Rabeb is a senior computer engineering student at The Faculty of Sciences of Tunis (FST). She specializes in User Experience Technologies including Silverlight, Windows Presentation Foundation, and Windows Phone 7, in addition to C# and .NET Technologies.

Recently, she has been working at the Microsoft Innovation Center Tunisia where she coordinates programs such as DreamSpark and WebsiteSpark. She has been employed as an intern for Cyberesa.Net focusing on Windows Phone 7 applications development.

She has been recognized as a Microsoft Student Partner (MSP) for the last two years (2009/2010 and 2010/2011). Additionally, she is a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) in .Net Framework 2.0, .Net Framework 3.5 and Windows Presentation Foundation.

Rabeb excelled at the Microsoft-sponsored Imagine Cup 2010, where she won the local finals in Tunisia and participated in the international finals in Warsaw, Poland.

She is passionate about new technologies and aims to improve her professional knowledge and communication skills throughout her professional career. She is ambitious and loves new challenges. She is an avid proponent of social media and shares her stories and experiences with others. You can read more about her experiences with Silverlight and WPF on her blog: http://rabeb.wordpress.com/.

DISCUSSION:

Q:   Rabeb, thank you for coming in today to share your insights and experiences with the audience.

A:  "Hello Stephen, it's a pleasure. Thank you for interviewing me, I'm flattered."

 
Q:   In the West, there is a shortage of women entering computing. What attracted you to study computing engineering?

A:  "Well same thing here, boys feel it's their field, and this is something challenging. I got my baccalaureate with high scores so I was able to choose one of the best universities in Tunis: it was either medicine or engineering studies. I discussed this with my family, my uncle is a doctor and we came out with a decision that computer engineering is a very bright field, it's the future. It was also my mum's wish to see me become an engineer. And that was the start of a great journey so far."

 
Q:   What work are you doing at the Microsoft Innovation Center and how does this work deliver value?

A:  "My internship in MIC is about doing 2 kinds of work:
I'm working on my WP7 application: coding, developing, learning about technology.
I'm also working on coordinating some programs like DreamSpark, Imagine Cup....We organize events, do marketing, help students....and that's very important for me because I want to learn something new. I'm an engineer but I want more than coding, I love working for the community, so that helps me do it and also master communication skills."
 
Q:   Can you describe how you won the Imagine Cup local finals and the value of your work?

A:  "Imagine Cup was a great experience! We worked hard for it with lots of passion and determination, there were great ideas but the reason that we won it is that we combined all the ingredients: we used the latest technologies for a good cause which is environment sustainability and we presented in a good way. "

 
Q:   What triggered your interest in applying for Career Factor?

A:  "I have been always interested in working with .Net technologies, and when I saw the Career Factor casting call I had an internship and was working on a WP7 app. I am senior student looking for great opportunities with .Net Technologies and with Microsoft, Career Factor seems to be a good one. So I decided to give it a try and it works!"

 
Q:   What are your best practices and tips on: Silverlight, Windows Presentation Foundation, and Windows Phone 7, in addition to C# and .NET Technologies?

A:  
If you want to learn about Silverlight, WPF, WP7....use the online resources: Great stuff on MSDN, Channel 9 and developers blogs.
Try to keep your work simple, clean.
If you are working on WP7 keep the same design, which is the Metro design; so your application looks natural with the phone.
Also you should focus on a specific functionality on the app, don't try to mix different things together so your app ends up doing nothing.
My valuable tip and I do this often: Use your search engine!
 
Q:   Can you describe your personal experiences for the challenges and process leading up, winning, and after winning Career Factor?

A:  "Let me tell you that this Career Factor journey is just amazing, things are crazy for me. First time I was told that I'm going to be part of the Career Factor cast, I cried. It was an emotional moment. Being one of THE 9, being the only finalist from Middle East Africa makes me feel proud, but at the same time I should do my best because I know that people count on me and they have many expectations from me. That's from where I get the strength to continue and work more."

 
Q:   How does social media accentuate what you are doing in Career Factor?

A:  "Social media is playing an important role in this. It helps spread the word about the program, our videos and blog posts and make people follow us and interact with us. Recently we had a Career Factor tweet chat and we talked about important topics like how to prepare for certification exams, what's better, written or video blogs. It's helping us get more visibility and that's something we need; most of us are seeking jobs and getting help with our projects. Social media is a powerful tool to help us achieve this."

 
Q:   What is more exciting about your current university work?

A:  "I'm experiencing something new, I did some internship before but just like for 1 or 2 months. This time I'm working, it's a whole new world, a new way to deal with people. I'm learning how to be professional, how to cooperate with a team. It's so exciting to feel that you are working, being independent and contributing to something."

 
Q:   What are your future career aspirations? Why are you passionate about Windows Phone 7?

A:  "I like this question; I'm seeking for a job. I get some offers lately but still waiting for the golden opportunity. I really hope to work for a big company, developing some Silverlight and WP7 apps. I'm working hard and hoping to be able to work in the USA, everybody knows that the biggest companies are there. My biggest dream is to work for Microsoft; I will do what it takes to achieve my goal even if it will need some time. And if I fail in this (hopefully not) I will start my own company and do what I love to do. This company will end up by being a Microsoft Partner. The reason why I'm passionate about WP7 is that I'm passionate about Silverlight, so moving from Silverlight to WP was very easy for me. After beginning working and looking around it, I discovered multiple possibilities for developers and how easy to use it, which makes me love it even more."

 
Q:   What drives your passion for Microsoft and other specific Microsoft technology solutions?

A:  "In university, I was there when they launched a .Net Club. It all starts from there. I heard people talking about things I don't know. Then I start to look by myself, to compare and try technologies like Silverlight. And that's how I knew that this is what I want."

 
Q:   What are your tips, lessons, and best resources for those wanting a career in computing?

A:  "If you want a career in computing, make sure this is what you want because it needs lots of passion and love. Be patient and try, learn from our failure and don't give up. It can be painful sometimes but think about the joy and satisfaction you get when you solve a problem. You will never be bored in the computing field; every day you have a new problem to face and a new challenge. Please don't stick with what you get in school, search and dig in blogs, forums, EBooks, websites....You will find all you need."

 
Q:   Why does certification fit into your career plan?

A:  "Certification is very important, it differentiates you from any other engineer or developer. For me, with certifications, I have stronger chances to get the job I want; because it doesn't only mean that you master the technology but also that you are willing to learn and to take challenges."

 
Q:   In all that you do, what are the biggest challenges, and their solutions?

A:  "One of the biggest challenges for me is being in a third world country. Sometimes, maybe often, passion and intelligence are not enough if you don't have the tools to do the work. Here I don't have access to Marketplace, I can't have an Azure account even with my MSDN, my WP7 phone is not unlocked for developer so I can't test my apps on a real device. If it wasn't because of Imagine Cup, I would probably not have a WP7 phone at all. But instead of stepping back, I decided to work harder, because if people saw something on me, if they believe in my potential, they will end up by providing me with what I need, not just me. And that's what we did in Tunisia; we made videos and started learning WP7 in order to make our voice heard. Our message is simple:...."Microsoft we have the potential, we want to innovate, you have lots of people who love your products and ready to work with so please provide us with what we need"...."

 
Q:   Provide your predictions of future IT trends and their implications/opportunities?

A:  "I think that IT future will be in the Cloud and in Mobile. It's starting now and probably will take over the IT industry in the coming years. That offers new possibilities and new perspectives for IT PROs."

 
Q:   Please share 3 stories (something surprising, unexpected, amazing, or humorous) from your studies, work, or time with Career Factor?

A:  
3 years ago before doing computer engineering, I hated it very much and I always said I would never do computer engineering studies.
Since I'm in Career Factor, people think I'm working for Microsoft and some students add me on Facebook and ask for advice and help. Of course I'm so glad to help or to inspire them even a little bit.
Being in Career Factor allowed me to meet secretary of state Hillary Clinton, that's amazing for me.
 
Q:   If you were doing this interview, what 3 questions would you ask and then what would be your answers?

A:  "That's a hard question! I would ask:
If you have to choose someone from the IT field to meet, who would that person be? Why?
I will say John Papa; I hope he will be in TechED-NA. He is good on what he's doing, a great IT Pro, I attended some of his online sessions, also the Silverlight Fire Starter live streaming, I just like the way he talks about Silverlight. He keeps talking about family and the importance of having a life-work balance. Definitely, a small chat with him will help me a lot.
What is your favorite quote?
"You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'" George Bernard Shaw
Besides being a Tech Girl, what are your hobbies and what do you like to do in your free time?
Family is very important to me, I love spending time with my family as much as I can. I'm part of a humanitarian organization to help children and whenever there is an event around social Media, citizenship, innovation like TEDx and Twestival; I try to be there."
 
Q:   Rabeb, we will continue to follow your contributions with Career Factor and more broadly. We thank you for sharing your time, wisdom, and accumulated deep insights with our audience.

A:  "Thank you Stephen, I enjoyed talking to you."

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Leon Strous was born in 1960 in the Netherlands and he is still residing there today with his wife Pattry.

Leon has bachelor equivalent degrees in business economics and business informatics, a postgraduate degree in EDP-Audit; he is qualified as a registered EDP-Auditor (RE) in the Dutch Association of Registered EDP-Auditors (NOREA) and he is also a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Leon started his career in metal and plastics processing and then went onto eight years with the sales organisation of Philips Electronics in the Netherlands. His focus areas were administration, internal control and information security. Since 1993, Leon has been with the De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), which is the central (or national) bank of the Netherlands, in different positions as IT auditor in the internal audit department, and as overseer in the oversight department of the cash and payments division, focusing on the security of payment systems. His work also links to the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). Currently his main jobs are advancing business continuity and crisis management arrangements with the key players in the payments and securities clearing and settlement processes in the financial sector in the Netherlands, and liaising between the financial sector and the government concerning critical infrastructure protection programs.

Leon is a member of a number of professional societies and has been active in many different positions in the Dutch Computer Society (NGI) since 1988, including member of the Board for five years, and in the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) since 1994, including a vice-presidency and in August 2009, he was honourably elected as president for the 2010-2013 term.

Leon has co-authored and co-edited publications in the area of information security and chaired/organized several international security conferences. Since 2001, his significant contributions include work with the IFIP World IT Forum (WITFOR), a conference focusing on the application of ICT in developing countries, and the IFIP World CIO Forum (IFIP WCF), the first forum that combines global CIOs, senior academics, industry and government leaders and experts. Currently he is the chair of the WITFOR International Steering Committee and Chair of the WCF International Advisory Board.

IFIP, the International Federation for Information Processing, was founded under the auspices of the United Nations Educational Scientific Organization in 1960 and now has 56 country member bodies and affiliates representing over 90 countries. The membership is nearly 1 million leaders, academics, and professionals. IFIP is a consultative body for IT for the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization, Sector Member for the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and the Scientific Associate Member of the International Council for Science (ICSU).

To listen to the interview, click on this

DISCUSSION:

Interview Time Index (MM:SS) and Topic
:01:05:   President of IFIP, Leon Strous overviews IFIP and describes what he hopes to accomplish during his term of office.
"....What I hope to accomplish during my term of office is to increase the accessibility of IFIP to other organizations ....."

 
:03:24:   What are the biggest opportunities and challenges for IFIP?
"....If we can open up to additional Societies that's an enormous opportunity for IFIP to make a difference and to seize the opportunity to define the direction for research and professionalism....The biggest challenge would be to mobilize sufficient volunteers to keep our activity levels at least on the level we have today but preferably to increase it...."

 
:05:40:   How does IFIP benefit its member bodies, computing professionals, business, industry, governments, academia, and society?
"....Member bodies – talking to each through a body like IFIP....Computing professionals – sharing the approaches from different countries....Business and Industry – need professional, skilled and knowledgeable people....Governments – a body like IFIP is politically neutral; also our academic research identifies trends and key areas which help governments make decisions....Academia – through IFIP events...."

 
:11:10:   Can you profile the World CIO Forum or WCF and your role with the WCF?
"....Our colleagues from the Chinese Institute of Electronics (CIE) have offered to host the first World CIO Forum (November 1-4, 2011 in Shenzhen, China) under the auspices of IFIP. IFIP gladly accepted that offer which means that we have a new event specifically aimed at CIOs....providing a forum for the CIOs to talk to each other and share experiences and look for solutions...."

 
:14:44:   Can you get into more detail about the vision, mission, and the major goals of the World CIO Forum (WCF)?
"....To increase IT use in business and society by bringing together the decision makers in that area to build bridges between officials, IT executives and professionals....It's not only the CIOs we would like attending the forum, it's also the professionals and the researchers to share different perspectives and by doing that creating a better understanding of all these different worlds...."

 
:16:18:   You have already talked about CIOs who will be attending and also researchers, are there others who you would like to see attending this event?
"....Decision makers like the CIOs, policy makers from government, practitioners and researchers...."

 
:18:04:   Does IFIP have a news release about the World CIO Forum – are there any endorsements within that news release?
"....There is a mixture of different kinds of companies endorsing the event who see the benefit in such a gathering....I would like to refer the listeners to the IFIP website for our latest newsletter on the event....The audience can also go to the World CIO Forum website for the latest information on the event...."

 
:20:29:   Who are examples of those serving on the technical committees and other committees and on the boards for the World CIO Forum?
"....There is a very rich mixture of well respected and well connected people from industry, academics and government...."

 
:23:39:   Please summarize why CIOs, senior executives, government, academia, and industry leaders should participate in the World CIO Forum?
"....To take the opportunity to talk to not only each other or their peers but to talk to colleagues from different backgrounds, disciplines and perspectives because that is in my view needed when you have to lead, as a CIO, your IT departments or to advise your board about where to go with the ICT in your company...."

 
:24:25:   What about the future for the World CIO Forum?
"....We are very confident that this will be a successful first edition and a successful first edition should be followed by next editions....We will also investigate options to cooperate with other groups. There are a lot of CIO networks in the world so there is definitely an opportunity see where we can join forces and bring together the best of more than one world...."

 
:26:03:   What are the vision, mission, and goals for the World IT Forum (WITFOR)?
"....The World IT Forum is aimed at the application of IT in developing countries in a number of application areas like health, environment, education, agriculture. It is focusing on not the technological developments, but on the application of technology systems in a way that they are really effective and beneficial for developing countries...."

 
:28:17:   There is another program of IFIP called the International Professional Practice Partnership Initiative (IP3). What are your goals for IP3?
"....There's quite a lot of things already happening in the world certification programs, accreditation programs and IFIP, through its IP3 project (which is an instrumental project for achieving this goal), is trying to bring together a lot of these initiatives to make sure that there is as little confusion about all the approaches as possible. The people in the IP3 project are working very hard to reach out to all our constituencies to make sure that professionalism is encouraged...."

 
:30:49:   Do you have an update on the World Computer Congress (WCC)?
"....That's our third flagship event and the one which is historically aimed at technological advances. The next one is planned for September 2012, in Amsterdam, Netherlands....Naturally we still want to continue presenting progress in technology and the research in that area but we have chosen a different approach for the event in 2012; we've decided as a theme - Putting the IT Professionals First...."

 
:33:59:   If you were doing this interview, what questions would you ask and then what would be your answers?
"....How can one contribute to the work that IFIP and its member societies do?....What would it take to convince someone to become a volunteer?...."

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Harvey Mudd College is led by Maria Klawe, HMC's fifth president who began her tenure in 2006. A renowned computer scientist and scholar, President Klawe is the first woman to lead the college since its founding in 1955. Prior to joining HMC, she served as Dean of Engineering and Professor of Computer Science at Princeton University. During her time at Princeton, Maria led the School of Engineering and Applied Science through a strategic planning exercise that created an exciting and widely embraced vision for the school. At Harvey Mudd College, she led a similarly ambitious strategic planning initiative, "HMC 2020: Envisioning the Future."

Maria joined Princeton from the University of British Columbia where she served as Dean of Science from 1998 to 2002, Vice President of Student and Academic Services from 1995 to 1998, and head of the Department of Computer Science from 1988 to 1995. Prior to UBC, Maria spent eight years with IBM Research in California, and two years at the University of Toronto. She received her B.Sc. (1973) and Ph.D. (1977) in Mathematics from the University of Alberta. Maria has made significant research contributions in several areas of mathematics and computer science including functional analysis, discrete mathematics, theoretical computer science, human-computer interaction, gender issues in information technology, and interactive-multimedia for mathematics education.

Her current research focuses on the development and use of multi-modal applications to assist people with aphasia and other cognitive impairments. Maria is a past President of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) in New York and a trustee of the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics in Los Angeles and the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute in Berkeley. In the past Maria has held leadership positions with the American Mathematical Society, the Computing Research Association, the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and the Canadian Mathematical Society.

Maria is one of the 10 members of the board of Microsoft Corporation, a board member of the nonprofit Math for America, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and past chair of the board for the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology in Palo Alto, CA. She was elected as a fellow of the Association of Computing Machinery in 1996 and as a founding fellow of the Canadian Information Processing Society in 2006. Other awards include Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Science and Technology (1997), Wired Woman Pioneer (2001), Canadian New Media Educator of the Year (2001), BC Science Council Champion of the Year (2001), University of Alberta Distinguished Alumna (2003), Nico Habermann Award (2004), and honorary doctorates from Acadia University (2006), Dalhousie University (2005), Queen's University (2004), the University of Waterloo (2003) and Ryerson University (2001).

To listen to the interview, click on this

DISCUSSION:

Interview Time Index (MM:SS) and Topic
:00:54:   Can you profile the World CIO Forum or WCF and your role with the WCF? [Editor's note: For more information go to: www.worldcioforum.com]
"....I'm giving a keynote there and talking about how we attract, retain and advance more women as information technology professionals....I think this is a tremendous opportunity to get the word out to the CIOs around the world...."

 
:01:32:   In your view, why should CIOs, senior executives, government and industry leaders participate in the World CIO Forum?
"....I think this is an opportunity for leaders from around the world to really get together and share insight. It's also a wonderful opportunity for networking. One of the things that I've learned in my life is there is probably almost nothing more important than getting to know people who can help leverage what you are doing...."

 
:02:41:   What do hope at accomplish at the WCF?
"....This issue about women in computing and in Information Technology....Raising people's awareness of Harvey Mudd College and what an amazing institution we are....Networking, networking, networking...."

 
:03:36:   You attend a lot of conferences and there's typically a senior executive or leader who is providing the keynote. If you were to hold a conference, who would be on your shortlist of recommendations as an opening keynote?
"....There are some absolutely not surprising possibilities....We are living through the age of when information technology is truly transforming the world so there are lots of people who have had a vision and who have been able to execute and literally have had a huge change to the human experience...."

 
:06:08:   On March 28th, noted computing pioneer Kelly Gotlieb gave a special lecture at the University of Toronto in celebration of his 90th birthday which was followed by a reception and dinner in honour of this giant in computing. You have known Kelly many years; can you share two or more stories about this legendary pioneer?
"....For well over a decade Kelly chaired the awards committee for ACM and I ended up going on the Turing Awards selection committee for about five years. One of the things I think about the awards is that there is this wonderful awards committee chaired by Kelly and now co-chaired with Jim Horning – the wisdom of Kelly is really quite amazing in the decisions that have been made over time in terms of elevating the importance of the Turing Award and thinking about how it should be awarded and those kinds of things...."

 
:08:11:   You are nominated to the Broadcom Board. Can you describe the experience, process, insights, and outcomes from this latest honour?
"....I'm not elected yet....One of the things I love doing in life is to find a group of people who have shared interests in making a difference in the world and Broadcom is certainly one of those companies....I know I'm going to learn an enormous amount if I do join the Board so I'm thrilled with this opportunity...."

 
:10:54:   The last time we chatted, you were invited to the Microsoft Board of Directors. Can you describe your experiences as a Microsoft Board Director?
"....One of the best learning opportunities of my life – ever....I find the quality of people in the company quite extraordinary and I also find the quality of people on the board extraordinary. I feel like I'm taking a crash course in learning about the IT industry broadly conceived and I'm also taking a crash course in learning about how to be a good director of a corporate board. I've been very lucky and I feel like I've had a lot of people giving me very good advice and I'm enjoying it enormously...."

 
:12:35:   How will your Board positions impact your many roles into the future? Can you provide specific examples?
"....I am much better informed and it really helps me understand applications of Science and Engineering in industry in ways that I wouldn't normally have been able to do....It opens doors. There's no question that as a member of the board at Microsoft, people are more interesting in talking to me....You become visible as a potential board member for other companies...."

 
:16:56:   You are well into your college Presidency at Harvey Mudd College. What are the most urgent issues you dealing with?
"....We are just not well enough known....It's expensive to provide the kind of education that Harvey Mudd College does....Focusing on the diversity of our student body...."

 
:21:08:   Further inroads are being made at Harvey Mudd College. Dr. Klawe spotlights three success stories.
"....The first one is the computer science department....The second one is revision to our core curriculum....The final one is the fact that we've just recruited a new Vice President for Advancement, Dan Macaluso...."

 
:29:47:   What do you hope to accomplish in the next 5 years at HMC and how will you bring this about?
"....To increase the number of African American students....In terms of visibility, I've already mentioned Dan Macaluso and I'm very excited about this opportunity to work together....Recruiting new members for our Board of Trustees....Building our new Teaching and Learning Building...."

 
:34:24:   Where do you see the education sector heading?
"....It's all a question of how you weigh the value of somebody who is doing a great job of teaching or creating a learning community for the students that they're working with versus somebody who is a great researcher – there just needs to be a better balance there. One of the things that I continue to stress and one of the reasons I'm proud to be at Harvey Mudd College is I think we are a great example of a place that gets the balance right...."

 
:35:17:   What needs to be fixed in education and how do you propose this be done?
"....K to 12 education – the biggest issues are giving the teachers the support, recognition and the training that they need, and providing salaries that can attract and retain really good teachers....In terms of undergraduate education I would say the biggest thing is helping our faculties become better teachers. Most faculty who are teaching would like to succeed in that but there's just not enough emphasis on helping faculty to develop in those areas...."

 
:37:02:   Can you describe three of your board positions, your most difficult challenges and opportunities with each role, and how the strategic goals of the three organizations will be achieved?
"....Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology – the organization that runs the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing....Mathematical Research Institute of Berkeley which is the pre-eminent research center for mathematics around the world....Math for America, which is an organization founded by Jim Simons in New York to attract people who are very talented in mathematics, who have the people and organizational skills to become great high school teachers, and to help them get their Master's degree in Education and mentor and support them and give them an additional stipend in exchange for professional development for the first four years in their profession...."

 
:42:32:   I think it is pretty clear to the audience that you do so much in terms of societal contributions and a lot of that is volunteer work. Where do you see volunteerism in the future – what are your recommendations for the audience?
"....I tell my students at all ages that it's never too soon to start changing the world and the easiest way to do it initially is at the early stages of your career as a volunteer. It's a wonderful way to connect with other people who care about similar issues and to leverage each other in terms of achieving things you want to have happen...."

 
:43:57:   Please make predictions for the future, their implications, and how we can best prepare?
"....None of these is going to be surprising in the least....The importance of innovation....The global economy....The extent that information technology is changing the world...."

 
:45:42:   If you were conducting this interview, what 3 questions would you ask, and then what would be your answers?
"....Why do I love being at Harvey Mudd College?....What makes me excited about being a computer scientist?....What have I learned recently?...."

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Graham Jones, P.Eng, MCSD, Microsoft MVP (2006 - 2008), Global Chair and founding Vice-Chair of the Global IT Community Association (GITCA).
Graham Jones is one of the founding Directors of the Global IT Community Association, the world's largest international not-for-profit independent organization devoted to the development and growth of the IT community. A professional engineer for over 35 years, originally in the UK and now in Canada, Mr. Jones has had a very varied career in the process industries and latterly in the ICT industry.

Graham graduated in Chemical Engineering in the UK over 40 years ago with a 1st Class Honours degree. Over those 40 years he has had a very varied career including process plant design, operation and management; Project, Engineering and IT Management; software and web development and teaching Windows Desktop and Office. Taking a pioneering approach to the use of computers in his engineering work he often solved problems that others had been unable to resolve using more traditional methods. For the past 10+ years he has worked in the IT industry. Helping others has always been a constant, whether professionally or via volunteer work. This includes providing free IT services to non-profit organizations such as the Surrey Food Bank, acting as a mentor for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. which helps new immigrants to find work in IT in Canada, and acting as President of VANTUG for the past 10 years during which time the user group has grown from 200 to over 1200 members.

He is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in British Columbia, Canada, has passed the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, and achieved the Microsoft MCSD (pre .NET) designation. He is a guest contributor on the Microsoft Canada IT Managers blog and IT Pro blog.

Ashwin U. Kini is an IT Professional from Mumbai, passionate about Networking technologies and works as Sr. Technical Consultant CNC on JD Edwards / PeopleSoft ERP with Systime. He holds a Masters degree in Computer Applications, Bachelors degree in Computer Applications, and a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. He is also a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.

Awarded as:

• "The Best IT Professional Community Contributor" in India for year 2010 by Microsoft India.
• 2008 Microsoft's Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in Windows Server Customer Experience: Networking.

Active member of IT Professionals communities and volunteers as:

• Served as Founding Regional Chairman APAC (Asia-Pacific) for GITCA
• Managing committee member at Computer Society of India (CSI) in Mumbai
• President of Mumbai IT Professionals User Group (MumbaiITPro) in Mumbai
• Microsoft User Group Support Services steering committee

Leadership and Team building are the areas of his highest interest. His IT expertise is in the areas of Windows Networking and freelances as "Subject Matter Expert" (SME) for Windows client, server, and virtualization solutions. In his leisure time, he enjoys listening to music, watching sports and has an interest in photography. Ashwin blogs at http://www.ashwinkini.com/blog

[Ed. Note: Quotes below are abstracts taken from the podcast interview].

To listen to the interview, click on this

DISCUSSION:

Interview Time Index (MM:SS) and Topic
:00:35:   Graham, can you introduce yourself, overview GITCA and what you had set out to accomplish as 2009-2011 Chair of GITCA?
"....I think of myself as a solutions oriented professional with over 40 years experience gained in both the UK and Canada....GITCA is a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers dedicated to the growth and development of the ICT community on a global basis....Some of the GITCA member organizations are amongst the largest, well-established, highly-respected and influential world organizations...."

 
:02:14:   Ashwin, can you introduce yourself and what goals you wish to accomplish as the Chair-elect of GITCA?
"....While the industry has taught me much on technology and being in the live atmosphere, communities have helped me experiment with my leadership skills and utilize my creativity....We've had several interesting and very successful activities implemented in India which we plan to bring to communities across the globe....We will soon have more details online and we also seek feedback from the User Group leaders....We need cooperation from everyone...."

 
:04:06:   Graham and Ashwin, you both are on the organizing committee for GITCA's "24 Hours in the Cloud" event. Ashwin, can you overview this event from the viewpoint as organizers?
:04:18: Ashwin:  "....This virtual event which will take place on April 19th represents GITCA's first major project using the resources of the community for the benefit of the community....We have had a very encouraging response to our request for speakers and we are hoping to present more than the minimum 24 to cover the 24 hours of the event...."
:05:24: Graham:  "....I see this as part of the next phase of the development of GITCA which is to begin to bring broader value to our members and the ICT community as a whole...."

 
:05:59:   Graham, who is keynoting the first session and what is his background?
"....We are very pleased and privileged to have Doug Terry, Principal Researcher in the Microsoft Research Silicon Valley Lab as our keynote speaker...."

 
:07:10:   Graham and Ashwin, can you overview the other sessions being presented?
:07:17: Graham:  "....The final list of 24 or more sessions with a more complete description including presenter and timing will be available by no later than April 10th on the GITCA and the "24 Hours in the Cloud" websites....Sample of session topics and variety....What's new in SharePoint 2010 Online?....Data in the Clouds – Myths and Truths....Introduction to Office 365....Private Cloud Security, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly....Building your "private cloud"....AppFabric Overview....Trust in the Cloud...."
:10:52: Ashwin:  "....The topics mentioned give you an idea of some of the unique sessions....More involvement and suggestions from the user groups, speakers and anyone interested in Cloud computing is appreciated....Participation is the key...."

 
:11:48:   Graham, why should computing professionals and leaders attend this virtual conference? What makes "24 Hours in the Cloud" an uniquely compelling experience?
:11:58: Graham:  "....Many people are either unaware of what can be achieved today or in the near future, or are nervous about such things as security and privacy....GITCA was pondering how it could show some of its value via its community connections and it was felt that the emergence of Cloud computing was a great opportunity to help advise and engage with the community as a whole....There will be plenty for all interests – developer, IT pro and SQL enthusiast...."
:13:11: Ashwin:  "....This is learning for all and there is much to learn in this technology. Windows Live, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn - what is the technology behind that drives them and what can one learn and do?...."

 
:14:21:   Can you profile the IFIP World CIO Forum or WCF? [Editor's note: For more information go to: www.worldcioforum.com]
Graham:  "....The first World CIO Forum (IFIP WCF 2011), supported by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) and organized by the Chinese Institute of Electronics (CIE), will be held November 1 - 4, 2011 in Shenzhen, China....IT is increasingly becoming the crucial stimulus for economic growth, innovation, transformation, crisis mitigation and management. The CIO is a key decision maker and thus plays an important role in enabling the value of IT...."

 
:15:35:   In your view, why should CIOs, senior executives, government and industry leaders participate in the World CIO Forum?
Graham:  "....The World CIO Forum is a unique opportunity for senior people to meet and engage in sharing, form alliances and formulate strategy whereby IT will have a positive effect upon the world for the ultimate benefit of all...."

 
:16:20:   Why is GITCA supporting the IFIP WCF?
Graham:  "....You only gain influence by finding a way to work with the major influencers...."

 
:16:51:   What are your tips, lessons, and best resources for those wanting a career in computing?
:17:26: Graham:  "....Microsoft Canada TechNet blogs....IT Managers blog....Employers seek people with a range of technical skills, business skills and good interpersonal skills....Find something that you enjoy and will continue to enjoy...."
:18:28: Ashwin:  "....Have passion in the technology you choose....TechNet and MSDN....Get involved with your local community....Attend virtual events and webinars such as "24 Hours in the Clouds"...."

 
:19:37:   In all that you do, what are the biggest challenges, and their solutions?
:19:45: Graham:  "....People are always the biggest challenge...."
:20:19: Ashwin:  "....active involvement....consistency...."

 
:20:48:   Provide your predictions of future IT trends and their implications/opportunities?
:20:54: Graham:  "....hardware development as an enabler....distinction between mobile devices and the PC blurring....continued growth of social networking or backlash....Cloud computing gaining foothold in IT armory...."
:22:44: Ashwin:  "....Technology will keep growing – how good are we with our basics?....Cloud computing – we are on a phase of transition from our computers to cloud...."

 
:23:37:   Graham and Ashwin each share a story (something surprising, unexpected, amazing, or humorous) from their leadership of GITCA.

 
:25:43:   If you were doing this interview, what questions would you ask and then what would be your answers?
:25:59: Graham:  "....What three things have you learned that you live your life by?...."
:27:19: Ashwin:  "....How do we build innovation?....How do we identify to take the right steps at the right time?....How can I be of help to GITCA?...."

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Kevin Shatzkamer, Cisco Distinguished Systems Architect, is responsible for long-term strategy and architectural evolution of Cisco mobile wireless networks. His experience ranges from 3G and LTE to security, video distribution, and QoS. He now works with both content providers and service providers to enhance the end-to-end digital media value chain for mobility.

To listen to the interview, click on this

DISCUSSION:

Interview Time Index (MM:SS) and Topic
:00:47:   Kevin, can you outline your background and your areas of interest?
"....I currently hold fifteen patents in mobile wireless technologies....I've published two books with Cisco Press, the first one in 2009 called 'IP Design for Mobile Networks'....and last month published a second book with Cisco Press called 'Building the Mobile Internet'...."

 
:02:05:   Can you explain the relatively static nature of the Internet's original protocols and design?
"....When we look at the internet protocol it was really there to provide two simultaneous functions: one is to identify who the endnote/user is connecting to and the other is to identify where that endnote is. It's a process that's called overloading...."

 
:03:17:   What are the challenges that mobility presents to conventional Internet architectures?
"....As the subscriber is moving, given that their identity is always the same but their location is changing....The IP model starts to break because that IP address is overloaded and signifies both location and identity; you can't just pick up and move your point of attachment without breaking your communications session...."

 
:04:34:   Can you discuss the concept of mobility, and identify evolving mobility requirements?
"....Mobility is a big umbrella term that I think at this point that is used to classify many different types of applications and services which users consume...."

 
:06:00:   What are the key mobility market trends?
"....What we are finally seeing is recognition across the industry that the killer app is mobility itself and the way mobility and location inherently change communication...."

 
:07:17:   What about authentication for users moving across networks and operators?
"....Authentication and security and being able to ensure those security parameters hold true as the user moves are key to the deployment and adoption of mobility...."

 
:08:30:   Kevin discusses how mobility can be addressed at the data link layer.

 
:09:46:   How can you use network layer solutions to deliver seamless mobility and session continuity?
"....What the network layer solutions tend to provide is a means of un-overloading IP addresses...."

 
:11:06:   What insights can you provide about integrating mobility functionality into the transport/session layer?
"....This has largely been a very debatable approach to this point. Much of the work done at the transport/session layer has been academic. There are some well-defined protocols here such as Session Control Transport Protocol (SCTP), or to a lesser extent multipath TCP, that are used to provide the ability to support multiple interfaces...."

 
:12:05:   Can you extend the last question to adding mobility functionality to the application layer – including support for moving media sessions between devices?
"....There are a number of protocols at the application layer that inherently support mobility....I still think there are many opportunities to continue to develop applications to be aware of, or at least tolerate mobility...."

 
:12:50:   What are your tips on redesigning Internet architecture to enable long-term improvements to mobility?
"....To build applications to be tolerant to mobility....Second I look to IPv6....Third there is really no 'one size fits all' model for mobility...."

 
:14:19:   What are the user expectations?
"....The user expectation is that they want a good experience and access to any service they want at any time on any device...."

 
:14:45:   What about digital media delivery over mobile networks?
"....It's important to continue to remember that mobile traffic is growing exponentially. The demand for mobile video is really leading that charge...."

 
:15:45:   You've already touched on this already but can you go into more detail about the bandwidth and spectrum crunch?
"....I wouldn't say that we are so much in a spectrum crunch right now as much as looking for techniques and tools in order to free up and increase the usability of the spectrum that we have....Where we are starting to see a bandwidth crunch is in the last mile access to cell site...."

 
:17:55:   With over three billion smartphones, tablets, and mobile devices, what is their impact on enterprise IT organizations?
"....Security is one consideration....The capabilities of integrating mobility and wireless enterprise IT organizations is still very much in its infancy. The capabilities and potential will be much more than enabling access to corporate data but also providing unique capabilities and unique ways to leverage that data based on the device and location of the users...."

 
:19:36:   Which are your top recommended resources and why?
"....'IP Design for Mobile Networks' (2009)....'Building the Mobile Internet' (2011)....Google....Your social community....Conferences: Mobile World Congress....Consumer Electronic Show....Publications: Network World....InformIT....Fierce Wireless publications...."

 
:23:06:   Kevin shares some stories (something surprising, unexpected, amazing, or humorous) from his work.
"....It's always interesting and unexpected to see how wireless technologies are consumed...."

 
:25:58:   What are your thoughts on computing as a recognized profession like medicine and law, with demonstrated professional development, adherence to a code of ethics, and globally recognized credentials? [see www.ipthree.org for more details]
"....I don't think yet that people understand that they are constantly consuming the innovations and capabilities that engineers and computing professionals deliver to them....Ethics in medicine or law is much the same as ethics in computing and engineering and needs to be taken into consideration, especially with a global community that is capable of exploiting any breaches of ethics whether there be security vulnerabilities in software or failure to implement something in hardware....The certifications and credentials are certainly growing and globally recognized...."

 
:28:16:   If you were doing this interview, what questions would you ask and then what would be your answers?
"....How are we going to innovate?....How are we going to take the capabilities that the network delivers to us and exploit them to do things that 5 years ago seemed unfathomable?....What are those services or applications that are going to drive new ways of communications and improved social communities around the world?....How are we going to take the wireless and mobile technologies that are evolving with LTE and use them to help the world?...."

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