Curriculum Vitae Brent Ashley Cell: (416) 271-6373 Email: brent (at) ashleyit (dot) com blog: http://www.ashleyit.com/blogs/brentashley Summary: Scripting and Automation Specialist Infrastructure, Cloud, Systems Integration, DevOps Security and Compliance automation System and Application Architecture Leader and Mentor Technology Evangelist Specialties: Making different systems work together Diagnosing and solving design and performance problems Maximizing network resource data confidence Networked device management and monitoring Process automation, DevOps, CI/CD pipeline Education: 1979 - 1982 Ryerson Polytechnical Institute Electronics Engineering Technology / Computer Option Platforms: Unix (Linux [Debian/Ubuntu, RHEL/Centos], BSD, OSX) Microsoft Windows and Server products AWS, GCP, Azure Kubernetes Programming and Scripting: Unix Shells, Python, Javascript, Powershell and more. Techniques: Custom infrastructure configuration and automation ETL, B2B, Integration, DevOps, Orchestration (Speaking engagements, articles and papers follow experience below) Professional Experience: 2021- ThinkOn Staff Engineer Infrastructure scripting Python - GitLab CI/CD pipeline automation - advanced encrypted communications product R&D - NetBox synchronization - Chassis, Blade, switch configuration - Fiber Channel Switch config management - VMware VSphere, VCenter and VCloud automation - interactive Slack bot for engineering workflows ElasticSearch, Kibana, Jira, ServiceDesk Plus - import and analyze vulnerability scan results - automatically manage tickets for vulnerabilities PowerShell - Active Directory - monitoring - GPO sync and migration - Object Storage management - created PowerShell HCP Anywhere SDK 2020- Ashley IT Services Independent Contracting and Consulting Various Clients Cloud Architecture Consultation Infrastructure Automation and Scripting - Dev and Ops - Security and Compliance - Ensuring information integrity by synchronizing sources of record to sources of truth. - Automating workflows and value streams to strengthen operational awareness. - Turning information into insight. Patent litigation expert advice - Claims analysis - Prior Art, Non-infringing Alternatives - State of The Art 2019-2020 Arctiq.ca Toronto, Ontario CONSULTANT Helping companies to modernize their approach to IT delivery through Automation, DevOps and Cloud and Container adoption and acceleration Ansible, Hashicorp Terraform and Vault, Kubernetes Google Cloud Platform, Azure, AWS Google Anthos, GCP On-Prem, Migrate for Anthos 2015-2019 ControlCase LLC Burlington, Ontario VP, INFRASTRUCTURE R&D Lead architectural role in global organization providing Regulatory Compliance and Certification services VP Infrastructure R&D for global IT Certification and Compliance services provider. Promote infrastructure and development innovation and best practices. Traditional and cloud architecture design and improvement. Promote and improve automation, DevOps, CI/CD, API Integration, Cloud Architecture, Machine Learning. Manage Appliance Development Team. Provide operational, technical and architectural sales support in Canada, US and India. Led Infrastructure innovation - developed hybrid AWS Application Delivery Model - designed and implemented infrastructure log analysis and alerting system - led Unix and TCP/IP troubleshooting seminars, mentored engineers - introduced and promoted developer tool standardization - automated troubleshooting, monitoring and data collection - integrated CRM, config mgmt, monitoring, asset management, SAAS - ConnectWise CRM, RMM, ERP, EAM Led and managed Appliance Development team to enable scaling from hundreds to thousands of nodes - designed and implemented Appliance Lifecycle Management Services to automate operations and integration of asset management, orchestration, CRM, VPN, and to establish source of authority for network of connected appliances and expose management API. - automated appliance deployment (physical, ESXi/HyperV, AWS/Azure/Oracle) - centralized configuration management with Puppet 2014 - 2015 Keek Inc Toronto, Ontario Software Architect for leading Social Media short-format Video application. Senior member of back-end team building and supporting mobile application with 75+ million users in 90 countries. Programming, design, architecture, troubleshooting all layers from application to network protocols. Leadership, mentoring. Software Architecture, backend programming and support of API, Web, Mobile - Nginx, PHP5, Redis, MongoDB, Cassandra, Beanstalkd, haproxy, varnish, ElasticSearch - plan, code, test major feature branches - critical data migrations - resolve any performance and scaling concerns - leadership, mentoring Infrastructure architecture and support for DevOps - automation of source control, deployment via svn, git, scripting. - automation of QA tests, data fixtures - automate build of virtual dev environments with Vagrant and Chef - replaced $150k/year log aggregation service with an open source solution using ElasticSearch, Logstash and Kibana. Parses and indexes 40 to 70 Gigabytes of Syslog per day with clustering, sharding, replicas. Added the ability to route older data to a member of the cluster with extra storage for direct-access online archival. 1995 - 2018 Ashley IT Services Incorporated Brampton, Ontario CONTRACTOR, CONSULTANT, SCRIPTING SPECIALIST Long and Short term contracting and consulting for a wide variety of clients. Engagements range from half-day to 10 years. Clients range from small businesses to global enterprise to government. Projects: -- Kornerstore.ca - 2013 Cloud Storage Provider Build client/admin website, DB Integrate with Stripe Payment API, Webhooks Integrate with Cloud Storage provisioning API, Build and Manage transaction feed, reporting -- Cadillac Fairview Corporation : 2013 - 2014 Network monitoring, analysis, scripting OpenNMS, BMC Event Manager -- Teva Pharmaceutical via KnowledgeWorx : 2010 - 2013 Manage and extend GxP validated document management system Develop custom workflow automation KnowledgeTree/PHP/MySQL/Java Create custom scripting framework for importing and validating sales data from diverse partners VBScript/VBA/Perl/Windows -- Affilio.us : 2013 Tools for Affiliate Marketing Shopify app Build PHP API and Auth interfaces -- ESI Technologies : 2014 Financial Services industry Performance review of PHP/Zend/IIS/MS-SQL application Diagnose Browser/Network/Server/Application/DB/OS layers -- ClubsAndGifts.com : 2013 Affiliate Marketing application Custom scripting - JavaScript/PHP/MySQL/WordPress/CodeIgniter create WordPress plugins for subdomain permalinks and routing -- Justice Cluster, Community Safety and Correctional Services Ontario Police Technology and Information Cooperative Jan - May 2013 Infrastructure Integration Specialist Mission Critical application and network support Intergraph CAD, Niche RMS, Data Mart Data Migration (XML/SQL), geocoordinate translation Manage IPSEC and SSL/TLS VPNs using Cisco ASA Create and maintain XSLT for transformation and reporting Enhanced Reliability Security Clearance -- PrecisionNutrition.com : 2012 Automate build of standardized development environments Ubuntu, VirtualBox, Chef, Git, Apache, PHP, MySQL -- Nooro.com : 2012 Custom PHP, Javascript, Postgresql Interactive survey applications -- Kosmo Systems for clients incl Ford, Xerox : 2010 - 2011 Custom Perl engine for translation between markup languages Optimisation of processing of large text streams -- KnowledgeWorx, Inc. : 2002 - 2011 Founding Partner, Senior Developer / Application Architect Architecture, development, deployment of commercial wireless network infrastructure Architecture and development of SaaS asset management portal and supporting appliances - 400+ McDonalds Canada locations installed and managed. - Network monitoring for Magna's worldwide infrastructure. - Mesh wireless with hotspots at shopping mall properties. - Architected and built system for mgmt of networked devices. - managing thousands of Routers, Wireless APs - monitoring, log analysis - OpenVPN tunneling and bridging - automated remote configuration management, firmware updates - SOAP, XML and REST services for POS integration, B2B. - enterprise wireless network authentication via RADIUS using mac authentication and web-based login, HP/Colubris - create Linux and OpenBSD router/VPN/webservice appliances - C# .NET Development and maintenance of Sharepoint-based portal - Ruby on Rails development of configuration management system - Perl/sh/PHP scripting of monitoring based on Debian/Nagios - Debian package creation, distribution, management -- WineClubReviews.net : 2010 Back-end development of affiliate referral engine using CPC, CPA PHP5, MySQL, CodeIgniter on shared hosting UI enhancements with jQuery Google Analytics, Web Optimizer, Paypal integration -- Rogers Communications : 2010 Consulting on development tools and frameworks Scripting Perl-based SOAP interfaces to manage provisioning and monitoring of cable systems via IPV6 Scripting network daemons using object-oriented Perl to manage connection pooling, scalability and concurrency -- TheSecretLocation.com / Royal Bank of Canada : 2009 Consultation on public-facing web project to ensure conformance to W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines -- TLC The Laser Center : 1996 - 2008 Senior Programmer Analyst Extensively involved in building and extending enterprise intranet application using MS IIS, MS SQL, Vantive, VB, VBScript, Javascript, ActiveX, COM. Built complex COM and Javascript based remote object passing mechanisms to increase interactivity of browser interface to Vantive middleware, enabling browser-based field level validation and automatic Vantive form rendering. Designed and built advanced vector-based nomogram tools to aid in clinical analysis of post surgical data. Tools used to improve surgical outcomes and reduce the need for enhancement surgery, saving significant costs. -- VisionMax : 2006 Ajax Architecture Consulting Performance Analysis resulted in significant speed improvement -- SimpleFilter.com : 2002 - 2007 Founding Partner, Application Architect Designed and built a horizontally scalable distributed application to identify and mark unwanted email. Linux / Perl / MySql -- BlogChat : 2002 - 2007 - Founder Created cross-platform Web-based (Ajax) chat server, client designed to host text chat directly from a web page. Powered by PHP and MySQL. Hosted as a web-based service. -- Monarch Productions, San Diego, CA : 2003 Advanced javascript/DHTML manipulation of event-based form objects to create uniquely interactive user interface -- Magna International : 2003 Developed a rules-based script environment to monitor router logs and generate alerts -- Visual Frenzy Media (now www.vfmii.com) : 2002 - 2004 SENIOR TECHNOLOGY ARCHITECT AND PROGRAMMER Senior role in architecture and programming of rich media repository, delivery and distribution system for the travel and lodging industry. Worked in team environment to build flexible open architecture developed with but not limited to J2EE, Apache, Perl, PHP, MySQL, PostgreSQL, web services. Designed and built complex interactive browser-based media clients using XHTML, CSS, XML, J2EE, Javascript. Specific emphasis on browser-based Remote Procedure Calls, XHTML/CSS abstraction, object manipulation. -- McDonalds Restaurants (Canada) : 2002 - 2003 Redeveloped Helpdesk ticketing system on MS Exchange with Outlook forms -- University of Washington, Seattle : 2002 Rewrote Microsoft Remote Scripting implementation to replace Java applet with XMLHTTP object for use with IE5+ and Mozilla/NS6+. Saved them from an extensive rewrite of their current system to account for XP users. -- End to End : 2002 - 2004 Subcontracted for various clients including: Bell Sympatico - Installshield scripting Trader Publishing - Troubleshooting and analysis of high-volume MS Site Server farm application Indaltech - SharePoint portal scripting for Military supplier Tropika.ca - Debian Linux firewall and sendmail configuration Nortel Networks - Various NT and Unix scripting tasks -- SAS Institute (Canada) : 2002 Built Windows Script Host based framework for NT logon scripts -- Aurora Network Technologies : 2001 - 2002 Built custom object-based SNMP MIB parser in Javascript for MIB-to-DB conversion, Created Web interface for MIB submission and merge into database. Saved hundreds of man-hours -- TiCorp Interactive : 2001 Architecture consultation on web and content management technologies DHTML, Java, JSP, Javascript, XML, Remote Scripting, Firewall, Routing, DNS. -- LearnNetLive - http://www.quikkTUTOR.com : 2000 - 2001 Extensive involvement in implementation and design of live internet voice chat and whiteboard application to enable tutors and students to interact in real time. Introduced custom JSRS Javascript-ASP RPC mechanism to enable realtime messaging between client and server. Integrated 3rd party ActiveX, Java objects with ASP/Javascript application for audio and whiteboard. -- Vision Corporation / eyevantage.com : 1999 - 2000 Designed and programmed web-based Windows NT system admin and integration tools using ASP, VBScript, Javascript, Perl. Automated migration of SQL database to MS SiteServer LDAP directory. -- XPO Network, London, UK : 2000 Programmed kiosk applications for Heathrow Airport. Migrated from Unix PERL/CGI to MS ASP, data collection and distribution scripts. -- Unilever Canada : 1999 - 2000 Developed standards and conventions for NT console-based Daemon processes. Developed daemons in Perl to monitor servers via ICMP, TCP/IP, SMTP, POP3 and generate alerts based on configurable thresholds, tools to enable 90,000 user email staged migration and interim coexistence/replication of incompatible mail systems Saved the cost of 15 temp staff for 3 months. -- The Hub Group of insurance companies : 1999 Converted VB3 to VB5, updated VBX to OCX, resolved Y2K issues. Provided advanced W95/NT Logon scripting and group management. -- Aurora Network Technologies : 1997 - 2000 Magna International, Westinghouse, Bell Mobility, Labatt, Unilever, WSIB Developed scripted consolidation of machine audit data for machine, network and Y2K audits, using NT, Perl scripting Developed log transfer and analysis from HP Openview to MS SQL, web-based time and billing for project and subcontractor management -- National Trust / Scotia Bank : 1998 Project management of VB/SQL application development -- EngHouse Systems : 1998 Developed, maintained Web-based software license key generation using Windows NT, IIS, ASP, Oracle, AIX -- TRW : 1998 Developed profile-based user-programmable automatic scripted installation and signoff of Windows NT workstations using VBScript to enhance SMS -- Magna International : 1997 - 1998 Evaluated integrated messaging and directory solutions to replace worldwide network of disparate systems, tiered domain model for enterprise-wide Lotus Notes system. Recertified existing domains. Configured and maintained cc:Mail and SMTP MTAs. Developed analysis tools, data migration tools, scheduling utilities with LotusScript, AWK, and Perl. 1987 - 1998 Ontario Provincial Government (Justice Ministries) SENIOR TECHNOLOGIST / SYSTEMS MANAGER OPP, Solicitor General, Corrections, Attorney General Managed data communications and networking infrastructure with PCs and Tandem mainframes, participating in many groundbreaking internet initiatives. High security clearance. Held senior technology positions through to Systems Manager. Created automated server configuration collection and web-based analysis system to enable mgmt of 350-postoffice 7500-user MSMail network, reducing complexity of managing and troubleshooting message routing and directory sync on large MSMail network. Developed and automated directory synchronization system to manage 40,000-user directories between multiple eMail systems. Architected and implemented first Attorney General web site using Netscape Server, HTML, CGI Extensively involved in planning and implementation of 10,000 desktop PC/Windows rollout. Scripted automation of machine builds and testing. Involved in government Web and Desktop standards bodies. Second and 3rd level helpdesk support for PC, data communications. Programmed Helpdesk ticketing system. Authored Police Orders networked search application, TSR utilities. Hardware maintenance of critical async and fiber data communications network and Tandem mainframe for OPP 1986 - 1987 Hugin-Sweda Corp - Field service / Point of Sale equipment 1982 - 1986 National Semiconductor Corp (Canada, US, England, France) Installed first laser-scanning cash registers in UK in 1984 1979 - 1982 Ryerson Polytechnical Institute - Electronics Technology, Vice President Electrical Society 1980 - 1982 Arkon Electronics - retail electronics and computers 1979 - 1980 Exceltronics - designed, implemented electronic devices Speaking engagements, Articles, Papers: -- Kibana Essentials - Gupta Packt Publishing, Oct 2015 Technical Reviewer -- Speaker at AjaxExperience.com - Boston, October 2007 -- Enterprise Ajax - Johnson, White, Charland Prentice Hall, July 2007 http://www.enterpriseajax.com/ Tech Reviewer for leading-edge technology book -- Speaker at AjaxExperience.com - San Francisco, July 2007 advocated browser technology with developers and vendors -- Article, Secure Mashups - IBM DeveloperWorks - April 2007 http://bit.ly/1L27ewp -- Distinguished Lecturer - March 2007 Ryerson University 3rd Yr Computer Science Ajax Transports -- Speaker at AjaxExperience.com - Boston, October 2006 -- Speaker at AjaxExperience.com - San Francisco, May 2006 -- iSummit.ca - March 2006 - Ajax Expert on Web 2.0 Panel -- Foundations of Ajax - Asleson and Schutta : APress - Aug 2005 Technical Reviewer -- Ajax Summit - May 2005 O'Reilly and Adaptive Path, San Francisco Opening speaker at first summit of web dev experts on Ajax technologies -- Industry Canada - June 2003 Co-authored a Policy, Technical and Economic Study of Unsolicited Commercial Email (Spam) Open Source Projects, Community Involvement, Personal: -- Active in the Toronto technology community Blogging about technology since 2001 Early DemoCamp speaker and sponsor Host, Ajax Pub Nite http://www.ajaxcamp.org (now defunct) -- Contributed monitoring plugins to NagiosExchange project e.g. http://wmi-proxy.sourceforge.net, windows snmp checks -- Javascript Remote Scripting http://www.ashleyit.com/rs - 2000 - 2005 Authored specialized library of Javascript functions to allow cross-platform RPC capability between web browsers and servers. This library was the most widely used precursor to Ajax. My techniques are highlighted in articles at IBM Developerworks: 1: http://bit.ly/1QMYHw3 2: http://bit.ly/1FSTe0C Apple's Internet Developer site: http://bit.ly/1JLapqz and in numerous Ajax books.