BILLY BASKETT
Gilbert,AZ
Summary
Solutions architect and sales/systems engineering professional with an extensive background in developing and supporting hardware and software systems for a wide variety of clients. Proven ability to deliver world-class services. Solid track record of supporting sales efforts and customer success through pre- and post- sales solution creation expertise.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
LEAD SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT
LONE STAR SYSTEMS, INC
GILBERT, AZ
09.2009 - Current
- Specializing in Systems Integration, automation, Cloud implementation/migration, SOA/BI, Informix, Relational Databases, Data warehousing, Project Management, J2EE and Applications design, development and integration
- Primary responsibility for the successful establishment of all technical services and hands-on implementation
- Management of development/technical staff for clients.
PRODUCT/PROGRAM MANAGER
NETGATE, INC
AUSTIN, TX
03.2016 - 12.2017
- Worked closely with R&D, Marketing, Documentation, Sales, and Support organizations to evolve the Netgate cloud offering to complement Netgate’s pfSense Firewall/VPN/router product line
- Utilizing strong leadership skills, competitive knowledge, superior problem solving skills, and relationship development with Netgate’s partners, Amazon and Azure, Netgate’s cloud offerings became highly profitable.
SENIOR CONSULTANT
APPDYNAMICS, INC
AUSTIN, TX
08.2015 - 11.2015
- Provided technical leadership within services engagements, translation solution architecture into a technical implementation plan
- Worked closely with the AppDynamics technical team, PM and Customer team to ensure the technical components of the engagement were delivered to meet client’s business and technical requirements
- Provided feedback to the R&D and Customer Support teams to drive rapid resolution of engagement specific product and support issues
- Primary ownership of all aspects of project technical planning and implementation of Client’s solution.
DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL FIELD SERVICES
BRIXBITS, INC
Austin, TX
01.2014 - 06.2014
- Developed professional and pre/post sales services that supported BrixBits software’s line of tools for JAVA applications, including, installation planning, needs analysis, deployment/implementation, and training services
- Responded to RFP/RFQs, onsite support for customer trials (POCs/Evaluations), presentations/product demonstrations, and product customization
- Responsible for the deployment/implementation of BrixBit’s suite of tools, including all aspects of the post-sales delivery process
- Primary responsibility for the successful establishment of all technical services for this Houston based start-up
- Subsequently purchased by AppDynamics/Cisco
SENIOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONSULTANT
BMC SOFTWARE, INC
AUSTIN, TX
06.2008 - 10.2013
- Responsible for the deployment/implementation of BMC Service Automation products, this included all aspects of the post-sales delivery process
- Included qualification of client needs, identification of solutions, technical consultancy, documentation of changes to standard configuration of Service Automation Products, project management, acting as liaison between customer and support/development, and the overall management of professional services during the implementation.
DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
J9 TECHNOLOGIES, INC
AUSTIN, TX
03.2008 - 06.2008
- Responsible for all pre-sales, development of training, technical marketing input, and management of consultant team and projects for J9 Technologies information technology operations management (ITOM) solutions.
ITO SERVICES DELIVERY CONSULTANT IV
HEWLETT PACKARD, INC
AUSTIN, TX
11.2007 - 02.2008
- Responsible for global technology solutions and computer enterprise management to multi-site, multi-national businesses, manufacturing, telecoms, automotive and other key industries, including extended manufacturing, financial services, networking, IT, CRM and e-commerce
- Included RedHat kickstart configuration, CFengine scripting, Nagios monitoring, deployment/test of RedHat Linux server builds/applications, extensive troubleshooting skills, and creation of RPMs.
VP OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
NVISION SOFTWARE, INC
AUSTIN, TX
12.2005 - 06.2007
- Responsible for developing and delivering a set of professional and pre-sales services that support nVision Software’s line of continuous application availability software solutions, including, installation planning, needs analysis, deployment/implementation, and training services
- Managed all technical pre-sales support for the sales organization, including responding to RFP/RFQs, onsite support for customer trials (POCs/Evaluations), presentations/product demonstrations, customer training and product customization
- Required in-depth technical knowledge of UNIX (AIX, Linux, Solaris, HPUX), networks, enterprise applications and architecture
SUPPORT-SERVICES ENGINEERING MANAGER
CESURA, INC
AUSTIN, TX
03.2003 - 12.2005
- Managed post-sales support, including telephone, electronic mail, and in person, as required, to customers and prospects during normal technical support hours and periodic 24-hour on-call support
- Documented, diagnosed, and isolated customer reported problems; replicated problems and developed test cases; and worked with engineering to provide workarounds, repair product defects, and create and publish patches
- Administered and maintained customer support lab environment including n-tiered application environments and enterprise-class network environments
- Managed the hardware repair lab, which diagnosed defective systems to the affected sub- assembly and replaced the sub-assembly with a working spare
- Assisted in on-site installation and configuration, product training, and product tuning, as required
- Played key role in initial customer evaluations and deployments
SALES ENGINEER/SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT
TECHKNOWLEDGY SYSTEMS INTEGRATION, INC
FLAGSTAFF, AZ
07.2002 - 11.2003
- Recruited by this solutions provider that specialized in systems integration to establish and grow the Phoenix office
- Provided pre-sales and post-sales support for the entire product line, which included Cisco, AT&T, Dell, Compaq Computer, and other major Vendors
- Participated in initial calls, responding to RFQs, researching government contracts, installation of products, and post-sales support
- Established new customer base in the Phoenix area.
MANAGER OF SALES ENGINEERING PROGRAMS
COVASOFT, INC
AUSTIN, TX
01.2001 - 11.2001
- Deployed the Covasoft family of real-time diagnostic, automated corrective action and proactive problem avoidance solutions in customer’s environments after collaborative assessment of the client’s needs and business requirements
- Represented the firm with delivery of pre-sale presentations, technical conference calls and with responses to customer’s requests for quotation, as well as with solution installation and client training
- Key role in ensuring the first product shipped was robust, powerful and thoroughly tested
- Demonstrated customer focus with creation of a work-around to allow a smooth dovetail between Covasoft products and an Oracle database that was running on a previously unsupported platform
- Generated an order from telecommunications giant Sprint through close coordination with their technical service staff throughout the installation of a product trial at a local government agency.
SALES ENGINEERING PROGRAMS MANAGER
GLOBESET, INC
AUSTIN, TX
07.2000 - 11.2000
- Managed multiple customization projects for this secure Internet transaction software development firm while also delivering post-installation technical support and problem resolution expertise
- Designed and executed a product and system environment that allowed remote access demonstration of product capabilities to client decision makers in support of the sales effort
- Coordinated an on-time, on-budget, fully functional and tested installation at American Express
TECHNICAL MANAGER, CORPORATE SALES ENGINEERING
DAZEL CORPORATION, INC
AUSTIN, TX
09.1997 - 07.2000
- Chosen by this output management company to drive sales and customer satisfaction through delivery of all pre- sales technical activities on international projects, as well as to provide corporate support to all Systems Engineers
- Wrote custom applications and bridges to ensure full compatibility and feature maximization between firm and client software and systems
- Successfully trained all international sales groups to jump start European, Asian and Australian operations.
SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER
H.V. JONES, INC
AUSTIN, TX
03.1997 - 09.1997
- Recruited by this firm that specialized in the Windows environment to establish and grow the Austin office using rich history of experience in client management and technical leadership, as well as the ability to deliver the full spectrum of pre- and post sales support, project management and systems integration
- Quickly achieved a sales volume that required expansion from three to nine personnel
- Forged a relationship with Applied Materials that represented a constant source of income into the future.
SYSTEMS ENGINEER
NETWORK APPLIANCE, INC
AUSTIN, TX
09.1996 - 02.1997
- Conducted support activities for the sales staff, with responsibility for assessment of client needs, delivery of technical presentations, integration of customer filers and resolution of post-sale problems
- Turned around a negative relationship with technology icon AMD through close support and systematic elimination of all technical and service-related problems.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
TADPOLE TECHNOLOGY, INC
AUSTIN, TX
09.1991 - 09.1996
- Selected by this manufacturer of real-time single board computers and SPARC based notebooks to manage a team of 35 pre-sales engineers, customer support organization, manufacturing, logistics and quality assurance personnel, as well as to provide Level 3 technical support internally and to customers
- Extensive experience key to managing both technical and business operations issues
- Developed effective quality control procedures and tests to guarantee delivery of strong products.
ENGINEERING MANAGER
I.M. SYSTEMS, INC
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
12.1989 - 09.1991
- Responsible for all technical support for the range of products I.M Systems represented
- The product line included VME vendors, Multibus vendors, PC Imaging vendors, STD bus vendors, and G-96 bus vendors
- Required programming in BASIC, FORTRAN, C, 680X0 assembly, PLC/Ladder Logic, customer support, field applications engineering, trade show support, and systems integration.
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGER
C.E. SYSTEMS US, INC, Electronic Systems
TEMPE, AZ
04.1988 - 12.1989
- Recruited by the United States subsidiary of Creative Electronic Systems, of Switzerland
- This designer and manufacturer of VME and CAMAC bus products was interested in establishing a US branch to distribute and support their products
- Traveled throughout the US providing pre-sale presentations and resolving any technical difficulties customers encountered
- Completed hardware training in the area of VME products and software training in VxWorks, pSOS and PDOS, real-time operating systems
- Responsible for writing application notes, data sheets, and product manuals.
SYSTEMS ENGINEER
CELERITY COMPUTING, INC
SAN DIEGO, CA
06.1986 - 02.1988
- Recruited by this growing computer supplier due to experience in the support area, strong technical background, and hands-on experience with the UNIX operating system
- Position required in-depth knowledge of both hardware and software, pre-sales experience, the ability to communicate effectively with nontechnical personnel, and talents in the conversion of existing programs for use with the new system
- Performed site examinations to ensure adequate power availability, installed systems, and frequently converted existing programs for customers to ensure satisfaction
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
MOTOROLA, INC
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
03.1983 - 06.1986
- Secret Security Clearance
- Employed in the Integrated Circuits Division assisting in the production of SAW devices
- Devised and implemented mask fabrication procedure utilizing the CALMA system
- Selected to train engineers, data analysts, and other staff members in proper use of CALMA system
LEAD PROGRAMMER
COMPUTERIZED RESTAURANT SYSTEMS, INC
SANTA ANA, CA
06.1981 - 09.1982
- Recruited by a previous employer due to recognition of skills in programming and ability to interface effectively with customers
- Supervised programming staff, provided customer and dealer support, customer quotes, and updating of library files
- Designed POS system to interface with Documenter and HLX cash registers.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Computer Systems Engineering
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZSkills
NET, AIX, Anti-Spam applications/technologies, AppDynamics, Application Management/Monitoring, AWS, Azure, BladeLogic, BMC Atrium CMDB, BMC Atrium Orchestrator, BMC Cloud Life Cycle Management, BMC BladeLogic, Chef, Cisco, Cloud Services, Dockers, FreeBSD, GIT, HPUX, IIS, JAVA, JavaScript, JBoss, JRockit, LDAP, Linux, Messaging technologies, NAS, Netcool, Neural Networks, OpenSource, OpenStack, OpenView, Oracle, PDOS, pfSense, Postfix, PSOS, Puppet, Python, RAID, RedHat, REST, RPM, Salt, SAN, SAP SuccessFactors, Sendmail, SMTP, SNMP, SOA, SQL Server, SunNet Manager, SUSE, TCP/IP, Tier 1 Databases, Tivoli, TLS, UniCenter, UNIX, VMWare, VxWorks, WebLogic, WebSphere, Windows, XML, Xpath, XSLT
Business Skills
- Project Leadership: Lead technical teams at Netgate, BrixBits, J9 Technologies, nVision Software, Cesura, Techknowledgy Systems Integration, Covasoft, Globeset, Dazel, HV Jones, Tadpole Technology, and IM Systems.
- Marketing/Communications: Participated in developing whitepapers, collateral, strategic direction, and competitive materials.
- Professional Services: Developed, implemented, and managed professional service plans for on-site pilots, POC, training, and roll out for a variety of products.
- Sales Engineering: Demonstrated expertise in supporting sales efforts through pre and post sales activities, developed business solutions utilizing technical background to learn customer issues, earn trust, and innovate solutions rapidly.
- Customer Success/Support: Lead and managed groups at Cesura, H.V. Jones, and Tadpole Technology.
- Executive Interaction: Constant interaction at the C level executives during sales cycle and implementation.
Timeline
PRODUCT/PROGRAM MANAGER
NETGATE, INC
03.2016 - 12.2017
SENIOR CONSULTANT
APPDYNAMICS, INC
08.2015 - 11.2015
DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL FIELD SERVICES
BRIXBITS, INC
01.2014 - 06.2014
LEAD SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT
LONE STAR SYSTEMS, INC
09.2009 - Current
SENIOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONSULTANT
BMC SOFTWARE, INC
06.2008 - 10.2013
DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
J9 TECHNOLOGIES, INC
03.2008 - 06.2008
ITO SERVICES DELIVERY CONSULTANT IV
HEWLETT PACKARD, INC
11.2007 - 02.2008
VP OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
NVISION SOFTWARE, INC
12.2005 - 06.2007
SUPPORT-SERVICES ENGINEERING MANAGER
CESURA, INC
03.2003 - 12.2005
SALES ENGINEER/SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT
TECHKNOWLEDGY SYSTEMS INTEGRATION, INC
07.2002 - 11.2003
MANAGER OF SALES ENGINEERING PROGRAMS
COVASOFT, INC
01.2001 - 11.2001
SALES ENGINEERING PROGRAMS MANAGER
GLOBESET, INC
07.2000 - 11.2000
TECHNICAL MANAGER, CORPORATE SALES ENGINEERING
DAZEL CORPORATION, INC
09.1997 - 07.2000
SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER
H.V. JONES, INC
03.1997 - 09.1997
SYSTEMS ENGINEER
NETWORK APPLIANCE, INC
09.1996 - 02.1997
OPERATIONS MANAGER
TADPOLE TECHNOLOGY, INC
09.1991 - 09.1996
ENGINEERING MANAGER
I.M. SYSTEMS, INC
12.1989 - 09.1991
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGER
C.E. SYSTEMS US, INC, Electronic Systems
04.1988 - 12.1989
SYSTEMS ENGINEER
CELERITY COMPUTING, INC
06.1986 - 02.1988
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
MOTOROLA, INC
03.1983 - 06.1986
LEAD PROGRAMMER
COMPUTERIZED RESTAURANT SYSTEMS, INC
06.1981 - 09.1982
Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Computer Systems Engineering
Arizona State University
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