diff --git a/blog/2025-09-24-JamiePell-committer/Banner.png b/blog/2025-09-24-JamiePell-committer/Banner.png new file mode 100644 index 000000000..8dd0a5905 Binary files /dev/null and b/blog/2025-09-24-JamiePell-committer/Banner.png differ diff --git a/blog/2025-09-24-JamiePell-committer/index.md b/blog/2025-09-24-JamiePell-committer/index.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..b5d6f300e --- /dev/null +++ b/blog/2025-09-24-JamiePell-committer/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,94 @@ +--- +layout: post +title: New ACS Committer, Jamie Pell gives his thoughts on the current state of the project +tags: [community] +authors: [ivet] +slug: jamie-pell-committer +--- + +![](Banner.png "Blog Header Image") + + +[Jamie Pell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-pell/) has been +appointed as a Committer to the CloudStack project. In this written +interview, he shares insights into his contributions beyond code, +offers advice for newcomers looking to get involved, discusses the +value of companies sharing their CloudStack use cases, and more. + + + +##### Introduce yourself in a few words and what your job role/company is + +Hi, I'm Jamie. I work as the Digital Marketing Lead at +[ShapeBlue](https://www.shapeblue.com/), the world's largest +integrator of [Apache CloudStack technologies and a well-known name +within the CloudStack community. In my role, I lead a range of digital +initiatives including content creation (both video and written), +social media strategy, web design and development, SEO, and end-to-end +digital marketing campaigns. I’m also very involved in supporting and +promoting the wider CloudStack community, applying the same expertise +to help drive awareness and growth to the project. + + +##### What are some key projects and developments you have worked on and are currently working on? + +A project which I finished earlier this year was the new [CloudStack +Collaboration Conference](https://www.cloudstackcollab.org/) website, +leading the project end to end. The goal was to deliver a modern, +user-friendly site that better reflects the scale and significance of +the conference, the most important event in the CloudStack +calendar. Updating the design was especially important, as the event +continues to grow in size and interest each year, and the website +serves as the first point of contact for attendees, sponsors, and the +wider community. + +Much of my current work is focused on upcoming events, such as this +year’s [CloudStack Collaboration +Conference](https://www.cloudstackcollab.org/). My responsibilities +cover the full event cycle. From promoting registrations and the call +for presentations, securing sponsorships, onboarding new sponsors and +coordinating on-site arrangements to ensure everything runs smoothly +throughout the event. + + +##### Beyond writing code, what other forms of contribution would most benefit the CloudStack project? + +One of the most noticeable needs in the CloudStack community today is +ensuring that the project website is consistently updated to reflect +the pace of technological progress. The website serves as the first +point of contact for many potential users, contributors, and +decision-makers. By keeping it aligned with the latest features, +trends, and advancements in CloudStack, we not only provide accurate +information but also demonstrate that the project is vibrant, active, +and continually evolving. + +I think refreshed website content and more regular solutions briefs & +case studies all help inform and attract both adopters and +contributors. When companies share their CloudStack use cases, the +entire ecosystem benefits. Each story exposes the community to +different infrastructures, environments, and real-world challenges. + + +##### How do companies benefit when sharing their Use Case? + +By sharing their approach, companies build a reputation as a trusted +reference point in the community, while their colleagues involved in +the work are often seen as thought leaders, providing real-world +insights that others can learn from. Sharing use cases also provides a +platform to reinforce important principles such as avoiding vendor +lock-in, achieving cost efficiency, ensuring scalability, enabling +flexibility, and the list goes on. + + +##### What is your approach to working with a community that’s spread across the globe? + +I collaborate with the community primarily through [the mailing +lists](https://cloudstack.apache.org/mailing-lists/), which are the +central communication channels for Apache CloudStack. That’s where +most of the discussions take place, and it’s a great way to stay +connected with contributors across the world. I also engage a lot +through community events, which provide the chance to meet people +face-to-face, share ideas, and strengthen relationships. Many +contributors and project members are also very active in GitHub +discussions, though I personally participate less there since my focus +is more on the marketing and community outreach side of the project.