We provide high-performance load balancers built on open source technology. Our scalable, speedy solutions and superior industry expertise mean we can take on challenges others shy away from.Loadbalancer.org works with tech vendors and IT Managers to keep critical systems running 24/7, and ensure zero downtime for the service user should things go wrong.

The Utility Warehouse provides over 500,000 customers throughout the UK with substantial savings on a wide range of utility services including home phone, mobiles, broadband, gas, electricity and non-geographic numbers.The Utility Warehouse Discount Club is operated by Telecom Plus PLC, a major British company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Telecom Plus was named ‘Company of the Year’ at the PLC Awards in 2009 and was also named Best Telecommunications PLC at the UK Stock Market Awards in 2011 and 2012. The company has received glowing endorsements in the national press and consistent praise from the UK’s leading independent consumer magazine.

Working as an IT contractor.

Working from home, I was initially tasked with providing a multi-user monitoring interface that could provide alerting based on a number of thresholds (that can be changed if required). I achieved this with the use of GNU/Linux operating system and heavy use of free software. In addition to this I have also deployed Request Tracker (RT) for support ticket monitoring, vTiger CRM and migrated the corporate email to Google Apps, at the request of my manager.

Responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of GNU/Linux based systems according to customer requirements. Main duties are: updates, patches and testing, oversight of email, and designing and implementing new systems with client's objectives in mind. Notable projects have included designing and implementing a server virtualization mechanism, distribution upgrades, as well as investigating and deploying VoIP systems. This position has also involved utilising networking skills to reduce network latency for the smooth running of corporate networks.

Based in Plymouth and Exeter, I was tasked with providing second and third level desktop support and aspects of server and network maintenance (backups (backup exec), deployment (WDS), updating (WSUS), network monitoring (NTOP) and systems administration).In my time here I had to familiarise with project management, for relocations and alterations to network wiring. Hyder is where I first put into place my documentation skills when I had to design and document network configuration for multiple sites. Although I did not particularly like the many office reorganisations I was involved in, I found that I became rather proficient in carrying them out, and believe it helped me to learn the benefit of physical efficiency in addition to logical efficiency of networks. Although it was often a solitary role, I would have to regularly interact with colleagues, and I found this a good practise of balancing independent and team tasks. I also had joint responsibility for network hardware configuration, including HP and Dell switches and network monitoring and acceleration hardware (Riverbed).

Designing, deploying, maintaining and supporting free software (GNU/Linux) focused systems. Routine duties included monitoring the backup utilities, applying patches and handling internal and external support queries. I also had shared responsibility for network configuration, including Cisco hardware.