Alex Maynes

SUMMARY

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Reduced production time by 75% for online help creation using perl scripts that I wrote and WebWorks Publisher conversion filters that I created.
  
• Met or beat deadlines while coordinating the delivery of documents into multiple delivery streams. Consistently delivered 30+ documents across four releases each quarter on time or ahead of schedule.
  
• Wrote and maintained a network Management GUI manual and created online help using the same source.
  
• Eliminated the need for the marketing department to process documents for the external website by writing a WebWorks filter to convert documentation to HTML.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

EXPERIENCE

SYNPLICITY INC., Sunnyvale, CA Dec. 2003 - present

Technical Publications Specialist (Contract)

Automated the creation of two help formats from a single documentation source for a new EDA software product. Included generating HTML, XML contents and index files, and ascii text help files.

Developed tools in FrameScript to automate FrameMaker production tasks.

CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC., San Jose, CA 2001 - 2003 & 1997 - 2000

Technical Publications Consultant

• Reduced production time by 75% for online help by working with publications, R&D, and marketing to automate the creation of man pages from existing reference manuals using perl scripts that I wrote and WebWorks Publisher conversion filters that I developed. Documented the process for future implementation by other publications groups within the company.
• Increased writer efficiency by troubleshooting FrameMaker and UNIX system problems and documenting new processes and practices for the Cadence writer’s handbook.
• Trained writers on new tools and processes developed to reduce production time.
• Increased writer productivity by creating CGI scripts to consolidate and display information needed to track documents and releases throughout the production and delivery process.
• Consistently delivered 30+ documents across four releases each quarter on time or ahead of schedule. Met or beat deadlines while coordinating the delivery of documents into multiple delivery streams.
• Maintained and upgraded the intranet web server and search engine.
• Used a Documentation Management System to track source documents and automate document processing for delivery.
• Ensured the rapid, consistent, and automated delivery of documentation into multiple release streams by creating and updating WebWorks filters to convert Frame source books to HTML.
• Created a CGI-based HTML order form used by field engineers that automated the ordering of hardcopy reference manuals from the company print shop, saving time for the print shop as well as the field engineers.

Technical Writer

• Wrote and maintained the OCEAN reference manual, a command-line EDA simulation tool, and Known Problems and Solutions documents.
• Automated the creation of help files using perl scripts that I wrote to extract help content from SGML source files and verified document integrity using perl scripts that I created.
• Key contributor on a team that created a Java-based documentation viewer that displayed HTML versions of the documentation. Created a prototype of the filters needed to convert the FrameMaker source documents to HTML and, when the proof of concept was successful, created the final filters for the project. This work helped ensure a smooth transition from the old delivery technology to the new delivery technology.
• Assisted in prototyping an SGML system used to produce documentation and help. Worked on the team that created the DTD, read/write rules, and EDD. Wrote the perl scripts that parsed the XML content and extracted content and created the help files.
• Met release schedules by assisting other writers with production tasks, including updating help mapping files, verifying document integrity, and creating documentation tar files.

FOUNDRY NETWORKS, San Jose, CA. 2000 - 2001

Senior Technical Writer

• Wrote and maintained hardware installation procedures, a network management GUI, and created an online help system for network routers and switches.
• Edited manuals, installation procedures, marketing white papers and data sheets.
• Created the WebWorks templates used to create HTML content for posting on the external support website. This automated the previously manual conversion and formatting of the documentation to match the style and requirements of the external web site.

ALANTEC/FORE SYSTEMS, INC., San Jose, CA 1996 - 1997

Technical Writer

• Wrote and maintained hardware and software upgrade procedures for LAN switching products.
• Constructed and maintained documentation web site for corporate intranet.
• Updated OEM RMON documentation to match corporate style.
• Worked on all aspects of product documentation including researching, writing, and indexing.
• Created CD-ROM masters of documentation for multi-platform CD-ROM release.
• Reformatted and prepared documentation for release on CD-ROM.
• Converted document library from Frame 4 to Frame 5.
• Edited hardware and software manuals, release notes, product notes, and white papers.

EDUCATION

CERTIFIED TRAINING