Time for a change...?

Having been a Blackberry user for nearly 12 years is it time for me to consider a change...? 

After reading this article in the New York Times it seems like im not alone in considering a different mobile device. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/technology/blackberry-becomes-a-source-of-shame-for-users.html?_r=0

Over he years I've found Blackberry devices to be highly reliable and am a real fan of the QWERTY keyboard.  I also made extensive use of UMA which is not something I see supported by many handsets or mobile networks these days. 

 

 

Maybe I will wait and see what the new Blackberry 10 devices are like and make a decision thereafter!  This review by Techradar looks promising http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/operating-systems/blackberry-10-1090522/review and is worth a read if you want to know more about the BB10 OS.

I note that the BB10 OS browser support Adobe Flash..which is something I find frustrating when using an iPhone / iPad to view webpages which have  a Flash component to them.

Christmas Greetings: traditional card, e card, facebook message?

 

 

Yesterday I was frantically writing Christmas cards before I missed the last posting date, but wondered how many of us still write cards?  I've definitely received a lot more electronic cards/greetings this year... I've also heard lots of people saying they aren't doing cards and will just post a message on Facebook - as it's saving the environment! 

 

 

However you choose to send your Christmas greeting this year, there is no getting away from the impact technology is having on even the most traditional of habits! 

CEEDA Gold Press Releases

Below is the links to the press releases about the University of St Andrews achieving CEEDA Gold. 

By BCS
http://www.bcs.org/content/conWebDoc/49002

By the University of St Andrews Press Office
http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/news/archive/2012/title,96463,en.php

DATACENTER DYNAMICS AWARD WINNER!

I'm absolutely delighted to announce that the University of St Andrews has won an award at tonight's EMEA prestigious awards ceremony in London - against very stiff competition! 

• Innovation in IT Optimisation

The DatacenterDynamics EMEA 6th Annual Awards recognise innovation, leadership and ‘out of the box’ thinking in the data center industry across Europe. 

Our award was for ICT Transformation at The University Of St Andrews.  Again, I'm very proud of my team. 

http://www.datacenterdynamics.com/awards/europe

Data Centre Dialogue 3

On 3rd and 4th December 2012 I'm delighted to be chairing the Econique Data Centre Dialogue conference in Reading. The range and calibre of the speakers is excellent and I look forward to a lively debate on some of the key issues and challenges in this area at present.

My own session at the conference is about Innovative, sustainable and cost-effective power management where I'll share some of the interesting approaches we have taken in St Andrews to keep our data centre electrical energy costs as low as possible.

Further details can be found at the link below
http://www.econique.co.uk/datacentredialogue3.html

DatacenterDynamics Awards - Finalist

I'm thrilled to announce that yet again, the University of St Andrews has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

 

Category: Innovation in IT Optimisation 

Project Name: ICT Transformation At The University Of St Andrews.

I face the judges later this month and the winners will be annouced at the Awards Ceremony on 13th December... watch this space

http://www.datacenterdynamics.com/awards/europe

 

 

Eduroam - available worldwide!

Probably one of the most useful and best kept secrets in the education sector is the eduroam wireless roaming service. I've heard it's the fastest growing internet hotspot and it is now available in 50 countries. 

Visiting another educational, research or related institution, opening your laptop and being instantly connected to your home network - logging in with your own institution username and password.

There is an excellent introductory animation 'What is eduroam?', created by AARNet (the Australian research and education network), on Youtube:  What is Eduroam ? which is worth viewing if you are not familiar with the service.

Janet UK operate the service in the UK and futher details can be found at https://www.ja.net/products-services/janet-connect/eduroam