Robert Sabourin has been involved in all aspects of development, testing and management of software engineering projects.  Robert graduated from McGill University in 1982.  Since writing his first program in 1972, Robert has become accomplished software engineering and SQA management expert and evangelist (don’t tell me it can’t de done!).  He is presently the President of AmiBug.Com Inc; a Montreal-based international management consulting firm specialising in the implementation of "light effective process" to achieve excellence in delivering on-time, on-quality, on-budget commercial software solutions.  AmiBug.Com provides management consulting, training and professional development directly and with various business partners.  

Robert works with several major companies to establish software engineering teams, automate workflow to facilitate continuous software development in web based e-commerce applications, virtual online communities and multiple cross vendor integrated “e-commerce” for B2B and B2C applications. 

Previously Robert was Director of Research and Development at Purkinje (3 years), which specialised in the development of sophisticated, client server, knowledge driven critical medical software used at the point of care. 

As R&D Manager at Alis Technologies (10 years), Robert championed many complex international multilingual software development and globalisation efforts involving several intricate business partnerships and relationships including international governments (Czech, Russia, Egypt, France, Morocco, Algeria…) and corporations (Microsoft, IBM, AT&T, HP, Thompson CSF, Digital, Olivetti…).  Systems included concurrent co-ordinated multilingual multiplatform product releases. 

Robert’s pioneering work with Infolytica Corporation (5 years) led to the development of the first commercially available platform independent graphics standard GKS and several toolkits, which allowed for cross platform development and porting of complex CAD, Graphics, Analysis and non-destructive Simulation systems. 

Robert is a frequent guest lecturer at McGill University where he relates theoretical aspects of Software Engineering to real world examples with practical hands-on demonstrations.   Robert was instrumental in defining and developing the Minor in Software Engineering program at McGill University (started September 1999). 

In 1999, Robert completed a short book illustrated by his daughter Catherine entitled "I Am a Bug" (ISBN 0-9685774-0-7).  Written in the style of a children's book, “I am a Bug” explains elements of the software development process using a fun metaphor. Throughout his career, he has also been the author of several articles and papers, and has given presentations relating to software development at a number of international conferences.  

Robert has presented interactive tutorials on Bug Priority and Severity at Software Quality Week in Belgium – November 1999, on becoming an Effective SQA Manager at Software Quality Week in San Francisco – May 2000 and Belgium - November 2000. Robert teaches a Software Testing Methods and Techniques course with Technologia of Montreal. 

Robert has received professional recognition for many accomplishments over the years.  These include Byte Middle East’s 1992 Product of the Year for the AVT-710 product family achieving a ZERO FIELD REPORTED software defect rate with over 15,000 units installed. (Project involved over 27-man month’s effort!); Quebec Order of Engineers’ recognition for creating and managing the Alis R&D Policy Guide - Development Framework and process; CANARIE Gold Proposal for CANARIE PHASE I (Internet en français); and for CANARIE PHASE II (multilingual internet). 

Robert lives in Roxboro Quebec, a quiet suburb of Montreal, with his wife Anne and three children Mark, Catherine and Daniel!   Robert’s hobbies include collecting international monopoly sets, studying and collecting Sherlock Holmes movies (100+so far) – a timeless inspiration to bug hunting detectives everywhere, home made wine from California grapes and of course fishing in the beautiful lakes and rivers of Quebec, Ontario and upstate New York!