About

A highly motivated team leader, Brian Greenberg consistently exceeds organizational goals. Throughout his 25-year career, he has developed new products and service offerings for internal and external clients and vendors, including Motorola, Microsoft, Fujitsu, Bloomberg, and Citadel Investment Group, that increased revenue, profit, and customer satisfaction. A born entrepreneur, Brian leads product and business development, IT strategy, web and social media marketing, and public relations for a number of organizations. Having been a founder of several startups, Brian offers specific strengths in creative problem-solving, applied systems theory, whole systems design, business plan execution, management of executive-level relationships, and growth in customer loyalty. The founder of General System Dynamics, Brian is an industry thought leader in storage litigation readiness, e-discovery, compliance, backup and archive, data protection, business continuance and disaster recovery, and IT operations best practices. A subject matter expert, he has served as a consultant for leading storage services companies including StorageNetworks and GlassHouse.  For nearly 25 years, he has designed and managed IT and data storage systems, systems for dot-com start-ups, and enterprise class systems for Fortune 100 companies in diverse industries, such as banking, manufacturing, high technology, and financial services including MotorolaMicrosoftFujitsuWashington Mutual and Bloomberg. Additionally, Brian often contributes as a speaker on how organizations can better align legal and business requirements with IT, and he has presented white papers and participated as a panelist at several conferences, including The Huffington PostData2.0 ConferenceStorageDecisionsDataCenter DecisionsZiff-Davis Enterprise Virtual Trade Show, The Technology Executives Club, and CampIT Conference. Brian also sits on the Board of Directors, of EcoMyths Alliance, a consortium of conservation and environmental education partners that debunk environmental myths about ecosystems and natural resources.

Recent Conferences

 

TEC

The Technology Executives Club hosted Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity in the Era of The Cloud and Virtualization at The Union League Club of Chicago where I was a panelist on the topic discussing best practices and sharing war stories from my experiences in the trenches.

 


 

The Chicago Bar Association hosted an Introduction To Cloud Computing and the Virtual Office including an overview of the technical aspects of cloud technology as well as insights from practitioners operating out of the “virtual” office.  I presented the technical overview on Cloud Computing and participated on the panel with fellow panelists: R. Andrew SmithStephen Hoffman, and moderator, Justin Heather.


 

The Financial Communications Society hosted a symposium on Social Media and Compliance where I was a panelist discussing the technical issues of social media and its challenges with data retention.

 


 

Data2.0

The Data2.0 Conference was a great event exploring the ecology of data including topics in data storage management, data generation, legal implications of open data, data visualization and the monetization of data.  Brian Greenberg designed & moderated the Augmented Business Intelligence and Data Storage Management panels and co-designed the The Law and Data & Scaling Out, Scaling Up panels.

 


CampIT

Brian Greenberg of General System Dynamics, along with representatives from Foley & Lardner and CUNA Mutual participated on a thought provoking panel at CampIT entitled “How to Gain Agreement Between Legal and IT on the Right Email Retention Policy”.

 


TechCocktail

We had a great time at TECH Cocktail – Chicago 12 as one of the few companies chosen to demonstrate our products and technology. A good time was had by all as evidenced by the many photos hosted on flickr.

 


TechTarget

Over the past several years, Brian Greenberg has delivered several presentations with TechTarget on a number of subjects at the Storage Decisions Conferences and Data Center Decisions Conferences. Some of the sessions that Brian presented were:

 

  • The Backup Battle; Disk v. Tape and how to choose a backup target medium.
  • Storage Forecasting and Media Consumption Modeling & Simulation
  • New Developments in Data Storage Technologies: Scale up v. Scale Out Systems
  • Capacity Management in Data Storage
  • Strategies for developing Data Protection Service Level Agreements

 

Ziff Davis

We had a great presentation about using Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) at the Ziff Davis Enterprise Virtual Trade Show entitled Using ILM to Reduce Risk Before it’s too late.

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Recommendations For Brian From LinkedIn

Board of Directors, Treasurer
Communications & Finance Committees
EcoMyths Alliance

“Brian has been an amazing resource for EcoMyths Alliance since becoming a director in 2010. He gives generously of his time, expertise, and enthusiasm. In particular, his knowledge of computer systems and the internet have been extremely helpful in combination with his commitment to the environment, making his participation with our staff on the Communications Team essential. He volunteered to help with communications, which is not explicitly a board function, and is one of many examples of him going above and beyond. I am delighted to have him on the Finance Committee of the board as well because of his common sense and business instincts. Brian is a key and active part of many aspects of the organization, which is critical in a small start-up.”  August 11, 2011

Kate SackmanFounder and President, EcoMyths Alliance, NFP worked directly with Brian at EcoMyths Alliance


“Brian is an exceptional team player, bringing valuable insights and new ideas to all conversations.EcoMyths is lucky to have him!”   July 5, 2011

Daisy SimmonsSocial Media Manager, EcoMyths Alliance, NFP worked directly with Brian at EcoMyths Alliance


Founder & Principal Strategist
General System Dynamics

“Occasionally, you connect with someone who is not only technically brilliant, but a wonderful person. In a nutshell, this is Brian Greenberg. I have tremendous respect for Brian as do his many colleagues and customers. A driven professional who delights his customers, know how to partner and provide service with a smile. I highly endorse Brian Greenberg.” November 23, 2010

Dan Horwich – CAMP IT® – Since 1984President & Executive Director, CAMP IT® Conferences was with another company when working with Brian at General System Dynamics


“Brian Greenberg is that unique professional who understands both the short- and the long-term impact of the solutions he recommends. A holistic thinker, he’ll challenge your assumptions, in all the best ways and for all the right reasons. Whether he is developing a new storage solution, helping you to address an immediate need or quoting a classical philosopher, he will open your eyes, and respect your pocketbook. I highly recommend Brian and GSD.” October 27, 2010 Top qualities: Expert, High Integrity, Creative

Margy Sweeney Senior Vice President, BlissPR Chicago hired Brian as a IT Consultant in 2007, and hired Brian more than once


“I contacted Brian to provide an estimate for an audit on our entire IT infrastructure. In this process I had a lot of questions and found myself tapping further into his expertise. He was always generous with his knowledge, taking time to thoroughly answer calls and emails, even though when was not “on the clock”. He is professional, helpful and incredibly knowledgable in IT infrastructure.” October 16, 2010

Lizabeth RosenbergCIO, William Harris Investors, Inc. was with another company when working with Brian at General System Dynamics


“Brian presented and/or participated as a panelist at several Storage Decisions conferences in Chicago and New York. He’s a really smart guy who knows his technology, and he prepared well for his conference presentations. He’s been hands-on with a lot of storage and storage-related technologies, so he knows how things really work.” October 15, 2010

Rich CastagnaEditorial Director, Storage Media Group, TechTarget, Storage Magazine was with another company when working with Brian at General System Dynamics


“Brian is simply an exceptional professional and human being. I originally met him a few years ago for networking purposes and have kept in touch over the years, sharing information and making value-add connections for others. When I recently started a new position as an IT Recruiter, Brian became an incredible resource in terms of offering wisdom from his tenure in the IT industry to help me be more authentic and ultimately more successful in my career. I know of very few C-level IT professionals who would offer their time and expertise to an industry newbie as he did, and I’ve found his friendship invaluable over the years. His technical expertise and professional character make him an asset to any organization he chooses to be associated with and I appreciate his contribution to the greater business/tech world.” May 17, 2014

Sarah Homan, Technical Recruiter, CultureFit


“Brian is an expert in his field. Hisinput and recommendations were key in my development of Data Storage panel content and aidedin the identification of key organizations and thought leaders in the space. A great friend to collaborate on projects with.” May 8, 2011

Danny BloomfieldDirector, Business Development, midVentures was with another company when working with Brian at General System Dynamics


“Brian has extensive knowledge and understanding of the “backup world”. Very professional, detailed, and resourceful.” September 2, 2010 Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

Stephen RashSolutions Design Analyst at Forsythe hired Brian as a IT Consultant in 2009


“I would like to take this opportunity to provide a glowing endorsement for Brian Greenberg. In my 20+ years of IT experience, I have found Brian an incredible professional – he combines a rare combination of interpersonal skills, deep technical knowledge and the ability to think outside the box at a moment’s notice. I have good memories of the times that I was fortunate to work with Brian on various projects, and would welcome the chance to work with him in the future.” December 2, 2009

Don LeamanSenior Consultant, GlassHouse Technologies worked directly with Brian at General System Dynamics


“Brian provided two very valuable functions for me. i. An Architectural view of the infrastructure that allowed you to drill down to the details that provided an excellent view of is components and sub-components. This type of report is a model for use in any infrastructure project. ii. A script that queried the components and provided a report on the status of each of the components. The result is provided in a simple, easy to read and understand format. Judging by the quality & creativity of his work, I’m not surprised he’s progressed so well. I wish him all the best.” August 17, 2009 Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Larry MascarenhasManager – NJ Systems Group at Bloomberg LP hired Brian as a IT Consultant in 2005


“Since I started working with Brian he has been nothing but professional and extremely dependable. His combination of technical knowledge and and great personality have made work fun while also providing top tier results.” July 2, 2009 Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

Alex MinakisSolution Design Analyst at Forsythe Solutions Group hired Brian as a IT Consultant in 2008


“Brian is an accomplished expert in his field, truly passionate about technology and a veteran of the most complex and demanding technical environments. He brings to the table not only a deep body of knowledge from his experiences in the enterprise data center, but an ability to think unconventionally about solutions to complex problems.” June 19, 2009

Beth PariseauSenior News Writer, TechTarget was with another company when working with Brian at General System Dynamics


Founding Partner
ITDoc’s-to-Go!

“I have worked with Brian on various projects through the years, and in addition we have many colleagues in common. The one thing that constantly amazes me is how, without exception, all of these people rave about Brian’s in-depth knowledge and abilities.”September 9, 2006

Mike TomitaOwner, Excel Commercial Services, Inc. worked with Brian at ITDoc’s-to-Go!


Manager of Backup Engineering, Operations & Architecture
Citadel Investment Group LLC

“I am very pleased to be able to offer a recommendation for Brian. Brian is a highly-seasoned expert in the realm of Data Protection Services, including Backup and Storage design and re-engineering, Encryption, de-duplication, tape- and disk-based technologies. In addition to technical skills, Brain is a hard-working self-starter who invariably understands exactly what a project is all about. He consistently produces high quality work in a timely fashion, often going above and beyond the call of duty. He has proven expertise in C-level customer interactions, business-case presentations, cost/benefit analysis, and project- and product-management, training, and mentoring. His very first task at our firm was a very formidable one: Analyze, understand, re-architect, and turn around a data-protection disaster left behind by several previous, unsuccessful efforts. The backup success rate of a petabyte of critical data was 40%; reporting non-existent; tools and processes outdated, missing or unreliable; costs uncontrolled. He single-handedly turned this around, building a class-leading environment, processes, tools, and team, effecting significant cost improvements and driving our success rates to well-above industry standards. I can recommend him very highly for any and all endeavors.” January 18, 2008

Oleg OlovyannikovDirector, Global Infrastructure, Citadel Investment Group LLC managed Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Brian’s ability to analyze complex data storage requirements and retentions with ease places him at the forefront of storage engineering. In addition, Brian’s knowledge of multiple storage platforms and operating system architectures makes him a valuable asset for any firm.” December 15, 2007

Anthony ChengWindows Administrator, Citadel Investment Group worked with Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Attention to detail and successful design / implementation focus is the trait that puts Brian over the top when he is measured against his peers. Brian’s focus and dedication are examples of his strong desire not only for his success, but our Firm’s success as well.”July 6, 2007

Garth IngramTrading Support Engineer, Citadel Investment Group worked directly with Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Brian’s technical abilities in combination with his optimism and determination made him a pleasure to work with!” April 7, 2007

Erika Villa HansenSystems Engineer (Post-Sales & Pre-Sales), Quantum Corporation (Previously ADIC) was with another company when working with Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Brian consistently provided technical expertise and an exceptional work ethic on all of the projects that I have managed. I would highly recommend him for any position.” January 22, 2007

John KoehlIT Program Manager, Citadel Investment Group worked with Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Brian played a key role at Citadel in Infrastructure. He is very knowledgable, professional and easy to work with. I highly recommend him in any position he chooses.” January 15, 2007

Debora ChapdelaineGlobal Support Manager, Citadel Investment Group, L.L.C. worked directly with Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Brian is very dedicated to his work. He is very knowledgeable, detail oriented and easy to work with. He is definitely a valuable asset to any company he is associated with. I would work with him again in the future.” January 13, 2007

Randy WoolleyNOC Administrator, Citadel Investment Group worked indirectly for Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Brian has been the consumate professional to work with. He is extremely technical and very detail oriented. Brians brings a unique business accumen to his technical role. More than anything, Brian has been fair and a true Partner in every sense of the word.” January 13, 2007

Kurt LanthierRegional Sales Manager, ADIC was a consultant or contractor to Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Brian’s passion for creating and maintaining quality solutions and a quality environment is incredible. His ability to learn new technologies and design custom solutions based on raw concepts and theories is invaluable. There are few things (if any) I would doubt Brian to be a success at if he were tasked with them.” September 6, 2006

Tom Teague , Implementation Specialist, EMC was Brian’s client


“Brian is a very pleasant individual to work with and possess a large knowledgebase of information pertaining to a SAN environment. He is professional in his mannerisms and ensures that procedures are done right the first time. He likes to know what is going on within his IT environment and keeps a good record of what has occurred.” June 29, 2006

Gregory ArellanoCSE, ADIC was a consultant or contractor to Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Brian has almost a manic zeal for improvment; its infectous nature raises the bar for all those who work with and around him. Brian and I have worked together on several high profile projects, which we were able to complete ahead of schedule and expectations. His knowledge, experience, understanding of system relationships and willingness to tackle difficult problems are phenomenal.” June 13, 2006

Nick MajeranBackup Engineer, Citadel Investment Group worked directly with Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Brian is hands down one of the best backup architects I have worked with on the end user side of the house. Once we started working with Brian, we not only dramatically improved reliability, we also improved our relationships with the end user. If it werent for Brian there is a good chance we would no longer be working with his current employer.” May 15, 2006

Brad Bullock Account Manager – EMC was a consultant or contractor to Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Brian is part of a small exclusive group of people who truly understand data protection, its implications and how to architect a near bullet proof a solution. His keen insights into best of breed products and solutions make him a valuable asset to any organization. I have worked with Brian several times and must say without question he ranks as one of the top people in his field.” May 3, 2006

David A. Chapa Senior Analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group was with another company when working with Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Brian entered his position at a time in which the entire backup process was under heavy executive scrutiny and oversight. Brian spent many long days and late evenings, even during his first week to troubleshoot and resolve issues, while also formulating solutions for the long term. I was most impressed with Brian’s ability to handle the pressure and produce results.” April 12, 2006

Theresa EnrightDisaster Recovery Specialist, Citadel Investment Group worked with Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


“Brian and I worked together for three months at Citadel Investment Group. Brian was challenged to upgrade the existing backup environment (strategy, organization, tools, etc.) to meet the present operating requirements while laying the foundation for the future. I found him extremely knowledgable in his field and I hope we have the opportunity to work together in the future.” November 29, 2005

Doug HendricksonVice President at The Bank of Las Vegas (NM) worked with Brian at Citadel Investment Group LLC


Senior Consultant
GlassHouse Technologies

“I only worked with Brian briefly, but in that short time I was very impressed with his abilities and work ethic. He interacted wonderfully with our client and more than exceeded their expectations.” May 26, 2006

Glenn DuzySenior Consultant, GlassHouse Technologies worked directly with Brian at GlassHouse Technologies


“I can speak highly of Brian’s work at GlassHouse. He was well respected for his technical knowledge in both the storage and backup areas. In addition Brian’s consulting skills were well respected as he was in high demand for numerous client engagements.” December 1, 2005

Daniel ShihEngagement Partner, Glasshouse Technologies managed Brian indirectly at GlassHouse Technologies


“Brian proved to be critical component within our team. During a critical project I noticed a few very important characteristics, organized, punctual, quick learner, natural leader, expert level knowledge on data storage and its challenges. I would love to work with Brian again I am sure he will be a great asset to any company that hires him.” November 25, 2005

Julio CalderonStorage Consultant, Glasshouse worked directly with Brian at GlassHouse Technologies


“It would be my pleasure to endorse Brian Greenberg. Through the course of our working together, I found Brian to be technically knowlegable, a consummate professional, and has an incredible ability to relate easily with both technical and non-technical professionals, alike.” November 23, 2005

Don LeamanConsultant, Glasshouse Technologies worked directly with Brian at GlassHouse Technologies


“Brian and I worked together for six weeks at one of the largest banks in the world, working on a strategic storage project. Brian is highly intelligent, innovative and knowledgeable in strategic IT technology. I found him reliable, personable and a highly competent individual with whom I look forward to working in the future.” April 20, 2005

Mickey BakerSenior Consultant, GlassHouse Technologies worked directly with Brian at GlassHouse Technologies


Senior Architect
StorageNetworks, Inc.

“Brian approached every engagement and opportunity with enthusiasm–he worked hard and got results. Appreciated and respected by his clients.” May 12, 2006

Michael TobinSVP Operations, GlassHouse Technologies managed Brian indirectly at StorageNetworks, Inc.


“It was a pleasure working with Brian at StorageNetworks. Brian is extremely skilled as well as meticulous in seeing projects to their completion, with customer satisfaction a high priority. He is effective whether working as a sole contributor or as part of a group and is easy to work with. I look forward to working with him again at some point in the future.”December 5, 2005

Oren KastnerTechnical Lead, StorageNetworks worked with Brian at StorageNetworks, Inc.


“Brian was critical to our efforts in Japan. He was part of original team sent over to get things going. He possesses a skill level unmatched today. Both on the technical level and personal level. He is very focused on customer satisfaction. I look forward to working with Brian again in the future.” April 12, 2005

Kevin HickeySE, Independant managed Brian indirectly at StorageNetworks, Inc.


Senior Systems Architect
Grange Insurance Group

“Brian was a key person in the process of revising company systems from a 60’s style main-frame based batch oriented organization to a web and client server real-time service based approach.” December 27, 2005

Erik FretheimCIO, Grange Insurance Group managed Brian at Grange Insurance Group


LAN Manager, Senior Systems Administrator, Instructor
Motorola, Inc.

“Brian is one of the most versitile IT professionals I have had the opportunity to work with. While at Mototola, he not only showed great knowledge and expertise is his given field but was often an invaluable resource in the solving of a range of other technical and non-technical issues. Brian shows a great attention to detail while always keeping the larger picture clearly in view.” March 31, 2007

Roniva BrownSenior Customer Engineer, ENTEX Information Services worked directly with Brian at Motorola, Inc.


“I have found Brian to have that rare combination of strong knowledge, real understanding of the end user of his products, and empathy for his co-workers. Brian was easy to work with, and could also be relied on to deliver as needed. I would gladly work with Brian again!” November 23, 2005

Rob SchultzProduct Manager, Motorola worked with Brian at Motorola, Inc.


“While working with Brian at Motorola, our roles were very different. However, he was always willing to help with the IT support I needed. He was very personable, and definitely dependable, a real go-getter personality. Brian’s most unique quality is the ability to make you feel at ease in such a technological world. If we should ever work together again, I would gladly welcome the experience.” November 23, 2005

Stephanie OleschPart-Time Theater Technician, Village of Schaumburg worked with Brian at Motorola, Inc.


“I worked under Brian while at Motorola, until 1998 when he moved on. He was an oustanding manager who knew how to buckle down during a deadline, and ease up to get to know us on a personal level. He also strived to be a team player or a leader when needed. I really enjoyed working with Brian, and hope there are more managers out there with this leadership style.” April 13, 2005

Christopher Jon Olesch Jr.Help Desk Level III, Motorola reported to Brian at Motorola, Inc.


About General System Dynamics

We’re a young, small and incredibly determined company based in Chicago, IL. looking to change the world by how companies look at data and data storage management. We’re doing so by providing unique methods of data protection/preservation of data undergoing legal eDiscovery of ESI (electronically stored information). Additionally, we have the most advanced and accurate methods of storage forecasting and data storage use simulations available today. GSD has extensive experience providing technology, process and system design solutions in many markets including Financial, Insurance, Manufacturing and Information Technology. Got questions?  Feel free email me or contact us through General System Dynamics.