Björn Oliver Bottin
I am a
About
I am an experienced Microsoft SharePoint Specialist and Front-End Web Developer, with a strong background in managing intranet and mobile platforms for leading organizations. At the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) in the UAE, one of the world’s largest financial institutions, I oversaw SharePoint and web development. Prior to this, I managed SharePoint intranet and internet environments for Life Healthcare, one of South Africa's largest private hospital groups.
Born and raised in South Africa, I initially pursued a B.Com in Accounting and Informatics before transitioning into IT, earning my Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) qualification in 1999. During my studies, I gained hands-on experience as a Junior LAN Administrator at Nedbank, contributing to Y2K compliance projects.
My professional journey began in data analytics and intranet development at an insurance company, where I first encountered Microsoft SharePoint. In 2007, I joined Life Healthcare as a SharePoint Administrator and external webmaster, working with SharePoint versions 2007, 2010, and 2013 while developing expertise in web design and coding.
In 2015, I relocated to the UAE to work as a SharePoint Administrator and Front-End Web Developer for ADIA, delivering tailored solutions using SharePoint versions 2010, 2013, and 2016. Since returning to South Africa in 2019, I have operated as a freelance consultant, specializing in Web Development, Microsoft 365, and SharePoint services and various other IT related services.
What I Do
I specialize in front-end web development, focusing on creating visually appealing and functional websites. Additionally, I handle some back-end tasks, including hosting environment setup and configuration.
I also assist organizations in maximizing their use of Microsoft SharePoint as an intranet platform. This includes server and SharePoint environment setup, consulting with stakeholders, and implementing both out-of-the-box features and custom solutions tailored to business needs.
With over 24 years of IT experience, my expertise spans building and upgrading computers, LAN network administration, software and hardware troubleshooting, and setting up home and small business networks. For a detailed overview of my current services, please refer to the full service list.
Services
Web Development / Web Master
- UI/UX Design – Look and feel of site, navigation of pages and information.
- Website Design – Create a custom theme as per clients design.
- Website Development – Creation of all the web pages, navigation, menus, graphics/images.
- Logo Design
- Photography & Videography – Rich multimedia to add onto website
SharePoint Administration
- Installation of Windows Server in physical or virtual environment.
- Website Design – Create a custom theme as per clients design.
- Website Development – Creation of all the web pages, navigation, menus, graphics/images.
SharePoint Development
- Software as a Service (SAAS)
- Creation of SharePoint Portals, Team sites, pages, libraries, lists.
- Creation of Bespoke SharePoint theme, pages, master pages.
- Staff training on how to administer & use SharePoint
Consultation / Technical Support
- Hardware as a Service (HAAS).
- Diagnosis, testing, upgrade and repair of desktop and mobile hardware.
- Cleaning out dust of computer hardware
- Updating Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Firewall, and Other Security Programs
- Spyware, Adware & Virus removal
- Maintenance on Windows & Windows Server Operating system
- Staff training on How to Keep Your System Maintained and How to Avoid Re-infecting Computers
Home / Small Business Network
- Installation of DSL or Fibre routers.
- Setup & configuration of routers, extenders.
- Diagnosis of network, network connection.
- Setup of all devices on network.
Desktop & Mobile Software Support
- Software as a Service (SAAS).
- Updating Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Firewall, and Other Security Programs
- Spyware, Adware & Virus removal
- Maintenance on Windows & Windows Server Operating system
Microsoft 365 Setup & Support
- Software as a Service (SAAS).
- Setup of Microsoft 365 for personal, small and medium business.
- Installation and configuration of Microsoft 365.
- Staff training on how to use Microsoft 365 and make the most of it.
Training / IT Management
- Training of staff & individuals.
- Training on Microsoft 365 & MS SharePoint.
- Training on any other basic IT skills.
Skills
Skills acquired throughout my IT career
Web Development
Videography
Microsoft SharePoint
Graphics
IT Support
Resume
I’m a web developer experienced in building websites for small and medium-sized businesses. I am also a highly experienced in Microsoft SharePoint and gained some valuable skills over the last few years in videography and video editing. Over the years, I have developed websites and intranets for large corporations as well as medium to small businesses, applying my ability to learn quickly and implement effective solutions.
In addition to web development, I have successfully built a YouTube channel for a small aviation magazine, where I honed my skills in videography and video editing. This experience has given me a unique blend of technical and creative abilities, allowing me to approach projects from both an analytical and artistic perspective.
My work philosophy centres around doing tasks with precision and care—I believe in doing the work properly or not at all. I am highly self-critical, always striving for perfection in my work, even when others view it as exceptional. I bring this dedication to every project I undertake, ensuring that my contributions are of the highest quality.
Education
BSc Computer Science
October 2021 - Current
University of London, UK
SharePoint 2016 Site Owner, User & 365 Certificate
May 2019
Udemy (Online Course)
Web Design Certificate
August - October 2018
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Information Systems Management Certificate
March - May 2018
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Certified Scrum Master & Certified Scrum Owner
2016
Scrum Alliance
CIW Site Designer & CIW Foundations
2001
New Horizon
Microsoft Certified Professional & System Engineer
1999
The Zone Computer Career Campus
B.Com Business Management and Accounting (Informatics)
1996 - 1998 (Incomplete)
University of Potchefstroom
National Senior Certificate
1991 - 1995
Hoërskool (Highschool) Driehoek
Professional Experience
Freelance IT Consultant / Manager / Web Developer / Videographer
September 2020 - September 2024
African Pilot, Jhb ZA
Consultant for various small businesses, giving advice on IT systems and networks, software troubleshooting, fixing of computer hardware. Installation of software, setup of SharePoint Online, Office 365 and other software packages. Development and maintenance of company websites.
Freelancer / IT Consultant / Web Developer
January 2019 - Current
BjornBottin (Freelancing), Jhb ZA
Consultant for various small businesses, giving advice on IT systems and networks, software troubleshooting, fixing of computer hardware. Installation of software, setup of SharePoint Online, Office 365 and other software packages. Development and maintenance of company websites.
SharePoint Administrator
January 2016 - December 2018
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Abu Dhabi UAE
Intranet Administration of top-level SharePoint sites. Consulting with business, stakeholders and teams. Custom front-end delivery for several projects. Collaboration with IT Department to support business.
SharePoint & Web Specialist
July 2007 - July 2015
Life Healthcare, Jhb ZA
Windows/IIS/SharePoint Server Administrator, Web Master & Developer, Consultant, User support, User training.
Data Analyst / Web Administrator
July 2000 - June 2007
GlenrandMIB (now AON South Africa), Jhb ZA
Claims reporting, Business Objects reporting, Microsoft SharePoint Intranet & Extranet Administration and maintenance.
Junior LAN Administrator
Feb 1999 - February 2000
Nedbank (Nedcor South Africa), Jhb ZA
Server and desktop administration, Computers setup on network, Troubleshooting, User support. Y2K Rollout/Upgrade.
Contact
Feel free to contact me via any of the methods below
Portfolio
This portfolio showcases a selection of websites developed for clients and organizations I have collaborated with.
View old website
- All
- Mobile
- SharePoint
- Websites
- Web App
- WordPress
