Creating my own IT consultancy, as a mid-fifties opinionated expert, focusing on 'right-sizing' software solutions, with a strong focus on Linux and Open Source software where applicable, but being amenable to work with customers' existing solutions.
- Making the most of technology for our clients utilizing open source software, proven DevOps ideals and automated builds for reliability, security and reproducibility.
- Every company needs software, but few know enough to make smart decisions; knowing when to buy versus when to build. Often building is just a matter of knowing about free, open source solutions that can provide all you need, for no, or little, cost. Trust me, I care about this stuff, and I'm not afraid to share my opinions on the topic.
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Computer related consulting services, Business services at non-commercial site, Middle-ware Configuration and Administration, Web Presence Services, Technical Support Services
Solutions we provide.
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Linux
- installation
- configuration
- hardening
- specialized server solution
- customized desktop solution
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Open source applications
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webservers
nginx, apache, lighty, caddy * with free SSL certificats set to autorenew before experation (using Let's Encrypt)
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databases
mysql, mariadb, postgres
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DNS servers
Unbound Pihole, DNS Athe... (???) for adblocking
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chat servers
everything from IRC to Matrix * rocketchat, mattermost
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uptime montitoring
supporting internal and external systems, with a live page displaying at https://status.{YOUR_FQDN}/ * setting up thresholds and notifications
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capacity planning
who much do you need to do what you need to do * could this better served via a cloud solution versus a physical solution?
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NOTICE I list these solutions as 'recommended' since if people don't see the exact thing you're looking for, I would suggest they reach out and let me know what you're trying to accomplish. I suspect ideas from the above list would assist in archiving our goals. Failing that, we can work with what they have and I can make it work.
Currently available, on Porkbun, Gandi
- Main: https://silverbeet.tech/
How much to charge to start.
- As 1099: $75-80/hour
- As W2: $65/hour
Why the name Silverbeet?
- Silverbeet is an album by the band The Bats, details from Wikipedia:
Silverbeet is the fourth album by the New Zealand band the Bats, released in 1993. The album was recorded from 15 November to 2 December 1992, at The Outpost in Stoughton, Massachusetts. "Courage" was released as a CD single that included two additional non-album tracks and a reworked version of "Slow Alight". Silverbeet peaked at No. 26 on the New Zealand album charts."
See the video to Courage, the lead-off track on the album.
- Silverbeet is a vegetable, details from Veggycation:
Silverbeet is similar to spinach but larger, with a stronger flavour. The main variety of silverbeet has a white stalk but coloured varieties are also available. Rainbow chard has green leaves but the stems and veins can be red, orange or yellow, causing confusion with rhubarb. Green silverbeet can be sliced thinly, dressed with olive oil and eaten raw. It can also be sauteed or cooked into frittatas, pies, soups and gratins.
Earlier verbiage from JD:
LowFat Technologies
🎯 Niche: We sit at the intersection of technology consulting + DevOps reliability + open-source optimization. We help organizations make smart, cost-effective software decisions—whether to build, buy, or leverage open-source—while ensuring systems are automated, reliable, and scalable.
⚙️ Services: Open-source solutions consulting → guiding clients on when and how to use free, proven tools.
DevOps implementation → automated builds, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure reliability.
Middleware configuration & administration → ensuring smooth integration across systems.
Web presence services → helping clients establish and maintain a reliable digital footprint.
Technical support & systems design → ongoing support and architecture tailored to business needs.
💡 Value Delivered: Reduced risk: Issues are prevented before they become problems.
Cost savings: Avoid unnecessary spend by leveraging open-source and smart buy-vs-build decisions.
Reliability & scalability: Automated builds and DevOps practices ensure systems don’t break under growth.
Clarity & confidence: Clients gain trusted guidance in a space where most don’t know enough to decide wisely.
Speed to impact: Faster deployments and fewer bottlenecks thanks to automation and proven practices.
🧩 Your Value Prop in One Line: “We provide open-source powered DevOps and technical consulting to deliver reliable, cost-effective systems that prevent problems before they arise.”