Name: Magnus Edh

Twitter Handle: @vTerahertz

Current Employer: VMware

VCDX #: 140

How did you get into using VMware?

I started working with VI3 back in 2008. We were looking for a new way of deploying servers for internal use but also for our customers as the number of physical servers was growing fast, but the rack space remained the same.

What made you decide to do the VCDX?

It was a personal challenge for me, to see if I had what it took to reach that kind of level. I also saw it also as a great learning experience as I knew that a lot of different areas needed to be covered in depth.

How long did it take you to complete the whole VCDX journey?

From start to finish it took around 10 months. And in parallel of doing the VCDX design I was also studying for both the VCAP-DCA and DCD exams, which in itself, was a challenging task. So in the end there was a lot for writing, a lot of reading, a lot of thinking, some sleeping, and a lot of preparation/mock defences for the main defence.

What advice would you give to people thinking of pursuing the VCDX accreditation?

Follow the blueprint, know all the “why” in your design, and say “Yes, I can!”

If you could do the whole VCDX journey again what would you do differently?

I would not do the VCAPs or the equivalent certifications at the same time when preparing a VCDX design that’s for sure.

Life after the VCDX?  How did your company respond?  Was it worth it?

A nice change after I got my number was that I didn’t need to set an early alarm clock on the weekends any more. And it was a very interesting feeling to know that I was the second VCDX in the Nordic. Was it worth it? Oh yes, it was absolutely worth it, every minute I spend doing it. You learn so much during the journey and quickly realize that it never stops.