Hey, I’m Reid Patrick - a Microsoft Azure MVP, cloud enthusiast, and lifelong learner passionate about empowering businesses through technology. With a deep focus on cloud computing, DevOps, and Microsoft technologies, I thrive on solving complex challenges and driving innovation.
Even the most experienced professionals are always learning.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills in designing scalable cloud architectures, automating workflows, and optimizing systems for performance and reliability. My journey into the tech world began with a fascination for how technology can transform lives and businesses. Today, I specialize in Microsoft Azure, leveraging its powerful ecosystem to build solutions that are secure, efficient, and future-ready.
Innovation drives my work, Azure fuels my creativity, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
Becoming an Azure MVP was a milestone that reinforced my commitment to the tech community. It’s not just about mastering tools and platforms; it’s about sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and contributing to a global network of professionals. Whether it’s through speaking engagements, writing tutorials, or collaborating on open-source projects, I’m dedicated to making technology accessible and impactful.
Areas of Expertise
I bring a wealth of experience in the following areas:
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure as Code (IaC) | Terraform, Terraform Cloud, Bicep, and PowerShell for automating and managing cloud resources across Linux and Windows environments. |
| DevOps and Automation | GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps Pipelines, and Azure Developer CLI (AZD) for streamlining CI/CD pipelines and workflows. |
| Cloud Solutions | Azure Load Testing, IaaS, PaaS, and AKS for building scalable and resilient applications. |
| Azure Architecture | Designing and implementing Azure Landing Zones, including multi-region private networking, hybrid setups, and Azure Front Door. |
| Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) | Expertise in Azure Site Recovery (ASR) and cloud migration strategies. |
| AI and Innovation | Leveraging Azure OpenAI to integrate cutting-edge AI capabilities into solutions. |
Career Highlights
With a career spanning over three decades, I’ve worked with at-scale internet deployments using Windows and Linux since 1995, building some of the largest websites in the world. My extensive DevOps experience includes Terraform, Bicep, PowerShell, and Bash, alongside expertise in Cloud Architecture, Microservices, Automation, Hybrid Networking, Infrastructure Modernization, Migrations, and Disaster Recovery.
I served as the General Manager of the DevOps practice at Solliance and the Chief Infrastructure Architect. I’ve led teams supporting some of the largest service providers in North America, managing environments with as many as 15,000 Windows Servers and 120 million endpoints. This role allowed me to architect and lead transformative projects, solidifying my leadership in IT Infrastructure and Operations.
Additionally, I’ve built backends for SaaS providers, leveraging Terraform, Terraform Cloud, and Azure DevOps Pipelines to enable at-scale deployments of enterprise solutions. These deployments span both Linux and Windows environments, ensuring compatibility and performance across diverse platforms.
Currently, I focus on DevOps for AI solutions, leveraging Azure OpenAI and FoundationaLLM (https://foundationallm.ai) to drive innovation in AI infrastructure. My work in this space combines my passion for cutting-edge technology with my commitment to delivering impactful solutions.
Speaking Engagements
Over the past decade, I’ve been privileged to share my knowledge and expertise as a speaker at some of the most prominent tech events, including Microsoft Ignite, DevIntersection, and the Azure AI Conference. These engagements have taken me across the globe, connecting with diverse audiences and contributing to the global tech community.
In addition to major conferences, I’ve spoken at hundreds of user groups and meetups, fostering grassroots learning and collaboration within the tech ecosystem. I’ve also delivered live webinars for industry leaders like Microsoft and HashiCorp, providing accessible and impactful learning experiences for professionals worldwide.
Training Experience
I have trained over 10,000 people on Azure, both in person and remotely, showcasing my extensive training capabilities. Recognized as a dynamic and engaging trainer, I have a proven track record of delivering impactful learning experiences. Since 2016, I’ve had the privilege of training Microsoft employees on Azure, helping them deepen their expertise and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving cloud landscape.
In addition to live training sessions, I’ve created over 20 Azure training courses from scratch, ranging from Microsoft Official Curriculum to online courses streamed to a global audience. These courses are designed to provide practical, hands-on knowledge, empowering learners to confidently apply Azure technologies in real-world scenarios.
Published Work
I had the privilege of contributing to the MSPress Exam Ref 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions book. Specifically, I authored the sections on containers, networking, and Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). This book serves as a comprehensive guide for IT professionals preparing for the 70-533 certification exam. You can find more information about the book here.
Additionally, I’ve written nearly 250 pages of the Cloud Adoption Framework for Microsoft Azure, further solidifying my thought leadership in the field.
When I’m not architecting cloud solutions, I enjoy diving into the world of emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and edge computing. These fields represent the next frontier of innovation, and I’m excited to explore how they intersect with cloud platforms like Azure. I also have a passion for teaching and mentoring, helping others navigate their own journeys in tech.
The Mind Behind the Cloud
This blog is my way of giving back to the community. It’s a space where I share insights, document my experiences, and connect with like-minded individuals. From in-depth Azure tutorials to practical DevOps tips, my goal is to create a resource that empowers others to succeed in their tech careers. Technology can be complex, but with the right guidance, it becomes a powerful tool for growth and transformation.
Photo by Pablo Stanley on Lummi
Looking back, every step of my journey—from learning my first programming language to earning the Azure MVP title—has been fueled by curiosity and a desire to make an impact. The tech world is ever-changing, and I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and contributing.
Automate repetitive tasks. If you find yourself doing the same task multiple times, it’s a sign you should automate it.
Thank you for visiting and being part of this journey. Whether you’re a fellow Azure enthusiast, a developer exploring cloud solutions, or someone curious about the possibilities of technology, I’m thrilled to share this space with you.