Developer portfolio
MigrateContent.com
MigrateContent.com is spin-off service of Another Cup of Coffee Limited that specialises in Drupal to WordPress migrations.
Developer, 2013 to present
I developed a Python-based migration utility and released it as open source under the MIT licence. Much of this work involves analysing MySQL databases and having a deep understanding of both Drupal and WordPress database schemas.
Technical skills important for this role are:
- MySQL
- Python
- Drupal
- WordPress
Another Cup of Coffee Limited
Another Cup of Coffee is my company specialising in supporting Drupal and WordPress websites.
Web developer, 2006 to present
I normally hire other freelancers to build my team for each project but I still take an active development role on larger projects. My usual structure is to hire a front-end developer to work on the content management theme while I handle back-end, database and plugin or module development.
Technical skills important for this role are:
- PHP
- HTML
- Drupal
- WordPress
- MySQL
- Python
- BASH shell scripting
Philippine National Bank (Europe) plc
Philippine National Bank has been in the UK since 1986. In 2004 it needed a back-office database upgraded for new UK regulations.
Database Developer, Feb 2004 to Aug 2004
I worked as a freelance developer upgrading Microsoft Access databases for London and Amsterdam branches. The upgrades were written in VBA and were successfully completed within tight deadlines.
Technical skills important for this role were:
- Microsoft Access 2000
- VBA
- UML
- Microsoft Windows 98 and XP
Philippine Worldwide Connections Ltd
Philippine Worldwide Connections Ltd. is a travel agency that specialises in flights to South-East Asia. After being in business for several years, it found that its Microsoft Access database was no longer sufficient.
Database developer, Apr 2004 to Jun 2004
This project required me to analyse the company’s existing Microsoft Access database; redesign a new model; install and set-up a MySQL database on the
company’s Apple OS X server.
Technical skills important for this role were:
- Microsoft Access 2000
- MySQL
- UML
- Apple OS X (Darwin)
- Microsoft Windows 98 and XP
Web developer, Apr 2004 to Jun 2004
After migrating from Microsoft Access to MySQL, the company needed me to develop a web front-end for their new database. It is used by separate office locations over VPN as the company’s main application for CRM and sales transactions.
Technical skills important for this role were:
- XHTML
- CSS
- PHP
- SQL
- Apache
- Apple OS X (Darwin)
- Knowledge of W3C standards
- Knowledge of WCAG
London Ventures International Ltd
London Ventures International Ltd. is a UK-based money transfer company with branches in the US, Canada and the Philippines. It needed a front-office application for recording remittance transactions.
Database Developer, May 2002 to Apr 2004
As a freelance developer, I designed and developed the application, saving the client money using existing office software. The application was created with Microsoft Access and VBA. After the first development phase, I also continued to maintain it, adding new features as required.
Technical skills important for this role were:
- Microsoft Access 2000
- VBA
- UML
- Microsoft Windows 98 and XP
CMG plc and Leading Mobile Operators (names withheld)
Both these roles involved a mix of consulting and programming work. Please see my technology consultant case studies for more information:
ADVFN plc
ADVFN.com is one of the UK‘s leading financial investor websites, reaching over 35 million page impressions per month. It offers innovative tools over the web, mobile devices and interactive TV.
Systems Developer, May 2000 to Jan 2001 (full-time employee)
At ADVFN I was a New Media Developer and headed the development of WAP and interactive TV services.
Other tasks included:
- Developing dynamic web pages using PHP and HTML.
- Integrating our Sybase, MySQL and PostgreSQL databases with the front-end application.
- Creating financial feed handling tools using C/C++ for back-end processes.
- Direct contact with customers through Focus Group meetings and day-to-day support.
Achievements:
- Developed ADVFN.com Interactive TV services in under four weeks; able to save the company over £60,000 and six months development time.
- Created ADVFN.com Mobile Internet site using existing tools and Open Source Software; rapid development and low-cost saved further time and money.
- Opened communications with Orange. This resulted in a major collaboration agreement.
Technical skills important for this role were:
- PHP
- HTML
- WML
- C and C++
- Sybase, MySQL, PostgreSQL
- Apache
- VI text editor
- CVS
- Linux
- Knowledge of Liberate platform for interactive TV
Mintel International Group Ltd
Mintel provides market research and analysis for the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) markets around the world. It is recognised as a UK Business Superbrand.
Systems Developer, Oct 1999 to Apr 2000 (full-time employee)
I was a systems developer responsible for the following:
- Developing Comperemedia, Mintel’s internet-based application for monitoring advertising.
- Front-end development using Java Applets, HTML and JavaScript.
- Back-end development in C++ for Apache Webserver modules and proprietary Sinatra Database.
- Maintenance for POS+ and GNPD (Global New Products Database) applications
Technical skills important for this role were:
- C and C++
- HTML
- JavaScript
- Java
- Apache
- VI text editor
- FreeBSD
During my time with Mintel, I spotted an opportunity to expand my scope by advising the company’s chief outsourcing advocate on Philippine cultural and business practices. I then represented him on a fact-finding trip to assess and recommend potential outsourcing partners. This lay the groundwork for my later outsourcing venture, Arcware Solutions Limited.
Paragon Software Ltd
Paragon Software was a pioneer in mobile device synchronisation. Its main product, FoneSync, synchronised contact data between a mobile phone and personal information managers like Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes. The company was bought by Phone.com (now Openwave) in 2000.
Application Developer, Aug 1998 to Sep 1999 (full-time employee)
My work in Paragon included:
- Developing new features for FoneSync’s next version, using C++ Win32 API.
- Maintenance for FoneSync’s released versions.
- Working with the testing team to develop automated test harness applications (in C++).
- Research and development for new applications using internet directories and LDAP API.
Whilst at Paragon, I developed a unique component to synchronise mobile phone data with directories on the internet. It was used as a demonstration during successful negotiations with major Portals and Search Engines. The component was featured in The Times Interface (technology supplement for UK newspaper).
Technical skills important for this role were:
- Microsoft Visual C++ and Win32 API
- LDAP API