BCS Birmingham Branch – Benefits of Open Source Software

Cost: Free and open to all.

Speaker: Andrew G Morris, Essington Computer Consultancy Ltd

Details:

This presentation will discuss what Open Source Software is, how it is used in the UK and what opportunities there are for the country by adopting it more widely. We will look at Operating Systems, LAMP, the impact of OSS global and within the UK and investigate the barriers for it’s more widespread adoption.

About the speaker:

Andrew G Morris started Essington Computer Consultancy Ltd. in May 2008 having spent six and half years working at the JISC’s Regional Support Centre in the West Midlands.

He started his journey when local area networking was the domain of Novell. His job was to connect Apple Macintoshes with PC’s. Following this, he worked for Dudley MBC and broadened his skills into UNIX, Microsoft NT and mainframe connectivity. An opportunity to work for the Worcestershire NHS gave him the opportunity to design and implement a brand new NT network across 4ing full services. Further work in the UNIX arena was also key to providing IT services for the Trust.

In 2001 an opportunity arose to be part of the Governments plans to encourage FE Colleges, Sixth Form Colleges and work-based learning providers to use e-learning as a delivery method which involved these organisations connecting to the JANET network. Following this, he acted in a consultancy capacity to help colleges with their LAN, security and their use of e-learning from a technical standpoint. This involved liaison with government bodies, partner organisations such as UCISA, Network providers such as Virgin Media, Universities in the West Midlands.

During this time, he developed an interest in Linux and Open Source Computing following the work of Oxford University-based OSSWATCH. He also helped to lead the RSC’s into ISO 27001 Lead Auditor certification.

Since starting Essington Computer Consultancy Ltd. he has been able to help some important clients such as the RAF, Sandhurst Military Academy, The Defence Medical Services at Lichfield, and a number of FE Colleges across the UK from Scotland to the South Coast. This has seen not only costs benefits being passed on, but also the knowledge to these organisations.

Agenda:
18:00 – Registration and buffet (for those that requested buffet on their original booking)
18:30 – Start
20:00 – Event ends

Bookings after 9th April 2018 are not guaranteed for the buffet.

Closing date for bookings is Tuesday 17 April 2018 at 8:30 am. No more bookings will be taken after this date.

For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.