Smile IT Solutions

As the Founder and CEO of Smile IT Solutions, I lead our team in delivering innovative, best-in-class cloud computing and bespoke software development solutions to clients across industries. My passion lies in empowering organisations to maximise the potential of their data, time, and finances through cutting-edge technology.

Key focus areas:
Driving the strategic vision and growth of Smile IT Solutions as a leading provider of: Cloud-native applications, IT infrastructure modernisation, Systems integration, End-to-end digital transformation
Fostering a culture of continuous learning, skill enhancement, and excellence among our talented team of technologists and problem solvers
Nurturing deep partnerships with major technology vendors like AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud, and more to deliver unmatched value to our clients

I bring over 15 years of experience in the IT industry, with deep expertise in:
Cloud computing architectures
Agile software development methodologies
IT service management
Leading high-performing teams

My leadership philosophy centres on empathy, empowerment, and an unwavering commitment to client success.

Smile IT Solutions holds ISO 9001, ISO 27001, and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications, underscoring our dedication to quality, security, and delivering to the highest standards. We serve as a trusted partner to SMEs and public sector organisations across the UK.

I'm always keen to connect with fellow technology leaders and explore how Smile IT's solutions can help organisations innovate, transform, and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Let's collaborate to power your potential through technology - reach out, and let's start a conversation!

Founder & CEO

BIADIN

Founder

Chief Technology Officer

NatWest

Currently responsible for Design & Development of a new Web Application to enable Innovation and Change Projects to complete Control and Governance requirements at a faster pace. 
The tool is currently being on-boarded into bank systems and UAT will be carried out and completed by the end of Q1 2020. 
This is a bank-wide application to be used by all functions and franchises including central innovation teams as part of Control Optimisation Programme. 
The application has been expanded since to cover multiple functionalities within Services Controls (incl. Payment Certifications and Cloud Governance).

Product Owner

Managing Services Controls Data Analytics and Reporting Products

Automation of Data Collection, Processing, Reporting (Robotics)

Automation of CAO & COO Controls Dashboard

Building Automated MI Packs from source Data

MI & Data Production 

Critical Payments, Anti Money Laundering and SWIFT Application Audits (Including User Access, Confidentiality, Availability, Integrity, Change Management, Disaster Recovery controls)

Payment schemes Code of Conduct reviews

Application related Incident reviews

High Risk Application and Infrastructure Audits (Mainframe, MQ, Oracle, SQL Server, Windows, Access Management Tools, Firewalls, Connect Direct, Gateways etc.)

Information Technology Auditor

Middlesex University, UK

Database Student Learning Assistant

Founder & CEO @ SMILE IT Solutions | Helping SMBs Move To Cloud And Modernise Applications With AWS

As the Founder & CEO of Smile IT Solutions, I help SMBs adopt and move to Cloud to modernise their Applications by leading a team of passionate and talented cloud native developers and cloud computing engineers through AWS since 2015. 

I provide innovative and customised solutions for various industries, such as media and entertainment, healthcare, education, energy, public sector and e-commerce, using cutting-edge technologies and best practices. I also help SMBs to optimise their cloud spend and performance of their applications. I offer cloud services to SMBs interested in a secure, reliable and complaint cloud environments that allows them to grow their business through excellence.  

With over 20 years of experience in the IT sector, I have developed a strong expertise in application design and development, cloud computing and IT services. I am also an AWS Partner, holding multiple accreditations in sales, technical, and cloud economics aspects. I am driven by the mission of creating value for our clients and stakeholders, and delivering high-quality products that meet their needs and expectations.

How it started as a cloud solutions architect:

- Learned the basics of AWS

- Attended partner training sessions

- Shadowed senior architects

etc

6 months later:

- Leading client consultations

- Designing complex cloud solutions

- Managing AWS migrations

The main lesson I learned is that AWS partners like Smile IT Solutions bring invaluable expertise and support.

Never underestimate the value of working with AWS partners. They can make a world of difference.

Emad Soltani

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."

Albert Schweitzer

Here are 24 Key Skills to nail.
For all startup founders to learn today.

Become the AWS expert you always wanted.
This cheat sheet covers fundamental AWS areas:

↳ How to optimize cloud costs
↳ Scaling applications
↳ Ensuring data security

Take a sneak peek below:

1. Cost Management
How to action: Use AWS Cost Explorer.

2. Auto Scaling
How to action: Set up Auto Scaling groups.

3. Security Groups
How to action: Configure security groups properly.

4. S3 Storage
How to action: Use S3 for scalable storage.

5. EC2 Instances
How to action: Choose the right instance type.

6. IAM Roles
How to action: Assign roles for access control.

7. CloudFormation
How to action: Automate infrastructure with templates.

8. Lambda Functions
How to action: Deploy serverless functions.

9. RDS Databases
How to action: Set up managed databases.

10. VPC Configuration
How to action: Design your virtual network.

11. CloudWatch Monitoring
How to action: Set up monitoring and alerts.

12. Elastic Beanstalk
How to action: Deploy applications quickly.

13. Route 53
How to action: Manage DNS settings.

14. Elastic Load Balancing
How to action: Distribute traffic efficiently.

15. CloudFront CDN
How to action: Use CDN for faster delivery.

16. DynamoDB
How to action: Use NoSQL databases.

17. AWS Backup
How to action: Automate backups.

18. SNS Notifications
How to action: Set up notifications.

19. SQS Queues
How to action: Manage message queues.

20. API Gateway
How to action: Create and manage APIs.

21. EKS Kubernetes
How to action: Deploy Kubernetes clusters.

22. CloudTrail
How to action: Track user activity.

23. AWS Config
How to action: Monitor configuration changes.

24. Elastic Transcoder
How to action: Convert media files.

Ready to transform your startup with AWS? Let's get started!

I asked 100 tech leaders one simple question:

"What early career mistake will you never make again?"

The result: 4 profound mistakes everyone (from newbies to executives) should avoid in their AWS journey.

Let's dive in:

Mistake 1: Going Solo

Too often, professionals decide to tackle AWS complexities alone. 

Instead, they should be focused on partnering with established AWS partners like Smile IT Solutions. 

This is what ends up making the biggest difference.

Mistake 2: Underestimating the Challenge

A good professional can navigate AWS with decent success. 

A bad professional can get overwhelmed by AWS complexities. 

But a legendary professional can master AWS by leveraging the right partnership.

Mistake 3: Ignoring the Potential

Until you've experienced the power of a knowledgeable AWS partner, don't take your eye off the ball.

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." - Robert Collier.

Mistake 4: Relying on Traditional Wisdom

Traditional wisdom says "If you want something done right, do it yourself."

But that's only true if you:

- Have the expertise in AWS.
- Have the time to keep up with its continuous updates. 

Then, DIY approach works great.

What is the one early career mistake you will never make again? Share your experiences and let's learn together. 

#AWS #Partnership

I committed to migrating Microsoft workloads to AWS cloud six months ago.

Here are my results:

→ 85% adherence
→ 20+ workloads migrated
→ 15 projects completed

I didn’t hit 100%, but it was an amazing six months.

I'm convinced migrating workloads makes any IT professional better.

Launching a startup is HARD.

Figuring out which AWS services to use is HARD.

Finding the right tools to speed up your go-to-market is HARD.

Understanding AWS Lambda is HARD.

Mastering Amazon RDS is HARD.

Anyone who tries to convince you otherwise is wrong.

Stop looking for shortcuts and do the damn work.

The struggle of scaling a startup is the worst.

Think about it—

Nothing is more frustrating than hitting a wall with your tech.

Growth is great.
Everyone wants it.

Complexity isn’t the best.
But at least it means you're growing.

The worst, though?

Being stuck with no clear path forward.

Imagine…

No one knows how to optimize your AWS setup.
No one knows how to leverage cloud services for growth.

Feels terrible, right?

And the thing is…

That’s exactly the same with your startup.
Your tech stack is your backbone online.

How people perceive your efficiency.
What they associate with your brand.

But what if you have no optimized infrastructure?

And no one knows you?

That’s a problem you want to solve.

Building your tech stack isn’t rocket science.

It's building reliability.
Proving scalability.
Showcasing innovation.

And most importantly, creating leverage.

So next time you have something to launch…
People will trust you.

And next time you have something to scale…
Most likely, people will support you.

The best time to start is NOW.

Let's debunk some common misconceptions about AWS Amplify in 2024:

❌ AWS Amplify is only for mobile applications 
❌ It's too complicated for beginners
❌ It's not suitable for large-scale projects
❌ It's costly 
❌ It's not secure

In reality, AWS Amplify is:

✅ A comprehensive development platform for both mobile and web applications
✅ Designed with an intuitive interface, making it accessible for beginners yet robust enough for experts
✅ Scalable to support large-scale projects 
✅ Cost-effective with pay-as-you-go pricing
✅ Secure with built-in features to protect your data

AWS Amplify can help answer these questions:

1. How can I streamline my app development process? 
2. Is there a platform that can handle both frontend and backend? 
3. Can I find a solution that is simple, scalable, and secure?

Tip: Always weigh the pros and cons before choosing any platform based on your specific needs.

What are your thoughts on AWS Amplify? Have you found it to be a game-changer in your development process?

#AWSAmplify #WebDevelopment #MobileAppDevelopment

Ask yourself 3 questions before you leverage AWS Services for your startup:

1. Do you need scalable infrastructure?
2. Are you looking to cut costs?
3. Do you want to innovate faster?

If the answer to all 3 is yes, then go all-in with AWS.

Stop polishing your software to perfection.

It’s time to prioritise your go-to-market strategy.

Here’s what you don’t need:

1. An endless pursuit for the perfect product
2. Overcomplication of features before launch
3. Delaying market entry for minor tweaks
4. Falling into the trap of constant refining

Here’s what you DO need:

→ Speed in your development process
→ A functional product that addresses user needs
→ Openness to feedback and improvements post-launch
→ An aggressive and robust go-to-market strategy

Stop chasing an elusive perfection.

Stop delaying your market entry for trivial adjustments.

Stop ignoring the importance of speed.

The perfect software is a myth. The real game-changer is how quickly you can get your functional product in the hands of your customers, learn from their feedback, and iterate accordingly. 

Are you ready to prioritize speed over perfection in your software development process? Checkout the comments for your chance to get a Free audit before it's too late.

#SoftwareDevelopment #Startups #GoToMarket #ProductDevelopment

LinkedIn is a profitable resource for companies using AWS.

They have millions of daily users and thousands of active partners.

Here are seven reasons why working with AWS partners like Smile IT Solutions is invaluable:

1. Expertise

A community of certified professionals who are looking to optimize AWS usage.

• Tailored solutions
• Cost management
• Security enhancements

2. Support

Round-the-clock assistance for any AWS-related issues.

• 24/7 availability
• Quick response times
• Proactive monitoring

3. Innovation

Access to the latest AWS features and services.

• Early adoption
• Custom integrations
• Continuous improvement

4. Cost Efficiency

Strategies to maximize your AWS investment.

• Cost analysis
• Resource optimization
• Budget planning

5. Scalability

Solutions that grow with your business.

• Flexible architecture
• Load balancing
• Auto-scaling

6. Compliance

Ensuring your AWS environment meets industry standards.

• Regulatory adherence
• Data protection
• Audit readiness

7. Training

Empowering your team with AWS knowledge.

• Workshops
• Certifications
• On-the-job training

Simple always wins.

I can go from setup to optimised AWS in less than a week.

99% of others are still:

- struggling with configurations
- dealing with security issues
- managing cost overruns
- troubleshooting performance

This stuff is usually procrastination dressed up as action.

Start now and get feedback now.

Work on perfecting everything later.

3 Game-Changing Ways to Leverage Amazon EventBridge for Your AWS Cloud Native Apps

Caught in the whirlpool of microservices? Tangled in the web of event-driven architectures? Fret not! Here are three ground-breaking ways to master Amazon EventBridge for your AWS Cloud Native Apps.

1. Smart Event Filtering 
↪ Utilize AWS EventBridge Rules
↪ Manage event routing efficiently

2. Robust Application Integration 
↪ Employ EventBridge Schema Registry
↪ Streamline system-to-system communication

3. Proactive Error Handling 
↪ Apply Dead-Letter Queues (DLQs)
↪ Safeguard against event delivery failures

These strategies can help you turn the tables and wield the power of EventBridge like a true maestro. They can enhance event filtering, application integration, and error handling in your AWS Cloud Native Apps. 

What's your experience with Amazon EventBridge? Have a tip to share? 

#AWS #CloudNative #AmazonEventBridge

Top AWS Tools Every Startup Should Consider for Effective Development

In my latest article, I dive into the top 5 AWS tools that can help your startup build and scale efficiently. From the versatile Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) to the serverless computing power of Lambda, these tools offer robust features to support every stage of development.

Real-world success stories from companies like Airbnb, Slack, and Pinterest showcase how AWS can help you focus on innovation while managing infrastructure seamlessly. 📈

But it's not just about the tools themselves. I also analyze key issues like cost management, scalability, ease of use, security, and integration to help you make informed decisions for your startup's unique needs.

Looking ahead, I explore exciting trends in AWS, such as AI and machine learning services, advanced data analytics, and enhanced collaboration tools that could revolutionize the way startups operate. 🔮

Ready to embark on your startup's growth journey? Check out the full article and discover how AWS tools can help you stay competitive and agile in today's fast-paced market. 🌐

#startup #entrepreneurship #productdevelopment #AmazonWebServices #AWS #innovation #technology #growthhacking

Ed Soltani on LinkedIn • 6 min read

Top AWS Tools Every Startup Should Consider for Effective Development

What experts say:

- Use EC2 for computing
- S3 for storage
- RDS for databases
- Lambda for serverless
- CloudFront for CDN

What the people who really know do:

- Leverage DynamoDB for NoSQL
- Use Elastic Beanstalk for deployment
- Implement IAM for security
- Utilize CloudWatch for monitoring
- Integrate SNS for notifications

AWS services for startups isn't just about cost, scalability, and flexibility.

It's about speed mixed with innovation.

What most IT managers do:

• Stick with on-premises servers
• Ignore cloud benefits
• Overlook cost savings
• Fear migration challenges

What you should do:

• Migrate to AWS
• Leverage cloud scalability
• Optimise costs
• Enhance security

Think strategically first, then act decisively.

Change my mind.

Implemented an AWS migration recently for one of our major projects. The process was intricate, yet enlightening. 

Here are 5 things that I've gathered from this experience:

1. Careful and meticulous planning is the cornerstone to any smooth AWS migration. Understand your existing infrastructure and sketch out a detailed migration plan.
   
2. During the transition, it's crucial to ensure smooth, continuous operations. AWS's Migration Hub helped us track the progress of application migrations to ensure minimal disruption.

3. Security is paramount. We used AWS's Identity and Access Management (IAM) to safeguard access to our AWS services and resources. 

4. Cost Optimization is vital. By leveraging AWS cost management tools, we could analyze cost drivers and savings opportunities.
   
5. Lastly, post-migration, a thorough audit was performed to ensure that everything was functioning as expected.

AWS truly simplifies complex processes and drives efficiency. What are your key takeaways from AWS migrations?

#AWS #CloudComputing #TechnologyLeadership #DigitalTransformation

How I simplified cloud migration and get you on the "fast track to efficiency."

You think you've seen everything (until this).

My AWS cloud solutions use strategic planning to craft your:

- Seamless data migration
- Enhanced security protocols
- Cost-effective infrastructure
- Scalable resources
- Optimized performance

And then I teach you how to:

- Maximize cloud benefits

If you're only maintaining on-premises, it's not enough.

- You need a robust strategy
- A reliable cloud partner
- Comprehensive training
- Continuous monitoring

This is for those who are ready to transform their IT landscape.

Building 12-Factor applications on AWS shouldn't be about:

- Using a monolithic codebase
- Ignoring application dependencies 
- Neglecting to store configuration in the environment
- Disregarding concurrency concepts 

Rather, creating cloud-native apps should encompass:

- Embracing a codebase managed in a version control system
- Explicitly declaring and isolating app dependencies
- Storing configuration in the environment to maintain a strict separation between configuration and code 
- Scaling out using the process model and treating each process as a first-class citizen 

The 12-factor methodology is revolutionising how we build robust, scalable, and maintainable applications on the cloud. 
What practices have you found most effective when building cloud-native apps on AWS? 

#CloudNative #AWS #12FactorApps #DevOps

You don't HAVE to leverage AWS services for your startup.

→ It's not a requirement
→ It's not even a necessity
→ You get to decide for yourself

BUT, let's be realistic.

You don't HAVE to use modern tools either.

But if you don't:

→ You're slowing down your progress
→ You're missing out on efficiency
→ You're risking your market position

So in this day and age, here's how I see AWS for startups:

→ Cost-effective solutions
→ Scalable infrastructure
→ Enhanced security
→ Rapid deployment

Let's just put it this way.

Stack up two IDENTICAL startups next to each other.

→ Each startup offers the same product
→ Each startup has the same team
→ Each startup has the same funding

However, one startup leverages AWS services.

The other does not.

Who are you going with?

Exactly.

The one that’s ready to scale.

Who am I?

Most of you know me as the startup advisor.

You like my:

→ Practical insights
→ Real-world experience
→ Straightforward advice

Couple that with:

→ Technical expertise
→ Strategic thinking
→ Passion for innovation

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