Tom Williams is a technology veteran with over four decades of experience leading private and public companies that profoundly altered the way we work, learn, entertain and interact. The son of an auto mechanic and a bookkeeper, Tom grew up in Rhode Island with an interest in changing how things work. In 1968, he joined the Information Technology Department at the Community College of Rhode Island to lead in the design and development of automated grade reporting, class scheduling, and student information systems. In 1978, the Memorex Corporation lured Tom to Silicon Valley with an offer to join its newly formed Communications Product Division as a Strategic Planner. After a five-year stint at Memorex, he concentrated his career in starting disruptive technology companies that received a number in domestic and international awards. Besides being Chairman of the companies he founded, Tom held domestic and international Board of Directors positions, executive positions at Novell and Cisco, and is a Limited Partner in several venture capital funds. Also, Tom was a Trustee and Executive Committee member of a private school. Today, Tom spends his time as an Independent Board Member, Strategic Advisor, speaker and author. Corporations, growth companies, startups and private equity firms engage Tom's expertise and retain him as an independent voice to gather thought leaders together to discuss and debate the impact and strategic value of technology in emerging markets that will deliver extraordinary productive and profitable outcomes. "First Computer" -Courtesy, Computer History Museum Tom earned an MBA from Santa Clara University, a BS Business from Roger Williams University, an AS Computer Science from Community College of RI, and a Certificate in Data Processing from the Institute for Certification of Computing Processionals (ICCP). Tom also served honorably in the U.S. Army in the position of Drill Sergeant. Tom is intrigued by the notion of providing an author's platform that directly engages readers. One of the aspects of his novels is to include an Author's Commentary chapter at the end of the story that clarifies the impact of the technology used in the story. He encourages readers to engage in discussions and observation on the technology referenced in his books.