A Decade of Wow: My 10th Year as a Nutanix NTC in 2026

Here we go again—and this time, it’s a milestone. I am extremely honored to be selected as a Nutanix Technology Champion (NTC) program for 2026, marking my 10th consecutive year as part of this remarkable global community.

🔟 Years, 1️⃣ Commitment 🙅🏻‍♂️🙅🏻‍♀️

From my very first year as an NTC, to this moment a decade later, the journey has been nothing short of exciting. Always supported by the incredible Helient organization, the NTC program has given me far more than access to early product roadmaps and insider sessions—it’s given me a platform to collaborate, elevate others, and drive real impact in the enterprise tech world.

Nutanix describes this program as a celebration of excellence and innovation—and I couldn’t agree more. The 2026 NTC class announcement, again, underscores Nutanix’s commitment to recognizing contributors who shape the future of hybrid multicloud, security, and beyond.

🪞Looking Back: Reflections from the Journey 🤔

Over the years, I’ve documented this path:

Each of these years has brought new peers, deeper engagement, and a stronger sense of mission. Like others have recently shared, there’s a unique satisfaction in growing with the community.

🏘️ Community & Why It Still Matters 💜

The camaraderie of the NTC program is second to none.  At its core, being an NTC is about giving back: to customers, to colleagues, to community. It’s a role that demands technical sharpness, yes—but also selflessness, curiosity, and leadership. And as Nutanix pushes forward into AI, hybrid multicloud, and data resilience, the NTC community will continue to be at the leading edge of that momentum.

📈 Onward to 2026 🎊

As I begin this 10th year, I want to thank the entire Nutanix team, the NTC program leaders, and my fellow champions across the globe. I’m proud to wear the #NTC2026 badge and excited to keep building, sharing, and innovating together.

See you on the journey. ☁️
#NTC2026 #Nutanix

Nutanix .NEXT 2026 Chicago: Multicloud Innovation, AI-Driven Infrastructure, and the Future of Enterprise IT (and deep dish 🍕)

From CIOs and CFOs to Cloud Architects and Engineers, Nutanix .NEXT 2026 delivers the strategies, partner ecosystem, and announcements that will define the next decade of digital transformation.May be a graphic of text that says 'next NUTANIX April 7-9, 2026 Chicago, IL Save the Date for .NEXT 2026! Hybrid Multicloud Conference of the Year'When the enterprise technology world converges in Chicago this April, Nutanix .NEXT 2026 won’t just showcase product updates — it will continue to redefine how organizations think about infrastructure, cloud, and business outcomes. Against the backdrop of rapid AI adoption and accelerating multicloud complexity, Nutanix continues to position itself as the platform that unites strategy and execution. Expect bold announcements across multicloud orchestration, AI-driven automation, FinOps visibility, and data fabric intelligence that speak as much to the CFO’s ROI lens as to the cloud engineer’s day-to-day reality.

For Directors of Information Technology, and Chief Information, Innovation, Operating, or Financial Officers, .NEXT 2026 is about more than technology — it’s about building agility, resilience, and measurable value into every layer of the enterprise stack. And for Cloud Architects and Engineers, this is the place to be for hands-on insights into new integrations, automation frameworks, and partner-driven solutions that will accelerate deployments and simplify operations. Add in the partner ecosystem showcase — ISVs, hyperscalers, and integrators all demonstrating real-world multicloud wins — and you’ve got a blueprint for where enterprise IT is headed … Next. ☁️

Oh, and Chicago is also a pretty awesome city…with some great food!

Register HERE     

 

 

Nutanix .NEXT 2025: Convergence of Innovation, Insight, and Inspiration in Washington, D.C.

This week, Washington, D.C. played host to Nutanix .NEXT 2025, a premier gathering for IT professionals, cloud architects, and business leaders. The conference was a vibrant showcase of technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, all centered around the evolving landscape of hybrid multicloud computing.

Key Announcements and Innovations

Agentic AI Integration with NVIDIA
Nutanix unveiled the latest iteration of its Enterprise AI platform, emphasizing the integration of agentic AI capabilities. This advancement, in collaboration with NVIDIA’s NIM and NeMo frameworks, aims to streamline the deployment and management of AI models across diverse environments, enhancing automation and decision-making processes.

Strategic Partnership with Pure Storage
A significant highlight was the announcement of a partnership between Nutanix and Pure Storage. This collaboration is set to deliver a deeply integrated solution combining Nutanix’s Cloud Infrastructure with Pure Storage’s FlashArray technology. The joint offering is designed to support mission-critical workloads, providing scalability, security, and performance across hybrid cloud environments.

Introduction of Cloud Native AOS
Nutanix introduced Cloud Native AOS, a solution extending enterprise storage and data services to Kubernetes environments without the need for a hypervisor. This development facilitates the creation of portable, cloud-native applications with robust data resiliency, catering to modern application demands.

Engaging Sessions and Hands-On Experiences

The conference featured over 90 sessions and half a dozen hands-on labs, covering a spectrum of topics including AI and ML in the enterprise, cloud-native applications, and unified cloud management. Attendees had the opportunity to gain certifications, with courses like the Nutanix Certified Professional – Multicloud Infrastructure exam prep being particularly popular. Glad I obtained mine … on May 9 … 2023 😄.

Keynote sessions, including José Andrés and Evy Poumpouras were awesome and inspiring. A highlight was seeing and meeting Diana Kanter and getting a signed copy of her book – all while attending her session and getting lots of real life inspiration and vision – not only from her, but also from Snoop Dogg.

Atmosphere and Networking

Beyond the technical sessions, .NEXT 2025 fostered an atmosphere conducive to networking and collaboration. The event included breakfastsand networking receptions, and a grand celebration, providing attendees with ample opportunities to connect with peers, industry experts, and thought leaders.

Looking Ahead

Nutanix .NEXT 2025 underscored the company’s commitment to simplifying hybrid multicloud operations and advancing AI integration. The announcements and collaborations revealed during the conference signal a forward-thinking approach, positioning Nutanix as a pivotal player in the evolving IT landscape.

For those who couldn’t attend, the insights and developments from .NEXT 2025 are a testament to the exciting directions in which enterprise IT is heading. Look out for .NEXT on Tour – https://www.nutanix.com/next/on-tour.

And next year, Chicago 🏙️ – April 2026! ✈️ ☁️

Celebrating 9 Years as a Nutanix NTC in 2025 🎉

As I reflect on my journey with the Nutanix Technology Champion (NTC) program, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and pride to be celebrating my 9th consecutive year as an NTC in 2025. Each year has brought unique challenges, growth opportunities, and connections that have profoundly shaped my professional and personal life.

The NTC Program: A Catalyst for Innovation

The Nutanix Technology Champion program has always been about more than just recognition. It’s a vibrant community of IT professionals, thought leaders, and innovators dedicated to driving excellence in enterprise cloud technology. The 2025 group of select individuals, as highlighted in the official announcement here, is a testament to the program’s mission to empower individuals who push boundaries and elevate the industry.

Looking back at my earlier posts in 2022, 2023, and 2024, the recurring themes have been collaboration, learning, and sharing insights. The NTC program has given me access to exclusive training, early insights into Nutanix solutions, and, most importantly, a community of peers who inspire me every day.

The NTC program has given me so much. Here are just a few of the things I’ve gained from my experience:

  • Technical Expertise: The NTC program has helped me stay up-to-date on the latest Nutanix technologies. Through exclusive training and resources, I’ve been able to deepen my knowledge of Nutanix products and solutions.
  • Community Involvement: The NTC program has connected me with a global community of Nutanix enthusiasts and experts. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with other NTCs on a variety of projects, and I’ve learned a great deal from their experiences.
  • Recognition and Rewards: Being an NTC has given me a sense of accomplishment and recognition. I’m proud to be part of this elite group of Nutanix experts.
  • Influence and Advocacy: The NTC program has given me a platform to share my knowledge and expertise with others. I’ve had the opportunity to speak at conferences, write blog posts, and participate in other industry events.

Highlights from the 2025 Cohort

The 2025 NTC program promises another exciting year of collaboration and innovation. This year’s focus on hybrid multicloud strategies and AI-driven solutions aligns perfectly with the evolving needs of enterprises. I’m particularly thrilled about the opportunities to:

  • Collaborate with a global network of experts.
  • Gain early access to Nutanix’s cutting-edge technologies.
  • Contribute to shaping the future of enterprise IT.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

As I step into my 9th year, I am filled with gratitude for the mentors, peers, and Nutanix teams who have supported me throughout this journey. The NTC program has not only expanded my technical expertise but also deepened my commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative IT community.

To my fellow 2025 NTCs: Congratulations! You’re in for an incredible experience. Let’s make this a year of groundbreaking innovation, impactful collaboration, and unwavering support for the Nutanix ecosystem.

And to anyone aspiring to join the NTC program in the future: Remember, the application period typically opens in October. It’s never too early to start actively engaging with the Nutanix community, sharing your knowledge, and building your expertise.

Here’s to another year of learning, sharing, growing, and driving change together. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey—I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish in 2025!

Cheers to the Nutanix Technology Champions program! 🍻

Nutanix NTC Tech Summit – October 2024!

An opportunity to connect with other 2024 Nutanix Technology Champions?
– Always a pleasure at Nutanix .NEXT and online via Slack. 💜

But…an opportunity to connect with other NTCs, but this time AT Nutanix Headquarters, in San Jose, CA?
Absolutely! 🙅🏻‍♀️

Nutanix announced the upcoming NTC Tech Summit (NTCTS 🤷🏻‍♂️), happening onsite at Nutanix HQ in San Jose, California. This is an exclusive 1.5-day opportunity to connect with the brightest minds in the Nutanix community to converge, collaborate, and exchange cutting-edge ideas, insights, and innovations that will shape the future of technology and delve deep with hands-on experience into the future of hybrid multicloud. ☁️

More Than Just a Summit, It’s a Community Celebration 🥳

The NTC Tech Summit is more than just a learning opportunity; it’s a celebration of the vibrant and global Nutanix community. It’s a chance to connect with the individuals who share passion for innovation and commitment to excellence. The summit is packed with opportunities for learning, networking, and exchanging innovative strategies with fellow NTCs and Nutanix experts. 🌎

Here are some of the key highlights:

  • Engaging sessions with Nutanix experts and product roadmaps. 🤐
  • Interactive hands-on labs and demos. 👨🏻‍💻
  • Nutanix engineering, product manager, and NTC networking! 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽
  • Community collaboration 🍻
  • A sneak-peak, NDA, look into Nutanix xxxxxxxxx v2.0 🤫🤨

This event embodies the spirit of the NTC program—a vibrant, engaged community committed to advancing technology. 🔮

I look forward to seeing many of you in San Jose, where ideas become innovations, and the future of technology continues to unfold! ✈️

Nutanix Technology Champions (NTC) – 2024!! 🏅

Nutanix just announced their selection of the upcoming year’s 2024 Nutanix Technology Champions (NTC).

Another year, another December – when I am truly honored to be included in this year’s groups of very elite and intelligent individuals. This is now my 8th consecutive year being part of the NTC program and I could not be more appreciative to be part of this amazing community!

I look forward to a year of collaboration and community, and the ability to return to in-person events, such as the Nutanix Global Tech Summit 🎰👨🏻‍💻 and, hopefully, Nutanix .NEXT! 🇪🇸

HYCU VIP Night With the Red Sox!

Sending a shout out to the HYCU, Inc. team for an incredible customer event yesterday in Boston! From roadmaps and demos to soliciting customer feedback, #HYCU is a company that cares about its customers! 💜

Mother nature’s 2-hour rain delay meant 2 additional hours spent with great customers, and great HYCUians (🤷🏻‍♂️)

Thanks to the Boston Red Sox for hosting the event, the tour, the suite, and a W! ⚾️

Thanks to everyone for putting this awesome event together! 🟪

Nutanix Technology Champions – 2023!

Nutanix just announced their selection of the 2023 Nutanix Technology Champions (NTC).

Once again,  I am proud to have been selected to this year’s groups of very elite and intelligent individuals. This is my 7th year in a row being part of the NTC program and I could not be more appreciative to be part of this amazing community!

I look forward to a year of collaboration and community, and the ability to return to in-person events, such as the Nutanix Global Tech Summit and Nutanix .NEXT!

Nutanix Technology Champions 2023 Applications are Open!

Nutanix is pleased to announce that applications are now open for Nutanix Technology Champions (NTC) for 2023 calendar year candidates!

https://bit.ly/NutanixNTC2023Applications 🤓
* The deadline if applying is coming quickly – November 4, 2022, at midnight PST. 🕛

If you feel you have what it takes to be an expert and champion with Nutanix – including being an active community participant, a technology evangelist, and a collaborative knowledge leader – Apply Today! ✍🏻

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You can reference my post from last year (2022) on becoming a 6th consecutive year member of the awesome Nutanix NTC Program!
https://wheredidireadthat.online/2021/12/19/nutanix-technology-champion-2022/ 

Good luck to all!

Nutanix Life Cycle Manager (LCM) 2.5 Released – GPU Support!

Nutanix has just released the long-awaited Life Cycle Manager (LCM) 2.5 version.

What is Nutanix LCM?

Nutanix LCM is the infrastructure framework that upgrades Nutanix software and component firmware on Nutanix cloud platforms.

Rather than manually installing one component at a time, LCM efficiently inventories and programmatically handles the deployment dependencies and order of operations for upgrades.

../images/TN-2122-Nutanix-Upgrades_image1.png

LCM can handle upgrades such as:

  • On Prism Element (Per Cluster) – LCM supports AOS, AHV, Prism, Files, Foundation, and component firmware.
  • On Prism Central/Nutanix Cloud Manager (Centralized Management) – LCM supports the native Nutanix offerings for PC/NCM. such as Files, Objects, Karbon, and Calm.
  • Hardware vendor-specific firmware upgrades for appliances from Nutanix (NX), Lenovo, HPE, Fujitsu, Dell, Inspur and Intel.../images/TN-2122-Nutanix-Upgrades_image2.png

For a good read on “How Upgrades Work at Nutanix”, please refer to this link to understand possible implications to downtime (spoiler alert: None! 😯), performance impacts, order and compatibility –  https://bit.ly/HowNutanixUpgradesWork

On September 21, 2022, Nutanix release Life Cycle Manager Version 2.5. 🥳
– Release Notes – https://bit.ly/NutanixLCM25

In addition to dozens of fixed and improved issues, Nutanix introduced a New Feature that should make the VDI/EUC community jump for joy: 😎

GPU support
LCM 2.5 adds inventory and update support for NVIDIA GRID drivers for GPU cards. For details on using LCM with NVIDIA GRID drivers, see the Life Cycle Manager Guide.

Upgrading NVIDIA GRID drivers traditionally required a very delicate upgrade process, ensuring that the guest and host driver were compatible. Then, complex CLI commands were required to upgrade the AHV host driver, one host at a time.

Not any longer! Now, LCM 2.5 will – in a single reboot – auto-uninstall the old driver, install the new driver, all while vGPU VMs are transparently live migrated to other nodes during the upgrade process.

No user downtime ✅
Automation and operational efficiency ✅

Here is the NEW way to update your Nutanix AHV Host NVIDIA GRID Drivers:
https://portal.nutanix.com/page/documents/details?targetId=Life-Cycle-Manager-Guide-v2_5:top-lcm-ngd-update-t.html

  1. Customers should download the vGPU AHV host driver bundle from the Nutanix Portal
    *Manually downloading drivers from NVIDIA is still required for EULA compliance reasons.
  2. Upload the NVIDIA bundle via Direct Uploads on each Nutanix Cluster where AHV GPU host drivers are required.
  3. Perform an LCM inventory and proceed

Much better!