I’m José Javier Garrido — JJ for short. I’m a technology consultant, builder, and lifelong learner with more than 20 years of experience across hardware, software, connectivity, and digital platforms.
My curiosity started with DOS, floppy disks, and Windows 3.1. Today, it takes me from Linux servers and industrial networks to local AI tools and open-source platforms. I enjoy understanding how things work, testing them in practice, and sharing what I learn.
What I work on
My work brings together infrastructure, connectivity, and the platforms people use every day. My main areas of interest and hands-on work include:
- Infrastructure: Linux servers, cloud and VPS administration, self-hosted services, and performance optimization.
- Connectivity: networking, LTE/5G, satellite connectivity, industrial routers, and IoT systems.
- Artificial intelligence: local language models, practical AI tools, workflows, and automation.
- Open source: Linux, privacy-conscious alternatives, and tools that give people more control over their systems.
- Web platforms: WordPress, user experience, technical SEO, and web performance.
My background
Over the years, I’ve worked across computer hardware, software, web infrastructure, mobile technology, and digital platforms. Around 2005, I built a PC gaming retail business in Panama, importing brands such as Saitek, Raidmax, and Zotac. That experience shaped my understanding of hardware, customer needs, and distributor relationships.
Today, I run Ciberpioneros, a technology business focused on IoT solutions and industrial technology distribution for the Latin American market.
I also completed the Google UX Design Professional Certificate in 2021. My portfolio includes three case studies from that learning experience: MTS Cinema +, SLC Short Stays, and Emprende Panama. They document my work through research, wireframes, prototypes, and usability studies.
My experience also includes digital reputation management, technical SEO, and web performance, along with remote client work across the United States, Latin America, and Europe. You can explore that work and client feedback on my Upwork profile.
How I approach technology
I like to start with the problem, understand the constraints, and then test the options. A useful solution should fit the people who depend on it and be practical to maintain.
That approach connects my technical interests with what I learned through UX design: ask questions, pay attention to the user, test assumptions, and improve through feedback. I document what works, what fails, and what I would do differently next time.
What you’ll find in My Lab
This website is my place to share hands-on experiments, field tests, tool reviews, and lessons from building and maintaining digital systems.
You’ll find articles about infrastructure, connectivity, open source, AI, and web platforms, alongside my UX case studies. I’m also exploring quantum computing and post-quantum security as areas of ongoing learning.
Explore My Lab for articles and experiments, or visit My Work to see the case studies.
Beyond technology
I’m based in Colombia. My Catholic faith is an important part of my life, and I’m interested in the conversations between science, faith, and reason.
Space exploration and cosmology have fascinated me for years. Visiting NASA in Houston deepened that curiosity. I also write about my conversion journey and faith in Doubt to Fire.
Let’s connect
If you’d like to discuss a technical challenge, a potential collaboration, or something you’ve read here, I’d be glad to hear from you. Tell me what you’re working on and what you need to solve.