Lilly Tao

Work Experience:

August 1998 – present

Austin-Hayne Corporation

San Mateo, CA

Senior Software Engineer

Developed user interfaces for web-based human resources applications using Java, JavaScript and HTML. Designed and implemented Java applets for tasks such as organizational charting and employee performance data graphing. Became familiar with application server technology. Helped to initiate adoption of software development practices (QA cycles, bug tracking, modularized code design, realistic scheduling and documentation) to shift company to a product-focused development process instead of customer specific. Managed end-user documentation project including selecting and overseeing outside writing house and managing budget. Designed and ran usability tests.

July 1997 – July 1998

Purple Moon Media, Inc.

Mountain View, CA

Senior Software Engineer

Functioned as technical liaison for development of www.purple-moon.com online community for girls. Monitored outside development house and reviewed technical architecture of the site, which was built with a Java enterprise application server and Oracle database. Researched new technologies including streaming video, e‑commerce solutions, online gaming, discussion groups, and online surveys. Recommended hardware and co-location facilities. Communicated technical risks and solutions to web site production team. Wrote technical specifications and white papers. Provided technical expertise to CD-ROM teams in various areas such as connectivity. Developed Java applet which displayed synchronized images and audio in order to deliver product trailers on the Web.

February 1996 - July 1997

Web Tools Group, Traveling Software, Inc.

formerly Milktruck, LLC.

San Mateo, CA

Senior Software Engineer

Joined Milktruck startup venture as employee #1 and became third partner in the development of an offline Web browsing utility. Remained after acquisition by Traveling Software (the makers of LapLink). Shipped WebEx 1.0 and 2.0 which became the leading product of its kind, winning numerous awards. Responsible for technical hiring, communicating with recruiters and screening candidates for both QA and software engineering positions. Gained experience in Internet/WWW technologies, both from technical and marketing/business perspectives. Researched impact of new technologies such as webcasting, OLE/COM/ActiveX, 4.0 generation browsers, and Microsoft Internet Client SDK. Responsible for code both at UI and engine level. Implemented majority of product UI using MFC and custom controls. Wrote numerous base level C++ objects for tasks such as URL history cataloging, Windows 95/NT dialer (RASAPI) interface, communication with browsers, site searching, exporting, and reading JPEG headers. Helped to customize OEM versions of WebEx for the Wall Street Journal, Netcom, and Fujitsu.

April 1993 - February 1996

Brio Technology, Inc.

Mountain View, CA

Software Project Manager

Project Lead for BrioQuery 3.1 and 3.5, Windows and MacOS releases. Coordinated seven developers in a four month release cycle for BrioQuery 3.1 and a seven month cycle for BrioQuery 3.5. Wrote product specifications and determined schedules while continuing previous coding responsibilities. Took on responsibility for enhancing BrioQuery's bandstyle reporter module, and the design of BrioQuery's application framework. Single-handedly ported BrioQuery to native PowerMac. Liaisoned with Product Management and Quality Assurance to fulfill feature requirements and bug fixes. Trained new developers to effectively use Brio's cross-platform library, and to maintain BrioQuery's application code. Gave developer reviews.

Software Engineer

Applications developer for Brio's data access software products. One of three developers who designed and coded Brio's flagship product, BrioQuery, a Windows/Mac/Unix data access and analysis application. BrioQuery allows users to create graphical database queries in lieu of writing SQL, and includes a multi-dimensional analysis tool and bandstyle reporter. Maintained and enhanced cross-platform library, which allows simultaneous Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX development. Responsible for Macintosh specific code and research of new Apple technology. Developed multi-platform solution for cross-application communication using DDE and AppleEvents. Independently managed and released BrioQuery's precursors: DataPrism 2.2, DataPivot 1.5, and localized versions.

June 1991 - April 1993

GRiD Systems Corporation

Fremont, CA

Software Developer, Pen-Based Software Group

Responsible for development of the user interface design module of PenRight! Pro, a software development toolkit for the PenRight! graphical user interface environment for pen computing. This component allows users to graphically design their forms using drag and drop of UI objects. Designed installation programs for both PenRight! and PenRight! Pro. Wrote sample applications and user training labs. Work required knowledge of the underlying PenRight! API structure as well as DOS and event-driven programming. Gained experience in pen-computing user interface and hardware issues.

Summers 1989, 1990

Lotus Development Corporation

Cambridge, MA

Product Technical Marketing Intern

Designed, programmed, and documented add-ins for Lotus 1-2-3 clients. Determined feasibility of use of C and of the 1-2-3 Toolkit for client-designed applications.

Product Support Specialist

Provided technical phone support for end users of Lotus 1-2-3. Mastered both technical and functional applications of 1-2-3. Researched customer queries involving computer hardware, software, and networks.

Technical Knowledge:

Tools and Libraries: MS Visual Studio, Symantec, Metrowerks, MFC, AWT, RogueWave.

Computer Languages: C/C++, Java, Lisp, Scheme, Pascal.

Operating Systems: Windows 95/98, NT, 3.1, Mac OS, DOS, Unix.

Education:

Wellesley College Wellesley, MA

Class of 1991, Bachelor of Arts degree with honors.

Double major in Computer Science and Cognitive Science.

Honors thesis: "A User Interface for Information Retrieval Using Boolean Query."

Coursework included: Operating Systems, Compiler Design, Computer Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, MIT 6.001: Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs. Computer Science GPA: 3.9/4.0 Overall GPA: 3.5/4.0

Additional Information:

Proficient violinist. Member of Saratoga Symphony. Other interests include writing fiction and poetry, a cappella singing, and playing roller hockey.