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Author Biography
Van Flowers
Senior Solutions Architect, Cloudian
Van "Vanimal" Flowers is a dynamic IT veteran with over 20 years of hands-on experience in systems engineering, data storage, virtualization, and cloud technologies. Currently serving as a Senior Solutions Architect at Cloudian, Van brings a unique blend of technical depth, strategic vision, and field expertise. Since joining Cloudian in 2021 as a Senior Systems Engineer, he has played a pivotal role in architecting scalable storage solutions and supporting enterprise clients across diverse industries. His promotion to Senior Solutions Architect in 2025 reflects his continued impact on customer success and product innovation.
Van’s journey through the IT landscape is marked by a strong track record of innovation and community involvement. Prior to Cloudian, he spent more than three years at Veeam Software, where he made significant contributions as a Systems Engineer and Technical Trainer. Supporting the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia regions, he worked closely with partners and customers to design and implement robust data protection strategies. As a trainer, he helped educate and empower teams across the Americas, showcasing his passion for knowledge-sharing and technical mentorship.
Earlier in his career, Van excelled as a Senior Solutions Architect at Data Network Solutions, where he delivered enterprise-grade architectures and supported digital transformation initiatives in the Richmond, Virginia area. His nearly five-year tenure at NetApp saw him progress through multiple strategic roles, including Technical Partner Manager, Principal Architect, and Systems Engineer. In these capacities, he supported partner ecosystems across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, providing critical technical guidance and strengthening channel relationships.
Van’s foundational years in IT included roles as a Storage and VMware Engineer at I-Access and as National IT Director at PPI, where he honed his skills in infrastructure management and enterprise IT strategy.
Recognized for his extensive certifications—VMCE (Veeam Certified Engineer), VCP (VMware Certified Professional), and VMCT (VMware Certified Trainer)—Van is a trusted authority in virtualization and modern data infrastructure. He also proudly serves as a DC VMware User Group (VMUG) Leader, giving back to the tech community by fostering collaboration, mentorship, and technical excellence.
Known by his peers as “Vanimal” for his relentless energy and can-do spirit, Van is recognized not only for his technical prowess but also for his approachable nature and commitment to helping others succeed. Whether in the boardroom, the data center, or on stage at industry events, Van continues in his endless pursuit of integrity, passion, and a relentless drive to innovate. Go to LinkedIn
Van’s journey through the IT landscape is marked by a strong track record of innovation and community involvement. Prior to Cloudian, he spent more than three years at Veeam Software, where he made significant contributions as a Systems Engineer and Technical Trainer. Supporting the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia regions, he worked closely with partners and customers to design and implement robust data protection strategies. As a trainer, he helped educate and empower teams across the Americas, showcasing his passion for knowledge-sharing and technical mentorship.
Earlier in his career, Van excelled as a Senior Solutions Architect at Data Network Solutions, where he delivered enterprise-grade architectures and supported digital transformation initiatives in the Richmond, Virginia area. His nearly five-year tenure at NetApp saw him progress through multiple strategic roles, including Technical Partner Manager, Principal Architect, and Systems Engineer. In these capacities, he supported partner ecosystems across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, providing critical technical guidance and strengthening channel relationships.
Van’s foundational years in IT included roles as a Storage and VMware Engineer at I-Access and as National IT Director at PPI, where he honed his skills in infrastructure management and enterprise IT strategy.
Recognized for his extensive certifications—VMCE (Veeam Certified Engineer), VCP (VMware Certified Professional), and VMCT (VMware Certified Trainer)—Van is a trusted authority in virtualization and modern data infrastructure. He also proudly serves as a DC VMware User Group (VMUG) Leader, giving back to the tech community by fostering collaboration, mentorship, and technical excellence.
Known by his peers as “Vanimal” for his relentless energy and can-do spirit, Van is recognized not only for his technical prowess but also for his approachable nature and commitment to helping others succeed. Whether in the boardroom, the data center, or on stage at industry events, Van continues in his endless pursuit of integrity, passion, and a relentless drive to innovate. Go to LinkedIn
