- 1 Brian Van Watson Brian Van Watson 145 Boulder Drive Clayton, NC 27520 Phone: 919-585-6048 Cell: 973-760-2696 Email: brianwtsn@gmail.com LinkedIn Profile:http://www.linkedin.com/in/brianvanwatson BRIAN VAN WATSON SKILLS Operating Systems: Help Authoring: Text Editors: Web Design: Source Control: Graphics: Training Tool: Programming (Working Knowledge of Basics): Database Systems: Web Servers: Content Management: Standard Software and Documentation Processes: UNIX Sun Solaris, Linux, Windows 7/XP, MVS/TSO, Z/OS MS Windows Small Business Server 2003 RoboHelp HTML, FrameMaker XML, Madcap Flare MS Word, FrameMaker, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Desktop Author, TeX/LaTeX Dreamweaver, Nvu, MS FrontPage, Visual Studio.Net, Visual Web Developer PVCS, CVS, SharePoint, Collabnet Subversion Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, MS Visio MacroMedia Authorware, Adobe Captivate C, C#, Perl, Perl DBI, ASP.NET, VB.NET, ADO.NET, HTML, CSS, XSL, JCL Transact-SQL, and UNIX Korn Shell, PHP, VBA, XML, Java MS SQL Server, MS Access (VBA), MySQL, Microsoft IIS and Apache Drupal, WordPress Capability Maturity Model (CMM), Unified Modeling Language (UML), Information Mapping (Technical Writing Methodology) EMPLOYMENT HISTORY CREDIT SUISSE, MORRISVILLE, NC- (RTP) 5/2010-10/2010 CONSULTANT TECHNICAL WRITER/REPORT ANALYST Developed technical email notification documentation, business requirements, user guides, developer documentation and Excel spreadsheet reports in support of this international investment bank s Webbased, CRM application. Worked with Project Managers, QA Analysts and Application Developers to gather requirements and create an Excel-based, notification inventory reporting utility, using Excel VBA and advanced Excel spreadsheet lookup, validation and data table functions. Read C# code and ran Sybase database queries to gather information for technical documentation. Performed system and black box testing on various application modules including revenue/expense financial modules, database stored procedures and user interface functionality. Modified and rewrote test cases. Responsible for writing training materials for developers and organizing them on Sharepoint. Restructured system, developer and business requirements documentation on Sharepoint.
- 2 Brian Van Watson Technologies used: C#, Excel VBA, Rapid SQL, Sybase, MS Word, SharePoint, HP Quality Center WORDSRU, GREAT BRAXTED, ENGLAND (WORK REMOTELY-FREELANCE) INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL COPY EDITOR/WRITER 3/2009-PRESENT Consult with authors and subject matter experts to copyedit and rewrite computer software-related and science-related technical book manuscripts and journal articles for this Australian publishing/editorial service company. Also write and edit Web content, direct mail marketing material and training materials for educational institutions, companies and international science journals. Work on writing projects for major, Fortune 500, financial services companies, scholarly journals and book publishing companies. Provide technical copy editing for authors writing a Java programming book about neural networks. Compile and test example Java code using a proprietary API and programming environment. Line edit and consult with authors on structure, style and organization of manuscripts. Assist writers in the development of materials; ensure that material is consistent in its logical order and structure and that all illustrations accurately reflect the idea captured in the text Ensure that manuscripts meet organizational and educational style requirements according to the American Psychological Association (APA), MLA, and the Chicago Manual style requirements Advise writers on the appropriate use of graphics, wording of headings, figure and table captions, page breaks, index and glossary entries Provide whatever levels of edit are necessary Technologies used: Java, MS Word, MS Visio, DesktopAuthor (for editing e-books), WordPress, TeX/LaTeX. FIRST CITIZENS BANK, RALEIGH, NC 11/2008-3/2009 CONSULTANT TECHNICAL WRITER/ DATA ANALYST Designed and wrote application inventory documentation in support of a company-wide RACF re-design project. Also, wrote RACF Reverse Engineering Guide, a document which detailed the data gathering processes and procedures. This documentation process involved running pre-written data extraction batch jobs on the mainframe, transferring data to the PC and running pre-written MS Access database queries to generate Excel reports Worked with Senior Data Analyst and mainframe RACF Administrators in gathering, transforming, analyzing and documenting application resource data related to specific CICS applications running on the bank s Z/OS mainframe platform. Wrote Excel VBA scripts to transform MS Excel reports to xml for presentation purposes. Also wrote MS Word VBA scripts to automate the production of documentation Technologies used: MS Access, MS Excel, MS Word, MS Visio, Z/OS, RACF, XML, XSLT, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Adobe Captivate.
- 3 Brian Van Watson WORDSRU, GREAT BRAXTED, ENGLAND (WORK REMOTELY) 4/2008-11/2008 INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL WRITER/ COPY EDITOR Consult with authors and subject matter experts to copyedit and rewrite computer software-related and science-related technical book manuscripts and journal articles for this Australian, publishing company. Also write and edit Web content and direct mail marketing material for educational institutions, companies and international science journals Assist writers in the development of materials; ensure that material is consistent in its logical order and structure Ensure that manuscripts meet organizational and educational style requirements according to the American Psychological Association (APA), MLA and Chicago Manual style requirements Advise writers on the appropriate use of graphics, wording of headings, figure and table captions, page breaks, index and glossary entries Provide whatever levels of edit are necessary Technologies used: MS Word, MS Visio, Adobe Acrobat Professional, DesktopAuthor (for editing e-books). MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD., JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY 8/2007-10/2007 TECHNICAL WRITER- INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT Researched database security industry standards and best practices for this international Japanese bank Worked with Management and technical staff to gather information for database security policy proposals Designed document templates and interviewed staff and management for document inputs Worked with Security professionals and Database leads to develop an enterprise database security plan and Executive Summary-Position Paper Assisted Management in the preparation of written responses to internal audits REUTERS AMERICA, LTD., NEW YORK, NEW YORK 11/2006-6/2007 TECHNICAL WRITER- CONSULTANT Planned, researched, and wrote technical design document for the deployment of a market data, web services initiative Worked with Web Services developers, project managers and operations to document web services APIs, System architecture, system installation manuals and developer design documents Researched and wrote web services component installation guides and data warehouse documentation in support of Operations Gathered server and networking information in order to illustrate and edit system infrastructure and network drawings to be used by Operations Designed documentation templates for developers and operations staff Technologies used:.net framework, C#, XML, MS Word, MS Visio, Collabnet Subversion control
- 4 Brian Van Watson MISYS BANKING SYSTEMS, INC., NY, NY 1/2005-5/2006 TECHNICAL WRITER/CONSULTANT Planned, researched, and wrote API Online Help aimed at client developers who want to extend this financial trading system targeted at large investment banks. Researched and wrote online help for Straight- Through-Processing and Collateral Management, and system security functionality. Interfaced with Business Analysts, Developers and Project management. Used Adobe Captivate to develop online documentation/training modules. Configured, executed and tested API source code Researched and wrote release notes and placed them on Sharepoint. Participated in usability sessions regarding system interface design Technologies used: Adobe RoboHelp HTML, FrameMaker, C, C++, MS SQL Server, Sharepoint, Adobe Captivate JPMORGAN CHASE, NY, NY 6/2004-1/2005 TECHNICAL WRITER/CONSULTANT Planned, researched, and wrote a UNIX integration guide for an enterprise, single sign-on (SSO), Intranet security system. The guide is aimed at UNIX System Administrators and Web Developers who wish to integrate their Intranet sites and applications with the single sign-on system. Initially, examined existing documentation, identified the project's scope. Was the single point of contact for project and documentation needs Prepared a Statement of Work and a Project Milestone plan Outlined and developed the documentation by working with Project Management, Development and Enterprise Security Performed Documentation Gap Analysis to understand state of current operation documentation. Plan and write Operational Run Book for single-sign-on security Created UML Deployment Diagrams to illustrate dependencies among components in various data centers. Created a Lotus Notes-based Documentation Index Technologies: MS Word, Visio, UNIX Sun Solaris, Apache Web Server, Lotus Notes, Sharepoint. BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI, LTD., JERSEY CITY, NJ 9/2002 11/2004 Technical Writer Documentation: Created cost and time-efficient documentation solutions for the bank s IT department. Specialized in researching and implementing database, and search engine-driven documentation solutions. Standardized technical documentation for this bank s IT department Researched and wrote Mainframe Operation Policies and Procedures Guide for IBM System Programmers using standard documentation procedures and methods
- 5 Brian Van Watson Researched, proposed and coordinated the implementation of a cost-effective online training solution for members of the bank s Change Management department Implemented documentation requirements and version control procedures Worked with Project Managers to create UML, use case documentation Used basic knowledge of OOP, XML, Visual Basic, and databases to design and write technical design and specification documents, Programmer s Reference Guides, API documentation, System Administration guides, and Data Warehouse documentation Documented architecture of the bank s Web Services initiates, Tandem and Change Management bank processes and money payment systems Captured Change Management procedures and policies in Change Management Guidelines document for Internal and Federal Auditors. Proposed and created an online documentation search facility for the Bank s IT department so that technical staff could access documentation quicker Worked independently as the single point of contact for the IT department s documentation needs Developed training materials using Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe RoboHelp HTML Documentation Database Programming and Search Engine Configuration: Created Web-based database with keyword search utility for Programmers to access documentation regarding source files and interfaces for the Bank s Cash Management System. Created a small, datadriven, Change Management Intranet site featuring document search functionality using MS Index Server. Technologies used: Microsoft s IIS Web Server, MS SQL Server, MS Access, MS Index Server, HTML, VB Script, Visual Basic.Net, ADO.Net, ASP.Net, Classic ADO. MICROMUSE INCORPORATED, NY, NY 3/2001 9/2001 Technical Writer Updated and wrote System Administration Guide and release notes for this network management solution provider Documented installation, configuration, use, and management of Netcool/Precision, a network management software application that monitors network devices. Assisted the front-end design team in designing a graphical user interface based on modern usability concepts MERRILL LYNCH & COMPANY, NY, NY 8/2000 2/2001 Senior Technical Writer-Consultant Conceptualized and developed Operation Guides and System Run Book targeted at UNIX System Administrators and Oracle Database Administrators (DBAs) Documented key administrative features and infrastructure of Merrill Lynch s Global Payment System (GPS), a financial transaction application INAUTIX TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED, JERSEY CITY, NJ 9/1999 5/2000 Senior Technical Writer Wrote and edited data communication/networking documentation aimed at Mainframe Operators, and UNIX System Administrators for the technology division of DLJdirect Planned and developed Operation/systems guides, User guides; architectural/design diagrams and database documentation. Gained excellent knowledge of online trading system infrastructure and financial concepts Participated in Perl, System Protocol, Capability Maturity Model, and UML classes Gathered and edited technical/ functional specs, as well as business requirement documents
- 6 Brian Van Watson MERRILL LYNCH & COMPANY, NY, NY 5/1998 8/1999 Technical Writer Used knowledge of HTML and Web design to develop systems documentation, quick reference guides, and training materials for Merrill Lynch's problem management, data transmission applications. Created Remedy AR user guide and training materials Used Knowledge of Data Communications to document troubleshooting procedures for Operator's data transmission guide. Read COBOL source code to gather information for technical guide Documented Data Center development infrastructure and architecture as well as data migration applications. Created Web-based Data Center standards documentation aimed at the firm's Application Engineers Used knowledge of SQL to perform product support, and application development for Merrill Lynch's premier Help Desk application, Remedy Programmed the business logic behind a change management application for the Help Desk (Request for Additions and Modifications) REUTERS/SAILFISH SYSTEMS LTD., NY, NY 11/1996 5/1998 Technical Writer/Project Leader Used knowledge of Unix System Administration to produce system administration and configuration guides for this company's financial Risk Management application. Gained valuable knowledge of risk management and basic financial concepts Read C code and UNIX shell scripts to collect documentation material and to edit coding standards documentation Created training courses aimed at Technical Engineers and end users. Acted as Project Leader on documenting back-end error messages and troubleshooting procedures. Participated in developing style guide and project schedules Worked with Development team in designing user-friendly interface for configuration module. Edited GUI and back-end error messages Technologies used: FrameMaker, MS Word, CVS, C, C++ C&C DATA PROCESSING, INC., MILWAUKEE, WI. 2/1991 11/1996 Technical Writer/Independent Consultant Researched, wrote and Edited Technical Marketing material for this small software company. Interviewed technical staff to produce white papers, executive profiles, press releases, fact sheets and product sheets Other Writing-Related Employment: Newark Star-Ledger/Dorfman Feature Service, Springfield, NJ: Local Reporter (Stringer) 1/1987-2/1991. CMP Publications, Inc., Manhasset, NY: Assistant Business/Technology Editor- InformationWeek, CommunicationsWeek: 3/1984-10/1986. CMP Publications Award for Editorial Excellence: Best News Story-1986. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Inc., NY, NY: Editorial Intern Summer-1983.
- 7 Brian Van Watson EDUCATION B.A., English/Mass Communications (Technical Writing), Bloomfield College- 1984. Graduate- Diploma, Legal Studies (Business and Finance Concentration), New York University ABA-Approved- 1992. Certificate-Financial Accounting, New York Institute of Finance- 2010. Statistics, Empirical Research Methods, and Technical Document Design- Online coursework, Carnegie Mellon University, 2008. Spoken Language/Translation Training English (Expert/Fluent), Spanish (Proficient- Speak/Read/ Write), Portuguese (Passive- Listen/Read) Spanish Language and Technical Translation Studies: ABC Language Exchange, NYC, 2004-2006. Writing/Editing Internships CMP Publications Inc. Editorial Intern Training Program (InformationWeek, CommunicationsWeek, Computer Retail News) 1984. Professional Development Technical Training: Database Developer SQL Boot Camp, Exactitcity, Inc. -2008 Microsoft s SQL Server 2000 Database Design and Implementation Training Course-2004 Microsoft s Developing Web-based Applications with Visual Basic.NET and Visual C#.NET Training Course ASP.Net, ADO.Net, Visual Basic.Net, XML, SQL Server, Database Design/Project Management Training- MindLeaders Training-Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Training -2003 Introduction to Perl Programming, Course work, inautix Technologies Training and Development Capability Maturity Model Course, inautix Technologies, Inc. -1999 Data Communications and LANs, Merrill Lynch Systems Professional Development-Merrill Lynch Professional Development-1999 UNIX System Administration (AT&T and Berkley versions) course, New York University-1998 Certification: Certificate, Software Quality Assurance-Learning Tree International, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi sponsored.2002 Certificate, Information Mapping: Developing Procedures, Policies, and Documentation- Reuters Sailfish Systems-1997 Certificate, PC Hardware Repair and Upgrade, Essex County College-1996.