View My VisualCV Online: http://www.visualcv.com/betasam

Summary

I am an Embedded Systems Software Developer specializing in building Product platforms with open source and free software.

 

I have technical experience of over ten (10) years, having worked on Embedded Systems and Open Source software from 2001. I work on GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, OpenSolaris ports to specialized hardware platforms. I specialize in improving performance, especially hard real-time performance. 

 

  1. I have created the first ever port of Hard Realtime Linux (RTLinuxFree) to Cirrus Logic CS89712 SoC which used an ARM7TDMI core, ARMv4 Instruction-set-Architecture.
  2. I have created the RT-BSD patch for Cirrus Logic CS89xxx series cores on FreeBSD 4.0.
  3. I have created the earliest StrongARM PXA250 Hard Realtime Linux (RTLinuxFree) port on the Advantech SOCER 130 Platform.
  4. I have created the earliest OMAP 1210 RTLinuxFree port, with support for DSP Bridge.
  5. I specialize in porting Embedded GNU/Linux and other Open Source Operating Systems to Customized Platforms (including New Silicon). 
  6. I help in resolving licensing issues of customized platforms that rely on open-source platforms.

As an interest and hobby, I devote my entire time to applying my skills or developing them towards Embedded and Portable Computing Systems.

 

I take up leadership roles wherever necessary, to facilitate teamwork in high-intellect technology teams or to build teams focused on niche technology.

My Mission

"I strongly intend to be an active agent in initiating and facilitating Change in all my works. I prefer not to wait for change to happen."

Work History

KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd.

Pune, India
Jan 2012 - Present
Member, Technical Team, Silicon Services Group 

As part of the Silicon Services Group, I work on providing solutions for clients who are "Device Manufacturers" or "Silicon Manufacturers" with a complete solution that integrates Open Source Operating Systems including GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, OpenSolaris on their platforms.

 

I also work with a GNU/Tools and Specialized Silicon Tools team providing them with support on compilers and debuggers. I work on complete Silicon Board ports of Open Operating Systems as well as deploying Open Source Platform Solutions to enable Client Products.

 

I help in building core expertise teams within the client for maintaining or enhancing their products or help them to build offshore teams for product/platform creation, maintenance and support.

Parisutham Institute of Technology & Science

Thanjavur, India
Jan 2010 - Dec 2011
Director - Technology and Incubation 

To understand and bridge the gap between academia and industry, I worked closely with Parisutham Institute of Technology and Science (a nascent engineering institution affiliated to Anna University - Chennai).

 

I created an Incubation cell, centered around an in-campus Company and Student Association named 'Tech Brigade' which uses 'bettermeans.com' (an open source Apache wave derived work-flow management solution) to facilitate students building new projects and spinning them off into new initiatives.

Freesystems

Bangalore, India
Mar 2009 - Dec 2009
Consultant 

I consulted and provided inputs to Freesystems, a startup specializing in Small Business Enterprise Servers integrating with the cloud.

 

The work involved providing High IOPS performance on a BSD derived microkernel for storage devices using a block abstraction to support ZFS.

 

During this period, I also worked on OpenSolaris/Storage proposing solid state data storage solutions with improved wear leveling characteristics centered on algorithmic approaches. The test medium was MLC NAND Flash.

D-Link India Ltd. R & D

Bangalore, India
Jun 2006 - Feb 2009
Project Manager - EmSys Team 

Joining D-Link R&D Bangalore, I built the EmSys team, forming a new System Software team and merging with the Hardware Platform development team. The resultant was a comprehensive Product Platform development team providing solutions to different Application vertical units.

 

I was instrumental in the launch of GVC-3000 and GVC-3100 desktop Videophone products based on i.MX27 Freescale Processors. These solutions used soft-realtime system software approaches to provide better A/V synchronization and echo-cancellation.

 

I incorporated within teams with unique know-how of building CMOS sensor modules, complete with Lenses for improving physical image clarity. I have experience in working with Transflective TFT LCD Modules which were custom-built.

Linux Standards Base

Thanjavur, India
Feb 2005 - May 2006
Consultant 

I contributed to the Linux Standards Base, a comprehensive exercise to standardize Linux Distributions

 

My efforts involved building the lsb-install tool to make Software applications portable across various Linux distributions.

 

This is presently incorporated as part of linuxbase or lsb-base package in most new Linux Distributions for Desktop, Server and Embedded environments.

Codito Technologies Pvt Ltd

Pune, India
Mar 2003 - Feb 2005
Program Manager 

I managed the Embedded System Services Division for Codito Technologies Pvt Ltd at Pune, providing Open Source Compiler Design and Operating System Ports to New Instruction Set Architectures (ISAs).

 

The members of the Compiler team eventually became a core part of the GNU Compiler team (GCC). A unique Operating System aware (Kernel Aware Debugging) system was created for TI OMAP2 series processors.

 

Professional services were provided to several companies who needed complete embedded system platforms on custom hardware, before deploying applications and creating new appliances.

 

During this time, I facilitated Codito in liasioning and becoming a core development partner of FSM Labs, headed by Victor Yodaiken, creator of RTLinux.

Innvo Systems Pte Ltd

Singapore, Singapore
Feb 2002 - Feb 2003
Product Manager 

I managed Open Source Hard Realtime Solutions based on Embedded Linux and worked on an end-to-end in-car Telematics Product for a renowned Automotive Company in the US.

 

A unique echo cancellation framework for the MSM7731-02 from OKI, which allowed realtime reconfiguration of echo and noise-cancellation characteristics was created during this effort. This was designed to interoperate with the ALSA (Linux Sound) framework..

 

I setup the Tech Team and tools framework for the off-shore division of "Innvo Systems Pte Ltd." in Bangalore tasked with developing a new Mobile Application Stack that later became JuzzMobile.

Codito Technologies Pvt Ltd

Pune, India
Mar 2001 - Jan 2002
Linux Kernel Developer 

In this role, I created the first ever port of RTLinuxFree to ARM Processors.

 

This was proven specifically on the CS89712 Cirrus Logic SoC based on the ARM7 core using the CDB89712 platform.

 

I developed an Operating System Instrumentation framework for a custom Micro-kernel. The instrumentation tool was entirely written in Perl and used internal register data collected from a Microprocessor simulator whose architecture was also under simultaneous development.

 

I acted as the Services Liasion with Redhat India Pvt. Ltd. providing them with consultation on Embedded Linux for their customers.

Reboot Systems Pvt Ltd

Thanjavur, India
Mar 1998 - Feb 2001
Founder and Technical Consultant 

While I was undergoing my Engineering course, as a co-founder and entrepreneur I created "Reboot Systems Pvt Ltd", a PC/Clone troubleshooting company with Mr. Badrinath Nageswaran.


We solved PC problems with a unique set of home-baked tools with an 'Inverse-Time' billing model.


We also developed a model to ensure that solutions could be delivered on time promised to the clientele with the help of an expert business advisor.

 

Education

Shanmugha College of Engineering (now SASTRA)

Thanjavur, India
Apr 1997 - Apr 2001
B.E., Computer Science and Engineering
  1. In my Undergraduate studies, I specialized in "Computer Science & Engineering"
  2. My core interests are System Software and Operating Systems.
  3. I passed this course with Distinction, and was awarded an overall score of 76.21%

NIIT

Thanjavur, India
Aug 1995 - Oct 1998
Honorary Diploma in Software Management (HDSM)
  1. I had an early introduction to databases (SyBase at that time) and Unix (Solaris).
  2. As part of my project work here, I created a Resource Booking System for Library Management and Computer Room Booking that was entirely customizable using FoxPro and "Wizard" styled Dialog Boxes.
  3. I received 82.1% and was graded 'O' for Outstanding performance.

Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School

Thanjavur, India
Mar 1995 - Mar 1997
Higher Secondary Certificate, Computer Science
  1. Completed my Higher Secondary (also referred to as Pre-University) majoring in Computer Science.
  2. I was also the School's System Administrator for a set of fifteen (15) IBM/PC Clones and played a role in migrating to Pentium workstations in 1995-96.
  3. I am proud to be in the Roll of Honor, having secured the highest marks in my batch at 92.17%

Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School

Thanjavur, India
Mar 1990 - Mar 1995
Matriculate, High School
  1. I received my Matriculate in basic Physics, Chemistry, Math and Biology.
  2. I was also a Founding President of the Computer Club and System Administrator of the Computer Lab (from 1992). This aided in my strong experience in Computers.
  3. My overall score was 86%

Skills

Operating System Kernel Porting

(Expert)
7-9 Years Experience, (Currently in use)
Skillometer_4

 

  1. I have ported Linux to new ARM SoC variants ranging from ARM7 to ARM11, PowerPC450,750 based SoC solutions and a highly parallel Multiprocessor (64 Processing Engines) for a Silicon Vendor.
  2. I have ported OpenSolaris 9.06 and OpenSolaris 10.1 to SoCs built on ARM cores.
  3. I have ported RT-BSD to ARM7 and ARM9 based Silicon variants, which had working FreeBSD ports.

I have been part of team efforts involving creation and management of BSPs on multiple Platforms targeted at Networking, Consumer and Automotive devices.

Linux Kernel Driver Development

(Expert)
7-9 Years Experience, (Currently in use)
Skillometer_4
  1. My primary focus is to work on the Linux Kernel. I have worked on 2.2, 2.4, 2.6 and the current 3.0 series of the linux kernel.
  2. I provide solutions on Realtime Linux (scheduling extensions) based on 2.4, 2.6 and 3.0 series of the Linux kernel. I am familiar with RTLinux, Adeos Cascading framework, Linux Realtime Scheduling mechanisms.
  3. I specialize in the Video for Linux (V4L2) framework, the ALSA framework and core code for the ARM architecture. I have worked on Camera Sensors, Display Panels, Digital Microphones and Analog Speakers. I also work on the bootstrap code of the kernel and the scheduler.

Debugging and Troubleshooting System Software

(Advanced)
5-6 Years Experience, (Currently in use)
Skillometer_3
  1. I specialize in finding core reasons for unanticipated or unacceptable behavior of system software.
  2. I have unique expertise in being able to home in on the root cause of the problem quickly and therefore find the exact type of fix needed. 
  3. I have also been credited as a 'Disaster Manager' while deploying this skill within a team and augmenting their performance.

Technical Interviewer

(Advanced)
5-6 Years Experience, (Currently in use)
Skillometer_3
  1. I have been able to consistently screen, interview and rate individual technical capabilities within a short time frame. This has helped me determine their technical suitability for a particular role.
  2. I have been Interviewing candidates in almost all my Job Roles.
  3. I have closely worked with HR personnel specifically for recruiting Technical Staff working on Embedded Systems and GNU/Linux platforms.

Technical Presentations

(Expert)
7-9 Years Experience, (Currently in use)
Skillometer_4
  1. I have advanced presentation design and delivery skills honed over several years. This has helped me in being part of several roadshows and product launches. I have given technical presentations on Linux Kernel Design to several teams.
  2. I have briefed corporate executives on Intellectual property law, specific to incorporation of open source components in commercial products in all my roles involving Product engineering and development.
  3. During my work as Director-Incubation at PITS, I have designed and delivered several technical workshops on Open Source, Embedded Systems with hands-on experience using an Oasis(r) Development platform.

Team Leadership and Administration

(Advanced)
5-6 Years Experience, (Currently in use)
Skillometer_3
  1. I have held Management and Administrative roles in all my Professional Designations.
  2. I have a strong urge to work with people as a team, and believe that the team can achieve much more than an individual.
  3. I specialize in ensuring high standards of documentation, adhering to deadlines, streamlines process management and quick, firm decision-making.

System Administration

(Expert)
7-9 Years Experience, (Currently in use)
Skillometer_4
  1. I have extensive experience in Administration of systems at various scales. I have been maintaining and managing servers catering to over 500 users as an addition in my earlier designations.
  2. Being heavily interested in computers from childhood, I maintain a small network for my personal use with over 10 computing terminals aside from my phone and tablet.
  3. I have maintained networks with 3 nines (99.9%) reliability and specialize in deploying commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware as servers for small and medium businesses. I have been managing routers and webservers, running Linux augmented with the Xen hypervisor and Oracle Virtualbox.

Objective

This CV is to highlight my core skills and list my qualifications.

 

I intend to create and be part of an Embedded system software and platform services team that specializes in enabling application developers by building on new Processor Architectures and making all features of hardware easily accessible to application developers and Product Architects.

Interests

I also contribute independently to Open Source projects using bleeding edge versions and reporting issues.

  1. I maintain a website that showcases all my interests at www.sunilbetabaskar.com (which is consistently updated from 2004.)
  2. I blog at betasector.blogspot.com which focuses on my non-technical interests.
  3. I maintain a photography portfolio on 500px.com/beta

I have artistic interest in

  1. drawing Pencil Sketches
  2. restoring old Photographs using Digital Photo manipulation tools
  3. photographing natural scenery

I read

  1. History ( Roman, Greco-Roman, Egyptian Middle Dynasties )
  2. Anthropology ( Inspired by Carl Sagan )
  3. Science Fiction ( Neal Stephenson, Stephen Baxter, Isaac Asimov, Michael Crichton, Philip K Dick, Robert Heinlein )

I play

  1. Chess ( Intermediate Level )
  2. Table Tennis ( Intermediate Level )
  3. Pool ( Intermediate Level )

I  write

  1. Essays (Socio-Technical, Technical and General Topics)
  2. Fiction (Fan Fiction, Science-Fiction)
  3. Non-Fiction work (Translations, Bibliographic Studies, Strategy, Science - for general reading)

Recommendations

“Sunil is very intelligent, and has deep experience in embedded software development. I would recommend him highly.”

- Joseph Koshy, Computer scientist, Software developer

 

“Sunil's wealth of knowledge and his energy to get things done is what make him stand apart from the rest. He'll tell you why an embedded board isn't behaving the way it's supposed to and he can also get it to run, no matter other might think they've coded exactly as the documents say.

He also gets the processes organised and can take the company to prospective clients and convert them instead of him getting in action after there's a client ready."

  Amit Shah, Senior Software Developer, Redhat
(worked directly with Sunil at Codito Technologies Pvt. Ltd)

Projects

Embedded Kit

Meant to be fill essential gaps in an embedded developers toolbox. All the features are listed here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/bkit/

 

Kollektive Linux

An Indianised Linux distribution that was my undergraduate project. Information, especially the code, design information is available at http://kollektive.8k.com/

Awards

Shri R Sethuraman Award for 'Academic Excellence' in Computer Science and Engineering. (2001)

 

Shri H Mahadeva Iyer Award for 'Academic Performance', 'Wide Reading Habits', and performance in Extra-Curricular activities. (2001)

 

ET in the Classroom Zonal Winners

Brand Equity Business Quiz for graduates and undergraduate students [South Zone] (2001)

 

LiveWire Team award (at D-Link India Ltd.) for extended efforts in helping company personnel bond together through recreational activities. (2008)