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What (or Who) is The A.R.T. of IT?

I can see how some view IT as an art form. Meticulously weaving and sculpting together code with data to produce a sophisticated array of useable systems that serve to automate and simplify complex tasks in order to better our daily lives.

While this may be an eloquent version of the truth, this A.R.T. of IT is a little different. You see, if you ask me, the nature of IT requires one to be very meticulous in how to manage projects. For success, it needs organization, attention and focus on detail – none of which, one could argue, are characteristics of a great creative artist.

With these traits, I’ve been crowned with the moniker of Anal Retentive Tony (A.R.T.) around the MediClick offices. Quite a difference from the art you had in mind, right?

As vice president of development and operations at MediClick, I bring more than 30 years of experience in software development, information technology and business management.

Certified in computer programming and data processing, I began my career as a software developer, creating applications and leading technology training for CBS Inc., Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New York and Mobil Oil.

I remember working on a Phase Four minicomputer at CBS, Inc., where we used Cobol and a rudimentary debugger to develop an application for 60 Minutes to allow operators to respond to viewer questions and comments.

I also programmed 2260s, the predecessor of the famous metal IBM 3270. I basically wrote out 1920 characters to the CRT and read in 1920 characters once the operator clicked send. It was all written in assembler CICS macro instructions.

In addition to COBOL and CICS, which I thought were the languages that would stay forever in IT, I recall when PL1 was the flavor of the month for programming languages. I actually spent two years programming in PL1.

Of course, then there were the times when IT stumped me. I once sat on my Texas Instruments TRS-80 for hours, scratching my head trying to decipher bizarre error messages.

With all of this history under my belt, I joined MediClick's legacy company, Global Software, in 1985. Signing on as a program manager, I subsequently served as director of development and vice president of development and operations for MediClick.  During that time, I implemented distribution and materials management systems for a number of clients.

Today, I use my technical background to guide the development of new products and ensure that MediClick's Internet-based applications are at optimum performance and available to the users who rely on them daily.

I’m a member of the Carolina SaaS Users Group and have served on the board of directors of the Triangle Technology Executives Council since 2006.  I earned a bachelor's degree from The City College of New York.