Sitecore today announced the 2011 Sitecore Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs). The program recognizes exceptional technical community leaders who serve as catalysts for change and innovation.

Sitecore MVPs voluntarily share their passion and commitment toWeb technology and encourage the objective exchange of knowledge. The Sitecore MVP Award celebrates the most active Sitecore community members from around the world who provide invaluable contributions by solving problems and discovering new ways to transform technology. The program offers MVPs a number of benefits including access to technical resources such as alpha versions of Sitecore software, first release modules and full access to the Sitecore Developer Network and download section, and invitations to major events.

"MVPs are technology experts who inspire others to learn and grow through active participation in the Sitecore technical community," said Lars Nielsen, senior vice president, technical marketing, Sitecore. "MVPs are not just about evangelizing Sitecore. They are passionate about improving technology and driving innovation and sharing their knowledge and real-world experiences at user groups, on blogs and on social channels. This year's prestigious list represents individuals who share the same passion for technology and a willingness to help others innovate and advance the use of Web technology. It's my pleasure to recognize their demonstrated commitment to the technology community worldwide."

For 2011, fifty-two outstanding individuals were selected to be members of the program and honored with a Sitecore Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award and are as follows:

Sitecore MVP nominees undergo an evaluation process based on each nominee's technical expertise and voluntary community involvement over the past year. All the nominations were reviewed by an independent panel of Sitecore employees from technical, product marketing and executive roles. The panel considers the quality, quantity, and level of impact of the nominees' contributions, in the areas of general technical advocacy, input via blogs and forums and content development.

Sitecore has more than 4,500 certified developers, and more than 10,000 active community participants.