Hot Seat: Derek Findlay

What was your first job and how did you get into IT?
I joined the University of Aberdeen in the late 1980s as a computer operator within a large mainframe environment. I have progressed over the past 20 or so years to my current position as computing support officer.

Which IT vendor do you think has been the most influential in the past 20 years?
Everyone probably says it but it has to be Microsoft for what it has achieved globally.

And which IT professional?
As stand-out entrepreneurs/CEOs who have really led their companies to success, it has to be Bill Gates or Steve Jobs.

Is there any piece of technology legislation that will have an effect on your work?
The Freedom of Information, Data Protection and Disability Discrimination Acts are all important when managing personal data. It is vital that we are open and compliant at all times.

Which mobile device do you use?
My personal phone is a very old Motorola RAZR. No work mobile device until I’m told otherwise.

How often do you check it?
Not very often, it’s not an integral part of my day.

What technology would you save in a fire?
On a personal level, my internet access. I couldn’t function without it. On a professional basis I would say our Acronis deployment technology, which has made our imaging process far more efficient.

If you were not in IT, what would you be doing?
As I live in Aberdeen, I would probably be working in the oil industry in some technical capacity.

Which technology would you most like to have invented?
For kudos, the worldwide web. For financial gain, I wish I had invented the iPod.