skills & languages
I get it.There are multiple projects with multiple clients, all of which need attention at any given time. You bill by time, so my time needs to be well documented, and planned for, so you can manage all the multiple projects from multiple clients easily. I actually like a lot of change, so this type of work is a good fit.
Having worked with media and software agencies in the past I've developed all sorts of techniques to keep both myself, and them, from epic meltdown. I'm a creative problem solver, who is extremely resourceful, and will always share my thoughts if direction is needed.
I work well independently or with a team, can manage my time relatively effectively, can take a lead if it's needed, or will take direction to get the job done.
I'm loyal, and want to see my clients succeed as much as myself. I start what I finish, always. Between my iphone, laptop, skype, facebook, msn, the legacy landline, and email, you'll always be able to find me.
Having worked in a number of IT disciplines I have a unique ability to piece projects together evaluating not only development needs but also advise on networking, operating system, infrastructure, hardware, software and migration needs.
I can speak the English language, usually quite eloquently, and have become well versed in communicating technical concepts in plain English. My mom keeps reminding me how terrible my spelling is, but I blame it on the invention of "Spell Check"...and well, you're hopefully not here looking for someone to proof read your content.
integration
People generally pay good money to create software and web solutions. When approached with existing projects that require additional work, I respect that a lot of resources have usually been allocated to the project and therefor try to capitalize on the work completed as much as possible. If a solution is basically working, there is no point in reinventing the wheel if we don't need to. I've yet to find a project that I can't eventually sink my teeth into to create additional functionality or fix existing bugs. It's like a big puzzle... some people do crosswords... I deconstruct code.... this admission might not be helping me I realize.documentation
Many larger companies, and government institutions, require documentation surrounding database structures, functionality, logic and requirements. I have provided documentation for solutions I have created as well as deconstructing existing solutions in preparation for migration.php & mysql (LAMP)
Having worked with both PHP and MYSQL for nearly 7 years, I have created websites, e-commerce solutions, content management systems and general internet applications on Linux using Apache and Windows using IIS. Projects generally use a combination of linear and object oriented techniques to achieve functionality.asp, asp.net, ms sql, visual basic, ms access & crystal reports
The Microsoft family, with the exception of Crystal. Having worked with SQL and ASP for over a decade (11 years), and recently taking on board the .NET framework with Visual Basic, I've created software solutions mainly for education and retail. ASP solutions I have worked with interface with MSSQL or MS Access to manipulate their data.As part of the course, I'm quite familiar with the intricacies of Microsoft's SQL Server including data transformation services, server maintenance and authentication credentials. The creation of stored procedures using T-SQL is also in my repertoire.
I grouped Crystal Reports in this paragraph as the reporting solutions I have created have been in conjunction with ASP projects. I am comfortable in deconstructing any database to build complex reports in Crystal Reports version 10 and up. It's an exercise in patience more than anything.
And to come full circle, I have worked with MS Access & MS Excel solutions using VBA to create rich applications.
cold fusion, lasso script & filemaker
The joys of the "other" family.Having worked with Filemaker for over a decade I've created both stand-alone and internet solutions. Having worked with the legacy Lasso Script and today's version of Cold Fusion, I am familiar with the functionality available for these platforms. Work in this area has included various software projects, migration projects and interactive websites.
flash actionscript
Cake. Well not quite...This flash thing did my head in for months when I first started working with it. If you are a Flash developer you are used to multiple functions all firing at the same time; where there is no linear progression of code at all... it's mass chaos and not the usual order I expect as a web developer. Now into my second year of working with Flash my strengths are with using Action Script to create movement and functionality as much as possible. The puzzle on the main page of this site is a simple example of my flash ability. I've also become pretty proficient in making it talk to databases. Very handy.
css - cascading style sheets
On it.Since it's inception I've built sites using CSS to keep code neat. I can take a design that is laid out in an image and transform it into an online document that uses CSS as much as possible. I've sadly identified colours in RGB values in everyday life... again something I should probably not admit.
javascript, vbscript, XML, XSL, HTML
And the rest of the stuff we deal with as we create various web applications. Working with all the languages above, in some capacity or another, I've chosen the tool that makes the most sense to integrate into the solution. All the concepts above have been in and out of my production for the last 10 years.java & c++
Along with Visual Basic, Java and C++ have found their way into many projects. The past 3 years or so have been mostly about web languages, however the skills I have today are from working with fully functional languages like the above through university, and in the workforce earlier in my career.design applications
Inevitably, web work requires some ability to handle a number of applications used by designers. These usually are some combination of Adobe: Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, After Affects & Pagemaker, as well as: Freehand, Quark Express and 3-D Rendering software.Aside from any 3D work, which I haven't had too much opportunity to tackle, I am relatively proficient with a good chunk of that list.
Much of the photography on this site I took myself, manipulating it in Photoshop and Illustrator. Having worked in a school for years, I had the opportunity to publish a few yearbooks and literary magazines using Pagemaker and Quark Express. Premier and After Affects I've used in conjunction with projects that are already complete for final touches or recompiling.
All in all, I can move around any piece of software and will figure it out if I don't know.
software
Other applications that I have not only used, but also have provided training for include: FrontPage & Dreamweaver, Microsoft, Corel and Apple productivity tools including email software, word processors, spreadsheets, presentation tools and project management. I've also provided training in HTML, PHP, ASP, CSS, Javascript and Visual Basic.And as a complete aside, I have a minor in music so music composition software including Cubase, Band in a Box and Adobe Audition have crept into my work from time to time.
Lastly, and quite handy to know, is Geographical Information Systems including ARCVIEW (ESRI). Google maps and the popular proximity postal code search is putty in my hands.
behind the scenes
I can easily get around Netware, Windows NT, Unix/Linux and Apple Servers. Have a good grasp of Mail, Web Server and out of box Content Management Solutions – specifically First Class, Microsoft, Exchange Server, Microsoft Internet Information Server, Apache Products.I have no preference with platform, my Sony Vaio has an Apple sticker on it, and can troubleshoot either system.
I've also worked closely with Hardware/Software Firewalls so have a foundation to draw from when it comes to creating secure sites.
My networking/hardware days are long gone so I'm not a ready made network administrator by any means, but the 5 years I did it helps me put every project in perspective.