Introduction

About Gnurandal Link to heading

I’m Roland Mas, a freelance Free Software developer, and I’ve been offering my services since 2003 for various projects related to free and open-source software, particularly GNU/Linux, Debian, and Python.

An authentic passion for Free Software and an extreme rigor allow me to make a true craft of it, and to claim both versatility and expertise.

Skills Link to heading

Like any open-source software developer, I’ve dabbled in many areas before specializing, and therefore have solid experience in various areas, including:

  • GNU/Linux, especially Debian: general use, customization, development, and creation and maintenance of *.deb packages;
  • Debian (and derivative) system administration: application deployment, monitoring, backups, and workstation customization;
  • Development in various languages: C/C++, Perl, Python (including Django), PHP, shell scripting;
  • Automated deployments: Puppet, Ansible;
  • Virtualization: LXC/Incus, KVM, Docker, Kaboxer;
  • FusionForge: use, maintenance, customization, development, migration, and administration;
  • Standard GNU development environments;
  • Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL; installation, configuration, design, optimization, migration;
  • Various services: LDAP, mail servers, Apache, DNS, Caldav/Carddav, Nextcloud;
  • Network administration: DHCP, firewalls, IPsec;
  • Version control tools: Git, CVS, Subversion, Bazaar;
  • Translation and proofreading of technical texts (see my contributions for references);
  • Audio streaming automation: Icecast, Liquidsoap;
  • Home automation: OpenHAB;
  • Integration of existing systems;
  • Design/definition and validation of technical architectures, particularly web-oriented;
  • Web projects: back-office and front-office;
  • Optimization and scalability management.

Services Link to heading

The range of services offered covers a broad spectrum of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). The following list is not exhaustive but provides an overview of what I offer. Naturally, other types of services are available upon request.

Development and customization Link to heading

A unique feature of free software is that it can be adapted to meet any specific need—such as integration into an existing infrastructure—or extended with new features if they do not already exist. My core expertise lies in developing and customizing free software to suit the scale and requirements of your organization and business activities.

Integration and automation Link to heading

In practical terms, information systems are often fed by multiple data sources available in diverse formats and accessible via various (often legacy) methods. I am well-versed in handling this diversity and offer services to build bridges between different data sources, as well as to automate their conversion and flow.

Deployment and migration Link to heading

Even when software performs the exact tasks required, installation is not always straightforward; it may demand specific technical skills or workflows to ensure a smooth process. Extensive experience across various IT domains ensures that installation is carried out correctly and without unpleasant surprises.

Data migration and service continuity—or the minimization of service interruptions—cannot be improvised. I manage migrations—whether it is simply moving from one version of a software application to the next, switching between different software packages, transferring a service to a different machine, or deploying an operating system across an entire company’s IT infrastructure, regardless of size. My goal is to ensure that deployments proceed smoothly, without compatibility issues or service interruptions.

Maintenance and Support Link to heading

I provide maintenance for deployed services, covering everything from routine administration (backups, updates, monitoring) to troubleshooting and addressing specific needs.

Training Link to heading

With 25 years of professional experience across a wide range of fields, I offer high-quality training on diverse topics. I tailor each session to the teams’ specific needs, taking into account both their starting skill level and their primary objectives.

Consulting Link to heading

The diversity of my work and my years of experience give me a broad perspective and a comprehensive overview when approaching IT challenges. Clients frequently praise the advice I provide—whether validating technical choices, defining specifications, or overseeing projects.

Networking and Innovation Link to heading

I bridge the gap between generations; I stay up to date with the latest innovations in Debian and Python, never shy away from diving into technical documentation, and—increasingly—leverage the power of AI to modernize my work. My more than 25 years of experience have not diminished my curiosity—or indeed my passion—and have enabled me to build a network of developers, system administrators, and researchers that serves as an incredibly rich source of specialized expertise I can draw upon. I also learn a great deal from analyzing code written by others, that I frequently read, occasionally debug, and often adapt, and vice versa.