Technology Archives - LDNDeveloper

Balancing Innovation with Legacy: Choosing the Right Path for the Greater Good

As solutions architects, we often find ourselves at the intersection of innovation and legacy. We’re constantly faced with choices that can lead us toward modern, elegant solutions or the well-worn road of tried-and-tested approaches. A few years ago, I encountered this crossroad when I was asked to lead a Fintech project requiring me to convert a legacy Windows-based platform written in VB.NET to a new web-based solution. The timeline? It was a challenging seven months, with a high-stakes presentation at a major industry conference on the horizon.

Why Growing Companies Need a Customer Portal: Top Features and CRM Integration Benefits

Introduction

Many growing companies face the challenge of scaling their operations while maintaining exceptional customer experiences. One effective solution is implementing a customer portal—a secure, self-service platform where clients can access their accounts, manage services, and engage with your business. As a Solutions Architect, I often encounter businesses looking for ways to streamline their processes and enhance customer satisfaction. This blog will explore why every growing company should have a customer portal, the top features to include, and the advantages of integrating it with a CRM like HubSpot.

Why Python is a Game-Changer for Data Processing: A Guide for Beginners

As a solutions architect, one of the key responsibilities is choosing the right tools and technologies that can solve business problems efficiently. Python has emerged as a go-to language for data processing thanks to its versatility, ease of use, and a vast ecosystem of libraries. Whether you’re just starting your journey in tech or exploring data science, Python offers a solid foundation. Let’s dive into why Python is an excellent choice for data processing and where you can apply it in real-world scenarios.

Essential Considerations for Aspiring Solutions Architects: A Guide to Building Effective Systems

As a solutions architect, your job is to design and implement systems that meet the technical requirements and align with business goals. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to refine your skills, understanding the core aspects of systems architecture is crucial. This guide will explore ten key areas to consider when designing solutions. Each section provides three essential points to remember, making it easier for you to create scalable, secure, and efficient systems.

The Full-Stack Developer: A Marketable Asset

Let’s delve into why being a full-stack developer makes you more marketable than specializing in just front-end or back-end development.

Imagine that you are a chef. As a frontend developer, you are an expert in creating visually appealing and delicious desserts. As a backend developer, you are a master at crafting the main course, ensuring it’s cooked to perfection and packed with flavors. Now, imagine being a full-stack developer – you’re the chef who can do it all, from appetizers to desserts. You’re the one-stop solution to a complete and satisfying meal.

Unleashing the Power of AI for Business Success

Staying competitive is paramount in the rapidly evolving business landscape. One way to ensure this is by harnessing the power of AI. This blog post will delve into how we can use AI to simplify tasks, make decisions, organize our day, and conduct research. I will also discuss the potential risks associated with using AI and how to mitigate them.

Simplifying Tasks with AI

AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing our time to focus on more complex issues. But how does this work? AI tools like Taskade, Todoist, and TimeHero use algorithms to handle data entry, respond to basic customer inquiries, or sort and categorize emails. These tools learn from the data they process, improving their performance.

Evaluating AI – Top 5 Security Considerations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a game-changer in many industries, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth. However, as with any technology, it’s essential to consider the security implications when evaluating the use of AI. Here are the top five security considerations:

Data Privacy: AI systems often require access to vast amounts of data, including sensitive information. Ensuring that this data is handled securely and in compliance with privacy laws is paramount.
Robustness of AI Models: AI models should be robust against adversarial attacks where small, intentionally crafted changes to input data can lead to significant errors in output.
Secure AI Development Lifecycle: Security should be integrated into every stage of the AI development lifecycle, from the initial design to the deployment and maintenance stages.
Explainability and Transparency: Understanding how an AI system makes decisions can help identify potential security risks. AI systems should be transparent and provide clear explanations for their choices.
Regulatory Compliance: Depending on the industry and region, different regulations may apply to the use of AI. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is a crucial security consideration.

Andrew Pallant – A Strategic Leader in Engineering

Introduction

In the dynamic landscape of technology, effective leadership is crucial for driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and achieving organizational goals. As a Vice President of Engineering, I have had the privilege of witnessing Andrew Pallant’s remarkable journey—a journey that exemplifies technical excellence, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to customer success. In this article, we’ll explore Andrew’s impact, his role in shaping engineering teams, and the principles that guide his leadership.

Enhance Your Technology Career By Learning To Speak

Have you ever had a customer, co-worker or manager look at you as if you had two heads? When an IT Professional, speaks it is very important that who we speak to understands what we are saying. You cannot sell an idea, explain an issue or develop a project plan if you who you are speaking to does not understand. The use of jargon is the biggest obstacle that IT Professionals face. Continue reading Enhance Your Technology Career By Learning To Speak

What Languages do I Use

I was recently asked what I use to develop software and websites. I mostly use DotNet Technologies as it is often interchangeable between websites, web applications and desktop applications. I can often use the same data access classes and business logic between multiple platforms. I find that DotNet allows me to easier structure objects visually and logically. I prefer to develop using C-Sharp, but I get requests to use VB.NET and J-Sharp on a regular basis.

When I went to college, I had learned C, Pascal, COBOL and some Mainframe language that I cannot remember. Upon graduating I taught myself VisualBasic 3, RPG. My first programming job was Visual COBOL. I had created a company in the Caribbean Islands programming public utility and insurance software in RPG. I can honestly say since I sold my shares of the company, I cannot foresee myself developing in RPG again.

Why don’t I use PHP? Well I do use PHP, but for specific purposes and upon request by a customer. A specific purpose is when I create a WordPress site or other content driven sites. I will not often create a website or web application from scratch using PHP as Microsoft made ASP.NET easy for rapid development.

Do I use JAVA? Yes; I do believe there are cases where JAVA is still relevant. JAVA is still a good tight platform for developing small single purpose applications. I have used JAVA 3 times in the past 2 years for applications that I believe fit the bill well.

Now, I am curious; What do you use and why?