Technology’s Best and Brightest

Each year, the Microsoft Corporation recognizes exceptional technical community leaders from across the globe who actively share their knowledge with others. This select group of experts are recognized as Microsoft’s Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs). Did you know that we have two of these prestigious awardees at Lavasoft?

We’re proud to announce that Lavasoft researchers Dave ‘Atribune’ Nelson and Janie ‘Calamity Jane’ Whitty have, again this year, received Microsoft’s MVP award in Consumer Security.

Janie Whitty, Lavasoft’s Support Forums administrator, was first named as an MVP in 2003, marking her fifth consecutive MVP award for her community work in PC security and assisting others in malware removal. Dave Nelson, a Lavasoft malware analyst, has been named as an MVP since 2006, making this his third consecutive year recognized for his online work in malware removal and computer help forums.

What does it mean to be a Microsoft MVP? “The Microsoft MVP Award recognizes exceptional technical community leaders from around the world who voluntarily share their high quality, real world expertise with others. Microsoft MVPs are a highly select group of experts representing technology's best and brightest who share a deep commitment to community and a willingness to help others,” according to Microsoft.

And a select group they truly are. There are over 100 million participants in technical communities around the world but, of these participants, there are fewer than 4,000 active Microsoft MVPs, according to Microsoft.

In order to be selected for MVP stature, peers, Microsoft employees, and MVPs nominate members of the technical community whose work they would like to recognize. Next, a panel of Microsoft employees reviews the nominees for quality, quantity, and impact level on the technical community. Active MVPs receive the same stringent review process as new nominees.

We’re happy to have these dedicated researchers – Calamity Jane and Atribune, as you may know them – on our team, committed to fighting the malware battle. And if you are among the many that have benefited from their guidance and expertise, we’re sure you’ll feel the same.

To find out more about Microsoft’s MVP program or to see a full list of this year’s awardees, visit the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional website.