User:Tmaufer

You can find out all you need to know about me on Facebook and LinkedIn.

On the technical side: I have written three books about computer networking for Prentice Hall (search for Thomas Maufer on amazon.com) and have contributed to dozens of inventions (over 40 so far) for which 18 patents have been granted to date (search for my name on www.uspto.gov). As a result of the latter, I have had a lot of experience with preparing ideas for presentation to intellectual property lawyers. Despite this (or because of this) activity, I actually think that the idea of software patents is rather perverse. However, regardless of my personal feelings, I was obligated to ensure that my employers' property was protected.

On the marketing side: I have spent most of my career in technical marketing or engineering management to varying degrees. Details are available on my LinkedIn profile.

On the personal side: I write two blogs about whisk(e)y. In this vein, I am also a semi-frequent poster on Whisky Magazine's and Malt Advocate's forums, as well as the independent Whisky Whisky Whisky forum. Finally, I am the proprietor of Spirit Enthusiast, a marketing consultancy focused on the distilled spirits market.