Jim Bowman Email and Phone Number

Wrote Solutions Guides and Salesforce knowledge base articles for wireless access points and cloud-based management software. Tested the configurations by building networks and configuring the components. Completed the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) program and passed the exam at the instructor level.

Updated and added to Data Domain Operating System administration, command reference, and upgrade guides for use by IT professionals. Actively participated in the migration of documentation from the book formats and standards used by Data Domain (purchased by EMC) to the topic-based formats used by EMC. Originated and updated DITA topics and maps in XMetaL for single source output to PDF, WebHelp, and Unix man pages. Resolved writing tool problems, championed the adoption of the EMC style guide, performed quality control checks on output, and checked in help files to the product branches. Also lead the effort to increase writer use of the Bugzilla bug tracking system to discover new features, communicate better with Engineering, and collect timely feedback for doc updates.

Used FrameMaker, WebWorks ePublisher, and RoboHelp to originate and update online help and installation and configuration guides for video professionals. Also developed product training documentation and maintained a writer’s style guide. Installed and maintained an SQL database server with the .NET Framework to support the Vantage product and enable the writing team to test the product and capture screen shots. Reported software issues using Bugzilla.

Reorganized, updated, and originated user and command reference guide chapters for multiple releases of the ExtremeXOS network operating system. The audience is the IT professional who installs and configures Extreme Networks switches. Tested and documented CLI commands for the following protocols and technologies: LLDP, VLAN, VMAN, virtual router, QoS, HQoS, identity management, security, EAPS, MPLS, IPv4, IPv6, IS-IS, multicast routing, and BGP.

Worked on short term contracts for America Online and Matisse Networks. At America Online, created a new document covering internal procedures for maximizing the efficiency of Web pages. At Matisse Networks, updated network operating system documentation while their writer was on vacation.

Worked with two project teams. On the second team, developed and updated documentation for the Cisco CRS-1 routing system and Cisco MGX 8850 ATM switch. These guides provide configuration, provisioning, and operating procedures for IT professionals. Also mentored two writers on the MGX 8850 project and created and maintained a Tech Doc lab that contained Cisco ATM switches, routers, and hubs. Provided training to writers on how to access the lab remotely and manage the equipment. STC publication competition awards received for the following publications: Cisco MGX 8850 Software Configuration Guide, Cisco MGX 8850, 8950, 8830 Software Configuration Guide, PNNI Network Planning Guide for MGX and SES Products.On the first team, developed hardware and software installation and configuration guides for Class 4 and Class 5 telephony switch replacement solutions. Served as program manager for 18 books totaling approximately 1500 pages. Responsible for the document suite architecture, consistent use of terminology, and coordination of information requests to subject matter experts. Also wrote portions of several books to help writers meet deadlines.

Authored three study guides for Novell Press/IDG books: Novell's Guide to Web Site Management, Novell's Certified Internet Business Strategist Study Guide, and Novell's Certified Web Designer Study Guide. Developed bonus CDs for the books that contained Web, graphic, and Java applet examples and third party software demo products, including Adobe Photoshop, NetObjects Fusion, GIF Movie Gear, and MapEdit.Developed and taught technical seminars on NetWare and Web topics at NUI conferences throughout the United States. Also managed my own web site, a club web site, and demonstration web sites for the topics in my books.

Created Windows 95/NT help for LDAP Services for NDS and created an InnerWeb Web site for the development team. Updated the NetWare Connect Messages Reference and managed the transition of the NetWare for SAA product line manuals to documentation developers at IBM. Also served as LAN administrator and lab manager for the technical publications group and assisted user interface manager with field tests. Received a Novell recognition award for my part in transferring a Novell product to IBM for OEM distribution.Also created and updated courses for Novell’s network certification programs. Created the NetWare for Macintosh 4.01 course, rewrote the NetWare for SAA course, and revised the NetWare MultiProtocol Router course. These products served as routers and gateways for the following protocols: IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, SNA, and OSI. Received an STC publication competition award for the following publication: Administering NetWare for Macintosh.Started as a contractor. Originated and updated manuals for the following network products: NetWare for SAA, NetWare 3270 LAN Workstation for Windows, OnLAN/Mac, NetWare Access Server, NetWare support for NetView, and a keyboard and display mapping utility. Received an STC publication competition award for the following publication: OnLAN/Mac User’s Guide.

Managed two subcontractors who wrote several publications for the Merlin system. Merlin is an internal MIS system for processing employee status changes such as reviews, salary changes, and leaves of absence.Also wrote the first release of the technical procedures that dealer technicians use to repair the PowerBook 100 computer.

Performed all publication tasks for a start-up company. Wrote user manuals, installer manuals, and marketing literature for an alarm system that uses a packet radio network for secure communications.

Wrote stories and took photographs for the following publications: Cycle News, Dirt Bike, S.C.O.R.E. News, Dirt Rider, East Bay Log, and Bay & Delta Yachtsman. Over 100 stories and 80 photos published.

Wrote an administrator's guide and six user's guides for proprietary Macintosh software products used to collect data and generate statistical reports in Apple’s manufacturing facilities. Produced multimedia presentations to explain our project to Apple management and companies interested in using Macintosh technology in manufacturing. Other responsibilities included reviewing software user-interface design, designing and editing a programmer’s guide, and writing proposals and reports for software engineers. Started as a contract technical writer.Started as a contractor, creating technical procedures for Apple Certified Technicians to use in troubleshooting and repairing Apple products. Wrote about the following products: AppleTalk, Apple PC 5.25 Drive (and interface cards), MacTest SE, MacTest II, AppleLine, AppleCD SC, and the EtherTalk Interface Card. Received an STC publication competition award for the following publication: AppleTalk Technical Procedures.

Worked as Supervisor/Writer in a start-up environment at Forte Communications (Forte was acquired by DCA in February, 1986). Responsible for the writing, production, and printing of product manuals. Supervised two writers, one clerk, and three contractors. Wrote user manuals for products that allowed PCs and printers to emulate IBM 3270 Information Display System components and connect to IBM mainframe computers.

Wrote component level theory of operations manuals for the Tymnet Engine, a minicomputer based communication processor used in the Tymnet network.

Edited work by staff editors and 30 free-lance correspondents. Wrote about and photographed national and local motorcycle events. Also wrote announcements, product evaluations, book reviews, personality interviews, and travel stories.

Wrote manuals describing the installation, operation, theory of operation, and maintenance of two 6502 microprocessor-based alarm and control systems. Started as a Test Technician, testing and repairing complete systems down to the component level.

Tested electronic components for watches and clocks. Also built test fixtures and prototypes from schematics.