Celebrating the networking superheroes

The clock is ticking and there are just seven weeks left till the closing date for entries for the Networking Industry Awards 2000. As this year's deadline approaches, we look back and ask some previous finalists to talk about the hard work behind successful nominations.

The clock is ticking and there are just seven weeks left till the closing date for entries for the Networking Industry Awards 2000. As this year's deadline approaches, we look back and ask some previous finalists to talk about the hard work behind successful nominations.

The awards, which are to be held in June and hosted by Miller Freeman in association with Network News, are an opportunity to recognise those companies and individuals who have contributed most to the industry over the past year.

Last year's winner of the Most Innovative Use of Networking Products and Services Award 1999 was ITN Independent Television News. The company completed a move of all of its newsroom desktop and studio control rooms over to a state-of-the-art ATM network.

The company's head of IT, Keith Cass, said winning the award was a chance for his backroom IT staff to get some of the same recognition enjoyed by the journalists in the broadcaster's newsroom.

"ITN is fortunate to win many awards for its journalism and technical production, but there are few opportunities for the technologists working behind the scenes to win awards," he said.

Cass added that the project had always been viewed as ambitious in terms of time-scale and design. "We knew our network was being used for a rather unconventional purpose as well as supporting the traditional business office systems. Being nominated for this category and then winning the award made many months of hard work worthwhile," he said.

Winner of the Network Manager of the year category, John Bearman from Sanctuary Housing Association, was nominated by Jaguar Communications to get some publicity for a project it felt could hold useful lessons for other companies.

Bearman took out a decaying bridge-based network from one of the UK's largest housing associations and replaced it with Microsoft Terminal Server and thin client technology. He also set up videoconferencing and split IT into services and help desk groups.

"Winning the award was a thrill, and I consider it a great personal achievement, but all those involved should be recognised for their contributions," he said.

The awards ceremony will take place at a gala dinner to be held during the Networks Telecom show at the NEC in Birmingham from the 27 June 2000.

HOW TO ENTER

If you think that you or your colleagues have what it takes to win an industry award, contact Mark Lloyd, Networking Industry Awards 2000, Miller Freeman UK, 630 Chiswick High Road, London W4 5BG: Telephone: 01923 330220; or e-mail: [email protected].

Nominations for all categories must be in by 2 April. More information can be found at www.networkingawards.com.