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Objective

Please note: I am not currently looking for independent programming work — my plate is full; however, I am accepting solicitations for technical writing. If you would like me to write an article, chapter, or a book about any of the areas I have experience with, please contact me at josh@apostate.com.

 Summary

Having worked in the information systems field since 1988, my time has been split almost evenly between programming and system administration. I am Microsoft-certified in C#, and a seasoned developer with Windows, Unix, and embedded systems. This is balanced by broad experience installing, administering, and securing Windows and Unix-based networks, along with work as a DBA, Webmaster, and network security consultant. Such a combination provides an excellent understanding of software development, system integration, and project management. I am a published author on Perl programming, and have taken the lead role in many successful projects. I'm a quick learner, an excellent problem solver, a great communicator, and a dedicated professional.

 Experience

For a project-oriented overview, see the completed projects list.

• 2005 to present
The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA - IT Manager
E-Marketing Manager in the Office of Outreach Marketing and Communications. Primary duties are to lead the E-Marketing team; to work with Marketing Strategy and Outreach clients to implement online marketing initiatives and small-scale applications development; to act as Outreach Marketing's technology programming expert; to oversee design, development, and content management of organization's Web portfolio; and to enhance the overall image and usability of Outreach's public web presence. Other duties include administration of RedDot CMS and Creative Manager Pro.

• 2003 to 2005
Profound Solutions Green Bay, WI - Software Engineer
Analysis, design, and implementation of systems. C, C++, Visual Basic, C# and VB.NET. Development of ISO-9000 quality tracking and reporting system. Custom application development interfacing with Peachtree Complete Accounting. C# and VB interfaces to Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Crystal Reports. Linux / SCO / AIX setup and admin. Administration, support, development with Cognos BI systems and Informatica on AIX and Windows.

• 1999 to 2003
Dynamic Software Green Bay, WI - Software Engineer
Analysis, design, and implementation of systems on unix, Win32, and WinCE platforms. C, C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, HTML, and ASP development. Development of OPC servers for Omron PLCs, Modbus protocol, JR Kerr motion-control cards, and custom machinery. Consulting on OPC implementations. E-commerce development and consulting. Development of web-based interfaces to legacy systems. Computer security analysis and consulting for Windows-based and Unix-based networks. Administration of Unix, WinNT and Win2K networks. Windows CE development and consulting for ARM and x86 platforms. Qualified expert witness testimony. Device driver development. Published author on Perl development. Development and reporting for MAS-90.

• 1999 to 2004
EllisCom LLC Appleton, WI - Owner
Small company to provide hosting of web sites, single-site dedicated servers, and DNS servers. System very similar to server farm developed for SiteGen (see below): FreeBSD, ISC BIND, Apache, qmail, Majordomo, PHP, OpenSSL, mod_ssl, FrontPage 97/98/2K extensions.

• 1997 to 2001
SiteGen Little Chute, WI - System Administrator
Developed, deployed, and maintain a server farm of FreeBSD-based servers for hosting: 800+ domain web sites, single-site dedicated servers, and DNS servers. Developed system for account administration by sales staff. Systems include SMTP and POP3 service, custom list servers and autoresponders, on-line databases, SSL, PHP, mod_perl, and FrontPage. Also offer ongoing system support for a farm of Linux-based Cobalt RaQ3 and RaQ 4 servers. Skilled in installation, configuration and administration of FreeBSD, ISC BIND, Apache, Sendmail, qmail, Majordomo, PHP, OpenSSL, FrontPage 97/98/2K extensions, and INN. Customization and account administration system written primarily in Perl 5, with additional work in C and shell script.

• 1994 to 1999
Omni Resources Green Bay, WI - Consultant
C/C++ applications development for Win32, Windows 3.x, DOS, Extended-DOS, and unix; R:Base(SQL), Informix, Sybase, and Microsoft SQL-Server programming and administration; Client/Server and standalone application development with Visual Basic 4 (16- and 32-bit), VB5, and VB6, integrating with Access, Sybase, and Microsoft SQL-Server databases; OLE/COM development with C++, Visual Basic, and Delphi; Internet development using CGI (Perl and C++), ASP, custom ISAPI filters and PHP; Business system development with C++, Delphi, Visual Basic, and PowerBuilder; System administration of NT, FreeBSD, HP/UX, SCO Unix, SunOS, and Data General servers; Webmaster of Apache 1.x and Microsoft IIS 3 / 4 multi-homed web servers; Administration of Microsoft SiteServer and SiteServer Commerce Edition; Served as analyst, designer, project lead, programmer, and system administrator.

• 1989 to 1994
MCS Automation Engineers Little Chute, WI - Software Engineer
Custom business solution programming (AP / AR / GL / Payroll / Order Processing / Work flow tracking); Extensive experience in relational database design and implementation; Specialized hardware programming (Voice-mail cards, portable bar code scanners, industrial scales); Desktop Publishing & Typesetting work, including: installation; training; LaserMaster systems; PostScript programming; Symbology work; Inter-networking of heterogeneous platforms (PCs, Macs, UNIX and VAX)

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 Education

• 1996 - Present
Microsoft Certified Profession; MCP #301055
70-316: Visual C# .NET and Visual Studio .NET
70-042: Windows NT Workstation

• 1991 to 1993
Taylor University Upland, IN
B.A. student in Computer Science and Philosophy; Dean's Honor List

• 1990 to 1991
Oshkosh Christian School Oshkosh, WI
Valedictorian; National Merit Finalist; 1990 ACSI Distinguished Student

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Project Highlights

• Published Author - Perl Development
Contributed to the Wrox Press book, Professional Perl Development (ISBN: 1861004389), on the integration of Perl with Microsoft IIS servers, and the use of PerlScript in Active Server Pages. Served as beta-tester for the O'Reilly Perl Resource Kit Win32 Edition. In addition, some of my Perl code was included in the first edition of the resource kit.

• Expert Witness - Legal Proceedings
Served as a qualified expert witness in a legal proceeding under binding arbitration, in my capacity as an expert on computer security and system administration. Our side won. References from the arbitration and the private investigation firm which hired me are available.

• C# Development - ISO-9000 Quality Tracking and Reporting System
Developed quality tracking / reporting system to integrate with existing ERP system for multi-plant manufacturer. System included ad-hoc report and view generator interfaced with Crystal Reports allowing customer to create custom reports and data views. Developed in Microsoft Visual C# for .NET 1.1 runtime.

• Data Center Implementation - RedHat Enterprise Linux, Oracle, Tivoli
Setup of data center for mid-sized business. System included multiple servers running RedHat Enterprise Linux and Oracle. Primary Oracle server included high-availability clustering using SteelEye LifeKeeper. Project included primary and backup servers for multiple business units, and implementation of Tivoli Storage Manager for new Linux servers and legacy HP/UX servers.

• Win32 C++ Development - Form Printing / Win32 Printer Driver
Worked on project to develop custom printer driver / port monitor to capture printed output from various 3rd-party applications, merge it with customizable user-supplied data, and regenerate output to another printer. System interfaced with 16-bit client apps for printing on Windows NT and Windows 2000 systems. Implementation included Blowfish and DES encryption of data files. Developed in Visual C++ and Delphi.

• Java Development - Web Services
Developed a series of proof-of-concept applications implementing Web Services in Java. Using Apache Tomcat, Xerces, and Axis, the Java Web Services were cross-platform compatible: the same source ran simultaneously under Linux, Windows 2000, and AIX. Also developed a series of clients for these Web Services using ASP, VB6, console Java, and JSPs.

• Application Development - Web-base systems
Analysis, design and implementation of numerous web-based systems: web-based security administration; shipping tracking system; usage and network statistics; web-based network troubleshooter; interfaces to legacy databases; personal web sites; custom ISAPI filters; e-commerce with Microsoft SiteServer. Development done under on Windows NT / IIS, Windows NT / SiteServer Commerce Edition and Apache on a variety of Unix platforms. Application development done with ASP and PHP.

• Embedded System Development - Windows CE
Numerous projects under WinCE on Intel StrongARM platform. Developed drivers for receipt printers, card readers, and cash dispensers for use in car wash payment station. Ported Win95-based ATM system to WinCE. Developed web-based device administration system as series of ISAPI DLLs running under the embedded WinCE web server. Ported the Greenleaf Comm++ libraries, libpng, and the gzip library to WinCE.

• Technical Writing - Various Systems
In addition to my commercially published writing, I have broad experience as a technical writer. This has included end-user documentation written for the non-expert, and highly technical writing aimed at seasoned developers. Experience writing manuals, on-line help, knowledge base articles, and web pages.

• Win32 C++ Development - DCOM / Industrial Control
Developed back-end system to replace existing VAX-based industrial automation system. Application written as three-tiered client/server system with a series of DCOM services, controlled by client-based Visual Basic programs, interfacing with a Microsoft SQL-Server farm via OLE-DB, with PLCs via serial interface, with numerous digital I/O points via SeaLevel digital I/O cards, and with a mainframe-based production scheduling system via MQSeries. System utilized numerous Win32 / Visual C++ technologies, including serial communication, multi-threading, ATL, OLE-DB, and DCOM.

• Embedded System Development - NT Embedded
Developed software for control of automated bandsaw. Software controlled all aspects of saw operation and job processing. Developed OPC server to provide high-level interface to the bandsaw for a touch-screen HMI, built with Iconics GraphWorx32. Software interfaced to PLC, encoders, and motion control cards. Developed in Visual C++ using ATL and MFC.

• Win32 C++ Development - OPC Servers / Industrial Control
Developed OPC servers for Omron PLCs, JR Kerr PIC-SERVO motion control boards, Modbus protocol, and for other proprietary hardware. Servers utilized numerous Win32 / Visual C++ technologies, including RS-232 and RS-422 serial communication, TCP/IP communication, multi-threading, ATL, MFC, and DCOM.

• Web-based system development - Interface to legacy systems
Implementation of a web-based interface to legacy system operating on RS/6000. Developed a Microsoft IIS / NT-based system to interface to the end user, which then communicated to a Throuroughbred BASIC (T-BASIC) system on the RS/6000. This allowed the existing legacy system to operate with minimal changes, which opening the entire system to the web.

• Web-based system development - Shopping Cart
Implementation of a web-based shopping system based on Windows NT and IIS 4.0 with a Microsoft SQL-Server 7 back-end. System allowed shoppers to order from multiple storefronts in a single shopping cart. Taxation and shipping charges were calculated on a per-vendor basis, but order could be billed as a single charge on a credit card. Integrated with UPS for shipping charge calculations and address verification, integrated with Authorize.Net for credit card charges. Developed as VBScript-based Active Server Pages.

• Internet Hosting - Windows NT
Chief technician on internet services team for a Fortune 500 corporation. Oversaw implementation and operations of 30 internet sites and a global intranet: system comprised of two dozen servers, more than one million documents, and exceeded five millions hits a month. Maintained Windows NT and HP/9000 servers; installation and maintenance of Apache, Microsoft IIS 3, Microsoft IIS 4, Microsoft Site Server, and Microsoft Site Server / Commerce Edition. Administration of Usenet news server. Implementation of network monitoring and usage reporting systems. Domain name registration, IP address assignment, website creation, global WAN configuration. Monitoring, configuration and test of system security. Coordination of new site development with internal and external developers, DBAs, public relations, legal, and computer security departments. Development of software in ASP, C, Perl, and WSH. Tools utilized included ADSM, Apache, IIS, Oracle, sendmail, SiteScope, SiteServer, SQL-Server, Verity Search97, WebTrends, and WLBS.

• Internet Hosting - Unix-based
Sole architect and system admin of Unix-based website hosting farm. System consisted of 700 low-volume (under 20K hits/day) web sites on nine servers, single-site high-volume (500K hits/day) dedicated servers, plus DNS and e-mail for all sites. All servers were configured with FreeBSD, ranging from 2.1.7 through 3.4. Installation and maintenance of Apache (with PHP, mod_perl, and mod_ssl), BIND, qmail, PostgreSQL, and Majordomo. Developed custom administration interface, autoresponders, bounce managers, and CGI scripts.

• Security Consulting and Implementation - TCP/IP Networks and Web Sites
Consulting on computer security for Windows NT and Unix networks. Work has included securing systems, intrusion detection, configuration of firewalls, performing security audits and assessments, remedial configuration (cleaning up afterwards), preventative maintenance. Have worked with several companies to establish secure working environments. Have also worked on numerous websites to provide secure systems for collection and transmission of user information and transaction information, and to establish restricted access internet and intranet sites. Tools utilized include tripwire, natd, tcp_wrappers, CheckPoint Firewall-1, ipfw, various TCP/IP utilities for intrusion tracking, Apache and IIS web servers, SSL, SSH, and CyberCash.

• Windows C++ Application Development - Tax Industry
Programming on application for preparing income-related tax reporting forms (W2s, 1099s, etc.). Product developed with Borland C++, OWL, and CodeBase, included custom form-handling library for WYSIWYG handling of tax forms. Library later spun off as a separate product.

• Microsoft Access Development - Project Management
Worked on project to manage projects hours, contractors, time accounting and reporting. System implemented as Microsoft Access 2000 application. Featured import of data from Excel spreadsheets.

• Visual Basic Application Development - Shipping Logistics Industry
Analysis and development of several applications for the shipping and logistics industries. These included a shipping yard management system, packaging logistics and reporting system, and an automated system for migration of Rand-McNally MileMaker routing and mileage data. These applications were developed in Visual Basic using Microsoft SQL-Server and Sybase SQL-Server back-ends.

• Visual Basic Application Development - Point of Sale / Catalog system
Implemented database back-end and user interface for SKU management. Part of a complete point-of-sale and catalog system used by a professional sports team. Front end developed in Visual Basic with TrueGrid/32. Back-end developed on Microsoft SQL-Server 6.5, running on a WinNT / Alpha server.

• Visual Basic Application Development - Document Management
Analysis and development of an application to create and manage executive memos. A Visual Basic front-end enabled searching, sorting, archiving, and reporting on key fields in memos created in Microsoft Word. The system allowed two-way editing of documents; changes made in Word documents would update the front-end view, and edits in the front-end would update the Microsoft Word documents. Reports would generate directly into Microsoft Word for easy editing an e-mail distribution.

• DOS C++ Application Development - Tax Industry
Project lead, principle coder on application for preparing income-related tax reporting forms (W2s, 1099s, etc.). Product developed under DOS for maximum backwards compatibility. Utilized Borland C++ and CodeBase.

• DOS C++ Application Development - Banking / MICR / Accounting
Developer on application for preparing and printing checks. System interfaced with Great Plains accounting system. Check printing was complete — included printing of MICR lines and RTN information using special magnetic laser toner. System developed with Borland C++.

• Software Development - Symbology
Developed series of programs to generate bar codes of various formats (Code 39, UPC-A/E, EAN, Code 128, Interleaved 2 of 5) and specifications, printed directly onto film on a Linotype/Hell PostScript imagesetter. Designed for use in the corrugated industry, the resulting bar code images took into account factors such as ink spread.

• Software Development - Carton Layout
Developed series of programs to assist in layout of corrugated containers for art departments. Allowed artist to layout un-assembled container and create high-resolution TIFF images for proof sheets and art layout.

• Data Collection - Handheld Bar Code Scanners
Developed two data collection systems for HandHeld Products portable bar code scanners. One system is used for inventory control in a warehouse environment. The other was used by a mobile sales force to collect orders and transmit order information to a mainframe.

• Business Application Development - DataFlex
Implementation of numerous custom business solutions in DataFlex 4GL. Systems included accounts payable / receivable / general ledger, payroll, order processing, order fulfillment, invoicing, work-flow tracking, and inventory tracking. Systems implemented for various small to mid-sized business, including print shops, construction contractors, dental offices, engravers, photo labs and HVAC companies.

• Database administration and development - Maintenance Management System
Customization of maintenance management system developed in R:Base SQL environment. Creation of new reports, modifications to preventative maintenance scheduling, addition of bar code tracking to tie work orders to maintenance and equipment records.

• Computerization of Art / Typesetting Department
Oversaw automation of art and typesetting department for a die-cutting and engraving company. Provided training for typographers moving from old Lino machines and artists on Corel DRAW!. Set up network of LaserMaster workstations (later replaced by Windows-based systems).

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 References

Clients include Aid Association for Lutherans, American Postal Workers Union, Appleton Papers, Armstrong-Blum / Marvel Saw Co., Attorney's Process & Investigation Services Inc., Cash Media Systems, Chambers and Owen, Copper Range Copper Mine, Green Bay Packers Pro Shop, Greenheck Fan Corporation, Feld Properties, Harry Rohde Management Systems, Ideal Box, InformEd Technologies, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Menominee Papers, Nelco Forms / Greatland, Reynolds & Company, RTP Corporation, Schneider Logistics, Schneider National, Shopko Stores, Tecumseh Products, Wisconsin Information Technology, WS Packaging Group.

References available upon request.