Most technical problems don't fit neatly into one category. Neither do I.
Old code doesn't have to be a liability. I've spent years navigating legacy systems — outdated PHP, undocumented databases, servers that haven't been touched since the last developer left. I diagnose what's broken, document what exists, and modernize what needs updating without burning everything down in the process.
I work across the entire stack — from embedded firmware on ESP32 hardware through to backend APIs and frontend interfaces. Recent projects include a cashless payment system for arcade operators spanning hardware, firmware, X.509 certificate infrastructure, and PHP and Java backends.
25 years of Linux, BSD and Unix experience. I build, harden and maintain server infrastructure for businesses that need it done right the first time.
Security isn't an afterthought. I've implemented PKI infrastructure, worked through PCI compliance requirements, and hardened systems against real threats for ecommerce and payment processing environments.
Got two systems that don't talk to each other? I've spent years connecting things that weren't designed to connect — payment processors, third party APIs, legacy systems and modern platforms.
I use AI as a genuine development force multiplier — not just for code completion, but for sustained complex project development. I built a full BBS and FidoNet mail exchange platform from the ground up using AI-assisted development, which means faster delivery and more thorough solutions for your project.
I've worked with Matthew for more than 10 years and he is a genuine Linux guru. He knows Linux from A to Z and has always been able to work through any problem, whether it's a hosting server migration, new DNS servers, or a Windows email server migration with more than 1,000 users. His support has been crucial when things go wrong — as they invariably do. My stress level drops dramatically when Matthew is on the problem. He's also a great programmer who understands networking, and he's good with Windows as well, though that hasn't been his focus. I highly recommend Matthew as a Linux technician, project manager and programmer.
— Glenn, Owner, Web Hosting Company
Matthew was responsible for maintaining server safety and security for over 200 of our customers across North America. During this time he was also very helpful in guiding me to build my own technical skills. Communication with Matthew was easy — he was always able to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. His greatest strength is clearly understanding the bigger picture and devising concrete steps to meet the end goal. His technical skills were significantly greater than anyone previously in this position. He handles difficult, high pressure situations while meeting deadlines, and is a great person to work with overall.
— Damir, Linux Support Specialist
A lead developer brought me in to help build a cashless payment system for deployment in video arcades. The system needed to span multiple technology layers — from physical arcade machines through to mobile apps and a central transaction server.
The user experience was straightforward: a player taps their phone on an arcade machine to make a payment, the machine registers the credit and starts a new game. The infrastructure behind that simple interaction was anything but simple.
My contributions included:
Technologies: ESP32, C firmware, Java, PHP, Swift, Android, X.509/PKI, WebSockets, Linux server administration.
Before community wireless was a policy priority, it was a grassroots idea. As a co-founder of the British Columbia Wireless Network Society, I helped build one of BC's earliest community-operated wireless initiatives from the ground up.
My technical contribution started with WaveCaster, a custom PHP-based project and resource management platform I built to coordinate the communal effort of designing and deploying shared wireless infrastructure — volunteers, equipment, nodes and network topology all managed in one place.
The work evolved into something more meaningful. I was later engaged as a consultant to deliver hands-on wireless networking workshops to underserved communities in rural British Columbia. The goal wasn't to build the networks for them — it was to equip community members with the knowledge and skills to design, deploy and operate their own infrastructure independently.
That distinction mattered. Technology that a community owns and understands is technology that lasts.
Technologies: 802.11 wireless networking, network design, PHP, community infrastructure planning.
View archival presentations from the BC Wireless initiative →
Tell me about your project and let's figure out the best path forward.