A networking event for the BOP Tech commununity sponsored by Rhubarb BOP and supported by The BOP Tech Meetup.

A chance for those in the tech and innovation communities to get together and enjoy some light refreshments before Christmas.

There will be time for networking as well as an opportunity to hear an update on the latest happenings in cybersecurity from Stephan at www.cybersmart.co.nz

Light refreshments will be provided.

Cost: No charge

Event Registration: Numbers are restricted due to COVID requirements so please register by Monday 6 December https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/bop-tech-xmas-networking-event-tickets-217199047197?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

Note: As required by changes to law all attendees must be fully vaccinated and sign in upon arrival at the venue.

“The Changing Threat Landscape” - Michael Dodd FireEye : Everyone will be aware of the Sony Hack, Target etc. In the presentation he will cover off why the traditional security model isn’t working, what you should consider moving forward, attacks that are happening in the APAC region and will cover off what they are seeing in New Zealand. 

Micro Services Architecture - Tim King Cucumber : There are several trends that are forcing application architectures to evolve. Users expect a rich, interactive and dynamic user experience on a wide variety of clients including mobile devices. Applications must be highly scalable, highly available and run on cloud environments. Organizations often want to frequently roll out updates, even multiple times a day. Tim will discuss why it’s no longer adequate to develop monolithic web applications

David Eaton  CTO HP NZ

Over the past several years, one of the biggest trends driving change in business has been the consumerisation of IT and the blurring of the lines between the use of personal and work devices.

This, along with the growth of cloud-based technologies and apps, has led to an increasingly mobile workforce who expect to be able to access information at anytime, from anywhere and through multiple devices – that are often of their own choosing.

Set against the context of these trends there remains an over-riding requirement to protect corporate IP, without impacting on functionality or how employees can go about their roles.

Although the IT security landscape has many good products, unfortunately it is also littered with poor policies, untrained people and processes that make the products work ineffectively.  To better mitigate against cyber security threats, organisations need to look at the four P’s – Products, People, Policy and Processes.

RHUBARB member C3 Limited will give us a complete overview of their learning management solutions, how they are used, administered and some of the initiatives they are developing moving forward.

Evolving in the Cloud - James Knapp CTO and Cloud Architect ViFX

It is now conventional wisdom that the “Cloud” paradigm is here to stay. The benefits are too compelling to ignore, and organisations that are late to embrace the benefits will be left behind by their peers. In this presentation, ViFX, a Cloud Transformation specialist, will take attendees through their established “Journey to Hybrid Cloud” model, which is in fact less about technology and more about people and process. This is also expressed in the aphorism that “Cloud is not what you do, but rather how you do it”.

This new model requires IT professionals to make the switch from infrastructure management to service provider management. For many this may be a new concept and will present some interesting questions for their organisation and some potential challenges. Attendees will leave the session with an understanding of how to map out the pathway, what hurdles they will typically face along the way, and what steps they need to start taking in order to get there. Suggestions will be provided on how to assess the cloud opportunities, the operational maturity gap to a Hybrid Cloud state and how to develop the adoption and transition roadmap to achieve the new-reality future state.

With ever increasing pressures on IT to “make a difference” and provide real business value, IT professionals must learn how to start making their journey to cloud and more importantly how to evolve and adopt this new operational model.

How do you take advantage of subscription based computing without blowing your budget?  - Jonathan Gardiner Analyst TUMG

Jonathan Gardiner, Analyst, Total Utilities will attempt to explain the mechanics of cost projections, budgeting and business case development for utility computing without sending everyone to sleep! Jonathan has wrestled with the numbers around all the main utility areas (cloud computing, electricity, gas and waste) for a decade.

His witty and informative presentation offers a real world insight into how financial analysis can bridge the gap between technology and the business. 

Get smarter with the uncertainty in your business. Drive down risk and realise opportunities with straight forward models.

Mitchell Knight is an experienced Project Professional with over 17 years in the Construction, Automation, Logistics, IT and FMCG industries. This diverse experience mixed with industry best practice creates innovative solutions for your project challenges.

SFIA is a powerful tool for understanding the capability and capacity of your IT
resources.

Rob Sewell Director of Boardsafe is passionate about professional development and currently assisting a major NZ organisation implement the SFIA framework for competency development.

Data Science and the Internet of Things

Chris Auld is Intergen's Chief Technology Officer, responsible for Intergen's Microsoft technology leadership on the world stage.

Chris is one of only two Microsoft regional directors in New Zealand, works closely and often with Microsoft Corporate in Redmond, USA, and plays an active role around the globe presenting on technology matters.

He will be providing his take on the subjects of Data Science and the Internet of Things.

3D Printing : Where are we now and future possibilities

Andrew Palmer Director of Palmer Design & Manufacturing Ltd. Andrew has 25 years experience in high volume manufacturing and concept design. he will cover:-

·         Current 3D printing technologies and how they are being using now.

·         Current limitations, emerging improvements

·         Possible impact on NZ manufacturing and design.

·         Software limitations & opportunities.

Insights into Mobile Application Development

Darren Twiss is the mobile applications specialist at Cucumber.  He has been developing business applications for over 15 years and has 6 years experience in building  iOS and Android.

Darren concentrates on helping organisations make business processes more efficient and effective using mobile technology and gives some insights into building applications.

Speaker:  Paul Bloem – Unified Communications Consultant (Lexel)

Paul is a Unified Communications Principal Consultant working for Lexel Systems in New Zealand. He specializes in planning, architecture, and implementation of enterprise unified communications solutions such as Microsoft Lync.

He is also a MCSE, MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist - Lync 2013) and MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional – Lync 2013) as well as an internationally certified Trainer holding various Siemens AG certifications, including SCCS, Siemens Certified Communications Specialist.  Paul recently attended the Microsoft Lync conference and has had some insights into the next release.

 Some recent personal achievements include:

·         Awarded Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) for Lync - 2014

·         Nominated Microsoft Lync Virtual Technology Specialist Program  - 2013

·         First Lync Greenfield deployment with Zeacom Contact Centre – 2011

·         First Direct OCS R2 - TCP SIP Greenfield installation in New Zealand - 2010

 Theme

10 most common Lync Myths

 Subject

Microsoft’s Lync has jumped to their “fastest growing business” in a relatively short time. Having surpassed $1 billion in revenue and now continues to grow at an average rate of 30% over the last 18 months. Lync has been more than just a little disruptive to the market share of every big player in the UC space. The response from competitors has been almost unanimous in the attempt to slow down or discredit the success and capability of Lync.

We welcome you in joining us in exploring the truth about the many Lync myths, and the reasons why the UC giants tremble. Contact ian.gray@cucumber.co.nz to book your place.