Interview with Thomas Maurer
Cloud Architect | itnetX
Tell us a few things about yourself. Where did you study, where do you work?
My name is Thomas Maurer I work as a Cloud Architect for itnetX, a consulting and engineering company based in Switzerland. We are focused on Microsoft Cloud Technology such as Windows Server, Hyper-V, System Center, OMS and Microsoft Azure. Before I started to work for itnetX I worked for a service provider in Switzerland and was responsible for the Microsoft Hosting environment. I studied at the HF ICT and I am also doing a Master of Advanced Studies in Business Engineering and Management. I also have the plan do study something new this summer, but I haven’t decided yet, maybe psychology or art 😉
What is your typical day at work?
Well if there would just be a typical day at work. I am lucky I can work for such a great company which lets there employees improve in the way they want. For me every single day is different and brings a lot of change and learnings with it. Normally I visit customers and work with them in workshops for their Datacenter and Cloud designs, help hour sales team in presales or do presentations at Microsoft events and communities all over the world, which is awesome. I also have the opportunity to work close with the Microsoft teams in Redmond, and test and learn about new solutions.
What inspired you to be active in the community?
In IT you have to learn every single day and being part of a community is not just a lot of fun, it also really helps you connect to others and learn with them. It is always to meet different people at events or online and share knowledge.
“
In IT you have to learn every single day and being part of a community is not just a lot of fun, it also really helps you connect to others and learn with them.
“
“
You don’t have to write the Apps or Websites, but understanding and be able to write code, does really make a difference.
“
Are there any things you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
The only thing I did regret is that I didn’t knew that programming is not only for developers, it’s also help full for IT Pros and it gets more and more important right now. You don’t have to write the Apps or Websites, but understanding and be able to write code, does really make a difference.
Could you recommend some books, resources that young IT professionals might find useful?
There are some really good books out there, but since IT and technology is now changing so fast most of them are already outdated while the time they get printed. I really would recommend that you go online and get some online resources such as some community blogs or videos on the Microsoft Virtual Academy and Microsoft Channel9. Another source I use a lot is Twitter so you can get the fastest news and you always get the right links. Of course you can also visit my blog or follow me on Twitter 😉
What you do to “recharge your batteries”? What are your hobbies? Do you have time for them?
Well sure, I had to learn this as well, sometimes it is hard to find time. But if I have some time, I try to do sports or go out with friends, this really helps me to recharge. I learned that having good friends is really important, someone you can share everything or just helps you to clear your mind. I also started running, since this clears your head and you can basically do it everywhere, even when you are traveling.
If you could go back in time and choose a different profession (outside of IT), what would it be?
Psychologist 🙂
What do you think about ITCamp, and what brings you here?
Well the first time I heard about it was from Tudor. I only have heard good things about it and how great the community event is. And when I saw that they were looking for speakers I just had to apply. It will also be my first time in Romania and I am really looking forward to it.
“
I only have heard good things about it [ITCamp] and how great the community event is
“