Where are you from, and where do you live now?
I'm from France and I'm living in a small town near Angers (Less than 2 hours from Paris)
How long have you been programming?
Since I was 13 years old (that's 25 years ago). I have been, first, a Windows programmer (I'm the author of "THE Rename") and several years ago (a bit tired of this domain), I choose to concentrate on internet
What is your expertise?
Creating websites with Xoops and also creating modules.
What got you to XOOPS?
In 2002, I've been asked to create several intranets in a very short time. After a comprehensive study of all the available CMS (I had a list of points to validate), I chose Xoops and I succeed in creating the intranets before the deadlines.
What do you like the most about XOOPS?
Its modularity and adaptability and the fact that it's Open Source.
In what area of XOOPS do you contribute and why?
Mainly in modules because that's what I like to do
You have also a company, Instant-Zero, that delivers XOOPS-based Solutions. What do you specialize in?
Instant Zero exists since 2006 and we are specialized in several areas :
1. The full creation of websites (Xoops installation, theme creation etc)
2. The creation of specific modules, for example Bookshop, Myshop, Mykart, Myservices, Buyersguide, Myphotos, Adhesions, etc
3. Maintenance of websites
4. Hosting of websites
5. Adaptation/customization of existing Open Source products
6. Web Consulting for our customers
7. Subcontracting/outsourcing services for other companies
Why did you come up with the idea of focusing on XOOPS? What are the benefits for an ISV?
As I was working with and for Xoops since 2002, it seems natural to me to keep using it. The benefits are multiples. The first argument for our client is to say that it's Open Source. The second argument goes with the first, if we disappear you (the client) can still find someone else to maintain your site. The fact that the product exists since 2001 is important. Having a product running with PHP and MySQL enable us to use and install Xoops nearly everywhere. As I previously stated, its modularity and adaptability are two important points. Adding a feature to a website is often just a matter of minutes (and limited to a module installation) The use of themes based on CSS enable us to adapt the look and feel to the exact needs of our clients. It's also a secure solution with a good support.
What is your major achievement in programming that you're most proud of?
Always my next module But I'm very proud of Buyersguide. This module required several month for its development but it's really my best module.
What's your favorite development tool(s)?
I was working with PpEclipse but now I'm using Zend Studio for Eclipse.
What are your hobbies, when you're not coding?
Being with my wife, reading, making the cat believe he is a killer, playing to my WII (with my wife and friends) and going to the cinema.
You favorite dish and drink?
Snails with a Saumur Champigny
What about movies and music?
Jazz & classical music and for the films, SciFic and comics.
If you could choose a place and time to live, what would it be and why?
Today and here.
Who is the person that you would like to meet and why?
Alan Mathison Turing to thanks him for everything he made and to ask him not to eat the apple.