Experience CountsExpert sign

The Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary defines an expert as "one with the special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject."

Knowledge and skills can be obtained in many ways. And experience is an important one. Its the difference between the "text book" and the "real world."

To really know a subject, you need both theory and practice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Co-Founders

..Placeholder Image

James T. Cogan

Jim has been working in the data processing industry since 1972 including detailed experience with Unisys ClearPath systems as well as Linux-based systems. 

 As a software engineer, Jim worked with the Unisys ClearPath database management system, DMSII, to improve fault tolerance, recovery speed and performance.  In 1980, Jim was a co-founder of Joseph & Cogan Associates which provided in-depth training classes and consulting services for the Unisys ClearPath systems in the areas of database management, system management, application programming and networking. 

Since founding Affinité Corporation with Bob Finkle in 1991, Jim has concentrated on performance monitoring and capacity planning for very large computer systems.  In recent years, Jim has worked closely with telecommunications companies in the U.S. and Europe to provide products and services to monitor and manage large voice mail systems.  Jim is currently involved in developing tools for monitoring and managing very large configurations of Linux-based systems for the telecommunications industry.

Professional Interests

Jim's professional interests, and areas of expertise, include performance analysis and capacity planning, database systems, and program optimization.

Education

  • B.S. Mathematics, John Carroll University
  • M.S. Computer Science, The Pennsylvania State University

You can contact Jim at jimcogan@affinite.com or via LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/pub/james-cogan/2/28b/704.

Placeholder Image

Robert Finkle

Bob wrote his first programs when he was an undergraduate. He worked on a number of projects for the undergraduate library. Later, he had a part time job developing software for a special effects company. During graduate school, he worked in the computer center and had a summer job developing a compiler for Hewlett-Packard.

After grad school, his first job was for Burroughs (which later became Unisys). He provided support for a major customer, which included fixing operating system, compiler, and database problems. This was followed by a job with a major telecommunications company as a systems programmer. In this role he made modifications to the operating system, compilers, and other system software.This was where he first got involved in performance management. This included working with some of the earliest commercial modeling software. He was involved in many performance improvement and capacity planning projects.

Bob then spent two years living and working in Paris as a systems programmer. Much of his work dealt with performance problems, including a major project to re-write a poorly performing system.

After returning to the U.S., he worked with Joseph & Cogan to develop training classes on performance management, as well as providing consulting services. During this time he also developed software for monitoring and modeling Unisys ClearPath systems.

In 1991 he started Affinité Corporation with Jim Cogan. Since then he has been involved in Windows and Linux performance management. He is currently developing Java based monitoring software.

Professional Interests

Bob is interested in many aspects of computer science. These include development methodologies, operating systems, compilers, database systems, and of course, performance management.

 

Education

  • A.B. Mathematics, U.C.L.A.
  • M.S. Cybernetics Systems, San Jose State University

You can contact Bob at robertfinkle@affinite.com.