Tell us who you are?
My name is Kostas Pantos and I’m a software Architect currently starting my own software company in Greece www.techaholics.gr. Over the past years I’ve worked for a number of large companies in Greece and was involved in developing cutting-edge software always using the latest technology (ASP.NET, AJAX, Silverlight, WPF, Linq, EF and so on) in order to build wow experiences. I really enjoy speaking about technology and have talked in a number of Microsoft and community related events. Finally I’m an active member of the Greek developers’ community and enjoy helping fellow developers solve their technical issues.

Tell us about your MVP history, when were you first awarded?
I was first awarded on April of 2007 and have managed to keep the award since then till today and hope that I’ll be able to keep it for the next couple of year as well

What do you do in order to keep up with latest tools and technologies?
I take advantage of all available resources, webcasts, tutorials, blog posts, books, magazines, conversations, technical samples and hands-on offered from various developer communities as well as interact and participate at various software development events and conferences.

What does being an MVP mean to you?
Being an MVP gives you the opportunity to reach and help people and the opportunity to interact closely with Microsoft Product Groups and other fellow developers

What do you do when you are not building software’s?
I’m rarely offline and off my keyboard but when I am, I really enjoy going to the movies, playing and watching Football (that is Soccer for our American friends ). I am a huge Olympiacos fan, so I like watching my team play. I love travelling and playing with my son. I’m also a big fun of photography so I regularly take small photography excursions.

If you could ask Steve Ballmer one question about Microsoft, what would it be?
Actually I would really like to know his opinion on a bunch of things but the first question that comes in my mind right now is “What’s your view on the future of web and what do you think about HTML 5 vs Silverlight vs Flash”?

Had a chance to attend “MVP Global Summit”? When and how was your experience?
Yes I had the chance to visit Seattle for the 2008 MVP Summit. It was probably the biggest moment of my professional career. For me it was a dream coming true. For 5 days I got the chance to visit Microsoft’s headquarters on Redmond, talk, exchange ideas and thoughts with some very bright people and got to see firsthand all the cool new things Microsoft was building as well as what’s it like working for Microsoft. I highly recommend it, if you haven’t been there and still have second thoughts, JUST GO!

What makes you a great MVP?
Oh… am I? Don’t want to brag so I’ll just leave that question to you

What you think about the MVP’s role in promoting technology in your region?
MVP’s are not just experts, but also Community Leaders that are leading User Groups and on-line communities and in that way promoting (and supporting!) Microsoft technology in the Region.

What is in your computer bag?
Laptop, power cord, glasses, mobile internet card (always online )

Who are your top 5 favorite MVPs?

• Shawn Wildermuth
• Oleg Sych
• Dave Campbell
• Laurent Bugnion

If you get a chance to suggest one conference in your region? What would it be and why?
I would definitely recommend DevReach an event held annually at Sofia. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money to visit TechEd but still want to hear all about the latest technologies from the greatest speakers from all around the world, that’s the place to be around October.

What is the best thing that has happened since you have become an MVP?
Getting the chance to visit Microsoft’s headquarters in Seattle was probably the best thing that happened to me since becoming an MVP.

Who are your top 5 technical experts in your professional circle (from your country)?

• Stelios Tzivakis
• Manolis Liossis
• Dimosthenis Stellakis
• Stavros Sotirchos
• Nikos Palladinos

Which was the last book you read?
Pro Silverlight 3 in C# by Matthew MacDonald

If there was one place you could travel to, right now, where would it be and why?
This time of year? Hmmm that’s easy either Seattle to catch the MVP Global Summit or Las Vegas for Mix 10.

How can one be a part of MVP Club? Any suggestions for them?
According to the MVP program, individuals are nominated for the MVP Award based on their contributions during the previous year to offline or online technical communities. So my two cent to those interested in becoming MVPs is read, learn, help others and participate to community activities as much as you can.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of MicrosoftFeed?
If you want something bad enough, the whole universe will conspire to help you achieve it.

Your contact information?

• MVP Profile Link – https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile=5FBDB6C6-C8F4-42A2-ADEF-60EE3B1BB5F1
• Blog / Website – http://blog.pantos.name / http://kostas.pantos.name
• Twitter – http://twitter.com/kpantos
• Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/konstantinos.pantos
• LinkedIn – http://gr.linkedin.com/in/konstantinospantos

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