Hi, I’m Ermanno.
With over 20 years of IT experience across Europe and Japan, I help organisations, from small teams to international companies, solve their IT challenges.
I’m passionate about open source, automation and helping people get more from their technology, without unnecessary complexity or buzzwords. SystemFlair is my one-person consultancy based in Basel: you always work directly with me.
- Based in
- Basel, Switzerland
- Experience
- 20+ years, Europe & Japan
- Certified
- RHCSA · Microsoft Office Master
- Languages
- EN · DE · IT · FR · 日本語
Practical IT for real people and real businesses.
Clear communication
You always know where your project stands and what to expect, in plain language, no tech double-talk.
Tailored solutions
Every organisation is unique. I listen first, then design strategies and tools that fit your workflow, size and goals.
Long-term partnership
I don’t just fix problems. I build lasting relationships and help you grow and adapt as technology evolves.
Continuous learning
Technology never stands still, and neither do I. I keep exploring new tools and methods to give you up-to-date support.
Hands-on know-how across the stack.
Core skills
- Linux AdministrationSetup, migration, security & troubleshooting on RHEL, Ubuntu, Debian, openSUSE.
- Windows Server & DesktopActive Directory, Azure, Group Policy, IIS, backup, deployment.
- Microsoft 365SharePoint, OneDrive, Exchange, Teams, Intune.
- Google WorkspaceSetup, migration, Drive/Docs, Google Admin.
- IT SecurityHardening, audits, MFA, zero-trust principles.
- Automation & ScriptingAnsible, PowerShell, Bash, workflows.
- Web PlatformsWordPress, Nextcloud, Traefik, Docker.
- End-User SupportWindows, Mac, iOS, Android.
- Version ControlGit, GitHub, GitLab automation.
Monitoring & observability
- Grafana DashboardsCustom dashboards, alerting, visualisations, business & technical KPIs.
- PrometheusPromQL, exporters, metrics design, alert rules, service monitoring.
- SQL MonitoringMS SQL exporters, error collectors, log metrics, database health.
- Linux & Windows Exportersnode_exporter, windows_exporter, IIS, logs, network metrics.
- InfrastructureDocker Swarm, containers, web servers, load balancers, Nginx/Traefik.
- AlertmanagerNotification routing, email alerts, escalation chains.
Containers & self-hosting
- Docker & ComposeContainerised services, Compose stacks, images, volumes and networking.
- PodmanRootless, daemonless containers with systemd integration.
- Reverse Proxy & TLSTraefik and Nginx with automatic HTTPS certificates.
- Stalwart Mail ServerSelf-hosted email: SMTP, IMAP, JMAP, spam filtering, SPF/DKIM/DMARC.
- Bulwark WebmailModern webmail for Stalwart, in the browser.
- VaultwardenSelf-hosted, Bitwarden-compatible password manager for teams.
- Tailscale & HeadscaleWireGuard-based mesh VPN, with a self-hosted Headscale control server.
- ownCloudSelf-hosted file storage, sync and sharing.
- LanguageToolSelf-hosted grammar and spell checking: your texts never leave your server.
Additional competencies
- Project ManagementPlanning, migration, documentation.
- Multilingual SupportEnglish, German, Italian, French, Japanese.
- IT CoachingTraining, workshops, 1:1 sessions.
- Open SourceCost-effective, privacy-friendly solutions.
Git, Docker, Podman, VMware, Proxmox, Ansible, Prometheus, Grafana, Loki, Traefik, Nginx, Stalwart, Vaultwarden, ownCloud, Tailscale, Headscale, LanguageTool, SSH, MFA
Frequently asked questions
What kind of businesses do you work with?
Small to medium-sized businesses, startups, NGOs and independent professionals: anyone who needs pragmatic, reliable IT support or consulting. Whether you’re a team of two or fifty, I adapt my services to your needs.
What makes your approach different?
I combine technical expertise with a strong focus on communication and business needs. You get honest advice, solutions tailored to your workflow, and a partner who cares about your long-term success, not just quick fixes.
Can you help with both Windows and Mac (or mobile devices)?
Absolutely. I support Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and a range of cloud services. My aim is to make your devices and systems work together smoothly, no matter what you use.
Do you offer support in different languages?
Yes. I provide support in English, German, French and Italian, and Japanese at a basic level. Multilingual support is part of what helps me serve international and cross-border teams.
Can you run services on our own servers instead of the cloud?
Yes. I set up and maintain self-hosted services in containers with Docker or Podman: email with Stalwart, files with ownCloud or Nextcloud, passwords with Vaultwarden, secure access with Tailscale/Headscale, private grammar checking with LanguageTool and more. Your data stays on your own server, in Switzerland if you like.
How do I start working with you?
Simple: send me a message through the contact form or by email. I’ll reply personally with first thoughts and possible next steps, free and with no obligation.
Ready to transform your IT?
No obligation, just practical advice. Tell me what you are dealing with and I will personally get back to you.