About me

My name is Lazar Gramatikov and currently I work for [well seems like it is not a good idea to put this on Internet. Turns out that it is full with strange people] as team lead of the front end team. I live and work in Sofia, Bulgaria. You can contact me at:

 
I’ve been appointed to different positions over the years, but at the end of the day, it always turns out that I do one thing – I solve problems. And apparently, I’m very good in this.

Currently I’m focused on the client side of web. I spend most of my day in company with JavaScript, XHTML, AJAX, JSON, REST, UI interactions and so on. I also have responsibilities in other areas (details below). It may look a bit chaotic, but that’s my day for good or bad (mostly good).

Current / previous work excerpt (details available on request):

2009 – Unnamed project due to NDA
Project: Integration between major online application and public social network site
Responsibilities: API design.
Products: OpenSocial, WCF, Microsoft Word 2010 TP
My view: It is not that I like using Word, but 2010 easied the pain. The task was to define an API between us and a third party building social networking part. First I thought to go WS/JSON (that’s obvious choice anyway). Then it turned out that the client will be a Flash application. So I decided to skip the part where we do endless tweaks in order to assist the Flash application provider. Next choice was WCF services done in a REST way. That would require less documentation, services would be easier to use and “obvious” (if you have GET Users.svc/{UserId}/Profile/ call, it is pretty obvious what will happen). I think the API turned out to be not that bad (almost no major comments from peer review).

2009 – Unnamed project due to NDA
Project: Proof of concept for private social network application
Responsibilities: Client side interactions (jQuery), server side programming.
Products: jQuery, ASP.NET 3.5, WCF, EPiServer Relate+
My view: Beautiful project for me. I’ve used EPiServer for the first time and I did like what I saw. Relate+ package allows creation of private social networks in no time (there is a demo site which has pretty much everything needed for social network). WCF was used for building lo-REST services. And of course, jQuery is for the client. It is not that much fun to call WCF with JSON from jQuery, but once you get it, there are no more issues.

2009 – Unnamed project due to NDA
Project: Online lead generation application for major Dutch insurance company 
Responsibilities: Client side interactions (jQuery, Ajax, JSON), server side programming.
Products: Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX 3.5, jQuery, ASP.NET 3.5, WS
My view: I’ve decided to go completely jQuery for the client, just to see how it goes. Turns out – fantastic. MS ASP.NET Ajax was used only as JavaScript proxy for calling WS. Nothing can beat that integration.

2009 – Unnamed project due to NDA
Project: Online booking application for a Dutch company
Responsibilities: Client side interactions (JavaScript, AJAX, JSON), server side programming.
Products: Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX 3.5, Microsoft AjaxToolkit, ASP.NET 3.5, WS, Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0
My view: It is an interesting project for me, because I did not start it. The code arrived on my desk with a request to fix it and make it better. Which lead to some very big changes (basically around 80% of the code was thrown away and replaced). I had the impression that I’ve seen everything when it comes to bad coding practicies (including my code), but this project prove me wrong.

2009 – Unnamed project due to NDA
Project: Online expat insurances for a Dutch company
Responsibilities: Client side interactions (JavaScript, AJAX, JSON), server side programming, interopability tasks (.NET code talking to Java WS).
Products: Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX 3.5, Microsoft AjaxToolkit, ASP.NET 3.5, WS, iTextSharp.
My view: It is a small, but nice application where persons who are going to work abroad for long period of time can insure themselves. Beautiful project on a very tight schedule and very involved clients. It is also a good example how even the simplest looking things can be surprisingly hard to manage. And iTextSharp can do everything you can think of and then some. It is surprising that after all standartizaion activities, groups, etc., it is still hard to use WS from a different platform.

 2008 – Unnamed project due to NDA
Project: Online mortgage and loan calculation for a Dutch company
Responsibilities: Client side interactions (JavaScript, AJAX, JSON)
Products: Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX 3.5, Microsoft AjaxToolkit, ASP.NET 3.5, WS
My view: This is not a full project, but a POC showing how clients can calculate their  future mortgage or loan online in couple of minutes. Everything happens on the client, which is so very nice on one hand and so very complex on another (because of the financial functions that should happen in JavaScript. It always amazes me how a three letter function in Excel usually takes a lot of C# or JavaScript code). Having all calculations on the client means very quick responses but also means very careful performance testing. And for the first time I used sliders. It is a small, one-man show, agile project – direct connection to the client, frequent releases (as frequent as two times a day), start small and grow way of work. I love it. [edit 16.06.2009] Apparently it is not POC anymore, but a live site. The client decided that the quality is good and can be used in a real world situation.[/edit]

2008 – Virtual Affairs Vacancies
Project: Silverlight 2.0 Beta 2 based site for vacancies in Virtual Affairs
Responsibilities: I arranged, organised and managed the whole project
Products: Outlook 2007 and phone. My colleagues that did the work used Visual Studio 2008, Silverlight Tools, Blend 2.5
My view: Well, Silverlight looks promising, but right now it has no user base and as such it is waste of time. And most of the stuff can be done with JavaScript anyway.

2008 – Unnamed project due to NDA
Project: Online mortgages for a Dutch financial institution
Responsibilities: Client side interactions (JavaScript, AJAX, JSON), Web services for client – server data interchange using JSON, ASP.NET (C#) work
Products: Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX 2.0, Microsoft AjaxToolkit, MS CMS 2002, ASP.NET 2.0, WS
My view: This is one of the most exciting things that I’ve ever done. We did a lot of client side work, very good integration between client and server (via JSON WS). The application is good example of SOA (it interfaces with about 15 external providers)

2007-2008 – Unnamed project due to NDA
Project: Online insurances for a Dutch financial institution
Responsibilities: Client side interactions and animation (JavaScript, AJAX, JSON), Web services for client – server data interchange using JSON, ASP.NET (C#) work, CMS 2002 templates, LDAP integration, Microsoft ADAM management, ISA 2006 security management (client side certificates, mappings, KCD), application security review, performance optimization, PDF generation
Products used: Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX 2.0, Microsoft AjaxToolkit, MS CMS 2002, ISA 2006, ASP.NET 2.0 (+WS), YSlow
My view: This was my first experience with MS ASP.NET AJAX and I loved it. It is amazing how such young framework can have pretty much everything I needed. And the integration with ASP.NET web services is just brilliant.

2007 – Strukton
Project: Online presence of the Strukton group of companies
Responsibilities: Client side interaction, image generation, content types definitions, site structure, coding, MOSS administration, site performance optimization, web parts, XSLT
Products used: Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server 2007
My view: Well, MOSS 2007 is not very good when it comes to public content sites, that’s for sure. Despite the ECM (Enterprise Content Management) label on it, this is portal product, not content management one. Anyway, it was interesting experience.

2006-2007 – Unnamed project due to NDA
Project: Internal e-commerce / gifts site for a Dutch financial institution
Responsibilities: Coding, data migration, installation
Products used: Microsoft Commerce Server 2007
My view: We did this project in record time and basically saved the day. And when you see all these managers cheering when they saw the site, then you know that you did your job well.

2006 – EBite2
Project: B2B site for Buhrmann Graphics Division
Responsibilities: client side interactions (JavaScript), CMS 2002 templates, coding, client contact
Products: Microsoft Commerce Server 2007, Microsoft Content Management Server 2002, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Service Broker
My view: This is the first Commerce 2007 project done in Netherlands and we had quite a ride as technology adopters. But at the end it all went well. Having clients in four countries means one thing – too many flights and too little sightseeing. I’ve managed to do eleven flights in one month, which is my personal record.

Other activities:

Apart from being software engineer / tech lead / team lead / etc. I also used to manage company infrastructure in Sofia (our sysadmin is in Amsterdam). So I do know a lot about Windows 2003, Active Directory, ISA 2006, IIS 6, Team Foundation Server 2005 / 2008 (including migration), Exchange 2003, DPM 2007, VPNs, DNS, DHCP, networks in general, all kinds of hardware (switches, routers, cables, APs, printers, phone centrals, VoIP gateways, Dell servers, etc). And I know a bit less about Live Communication Server, PowerShell, and some less important products. My personal favorite is Microsoft Team Foundation Server.

My blog reflects mostly the stuff that is outside what I do for living. For the most of the day I do stuff that I do like, stuff that pays the bills. But I also wanted to have my very own place where I can talk about everything else that interests me. That’s why XBOX 360 related posts are much more than .NET or JavaScript ones.

Result from my Strengths Finder 2.0 test:

RESTORATIVE

People who are especially talented in the Restorative theme are adept at dealing with problems. They
are good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it.

Chances are good that you regularly look for ways to enhance your speaking talents. Why? You really want people to hear what you are thinking or feeling. Because of your strengths, you often consider what you need to redesign, refurbish, replace, or revise. You intentionally study how individuals think, feel, behave, and/or react to your ideas for doing things better. Instinctively, you
normally appreciate people who are frank about what you need to do better when you work or study independently. You probably are attracted to individuals who offer suggestions that might enhance your performance and speed your progress. Driven by your talents, you automatically search for new or fresh ways to make upgrades or enhancements. When you suspect there is a better way to do
something, you implement your revisions and test your innovations. By nature, you truly enjoy working apart from other people. Being an individual performer gives you a certain amount of freedom. Soloing allows you to isolate why you fell short of your goals. These insights often prevent you from making the same mistakes in the future.

ADAPTABILITY

People who are especially talented in the Adaptability theme prefer to “go with the flow.” They tend to be “now” people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time.

By nature, you normally pay attention to the loveliness that surrounds you. This includes people as well as things. You see special qualities in individuals that distinguish them from everyone else. This ability allows you to adjust your style to match that of the person with whom you are working, studying, or playing. Driven by your talents, you allow your life to unfold naturally. You trust you will
find your path as it evolves. You resist being tied to predetermined plans and standardized systems. You prefer to experience life in the moment. You are eager to see where it takes you. Chances are good that you effortlessly adjust to the shifting challenges of the day. You enjoy variety and change. You are comfortable allowing each day to unfold on its own terms. You feel little stress when
predetermined timelines must be scrapped. You probably regard rigidly organized plans and routines as barriers rather than helpful tools. It’s very likely that you labor tirelessly on whatever needs to be accomplished today. You likely are willing to change your plans when the people around you change theirs. You ordinarily remain quite calm when others reverse their decisions, modify their schedules, or cancel their appointments. Instinctively, you need to have time to rest and unwind. Rushing from one activity or assignment to another can take a toll on you mentally, physically, or emotionally. So, rather than do the opposite of what everyone else is doing, you prefer to move in the same direction as they are. Typically you choose to use the processes they are using. In your opinion, being cooperative is not only sensible and efficient, but also less exhausting.

RELATOR

People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.

Driven by your talents, you traditionally do your best training after you become well-acquainted with someone. You want to discover each individual’s unique work style, goals, motivations, interests, or talents. These insights probably tell you what suggestions to make or what tips to offer during coaching sessions. Instinctively, you are naturally open and honest about who you are, what you
have done, what you can do, and what you cannot do. Your straightforward explanations and stories help listeners see you as you see yourself. You reveal your strengths and limitations. You are forthright and plainspoken. People generally seek your company and want to work with you. Many are impelled to move into action by your words and examples. By nature, you are comfortable being open and honest about who you are. Often you intentionally avoid people who are less than truthful. You prefer to spend time with individuals who speak as candidly as you do about their strengths, shortcomings, hopes, disappointments, failures, or successes. Because of your strengths, you usually feel in sync with life once you have helped clarify either your own or someone else’s performance objectives. You enjoy talking with people who are keenly aware of their personal and professional goals. It’s very likely that you have quick and ready insights into the moods and emotions of individuals. This awareness amplifies your effectiveness as a trainer, guide, or coach. Your sensitivity allows you to help people express what they are thinking and feeling.

COMPETITION

People who are especially talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests.

Driven by your talents, you typically are friendly and responsive to people, especially when doing so positions you to capture the top prize and the championship title. Instinctively, you approach most win-lose situations in a practical and realistic manner. When you are intent on being victorious, you
automatically extinguish any sentimental feelings you have toward your rivals. It’s very likely that you act like a rival when you are pitted against others and only one person can be declared the very best at something. Your deep-seated desire to finish in first place probably drives many of your choices and explains much of your behavior. By nature, you are hardwired to compare your performance to
that of others. You always want to know the score. You are exhilarated when you realize you have triumphed over all other contenders. Because of your strengths, you are motivated when your results are compared to those of others. To a large degree, this explains why you are so determined to continue working until your outcomes are recognized as the very best.

INDIVIDUALIZATION

People who are especially talented in the Individualization theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how people who are different can work together productively.

It’s very likely that you truly enjoy the company of people who look toward the future. You are willing to assist these individuals. Why? While you are working with them, you probably gather insights about what the coming months, years, or decades will be like for you and others. By nature, you exhibit a capacity for discovering the unique qualities of people. You routinely observe their strengths,
limitations, likes, dislikes, interests, hopes, or emotional triggers. Armed with this information, you can mix and match the personalities and strengths of various individuals. When they cooperate, they usually reach their common goals more quickly, efficiently, or easily. Driven by your talents, you derive much satisfaction from doing things that benefit people. You typically work as industriously on big projects as you do on everyday chores. Instinctively, you can stand in another person’s place and view what is going on from his or her unique perspective. Your have an ability to become well-acquainted with individuals. This magnifies your capacity to feel their joys and sorrows as well as their successes and failures. Chances are good that you offer guidance to friends who seek your assistance. While you enjoy being helpful, you probably avoid imposing your ideas on someone unless the person makes a special point of asking you to do so.