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Robert started using open source software as an IT manager in 1993. In 1996 he started the Interweft IT consultancy, specialising in Internet related services and associated security issues. In April 1997 Interweft gained Red Hat Inc in the USA as a client, working principally on defining the Red Hat Certified Engineer program.
Robert moved to the USA to take up a permanent position with Red Hat in February 1998, suspending Interweft's operations. At Red Hat, Robert was responsible for the strategic technical relationship and road map exchange with Red Hat's major partners and largest corporate customers and acting as an internal consultant to Red Hat on external technologies as part of the office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
Robert worked at a senior level with many companies struggling to understand open source and the opportunity it presented - from hardware and software vendors to enterprise and government organisations in the USA, Europe and Asia.
Robert also spoke regularly about open source at a wide variety of industry events - from major international conferences to vendor specific events and working with media interested in Red Hat and open source, including running security tutorials at AUUG 1998.
In 2000, Robert returned to Australia to work with Red Hat Asia Pacific, with responsibility for the technical and business relationship with Red Hat's major partners and customers throughout the Asia Pacific region. Robert continued the work he had started in the USA, travelling widely in the region to work with major partners, customers and the media and speaking at a wide range of events.
In the security arena, Robert has worked with a range of vendors and customers in Asia Pacific and the USA, from vendors porting firewall and other security software to the Linux OS to customers seeking to harness open source solutions as part of their security system. In particular, Robert has worked with a number of organisations creating or reviewing their IT security policy, where people issues are a crucial part of project success.
In October 2001, Robert left Red Hat, recommencing Interweft's operations.
Robert's technical skills, understanding of business IT/IS issues along with a deep knowledge of all facets open source make him uniquely qualified to assist organisations understand, plan and implement open source projects.