C / Ada / Perl Application Developer

Duration : 07.2007 - 11.2007
Client   : GDV-Dienstleistung, Hamburg
Project  : Elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung [for the Gesamtverband der

  Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft (GDV)]

The project Elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung [eVB] is being developed to
simplify and accelerate, from 2008 onwards, the complete set of processes
involved in the communication between motor vehicle insurance companies, the
GDV as service provider, the Kraftfahrtbundesamt [KBA, a central authority for
vehicle registration and insurance] and local vehicle registration authorities.

Creation and development of a test framework for the eVB system components [core
service, communication adapters, processing modules]. Automation of the test
processes through implementation of a central Perl script, that sends system
messages in XML format via a socket adapter to the core service, receives system
replies likewise in XML format and perfoms a comparison of expected with actual
content of the system replies.

Aditionally, automation through implementation of further Perl and SQL scripts
of the testing of the communication between KBA and GDV. This involves the
generation of XML system messages, their insertion into the Oracle database and
their transmission via a "letterbox" mechanism and the KBA adapter to the core
service.

Furthermore, implementation of an automated XML-database comparison, to check
the correct processing of XML system messages and the corresponding storage of
new data in the Oracle database.

OS / Languages : Windows XP, Solaris / Perl, SQL
Standards      : XML
RDBMS          : ORACLE
Tools          : SQL*Plus, TOAD

---

Duration : 04.2007 - 06.2007
Client   : EADS Defence & Security Systems, Manching
Project  : Generic System Manager [internal research project]

Participation in a project in the field of Integrated Modular Avionics [IMA],
a suggested standard for a common software architechture for future avionics
systems with application in military aircraft.

Evaluation of an implementation of a Generic System Manager [GSM], the central
component of an IMA software architecture. This GSM was written in Ada 95 and is
responsible for initial configuration of the avionic system and for its
reconfiguration in response to events such as component failures. System
configurations are defined by "runtime blueprints" expressed in XML format.

Creation of a development environment on a Solaris platform for further
development of the GSM. Porting of the GSM onto a LynxOS (real time) platform
and evaluation of its run time performance on a test rig in conjunction with
other IMA standard components.

OS / Languages : Windows XP, Linux, Solaris, LynxOS / Ada
Standards      : ASAAC, IMA, UML, XML
Tools          : GNAT Ada, Rational Rose

---

Duration : 10.2006 - 01.2007
Client   : Thales Defence Deutschland, Wilhelmshaven
Project  : Link Simulator [for the German Navy]

Design and development of a simulator for the Data Link Segment [DLS] of the
Combat Direction System [CDS] on board Type F122 and F123 frigates. The DLS
simulates a complete communication link between the CDS of one unit operating
in a radio net and the CDS of another.

Involved in the design of a new data model [expressed in UML] for the Link
Simulator, and in the preparation of a corresponding Software Design Document
[SDD]. Establishment of a software development environment on a Linux platform,
and preparation of an interface to SIGMA-SPLICE, a robust, distributed real-time
database, based on the data model. Development of a prototype version of the
Link Simulator, in Ada 95.

OS / Languages : Linux / Ada
Standards      : SIGMA-SPLICE, UML
Tools          : GNAT Ada, GIO, Umbrello

---

Duration : 12.2005 - 08.2006
Client   : IBM Deutschland, Wilhelmshaven
Project  : Link-11 POFA [for the German Navy]

Design and development of test software [POFA - Programmed Operational and
Functional Appraisal] for the Link-11 radio communication equipment on board
Type F122 and F123 frigates. Preparation of Functional Description, Interface
Specification and User Manual documents for this software tool.

The POFA software establishes a communication link from a tactical computer
[Windows platform] via an NTDS interface [NTDS card with device driver]
through to a Link-11 DTS [Data Terminal Set - converts digital data into audio
signals and vice versa].

In single-station test mode, the complete Link-11 communication path, i.e.
tactical computer to DTS to radio equipment, installed in one ship-based or
land-based station can be tested and verified. The DTS is configured in this
case to operate in loopback mode, sending received test data [immediately or
through the radio equipment] back to the tactical computer [POFA software].

In multi-station test mode, the POFA software runs simultaneously on two
stations belonging to a Link-11 radio net, and the entire communication path
from one tactical computer to the other, including radio transmission /
reception, can be tested and verified.

Implemented in Ada 95 and C, the POFA software responds to interrupt codes sent
from the DTS, and, accordingly, either transmits predefined test data or
receives such data, continuously until the operator concludes the test with a
reset of the DTS. During the test, statistical data are gathered [bit and parity
errors, protocol errors, interrupt code counts] and stored subsequently in a
text file.

The POFA software is part of the next release of the DLPS [Data Link Processor
System] software to the German Navy.

OS / Languages : Windows 2000 / Ada, C
Standards      : Link-11, NTDS
Tools          : GNAT Ada, PVCS

---

Duration : 06.2004 - 05.2005
Client   : ATOS Origin, Meppen
Project  : K130 Interface Applications - EADS Ulm

Implementation of the SFK - Interface Application for the Corvette K130. This
system element provides a communication path between the CDS [Combat Direction
System] and the MEPS [Missile Engagement Planning System] of the ship.

This communication is realised through the single process Operational
Capabilities, which receives messages at its Presentation Interface via TCP / IP
and converts these into datasorts, which are then forwarded to the CDS - and
vice versa. Two further processes - Subsystem Management und Subsystem Logging -
complete the implementation of the SFK Interface Application.

The SFK Interface Application is implemented in Ada 95 under CVS. Development
and target system is Unix (Sun Solaris).

OS / Languages : Solaris, Windows XP / Ada, Unix-Shell
Standards      : TCP / IP
Tools          : GNAT Ada, CVS

---

Duration : 04.2003 - 03.2004
Client   : EADS Dornier, Friedrichshafen
Project  : Tornado DMG - EADS Munich

Design rework for the Digital Map Generator [DMG], one component of an avionics
upgrade for the Tornado fighter aircraft, in accordance with the Hierarchical
Object-Oriented Design [HOOD] Methodology. Generation of new design
documentation, compliant with the EFA [European Fighter Aircraft] Standard.

The DMG comprises a Processor Module, a Geographic Module and an Interface
Module, und generates digital topographic maps on a cockpit display to aid
navigation. The software for the Tornado DMG, which is implemented in Ada 95
under support from Rational Apex, is already available.

The basis for this work is the HOOD design for the Eurofighter DMG. As a result
of the extensive modifications and extensions in the source code necessary for
the implementation of the Tornado DMG, the design of the five HOOD root objects
has to be completely reworked und an additional HOOD root object is required for
the new design.

This new version of the DMG design is realised with the aid of the CP-HOOD Tool
from TNI Europe [formerly Ipsys]. This tool comprises a document generation
function for the production of the formal design documentation.

OS / Languages : Solaris, Windows 2000 / Ada, Unix-Shell
Standards      : HOOD
Tools          : CP-HOOD Tool, Rational Apex

---

Duration : 09.2002 - 02.2003
Client   : Comsoft, Karlsruhe
Project  : RMCDE Enhancement - Eurocontrol

Implementation of enhancements to a complex system for the distribution of radar
data for air traffic control. Design and development of new GUIs for the
Operator Subsystem [OSS]. Extension of the communication mechanism between OSS
and the Core system component, which is responsible for the capture, processing
and switching of radar data. The OSS enables an operator to fully configure and
parameterise the Core, as well as to capture and display diagnostic data.

The OSS consists of several processes and runs under Linux [alternatively
Unixware] on an industrial PC, GUI standard is Motif, programming language is C.
The OSS communicates via and Ethernet LAN with the Core, which under operational
conditions is itself a node in the RADNET network for radar data exchange. The
core processes run under RMK or RMOS on one of two identical, automatically or
manually switchable units.

OS / Languages : Linux / C, Unix-shell
Standards      : Motif
Tools          : Motifation, Sniff

---

Duration : 11.2001 - 05.2002
Client    : Deutsche Post, Trier
Project   : Sendungsdatenbank [SDB] - Deutsche Post

Involved in the module and integration testing of a parcel tracking system.
Implemented in C, this system stores events associated with the postage and
delivery of parcels in an Oracle database [Import Service] and provides
customers with the means to track their own shipments via the Internet [Export
Service]. The SDB runs on a Solaris platform.

The Export Service handles requests in the form of incoming XML documents,
accesses the event database via an OCI interface and generates XML documents
for return to the customer.

Developed a range of shell tools to automate as far as possible the generation,
execution and evaluation of module level test cases. Also implemented a C code
generator for template test programs. Involved in integration testing of the
Export Service.

OS / Languages : Solaris, NT / C, SQL, Unix-shell
RDBMS          : ORACLE
Standards      : XML
Tools          : OraTool, CVS, Xerces XML Parser

---

Duration : 07.1997 - 10.2001
Client    : STN Atlas Elektronik, Bremen
Project   : Combat Direction System [CDS] Frigate 124 ? German Navy

Involved in the prototype and implementation phases of a project to provide an
onboard data management system for a new class of frigate. Prototyped a large
number of GUI components using the UIM/X tool running under Solaris. Responsible
for the non-real time CDS segments PLADOCMA (Plans and Doctrine Management) and
SITUAMAN (Situation Management). All interfaces are Motif-compliant and utilise
the XRT extended widget set. Callback code written in C animates the prototypes
for demonstration purposes.

Initial layouts for all interfaces were refined following a series of meetings
with the customer, with particular emphasis on the deployment of XRT widgets to
provide multi-column, hierarchical list displays, as well as table, graph and
combo box displays. A further requirement was that the provided user
transactions reflect previous naval practices (manual working on toteboards,
etc).

Interfaces with full callback functionality and database connectivity were
implemented for CDS Release 0 in November 1999, using UIM/X and a generated
database interface for C. Developed sed, awk and C shell scripts to extract
callback code from UIM/X interface files into external C files. Finalised
interface specification and design documents (IRS-MMI, IDD-MMI) for SITUAMAN.

Implemented a larger subset of interfaces for CDS Release 2 in February 2002,
using a script language and interpreter tool developed by an external company
and a "string" database interface which accepts raw SQL statements. The script
language allows the definition of extended widget classes derived from Motif /
XRT base widget classes.

Also for Release 2, implemented the Maintain Pixmap Overlay task of SITUAMAN.
This task enables the user to invoke a graphical editor tool (part of the HMI
infrastructure) to produce weather and ice charts. Invocation of the tool and
capture of the generated data is effected by means of an interface to SIGMA /
SPLICE, a resilient real-time distributed database.

OS / Languages : Solaris, Digital Unix / C, SQL, Unix-shell
RDBMS          : ORACLE
Standards      : Motif, X11
RDBMS / Tools  : ORACLE / UIM/X, XRT, Sniff

---

Duration : 01.96 - 06.97
Employer : Trend Communications, High Wycombe
Project   : Aurora Duet (Product)

Worked in the Design and Development Department of a company marketing hand-held
test devices for ISDN networks. Member of a small team responsible for
maintaining and enhancing the Aurora Duet product for Basic and Primary Rate
ISDN. The product software was developed on a DOS platform in C, and runs under
MTEX under DRDOS in the device.

Implemented ETSI and 1TR6 supplementary services (Call Diversion, Call Hold,
Call Suspend and Resume etc) for the Aurora Duet. Testing of the 1TR6
implementation was carried out at the company's office in Munich.

OS / Languages : DOS / C
Standards      : ISDN
Tools          : PVCS

Courses attended : March 1996 : Learning Tree International : Introduction to ISDN

---

Duration : 01.1995 - 12.1995
Employer : Logica UK, Leatherhead
Project  : ENVISAT Payload Data Segment - ESA

Worked on a proposal to provide the Mission Planning and Monitoring and Control
elements for an environmental satellite ground system. Evaluated the feasibility
of extending and customising an off-the-shelf network management tool [SunNet
Manager] to provide the Monitoring and Control element. Also prototyped MMIs for
the Mission Planning element using Visual Basic.

OS / Languages : Solaris / C, Visual Basic
Tools          : SunNet Manager

---

Duration : 08.1993 - 12.1994
Employer : Logica UK, Leatherhead
Project   : Meteorogical Products Extraction Facility [MPEF] - EUMETSAT

Involved in the development of MPEF, a ground facility for the extraction and
processing of meteorological data from Meteosat satellite imagery. MPEF was
developed as part of the Meteosat Transition Programme. MPEF is written in C
and runs under HP-UX on HP 9000 workstations. Project standards were derived
from the PSS-05 document of the European Space Agency.

Prototyped Motif-compliant MMIs using UIM/X for the following MPEF roles:
Database Preparation and Administration, Monitoring and Control, Analysis and
Reporting. Developed callback code in C as part of the detailed design and
implementation phase.

Prototyped Motif-compliant MMIs using the GUI development tool UIM/X. Developed
callback code in C as part of the detailed design and implementation phase.
Performed module level testing and updated project documentation where
appropriate.

Responsible for the overall implementation of the following MPEF operator roles:
Database Preparation and Administration, Monitoring and Control, Analysis and
Reporting.

OS / Languages : HP-UX / C
RDBMS          : ORACLE
Standards      : Motif, X11, PSS-05
Tools          : UIM/X

---

Duration : 12.1990 - 07.1993
Employer : Logica UK, Leatherhead
Project   : Columbus Ground System [CGS] - ESA

Involved in the development of CGS; a ground facility for the production,
integration, checkout and verification of flight software for the Columbus space
programme. This work was carried out on site in Bremen for the company MBB/ERNO
(consortium leader).

Member of a two-man team developing CGSI, the overall software infrastructure
for this facility. CGSI provides an OpenLook-compliant top level user interface
for CGS, an RPC-based error message distribution mechanism and facilities for
the installation and configuration of the CGS procured and developed software
products, as well as providing facilities for user administration.

Written in Ada and C, CGSI runs on two different UNIX platforms (Sun-4 running
SunOS and HP9000 running HP-UX). Development was carried out on the Sun
platform, utilising the XView toolkit to build the top level user interface.

Responsibilities included:

  * development of a prototype version of CGSI, including support documentation
  * production of a CGSI architectural and detailed design using the HOOD

 methodology and RPC protocol definitions

  * development of a formally qualified version of CGSI   * production of a full range of support documentation (Installation Manual,

 User and Operations Manual, Test Procedure Specifications, etc)

  * generation of technical notes addressing the management of dynamically

 allocated memory in Ada programs and describing the derivation of RPC

 protocol definitions from a HOOD design

OS / Languages : SunOS, HP-UX / C, Ada
RDBMS          : ORACLE
Standards      : OpenLook, X11, RPC, HOOD
Tools          : XView

---

Duration : 03.1990 - 11.1990
Employer : Logica UK, Leatherhead
Project   : Digital Systems Architecture (Phase 3) - Royal Aircraft Establishment

Undertook a study of current European Space Agency (ESA) initiatives in defining
system development environments (SDEs) for future space programmes. Project goal
was to make recommendations with respect to the UK's involvement in future
collaborative space programmes.

Evaluated some currently available software tools for system requirements
capture and analysis, system architectural design etc, focusing attention on the
System Requirements Database tool (SRDB) developed by ESA at ESTEC. Defined an
enhanced SRDB for use in a multi-site configuration. The SRDB is built on ORACLE
and runs on a UNIX platform (Sun workstation running SunOS).

OS / Languages : SunOs / C, Unix-shell
RDBMS          : ORACLE

Courses attended : March 1990 : Oracle UK : Introduction to the ORACLE RDBMS

---

Duration : 09.1989 - 02.1990
Employer : The Software Forge, Reading
Project   : Finet - Telerate

Joined a team responsible for developing a foreign exchange trading system for
an American financial services company.

This was a distributed system comprising a number of operator workstations
equipped with touch-sensitive screens or slates, a central logger-administrator
and a LAN gateway to an international X.25 network.

Developed a system print utility in Pascal under DOS, capable of being
configured as a deal slip printer or as a logger of completed deals to the back
office system.

OS / Languages : DOS / Pascal

---

Duration : 03.1988 - 08.1989
Employer : The Software Forge, Reading
Project   : LAN-WS (Product)

Undertook responsibility for the ongoing development and maintenance of one of
the company's principal software products, the LAN Workstation (LAN-WS) for PCs.

This product incorporated a range of different terminal emulations, enabling
users to establish terminal sessions with hosts wither resident on the local LAN
or accessed remotely via an appropriate LAN gateway.

Work included:

  * development of an installation utility for the product
  * maintenance and enhancement of VT100/220, Prestel and IBM 3270 terminal

 emulations

  * for the Stock Exchange, incorporation of user authentication functionality

 providing secure access to services resident on a Bank of England internal

 X.25 network

  * porting the product to OS/2
OS / Languages : DOS, OS/ 2 / Pascal

---

Duration : 03.1987 - 02.1988
Employer : Computing Devices Company, Hastings
Project   : Groundstation - Royal Air Force

Joined a team developing a groundstation system for the analysis of
reconnaissance video imagery.

This system comprised a number of operator workstations linked via data and
video networks to a controller's workstation, videotape playback equipment,
hard-copy printer and various peripheral devices.

Performed preliminary implementation in Ada of the image processing and display
component of the operator workstation. A UNIX platform (Sim workstation running
SunOS) provided the development environment.

OS / Languages : SunOs / Ada

---

Duration : 01.1986 - 02.1987
Employer : Novus Systems Technology, Guildford
Project   : VASSCOM Network - British Telecom

Joined a team developing the software for a nationwide X.25 network linking
Prestel user terminals to the central Prestel databases.

Developed in Pascal an X.25 testbed for driving an X.25 link to a target
Telematics machine. Implemented the top level (PAD) function and system error
handling.

OS / Languages : TRAX / Pascal

---

Duration : 09.1985 - 12.1985
Employer : Novus Systems Technology, Guildford
Project   : HILINE II - Holland International

Joined a small team implementing a viewdata front end to a Dutch tour operator's
central booking system. This front end provided travel agents with an easy to
use interface for making reservations directly on the IBM-hosted central booking
system. The system was written in Pascal and ran on a Modcomp machine, utilising
proprietary viewdata frame creation and editing packages (VIEWMACS, VIEWTRACS).

OS / Languages : MAX IV / Pascal
Tools          : VIEWMACS, VIEWTRACS

---

Duration : 10.83 - 07.85
Employer : Ferranti Computer Systems, Bracknell
Project   : GWS 25 - Royal Navy

Joined a team developing the control software for a ship-borne guided missile
system.

Implemented software which controlled the mechanical motion of the radar mount.
Produced detailed design for hardware maintenance software. Carried out
integration and test of the launcher control software.

Written in Coral 66 and assembler, the system ran on a Ferranti FM 1600 series
machine. A VAX 11/780 running VMS provided the development environment.

OS / Languages : VMS, MADOS / Coral 66, FIXPAC

---

Duration : 01.83 - 09.83
Employer : Ferranti Computer Systems, Bracknell
Project   : MHQIS - Nigerian Navy

Involved in a small project to develop a Maritime Headquarters Information
System in Coral 66 on a desktop Ferranti Argus machine.

OS / Languages : MADOS / Coral 66

Natural Sciences [Maths, Physics] at Peterhouse, Cambridge

BA 1982
MA 1986

1983-1997   Software developer [permanent]
1997- ...   Software developer [freelance]