I am looking for the next FUN consulting assignment to raise awareness about TV Digital Convergence or doing what I also know best, working on strategic IT planning/solutions…
Summary
My goal is to promote, educate, design, develop, deploy and align PC based (Windows, Apple and Linux) Digital Entertainment, Automation and Control Systems, in consumer and commercial environments. I focus on communications, collaboration, content management, assistive solutions and robotics. The professional services company I run is positioned to act and perform as a Trusted Advisor to assure customers are guided into selecting a solution best suited to meet their requirements, budget, schedule and personal choice. We are dedicated to delivering the best of breed solution(s) that are right sized and appropriate for the customers’ needs, while at the same time embracing the latest and greatest technological innovations.
We produce modern, scalable, agile and innovative green and smart "digital entertainment and automation ecosystem" solutions
I have over 21 years experience as an IT operations and strategy consultant, technical architect and enterprise infrastructure consultant. I am an experienced leader and have proven myself in consumer, commercial, and government markets, as well as having solid skills across a wide range of disciplines, including management, product management, marketing, sales, finance, and product development.
In addition to performing in both functional and technical architecture roles, I have led design teams, in designing and implementing a system based Project Management office. And I have trained numerous people how to design develop and deploy enterprise solutions using Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF), Software Design Discipline (SDD) methodologies.
As a lead technical Architect I have also provided enterprise application integration (EAI) and product life-cycle development solutions involving BizTalk and Project Server. In this capacity I was the functional and technical subject matter expert for the delivery of EAI solutions with emphasis on integration amongst disparate CRM and ERP systems and processes.
Specialties
* ERP, EAI, Ecom and CRM Solutions based upon Microsoft Technologies
* PMO Solutions based upon Project Server 2007 and Project
* Portal based Solutions based upon Share Point and Office Server
* Home/Marine Automation Solutions based upon PC Technologies
* Assistive Automation Solutions based upon PC Technologies
* Business digital signage solutions based upon PC Technologies
* Mobile coupon/content integration with business signage
Experience
Owner and Co-Founder
(888) 50-IDEAS
Consumer Electronics industry
July 2007 – Present (1 year 9 months)
We have come up with 50 great ideas as to how you can use Windows Vista Media Center, Windows Home Server and Windows Media Center Extenders (Like the Xbox 360) to enjoy the Digital Lifestyle, Automate and secure your home, boat, RV or condo.
Ray has 3 recommendations (1 co-worker, 1 client, 1 partner) including:
- Stacy Jackson
- Mike Formento, IT Analyst, ADP Dealer Services
Owner
Arestar (R*), LLC
Information Technology and Services industry
September 2006 – Present (2 years 7 months)
Technology start up that just kicked off Q1 of 2008. We resell product, provide outsourced IT services, professional services, and create innovative Consumer, Commercial and Assistive Automation solutions. Our solutions focus on content convergence and management across different locations (home, work, vehicle, boat and aircraft) and for multiple form factors: PC’s, TV’s, Phones, Hand Held’s, Game Platforms, Surface Computing Devices, Tablets, Projectors, Kiosks and Digital Signage
Ray has 3 recommendations (1 report, 2 partners) including:
- Steve Cashman, Chief Strategy Officer, Exceptional Innovation
- Jennifer Cleveland, Director of Catering, Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group
eCommerce Tech Lead (Consultant)
Monster.com
Information Technology and Services industry
October 2006 – April 2007 ( 7 months)
Lead functional/technical SME for Proof of Concept showcasing the latest Microsoft Server, Database and .net Technologies
Ray has 2 recommendations (1 co-worker, 1 client) including:
- Petr Kral, Head of European PMO, Snr Project Manager, Monster.com
- Cynthia (Towell) Konda
eCommerce Project/Tech Lead (Consultant)
Miles Kimball
Public Company; 1001-5000 employees; Retail industry
February 2006 – June 2006 ( 5 months)
Lead and PM for design and deployment of 3 Microsoft CS 2007 commerce sites.
Ray has 1 recommendation (1 client) including:
Practice Director
The Revere Group
Privately Held; 201-500 employees; Information Technology and Services industry
February 2004 – February 2006 (2 years 1 month)
Microsoft Information Worker Practice Director with emphasis on CRM 3.0, Biztalk, Share Point and Project Server
Ray has 9 recommendations (1 manager, 6 co-workers, 1 client, 1 partner) including:
- Lowell Smith, Principal, The Revere Group
- Todd Durand, Principal, The Revere Group, Inc
Solution Developer
Avanade, Inc
Privately Held; 5001-10,000 employees; Information Technology and Services industry
May 2001 – October 2003 (2 years 6 months)
Solution Developer and System Engineer. Microsoft Enterprise Solutions
Ray has 3 recommendations (3 co-workers) including:
- Clayton Burt, Software Developer, Avanade
- Dean Vaccaro, Business Development Executive, Avanade Inc
eCommerce Tech/Func Lead (Consultant)
Lancome
Public Company; 5001-10,000 employees; Consumer Goods industry
February 2000 – February 2001 (1 year 1 month)
eCommerce Lead for Lancome US/Canada ecommerce site.
Consultant – Financial Services Practice
Microsoft
Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; MSFT; Information Technology and Services industry
September 1996 – January 1999 (2 years 5 months)
Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) – Financial Services Vertical
Ray has 1 recommendation (1 co-worker) including:
- Nick Yannios, Principal Consultant, Microsoft
Owner and System Architect
NuPro Group, Inc
Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Information Technology and Services industry
September 1991 – September 1996 (5 years 1 month)
IT Consulting services for Financial Services.
Ray has 3 recommendations (1 co-worker, 2 partners) including:
- John Wotherspoon, Development Manager, MCI
- Alan Elie, Enterprise Sales, Microsoft Corporation
Director of MIS
Clapp & Eisenberg, LLC
Privately Held; 201-500 employees; Law Practice industry
May 1990 – May 1991 (1 year 1 month)
Responsible for network technologies, application services and IT operations for a 200+ employee Law Firm.
Assistant to Director of Computer Operations
Columbia University
Educational Institution; 10,001 or more employees; Higher Education industry
January 1989 – May 1990 (1 year 5 months)
Assisted the director in the management of a 200+ user Novell 2.15 internet network with multiple servers, gateways databases, and office automation systems.
Litigation Systems Support
Rosenman & Colin, LLP
Law Practice industry
August 1987 – January 1989 (1 year 6 months)
Designed data schema and Maintained a UNIX based DBMS (BRS) system running on Oracle. Database contained images, abstracts and full text for 3 Million litigation documents and over 300 rolls of microfilm. Managed data conversion, transformation, import, coding and TQM of data. Created PC based database for tracking coding effort, imaging, hard copy filing/archiving and microfilm cassette indexing.
Education
Pace University
, Liberal Arts
1983 – 1986
Activities and Societies: UN Debate Team
Albany Academy
Recommendations For Ray
Owner and Co-Founder
(888) 50-IDEAS
“Ray is a master of combining his expertise with his heart. He took our antiquated system and redesigned the process with streamlined process, technology, and creativity. The result = Joy on Christmas for 400 economically disadvanaged kids!” February 20, 2009
Top qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative
Stacy Jackson
hired Ray as a Consultant in 2008
“I have worked with Ray at The Chicago Windows User Group. Ray and I worked together giving a presentation on Windows Home Server. He is very knowledgeable in the use of WHS technology for providing backups and central storage for media and home security.” February 1, 2009
Mike Formento, IT Analyst, ADP Dealer Services
was with another company when working with Ray at (888) 50-IDEAS
“Ray is one of the most exciting people I have worked with. I have known Ray over 30 years personally and we got together a year ago as business partners. Ray is a unique person where he excels in project management, sales, public relations, product understanding, quick and eager to learn and passionate about new technology.” January 22, 2009
Steve Turner, Principal, Arestar (R*), LLC
worked directly with Ray at (888) 50-IDEAS
Owner
Arestar (R*), LLC
“Ray is a persitent and focused leader. He possess the ability to quickly understand initiatives, extract the goal ,and define a detailed process on how to get it done.” January 24, 2009
Steve Cashman, Chief Strategy Officer, Exceptional Innovation
was a consultant or contractor to Ray at Arestar (R*), LLC
“I contacted Ray to redo our AV in our private space as I am the Director of Catering Sales. My goal was to simplify our existing AV system and to make it more user-friendly. Ray was extremely knowledgable and provided me with a sense of understanding of what his plan was in order to accomplish the goals I had communicated to him during our first meeting. Ray was very detailed and specific in his plans for our AV system and further communicated them to me in a way in which I could understand. I truly enjoyed working with Ray and felt like I was in excellent hands.” January 22, 2009
Jennifer Cleveland, Director of Catering, Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group
was with another company when working with Ray at Arestar (R*), LLC
“Ray has the rare combination of breadth of knowledge across a wide range of technologies but also deep technical knowledge in regards to fundamental aspects of operating systems and networking. Ray has a genuine passion for technology and was a strong asset to the work we did together.” July 30, 2007
Jon Heupel, Senior Consultant, The Revere Group
reported to Ray at Arestar (R*), LLC
eCommerce Tech Lead (Consultant)
Monster.com
“Hard worker, very focused!” January 22, 2009
Petr Kral, Head of European PMO, Snr Project Manager, Monster.com
worked with Ray at Monster.com
“Ray and I first worked together on proof of concepts for a MS Commerce Server 2007 implementation. I was the client PM. Ray demonstrated he had a thorough understanding of the technical issues we faced, working to resolve them promptly and in creative and proficient ways. He constantly looks at the overall project ahead and contributes insightful ideas for bettering the final result.” January 20, 2009
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative
Cynthia (Towell) Konda
hired Ray as a IT Consultant in 2006
eCommerce Project/Tech Lead (Consultant)
Miles Kimball
“Ray came in to a project that was headed in the wrong direction and well beyond our internal deadline. He quickly took control, got the lay of the land and put us back in the right direction. He made some tough calls, but they had to be made. I only worked with Ray a short time, but really enjoyed it and our company benefited from the experience.” February 1, 2009
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Joel Schunter
hired Ray as a Business Consultant in 2007
Practice Director
The Revere Group
“Ray’s enthusiasm for process improvement through technology is always evident. Whether the improvement is a business function or adding simplicity to our hectic lives, it is always thoroughly researched and understood. Ray is always on the leading edge and as an early adopter, he will gladly share lessons learned.” January 21, 2009
Lowell Smith, Principal, The Revere Group
worked with Ray at The Revere Group
“Ray is a rare individual who understands the complexities of emerging technology and can translate that into vision casting reality. He is tech savvy, passionate about his solutions and a true pleasure to work with.” January 20, 2009
Todd Durand, Principal, The Revere Group, Inc
managed Ray indirectly at The Revere Group
“I had the opportunity to work with Ray both directly and indirectly during our years at Revere and found him to be intelligent, highly motivated, and extremely skilled in a number of areas. Specifically as a solutions architect and project manager Ray demonstrated an ability to understand highly complex situations and design, document and implement an appropriate solution. These skills have allowed Ray to transition to his current role as a thought leader in the Digital convergence/Home automation space and will lead to many future successes both for him and those with whom he partners.” January 20, 2009
Jason Beard, Principal National Competency Leader – Lawson S3, The Revere Group
worked with Ray at The Revere Group
“Worked with Ray on a project for CRM implementation. He did a great job. Consistent and clear communications, excellent project management, superlative technical work. Ray is very good at seeing the forest for the trees while still being highly adept technically. The guy gets it.” January 20, 2009
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Adams Price
hired Ray as a IT Consultant in 2006
“Ray’s ability to quickly become a "subject matter expert" in whatever he takes up as a passion, his enthusiasm to embrace novel ideas, and his willingness to help new players feel a part of the team are qualities that struck me as refreshing and confidence-inspiring.” January 20, 2009
Murali Iyer, Vice President and Managing Director, The Revere Group
worked with Ray at The Revere Group
“Ray displayed an extraordinary and comprehensive knowledge of all things Microsoft and the ability to select appropriate components and solutions out of the mass of possibilities. His technical skills range from the architectural to hands-on operations to solid technology transfer. Personally, he exhibits interest and caring for his team mates that helps them, too, reach their goals. I would be glad to work with him again.” January 20, 2009
Jon Jones, Senior Technical Specialist, The Revere Group
worked directly with Ray at The Revere Group
“I was a project manager with Ray on a very challenging project, which was to implement Microsoft Project Server 2003, as well as roll out the methodology that supported it. Ray was on for the MS Project Server – as well as all the extras, such as Windows Sharepoint Server. Ray was outstanding in his ability to work with customers to determine requirements, as well his ability to translate that business need into a working solution quickly, and within budget. Ray has a fire and energy that is unique, and has admirably high standards of quality for his work, and delivers on promises he makes. I would rush to have Ray on my team should that opportunity ever arise again in the future. Dr. Glenn Stout” July 24, 2007
Glenn Stout, Ph.D., Senior Functional Specialist, The Revere Group
managed Ray at The Revere Group, Inc
“Ray is an "A team" player who is highly experienced with pursuing competitive scenarios for multi million dollar heterogeneous integration business. He excels at strategic consulting possessing both functional domain experience and deep product knowledge. He is a self-starter and creative thinker with excellent verbal communications skills. He is focused on considering the operational aspects of a project as well as the solutions architecture which is essential to ensuring successful consulting engagement pursuit management. I look forward to working on future projects with Ray.” July 23, 2007
Wendy McGill, Major Account Manager, Microsoft
was with another company when working with Ray at The Revere Group, Inc
“Ray was one of the best consultants in the Microsoft group. He is constantly excited by new technology and experimenting with different scenarios in designing solutions.” July 19, 2007
Timothy Dietrich, Vice President, Strategy & Finance, The Revere Group, an NTT Data company
managed Ray indirectly at The Revere Group, Inc
Solution Developer
Avanade, Inc
“Ray is a very professional consultant with excellent technical and management skills. Clients were very impressed with his work.” January 31, 2009
Clayton Burt, Software Developer, Avanade
worked directly with Ray at Avanade, Inc
“Ray is a passionate about solving business problems through the effective implementation of technology. He demonstrates deep expertise across a variety of technologies and is very effective in translating that knowledge to customers/business users with varying levels of technical understanding.” January 21, 2009
Dean Vaccaro, Business Development Executive, Avanade Inc
worked with Ray at Avanade, Inc
“Ray is an extremely motivated, detail oriented professional. It was a pleasure to interact with him on many levels, as he always had a unique foresight that brought a different light to situations.” January 20, 2009
Shawn Saroop, Systems Engineer, Avanade
worked directly with Ray at Avanade, Inc
Consultant – Financial Services Practice
Microsoft
“Ray is hardworking and eager to take on new and interesting projects and is a pleasure to work with! He was always very helpful and informative when I had questions on areas of Windows infrastructure that I was not familiar with!!” February 3, 2009
Nick Yannios, Principal Consultant, Microsoft
worked directly with Ray at Microsoft
Owner and System Architect
NuPro Group, Inc
“Ray Casey and I go back to the early 90’s when the IT field was just starting to open up. He has always had a real passion for his work and for innovation.” January 21, 2009
John Wotherspoon, Development Manager, MCI
was with another company when working with Ray at NuPro Group, Inc
“I have had the privledge of working with Ray for over 14 years and have observed a professional and passionate consistency to team work, professionalism and over achievement of goals. Ray’s enthusiasm and dedication raises the game of everyone around him. Ray is the consumate "go to" professional.” January 20, 2009
Alan Elie, Enterprise Sales, Microsoft Corporation
worked with Ray at NuPro Group, Inc
“Ray is an extremely knowledgeable expert in all aspects of technology, very experienced, and great to work with.” January 20, 2009
Robert Bennett, Owner, Law Offices of Robert S. Bennett
was with another company when working with Ray at NuPro Group, Inc
Additional Information
- Websites
- Interests
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Home Automation, Assistive Technology, IPTV, PocketPC, Vista Ultimate, Media Center, eCommerce, Windows Mobile, sailing, kayaking, astronomy, marine navigation, aviation navigation, fuel cells, orchids, Home Automation, Social Networking, Fellowship, Religion
- Groups and Associations
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Contact Settings
Contact me at (561) 596-1505 or on email at ray.casey@arestar.com
