Résumé

I was contracted by the RBTT Bank (now Republic Bank (Suri­name) N.V.) in Paramaribo, Suriname to rewrite an existing payment processing application that was written in CA-Clipper almost 10 years earlier. I was hired partly because of my past experience with programming in CA-Clipper and partly because I came highly recommended. In the process of rewriting the application, new functionalities were also added and lots of improvements were made. The purpose of the application is to process a daily stream of financial transactions being delivered to the bank in various formats from various sources (privately owned businesses, the government etc.). After performing a number of checks on the data, the data is transformed into an internal format and output files are generated that can be further processed at the RBTT headquarters in Trinidad. Various reports are automatically generated for internal checks, as well as letters and reports for clients.

The application is written based on a client-server model with multi-user functionality featuring configurable access restrictions per user or per group of users, and detailed logging of all user activity. The application also maintains a complete history of all processed transactions. Technical documentation for administrators and an online help system for users were delivered with the application.

Technologies used for this project include Microsoft Visual C# .NET, Windows Forms, Crystal Reports, Cryptography and the Microsoft SQL Server database.

I was contracted by Sunrice N.V. to develop an application to automate their administration for purchasing rice seeds from farmers. The application maintains a complete database of all purchase details and various financial reports can be generated. It is written based on a client-server model.

Technologies used for this project include Microsoft Visual C# .NET, Windows Forms, Crystal Reports and the Microsoft SQL Server Express database.

I was contracted by N.V. GISsat to develop an application for the GLIS Project (Land registration and Land Information System). GLIS is a system that digitally displays parcels in Suriname and stores all relevant data about the parcels such as the area and the ownership.

When I joined the project the functional design for the application was already available as well as the data model. After a few meetings I could start with the technical design and software engineering. The main purpose of the application is to maintain a database of applications for pieces of land. The whole application process, from the registration to the final approval and transfer of ownership can be managed. In addition the application also automates certain functionalities such as merging parcels together and splitting parcels.

The application had to be built as an extension to ESRI ArcGIS and functioned within that environment based on a client-server model.

Technologies used for this project include the ESRI ArcGIS API, Microsoft Visual C# .NET, Windows Forms, Crystal Reports and the Microsoft SQL Server database.

While employed at Itee N.V. I:

• Managed day to day activities for the software development department, including consulting, preparing proposals and determining and exe­cuting the overall development strategy for this department.

• Did software and database design and development. Oversaw and assisted other engineers with projects assigned to them.

• Did userinterface design for all applications developed by Itee N.V.

• Developed an interface application for the Isla Oil Refinery in Curaçao (Netherlands Antilles). The purpose of the application is to allow Isla to synchronize patient information between their human resource application (SAP) and a database application for pharmacies called Aposys (developed by Microbais from the Netherlands). The interface application communicates with the Aposys communication server through a TCP/IP connection using the Health Level Seven (HL7) protocol to transfer patient data.

  The interface application was written using Microsoft Visual C/C++, the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), Windows Sockets and Crystal Reports. Microsoft SQL Server Express is also used to temporarily store patient data (for checks and reporting) before the data is transferred to Aposys. The application was delivered with an automated setup program, a manual and technical documentation.

• Was responsible for getting the company certified at Microsoft for software development (Independent Software Vendor (ISV) com­pe­tency). To achieve the ISV competency an application developed entirely by me was submitted to Microsoft for the Windows logo certification. The application went through the certification process successfully. This application was a server application that was part of a larger client-server system written in Microsoft Visual C/C++ .NET using Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) and Windows Sockets (TCP/IP).

  We earned the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status within 3 months. With this certification Itee N.V. became the only Surinamese IT company, the first company in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the company with the highest certification in the West-Indies, that is certified to develop software on Microsoft platforms. The news was published on the main Microsoft website for months, and I even got to interview Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for a local magazine. Needless to say, this surely was one of the high points of my software development career.

• Developed a solution for Kirpalani Ltd., one of the larger trading companies in Suriname, which allowed them to do inventory checks using a handheld PC. The solution consists of a Windows CE application running on a Pocket PC that can be used to scan barcodes and look up article information. Limited modifications can also be made to the inventory details of an article. The solution also consists of a Windows based application that can be used to synchronize the data on the mobile device with the main inventory database of their Point of Sale system.

  The Pocket PC application was written using Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++ for Windows CE 3.0 and 4.0, using CEDB as the database provider. The Windows application was written using Microsoft Visual C/C++ and the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC). The solution was delivered with an automated setup program and technical documentation.

While employed at Intermodulair Suriname N.V. I:

• Co-designed and developed a custom application for the Particuliere Ziektekosten Verzekering (PZS) (Health Insurance) department of Self Reliance N.V., one of the largest insurance companies in Suriname. This application is based on a client-server model where users access data stored on a central database (SQL Server) through the client application. The application features automated procedures for nearly all admi­nistra­tive tasks and calculations on that department, detailed and complex real-time reporting, including management reports and detailed interactive help. Technologies used include Microsoft Visual C/C++ .NET, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) and Crystal Reports.

  The success of the PZS application was one of the important achievements that helped Intermodulair to get an even bigger project, arguably one of the most ambitious software development projects in Suriname up until that time (and as far as I know up until now), namely the development of an integrated software system for the whole company linking all departments together.

• Designed the complete software model for that integrated administrative software system for Self Reliance N.V. Based on a client-server architecture, this system includes a custom developed applications server, several system management tools and at least 5 client applications for several of the major departments in the company featuring tight security. I also did parts of the analysis for the functional requirements, and co-designed the database. The system is capable of running both on Microsoft SQL Server and IBM DB2 without any modifications. Tools for security, authentication, user and group management, application rights and policy management are also included. These tools enable Self Reliance’s IT department to easily manage the entire system from a single location. Apart from designing the system I also developed the application server, all the management tools and did some development on the client applications (the new version of the PZS (Health Insurance) application was developed entirely by me). Technologies used include Microsoft Visual C/C++ .NET, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2, Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), Windows Sockets (TCP/IP), Cryptography (AES, SHA) and Crystal Reports.

  After I left Intermodulair in 2004 development and maintenance continued by other programmers at Intermodulair. This system is still being used today (January 2017).

  The quality of my work, and the way I work generated a lot of positive feedback from customers. For example, feedback from the management at Self Reliance indicated that they liked and actually preferred working with me because of my quick response, good quality of my work and my ability to quickly understand their needs.

• Held internal Visual C/C++ training sessions.

• Gave IT related advice to customers whenever Intermodulair partici­pated as a consultant.

GISsat N.V. contracted me to design and program a multimedia presen­tation for the State Oil Company (Staatsolie), which would be used for promo­tional purposes. My respon­sibili­ties included designing and coding a custom graphical user interface for the presentation, and do all layout and graphics work and finally deliver the master CD on schedule.

Technologies used include Microsoft Visual C/C++, Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), Microsoft Internet Explorer.

While employed at Microcom Group N.V. I worked on designing and building a client-server Point of Sale system from the ground up. The system included a server application and several client applications. I also designed Microcom’s client-server TCP/IP communications protocol (IANA - port 8763 : MC-APPSERVER). Several company standard libraries and tools were also developed by me.

Technologies used include Microsoft Visual C/C++, Oracle Database, Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), Windows Sockets (TCP/IP) and Crystal Reports.

I was contracted by Multi-Unit Consultancy to design and code multi-user network ready database systems for the government in Suriname. Technologies used include Microsoft Visual C/C++, Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) and SQL Server.

• Did beta testing on DirectX 6, 7, 8 and 9. Helped point out bugs by writing sample applications and testing new versions of DirectX. I was recognized as one of the top beta testers. Worked together with a DirectMusic evangelist from Microsoft and gave suggestions and idea’s concerning DirectMusic.

• Did beta testing on Windows 98 SE / Windows ME / Windows 2000 Pro, Server and Advanced Server, Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, Windows 2003/2008 Server (including service packs). I was recog­nized as one of the top technical beta testers.

• Beta testing includes getting builds of the software almost a year before release, installing and testing it under various situations, reporting bugs and working closely with Microsoft engineers to fix them. I also gave feedback and suggestions on how to improve certain features of the software. I learned a lot from my experience during beta testing, writing sample code to test new features and demonstrate issues. This was volunteer work but it was time well spent.

• Co-designed and coded a complex network-ready and multi-user custom financial database application. I was responsible for the creation of the system from the ground up, and the final implementation.

• Helped company staff making important decisions on automating several departments in the company.

• Maintained existing software done by previous programmers in CA-Clipper, and added new functionality and bug fixes.

• Co-designed and coded complete new database applications. Projects done here include a standard multi-user and network ready Music Administration system.

• Co-designed and coded database applications. My responsibilities here included research, talking to clients to see what they need, and based on their input design a custom database for them and do all necessary coding in CA-Clipper. Projects done here include a multi-user network ready Stock and Point of Sale system for an Auto Parts shop where I was responsible for the successful implementation of the system.

• Designed and built company standard tools and libraries including standard application functionality all applications could benefit from.

• Coded several database applications and helped clients implement our database systems. Projects done here include an application for a local hospital to maintain information about their patients. I did all the necessary research and programming in CA-Clipper.
• Maintained the local area network (Novell Netware).
• I also taught a few classes in Dbase 3+ and Microsoft DOS 6.

• Did ad and poster designs for GLOW Beauty Store for almost 5 years (2002-2007). My design and photography work for GLOW would often lead to them receiving lots of positive feedback from customers.

• Graphics designed by me were featured on the front page of the first edition of United, a popular business magazine in Suriname.

• Did layout and design work for a few issues of a local newspaper called ‘Sonde Spikri’.

• Made package designs for Tropical Pride Chips Factory for a couple of their chips flavours.

• Did DTP work for the Microcom Group while working there (brochures and poster designs for their software products, CD’s and other design work).

• Designed websites for Intermodulair Suriname N.V., Fourpoints and Self-Reliance N.V.

• Did 2D and 3D animations for promotional purposes for Intermodulair and Fourpoints.

• Designed and developed interactive multimedia presentations on CD-ROM for Suriname Dock and Scheepsvaart Maatschappij (SDSM), Suriname Business Directory (SBD) and Fourpoints.

• Did designs for posters, ads and brochures.

• Did user interface designs for custom made applications, including start pages, splashes, buttons and icons.

• Designed websites for various customers, including Staatsolie, CHM Suriname N.V., Assuria N.V., GISsat N.V., Itee N.V., Insight Suriname and others.

• Designed Cybermango’s own websites and helped to develop Cybermango’s corporate identity (visual styles, colors, mascot, brochures, business cards etc.).

• Did 3D animations for a couple of customers and for Cybermango for promotional purposes. These include animations for ABC Television, GLOW Beauty Store, the Nydia TV Show and Cybermango.

• Designed and developed fully interactive and animated multimedia presentations for Cybermango customers such as Staatsolie, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Hotel Torarica and Itee N.V. These presentations were distributed on CD-ROM for promotional purposes. Often a combination of various tools and technologies were used and integrated to get the results we wanted.

• Helped with useful advice and ideas that proved to be very valuable to the company. Overall the quality of my work generated a lot of positive feedback and praise from customers, third parties and even competitors, which helped to establish Cybermango as a market leader.

• Designed 2D and 3D rendered graphics and animations for ‘IGOR – The Time Machine’, a game developed by Elmer Productions.

• Helped designing in-game characters and also did some level designs.

• Did additional DTP work such as designing the artwork for the box, CD and manual.

• Designed several big network websites, including 3dgameforce.com, 3dgfn.com, tf2source.com, 3dhardwaresource.com and 3dgamesource.com and also did graphics for those sites and other network sites.

• Contributed with ideas and suggestions which resulted in the rapid growth of the network.

• Shortly before the dot-com bubble burst the 3DGF Network was bought by eFront and for a few months I also did webdesigns for eFront and some of their websites.

• Earned the HP Certified Professional certification while at Itee N.V.

• Successfully completed a workshop on Total Performance Scorecard by Prof. Hubert Rampersad.

Completed 1 out of 3 years. This course proved to be too much theory and not much practice for my taste so I stopped after one year. I also quickly saw that I had already learned more about the technical side of software engineering all by myself than I could ever hope to learn from this course.

Completed 1 out of 4 years. I initially started this course because it was the only major I could find in Suriname at the university level that came close to Information Technology at that time. However I soon found out that it was still far from what I really wanted to do so I dropped out to study software engineering on my own.

Graduated high school (VWO S-pakket).