My Name is David Townsend. I am a professional software developer. I work via my own, one man, UK company Avisoft Limited and develop software for organisations worldwide. I have many years experience developing software solutions, mainly for business but also some scientific programming and a few applications for individuals to aid with their hobbies and pastimes.
At the moment I am developing Windows based applications using Visual Studio 2008. I have used Microsoft’s Visual Studio family for many years.
Skill areas
Technical Problem Solving
I have a natural ability to home in on the core of problems and creatively solve them. I have developed this skill over a number of years and can often look at a problem from a different perspective and see alternative ways of solving a problem that others may have missed.
Software Development Technologies
I use whatever is the prevailing software development tool at the time. Currently I am using Visual Studio 2008. I adapt quickly and easily to new technologies. The techniques for problem solving however, change little, merely the way they are expressed in different syntax in different languages. The choice of language may also be dictated by conflicting requirements:
• Rapid project development with easy code maintenance
• Fast executing code with lots of number crunching or database processing.
Data Processing
I have developed software that interacts with various databases ranging from binary data files to Microsoft Access to Microsoft SQL Server databases. The techniques vary enormously depending on whether the database is to be accessed by a single or multiple concurrent users and how many records are being stored. The techniques for handling databases with a few hundred records are very different to the strategies needed with databases holding several million records.
Automation of Microsoft Office
I have considerable experience developing software that interfaces with Microsoft Office documents such as Word or Excel and generating or updating such documents automatically. The reverse is also possible; automatically extracting information from these documents and consolidating it into a database.
Business
I have a keen business sense and have been running my own software business for over ten years. I see the bigger picture with business software, and use software where appropriate, to help improve the performance, profitability and competitiveness of a business.
Interpersonal skills
I enjoy collaborating with other people on projects and building up an effective rapport and working relationship with them. I have good communication skills and work well in a team or on my own. I am very target focussed and like to work with people with a common aim and clear objectives.
As a one-man business I have had lots of experience working with end customers and helping to clarify their needs and put specifications together. I work with senior management to help translate their business objectives into technical specifications and work alongside technical staff and potential end users of the software to ensure the software specification is appropriate to their business needs. Senior management sometimes gloss over or miss seemingly minor issues that could potentially undermine the success of a project. Only when everyone is happy and the project specification is signed off, is the first line of code written.
Send me a specification
If you already know exactly what you want, send me a copy of your specification. I will provide you with a quotation and any other information you require. I am happy to work on projects large and small ranging from many months work for a large organisation to a few hours work for a utility or tool for an individual person. See hire me.
Need a short term on-site contractor?
My primary technical skill is with Visual Basic for Windows based applications. (Most applications available on the Avisoft website are written in Visual Studio 2008 Visual Basic). Primary database skills are with SQL Server, MS Access or proprietary binary files. Hire me.
Avisoft Ltd. Company registered in England, number 3128640. Avisoft is a registered trademark of Avisoft Ltd.