!Join me as I share the excitement of returning to SharePoint Saturday Netherlands in June to present a refreshed talk on Microsoft Azure and Office 365 security. I’ll also recount fond memories from my first appearance in 2016 and tease my plans for exploring Vianen and Utrecht with my sister.

sharepointMay 10, 2017

Microsoft Regional DirectorHaving spent decades immersed in Microsoft technologies and recently honored with the MVP award, I decided to share my unexpected journey into accepting the Microsoft Regional Director role in 2017. I aim to clarify what this prestigious but unpaid position truly entails, especially for those curious about how it complements my continued work as a CTO and speaker.

azureApril 21, 2017

Embracing the future: Integrating SharePoint Portal Server 2001 with Microsoft Azure FunctionsI’m sharing my recent approach to creating meaningful, demo-driven presentations for the Microsoft Cloud Summit, where I combined PowerApps, Flow, and Azure Functions. By focusing on building reusable demos rather than live-coding, I aim to deepen my own understanding of these technologies while providing lasting value to my audience.

sharepointJanuary 26, 2017

Teams, Teams, Teams!I invite you to explore my hands-on experience with Microsoft Teams immediately after its announcement, including how I rapidly deployed it within my small company. I detail the surprisingly smooth setup process and compare Teams against our existing stack of Yammer, Slack, WhatsApp, and Skype for Business to illustrate its potential for unifying workplace communications.

microsoft teamsNovember 3, 2016

Configuring Synology to synchronize with Microsoft AzureI share my experience configuring a Synology NAS to synchronize with Microsoft Azure and Dropbox, highlighting how this setup provides robust, local access to cloud-stored files. By detailing the hardware specifications and Cloud Sync settings used in my home lab, I demonstrate how this affordable solution offers reliable redundancy and seamless data management for both personal and professional use.

azureJuly 8, 2016

I'm renewed as Microsoft MVP!I am thrilled to share that I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP for the third year, recognizing my expertise in Office Servers and Services. In this post, I reflect on a busy year of speaking engagements and publications, celebrate the supportive global community I have built, and look forward to future plans after a well-deserved break.

certificationsJuly 4, 2016

Thoughts from beta certification exam 70-339: Managing SharePoint 2016If you are considering taking the SharePoint 2016 beta certification, my recent experience offers practical insights into the exam structure and question styles. I share my observations on the mix of case studies, multiple-choice, and drag-and-drop questions, noting specific frustrations with vague scenarios and the inability to revisit previous answers. Despite these challenges and some outdated content, I leave with a positive impression of the exam's overall relevance to real-world requirements.

sharepointJune 20, 2016

My checklist for speaking at conferences and eventsDiscover my essential checklist for surviving the hectic schedules and technical challenges of conference speaking, drawn from my year-long journey of presenting 30-to-60-minute talks outside my home country. I share practical advice on preparing your topic, licensing your materials for public sharing, and carrying the right adapters to ensure you can connect to any venue's hardware without issue.

sharepointJune 15, 2016

Thank you, SharePoint Saturday Netherlands 2016!I share my recent experience speaking at SharePoint Saturday Netherlands in 2016, highlighting the convenience of traveling from Schiphol and the joy of reconnecting with family in Utrecht. Alongside the professional highlights like testing the Microsoft HoloLens and attending a traditional pancake dinner, I reflect on how this trip provided a perfect break for catching up on reading before the summer holidays.

sharepointJune 13, 2016

Thank you, SharePoint Saturday Paris 2016!Join me as I share my experiences speaking at SharePoint Saturday Paris 2016, from navigating Charles de Gaulle airport to enjoying a riverboat dinner on the Seine. This post captures the humorous language barriers I faced with a taxi driver and my appreciation for the event organizers’ hospitality in the heart of Paris.

sharepointJune 2, 2016