A personal account An autobiographical recollection of the parallel development of “e” technology and my industry

My I.T. “qualifications”  The silicon chip would one day replace the potato chip  In short, I’m definitely not a “technocrat” !!!  The broadband is a group of overweight musicians  A “mega –bite” is what you do to a mega burger

 The world was still a very big place 70’s:  International ‘collaborative’ working was in it’s infancy  Projects by comparison were much smaller in scale and consequently communication needs were much less demanding.  Locations were extremely remote in terms of IT & communications infrastructure. E.g. “stand alone” computers, “the mail bag”, ship to shore

80’s:  Communications via phone and fax were generally geographically limited to the location, e.g. North Sea – Aberdeen  Projects were still very much “regional” e.g.: North Sea Development, SE Asia, etc..  Technological impact on designs was increasing, e.g. remotely operated facilities

 Mega projects driven by enhanced technology 90’s:  Inaccessibility was virtually eliminated  Time Zones became irrelevant  Tele / video conferencing became commonplace  The Internet and e mail arrived *****  I got my first lap top and cell phone  Global business demanded global communication ‘solutions’  Global collaboration was driven by economics and the need for shared risk

 I got promoted and joined a Frequent Flyer program! 2000’s:  Ever increasing IT demands and solutions.  Recognition of “user’s” technological limitations  ‘Customized’ information management ‘tools’ were introduced allowing instant access and “real time” working

Where are we today?

Corporate Information Storage Corporate Applications facilities Collaborative Working  The internet provides a method of utilizing low cost and more reliable local “links” to connect to a ‘virtual’ office environment.  A single Internet page can provide access to everything in “real” time

 Any PC that’s connected to the Internet allows me to enter my ‘virtual’ office.  Project reporting and the recovery of current data and information is instantly achievable.  I require only the most basic of technological ‘know how’ to work remotely and the use of the internet provides access from anywhere in the World.  Access to a simple web page links into the Head Office and provides full office functionality.  I require only the most basic of technological ‘know how’ to work remotely and the use of the internet provides access from anywhere in the World.  Access to a simple web page links into the Head Office and provides full office functionality.

 Technology affords me instant access to the knowledge base held in the corporate HQ.  This affords me a consistent “corporate” approach across multiple remote locations.

 This access allows instant updating of project information.  The proliferation of the Internet allows the power of corporate systems to be utilized in any location, at any time and at a low cost.  Information is communicated to all “stakeholders” immediately and allows mitigation to be initiated in a timely fashion.

Future?

BUT !!!  Wireless communication  Hand held devices  Voice activated applications  E- Transport ??  Limited only by our imaginations  Retirement