Current Experience

Rocket Software (formerly Micro Focus) - Principal Consultant

As a Principal Consultant in Mainframe Modernization space, I've had the distinct privilege of aiding multiple customers in their transition from Mainframe to the Micro Focus Enterprise Server. Leveraging modern tools and the potential of modern cloud architectures, I've navigated this complex migration process with commitment and a customer-centric approach.

My comprehensive knowledge of both legacy and modern systems has enabled me to provide seamless transitions, ensuring minimal disruption to operations and ultimately enhancing business processes from the new platform. My experience in these transformative projects is indicative of my adaptability and commitment to keeping pace with technological evolution.

My work involves assessing current mainframe environments, identifying potential areas for improvement, and designing comprehensive modernization strategies tailored to each customer's unique needs. This includes reviewing the applications for production readiness on the migrated environments, optimizing mainframe applications, and ensuring seamless integration with cloud-based solutions.

My role also involves troubleshooting complex issues that arise during the migration process, performing root cause analysis, and implementing robust solutions to ensure the stability and reliability of the modernized systems.

Skills: Micro Focus Enterprise Software · Amazon Web Services (AWS) · Python (Programming Language) · Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) · Host Integration Server · WebSphere MQ · IBM Mainframe · COBOL · Job Control Language (JCL) · VSAM · CICS · IBM Db2 · IMS DB/DC · PostgreSQL · Microsoft SQL Server

Previous Experiences

Vallen Distribution - Senior Application Developer

I started my journey at Hagemeyer North America, Charleston, SC (now Vallen Distribution Inc.) as a Senior Programmer Analyst. I played a crucial role in transforming the Mainframe system based Cobol, CICS, IMS DB, VSAM and JCL. As part of this transformation, I developed robust C# applications on the .Net platform and COBOL code on the Mainframe. Leveraging the powerful capabilities of MQ Series, the applications online and the batch interfaces were redesigned to support MQ-triggered processing embracing the benefits of multithreading.

One other standout aspect of my career has been my role in migrating the application from the Mainframe to the Micro Focus Enterprise Server. This complex transition required not just a technological shift, but a deep understanding of the application’s core functionality. Leveraging my broad knowledge, I successfully deconstructed intricate Assembler code into Cobol code. This critical endeavor allowed us to effectively implement security on the new platform, a task I was proud to spearhead.

As Hagemeyer North America merged with the Industrial Distribution Group (IDG) forming Vallen Distribution Inc., my robust understanding of the application became crucial. I played a significant role in our transition to the SX.e Distribution Package from Infor, leading the development of custom conversion programs. This ensured a seamless data migration from the Microfocus Enterprise Server to SX.e.

Subsequently, as a Senior Applications Developer, I focused on refining the SX.e Distribution Package using Progress 4GL. My role was multi-faceted, from enhancing the package through custom user hooks to leading a diverse range of development initiatives. I engaged directly with customers throughout every stage, from requirement gathering thru production deployments. My comprehensive involvement ensured an efficient and consistent Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline, leading to successful production deployments.

HCL Technologies - Senior Software Engineer (Consultant to Kaiser Permanente)

In my role as a Senior Software Engineer, I provided vital support for Kaiser Permanente’s Physician Scheduling & Outpatient Appointment Booking System (PARRS). This front-line system, utilized by Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and medical offices, enabled the booking of tens of thousands of appointments per hour, underscoring its crucial role in everyday operations. PARRS also provided an API interface to Kaiser Permanente’s critically important three Northern California Appointment & Advice Call Centers and to the online systems that enable KP members to schedule their own appointments. The system's interfaces with other major Kaiser systems, such as CPM (California Provider Master), KPFS (KP Foundation Systems), REGPLUS (KP Registration System), MRMS (Medical Record Management System), and CIPS (Clinical Information Presentation System), made it one of the central systems in Kaiser Permanente’s Care Delivery.

My commitment to performance excellence led to my recognition as Star Performer of the Year in 2005, an honor bestowed by the Director of Care Delivery at Kaiser Permanente. This accolade acknowledged my significant contribution to improving CPU performance. By reducing the application’s MIPS usage, I not only enhanced the application’s reliability but also achieved substantial cost savings of approximately $100,000 per year.

Skills: BM Mainframe · COBOL · Job Control Language (JCL) · VSAM · CICS · IBM Db2 · IMS DB/DC

Verizon Communications - Senior Software Engineer

As a Senior Software Engineer, I supported Verizon's VEGAS system, a critical gateway commissioning platform for Verizon's Pay Phones. VEGAS, deeply intertwined with components from the Public Communications Information Retrieval System (previously GTE - PCIRS) and the Profitability and Marketing System (previously BA - PAMS), required a keen understanding and deft navigation of these complex systems.

One of my major contributions was the development of a comprehensive design framework for Numbering Plan Area (NPA) splits. This framework became an invaluable tool, serving as a definitive guideline for all future NPA splits, ensuring consistency and accuracy in this critical process.

Skills: IBM Mainframe · COBOL · Job Control Language (JCL) · VSAM · CICS · IBM Db2

HCL Technologies - Software Engineer (Consultant to RHB Bank)

In my role as a Software Engineer, I was instrumental in developing both online and batch interfaces between the GUI-based LOADS (Loan Application & Disbursement System) and ALLTEL’s Advanced Loan Systems that allowed loan customers of RHB Bank to access banking services and perform various transactions from the centralized loan processing centers. This challenging task was accomplished using TANIT-CAST, a proprietary product from TANIT, designed to streamline communication between PC and Mainframe applications. This process involved the implementation of advanced CICS concepts, notably the Front End Programming Interface (FEPI), further demonstrating my capability to utilize advanced tools and concepts in creating effective solutions.

Skills: IBM Mainframe · COBOL · Job Control Language (JCL) · VSAM · CICS

Syntel Inc - Software Engineer

In my role as a Software Engineer, I was responsible to conduct thorough analysis of existing code to identify areas requiring changes due to the Euro conversion, specifically focusing on the Corporate Loyalty Program (CLP) module. This was a part of the second phase of a project to ensure Euro compliance was met by American Express. The first phase of the project ensured that Amex systems could accept Euro payments and produce dual currency statements. The second phase was planned to convert each market in a phased approach over the six-month period prior to 1st January 2002, which was the date when Euro coinage was introduced. There was an interim period when American Express systems were operating in Euros, but the national currencies were still considered legal tender.

Skills: COBOL · CICS · IMS DB/DC · Job Control Language (JCL) · IBM Mainframe · IBM Db2 · Micro Focus COBOL Workbench

Education

Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science, University of Madras, India

During my college years, I undertook a project focused on Windows Socket Programming. This project involved developing network applications that facilitated communication between systems over a network. It provided me with a strong foundation in network programming concepts and hands-on experience with Visual C++.

Certifications

AWS Solutions Architect Associate

Enterprise Analyzer Core Business Systems Analyst Certified Professional

Enterprise Developer Core Business Systems Developer Certified Professional

Enterprise Server Core Business Systems Deployment Administrator Certified Professional

AWS Partner: Accreditation (Technical)