I've had the pleasure of talking to Frank Arrigo, prominent blogger and the name of Microsoft here in Australia, for quite some time now and earlier this month I figured it was about time he spilled the beans to us Zealots.
I contacted Frank and asked him if he'd mind spending a few moments with an interview with me for CSharpZealot.com...oddly enough he agreed eventhough he's flat out these days.
I've always found Frank to be forthcoming, open and full of humour so it was good to throw some questions at him but one thing that's always come across is his passion for technology and foremost developers.
I'm sure part of Frank's reputation is earned in part to the contribution of his (almost) famous Meego:
Here's the result of the interview..enjoy
Frank Arrigo - http://blogs.msdn.com/frankarr
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm a dad, got 4 kids - Antony, Billy, Emma and Brice.
I'm a husband, been with Moira since 1988.
I'm a passionate one-eyed St. Kilda supporter.
I'm a geek, I love my technology.
I'm a child of the 60s, growing up in Melbourne
How long have you been with Microsoft?
I started with Microsoft on the 20th of May, 1991. I recently celebrated my 16 year anniversary.
What do you do at Microsoft?
My current role is that of Group Manager, in the Developer and Platform Evangelism Group, my team of Evangelists work with the local communities, which consist of Developers, Architects, IT Professionals, University Students and Faculty within independent Software Vendors (ISV), Universities, Partners and Customers.
What is the DPE team's goal?
We're change agents. We work with the local technical communities to help them adopt Microsoft new technologies AND we provide a channel for that community back into Microsoft.
How important is the IT/Development community to Microsoft?
Microsoft is a platform company. Our tools and technologies are only valuable when there is a vibrant developer ecosystem providing solutions using the technology.
What can we expect from the DPE team in 2007?
More of the same :) 2007 is a big year as we get ready for a number of new product launches - Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008. DPE will be looking for early adopters of these new technologies. Not to mention driving adoption of Silverlight and Expression.
Why do you blog?
I blog therefore I am!
If you were given the option to change one thing about Microsoft, what would it be?
Just one thing?? I would get myself a new work computer, as mine is almost 4 years old.
What is the greatest personal event of your life?
My kids. They Rock!
What is the greatest professional event of your life?
Being the first CTO for Ninemsn in 1997. Most of the technology decisions I made back then are still in play which makes me feel pretty good.
Would you say Microsoft would be where it is today if it wasn't for companies like Apple and Sun?
Microsoft is at its best when there is worthy challengers/competitors in the market.
Have you ever written a line of code?
What kind of question is that!! I have a computer science degree. My first 7 years in the industry I worked as a Programmer and then Analyst/Programmer. Once I started at Microsoft, I evolved into more of a weekend coder.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
Sitting at the MCG on the last Saturday of September cheering St Kilda's 4th consecutive premiership.
What makes you tick/bring your blood to boil?
People striving for mediocrity. I also don't "suffer fools gladly" and I don't have a poker face so the fools know when i'm suffering.
Would you call yourself a "morning" person?
Not really a morning person, but I have become one out of necessity. Those 4 kids need some motivation getting ready in the morning.
What do you do to relax or put your feet up?
Spend time with the kids and let them call the shots. Watch a good game of footy either on the telly, or get down to a game.
Have you ever owned a Macintosh?
NO!!!
What is your most prized possession?
Apart from my kids, it would have to be my Palm Treo 750.
Have you ever done something which you regret?
This interview.
If you could give a young IT Professiona/Developer a piece of advice, what would it be?
Don't get caught up in the technology religion wars. Pick the right tool for the job and focus on the result.
Here's a thanks to Frank for taking the time and for being a sport.
A few links if you're interested in more:
- http://flickr.com/photos/frankarr
- http://www.searchengineroom.com.au/frank-arrigo
- http://twitter.com/frankarr
- http://frankarr.spaces.live.com
- http://gdayworld.thepodcastnetwork.com/2005/02/05/on-the-pod-with-frank-arrigo/
- http://radio.weblogs.com/0124955/