Meet the Team
Barton Robinson
is the founder and CTO of Velocity Software. After leaving IBM, where he served as a Senior Manager in the IBM Performance Evaluation Lab, Barton founded Velocity Software to develop performance management solutions for z/VM (then VM/XA). For nearly four decades, Barton has guided the Velocity Software team in performance research and creating an architecural foundation for products designed to stand the test of time. At Velocity Software, collaboration with users allows us to tackle projects that may not have immediate financial justification but hold significant importance. For example, developing a fast web server for z/VM and a TCP/IP network monitor for z/VM were challenging to justify initially, but today, these solutions support banks and government agencies worldwide.
Outside of work, Barton enjoys being a parent to his three children, running with his golden retriever, hitting the slopes for snow skiing and water skiing. Barton travels the globe to connect with customers and speaks at numerous IBM z events. He's also a true wine enthusiast and never turns the volume down when ABBA is on.
is the founder and CTO of Velocity Software. After leaving IBM, where he served as a Senior Manager in the IBM Performance Evaluation Lab, Barton founded Velocity Software to develop performance management solutions for z/VM (then VM/XA). For nearly four decades, Barton has guided the Velocity Software team in performance research and creating an architecural foundation for products designed to stand the test of time. At Velocity Software, collaboration with users allows us to tackle projects that may not have immediate financial justification but hold significant importance. For example, developing a fast web server for z/VM and a TCP/IP network monitor for z/VM were challenging to justify initially, but today, these solutions support banks and government agencies worldwide.
Outside of work, Barton enjoys being a parent to his three children, running with his golden retriever, hitting the slopes for snow skiing and water skiing. Barton travels the globe to connect with customers and speaks at numerous IBM z events. He's also a true wine enthusiast and never turns the volume down when ABBA is on.
Maggie
joined Velocity Software in 2008, transitioning from a successful career in the Music and Art industry. She was instrumental in launching the company's German branch, driving the initiative to expand operations beyond the U.S. and later took the helm of global sales and marketing efforts. In her role, Maggie focuses on non-technical yet critical areas such as business development, international client relations, sales and marketing. She loves driving things and works closely with our technical team to ensure all customer requirements are met.
Outside of work, Maggies stays active, loves to travel and has a deep passion for art and music. Currently, she's hooked on the music of Chris Stapleton
joined Velocity Software in 2008, transitioning from a successful career in the Music and Art industry. She was instrumental in launching the company's German branch, driving the initiative to expand operations beyond the U.S. and later took the helm of global sales and marketing efforts. In her role, Maggie focuses on non-technical yet critical areas such as business development, international client relations, sales and marketing. She loves driving things and works closely with our technical team to ensure all customer requirements are met.
Outside of work, Maggies stays active, loves to travel and has a deep passion for art and music. Currently, she's hooked on the music of Chris Stapleton
Christywas a long-time customer of Velocity Software before becoming part of the team. After retiring from a successful career spanning over three decades in the mainframe industry, she decided to come out of retirement and joined us in 2021. In her current role, she maintains the Performance Tuning Guide and documentation.
Outside of work, Christy enjoys playing softball and traveling. If she had to choose her favorite drink, it would definitely be something bubbly! Her favorite song is The Sound of Silence by Disturbed.
David
became part of the Velocity team in 2020 as a software engineer. In his current position, he plays a key role in maintaining and enhancing nearly every component of our data collection software. His responsibilities include developing and managing our Linux packages, Kubernetes containers, zTCP and zWRITE/zMAP systems.
became part of the Velocity team in 2020 as a software engineer. In his current position, he plays a key role in maintaining and enhancing nearly every component of our data collection software. His responsibilities include developing and managing our Linux packages, Kubernetes containers, zTCP and zWRITE/zMAP systems.
Dennisis a Senior Architect at Velocity, where he specializes in Net-SNMP and Linux. He joined the company in 2003 and dedicates his time to researching and enhancing the collection of performance metrics from Linux systems. Before his tenure at Velocity, Dennis worked with VM and mainframe UNIX at Amdahl UTS.
Outside of his professional life, Dennis has a secret but very interesting hobby: he enjoys photographing fireworks, capturing their vibrant colors and stunning displays.
Erich
began his career at Velocity Software in 2023, where he currently serves as a Technology Strategy and Architechture Consultant. Prior to joining Velocity Software, he held the prestigious role of Distinguished Engineer at IBM, where he focused on global client enterprise infrastructures. During his tenure at IBM, he also served as the Chief Architect for z Systems within the IBM System and Technology Group, specializing in areas such as Mobile, API economy, Security, Virtualization (including z/VM, zKVM) and Linux on z Systems. With over 35 years of experience in virtualization and performance, Erich brings a wealth of expertise to his role at Velocity Software.
Outside of work, he enjoys skiing, tennis and running. He is also a big fan of the music group Queen.
began his career at Velocity Software in 2023, where he currently serves as a Technology Strategy and Architechture Consultant. Prior to joining Velocity Software, he held the prestigious role of Distinguished Engineer at IBM, where he focused on global client enterprise infrastructures. During his tenure at IBM, he also served as the Chief Architect for z Systems within the IBM System and Technology Group, specializing in areas such as Mobile, API economy, Security, Virtualization (including z/VM, zKVM) and Linux on z Systems. With over 35 years of experience in virtualization and performance, Erich brings a wealth of expertise to his role at Velocity Software.
Outside of work, he enjoys skiing, tennis and running. He is also a big fan of the music group Queen.
Hagopis an experienced accountant with a strong background in financial operations, budgeting, accounting and taxation. At Velocity Software, he plays a key role in the finance function, managing tasks such as invoicing, reconciliations and ensuring a seamless renewal process for both current and prospective clients. Hagop also leads special projects, oversees client relations within the finance department, and works to streamline processes for greater accuracy and efficiency. Among his many responsibilities, he supports international sales efforts and coordinates trade show logistics.
Lately Hagop has found himself almost exclusively listening to Chopin.
James
joined Velocity Software in mid-2017, bringing with him over four decades of expertise in z/VM technologies. As a Senior Systems Architect, he serves as the product owner for Velocity Software's zPRO product and of the Global Installer for the entire Velocity Software product suite. His responsibilities also include overall customer support, developing and maintaining the LDAP authentication interface in zVWS, the customer PTRACK system support interface, the Velocity Customer Relation Management system hosted in zPRO and assisting in the maintenance of the VSI z/VM systems.
In his free time, James enjoys kayaking, reading, watching action/sci-fi films and sipping a good Bourbon. His favorite song is Red Barchetta by Rush.
joined Velocity Software in mid-2017, bringing with him over four decades of expertise in z/VM technologies. As a Senior Systems Architect, he serves as the product owner for Velocity Software's zPRO product and of the Global Installer for the entire Velocity Software product suite. His responsibilities also include overall customer support, developing and maintaining the LDAP authentication interface in zVWS, the customer PTRACK system support interface, the Velocity Customer Relation Management system hosted in zPRO and assisting in the maintenance of the VSI z/VM systems.
In his free time, James enjoys kayaking, reading, watching action/sci-fi films and sipping a good Bourbon. His favorite song is Red Barchetta by Rush.
Joejoined Velocity in 2025 as a Software Engineer. Since starting, he has been diving into learning about IBM Assembler, REXX and the z/VM system space as a whole. Moving forward, Joe will focus on projects involving Assembler.
Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through activities like bowling and golfing. His favorite song is When I'm Gone by 3 Doors Down.
Kevin
joined the company in 2022. Kevin's responsibilities include developing and maintaining Velocity Software's CRM tools, contributing to the enhancement of zPRO and overseeing the zVIEW product. Additionally, Kevin is involved in several long-term initiatives aimed at optimizing and improving Velocity Software's overall product suite.
Outside of work, Kevin has a passion for gaming. Kevin's current favorite artist is Cosmo Sheldrake.
joined the company in 2022. Kevin's responsibilities include developing and maintaining Velocity Software's CRM tools, contributing to the enhancement of zPRO and overseeing the zVIEW product. Additionally, Kevin is involved in several long-term initiatives aimed at optimizing and improving Velocity Software's overall product suite.
Outside of work, Kevin has a passion for gaming. Kevin's current favorite artist is Cosmo Sheldrake.
Kurtis deeply passionate about leading projects that introduce new workloads to IBM z. His expertise extends to co-authoring Redbooks, hosting user groups, and speaking at prominent IBM z events. Kurt joined Velocity Software in June 2024. In his role as Velocity Software's first zLinux on Velocity (zLOV) Architect, he focuses on driving optimized workloads for IBM z and LinuxONE systems, using the Velocity Software Solutions.
Outside of work, Kurt enjoys live music, outdoor activities and fishing. He most enjoys listening to his wife perform music.
Rich
joined Velocity in 2010. He plays a vital role in product development, customer training and z/VM services, while also assisting customers with the installation of our product suite, both remotely and onsite. This responsibility often keeps him on the road and at conferences, ensuring our customers receive the support they need.
In his spare time, Rich enjoys traveling and has a special love for Korean cuisine and considers himself an amateur astronomer. He also enjoys long walks and never turns down a Screwdriver if you happen to spot him at one of the conferences.
joined Velocity in 2010. He plays a vital role in product development, customer training and z/VM services, while also assisting customers with the installation of our product suite, both remotely and onsite. This responsibility often keeps him on the road and at conferences, ensuring our customers receive the support they need.
In his spare time, Rich enjoys traveling and has a special love for Korean cuisine and considers himself an amateur astronomer. He also enjoys long walks and never turns down a Screwdriver if you happen to spot him at one of the conferences.
Rickjoined Velocity Software in 2019, bringing with him over 40 years of experience in z/VM software and infrastructure. At Velocity, Rick manages all the hardware and z/VM software infrastructure that supports our development environment, demo systems and customer support systems.
Outside of work, Rick's life revolves around his family and church. He and his wife have five married children and eight grandchildren. A passionate musician, Rick has been part of choirs and small ensembles for more than 50 years, with Philips, Craig and Dean being one of his favorite groups. Rick also loves all things Christmas, especially decorating his house with an abundance of festive lights.
Sam
became a part of the team in 2024 and has since contributed to a variety of projects. Currently, she is focused on automation using Ansible, updating the website, and learning assembler to help enhance our zVWS product. She enjoys the flexibility to explore and dive in to new projects.
Outside of work, Sam loves to hike and crochet. She is also a big fan of Taylor Swift and her music.
became a part of the team in 2024 and has since contributed to a variety of projects. Currently, she is focused on automation using Ansible, updating the website, and learning assembler to help enhance our zVWS product. She enjoys the flexibility to explore and dive in to new projects.
Outside of work, Sam loves to hike and crochet. She is also a big fan of Taylor Swift and her music.
Tylerjoined Velocity in 2025. He is a life long coder and proud graduate of Pennsylvania State University. As a PL/I programmer and performance expert, he writes code for zVPS while working to understand and diagnose low level performance issues in the z/VM space. He also works to help the z/VM community by giving technically intensive performance presentations at mainframe conferences.
When he's not working, Tyler participates in outdoor activities such as skiing, kayaking, sailing, and biking. His favorite song is The Color by Tory Lanez.
