Ross Mc Donald
About Ross Mc Donald
Ross McDonald is a Technical Architect with extensive experience in data and technology roles across various organizations, including HM Revenue & Customs and Equal Experts. He specializes in high-performance server-side architectures and has contributed to multiple projects focused on scalability and fault-tolerance.
Work at Equal Experts
Ross McDonald currently serves as a Technical Architect at Equal Experts, a position he has held since 2024. He previously worked at Equal Experts from 2016 to 2021, where he contributed to various projects and initiatives. His role involves designing and implementing technical solutions that align with client needs and industry standards.
Previous Experience at HM Revenue & Customs
Ross McDonald has extensive experience at HM Revenue & Customs, where he held multiple roles. He worked as a Solution and Technical Architect for the Ecosystem of Trust Team from 2021 to 2023 and as a Solution Architect in the Future Borders Programme from 2019 to 2020. Additionally, he served as Interim Head of Digital Solutions from 2018 to 2019, focusing on strategy, design, architecture, and innovation.
Education and Expertise
Ross McDonald studied Computer Science at the University of Reading, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from 1996 to 1999. He also attended Bournemouth Grammar School for Boys from 1991 to 1995. His expertise includes high-performance server-side architectures on the JVM, with a focus on fault tolerance and scalability. He is proficient in various server-side technologies, including Clojure, Scala, and Java.
Achievements and Contributions
Ross McDonald has made significant contributions to the field, including speaking on two panels at the Data Sharing for Better and more Sustainable Business event in Amsterdam in October 2023. He received a special mention for Best Advisor at the International Chambers of Commerce Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation awards in 2023. He has also lectured at MIT, providing insights to companies on gaining visibility.
Technical Standards and Protocols
Ross McDonald has worked with and developed several technical standards and protocols, including HTTP/HTTPS/TCP, GEMINI, OAuth 2, and Indieweb. He specializes in creating technical tool kits and governance frameworks that facilitate scalable and cost-effective multi-domain collaboration.