Who I am

I am an IT wonk,  a programmer and sysadmin working with networks, Operating Systems (linux) and the applications or services that they provide. This includes (Xen) Virtualization, Clustering, computing appliances, streaming, VPN/Vnc and thin-client services. I apply my acquired skills to maintain these linux-based hosts and their clusters of virtual machines for all my web, mail and database servers, system resources and all aspects of monitoring, firewalls and security.

I also enjoy sharing knowledge

What I do

If it were not for Opensource, I and thousands of other people would have nothing to do; the OSS phenomenon has afforded countless programmers the opportunity to work outside of closed, proprietary shops. I specialize in using Opensource to help you enhance your online presence by using the Internet to work more effectively at finding solutions to the issues that hold your common interests.
My skills represent the culmination of 15 years in the 'internet business'. My intent is to help you foster a more efficient means of collaboration by providing opensource tools and frameworks that improves your ability to stay organized; in the work you do and the communications you rely upon.

Where I do it

Anytime, anywhere: I am virtualized, a wifi nomad. Always accessible, but having the flexiblity to both multi-task and remain focused. It's no big secret, you can run this way as well.
I support my 'virtual' self (anytime, anywhere, anything) thru tele-presence and show others how to do the same using better communication and computing tools to enhance the dynamic between sharing workplace time and personal time to remain informed and in the loop, yet far enough away so as not be over-consumed, frustrated and slowly burning out or at risk.

How I do it

Skinning Cats! That's what opensource programming is like. If you can't do it one way, try another. I offer web-hosting of those applications I've found to be most useful and with the best support of the online community. I also provide my clients with free and useful tools created to manage mailing lists, documents and files, etc... . Though SEO and Marketing is not my forte, I also provide some creative strategies for promotion and sales, affiliations and partnerships.

Other services provided are related to business systems improvement, development methodologies, Knowledge-base deployment and mentoring. This also includes disaster-recovery/business-continuity Planning, Security, Compliance. Check out the links to thebizfoundry.com and please feel free to inquire how I may be able to assist you in these areas.

Why I do it

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present. Life is too short to spend it feeling stifled or unhappy. 16 hours each day never seems enough to balance family and job/school, or ease the stress of the competing tasks and activities of each. Finding the time necessary to get meaningful work done, dealing with the struggles we face to make ends meet in hope of some extra quality time to enjoy simple pleasures often seems a view of a distant shore from a ship going in circles w/a rat-race in progress on deck.

1. To liberate the immediacy of our private lives: self, friends and family, doctors, lawyers, accountants, bankers, and other myriad 'providers' we interact with regularly, from our working lives; so those two relms can co-exist in greater balance and harmony.
2. To be prepared for any type of emergency or pandemic disaster that would limit our mobility or access to centralized services or require risk while traveling.

My portfolio of prototype websites

When I install and test-drive some new thing I always try to add my own words and images as a way to record my sideline interests. So, modding the code and copy-editing often go hand-in-hand. You can view examples in my humble portfolio HERE

Applications for Small Business and in the Home

Let's be clear: Content is King. If you have something interesting, if you know how to spread interest, then your site will get and retain traffic. It doesn't matter if you broadcast only (billboard), or are interactive (forums, comments, events), or have something to purchase (e-store), or not. Content are your crown jewels, and more often than not what is demand is information; news, research, opinion, a story, something networkingly fungible. Something perhaps leading to a decision, possibly a purchase or transaction. Always a process, accompanied by an expectation of being guided accurately and fast. More....

Usability

WWW luddites and data-entry workers will always prefer simple markup, minimal css (and no javascript); as it makes for the easiest page rendering, despite the monitor, device or eyesight of the usr. Overriding any browser default settings by applying customized style has perceptible effects and how you convey your information to communicate effectively is an essential consideration of good design. More....
Understanding the Interface mechanism of your site, the retrevial and display of information, the logical flow of inputs and results that represents the total net experience are going to determine whether usability satisifies both the causal visitors through ease and the frequent user through efficiency, less clicks, etc.. as familiarity increases.

Interface, Layout, templating, etc..

Interaction and usable navigation is an essential for every website. It determines the visitors experience and gives context and usefulness to your content. Simple menus that are easy to understand and access. It used to be enough to design for one, your ideal user. multi-media and multi-cultural, font settings so having an accessible font contol is essential.
I am not a Graphics or Fine Artist, nor am I a Graphics Programmer; though I am comfortable with many A/V applications. What makes a great website IS more a matter of what it conveys than even how it does it; (that said, the ability to pinch a touchscreen over 3-keying a pad is all it takes to drive demand)
More....

templates

A well-designed website should have a templating model which organizes its component sections efficiently into each document and makes navigation easy for the user. The main objective is to create and express a logical flow that results in loyality across the spectrum of users by enriching their interactive experience. Templates provide the structure. Once you have decided what kind of structure (blocking) to use, take the content into account; the types of information and the components or modules required. and how they will help to establish the Style and Presentation of your site.
Branding you website with Artwork, Graphics, color and type The final step in designing a website is the makup. Your Artwork, Logos, graphics images like buttons (and any animation) and bars, the CSSP styling of font types and sizes, are what is going to further separate your website from the pack. This is when you might consider having a splash page (flash or imagemap or dynamic html) as the entrance to your site.