Above and Beyond... Collaboration!

I rediscovered this blog - created quite some time ago - while doing a Google search using my name.  (Yes, it's a strange yet satisfying experience to see some results when you search Google and find yourself there...)  Anyway, I decided there is no better time to join the thousands of other bloggers out there!

A bit more about me

I started developing software about 22 years ago (when I was about 10???) on an old SVI Spectravideo.  Just like so many other developers, I entered the world of coding with the famous "Hello World!" application using a simple line of BASIC code.  Today I am an established Software Developer and Systems Architect, specialising in Lotus Notes and Domino development & administration.  Over the past 10 years I have had the opportunity to developing and deploying a variety of systems for various companies representing a broad industry spectrum.  From Quality Management Systems to Document Management Systems - I've developed them all.  Over the last 7 years I have been developing a Lotus Notes & Domino based Workflow Engine called Agilit-e.

I am currently employed by Above and Beyond Concepts as Operations Manager.  ABC is an IBM Business Partner company based in Johannesburg, South Africa.  I am furtunate to work with a team of really talented software developers.  Everyone works hard, and plays hard!

The future

In November 2008 the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) contracted me to develop a Investor Tracking System.  The exciting prospect is that the system will be deployed to many Investment Promotion Agencies in countries across the world.  Not only will I get the opportunity to travel and see the world, but I will also be deploying Lotus Notes and Domino into all these developing countries!  And believe me - I will be wearing my "I bleed yellow" t-shirt while I'm doing it. (Yes, I've been there, done that, and got the t-shirt and Lotusphere 2008).

I am hoping that I can use this blog to share my experiences with the rest of the loyal Lotus followers around the world.  There is also an opportunity to make contact with other Lotus developers based in the countries I'll be visiting.  The deployment of Notes and Domino will definitely create an opportunity for future development and support in places where Lotus support is probably non-existant.

Goal

The Lotus products have very little or even no presence in many developing countries.  I have first-hand experience of this in South Africa.  I hope that this blog will somehow help to raise the awareness of the Lotus products in developing countries.