Published Writing
These are Melkon's published articles and expert-panel contributions from his time as a Forbes Technology Council member, plus original technical writing published directly on this site. The topics:
- Cloud infrastructure and cost
- Machine learning for security
- Startup strategy
- Retail technology
- Project management
The Forbes articles are expert-panel contributions. Each panel surfaces perspectives from multiple practitioners in the Forbes Technology Council. Melkon's contributions focus on practical engineering decisions — not frameworks, not theory. The same principle applies to the original writing on this site: the goal is useful information that engineers and technical founders can act on.
Topics covered include cloud cost discipline (why cloud is not automatically cheaper, and how engineering decisions drive the bill), machine learning applied to web application security, competitive strategies for early-stage tech startups, retail technology and omnichannel integration, and emerging project management approaches for distributed technical teams.
The original posts — like the guide to running two Claude Code accounts on a single Mac — come from real problems Melkon encountered while building. They are published here first and are self-canonical to this domain.
The Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only organisation for senior technology executives. Members contribute to expert panels on topics within their verified domain of expertise. Melkon was accepted as a member based on his background as a CTO and senior software engineer with experience across fintech, cybersecurity, logistics, and AI. His contributions to the council draw on direct experience running engineering teams, building production systems, and working alongside startups and scale-ups at different stages of growth.
The writing here does not aim to cover everything. It covers what Melkon has direct experience with and can speak to accurately. Cloud cost is covered because he has watched engineering decisions inflate infrastructure bills at real companies. Machine learning for security is covered because he worked inside a cybersecurity platform. Startup competitive strategy is covered because he co-founded a company, led a technical team through early traction, and saw which moves worked and which did not. The original guides are published when there is something concrete and repeatable to share — not on a fixed schedule.
Forbes articles are republished summaries. The canonical version of each article lives on Forbes.com. The originals on this site include the full source analysis and are self-hosted. If you are looking for something to read now, start with the originals — they are longer, more direct, and written without editorial constraints.
The Cloud Isn't Cheaper - Unless You Learn To Think Like An Engineer
Cloud savings do not happen by default. Teams need clear ownership, useful metrics, careful design, and cleanup paths for every resource.
How Machine Learning Is Helping Prevent Data Breaches In Web Apps
Machine learning can help web security teams spot odd behavior, phishing, malware, and incidents faster.
Barriers To Effective Omnichannel Retail (And How To Solve Them)
A Forbes panel on omnichannel retail, customer data, automation, and when human support still matters.
19 Underrated Strategies To Gain A Competitive Edge As A Tech Startup
A startup strategy panel on focus, community, fast learning, and building loyalty before competing with larger players.
Technology That Can Support More Locally Focused Production
A Forbes panel on local production, IoT data, quality, waste reduction, and stronger operations.
20 Emerging Strategies And Trends In Project Management
A project management trends panel on AI, leaner teams, clearer outcomes, and better use of limited resources.
All Articles
Building a Startup Outside Silicon Valley: What I Learned Founding and Scaling Direlli
I co-founded Direlli in Armenia and scaled it to 20+ engineers in two years — without a San Francisco address, a Stanford network, or a US bank account. Here is what actually matters when you build a real company from the wrong side of the map.
How I Cut Cloud Infrastructure Costs by 75% at a Funded FinTech Startup
At Bridgewise, a funded FinTech startup, I redesigned infrastructure and cut cloud costs by 75% — saving more than $150,000 per year. Here is exactly what I found, what I changed, and what every engineer should audit before their next bill.
Building Plain Freight: An AI Agent That Runs A China-To-USA Freight Business
Plain Freight is an AI-run freight forwarder for small importers shipping from China to the USA. Here is why I am building it, how the agent system works, and what it handles on its own.
How I Automate My Own Work With Agent Loops
Repetitive work does not need me, it needs a reliable loop that never forgets a step. Here is how I use Claude Code loops, scheduled cloud agents, and autonomous loops to run the boring parts of my work, and where I stop them.
How I Collaborate With Startups and Founders on Technical Projects
Nine years of shipping software for Reddit, Kiwi.com, and AI startups. Here is how I partner with founders on technical work, and what that collaboration can look like.
Achieving Excellence In TVET Systems: A WorldSkills Champion's View
Reflections from WorldSkills Conference 2024 on TVET excellence, skills competitions, apprenticeships, partnerships, and the role of young people.
How To Run Two Claude AI Accounts Simultaneously On Mac
Most guides tell you to use environment variables. But there is a cleaner way: install Claude as two separate desktop apps, each with its own isolated config directory, and run both at the same time.
About This Writing
The articles here fall into two categories. The Forbes pieces are expert-panel contributions published under the Forbes Technology Council banner. Each panel article brings together multiple senior practitioners; the excerpts on this site summarise Melkon's specific contribution and link to the full original on Forbes.com. These are practical, opinion-based pieces written from direct engineering and leadership experience.
The original articles — labelled separately — are self-published guides and technical write-ups. They cover real workflows, specific tools, and concrete problems Melkon has solved. They are longer, more detailed, and aimed at practitioners who want to replicate a result rather than read a general overview. New originals are added when there is something clear and repeatable to document.