Join the trailhead team for:

CodeMash 2024

Date and Time

January 9, 2024

January 12, 2024

Location

Sandusky, Ohio

Cost

$500 - $1000

Mastering Solutions Architecture with Design Katas [Workshop]

Gaines Kergosien

TLDR: Architects get relatively few opportunities to practice their craft, so we will group up to formulate architectural visions for "real world" business problems. Attendees will then evaluate each group's solution to gain insight into the pros and cons of different approaches. Fred Brooks said, "How do we get great designers? Great designers design, of course." So how do we get great architects? Great architects architect, but architecting a software system is a rare opportunity for the non-architect. For this, we turn to an ancient tradition, born of the martial arts, designed to give the student the opportunity to practice more than basics in a semi-realistic way. The coding kata, created by Dave Thomas, is an opportunity for the developer to try a language or tool to solve a problem slightly more complex than "Hello world". The architectural kata, like the coding kata, is an opportunity for the student-architect to practice architecting a software system. In this workshop, attendees will be split into small groups and given a "real world" business problem (the kata). Attendees will be expected to formulate an architectural vision for the project, asking questions (of the instructor) as necessary to better understand the requirements, then defend questions (posed by both the instructor and their fellow attendees) about their choice in technology and approach, and then evaluate others' efforts in a similar fashion. No equipment is necessary to participate--the great architect has no need of tools, just their mind and the customers' participation and feedback.

Neurodiverse Coders: Unlocking ADHD & Autism Superpowers in Tech

Gaines Kergosien

In the tech world, diversity isn't just about backgrounds; it's also about how we think and process information. ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often pigeonholed as challenges. However, what if we told you that these so-called 'disorders' house superpowers that can be game-changers in the realm of coding and software development? Join us as we delve into the remarkable abilities often associated with ADHD and ASD - like laser-sharp focus, unparalleled attention to minutiae, and a natural flair for discerning patterns. More than just a session, this is a call to action: to shift our industry paradigm from focusing on perceived deficits to recognizing and leveraging these neurodiverse strengths. During this session, attendees will: - Gain insights into how traits associated with ADHD and ASD can be massive assets in the tech and coding environment. - Learn strategies to nurture and harness these neurodiverse strengths, creating a more inclusive and effective workplace. - Challenge and reshape their perceptions about neurodiversity, emphasizing a strengths-first approach.

Don’t Build a Distributed Monolith: How to Avoid Doing Microservices Completely Wrong

Jonathan "J." Tower

As a consultant, I get to see many systems built by many different developers. Recently, I’ve seen an uptick in the number of systems built with a microservice architecture in mind, but those systems often include a lot of the same mistakes that keep them from working well. In this session you’ll learn from my experiences and get pointers on what to avoid in your microservices implementations so that you don’t accidentally build something which has all the worst aspects of a monolithic application and the worst aspects of microservices These monsters are what I call “distributed monoliths”, and I can help you avoid building one accidentally.

Rebuild your APIs Better, Strong, Faster with Minimal APIs

Jonathan "J." Tower

If you currently have a controller-based API built in ASP.NET or ASP.NET Core, you might be eager to embark on the journey of transitioning it to a Minimal API approach, but not know the best process to make it happen. If so, this talk is tailor-made for you. We will delve into the advantages of using Minimal APIs, including the simplification of complexity and the boost in performance. We'll also go though a methodical, step-by-step migration process, complete with illuminating code examples so you can see the process in action. By the end of this session, you'll be well-equipped to update any of your ASP.NET or ASP.NET Core APIs from controller-based code into the realm of sleek and effective Minimal APIs.

Trailhead Team Attending

Gaines Kergosien

Software Architect & Project Lead
J. Towers

Jonathan “J.” Tower

Microsoft MVP, Telerik Developer Expert, Software Architect

Montage Portal

Montage Furniture Services provides furniture protection plans and claims processing services to a wide selection of furniture retailers and consumers.

Project Background

Montage was looking to build a new web portal for both Retailers and Consumers, which would integrate with Dynamics CRM and other legacy systems. The portal needed to be multi tenant and support branding and configuration for different Retailers. Trailhead architected the new Montage Platform, including the Portal and all of it’s back end integrations, did the UI/UX and then delivered the new system, along with enhancements to DevOps and processes.

Logistics

We’ve logged countless miles exploring the tech world. In doing so, we gained the experience that enables us to deliver your unique software and systems architecture needs. Our team of seasoned tech vets can provide you with:

Custom App and Software Development

We collaborate with you throughout the entire process because your customized tech should fit your needs, not just those of other clients.

Cloud and Mobile Applications

The modern world demands versatile technology, and this is exactly what your mobile and cloud-based apps will give you.

User Experience and Interface (UX/UI) Design

We want your end users to have optimal experiences with tech that is highly intuitive and responsive.

DevOps

This combination of Agile software development and IT operations provides you with high-quality software at reduced cost, time, and risk.

Trailhead stepped into a challenging project – building our new web architecture and redeveloping our portals at the same time the business was migrating from a legacy system to our new CRM solution. They were able to not only significantly improve our web development architecture but our development and deployment processes as well as the functionality and performance of our portals. The feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Trailhead has proven themselves to be a valuable partner.

– BOB DOERKSEN, Vice President of Technology Services
at Montage Furniture Services

Technologies Used

When you hit the trails, it is essential to bring appropriate gear. The same holds true for your digital technology needs. That’s why Trailhead builds custom solutions on trusted platforms like .NET, Angular, React, and Xamarin.

Expertise

We partner with businesses who need intuitive custom software, responsive mobile applications, and advanced cloud technologies. And our extensive experience in the tech field allows us to help you map out the right path for all your digital technology needs.

  • Project Management
  • Architecture
  • Web App Development
  • Cloud Development
  • DevOps
  • Process Improvements
  • Legacy System Integration
  • UI Design
  • Manual QA
  • Back end/API/Database development

We partner with businesses who need intuitive custom software, responsive mobile applications, and advanced cloud technologies. And our extensive experience in the tech field allows us to help you map out the right path for all your digital technology needs.

Our Gear Is Packed and We're Excited to Explore with You

Ready to come with us? 

Together, we can map your company’s tech journey and start down the trails. If you’re set to take the first step, simply fill out the contact form. We’ll be in touch – and you’ll have a partner who cares about you and your company. 

We can’t wait to hear from you! 

Thank you for reaching out.

You’ll be getting an email from our team shortly. If you need immediate assistance, please call (616) 371-1037.