Linking People from Business and Academia across the Cambridge Region

Calling all IT staff - sysadmins, computer officers, IT managers...

Not sure if this is the best place for this, or not, but...

Ever felt a bit isolated? Unsure of whether you’re doing the right thing, and interested in finding out what IT staff in different organisations do? I’ve been working in IT for thirteen years and often, it’s felt like I was feeling my way, or just winging it.

I’m interested in setting up a local group to get together, have a few drinks and a chat, and see if we can support each other a bit more. I’m not really sure what format this could take – we could get someone to do a brief talk on a topic of interest, and see what happens? If you’re interested in taking part, or have some suggestions to structure the events, please post below.”

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Permalink Reply by Mark Dalgarno on November 5, 2009 at 10:08am: Is the focus on Systems Administration or are you looking for something broader?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stuart Shelton on November 5, 2009 at 10:38am: I know exactly where you're coming from... sounds like a good idea to me!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gareth Marlow on November 5, 2009 at 10:45am: It's Systems Administration and IT Support, as opposed to (e.g.) software development.

Mark Dalgarno said:
Is the focus on Systems Administration or are you looking for something broader?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mark Thornton on November 6, 2009 at 8:40am: Gareth,

Long-term, I would be interested. But I am working away at the minute, until Easter. If your idea gets off the ground, please keep me informed.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mark Dalgarno on November 6, 2009 at 8:56am: I'd suggest starting with an informal meet-up to try and come up with topics of interest. You could structure this e.g. by getting people to work in small groups to brainstorm issues and set priorities and then share them with the other groups to come up with a collective agenda.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Paul M on November 6, 2009 at 2:52pm: might also be worth posting this to the local LUG - CLUG is alive and well, mostly as a mailing list. see www.clug.org.uk; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Christopher Morgan on November 6, 2009 at 3:23pm: I've always found that as a software developer of any form of distributed system it's *really* handy to be able to have an informed and friendly chat with with your friendly IT staff to work through the inevitable configuration headaches (Constrained Kerberos Delegation, anyone?)

So, perhaps this could be a good 2-way learning opportunity for devs who need to know more about sysadmin and vice versa?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mike Rose on November 10, 2009 at 9:10am: I like this idea. An opportunity to chat with other IT Managers would be great.

A first meeting could simply be each person, very briefly, introducing them self and what they do. Then let the beer and conversation flow freely.

It might be too onerous, but each attendee providing a piece of paper with photo, name and details on it might facilitate the chatting. I doubt I will remember who everybody is and what they do.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gareth Marlow on November 26, 2009 at 3:04pm: Sorry I've been quiet, folks - been away at a conference, and we're having a full DR rehearsal today. Life's never dull in IT!

It sounds like there's some interest which is great. What's a good next step? I'll start by adding a new group on here. Other ideas?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Richard Hughes on November 30, 2009 at 10:43am: Yes, this sounds like a good idea! The Refresh group in Cambridge is a little more developer / Web 2.0 orientated for those interested.; ▶ Reply to This