IT/Dev Connections 2016 Speaker Highlight: Michael Wiley

Part of an ongoing series, we're highlighting the excellent speakers we have handpicked to present phenomenal and extremely valuable content at the IT/Dev Connections conference. Want more? Get the Insider’s Scoop About IT/Dev Connections 2016 on September 8!

This speaker highlight is Michael Wiley.

Michael's IT/Dev Connection sessions:

Recently, we asked Michael to give us a little information about himself. Here's what he shared:

ITDC: Give us a brief introduction to you.

Michael: I am a PFE with Microsoft who specializes in Powershell, DSC, Windows troubleshooting, and Azure.  I’m a regular technical presenter at local and regional events. Prior to working with Microsoft, I was a Microsoft MVP (VB.Net) and a software engineer for a variety of companies. I have spoken at devLink, TechFest, TechMentor, IT/Dev Connections, and numerous other events.  I also love building and starring in haunted houses!

ITDC: Describe the sessions you are presenting and why you feel the topic is important.

Michael: Writing Your Own Cmdlets in PowerShell – Without Compiling Code - All users of PowerShell are familiar with how to use cmdlets and finding parameters, using help, etc.  By making our own functions behave and act just like cmdlets, we are able to allow other PowerShell users to use our functions just like cmdlets, and not have to do a lot of research and digging.  It just works!

Azure Resource Manager (ARM) and PowerShell - As Azure is moving away from ASM to the ARM model, it’s becoming more and more important to understand the new cmdlets to help us use ARM (RBAC) more effectively.  This is the future of interacting with Azure.

ITDC: What should attendees expect to be able to take away from your sessions?

Michael: Writing Cmdlets – users can expect to see how easy it is to create their own cmdlets, and the advantage of doing that instead of writing functions.  This will definitely help in becoming more proficient in Powershell

ARM and PowerShell – users can expect to come away with a clearer understanding of how/why ARM is the preferred method in Azure, and how to effectively use the new cmdlets to control and maintain their public/private/hybrid cloud environments.

ITDC: What is your primary reason to be excited about IT/Dev Connections?

Michael: I love the depth of both IT Pro and Developer sessions.  Since more and more of us are doing both these days, I am very excited at events where I can learn from both sides.  I’m also excited to be able to show others how to use ARM and to create their own cmdlets. 

ITDC: What is the one key technology you believe is changing the technology industry right now?

Michael: Cloud and DSC.

ITDC: Assuming attendees want to know, what’s your favorite, non-technical hobby or pastime? What’s one thing that totally irks you.

Michael: I have a huge interest in both building and starring in haunted houses. 

IT/Dev Connections runs from October 10 – October 13, at the ARIA Resort in Las Vegas. IT/Dev Connections has been designed specifically for IT, DevOps, and Developers. You can read all about what IT/Dev Connections offers you HERE.

And, there's still time to register!  Here's some important resources to check out:

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Pre-conference Workshops

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