MVP Profile – Philip Elder

Philip has been involved with Small Business Server since the BackOffice SBS 4.x days. He has worked in the SMB market for most of his I.T career. With the advent of SBS 2003, the SMB market became the primary focus due to the SBS 2003 feature set providing the best possible value to SMBs.

In 2003, Monique and Philip Elder started MPECS Inc. with the company’s primary market focus being the 5-35 seat market. Solutions provided to MPECS Inc. clients were based around Microsoft software products such as Small Business Server, Windows Server, Microsoft desktop OSs including Windows XP and Windows Vista, and Microsoft Office products.

With knowledge comes responsibility.

It is with that thought in mind that Monique and Philip decided that Philip should start sharing that knowledge via a blog in January of 2007. The blog has led to many online and in-person SBS presentations as well as written articles online, in magazines, and now an SBS 2008 book: SBS 2008 Blueprint via SMB Nation Press (2008).

1. If you could ask Steve Ballmer one question about Microsoft, what would it be?
   • What do you like and dislike about your job at Microsoft?
2. What do you think the best software ever written was?
   • Tough question as there are so many software products over the years that do so many great things for us.
     • Tools: Everest Pro.
     • Productivity: Office 2007 Professional or Enterprise (like that Groove!).
     • Server: SBS 2008.
     • Desktop OS: Windows Vista (check out the blog posts!)
3. If you were the manager of SBS, what would you change?
   • We would look at a second Premium SKU for the second server to act as a Terminal Server with TS CALs included instead of SQL and SQL CALs.
4. What are the best features/improvements of SBS?
   • By far, the best improvement in SBS is the Remote Web Workplace. Having the ability to manage who can access what down to the minutest of details really helps.
   • TS RemoteApps via RWW is also a cool new feature.
   • Group Policy tied to Windows Vista is a close second.
5. What was the last book you read?
   • Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks. It was okay.
6. What music CD do you recommend?
   • “Good For Me” Above & Beyond Featuring Zoë Johnston.
7. What makes you a great MVP?
   • Judging by the feedback I receive from those I work within our local community but also abroad, my ability to listen, assess, and contribute to the I.T. and other needs of the community.
8. What is in your computer bag?
   • SysInternals tools, ShadowProtect I.T. Edition, 200GB 7200RPM 2.5” external USB drive with the necessary service packs TechNet disk content and drivers, set of Snap-On screwdrivers, hand tool set including pliers and side cutters, cables, and a miscellaneous kit.
9. What is the best thing that has happened since you have become an MVP?
   • Not sure about the best thing as there have been a number of things that have happened that are pretty cool. One of the best things that does come to mind is being tied into the SBS MVP group via the SBS MVP newsgroup run by Susan Bradley. The group is pretty tight and supportive.
10. What is your motto?
    • To have Loved and to have been Loved is the best way to go.
11. Who is your hero?
    • In Business: Clive Bedoe, former President and CEO of West Jet.
    • In Life: My wife Monique. She is an absolutely amazing woman.
12. What does success mean to you?
    • The appreciative smile on a client’s face and the occasional thank you. Long term business relationships that span over 10 years now!