About Me
Welcome, my name is Travis Laird. I’m a technology fanatic and a physics and history fan so almost everything you read here at my blog will be on one of the three subjects. Professionally I have 18 years of experience in the IT field as a consultant with a diverse range of production experience in everything from software, web and database design and programming all the way through network architecture, server and application virtualization and information security. Over the past 18 years I’ve worked for Computer Task Group Inc and Andersen Consulting LLC, through several smaller IT consulting service providers and as an independent consultant. Over that time I’ve successfully delivered dozens of solutions for numerous fortune 500 companies and smaller companies alike in retail, finance and medical covering a range of needs from custom application design and development, platform integration and customization, e-commerce and brand development, datacenter and LAN/WAN design and implementation, information security strategy, policies and compliance in PCI and HIPPA. One of my passions in the IT services field, and one of the things my clients and collegues have attested to, is my obsession with detailed and polished user and technical documentation, the definitive sign off for any solution that I deliver.
I developed my first application in Visual Basic in 1993 and I deployed my first professional Windows-based application, an IT asset management package, in 1995 followed by the release of a custom developed multi-site e-commerce platform, icSite in 1997 that included many of the features found in modern platforms. In 1999 I co-authored and edited a technical guide on Microsoft SQL Server 2000 through Syngress Media. I hold, or have held numerous certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, Citrix, CompTIA and CIW. I received my B.A. in Finance and Management Information Systems from Syracuse University and my M.S. in Computer Information Systems Security from Boston University.
On the non-professional side of things, I made my first 100 foot scuba dive in 1993 and my first 18,000 foot sky dive in 2011. I’m currently working towards making my first 180 mph Ford Mustang run, completing my private pilot license, rejuvenating my childhood passion for motorcycles by cruising on my Victory Vegas 8-ball and waiting for recreational space flight to become available for less than $100,000 a ride!
Most importantly, I’m the proud father of two great kids who inspire me with their ambition and curiosity.