Hello, I am Michael Stephenson. I am a highly experienced Integration Architect and developer in the area of cloud and systems integration based on Microsoft technologies. I am based in the UK and have 15+ years experience working in IT with large customers and consultancies.
From an early point in my career I developed an interest in the integration side of applications and the complexities of successful delivery and management of integration solutions. As my career progressed this lead me to work with Edenbrook (a UK based consultancy) where I worked in an evangelist style role around integration based on the Microsoft technology stack. In addition to the technical aspects of integration I also enjoy the management of integration teams and acting as a technical leader driving the adoption of new technologies. I also enjoy coaching roles where I can help to develop the skills within a team.
Since about 2010, in addition to BizTalk and integration I have also been working with cloud technologies and predominantly the Microsoft Azure Cloud. I have been the technical lead for the adoption of the cloud within a large global healthcare and health insurance group. I lead the technical delivery of or was a coach/advisor to 25+ projects which have delivered integration solutions using Microsoft Azure. In addition to this I have also been involved in another 20+ initiatives which delivered proof of concepts or capabilities to help create an organisation which is really embracing the cloud and is one of the key Azure customers for Microsoft.
In addition to my core freelance consulting I have also acted as an advisor to some organisations when they need advice or guidance on how to deliver or manage successful integration or cloud projects. I have also acted as an external auditor to review projects to ensure they are being implemented in line with best practices and to help manage service improvement initiatives where required. This lead to the creation of the BizTalk Maturity Assessment.
Pluralsight
I am also an author for Pluralsight where I enjoy creating courses to help people learn about various technologies. I started with my first two courses which are about using RabbitMQ with the .net framework. I also hope to do more courses in the future. You can find out more about my Pluralsight courses here.
Technologies
The main technologies I specialize in include:
- Microsoft BizTalk Server
- Microsoft Azure
- Microsoft Azure BizTalk Services
- Microsoft Azure Service Bus
- WCF/Web Services/API
- RabbitMQ
- Microsoft Azure Access Control
Roles
The types of roles that I tend to excel in are:
- Cloud/Integration Architect
- Integration Delivery Manager
- Coach
- Technical Lead
- Auditor
- Cloud/Integration Advisor
- Integration Developer
Although I am based in the UK, I am interested in opportunities in any part of the world and am a regular traveller.
Sectors
I have experience working in a number of different sectors including:
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Customer Service
- Warehousing & Supply Chain
- Outsourcing
More Info & Connect with Me
If you would like to find out more about me or to connect about cloud or integration related topics then please use the following links: