Curriculum Vitae of Matti Kiviharju

CURRICULUM VITAE – MATTI KIVIHARJU

Matti Kiviharju
LLM/AI Engineer, Expert Software Architect/Team Lead/Scrum Master & Entrepreneur & Cyber Security Professional/Influencer & AI based vibe-coding Teacher/Influencer
Tampere, Finland | https://mattikiviharju.i4ware.fi

PROFILE

Over 36 years of experience in software architecture, full-stack development, and international product business. Core expertise includes complex J2EE backend systems, the Atlassian ecosystem, and modern AI integrations (OpenAI API). Known for the ability to manage complex client interfaces and translate high-level business requirements into precise technical solutions.

Highly adaptable and reliable professional with strong composure under pressure, the ability to understand diverse English accents (US, UK, Indian), and experience in both remote (MS Teams, Google Meet) and in-person client collaboration. Capable of sustaining long development sessions in Finnish and English while ensuring all client requirements are fully delivered.

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Backend: J2EE, Java, Spring Boot, Laravel, PHP, REST APIs
  • Version Control: Subversion, GIT
  • Frontend: ReactJS, JavaScript, WordPress/Joomla (bespoke components)
  • AI & Data: OpenAI API integrations, PDF data extraction, MySQL/ACF architectures
  • Ecosystems: Atlassian Marketplace (Jira & Confluence Cloud/Data Center), SDK development, Freshworks Partner Ecosystem, Red Hat Partner Ecosystem, Ubuntu Ecosystem, Microsoft Partner Ecosystem, Siemens Polarion AG Partner Ecosystem
  • Languages: Finnish (Native), English (Fluent; strong understanding of regional variations in spoken and written English)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Founder & Software Architect | i4ware Software

2004 – Present

  • Product Development: Responsible for the full lifecycle of global Atlassian Marketplace products (e.g. Timesheet for Jira/Confluence). Continuous product prototyping and implementing since 2004 to never. Atlassian Apps was typing Server/Data Center Apps in start and they were made with J2EE/Apache Velocity and custom selected UI/UX Frameworks and was Spring Boots installed to Jira/Confluence via admin panel upload as jar file. Atlassian has announced EOS of Server Apps at 16.2.2024 and Data Center Apps coming to do EOS on March 2019. Now Atlassian Apps must be Runs on Atlassian Forge Apps and coming to installed as Node.js/React or Atlassian made UI/UX Framework as deployment to AWS owned by Atlassian.
  • AI Innovation: Developed OpenAI-based tools, including a PDF-to-database importer for multilingual data management. Continuous product prototyping and implementing from Autumn 2025 to never.
  • Client Interface: Worked directly with international enterprises (including Fortune 500 companies) and Finnish stakeholders (e.g. GPD / Jorma Vitkala) as a technical partner.
  • Achievements: €462,000 cumulative revenue over 22 years as a micro-enterprise; thousands of installations worldwide.

Senior Software Consultant (Freelance Projects)

2004 – Present (e.g. Siemens, Appcelerator, GPD)

  • Siemens Polarion ALM: MVP development of a UML/ERD diagramming tool (Gliffy REST API cloud integration between Polarion ALM installation in self-hosted Virtual Private Server in Polarion SDK, Eclipse IDE, Ant, Java EE, JSP, Ext JS, HTML, CSS and build-in SVN XML version-controlled database). Between 2010-2011.
  • GPD.fi: Architecture of a custom CMS and contact management system in a high-pressure, stakeholder-driven environment. Between 2010-2011.
  • Responsible for translating rapidly evolving business requirements into technical specifications based on direct executive input.

Key strengths demonstrated:

  • Strong information processing capability in handling complex technical and functional requirements
  • Agile specification work: ability to convert evolving requirements into working code without long intermediate phases
  • High tolerance for pressure and the ability to remain composed even in demanding or difficult interpersonal situations
  • Visma Netvisor Integration: ERP integrations and financial automation. At year 2020.
  • MS Dynamics & Tempo Timesheets Integration: Implemented using Zend Framework 1 (REST server and client between MS Dynamics, Tempo Timesheets, and XML data exchange). Between years 2018-2019.
  • AI-assisted Pitch Deck Design: Created materials for VC/Angel investors using ChatGPT, PowerPoint, Word, and Copilot. Between 2025-never.
  • ERP MVP for SaaS company from Finland for CNC factories needs around the world. Between 10.7.2023-31.12.2023 4 hour per day part-time customer order.
  • Based on i4ware SDK low-code-platform (Tech-stack: Laravel, React, PHP, MySQL, Ubuntu LTS VPS, Cros-site Auth with Laravel Passport, Pusher, Figma)
  • Experience working in online environments (MS Teams, Google Meet) as well as in-person meetings in public settings such as cafés to support client projects.

TECHNICAL PORTFOLIO

  • OpenAI Data Importer: WordPress system that parses structured data from PDF CVs into a MySQL database using OpenAI (FI/EN/SV) 2025-never
  • i4ware SDK: React and Laravel-based low-code platform for rapid enterprise software development 2024-never.

Custom SaaS Apps for use case but not limited to:

  • Mobile application development
  • Web application development
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Data analysis and visualization
  • Augmented Reality (AR)

This solution has been developed in educational collaboration with Full-Stack development students from TREDU and Business College Helsinki.

Overview

i4ware SDK is a low-code SaaS development platform that combines a modern frontend, a PHP/Laravel backend, and a scalable database architecture.

The platform is designed especially for:

  • Multi-tenant SaaS applications
  • Real-time systems
  • AI-powered integrations

Core Tech Stack

Frontend

  • React 18
  • JavaScript and TypeScript
  • HTML5 and CSS3
  • Modern Single Page Application architecture with component-based UI development

Backend

  • PHP 8.2
  • Laravel 9 and above
  • Laravel provides REST API architecture, ORM (Eloquent), authentication and authorization, and job queues with event-driven systems
  • Python/Miniconda
  • Tomcat/Java/Spring Boot/JSP

Database

  • MySQL
  • PostgreSQL
  • SQLite for development environments
  • Built-in support for multiple database systems

API and Integrations

  • REST APIs
  • JSON-based communication
  • External API integrations such as OpenAI
  • Visma Netvisor API integrations

DevOps and Infrastructure

  • XAMPP for development
  • Apache 2
  • Git for version control
  • Docker for containerization
  • AWS for cloud infrastructure

AI and Advanced Features

  • OpenAI integrations including ChatGPT and GPT-4o
  • AI and machine learning capabilities
  • Real-time chat using WebSocket or event-driven architecture

Low-Code SDK Layer

i4ware SDK provides prebuilt components, reusable UI and logic, automation tools, and rapid application development capabilities.

This approach significantly accelerates development compared to traditional full-stack solutions.

Architecture

  • Multi-tenant SaaS architecture
  • Multi-user real-time collaboration
  • API-first design
  • Modular structure

Languages (Repository Analysis)

  • JavaScript approximately 50 percent
  • PHP approximately 39 percent
  • HTML and CSS
  • Python in a minor role

Summary

i4ware SDK combines a React-based frontend, a Laravel-powered backend, support for multiple databases, cloud-ready infrastructure, AI integrations, and a low-code development layer.

The result is faster development, scalable SaaS architecture, and enterprise-level capabilities.

  • 3D Model Viewer: React-based STL visualization tool 2024-never
  • OpenAI Python Email Spam auto responder: Reply sellers “no tanks” and buyers “with information how to order project” 2024-never
  • Miniconda/OpenAI Python 3D stl file generator with 3D Viewer: Python, Laravel PHP code execute Python file in React GUI and OpenAI doing 3D model in back-end progress. 2025-never
  • WordPress Word to Blog by AI: Upload Word file to server and OpenAI make WordPress blog post in Finnish and English. 2026-never
  • ATS (Applicant Tracking System) – 2025-never. The applications will be processed by AI, as we often receive a very high number of them. The CV is the most important attachment. The i4ware ATS can understand skills from the CV alone, but it also compares the CV with the data entered into the form. Tech-stack: WordPress, PHP, React, CSS, MySQL, ACF, Polylang.
  • Multi-user and multi-organization real-time AI chat – 2025-never

This solution has been developed in educational collaboration with Full-Stack development students from TREDU and Business College Helsinki.

The voice feature “Talk with AI” operates in real time. If the AI is unable to assist the customer, human agents can join the conversation and provide support.

Also includes:

  • Video messages from a webcam
  • Image messages from a webcam
  • Optimized for mobile devices and smartphones. Messages are automatically synchronized and updated across all devices in real time.
  • i4ware Invoice Cloud – MS Excel Invoice Template (PDF) – 2025-never

i4ware Invoice Cloud is an invoicing solution currently under development, based on an MS Excel invoice template with the ability to generate outputs in PDF format. The goal is to provide a clear, flexible, and scalable invoicing system tailored especially for SMEs and professional service businesses.

Key Features (in development):

Roles and Permission Levels:

  • Admin: Full administrative rights (users, settings, customer accounts, invoicing logic)
  • User: Basic user role (create and manage invoices within assigned permissions)
  • Book-keeper: Accounting role (financial reporting, VAT handling, export to accounting systems)

Customer Accounts (domain-based):

Enables management of multiple companies or business units as separate entities.

User Management:

Multiple users per customer account with role-based access control.

Customer Management:

Customer registry including billing details, VAT status, and country/region-specific configurations.

Invoicing Features:

  • VAT handling (Finland)
  • EU sales (reverse charge mechanism)
  • Non-EU sales (0% VAT, export)
  • PDF invoice generation directly from the Excel template

Project Status:

i4ware Invoice Cloud has not yet been released. The development is carried out in collaboration with Master-level (YAMK equivalent) business students as part of academic cooperation. The project also involves expertise from the Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK) AI/ML specialization program, enabling future integration of intelligent features such as automated data classification and predictive analytics.

Goal:

To build a modern, scalable, and intelligent invoicing solution that combines traditional Excel-based workflows with advanced cloud capabilities.

SAAS STRATEGY & ECOSYSTEM EXPERTISE (Freshworks Partnership)

  • Case: Freshworks, Inc. commissioned a counterpart to the Timesheet for Jira application for Freshdesk and Freshservice platforms.
  • Design & Architecture: Responsible for analyzing requirements based on customer-driven data collected by Freshworks.
  • Technical Analysis: Implemented integrations using Zend Framework and Ext JS; evaluated cloud hosting challenges compared to modern Node.js/React architectures.
  • Business Understanding: Participated in royalty model discussions (80/100%) and evaluated scalability advantages of cloud platforms versus self-managed VPS environments.
  • Key strength: Strong listening skills with the ability to understand diverse English accents, including US, UK, and Indian, in virtual meetings.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

  • Higher Education Degree in Information Technology (or equivalent competence demonstrated through work experience)
  • University-level studies in AI, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, and Cybersecurity (Open University programs)
  • Specialization in J2EE / Enterprise Java

TESTIMONIALS

  • Olli Saranen, CEO at Avoset Oy: Mobile phone: +358 040 0612 398

Appendix A: Longer Version of Curriculum Vitae

Matti Kiviharju

Expert Full-Stack Architect

Contact

Profile Snapshot

Product-focused developer with a passion for clean UX, scalable systems, and measurable impact.

Certifications & Badges

  • Strong ICT background
  • Full Stack development
  • ERP systems coding
  • Entrepreneurial experience
  • Hyperthymesia (Highly advanced autobiographical memory)
  • Experience since 1990, including childhood IT hobbies a total of 36 years
  • Strong WordPress Expertise
  • Contract Law Attorney
  • Robust OpenAI Experience

Experience

i4ware Software

Owner & Founder
2016-present

Worked with Fortune 500 clients, developed apps for Atlassian Marketplace, designed UML/ERD tools for Siemens Polarion ALM, led student teams in developing Open Source code.

Radio Star Oy

Radio DJ
2015

Hosted electronic music program on Internet radio.

Certitude Oy

Software Developer (ERP)
2014-2015

Worked with PHP, AJAX, Ext JS, XHTML, CSS, MySQL, Zend Framework, PHPExcel, TCPDF.

Spin Underground Records

Record Label Owner
2014-present

Publishing music with friends around the world, DJ gigs, YouTube Content creation.

Työosuuskunta Innetti

Member (Co-owner)
2013-2016

Software development for clients and web-hosting resell.

MML-Group

Software Developer (ERP)
2013-2014

Worked with PHP, MySQL, AJAX, Zend Framework, jQuery, PHPExcel, TCPDF, Signom.

Turotim Oy

Telemarketer
2010

Magazine Telemarketing with commission %.

Eezy Osk

Light Entrepreneur
2009-2013

Delivered Joomla sites and IT projects for clients under brand name i4ware Software.

Teknologiaplaneetta (Osuuskunta PPT)

Member (Co-owner)
2006-2009

Delivered Joomla sites for customers and Atlassian Solution Partner. PHP/MySQL development.

Law Office Pauli Kiviharju Ky

IT Support
2006

Microsupport and website development.

Brain Alliance Solutions Oy

Solutions Expert
2006

SaaS tasks.

Doberman Consulting Oy

Intern
2004 & 2005

HTML, CSS, PHP development.

Työvoimapörssi Oy

Light Entrepreneur
2004-2006

Static Website design for clients.

Ikaalinen Business School

Intern in Computer Hardware
2004

Ethernet assembly, video edit, and PC repair.

Media Consult Oy

Telemarketer
2002-2003

Magazine Telemarketing with commission %.

Georgia Pacific Oy

Paper Worker Intern
2002

WC Papper Machine handling, delivered damaged unneeded WC paper trash to recycle and Warehouse Cleaning.

Green Can Oy

Paper Worker Intern
2001

Automation and control of cardboard packaging machinery and metal fabrication.

Self-Employed

Rare Planescape AD&D books import business
2000-2013

Imported rare Planescape AD&D books from USA to Finland and sold them at a higher price.

Parolan Panssarikorjaamo

Vehicle Repair Assistant
1998

MIG welding, various metal works, cleaning duties, basic pressure washing of vehicles, and assisting in changing tires on military vehicles.

Radio Mafia

Freelancer Electronic Music DJ mixtape creator
1998

Manufactured pre-recorded 30 minutes DJ Mixtapes (C-cassette/Minidisk) for Radio-host Leena Lehtinen with DJ setup Vestax PDX-d3, Stanton Scratch Master, Technics SL-1210 MK II, Ortofon Concorde Nightclub, Pioneer CDJ-500 MKIII and Vestax PMC-A7 (Rotary Custom line-faders).

City of Nokia

Warehouse Assistant, Electrical and Automation Installer
1996

Shielded metal arc welding, installation of IT equipment, painting of building interiors/exteriors, general metal fabrication, and cleaning tasks.

ABB

Intern: Electrical and Automation Installer
1996 & 1997

Assistant work to a senior automation technician.

Nokian Jalkineet

TET Work Practice: Warehouse Assistant
1994-1995

Handling rubber boots transport between warehouses using trolley carts.

Self-Employed / Private Entrepreneur

Video Game Development and IT Hobby Projects

1990–Present

Started programming, video game development, and IT-related hobby projects already in childhood using Commodore C64, Amiga 500, and 486 PC systems. Developed early video games, programming projects, and technical experiments independently during the early 1990s.

This long-term hands-on experience created the foundation for a later career as a Software Architect, Full-Stack Developer, and AI/LLM Engineer.

Total experience in software development, information technology, and technical projects is approximately 36 years.

Education

BBA, Business and ICT (Tradenomi), Multimedia Content and Web-programming

2007-2014
Tampere University of Applied Sciences

Vocational Qualification in Business ICT (Datanomi), Multimedia Content and Web-programming

2003-2006
Ikaalinen Business School

Paper Industry Professional, Courses in Automation Device Programming

2000-2002
Valkeakoski Vocational College

CAD Designer, AutoCAD and other Computer Software

1998-1999
Tampere Adult Education Center

Electrician & Automation Installer, Courses in Automation Device Programming

1995-1997
Nokia Vocational Institute

Additional Training

  • Applied Machine Learning – University of Vaasa (2025)
  • Introduction to Programming – LUT University (2025)
  • Cyber Security I – University of Tampere (2025)
  • Version Control, Git – University of Tampere (2025)
  • Cybersecurity – University of Tampere (2024)
  • Artificial Intelligence – University of Lappeenranta (2024)
  • Advanced Web Application Development – LUT University (2024)
  • B-to-B Sales – Tampere Adult Education Center (2020)
  • Red Hat Certified Salesperson – Red Hat University (2009)
  • Red Hat Certified Virtualization Salesperson – Red Hat University (2009)
  • E-Business – TAMK (2004)
  • Journalism – University of Tampere (2003)
  • Advanced Mathematics, Mother Tongue, Philosophy, Basic Mathematics, etc. – Tampere Adult High School (2002-2003)
  • Hypermedia – Hypermedia Lab (1999)
  • Advanced Mathematics – Nokia Adult High School (1999)

Skills

Full Stack Development

Minconda, OpenAI, C#, PHP, XML, ReactJS, NodeJS, Ext JS, jQuery, HTML, XHTML, HTML5, CSS, Java, JSON, REST, RESTful, AJAX, Zend Framework, Laravel, Apache POI, PDFbox, TCPDF, PHPExcel, Python, Spring, JSP, SQL, Velocity, Atlassian Forge API

Scrum Master Expertise

Atlassian Jira, Atlassian Confluence, Siemens Polarion ALM, Nextedy RISKSHEET, Nextedy GANTT

Languages

Finnish (native), English (Professional)

Graphics & Video Tools

InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Davinci Resolve, Wondershare Filmora

Office Tools

LibreOffice, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel

Version Control

GIT and SVN

Virtual Servers

Windows, RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu

Virtualization

AWS and LeaseWeb

CMS

Joomla, WordPress

HTTP Servers

Apache 2 and Tomcat

Mockup/Wireframe Design

Balsamiq Wireframes and Gliffy

Appendix B: Lawyer Services

The company owner, Matti Kiviharju, does not yet hold an LL.M. (Master of Laws); the degree will be obtained later in the future. So he can only provide those legal services that do not require a license from the Bar Association.

These lawyer services are currently under planning and will operate under the company names True Neutral Advocates & Attorneys or i4ware True Legal.

An application has been submitted in Spring 2026 to University of Helsinki for Master of Laws education. The entrance examination is scheduled for 4.6.2026 in Tampere.

Justise

Special Expertise

Source code licensing (open-source and proprietary), a comprehensive understanding of international legislation, and the interdependencies between legal frameworks. Expertise in supporting decision-making for global enterprises in situations where, for example, a regulatory change X in China, a regulatory change Y in the United States, and law Z in Hong Kong come into force simultaneously and impact one another.

Contract Law

We draft and review contracts. We ensure that your agreements are clear and legally sound.

Corporate Law

Legal services for companies and the protection of business operations.

Corporate Legal Advocacy

Legal advocacy for companies and safeguarding business continuity.

Legal Documents

€250 / hour (VAT 0%)

Interpretation, drafting, and review of legal documents.

Appendix C: Cyber Security

Overview

Cyber security is a core component of all implemented solutions. The objective is to ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and availability across all systems, including servers, applications, and end-user devices. Security is implemented using a layered approach (defense-in-depth), combining server-side protection, network-level controls, and endpoint security.

Server-Side Security (Ubuntu Server LTS)

Spam Filtering

Spam filtering is implemented using SpamAssassin in combination with Abusix AI spam filter system.

Purpose

  • Detect and block unsolicited and malicious email (spam, phishing, fraud attempts)
  • Reduce risk of social engineering attacks
  • Improve email reliability and signal-to-noise ratio for business communication

SpamAssassin uses rule-based scoring and heuristics, while Abusix AI enhances detection through real-time intelligence and machine learning-based analysis of sender reputation and behavior.

Anti-Malware Protection

Anti-malware protection is implemented using ClamAV on Ubuntu Server LTS.

Purpose

  • Detect and remove viruses, trojans, ransomware, and other malicious files
  • Scan email attachments, uploaded files, and server storage
  • Prevent distribution of infected content through hosted systems

ClamAV provides regularly updated virus definitions and can be integrated into mail servers and file-handling workflows for automated scanning.

Endpoint Security (Local Workstations)

F-Secure Firewall & Antivirus

Local PC computers are protected using F-Secure Firewall and Antivirus solutions.

Purpose

  • Block unauthorized network access and intrusion attempts
  • Detect and remove malware at the endpoint level
  • Provide real-time protection against emerging threats
  • Ensure safe browsing and secure application usage
  • Scammers and spammers always find new ways to bypass even the most advanced defenses

The firewall controls inbound and outbound traffic, while antivirus protection continuously monitors system activity and files.

Security Architecture

The overall security model follows a layered defense strategy:

  • Email Layer: SpamAssassin + Abusix AI → blocks malicious communication
  • Server Layer: ClamAV → protects hosted systems and data
  • Endpoint Layer: F-Secure → secures user devices and network access

This multi-layered approach ensures that if one security control is bypassed, additional layers continue to provide protection.

Summary

The implemented cyber security setup ensures comprehensive protection across communication channels, server infrastructure, and user devices. By combining open-source and commercial security solutions, the system achieves a balance between flexibility, cost-efficiency, and enterprise-grade protection.

Scammers and spammers always find new ways to bypass even the most advanced defenses. No matter how sophisticated built-in filters on virtual servers become — whether enhanced with AI, ClamAV, SpamAssassin, or Abusix — cybercriminals continuously evolve their techniques. They exploit new vulnerabilities, adapt to detection patterns, and innovate faster than many security systems can respond. As a result, spam filtering is an ongoing arms race, where staying ahead requires constant updates, layered security approaches, and proactive monitoring rather than relying on any single solution.

Appendix D: Future Plan of Education

Overview

The future education plan is focused on strengthening expertise in data, artificial intelligence, and advanced academic research. The goal is to build a strong combination of practical engineering competence and high-level scientific and legal understanding.

Master’s Degree (YAMK)

Tampere University of Applied Sciences

Data Expertise and Artificial Intelligence (YAMK)

The planned next step is to complete a Master’s degree in Data Expertise and Artificial Intelligence. This programme focuses on developing advanced skills in data-driven systems, machine learning, and AI-based solutions.

The programme prepares students to work as experts and developers in demanding roles where data and artificial intelligence are central technologies.

Key characteristics

  • Focus on practical AI and data applications
  • Development of skills for real-world business and engineering problems
  • Suitable for professionals with prior ICT or business background
  • Scope typically 60–90 ECTS credits with a duration of approximately 1–1.5 years

The degree supports career growth in AI engineering, data analytics, and advanced software development.

Doctoral Degree (PhD)

Tampere University

Hallintotieteiden, kauppatieteiden ja politiikan tutkimuksen tohtoriohjelma

(Doctoral Programme in Administrative Sciences, Business Studies and Politics)

After completing the Master’s degree, the long-term goal is to pursue a doctoral degree at Tampere University.

This doctoral programme educates researchers and experts in administrative sciences, business studies, and political sciences.

Key characteristics

  • Focus on scientific research and doctoral dissertation
  • Opportunity to contribute to teaching and academic work
  • Development of expertise in governance, business, and societal systems
  • Preparation for high-level expert, leadership, and academic roles

Strategic Goal

The combination of these degrees creates a unique multidisciplinary expertise:

  • Artificial Intelligence & Data Engineering (YAMK)
  • Administrative, Business, and Policy Research (Doctorate)

This path enables

  • Development of advanced AI-driven systems
  • Understanding of legal, regulatory, and societal impacts of technology
  • Ability to operate at the intersection of technology, law, and global governance

Summary

The future education plan is designed to build a strong foundation in both technical AI expertise and scientific research competence. This combination supports long-term goals in software development, legal-tech innovation, and international business advisory.

Although I am currently on a disability pension, it functions solely as a transitional “soft landing” phase. In Finland, unprofitable business activities are not supported through KELA benefits, which is understandable. In order to qualify for earnings-related unemployment allowance (approximately 400 days), an entrepreneur must pay YEL contributions based on an annual income of around €16,000. After this period, one is eligible for a basic allowance of approximately €800 per month, along with access to other social benefits, such as support during illness.

As stated by Business Finland, I consider myself “an active pensioner.” The concept of a “soft landing” has also been described by an unnamed source, which cannot be disclosed due to a signed NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) covering both the organization and the individuals involved.

I am highly ambitious and strongly motivated to build and grow my professional career despite these circumstances.

Comments

0 comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *