Question 1: So, you work for Asteria, what do you do there?
I am currently a "Solutions Developer", which means that I design, implement, and deploy custom solutions based on Asterisk. This is an awesome job, as I get to go in-depth, whether it be in the code of Asterisk, or just do some really complex and interesting things in the dialplan, or whatever the hearts of our clients desire.
Question 2: How long have you been working there, what did you do before that?
I was hired on at Asteria Solutions Group on the 1st of June, this year, so It's been barely under 6 months. Before I started working here, I worked for Dell Computer, first as a Tier 2 Support Rep, then, moved to the Manufacturing/Assembly lines, where I hand built over 10,000 Dell Dimension systems.
Question 3: Did you enjoy Astricon?
But of course! Astricon was awesome. Steve and Olle did a WONDERFUL job of pulling the event together, especially considering that the turnout was a little over twice the expected attendance level. I got to meet wonderful people there, who all, in one way or another, loved Asterisk as much or more than myself (oh yeah, and I got to meet and hang out with the lovely and talented Allison, too).
Question 4: How do you find being a bug marshal?
Being a bug marshal can be a difficult task at times. Unfortunately, I haven't had a lot of time recently to dig into it, but Brian (bkw), Mark, and the other active bug marshals are doing an excellent job at picking up the slack. Thanks guys, I'll get back to normal soon! Probably the most difficult part of being a bug marshal is trying to get responses from people on the bugs they post - and unfortunately, if they don't respond, since we don't really have the time or the resources to try and recreate every single report, they wind up getting closed. So PLEASE, if you post a bug, BE AVAILABLE AND RESPOND! (Thanks! -Housekeeping)
Question 5: How has Asterisk changed your life?
I could write a book on this one, but I'll do us all a favor and get right to the point. Asterisk has brought new meaning to my life, in more ways than one. I have a great job because of Asterisk. I have been able to bring my lifestyle to the level I have been trying for years to reach, because of Asterisk. I have been able to meet people, GREAT people, from all over the world, because of Asterisk. I could go on, but I'll spare you all. ;)
Question 6: Where do you see Asterisk going in the future?
This would be easier to answer by starting with where I see VoIP headed in the future. I see VoIP exploding into both the residential and commercial market places. Asterisk, I believe, will be a key player in this explosion - not because it's open-source necessarily, but because of the following, ambition, and enthusiasm of it's users. I see Asterisk as commonplace in the office as the fax machine once was. I see Asterisk-provided services in the home as commonplace as cellphones are today. I think John "Maddog" Hall said it best when he said, "I predict that over next three years, VoIP using an open-source solution, such as Asterisk, will generate more business than the entire Linux marketplace today". I completely agree.
Question 7: What's your pet project at the moment?
My pet project at the moment would have to be learning PHP. I've been meaning to get into that for years, and just haven't had the time/need.
Question 8: Favourite food/drink?
My favorite food is General Tso's Chicken (or just about any Chinese), and for the drink, it's a toss-up between Mountain Dew and Guinness.