People at Goldstar Software

Without people, Goldstar Software Inc. would be nothing more than a name. It is the dedication of our people that makes the company what it is today.

Bill Bach President BillBach@goldstarSPAMFREEsoftware.com (Remove SPAMFREE to use this address.)

Bill is the cornerstone of the technical knowledge at Goldstar. He started working in text databases using AppleSoft back in 1983 for a distribution warehouse. While studying at the Illinois Institute of Technology from 1986 to 1991, he helped to develop and extend the Educational Technology Center's computerized quizzing network, which started out on an Apple/Corvus OmniNet and progressed to a 1Mbps AT&T StarLAN network. Programming databases back then was done the old fashioned way -- using flat files accessed from BASIC, C, and Assembler.

After leaving the ETC in 1991, he joined a company writing software for the printed circuit board manufacturing industry. After a brief training period (getting handed the Btrieve 5.x Programmers Guide), he was off & writing code accessing Btrieve -- and fell in love with the speed and ease of use.

Always the "knowledge bug", Bill strived to understand the workings of the server-based Btrieve and NetWare SQL database engines, and quickly realized that without an understanding of the server (where's the familiar DOS prompt?) that he would remain in the dark. He used that opportunity to learn an understand NetWare, Windows, Linux, and other operating systems, which also helped to understand the workings of the Pervasive client, which plays an important role in any client/server database configuration. Strangely, though, it wasn't until learning the intricacies of the underlying network -- design rules, specifications, and communications protocols -- that the final piece to the puzzle was put in place.

Bill worked as a software developer until 1995, and during that time also maintained the servers & networks, helped design a customer support function, performed customer installations, and interfaced with Novell, Btrieve Technologies, and Pervasive Software. His work at a network consulting firm from 1995 to 1997 also provided much more business and management experience, as well as more technical expertise which provided a wealth of experiences and background that still helps him in situations today.

Bill started working full-time for Goldstar Software in 1997, and he still handles IS duties, in addition to purchasing, sales, tech support, training and customer site visits. The travel schedule is often grueling, but each new site presents new opportunities to learn. He still maintains his coding skills by writing tools and other utilities, and he works closely with Actian Corporation (formerly Pervasive Software) on many levels, a symbiotic relationship which has improved the standing of both companies over the years.

Bill has also achieved various certifications with Pervasive Software, including the Certified Pervasive Professional, Certified Pervasive Developer, Certified Pervasive Technician, and Certified Pervasive Instructor.

Mary Ann Bach Treasurer MaryAnn@goldstarSPAMFREEsoftware.com (Remove SPAMFREE to use this address.)

Mary Ann Bach handles all of the accounting, payroll, and other such "business" aspects of Goldstar Software, allowing the technical team to "stay technical".

Mary Ann Schramm, a.k.a. The Enforcer, handles the accounts payable side of our business. If your invoices are current, then you won't need to fear her call. ;-)