I studied Mathemtics at Durham University in the mid 1980s and Computer Science at Aberystwyth in the late 1980s. Does that make me a geek? Probably, but both experiences taught me good thinking skills, while I developed equally good drinking skills. After completing my MSc at Aberystwyth, I contemplated pursuing a PhD. The academic life has its attractions. When fundable research prospects looked a little bleak, my head of faculty suggested I "roll up my sleeves and get some industry experience" for a while, so I did just that and joined SD-Scicon, which enjoyed the status of being just about the largest indigenous IT company but which shortly thereafter became engulfed by EDS (one of the largest global IT companies).Since 1990 I have worked as an IT professional, gaining experience in the roles of software developer, designer and consultant for numerous organisations in diverse market sectors, including the giant IT concern EDS, the Metropolitan Police, National Air Traffic Services and One 2 One (T-Mobile).My technical bias gradually shifted from C/Unix-based systems to Microsoft Enterprise solutions. In 2001 I joined forces with the nucleus of the team that would become X-Net Solutions in 2003, building on my experience of Microsoft technologies, as a core designer/developer of a variety of management and data collection apps. After that I went to Redwood Technologies, where I have been coding telecoms-related solutions.I'm an all-rounder. For whatever reason I seem to have never slotted into an entrenched one-dimensional technical role. Likely it's the fact that I have mostly worked in smaller projects or companies (since EDS), which by their nature require an "all hands on deck" approach.So while I'd hardly dare to call myself an expert in any one technology, I have used a variety of tools and techniques, together with a common-sense approach to design, to get the job done, while benefitting from my academic training to provide a rigorous approach.Specialties: an irritatingly thorough approach to developing resilient and elegant solutions