Timothy Fisher

I am a passionate technologist with over 18 years of software development experience in roles including Chief Architect, Developer, and Development Team Lead. I have a wide breadth of knowledge of both current and emerging technologies allowing me to often identify innovative technical solutions to customer problems.

I also enjoy technical writing. I am the author of the Java Phrasebook which was published in November 2006, and the Ruby on Rails Bible published in October, 2008. I am currently working on a book on Social Media Development.
My main areas of interest include web application architecture and frameworks, RIA, front-end development, Ruby, Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, JavaScript toolkits including Dojo, jQuery, ExtJS, YUI, Prototype, and Scriptaculous, Web Application Performance, Java, J2EE, lightweight frameworks, open source technology, OpenSocial, Web 2.0 technologies, RESTful architecture, collaboration, social media development, agile development practices and methodologies, and test-driven development.

The ideal position for me would be working with emerging technologies or in a development team lead role. I would fit very well into a position in an R&D or labs type of group within a company. I value a position that gives me the responsibility and freedom to use my experience, skills, and creativity to craft innovative solutions to problems and show how new technologies can be integrated into products to increase their value. I am also an excellent technical evangelist and would fit well into a role that required that skill.

Regarding technologies, I prefer to work with JavaScript or Ruby, and I prefer front-end development work although I have deep experience with both front-end and server-side development.

Member of the "Eagles" team reporting directly to the CTO, responsible for providing strategic architecture and technical vision for all Compuware products. Also responsible for investigating and recommending emerging technologies. Past work has included client-side web application performance projects. Currently working on several cross platform mobile applications using Titanium on the mobile device and Ruby on Rails on the server side.

Skills Used:
Ruby, Rails, JavaScript, jQuery, Titanium, HTML5, CSS, Boomerang, HTML, Flash, Facebook Connect, Twitter API

Architect and developer on the Covisint Portal product team. The Covisint Portal is an Enterprise 2.0 J2EE based application with customers including GMAC, AMA, and Compuware. The portal is based on the open source Liferay Portal which is a JSR 168 and 286 compliant portal. Responsibilities have included a POC demonstrating gadget support in the portal product using the OpenSocial standard, producing proof-of-concepts for emerging technologies that might be intergrated into our product. Currently, working on a project to move B2C sites to the Covisint Portal for GM OnStar.

Skills used:
Ruby, Rails, JRuby, Java, J2EE, ExtJS, Liferay, Dojo, OpenSocial, oAuth, Google Gadgets, JavaScript, Jackbe Presto

Created the EngineY social network framework. This is a framework written in Ruby using the Rails framework that makes it simple for a development team to build a social networking web site. Features include activity streams, content tagging, RESTful API, friending, user profiles, widget engine, event planning, forums, private messaging, Facebook Connect integration, Twitter Integration and much more. You can find the project online at http://www.enginey.com. The source code is hosted on GitHub.

Skills used:
Ruby, Rails, Dojo, JavaScript, REST, Web Services, restful_authentication, Facebook Connect, Twitter API, GIT, GitHub

In addition to the client assignments described below, I have assisted with writing proposals for new business, have assisted recruiting identify new candidates, and in early 2008 was promoted to the role of Technical Specialist which is the title given to Compuware's top technologists. I have also been an internal evangelist for Agile methodologies, and collaboration and knowledge sharing throughout the company.

Client - OnStar
Architected and led the development of an Advisor-facing web application for managing Vehicle Services. The web application was a J2EE Struts 2.0 based application with a rich-client front-end. Developed a JavaScript toolkit that included support for sortable and editable grid component, AJAX, and various rich UI controls and effects. Responsibilities included creating analysis and design documents, designing the UI, developing a JavaScript framework, and leading the development team throughout the application lifecycle.
Skills used:
Java, J2EE, Struts, MVC, JavaScript, AJAX, DOM, CSS, Oracle, TDD, JUnit

Client - Eprize
Led the architecture, design, and development for a rich client web application used to manage the catalog of prizes available to consumers of the mycokerewards.com website. Designed an MVC framework for the application based on the popular Rails framework. Front-end featured a rich web interface implemented using JavaScript toolkits ExtJS, Dojo, and YUI. Front-end features included AJAX, drag-n-drop, sortable grid, rich-text edit controls, image upload and CSS styling. Code was written using a Test-Driven Development (TDD) approach. Developed automated integration tests in Ruby using the WATIR testing framework. Development methodology used was the SCRUM Agile methodology. Process included iterative development, 2 week sprints, daily stand-up meetings, and customer managed backlog. Named Compuware Employee of the Month while in this position.
Skills used:
Perl, Ruby, MVC, JavaScript, AJAX, DOM, ExtJS, YUI, Dojo, TinyMCE, MySQL, TDD, Agile, Scrum, PhotoShop, Linux

Working on a Web-based single login project for Ford Motor Company. The project is implemented in J2EE technology. Responsibilities include assisting with architecture, analysis, design, coding, and unit testing. Environment consisted of WebSphere Application Server and WebSphere Studio Application Developer (WSAD) development environment. The project will replace an existing corporate-wide single login solution at Ford.
Skills Used:
Java, J2EE, Servlets, JSP, JavaScript, HTML, XML, WebSphere, WSAD, Ant, UML, PVCS, JUnit

Worked on several J2EE based business-to-business web applications for client, Delphi Automotive. My role included development, requirements gathering, design and analysis, and database modeling. Developed with Netbeans and IntelliJ Idea development environments. Target application environment is Oracle database, and BEA Weblogic application server. Tomcat used as test server. CVS used for source control. Application design based on a Jakarta Struts like framework with an XSL presentation engine.
Skills Used:
Java, J2EE, Servlets, JSP, JavaScript, XML, XSLT, Oracle, SQL, Apache Tomcat, Struts, UML, Object Oriented Analysis and Design, CVS

Leader of the J2EE development team at MedCharge. MedCharge was a small company whose product was a health care application used within the University of Michigan Medical Center. The product allows hospital staff to capture all charges related to a patient's care and to dictate medical notes. The application is a multi-tiered Java application running on the WebSphere application server with an Oracle database. WebSphere Studio Application Developer (WSAD) was the development environment used.
My responsibilities included serving as the lead architect, software design, lead developer, task planning, mentoring, technical presentations, and preparing schedules. In architecting this J2EE solution, I utilized object oriented designs skills including UML modeling and the application of J2EE design and implementation patterns. The web application featured a thin rich-client front-end that used dynamic HTML and AJAX techniques prior to the coining of the term AJAX.
The company went out of business in January, 2003.
Skills Used:
Java, J2EE, Servlets, JSP, JavaScript, DHTML, AJAX, DOM, CSS, XML, EJB, Agile, Extreme Programming, WebSphere, Oracle, SQL, Struts, LDAP, UML, Object Oriented Analysis and Design, CVS, Sourcesafe

Lead architect on web based applications, primarily using J2EE technologies. Responsibilities include software architecture and design including object modeling, managing development team, creating and monitoring development schedule, gathering requirements, turning business requirements into technical requirements, writing technical specifications, assist with development, mentoring junior developers, and interfacing with management. Recent projects have included a large J2EE B2B web application for use in the automotive industry for which I was the Java architect and team lead, and a corporate employee internet portal for Daimler Chrysler.
Developed white papers and presentations on Java technology and object oriented design and methodologies for internal distribution.
Served as technical lead in sales presentations to clients. Developed J2EE architectural models to solve client business problems.
Championed efforts to create practice wide methodologies, and process improvement tools.
Skills Used:
Java, J2EE, JSP, Servlets, XML, EJB, UML, Web and Application Security, BEA Weblogic

Provide consulting in the areas of information security and public key infrastructure (PKI) to clients of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Developed internal security and PKI educational presentations and training materials. Served as PKI subject matter expert within the midwest region. Clients included U.S. Postal service, K-Mart, and Transora e-commerce exchange. Provided review and consulting on web application security, web portal security, and Certification Practice Statement creation.
Skills Used:
Security Architecture, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Encryption/Digital Signature, Software Development, Public Speaking, Technical Writing

Responsible for information security in Cyclone's software products and services. One of three people responsible for overall product architecture and design. Cyclone's product is a B2B integration platform which allows businesses to securely exchange business documents with partners. Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of a pure java security toolkit. This toolkit integrated PKI, Encryption, digital signature, LDAP, and XML technologies into a reusable java security framework. Named on patents in the area of distributed computing. Utilized J2EE technologies (JSP/Servlets, EJB) and XML in architecting and designing a distributed n-tier version of the product.
Also participated in business development, pre-sales, and customer requirements identification activities. This included serving as the technical lead in sales presentations.
Spoke at several conferences and authored many white papers.
Day to day responsibilities included managing development team, creating and monitoring development schedule, gathering requirements, turning business requirements into technical requirements, writing technical specifications, designing technical architecture, writing code, mentoring developers, and interfacing with management.
During my time spent with Cyclone the company grew from 5 people to 125 people.
Skills Used:
Information Security, PKI, Encryption/Digital Signature, Java, C/C++, LDAP, X.500, XML, Servlet/JSP, Rational Rose, Security Architecture, UML, Sourcesafe

Software engineer in the Government Electronics group of Motorola. Worked primarily on large C/C++ projects for government contracts. Many relating to security. Designed and developed information security toolkits in C, C++, and Java. Designed and developed public key infrastructure components such as a Certificate Authority and a Registrar product. Served as technical and development lead on several projects. Integrated PKI into Motorola applications. Interfaced with customers, partners, and managed contractors on a regular basis.
Formalized training in software processes and methodologies. Followed rigorous design, specification, and documentation standards.
Skills Used:
PKI, Information Security, Encryption/Digital Signature, C/C++, Java, LDAP, X.500, UML, Object Oriented Analysis and Design

Development
Ruby, Java, JavaScript, C/C++, PHP, Perl, DHTML, XHTML, CSS, AJAX
JMS, EJB, Servlet/JSP, XSL , XSLT, LDAP, UML,
MVC architecture, SQL, JUnit, Rake, Git, oAuth, Ant, Subversion
Social Media
Facebook Connect, Twitter API, Google Friend connect
Frameworks and Toolkits
Ruby on Rails, Struts, Spring, Hibernate, Dojo, ExtJS, YUI, Prototype, Scriptaculous
Methodology
Agile, SCRUM, Extreme Programming (XP), RUP
Enterprise Applications
Eclipse, Intellij Idea, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, WebSphere, WebLogic
Security
Information Security, Public Key Infrastructure,
Encryption/Digital Signatures
Management / Leadership
Technical Leadership, Project Scheduling, Task Estimation,
Mentoring, Public Speaking, Technical Writing, technical sales presentations

2006 Java Phrasebook, Pearson
2008 Ruby on Rails Bible, Wiley
Numerous article for Sys-con (Java Developers Journal, XML Journal)

1991 - Motorola New Employee of the Year
2007 - Compuware Employee of the Month

2005 - Founder of the Southeastern Michigan Ruby User Group
2009 - Creator/Manager of the Michigan Ruby Community
2009 - Founder of the Michigan Google Technology user Group (GTUG)
Member of Detroit Java Users Group
Den Leader - Pack 1730 Cub Scouts