Crafting Cloud-Native Modern Web Applications
Martin is a Principal Consultant and Co-Founder of Si Novi, a consultancy specialising in designing and building cloud-native, modern web applications. With over 20 years of experience as a software developer, Martin has honed his craft across a diverse array of technologies and platforms. His passion lies in helping businesses harness the power of the cloud to create scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions.
From BASIC to Business Solutions
Growing up in South Manchester, Martin's journey into technology began with programming BASIC on his family's Amstrad 6128. This early curiosity sparked a lifelong fascination with computers, though his initial career path led him into the world of music. At Leeds College of Music, Martin immersed himself in the emerging realm of computer-driven music production.
His passion for technology soon found a new outlet: creating websites for the bands he worked with. Naturally drawn to timeline-based environments like Flash and Director due to his music background, Martin discovered a knack for web development. This growing interest ultimately led him to retrain as a software developer, joining a Manchester-based agency to craft bespoke websites and content management systems. Alongside his work, he pursued a Computer Science degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating with first-class honours.
Pioneering Mobile App Development
In the late 2000s, as smartphones revolutionised technology, Martin embraced the mobile-first wave. With the launch of the iPhone and the App Store, he identified an exciting opportunity to pioneer mobile app development. From custom WebViews in Appcelerator to early adoption of PhoneGap, Martin explored the full potential of web-based mobile technologies.
His expertise enabled him to partner with a range of clients, from ambitious start-ups to industry giants. One standout project was his work with Telegraph Media Group, where Martin led the development of their annual UCAS Clearing mobile apps. These apps regularly topped download charts on both iOS and Android, becoming a critical tool for students navigating their next steps in education.
Championing Cloud Innovation
The demand for high-performing, reliable solutions, such as the UCAS Clearing apps, inspired Martin to delve into cloud computing. Recognising the scalability and cost-efficiency it offered, he became an early advocate for Amazon Web Services (AWS). By 2016, he was exploring the transformative potential of serverless computing. Harnessing tools like AWS Lambda and API Gateway, Martin began building innovative, serverless applications that delivered tangible value for his clients.
Martin was also an early adopter of infrastructure-as-code practices, leveraging tools like OpenJS Architect, a CloudFormation-based framework, to automate the deployment and management of cloud resources. His contributions to the community extended beyond usage; he has occasionally committed bug fixes to improve the platform. This expertise in infrastructure as code enabled Martin to build solutions that are repeatable, scalable, and resilient.
Another key focus of Martin's work has been DynamoDB, AWS's NoSQL database service. He has employed DynamoDB extensively in building highly-performant, serverless applications that handle dynamic workloads with ease. Its scalability, coupled with Martin's skill in designing optimised data models, has been critical in delivering robust, low-latency systems for clients.
Today at Si Novi
At Si Novi, Martin combines his technical expertise and strategic vision to co-found a consultancy dedicated to excellence in cloud-native application development. The company's mission is to empower organisations of all sizes to unlock the full potential of the cloud while delivering measurable business value.
Collaboration and mentorship are at the heart of Martin's approach. He works closely with clients to demystify complex cloud architectures, fostering confidence in adopting modern practices like serverless computing, containerisation, and DevOps. At the same time, he mentors development teams, instilling a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
Si Novi has built a reputation as a trusted partner for a wide range of industries, from agile start-ups seeking rapid scalability to established enterprises undergoing digital transformation. Recent successes include deploying resilient serverless platforms for e-commerce companies, enhancing analytics capabilities for data-driven decision-making, and developing innovative mobile-first applications that reach global audiences.
As technology evolves, Martin remains committed to keeping Si Novi at the cutting edge, exploring emerging trends such as AI integration, edge computing, and sustainable cloud practices. His goal is to ensure that every client engagement is a stepping stone toward building a future-ready digital landscape.
