Join the CW Wireless Heritage SIG for a special opportunity to explore the long history of computing in Cambridge and see how the Department of Computer Science and Technology, is archiving and preserving key artifacts relating to that history.
The Department of Computer Science and Technology was founded in 1937 (as the Mathematical Laboratory, and later the Computer Laboratory) for work on mechanical calculators and analogue computers. It became involved in digital computing after 1945, with some of the Cambridge developments of that period belong in the basic stock of computing knowledge, for example the ideas of subroutines and of microprogramming.
Original pioneering work in building complete computers (the EDSAC was commissioned in 1949 and the EDSAC 2 in 1958) gave way to the early development of programming languages and operating systems.
The Computer Lab was also involved in pioneering commercial uses of computers, most notably by working with J. Lyons & Co. to develop the LEO range of computers.
During this event we will see not just the items already on display around the Computer Laboratory but also items from the ‘Relics Store’ which are not normally available for public viewing. In addition, out hosts will give talks about the items and the work going on to preserve and document them.
Hosted by:
- David Greaves (Senior Lecturer in Computing Science)
- Ian Wassell (Senior Lecturer, Digital Technology Group)
Why attend?
- Gain a unique insight into the history of computing in Cambridge, from the pioneering EDSAC computers to breakthrough innovations such as subroutines and microprogramming.
- Enjoy exclusive access to artifacts from the University's "Relics Store", many of which are not normally available for public viewing.
- Hear directly from experts involved in the preservation, documentation and archiving of Cambridge's computing heritage.
- Connect with fellow technology enthusiasts and members of the CW Wireless Heritage SIG while exploring one of Cambridge's most important technology institutions.
Who should attend?
- Engineers, technologists and computing professionals
- Historians and researchers with an interest in science, technology and innovation
- Students and academics studying computing, engineering or technology
- Anyone interested in the history of computing, Cambridge's innovation heritage, or the preservation of technological artifacts
Wireless Heritage SIG Champions
Stirling Essex
Stirling Essex has over 25 years of product development, product management, strategic marketing and business development experience in many areas of wireless technology, and has been intimately involved in the development of test systems for GSM, CDMA (IS-95), 3G (W-CDMA) and LTE. He founded Espansivo, a technology consultancy specialising in helping organisations with their technology, product and business decisions, in 2005. Stirling was previously a co-champion of the CW Future Wide Area Wireless Special Interest Group and and was a member of the CW Board from 2004 to 2015.
Professor Andy Sutton MBE
Andy Sutton MBE is the Director of Technology and Mobile at Ofcom, in this role he leads a team of engineers, technologists, and policy experts with a broad focus on how technology impacts the sectors which Ofcom regulates. The Mobile aspect of the role involves working closely with the wider eco-system, including MNOs, equipment providers, neutral host providers, and start-ups, to ensure mobile network coverage and performance continues to improve throughout the UK. Andy has 40 years of experience within the telecommunications industry; during this time, he has published extensively and gained practical experience of designing and building fixed and mobile communications networks. Andy holds the post of Visiting Professor of Telecommunications at the University of Liverpool and the University of Salford, he is a Chartered Engineer and holds Fellowships from the IET, ITP and BCS. Andy sits on the editorial board of the ITP Journal and is a CW SIG Champion for Mobile Networks and Wireless Heritage.
- X:
- @sutton960
Geoff Varrall
Geoff Varrall joined RTT in 1985 as an executive director and shareholder to develop RTT's international business as a provider of technology and business services to the wireless industry. He co-developed RTT's original series of design and facilitation workshops including 'RF Technology', 'Data Over Radio', 'Introduction to Mobile Radio', and 'Private Mobile Radio Systems and developed 'The Oxford programme', a five day strategic technology and market programme presented annually between 1991 and 2005. Geoff has been running in depth technology and market workshops for the industry for over 33 years, spanning five generations of mobile cellular technology. A co-author of the Mobile Radio Servicing Handbook (Heinemann Butterworth, UK), Data Over Radio, (Quantum Publishing, Mendocino, USA and 3G Handset and Network Design (John Wiley, New York). Geoff's fourth book, Making Telecoms Work – from technical innovation to commercial success (John Wiley) was published in early 2012 followed by 5G Spectrum and Standards published by Artech House in July 2016. His latest book 5G and Satellite Spectrum Standards and Scale is now available from Artech House and can be ordered from http://uk.artechhouse.com/5G-and-Satellite-Spectrum-Standards-and-Scale-P1935.aspx. As a past Director of Cambridge Wireless, Geoff is actively involved in a number of wireless heritage initiatives that aim to capture and record past technology and engineering experience and is a patron of the Science Museum In his spare time he plays Jazz trumpet semi-professionally and is a marathon and ultra-runner.
Nigel Wall
Nigel has been involved with connected vehicle research since 1992 when he led BT’s mobile data research team – initially using modems on first generation analogue TACS mobile phones! Since 2001 he has provided consultancy complex-systems, with a primary specialism in connected vehicles. He acted as the Monitoring Officer for twelve of the Connected and Autonomous Vehicle research projects supported by Innovate UK and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. Climate Associates provides consultancy on delivering pragmatic sustainable systems and services, based on life cycle assessments where wholesale replacement of current systems with lower footprint solutions may not be the most sustainable option.
