James Kelly

I’ve always enjoyed working with data and it gives me great satisfaction when I can organize data and retrieve datasets quickly and efficiently regardless of the DBMS I am using.

I am most familiar with MS SQL Server, and am just as comfortable with MYSQL. Two databases that you may notice are missing from the list below are PostgreSQL and FoxPro.

The reason for this is quite simple: I’ve never worked with them. I have looked at FoxPro briefly and I feel I can be relatively confident when I say that should I ever be required to work with either of them in the future, I could come up to speed quickly.

Quickly to me means a couple of days (max, more likely a couple of hours) studying the fundamentals to be able to confidently use them and streamline input and output, with a level of true proficiency developing within 5 to 10 days.

MS SQL Server is probably my favorite DBMS. I have over 6 years experience working with SQL Server and I am extremely comfortable with it.

I am proficient not only with development concepts but also administrative and maintenance concepts. I am adept with Data Transformation Services (DTS) and have used it for a myriad of purposes from merging heterogenous data sources to routine backup applications.

I’ve used MSDE (now SQL Server 2005 Express Edition) for web applications as well as stand-alone desktop applications and when possible will use it instead of other methods.

It is important to note however that I am not a Microsoft junky. I fully embrace other technologies (such as MYSQL) when it is logical to do so.

I am currently studying SQL Server 2005 concepts since DTS is no longer used and coming up to speed with SQL Server Business Intelligence, Management Studio, and Analysis Services.

I’ve been using MYSQL for going on 3 years. I love how portable it is and the concepts I’ve learned regarding other databases transferred very nicely allowing me to run with MYSQL in less than a day.

I have used MYSQL primarily for web applications and most of my experience is with 4.x. I have used MYSQL 5 and can’t wait for it to become mainstream. It’s my opinion that where MYSQL 4 is a fully functional database, 5 comes much closer to being what my opinion of a professional DBMS is.

I have used MS Access for many purposes throughout the years and have used it successfully to drive web properties as well as desktop applications. I avoid using it for most applications if I can use a SQL server solution, however, there are times where it just isn’t feasible, and that’s where Access truly shines for Microsoft-centric solutions.

I am proficient with VBScript so I can create, work with, and support Access enabled desktop solutions when necessary.

This was the platform that I was introduced to databases on. I don’t miss it except perhaps in a nostalgic way.

One of the first professional grade applications I created used DBase IV as the database with Quattro Pro (an antiquated spreadsheet program) thrown in for good measure.

The application was a custom-built data repository and research platform for a doctor who specialized in surgical operations regarding obesity. It was imperative that the data be entered, stored, and retrieved accurately with the ability to rearrange the data quickly and easily. This application was definitely a first-of-its kind solution that both the doctor and I could be proud of.

I’ve written code in just about every mainstream desktop, web server language, and scripting language in use today.

Every language I’ve ever attempted to learn I’ve come by quickly through my own persistence. I can usually pick up a new language in a few hours or days becoming proficient with it in 10 to 30 days depending on complexity.

Some code skills that I haven’t mentioned, and that I believe you come by and have to know to call yourself a developer, are SGML based “languages” (like XML, RSS, XHTML, and the like), Scripting languages (JavaScript, LiveScript, VBScript, ActionScript), and various data transfer methods (SOAP and RPC).

Standards are very important to me. I will fudge them when there is no way around it due to time constraints, requests, or compatibility issues, however I always strive for compliance when possible.

This section isn’t meant to go over every language I’ve ever used, but instead is meant to be a highlight of languages I’ve used with the intent to prove that I possess the ability to leverage learned concepts and applying them to new languages and concepts.

One language that I specifically omitted is ASP. I have a great deal of experience with ASP but do not consider it a solution for any new development.

This is one of the first languages I learned as a professional; unfortunately I’ve had very few opportunities to use it.

One occasion that I did use it was to eradicate corruption caused by a version of Nimda (a virus) on over 20,000 files that hadn’t been backed up. Virus scanners couldn’t remove the corruption because the virus itself had somehow malfunctioned and instead of replicating itself, it replicated part of a printer driver file into all the files it should have infected, sometimes many times.

This of course resulted in all of the files becoming totally unusable. As could be expected, many people were experiencing a great deal of anxiety over this because the files represented well over $200,000 of time, energy, and expense.

In about 6 hours I was able to analyze, write, compile and test a nifty little program that recursively ran through every file system infected, restoring 97% of the files to fully functional binaries.

While I enjoy working with this language, it simply isn’t feasible most of the time. However, knowing C++ has gone a long way toward allowing me to pick up other languages quickly.

Visual basic has been a language I’ve used to solve problems for employers and clients for years. Applications I’ve developed include stand-alone desktop applications as well as applications which take advantage of the Internet.

One client wanted a web based shopping cart with a content management system that was NOT web based. In other words, the client wanted a system they could update on laptops and that would synchronize with their web page. Visual Basic.NET allowed me to quickly create a management system that both fit their needs and grew with them.

Visual Basic.NET really enabled those I supervised and myself to develop applications and modules to solve problems reliably and fast.

My most recent development experience has been with PHP and Apache on LINUX servers. PHP is an incredibly robust language and I’m embarrassed to say, having worked with it many years prior as a CGI, I never really gave it another chance.

Luckily, I was forced to work with it again for the first time almost three years ago and have never looked back. It is a powerful language and can hold its own with most other languages today.

Now that it has fully come of age and supports advanced concepts like classes and inheritance it is truly a valid solution for many applications.

The majority of the solutions I’ve developed in the past three years have been with PHP. The open source community has given me a lot of leverage allowing me to take concepts, modules, and even fully developed solutions and mold them to my own and my clients needs with less time and financial resources invested.

I typically use MYSQL with PHP but in my opinion, the power of PHP really shines when coupled with a DBMS like MS SQL server.

I have developed many server side web properties with C# and ASP.NET. Most of them admittedly smaller applied solutions, but with my background for scalable solutions, presented with a challenge, I have complete confidence in my ability to perform in this regard, especially teamed with other professionals. My lack of experience with C# specifically has been mostly due to customers requesting VB.NET solutions.

Most of the development I’ve done with the server side of .NET has been outside of Microsoft Visual Studio and has been commercial in nature (shopping cart systems and dynamic sites). However, I have had opportunity to create various web controls and class based systems.

Various projects have also required me to develop a couple of ISAPI based solutions using C#.

Having been one of the first 100,000 Cold Fusion developers globally, I’ve been developing Cold Fusion applications since version 2.0. That gives me over 8 years of Cold Fusion development experience which makes me a veteran regarding this language.

I’ve developed web based Cold Fusion applications freestyle, using Fusebox, and other methods based on the task at hand and the requirements of clients. I haven’t developed any Cold Fusion applications since version 6.0 because recent projects haven’t required it.

Anymore, Cold Fusion is just too expensive for most to justify when other solutions like PHP and .NET are available. However, with my Cold Fusion background I can confidently say that I could quite easily come up to speed on the advancements in a day or two.

Applications I’ve developed or overseen the development of include:

• A web based MS SQL Server data repository of over 5 million records and a three dimensional VRML front end.
• Many shopping cart and content management systems
• Online bid management systems for the Department of Energy
• Real time media streaming and management systems
• And dozens of smaller applications and web sites

The first “web site” I ever created was with Cold Fusion 2.0 and was written using MS Notepad as the development environment.

CGI is a language I’ve used quite infrequently. Rarely was there a time that I could justify delving into the depths of CGI. Frankly, the only solution I’ve ever developed with CGI was while developing a custom web based file up loader in PHP. I needed CGI to help make a rudimentary progress bar. I’m certain many others could have done far better and it was rough, but it worked.

Regarding servlets; I’ve never written anything using this technology. I’m confident I could, but I’ve never seen the value, nor had a request to develop anything with this methodology.

Java is a language that I have used in the past but haven’t touched in the last 3 years. I am competent with Java, but far from proficient (in my opinion).

My first introduction to Java was a trial by fire. A client came to my boss and wanted two pieces of an application. A web based UI in the form of a java applet, and a client side Java application to manage the backend.

My boss quickly accepted the three-week deadline assuming I had previous knowledge of Java, which I didn’t. I complained naturally, and then quickly got to work to meet the deadline, which we did. It took me a week to come up to speed on at least some of the practices, syntax, and concepts, and two weeks to develop a fully debugged deliverable.

Needless to say, the client went away happy, paid his bill, and we breathed a collective sigh of relief, even me…I just didn’t let anyone see.

Python is a language that I am not very familiar with at all, however, based on what I have seen and read, I do not fear it and feel that if need be, I could come up to speed with very little investment of time.

Most of the skills I developed in this area were from necessity. I was constantly placed in positions where I was surrounded by people who knew what they wanted to do, and with no capability to do them.

This typically resulted in ”trial by fire” situations where the deadline was yesterday with maximum performance expected and no down time.

I typically excel in this type of environment and can’t think of one incident where I didn’t deliver.  Were there ever mistakes?  Sure, and I usually recovered from them quickly and completely.  I typically would test out theories and unproven knowledge on non-critical systems first, a must when working in a production environment.

Regarding Novell: I have experience with Novell Netware although not too many people appear to be using Novell in my area anymore. Even though I don’t include a section for Novell I am familiar with their concepts and, of course, IPX.

I also don’t speak directly to my design experience, that not withstanding, I’ve designed several corporate networks and local school networks from the infrastructure up.

I have experience with switches, routers, firewalls, Wi-Fi, cabling, connectors, wiring specifications, and multi-homed systems to name a few knowledge areas.

Most of my experience in networking has been with Microsoft technology. I’m familiar with and have implemented solutions using Active Directory, Exchange Server, and many other Microsoft technologies.

I’ve never been certified mainly because I’ve been too busy solving problems and haven’t spent any time working toward the paper trail. I’ve recently started looking into the certification process and intend to work toward getting certified. I know how much of a gamble it can be for employers to hire those with nothing but their word of their track record.

I’m currently working toward my Cisco certification and once complete will work toward both Microsoft networking and programming certifications.

The most common client and server systems I’ve installed, configured, and maintained include:

• Windows for Workgroups 3.11
• Windows 95, 98, and ME
• Windows professional
• Windows XP Home and Professional
• Windows NT 3.51 and 4.0
• Windows 2000 Server
• Windows 2003 Server
• Exchange Server
• Active Directory

I have experience with Cisco switches and routers and I’m currently working toward my Cisco CCNA certification. With a lot of work and my current knowledge I should be able to pass this exam by the end of October, 2006.

I am familiar with TCP/IP, IPX, and network layers. I believe my programming and application development background gives me an advantage here because I have a more thorough understanding of layers 5 - 7 than some network technicians.

Most of my experience with the application of Cisco systems is from a local small ISP that serviced several hundred dial-up customers, DSL customers, and a few dedicated Permanent Virtual Connections utilizing frame relay. In that regard I am familiar with Data Terminal Equipment and Data Communications Equipment from an ISP’s perspective.

Once I’ve acquired my CCNA my intention is to get MCP certified. I will be working toward completion of the network and programming tracks combined.

I have some experience with marketing and sales both to businesses and individuals. I am not a believer that marketing and sales are the same thing, nor that one can exist without the other, and it amazes me that there are those that think the opposite.

My Internet marketing skills include:

• SEO – Search Engine Optimization is something that I find fascinating. Early SEO was fairly easy to understand and manipulate. However, recent changes to the top three’s (Google, Yahoo, and MSN) algorithms have made SEO increasingly difficult. I do have the capability of positively influencing search results through viral campaigns and the dissemination of information in a targeted way.
• SEM/PPC – Search Engine Marketing/Pay Per Click is another aspect of search engines that interests me. I know how to create and optimize PPC campaigns particularly through Google Adwords so that maximum exposure is achieved with minimum expense.
• Email – I do not condone nor approve of SPAM techniques, however, permission based, targeted email to customers or interested parties is a sure fire way to drive up both sales and customer loyalties. You’ve got to keep your customer’s close, and that often requires a great many “touches”.