[Ambassadors] Self Introduction

David Nalley david at gnsa.us
Thu Jul 31 15:31:28 UTC 2008


On Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 12:24 PM, John Taber <jtaber at plandecsys.com> wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>
> I run a strategic planning consulting company (city/traffic/land
> development) using intelligent systems that I have developed over the years.
>   I also run a company that will be shortly launching a web service for the
> above.  Have a wide range of experience especially throughout the
> transportation industry.
> I'm also an adjunct professor and looks like I'll be teaching some entry
> level and AI courses this year.
>
> Been running Linux since 1998 and switched our company to it full time in
> 2000.  Find it lame when most companies (especially big ones) say they can't
> or it's so difficult to make the switch.  Albeit there's a few exceptions -
> engrs use Autocad - but even some of those firms are using Samba with RH
> servers.
> I do our web development now in Python (but also speak Ruby/Rails, PHP, Java
> ).  All our graphics are in SVG and I am a strong advocate of SVG.  We use
> Inkscape a lot so I help out each year at SCALE with the Inkscape project
> and give presentations on it at user groups.
>
> I also evangelize Linux/Open Source where ever I go.  I keep reminding
> customers why they need open source (choice of options, features (like built
> in pdf, cd burning, backups, ....) upgrades, tech support).  At hotels when
> I see business people struggling - I tell them about how we run on Linux and
> how they can too - then I suggest a dual boot system and give them a CD.  At
> a bookstore I got a college student running OpenOffice on her Mac when I
> overheard her complaining about cost - a week later she was thrilled and
> telling her friends.
>
> Active with several local user groups (Utah Open Source, Python, Ruby, PHP).
> I hope to work with Fedora on college student initiatives - maybe act as
> some sort of Faculty advisor.   I also hope to make more presentations to
> business groups on open source.  Maybe coordinate CIO/CTO breakfasts,
> whatever.
> --
> John Taber, Ph.D.
> PlanDecSys, Inc.
> 1501 South Loop 288 S.104
> Denton, TX  76205
> 940-206-9763
>

Welcome John!




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