Welcome to My Journal

I am a Principal Software Engineer and Head of Engineering for a leading global provider of Payments and Settlement systems. I’m also a blogger, and a lifelong learner with a deep interest in systems design and automation. Most of my early writing content is heavy on VMware ESXI (I was a staff engineer working on the HBA and the V-Motion component in ESXi Redhat), I have since moved to focus on Microsoft Azure (2013).

I’ve run large Engineering & Data squads in global settings, which includes EMEA, overseeing the development and optimisation of distributed systems, while ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across geographically dispersed teams. If you live in the UK, there is a high chance you’ve interacted with some of my work. My contributions span projects for government entities (TfL, Gov.uk, Ministry of Justice, various UK charities) and the commercial sector (payment systems such as Bottomline Payment BACS systems, SWIFT payment, e-commerce, and transportation in EDI for the UK, USA, and the Emirates).

I have also worked in product development on well known platforms which include VMware ESXI, Kong API, various AMPQ messaging platforms, Consul, DAPR, & SWIFT / BACS Network.

I am passionate about working with charities and public sector organisations. Currently, I am focused on Microsoft Cloud technologies, Distributed Systems, and Enterprise Data Integration.

Previously, I have held the position of Senior Architect at VMware, Advanced, and Accenture, Kong (Kubernetes Backend) and leading global transformation projects and heading systems design teams. This journal captures my notes and reflections from these experiences.

Industry Certifications

  • VMware
    • VMware Certified Professional 3 (VCP3)
    • VMware Certified Advanced Professional 4 – Data Center Design (VCAP4-DCD)
  • Microsoft
    • AZ-200: Microsoft Azure Developer Core Solutions
    • AZ-203: Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
    • DP-200: Implementing an Azure Data Solution
    • DP-201: Designing an Azure Data Solution
    • AZ-300: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies
    • AZ-301: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies
    • AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Solutions
    • AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator
    • 70-483: Programming in C#
    • 70-486: Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications
    • PL-200: Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant
    • PL-600: Microsoft Power Platform Solutions Architect

Academics

  • BSc Computer Science
  • MSc Information Systems

Academic / Industry Research

I have been engaged in academic and industry research during my consulting career and my time in academia in the following areas:

Distributed Systems

  • Consensus Algorithms in Distributed Computing
    • Developing new algorithms for achieving consensus in distributed networks, with a focus on improving fault tolerance and reducing latency.
  • Probabilistic Data Structures
    • Exploring probabilistic data structures such as Bloom filters and HyperLog Log for efficient data processing and storage in distributed systems.
  • Graph Theory in Network Design
    • Applying principles of graph theory to optimise network topology and routing protocols in distributed environments.

Systems Design

  • Mathematical Modelling of System Performance
    • Creating mathematical models to predict and enhance the performance of complex IT systems, utilising techniques from queueing theory and Markov chains.
  • Algorithmic Optimisation for Large-Scale Systems
    • Investigating advanced algorithmic strategies to optimise resource allocation and workload distribution in large-scale distributed systems.
  • Formal Methods in System Verification
    • Employing formal methods and model checking to ensure the correctness and reliability of system designs through rigorous mathematical proofs.