I’m excited to share a bit about myself and starting my new journey at Cloud Rede. I currently live on the beautiful South Coast and have recently joined the team as a Cloud DBA.
Before joining Cloud Rede, I spent seven years in the British Army as an Electronic Warfare and Signals Intelligence Operator. My military experience was both challenging and rewarding, equipping me with a unique skill set and a disciplined approach to problem-solving. Although I grew up surrounded by technology, it wasn’t until my time in the Army that my interest in IT truly developed, particularly in database and security-related fields, which I had not previously explored.
During my service in the Royal Signals, I learned the fundamentals of IT and Telecoms, covering essential areas such as networking, security, and configuration. This hands-on experience was crucial, as I maintained and operated a wide array of IT and communication systems daily. As a Signals Intelligence analyst, I was constantly building and referencing bespoke military databases to generate intelligence, further deepening my understanding of database management and security.
I developed a keen fascination with cyber security, covering both offensive and defensive cyber activities as well as electromagnetic operations. A significant part of my career involved advising on IT, communications, and physical security, which allowed me to leverage these insights for intelligence purposes. I find it interesting how adaptable this knowledge is to the private sector; many military security principles are directly applicable to businesses. These include system monitoring, data protection, and the implementation of preventative measures. This background has naturally flowed into my new role in cloud technology, where security and efficiency are key priorities.
At Cloud Rede, I specialise in managing and optimising databases on Azure and AWS platforms. It’s a dynamic environment that keeps my work interesting and engaging, with each client presenting unique challenges that require tailored solutions. One day, I might support a database migration effort; the next, I could assist with security management or advise on the best cloud storage solutions.
The variety of work is particularly appealing to me, as I enjoy the critical thinking elements and exploring the multitude of different environments on offer within the cloud with different clients. Every day presents something new, keeping my work exciting and offering constant learning opportunities. I especially enjoy the troubleshooting and investigative aspects of my role in managed services and being able to offer tailored solutions directly to clients.
The team at Cloud Rede has been incredibly welcoming, and their passion for the work we do is truly inspiring. They’ve been really supportive of my efforts to pursue ongoing training and certifications. This encouragement helps me stay current with the latest advancements and best practices in cloud technology.
Outside of work, I enjoy a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. During the summer months, you can often find me kayaking or traveling to explore new places. When winter rolls around, I love diving into classical and early modern history books, as well as binge-watching films and TV shows, with my all-time favourite trilogy being The Lord of the Rings.
I’m looking forward to the opportunities at Cloud Rede. I’ve gained valuable experience so far, and I really appreciate the warm welcome from the team. With the business expanding, there are exciting times ahead!
James Homewood – Cloud DBA
