About Author & Technical Reviewer
Alan S. Bluck is the Director of ASB Software Development Limited and also provides consultancy as a systems architect. He offers a broad range of services, from high-level technical design to mentoring for code development and installation and configuration of IBM FileNet’s core products. He is also a member of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), the British Computer Society (MBCS), an IBM Silver Level PartnerWorld Business Partner, and a RedHat Accredited Business Partner.
Nominated as an IBM Champion in 2022 and re-elected in 2023 and 2024, Alan has published six technical books and 40 ResearchGate papers, all available for free Download.
He is responsible for high-level analysis and configuration of both existing and new IBM FileNet systems, mentoring and troubleshooting high-level systems and issues, and ensuring that scheduled timelines are maintained and deadlines are met.
With over 45 years of software development experience in both business and scientific systems, Alan has 5 years of experience as a Project Manager/Analyst Developer, 11 years as a Software Development Manager for a team of 12 software engineers, 11 years as a Technical Consultant, and 20 years as a Solutions Architect.
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ABOUT TECHNICAL REVIEWER
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Gil Metcalf has had a long and varied career, initially qualifying as an industrial microbiologist, working for an oil company on projects relating to microbial mining of heavy metals as well as enhanced oil recovery from spent wells.
After working as an industrial microbiologist, Gil spent several years at a major pharmaceutical company, where he held roles such as project manager, development team leader, and network administrator. During this time, he developed software for clinical trials management and hospital tools for cancer patient care.
As a solutions architect, Gil has gained extensive experience across financial technologies, manufacturing, logistics, and energy sectors. His expertise covers document management, case management, business process automation, identity management, and online banking technologies.
Renowned in the industry, Gil has collaborated with leading banks and institutions, solving complex challenges with innovative solutions. For the past 10 years, he has focused on fintech, designing and implementing solutions for blue-chip enterprises. He holds multiple qualifications in document management, business automation, and identity management, recently specializing in profile management and passwordless authentication for mobile banking.
Gil believes that successful software architecture requires both technical expertise and strong soft skills, including explaining complex concepts to non-technical audiences, understanding the big picture, and refining vague requirements.
He says that preparing for solution design is often “an exercise in extrapolation and interpolation at the same time!”.
He is a member of several professional associations, including the Chartered Institute for IT, the Identity Management Institute, and the International Association for Software Architects.