With many years development experience covering a wide range of experiences I have a suitably wide set of skills at my disposal. Whether it's thick client/server-based application, a mobile application, a hosted web application, or just a simple but swanky looking brochure site, I can put it together to match your requirements - however specific or vague. Below is a brief outline of my skills and experience. If you don't see what you need mentioned then give me a call anyway and I may well be able to help.
Software development
Having worked predominately on Microsoft platforms for many years I have a wealth of knowledge of desktop and server-based applications in this environment. Generally this has been carried out using Microsoft Visual Basic, from VBA and VBScript right up to VB9 with Visual Studio 2008 and the .NET Framework 3.5, and .NET Compact Framework 3.5 for Windows Mobile devices.
More recently I've been working in C# as well and developing cross-platform applications for Windows and Mac OS X using Mono and MonoDevelop, as well as iPhone applications using MonoTouch.
Like any good developer I continually build on my skillset and now work with many common open source platforms such as Apache, PHP and MySQL, giving me a wider perspective on the best tools available for any job.
When it comes to building web applications, I utilise the popular CodeIgniter and MooTools frameworks, enabling me to develop complex, powerful, and reliable applications quickly and with ease.
If it's eCommerce you're after then look no further. I have experience of working with and tweaking a number of third-party eCommerce shopping cart systems, including CS-Cart, StoreFront and CactuShop. If you need something a little simpler then no problem, I can create you a custom solution from scratch. I have experience of working with a wide range of payment gateways enabling me to create something that matches your exact requirements.
So if it's a simple standalone compiled application, a client/server database system, TCP/IP utility, or even a fully-fledged server-based scripted web application in PHP or ASP you're after, I have the experience to deliver the solution you need.
Whether you're looking for somebody to assist with an ongoing development, or looking to create something from scratch, I can provide development and consultation services to meet your requirements - on a flexible short or long term basis. As corny as it may sound, no job is too small.
Web design and hosting
Put simply, I design and develop professional looking functional websites. This includes all graphic design, animations and effects, sourcing of images, as well as any bespoke application coding required. Every site I produce is cross-browser, cross-platform tested for appearance and functionality.
Because I provide a full end-to-end solution, I can also register or transfer your domain name for you, as well as taking care of all your hosting requirements. I can also setup and configure your email, including any forwarding addresses and spam filtering.
Every hosting package I provide comes with a powerful control panel to allow you to manage your account simply and easily, from changing passwords to configuring email, and even managing databases. But if you prefer a hands-off approach then don't worry, I can take care of it all for you.
Hosting packages come in both Linux and Windows 2008 format, both complete with PHP, ASP (SunOne ASP on Linux and .NET on Windows accounts), and MySQL 5.0 (or Microsoft SQL Server 2005 on Windows accounts). The servers I use are hosted in a secure dedicated datacentre which is manned 24 hours a day 7 days a week. All servers are constantly monitored to enable any problems to be quickly and effectively resolved.
If you're looking for cost-effective and reliable hosting for popular open source systems such as WordPress, phpBB, or Joomla then I can set those up for you with ease, as well providing custom configuration and development of bespoke themes.
If you've already got a website and would like to add to it, revise it, or even completely revamp it, I can take your existing site and perform whatever changes to it you require, from simple additions to a complete revamp.
So, whether you are after a simple brochure site or a complex dynamic ecommerce one, I offer a complete solution for your needs.
Database design and development
I have been working with Microsoft SQL Server since version 6.5 and have made the transition to each new version since. I have worked on large and complex datawarehousing projects on an enterprise level and single user desktop products for the indivdual alike, and as such understand how to find and implement the right relational design that is so essential for any good database-driven system.
Having worked both sides of the database fence, being a developer and a DBA I am equally at home installing, configuring and securing databases as I am writing code for them. Getting the initial configuration and security of a database right is every bit as important as the table design and the data you put into it.
If you need some help with your database system and are unsure where to start, want some assistance with coding effective stored procedures, or could even just do with an extra pair of skilled hands to write a bundle of SQL queries for you then feel free to give me a call.
