Our MVPs & experts in the spotlight – Dieter Kempeneers

Dieter Kempeneers has been a valuable member of Arxus for a decade, but his passion for technology has been thriving for even longer. Recently recognized as a Microsoft MVP, it’s the perfect time to introduce you to our talented Cloud Solutions Architect!

Hooked on Virtual Desktop

Dieter first encountered remote apps in college. “During my internship, I discovered you could stream applications from a server,” Dieter says. “I thought that was super cool!” It’s no coincidence that Dieter made it his focus at Arxus.

“When Windows 365 came out, another cloud-based virtual desktop solution from Microsoft, I immediately started tinkering with it,” Dieter continues. “And I never really stopped. My enthusiasm actually got me invited as a speaker at a Microsoft event. There, I got chatting with someone who worked there,” Dieter recalls. “That conversation inspired me to start blogging about my knowledge and experiences with this technology.”

“Did I ever think my passion for Virtual Desktop would lead to becoming a Microsoft MVP? Of course not, but it’s a great title that I’m definitely going to own.”

Microsoft and Tech First

Arxus has a Microsoft-first strategy, which Dieter fully supports. In his view, the tech giant has a serious edge over the competition. Their business solutions make a world of difference for Arxus clients in terms of productivity and process automation. “It’s super interesting how almost every application is being infused with artificial intelligence,” he notes. “I keep a close eye on these developments through LinkedIn groups and on Tweakers. Falling behind is not an option for me.”

“If someone’s struggling with a problem that I know how to fix, I want to jump in right away.”

But of course, Dieter also keeps actively sharing knowledge about Microsoft Virtual Desktop himself. On his blog, but also with his colleagues. “I really get energized by teaching colleagues and clients about technology,” he laughs. “If someone’s struggling with a problem that I know how to fix, I want to jump in right away. I’m also constantly looking for the best way to tackle things using innovative tech. It’s pretty wide-ranging. For example, I built an API for my robotic lawnmower because the built-in weather sensor wasn’t working optimally. I breathe technology, even at home.”

Time to Unwind 

Does Dieter ever need a break from technology and the business world? “Of course, I love to disconnect now and then,” he says. “That’s when I head out to nature with my family for some peace and quiet. At the same time, I experience the much-talked-about work-life balance in an atypical way,” he notes.

“For me, it’s more about work-life harmony. Everyone needs to figure out for themselves how flexible they want to be with work or personal hours. But I believe: when you’re really passionate about something, you don’t mind going the extra mile in the evening.”