Index

Bill Nicholls is a writer, programmer and consultant, sometimes all three at once. Bill started programming in 1961 with the original Fortran on an IBM 1620. After getting a BS degree in Physics, he was seduced by the computer side of the force and began work at Univac in 1964. After a long and twisted career in IT, he wants to share what he has learned and written. During his IT career, science in general and physics in particular remains a major interest.  

See also his comments on the complex set of computers currently running his life in Personal Experiences, Part 1.

Read the update to Part I, logically named Personal Experiences, Part II

The Gruesome Details (As of Jan2004)

Writing:        1999 - current
Currently writing a column for Byte. named "Advanced Software And Technology".

Consulting:   1995 - current
Collaborating with other developers on database design and implementation. Consulting assignments on systems performance issues and IT Audits.

Owner of GT Software 1991 - 1995
Consulting, custom programming, system performance upgrades. Projects include the following:

• Developed a small business system using Microsoft Access for the initial implementation.  A working shop order and invoicing system was delivered, and a major redesign has been initiated to allow for additional functions.
• Produced two software documents, about 200 pages each, which were designed as complete user documentation for complex software applications.  One manual was for an electronic paper management system; the other was for an export automation system.

Exchange Editor for Byte Information Exchange (BIX) 3/1991-12/2000
Managed the Programmer's Exchange (PEX) of 40 conferences, sets goals and determined pay for moderators in PEX.  Also moderated the graphic.disp conference, which discusses all aspects of graphics displays. Online with BIX since 1985 as a moderator.

BGW Systems Inc.  1/85 - 12/90
BGW was formed to deliver powerful software systems on microcomputer hardware, using software technology then available. Deliveries included a complete business system for a local manufacturer, including piecework payroll, inventory, order entry, shipping, invoicing and customer credit tracking.  The system was built with Oracle on a UNIX System V 3.2 release and supported five terminals, three DOS systems using TCP/IP and five printers on a 386/33 with 16 MB of memory.

Weyerhaeuser Corporation, Tacoma, Washington 3/81 - 12/84

• From 4/84 to 12/84 - Capacity Planning/Performance Management for VM. Full responsibility for VM capacity planning and performance management including peripherals.  Worked with the Data Center Strategic planning team and on evaluation of Requests for Proposals.
• From 6/82 to 3/84, Member of the three person MVS Capacity Planning and Performance Management team using SAS and MICS as the main Capacity Planning tools, with primary responsibility for DASD configuration and performance. Worked closely with DBA staff in a NATURAL/ADABAS environment.
• From 3/81 to 6/82, he was Program Manager for Technology Research. Directed research into advanced technologies for all Weyerhaeuser IT needs, including large scale systems, networking, work stations and software.

Memorex Corporation, San Francisco, Ca.  5/80 - 2/81
As Senior Systems Engineer, performed marketing support for San Francisco and North and primary Southeast support for Bank of America.  Also held responsibility for Western region backup support and taught a 4 day Data Communications Networking, a Memorex course.

Consultant, Steamboat Springs, Colorado 1/78 - 4/80
Performed DG minicomputer programming for a small service bureau in Steamboat Springs and systems consulting in Denver.

Memorex Corporation, Baltimore, Maryland 3/76 - 1/78
As Senior Systems Engineer, delivered technical sales support for the entire Memorex product line, including sales education, technical presentations, marketing, and technical analysis.  Primary territory included Maryland, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, Virginia and Delaware, and as backup to other East coast Systems Engineers.

American Totalisator, Towson, Maryland (General Instrument) 11/72 - 3/76
Supported tools for the Varian 620I minicomputer and upgraded a tape OS to disk based OS.  Later promoted to software QA manager for Unitote POS systems and delivered ready to use three level Point Of Sale to the customer in place of prior three to six week customer site debugging sessions. Also worked on the NYC Off Track Betting system.

CIPC, Baltimore, Maryland (A subsidiary of Control Data Corporation) 9/68 - 11/72
Designed major computer facility including 2400 sq ft computer room, 100 tons of A/C, physical layout and support equipment warranty. Also supported CDC's Master OS on a CDC 3300, recommended hardware and software upgrades, wrote system utilities and configured the communications system.

Computer Sciences Corporation, Silver Spring, Maryland 3/68-9/68
Analyzed NASA'a OGO-F satellite decommutation process and recommended performance upgrades.

UNIVAC, Baltimore, Maryland 8/64-10/67

• Maryland DMV: Developed the drivers license and points system for the Univac 1050 III. It was the first billion character DB for vehicles in the US.
• ECAC: Supported Fortran development on a Univac 1107 running Exec I.
• Other: Designed program and plugged board for full payroll system on Univac 1004 for the Anne Arundel County Board of Education. Supported Westinghouse Univac 1107 Fortran.

Other Experience

Programming Tools and DBMS's:
Simplicity Pro for Java
Turbo Pascal, TP for Windows, Virtual Pascal 2.0
Currently learning ADA95, MySQL and search software
IBM DB2 V6.1 for development

Significant Accomplishments:
Design of a nationwide network for STSC in 1976-77
Taught "Data Communications Networking" for Memorex
10 Articles published in BYTE magazine
Special Comdex article on Weyerhaeuser networks
Software Reviews for OS/2 Professional
ASAT Column on the web at Byte.com

Education: B.S.  Physics, University of Notre Dame, 1968