Charlie Holland, Developer in Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Charlie Holland

Verified Expert  in Engineering

Software Developer

Location
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Toptal Member Since
June 14, 2018

Charlie has been a developer and solution architect for 25+ years, with a primary focus on the back end and familiarity with front-end and mobile technologies. He has been working with Azure and AWS developing SaaS products since 2011. Over the years, Charlie gathered experience in a variety of industries, from petrochemicals and financial services to healthcare and local government.

Portfolio

Payer Sciences
Azure, Node.js, React, PostgreSQL, DevOps, Kubernetes, Bash, OAuth...
A Global Construction Equipment Manufacturer
.NET Core, C#, Azure Functions, Azure DevOps, React, Java, Azure Service Bus...
Roche
Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Kubernetes, DevOps, OAuth, Web Services, Helm

Experience

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

Power Shell Commands, Azure, Visual Studio, Bash, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Ubuntu, MacOS, Kubernetes, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

The most amazing...

...thing I've built is a global software-as-a-service platform that runs on top of Azure and serves many of the world's largest organizations.

Work Experience

Cloud Architect

2021 - 2022
Payer Sciences
  • Developed and implemented DevOps processes to deliver continuous delivery of a multi-tenant application to Azure-based Kubernetes clusters.
  • Implemented GitOps-based Kubernetes management across multiple clusters.
  • Devised and implemented an automatic testing strategy covering: unit tests, code quality (SonarQube), E2E testing (Cypress), and Load Testing (JMeter).
Technologies: Azure, Node.js, React, PostgreSQL, DevOps, Kubernetes, Bash, OAuth, Web Services, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Helm

Azure Technical Architect

2020 - 2022
A Global Construction Equipment Manufacturer
  • Designed and implemented a data processing application using React, Java, and Azure Functions.
  • Updated and evolved DevOps processes and pipelines.
  • Architected feature changes across multiple development stacks and teams with C# and Java.
  • Advised on the process and implementation of improvements to drive reliability and scalability.
Technologies: .NET Core, C#, Azure Functions, Azure DevOps, React, Java, Azure Service Bus, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure, ASP.NET MVC, OAuth, Web Services

Cloud Solutions Architect

2021 - 2021
Roche
  • Re-engineered the architecture for a clinical trial platform to reduce costs and increase development cadence.
  • Re-engineered Azure DevOps pipelines to simplify deployment processes and incorporate more effective testing.
  • Mentored existing team members on delivering the revised architecture and developed processes.
Technologies: Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Kubernetes, DevOps, OAuth, Web Services, Helm

Cloud Architect

2020 - 2021
AltaML
  • Devised and implemented a cross-cloud, Kubernetes-based, standard operating platform.
  • Implemented and evangelized GitOps and modern cloud-native deployment practices.
  • Designed and implemented multi-site, on-premise MLOps architecture based on KubeFlow.
Technologies: Amazon EKS, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Kubernetes, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Helm, Terraform, Go, Prometheus, Python 3, GitOps, Kubeflow, Azure Machine Learning, OAuth, Web Services

Technical Author

2019 - 2021
Okta
  • Contributed to the technical content and identity management on .NET Core, Jenkins, containerization, and .NET Framework.
  • Provided the technical content and identity management with React.
  • Engineered the technical content and identity management on Azure.
Technologies: Kubernetes, Docker, .NET, Azure, Jenkins, .NET Core, OAuth, Web Services

SaaS Azure Architect

2020 - 2020
Lykke Business Systems
  • Designed the architecture for the global deployment of a blockchain-based SaaS application.
  • Deployed Kubernetes as a common platform across Azure and AWS.
  • Utilized application security using Istio service mesh and Okta identity management.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, Azure DevOps, Flux, Istio, .NET Core, Kubernetes, OAuth, Web Services, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Helm

Cloud Architect | DevOps

2019 - 2020
Endeavor Digital
  • Designed and implemented a multi-cloud, multi-cluster Kubernetes environment for running all Endeavor Digital customer-facing applications.
  • Created and implemented a global monitoring and alerting solution using Prometheus, ElasticSearch, and AWS EKS.
  • Built and implemented the CI/CD processes using Azure DevOps, including container scanning, static code analysis, and automated unit and load testing.
  • Engineered and implemented a scalable load testing platform based on Argo workflows, JMeter, and Selenium.
  • Designed and implemented a data analysis platform leveraging Azure Databricks, SQL Data Warehouse, and Kubernetes jobs for data processing.
Technologies: Amazon Aurora, Databricks, BlazeMeter, Apache JMeter, Amazon EKS, Amazon Cognito, Amazon Simple Notification Service (Amazon SNS), Amazon Simple Email Service (SES), Amazon EBS, Amazon Elastic Container Registry (ECR), AWS ELB, AWS Lambda, DevOps, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Node.js, React, Redis, RabbitMQ, Prometheus, Elastic, Kubernetes, OAuth, Web Services, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Helm

Azure Architect | DevOps Specialist

2019 - 2019
EY Global Innovation
  • Built a data pipeline platform for machine learning.
  • Designed and implemented an application platform using Kubernetes.
  • Devised a CI/CD process for machine learning models and Java-based application components.
  • Developed custom Kubernetes CI components using Go.
  • Constructed a data processing pipeline using Apache Spark.
  • Implemented automated unit testing for Java, Python, and Node.js components.
Technologies: MLflow, Python, Java, Databricks, Kubernetes, Spark, Azure, OAuth, Web Services, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Helm

Senior Azure Architect

2018 - 2019
Fortune 100 North American Construction Equipment Manufacturer
  • Advised on the implementation and architecture of a high-throughput, globally distributed, public-facing API.
  • Delivered and designed a CI/CD pipeline using Azure DevOps.
  • Integrated Azure KeyVault, Storage, and LogAnalytics with a Spring application.
  • Created and delivered a geo-replicated database topology.
  • Designed and delivered multi-region, high availability architecture.
Technologies: Windows PowerShell, Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS), Spring, Java, Azure, OAuth, Web Services

Senior DevOps Engineer

2018 - 2019
EY Global Innovation
  • Migrated the CI/CD from GitLab to Azure DevOps.
  • Assembled and migrated the infrastructure from AWS to Azure.
  • Managed and implemented the CI/CD pipelines into 16 Kubernetes clusters across global regions.
  • Integrated the Azure KeyVault, Storage, PostgreSQL, and Azure Active Directory.
  • Supported the Kubernetes components created using a range of languages, including Java, Python, Node.js, and Go.
Technologies: Node.js, Python, Java, Bash, Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS), Azure, Helm, Kubernetes, OAuth, Web Services, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

Consultant Microsoft Stack Technical Architect

2011 - 2018
Smartlogic Semaphore
  • Designed and developed a global SaaS platform.
  • Integrated various components with Azure KeyVault.
  • Developed the microservices architecture using Service Fabric.
  • Built the automated deployment of an internal resource using PowerShell DSC and automation services.
  • Scripted the entire platform for CI/CD using PowerShell and VSTS.
  • Scaled the platform globally and connected the various regions through the extensive use of Azure networking.
  • Designed and developed a multi-vendor security mechanism using Azure Active Directory, OAuth2, SAML, and WS-Federation.
Technologies: OAuth 2, Azure Active Directory, ASP.NET Core, Windows PowerShell, C#, Azure, OAuth, Web Services

Consultant SharePoint Product Developer

2010 - 2011
Smartlogic Semaphore
  • Developed a product integration using SharePoint 2010.
  • Built a product-based enterprise search on SharePoint and FAST search.
  • Combined document classification with SharePoint content management.
  • Integrated taxonomy management with SharePoint.
  • Devised scripting APIs to allow the automation of custom SharePoint components from PowerShell.
Technologies: Microsoft SQL Server, Windows PowerShell, C#, Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS), Office 365, SharePoint, Web Services

Consultant Technical Architect

2010 - 2010
IT Alliance
  • Delivered an ASP.NET project for BT.
  • Built the SharePoint architecture consulting for the Bank of England and HP.
  • Developed a SharePoint project management solution for NHS.
  • Provided architectural guidance to junior developers.
Technologies: ASP.NET, Microsoft SQL Server, SharePoint, C#, Web Services

Consultant Technical Architect

2008 - 2010
Glasow Housing Association
  • Designed a choice-based letting platform based on SharePoint 2007 and BizTalk.
  • Provided an innovative property letting service to 115,000 public sector housing tenants across Glasgow.
  • Unified a line of business systems using BizTalk and SOA.
  • Integrated with third-party suppliers using a custom-developed REST API.
  • Developed a custom user experience using ASP.NET.
Technologies: REST, ASP.NET, BizTalk, SharePoint, Microsoft SQL Server, C#, Web Services

Technical Architect

2008 - 2008
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
  • Replaced paper forms with electronic counterparts using SharePoint workflows.
  • Devised secure mechanisms for information sharing with third-party organizations.
  • Developed an electronic admissions system for specialist referrals.
Technologies: Microsoft SQL Server, ASP.NET, SharePoint, C#, Web Services

Freelance Developer

1996 - 2008
HollandTech Limited
  • Acted as a business intelligence consultant for Aggreko, the global leader in temporary power provisioning.
  • Developed a RoHS and WEEE compliance platform for Sanmina SCI.
  • Founded and sold an ISP business.
  • Developed a performance management portal for the RBS IFS division.
  • Integrated the CRM for Scottish Widows and the Bank of New York.
  • Redeveloped a hydrocarbon accounting system for BP and SAIC.
Technologies: JavaScript, Oracle, SharePoint, VB.NET, Microsoft SQL Server, C#, Web Services, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Semaphore Cloud

https://www.smartlogic.com/products
I designed and developed a global SaaS platform for Smartlogic that allows them to deliver their Semaphore product to some of the world's best-known organizations via the Azure platform. The product is based on a micro-services architecture and includes many Azure services such as KeyVault, automation, ServiceFabric, cloud services, traffic management, and networking.

Forties Pipeline Hydrocarbon Accounting

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forties_pipeline_system
Some years ago I was sub-contracted by SAIC to re-develop a hydrocarbon accounting system for the Forties pipeline system that's responsible for bringing ashore a large percentage of the UK's oil reserves. The original system had been devised using Excel 4 and Sybase and was being redeveloped using Excel, C#, and Oracle

Semaphore for SharePoint

https://www.smartlogic.com/integrations/sharepoint-taxonomy-metadata
Smartlogic's Semaphore product is capable of generative valuable metadata by analyzing unstructured content. Using a combination of natural language processing and artificial intelligence, the product enables capabilities like enterprise search and automated information management.

I was engaged as a consultant to design and deliver a range of integration solutions that would allow the Semaphore product to process content stored in SharePoint and drive SharePoint features such as search and taxonomy management.

SharePoint 2010 Application Development

https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Holland/e/B0041YLEQ0/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
I authored a book on SharePoint Application Development for McGraw Hill. The book covered development practices using C# as well as client-side tools such as TypeScript, React and Redux. A number of chapters from the book were used by Microsoft, at the time, as part of the official documentation for SharePoint 2010.

Glasgow Housing Association HomeChoice

https://www.gha.org.uk/about-us
Glasgow Housing Association is Scotland's largest social landlord. I was engaged as a consultant technical architect to design and deliver a choice-based letting platform that would allow the organizations to more effectively let vacant properties. The platform made extensive use of SharePoint for the internal business processes coupled with an ASP.Net front end and an SMS-based mobile service for user interaction.

Authored MSDN Article on Word Automation Services

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/office/developer/sharepoint-2010/gg703645(v=office.14)
I contributed a chapter on Word Automation to the Microsoft Developer Network.

Languages

C#.NET, C#, Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET), JavaScript, SQL, TypeScript, Bash, VB.NET, Python, Java, Python 3, Go

Frameworks

ASP.NET Core 2, IdentityServer 4, ASP.NET MVC, Windows PowerShell, Knockout (Knockout.js), Redux, OAuth 2, .NET Core, ASP.NET Core, ASP.NET, Spring, .NET, Flux, TOGAF, Spark

Libraries/APIs

ASPX, React, jQuery, jQuery UI, Node.js

Tools

Amazon EKS, Visual Studio Online (VSO), xUnit.net, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), xUnit, Azure DevOps Services, Azure Key Vault, Helm, Elastic, GitLab CI/CD, Visual Studio, Git, RabbitMQ, AWS ELB, Amazon Elastic Container Registry (ECR), Amazon EBS, Amazon Simple Email Service (SES), Amazon Simple Notification Service (Amazon SNS), Amazon Cognito, Apache JMeter, Jenkins, Istio, Terraform, Azure Machine Learning

Paradigms

API Architecture, Test-driven Development (TDD), REST, Agile, Azure DevOps, DevOps, XP

Platforms

Kubernetes, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Docker, Azure Service Fabric, Azure, SharePoint, Azure PaaS, Oracle, MacOS, Ubuntu, Azure Functions, AWS Lambda, Databricks, Kubeflow, Amazon EC2, Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

Storage

Azure Blobs, Azure SQL, Azure Active Directory, Elasticsearch, MongoDB, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), PostgreSQL, Redis, Azure Cosmos DB, Amazon Aurora, Microsoft SQL Server

Other

Code Architecture, Web Services, OAuth, Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS), DocumentDB, BizTalk, OpenID Connect (OIDC), SAML-auth, Windows 10, Power Shell Commands, Prometheus, Azure Service Bus, BlazeMeter, Office 365, MLflow, Machine Learning, GitOps, Business, Architecture, Cloud

2010 - 2014

Master of Science Degree in Software Engineering

Open University - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

2001 - 2002

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business

University of West Scotland - Ayr, Scotland

1991 - 1994

Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science

Paisley University - Paisely, Scotland

JANUARY 2022 - PRESENT

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Microsoft

JANUARY 2022 - PRESENT

AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate

Amazon Web Services

NOVEMBER 2021 - PRESENT

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

AWS

NOVEMBER 2021 - PRESENT

Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

Microsoft

NOVEMBER 2021 - PRESENT

Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert

Microsoft

NOVEMBER 2009 - PRESENT

MCPD

Microsoft

OCTOBER 2009 - PRESENT

Certified Technical Trainer CTT+

CompTia

FEBRUARY 1999 - PRESENT

MCSE

Microsoft

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