Michael Barr
President

Mike Ficco
Chief Technical Officer

Michael Barr is an internationally recognized expert on the design of embedded computer systems. In that role, he has provided expert witness testimony in federal court, appeared on PBS’ American Business Review, and been quoted in various newspapers. He is also the author of two books and more than forty articles on related subjects. For three and a half years Michael served as editor-in-chief of Embedded Systems Programming. In addition, Michael has been a member of the advisory board of the Embedded Systems Conference. Software he wrote continues to power millions of products. Michael holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering and has lectured in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Maryland, from which he also earned an MBA.

Read Michael's blog or view his c.v.

Mike Ficco is an expert in embedded systems with nearly thirty years of experience in hardware, software, and systems engineering. He has worked as a director and vice president of engineering at several corporations, such as Disney and Hughes Network Systems, and participated in launching several venture-backed startups. In these capacities, Mike invented patentable new technologies, led the development of complex systems, and managed multimillion-dollar projects that productized hardware, software, digital, and RF devices. Mike holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland, from which he also completed the coursework for a PhD in computer science. The holder of several patents, the design of his novel high efficiency file system for multimedia systems was published in the March 2003 issue of Embedded Systems Design.

Joseph Perret
Director of Operations

Michael Ferri
Director of Business Development

Joseph Perret has been in new product development for more than 25 years. Joe has developed products ranging from industrial systems and computer peripherals to medical equipment. His success stems from attention to and development of high quality engineering and operational processes. Joe earned B.S. and M.S degrees in industrial technology and technology management, respectively, from the University of Maryland.

Michael Ferri spent more than two decades developing medical devices for Abbott Laboratories, Welch Allyn, and Puritan Bennett. During this time he transitioned from engineering to project and R&D management and ultimately into business development. Michael earned his B.S. in electrical engineering at Rutgers University, from which he later earned an M.S. in biomedical engineering.

Nigel Jones, Systems Engineer

Nigel Jones has spent over 20 years designing electronic circuits and firmware for a diverse set of products ranging from portable diesel burners to rebreathers and underwater exploration vehicles. Nigel was awarded the degree of B.Sc. in electrical and mechanical engineering from Brunel University London.

Nathan Tennies, Software Engineer

Nathan Tennies has developed embedded and desktop software for two decades; today he focuses on BSP and driver development for Windows CE and Windows Mobile plus application development on the .NET Framework. Nathan has authored several articles describing software techniques to extend handheld device battery life.

JR Simma, Computer Engineer

JR Simma is experienced in embedded programming, communication protocols such as CAN, real-time operating systems, and DSP. He has developed a specialty practice in anti-lock brake control algorithms and related firmware for the automotive industry. JR has a degree in Computer Engineering from Purdue.

Anthony Massa, Firmware Engineer

Anthony Massa has over a decade of experience in embedded software development, for products ranging from cable modems to satellite TV set-top boxes. Anthony has a degree in Electrical Engineering and is an expert on the eCos open source operating system. He is the author of two books and several articles.

Gary Stringham, Electrical Engineer

Gary Stringham is an embedded software developer. For over two decades, Gary worked for Hewlett-Packard. In addition to developing firmware used in LaserJet printers, he established internal standards relating to ASIC design. Gary has degrees in Electrical Engineering from Brigham Young University and Utah State.

Ken Sowers, Mechanical Engineer

Ken Sowers has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University. He specializes in the design of mechanical components for electro-mechanical systems and holds about a dozen related patents. His experience spans a range of industries from microwave-powered lighting to robotic welding equipment to battery-powered respirators.