My lifelong passion for global exploration, navigation, software development, and music has shaped a diverse and fulfilling career. I hold two of the highest qualifications in my fields of interest: Master Mariner and MSc. Software Development (Scientific Computing).
From a young age, I was captivated by the idea of the world as a globe; a curiosity that led me to a maritime career spanning continents and oceans. As a navigator, I experienced the evolution of navigation firsthand, from ancient celestial techniques using the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars, to the precision of modern GPS and meteorological systems. Though I embrace modern technology, my foundation remains deeply rooted in traditional navigation methods.
"Now this is not the end, it is not even the beginning of the end, but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." Sir Winston Churchill
Sea to C++ and beyond
After completing my high school education, I began my career in the global shipping industry, sailing extensively across the world's oceans. Following many enriching years at sea, I chose to chart a new course and transitioned into the field of Information Technology. My journey in computer science began with GW-BASIC (a dialect of IBM BASICA), and progressed through the evolution of programming—from procedural languages to advanced object-oriented development using C++, Visual C++, and Java. Over time, I found my core strengths in Microsoft development platforms and web technologies, where I continue to innovate and build robust, scalable systems.
The 180° turn took at least 10 years.
Professional Expertise
IT Consultant: (Technology/Solutions Architect)
As a technology and solutions architect, I offer consultancy services to leading organizations in both the private and public sectors. My core expertise lies in modernizing legacy systems migrating them from traditional on premises infrastructures to cloud native architectures or virtualized on premises environments, tailored to each organization's unique needs.
During the early 1990s, after transitioning into the IT industry, I began developing distributed software systems such as client/server and web-based applications using a variety of technologies and programming languages. By the late 2000s, the IT landscape began shifting toward virtualization and service-oriented models, including IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), SaaS (Software as a Service), and DBaaS (Database as a Service). Drawing on decades of software development expertise, I naturally progressed into systems architecture—designing and implementing robust, scalable software solutions on both virtualized infrastructure and cloud platforms.
Education
- MSc in Software Development (Scientific Computing) – University of Huddersfield
- Master Mariner, Class 1 Deck Officer (MCA DOT) – John Moores University, Liverpool
- BTEC HND Part 2 in Nautical Science, Class 2 Deck Officer – South Tyneside College
- BTEC HND Part 1 in Nautical Science, Class 3/4 Deck Officer – South Tyneside College
Training Courses
- Google Cloud Platform: Core Infrastructure
- TOGAF 9.1: The Open Group Architecture Framework
- Energy Trading: Introduction & Natural Gas Fundamentals – Energy Management Institute, New York, NY
- ArcGIS: Introduction Course – University of Saskatchewan, SK
- MCSD .NET: Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer for Microsoft technologies
- Various CBT (Computer-Based Training) Programs:
- Microsoft Azure Cloud Technologies
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Object-Oriented Analysis and Design using UML
- Software Development & Systems Integration
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), INMARSAT Systems – Gravesend Sea School, Kent
- Ship's Safety Officer: Health and Safety at Work Legislation – Gravesend Sea School, Kent
- Radiotelephony: Marine Radio Communication Systems – South Tyneside College, South Shields
- Navigation Control & Electronic Navigation Systems – South Tyneside College, South Shields
- Maritime Safety Training: Survival at Sea, Firefighting, First Aid, Ship Captain's Medical Training, and others – South Tyneside College, South Shields
- Deck Cadetship: 42 months of sea time with distance learning – Warsash Nautical College, Southampton
Technology Experience
- Extensive experience with a wide range of technologies since 1988, continuously adapting to and mastering emerging tools and platforms
Contact
Email: abaid@hotmail.com