March 2023

So, What is IBM i Consultancy?

IBM i Consultancy refers to consulting services that help organisations optimise and leverage their IBM i (formerly known as AS/400 or iSeries) systems.

IBM i is a mid-range computer platform that runs applications for any size of business and provides a stable, reliable, and secure operating system.

An IBM i consultant is an expert in the IBM i platform who provides expert advice and guidance to organisations on how to get the most out of their IBM i systems. They have often spent many years working on the IBM i predecessor systems which laid the grounding for the system as it is today.

IBM i consultants can help with a variety of tasks, including system analysis, architecture design, software development, system implementation, optimisation, security, project management, and troubleshooting.

IBM i consultants will have extensive experience in the IBM i platform and related technologies and can help organisations develop customised solutions that meet their unique business requirements.

They can also help organisations with system upgrades, data migration, and integration with other systems including eCommerce platforms.

In this article, we will explore the role of IBM i Consultancy, the benefits it offers to businesses, and the skills required to be a successful consultant.

Role of an IBM i Consultant

The role of an IBM i consultant is to help businesses make informed decisions about IBM i application development, system administration, and management. A consultant will work closely with clients to understand their business objectives, challenges, and requirements. They then provide expert advice and guidance on application design, development methodologies, architecture, development, project management, and deployment strategies.

AS part of the role, consultants can help clients identify areas where improvements can be made to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and drive growth. They also advise clients on how to select the right technologies, tools, and platforms to meet their specific needs.

Benefits of an IBM i Consultant

IBM i consultancy offers several benefits to businesses, including:

Expertise: IBM i software consultants bring in-depth knowledge and experience in software development, architecture, and project management. They will have worked on numerous projects across various industries, and they understand the best practices for delivering high-quality IBM i solutions.

Cost Savings: IBM i consultancy can help businesses reduce costs by optimising development processes, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and avoiding costly mistakes. By understanding your current estate and the associated costs a good consultant will be able to offer potential ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency on both the hardware management and your applications.

Scalability: IBM i consultancy helps businesses to scale their software systems to meet the changing needs of their customers and markets. They can advise on the best technologies, tools, and platforms to support growth and expansion.

Competitive Advantage: consultancy can help businesses gain a competitive advantage by developing and enhancing systems that are more efficient, innovative, and customer-centric.

Skills Required for IBM i Consultancy

To be a successful IBM i consultant, several skills are required, including:

Technical Expertise

IBM i consultants must have a deep understanding of software development methodologies, architecture, design, and project management. They must be familiar with various programming languages, tools, and platforms. They must have a good understanding of the IBM i operating system and hardware and it’s capabilities to deliver robust leading-edge business solutions.

Communication Skills

IBM i consultants must have excellent communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to clients and stakeholders. They must also be able to listen carefully to client’s needs and requirements.

Analytical Skills

IBM i consultants must have strong analytical skills to evaluate business requirements, identify technical challenges, and develop solutions that meet clients’ needs.

Project Management Skills

IBM i consultants must have project management skills to manage development projects, set project timelines, and ensure that projects are completed and delivered on time and within budget.

Conclusion

IBM i consultancy can help organisations ensure that their IBM i systems are running efficiently, securely, and optimised to meet their business goals and objectives.

IBM i consultancy is a critical service that helps businesses make informed decisions about software development and how best to manage new and existing solutions. It offers multiple benefits, including expertise, cost savings, scalability, and competitive advantage.

You can be confident that as an “IBM” Registered Business Partner, the KFA Connect team also has the skills to develop, test, and support your IBM i applications in addition to the skills to help you with your daily management of the IBM platform and operating system.

Special Offer

Take advantage of KFA Connect’s Special Offer of 2 FREE 90-Minute Consulting Sessions!

We are giving your business access to our team of experts who will be able to assist you with new ideas for your IBM i application, migration from the IBM i, IBM i integration, or improvements to the day-to-day operational running of your system.

Nicki Smith

KFA Connect – Sales & Marketing Manager

31st March 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

So What is Mental Health?

Mental health is our state of mind, our emotional and psychological well-being. It determines how we cope with day-to-day issues.

Mental Health is complex and changeable, it needs to be acknowledged and looked after.

Why is it so important?

Our mental health is as important as our physical health. An individual with good mental health will be a good employee, husband/wife, mother/father, colleague, and friend.

So, What is ‘Mental Ill Health’?

Mental ill health by its very definition is when we are mentally unwell, we can feel unable to cope with stress and anxiety which can lead to depression and addictive behaviour. Mental ill health can lead to a feeling you cannot see a way forward.

In contrast, people with good mental health are capable of setting goals and being able to achieve them.

The Mental Health Continuum

This is a scale used to attempt to determine the state of an individual’s mental health.

The scale is divided into 5 levels as follows:

In Crisis

• Very anxious
• Absenteeism
• Weight loss
• Exhausted

Struggling

• Anxious
• Depressed
• Poor performance
• Tired

Surviving

• Worried
• Sad
• Distracted
• Withdrawn

Thriving

• Positive
• Calm
• Performing well
• Normal social activity

Excelling

• Happy
• Energetic
• Performing above par
• Reaching full potential

Some Examples of Mental Ill Health

Suicidal

Where someone feels they can no longer carry on with life. Where they can see no hope for the future.

Depression

A feeling of being very low for a sustained period of time. Depression can make people insular and want to isolate themselves from others.

Worried

When you feel anxiety in your everyday life, but you are able to cope with it in isolation. Anxiety shows through physical symptoms and may result in panic attacks.

Eating Disorders

An obsessive behaviour that may be triggered by PTSD, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Examples of eating disorders can include Anorexia and Bulimia.

Self-Harming

Where an individual can inflict physical pain upon themselves. Another example of self-harm is when an individual puts themselves at unnecessary risk such as starting fights.

Mental Ill Health Factors

Mental ill Health can be influenced by factors in an individual’s personal, educational, and work lives.

In a work environment, the following can all lead to stress, anxiety, and feeling vulnerable:

• Being overworked
• Lack of training and therefore not being qualified to perform a role
• Return from sickness
• Lack of objectiveness

Outside of work pressures can also lead to mental ill health:

• Relationship breakdowns
• Grief
• Financial worries
• Poor physical health

What can we do to improve our Mental Health as Individuals?

Get Outside

Being outdoors is great for our mental well-being. Spending time in nature lifts our spirits and helps with coping strategies.

Physical Activity

Physical activity, be that walking or sport releases endorphins that make us feel good. Physical tiredness can also help us to sleep better.

Nutrition

Eating well has many physical and mental benefits. A balanced healthy diet leads to feeling more energetic which in turn makes us feel more capable of physical activity. A healthy diet also reduces mood swings.

Sleep

Adequate rest and sleep are essential to good mental health, a lack of sleep leads to tiredness that leads to wanting energy which leads to a poor diet.        

As Employers What Can We Do to Support Our Employee’s Mental Well-being?

It is important to notice the signs of mental ill health, is someone quieter than normal, more withdrawn, missing social events, looking tired all the time for no apparent reason, have they recently suffered a loss, had a relationship breakdown etc.

If you do see a change in an individual’s behaviour or your team report to you that they have seen a change in a colleague, then you need to take some steps to help:

• Talk to the person or offer for them to talk to someone else if they do not feel comfortable talking to you.
• Listen intently, don’t judge, show empathy, give reassurance, give the person time, offer resources, and don’t offer solutions.

Resources for supporting individuals can include a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA), NHS England, Public Health England, and Charities.

Mental Health Awareness at KFA Connect

At KFA Connect we take our employee’s mental well-being very seriously.

Senior Management attends regular training on how best to support our employees and are always looking for new ways to support our hardworking team.

One of these ways includes our Employee Benefits program, Perkbox which offers curated ‘Wellness’ content for mental health and well-being as well as giving monthly points to every employee which can be used for a ‘perk’ of their choice. There are meditation sessions, Yoga & Pilates, sleep stories, workouts, music, and webinars as well as talking therapy and hypnotherapy on offer. It is also a way for peer-to-peer recognition to be shared within the team – especially important since we have adopted a hybrid approach to working, post-covid.

We believe that it’s the little things that make a difference, like giving our team Amazon vouchers on Employee Recognition Day in March and holding social events throughout the year to make sure we all spend time together as a team are all really important.

Richard Austin

KFA Connect – Director

29th March 2023

Get in touch with our team today.

Software companies have a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainable practices.

As the world continues to become more aware of the impact of human activities on the environment, there is an increasing demand for companies to adopt more sustainable practices.

Software companies are no exception and have a significant impact on the environment, both through their operations and the products they create. In fact, as digital technologies become more pervasive in our daily lives, software companies have a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainable practices.

Here Are Some Ways Software Companies Can Be More Sustainable:

Use Renewable Energy Sources

One of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions is the energy used to power data centres and servers. By switching to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, software companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. For example, Microsoft has committed to being carbon negative by 2030 and has already made significant investments in renewable energy.

Companies can also use energy-efficient hardware and employ power management techniques to reduce their energy consumption.

Optimise Software Design & Create Sustainable Software Solutions

Software companies can also reduce their carbon footprint by optimizing their software design. This includes designing software that uses fewer resources such as memory, storage, and processing power. This not only makes the software more efficient but also reduces the energy needed to power data centres.

Software companies can create sustainable software products by developing energy-efficient algorithms and features that reduce the energy consumption of devices. Companies can also design products that encourage users to reduce their energy consumption, like smart thermostats and lighting systems.

Turn off systems that are not needed 24/7

It is very easy to ‘run up’ a server to install some software and see how it works for you but remember to switch it off when you have finished. Applications are often used for a piece of development and are not needed again for a period of time.

Whilst these systems are running they are using power so be sure to regularly check which systems you are using and how often and turn them off when not in use.

Embrace Remote Work

Remote work can significantly reduce a company’s carbon footprint by reducing the need for commuting thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and office space.

By embracing remote work, software companies can reduce their energy consumption, save on office expenses, and attract talented employees from around the world.

Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating this trend. In addition, remote work can also improve work-life balance and increase employee satisfaction.

Practice Sustainable Product Development

Sustainable product development involves considering the entire product lifecycle, from design to disposal. This includes using environmentally friendly materials, designing products that can be easily disassembled and recycled, and minimising the amount of packaging used.

By adopting sustainable product development practices, software companies can reduce their impact on the environment.

Use Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a more sustainable option than traditional data centres because it allows multiple users to share the same resources. This reduces the need for individual companies to build and maintain their data centres, which can be costly and resource intensive.

Adopt Green Business Practices

Software companies can adopt green business practices like recycling, reducing waste, and minimizing their use of paper products. Companies can also source environmentally friendly products and services and choose suppliers who share their sustainability goals.

Support Environmental Causes

Software companies can support environmental causes through partnerships with non-profit organisations or through donations.

Companies can also engage their employees in environmental causes by organising volunteer activities or encouraging them to participate in community initiatives.

Measure & Report on Sustainability

To be truly sustainable, companies must measure and report on their sustainability efforts. Companies can track their energy consumption, carbon emissions, waste reduction, and other sustainability metrics to assess their progress and identify areas for improvement.

By publicly reporting on their sustainability efforts, companies can also demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and transparency.

In conclusion, software companies have a significant opportunity to reduce their environmental impact and become more sustainable.

By embracing remote work, using renewable energy, adopting green business practices, creating sustainable software products, supporting environmental causes, and measuring and reporting on sustainability, companies can make a positive impact on the environment while also building a more sustainable business.

Nicki Smith

KFA Connect – Sales & Marketing Manager

27th March 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

2 FREE 90-Minute Consultancy Sessions

Let our Team of IBM i experts suggest solutions for existing issues, discuss any existing project requirements or help plan new projects with 2 FREE 90-Minute Consultancy Sessions*.

We are giving your business access to our team of experts who will be able to assist you with new ideas for your IBM i application, migration from the IBM i, IBM i integration or improvements to the day-to-day operational running of your system.

Acknowledging that every business has very unique needs, we propose the first session will be one of discovery where we will discuss your needs in detail. Once we have these details we will identify the best member(s) of the team to attend the second session where we will be able to discuss in greater detail.

The intended outcome of the two sessions is to present you with solutions that will enable your business to grow and thrive in the digital age, ensuring full leverage of the IBM i to drive business growth and success.  

In addition to our expertise in IBM i, KFA’s consultants also bring a wealth of knowledge in other areas of technology. They will help business owners better understand web development, software development and can provide guidance on how to utilise these in the most effective way.

Our Services

• IBM i Application Modernisation
• IBM i Development
• IBM i Data Migration
• IBM i eCommerce Integration
• IBM i Integration
• IBM i System Upgrades
• IBM i Testing
• IBM i Support

The Important bit…

*Free consulting sessions are subject to availability and the offer is valid for sessions booked and held on or before 31/07/2023. 

Sessions can be used to discuss current code, databases, and application interfaces and scope potential projects but do not include implementing any system changes. 

If your intention is to migrate from the IBM i we will also be able to offer the free consultancy services to assist you with the process. KFA Connect will provide a written quotation on request for any requirements identified during the sessions that you would like us to deliver. 

There is no obligation to engage in the services of KFA Connect beyond the free consultancy sessions. 

24th March 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

All You Can Eat or à la Carte?

We’ve all been there; searching for a must-have product we find that many outlets have availability, but the stock level is the same for all of them, coincidence? Obviously not, so what is going on?

It depends, but it is likely that the distributor or manufacturer of the product has made its entire product set and stock holding available to its resellers by way of a data feed, in that way the resellers can advertise all of those products on their websites, offering them to their customers, without having to hold stock themselves.

But what is a data feed, and is it something that can be used with your IBM i systems?

Thankfully the first question is simple, and the second? The answer there is a resounding yes!  A data feed is simply a set of information or ‘data’ that is provided in an automated way.  Sometimes this data will be live, sometimes it will be generated on a schedule.

Hang on, that sounds a lot like EDI…

Absolutely, and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) should be considered a form of data feed.  EDI is highly standardised so that any company using an EDI standard can transact with any other using the same standard.  The complexities of EDI are beyond the scope of this post, suffice it to say that whilst EDI is a system of data feeds, there are many data feeds which are not EDI.

So, what about the IBM i?

IBM have always been at the forefront of business computing and the IBM i and its predecessors the i Series, AS/400, and System36/38 were no exception.  There are a variety of methods that can be used to provide data feeds to business partners, let’s run through some of them now:

• File Transfer – Going right back to 1971 FTP has been a standardised method of allowing a system to place and retrieve files from a remote system.  These days Secure Shell (SSH) based methods such as Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) or Secure Copy Protocol (SCP) offer a secure way to move files.  Your IBM i supports all of these methods natively, using the integrated programming tools simple (or complex) automations can be created to allow data feeds to be utilised.

• Flat Files – A frequently used term that describes a number of file types that contain data in rows.  Common types would include comma-separated, and tab-delimited files.  These files could carry the data being provided (or consumed) in the feed.  Again, like FTP or SFTP the IBM i has supported this functionality natively since its inception.

• Web Services & APIs – These offer a different way of presenting data, rather than a file being generated which is transferred and then processed to extract the data; a web service offers the data directly so that partners can securely connect to it on their own schedules (pull) and be selective about the data that they access.  The IBM i can both provide web services and connect to them making it easy to integrate with the systems of your business partners.

• Direct Database Connectivity – As an IBM i user, you will be aware of the incredible performance offered by the DB/2 database which is completely integrated in the platform.  Using database connectors, for example, Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) or Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) connections can be made to this data and information transferred directly.  In the same way, those connection methods can be used to connect to partner systems also.

So, whether it’s providing stock levels or pricing so that you can enable your customers to sell your products easily, or using the Google Merchant Center to make sure your services are found in every search, data feeds can satisfy the appetite of all diners.

Joe Vavasour

KFA Connect IT Manager

22nd March 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

Mark Narramore – Support Manager, KFA Connect

Starting Out…

Having left school and completed a diploma in Business and Salesmanship at college I didn’t really have any idea of where my future lay. A YTS trainee at a local manufacturing firm saw me placed in a Purchase Ledger department which I was running within 18 months, managing a team of 6 people.

Pulling an all-nighter Assisting IBM sorting out a Disk issue on our IBM System/38, I caught the IT bug. The company then sent me on a Basic Operations course so I could better assist the IT Department, as well as still running my own department.

When the IT manager left, I was overlooked for the vacant position by someone more experienced and it was at this point I decided to venture out and see what other IT opportunities were available in the marketplace.

Banking On It!

In 1989, I joined a large multinational bank as a System Operator, mainly managing multiple applications running on a number of AS/400 Systems, scheduling backups, running end-of-day processes, attending offsite Disaster Recovery/Contingency tests at IBM Sites, as well as traveling to various sites across Europe, understanding their operational requirements before moving their processes into the UK.

Seven years of shift work as a now Senior Operator was enough, and having become proficient at CL Programming, I decided to move into the programming department as an RPG Trainee Programmer in 1996. I adapted to this role quickly firstly supporting the banking applications overnight before being sent to various sites worldwide to implement various banking applications and updates.

A Small Break From Banking

In 1998, I left the bank and went contracting as a Senior Analyst Programmer. This increased my experience of both programming and working for different companies in a variety of environments. For my final contract, I was working back in the bank at their branch in London assisting with various projects.

Whilst there, I found a permanent role as a Technical Support Analyst back in the Banks Operations Centre. Here I was responsible for system builds and integrations, onsite Disaster Recovery Test planning, Operating System upgrades/planning, and software replication as well as providing full support for all Systems, working closely with IBM to work through any operational or hardware issues.

Having worked closely with IBM on a number of performance-related issues, I became interested in this subject and moved into the Performance and Capacity Planning department. This included monitoring the performance of the systems, tweaking systems for optimum performance as well as analysing existing capacity, making recommendations where necessary, and working closely with IBM providing Systems Performance/Trace/Debug/PEX Data when working on Software or Hardware issues. Some time was also spent at IBM in Rochester bench-marking some of the bank’s applications as well as attending the IBM Large User Group (LUG) sessions which were also based in Rochester.      

Life outside the Bank

After leaving the bank late in 2014, I took a couple of technical support contracts within the insurance and manufacturing industry. I then found another contract as an RPG Development and Support Manager which required moving the UK portion of Staples Application from the US to the UK, which became Office Outlet. This required time spent in Belgium, where the application was supported, to learn the operational and technical requirements needed to move UK portion of the application back to the UK, working with a 3rd Party to set up and configure a new IBMi system to support this workload.

This required me to build a team of iSeries experts to support the Application / Infrastructure, creating training documentation for UK staff and managing additional projects as required by the business.   

KFA Connect

In February 2020 I joined KFA Connect as their Support Manager. This role is varied and enables me to use my past IT experiences on the various projects we are engaged in.

I feel very fortunate to have a great team around me who are amazing to work with and have an amazing attitude towards their work. This exemplifies this company’s ethos.

Work-Life Balance

I enjoy good company as well as my own. I do not travel, play golf, or go fishing as often as I used to but when I do I find these very enjoyable, therapeutic, and relaxing things to do. As I get older, I am certainly more into taking life easier, taking the dog for a walk, enjoying nature, reading, and meditation.

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

KFA Connect Fore-ward Thinking

KFA Connect are now the proud sponsors of Bay number 5 on the driving range at Hamptworth Golf Club.

Located in the heart of the beautiful New Forest, Hamptworth Driving Range is now fitted with the latest Top Tracer Technology, which makes perfecting your swing easy.

It has technology that tracks your ball flight, distance, ball speed, trajectory, and so much more, all conveniently displayed on a screen behind you.

You can even play virtual golf courses on screen such as Pinehurst, St Andrews etc.

Hamptworth Golf Club has fantastic facilities; with 8 covered bays, a short game area, and a large putting green, there’s something for everyone, regardless of your skill level.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to fine-tune your technique or a beginner just starting out, Hamptworth has everything you need to get the most out of your practice sessions.

Possibly the best thing about Hamptworth Driving Range is the stunning location. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the New Forest, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views as you work on your game.

KFA Connect have also recently sponsored the installation of a defibrillator at Hamptworth Golf Club, so you can feel safe whilst you play.

Finley Austin

KFA Connect – Marketing Assistant

21st March 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

KFA Connect helps Nutland Carpets Accessories to print PDF’s from their IBM i.

IBM i Application Development

IBM i (formerly known as AS/400) is a platform for business computing that provides a robust and reliable environment for running applications. IBM i application development involves creating and maintaining software applications that run on the IBM i platform.

For decades, applications have been developed on what is now called the IBM i. In the 80’s there were many applications developed to run specifically on the IBM midrange platform each specific to the industry they were developed for.

These applications have been enhanced over the years to introduce new functionality and to meet regulatory rules.

Many applications have been written from scratch where companies bought IBM hardware and then developed the systems they needed on those platforms.

There are therefore hundreds of IBM i applications running legacy applications in the UK all developed over a period of 40+ years.

RPG

The predominant programming language of the IBM i is RPG (Report Program Generator). RPG programs reading/writing/updating the native IBM i database DB2, deliver incredible processing speeds on a system that is renowned for its reliability.

RPG was introduced in 1959 but RPG II was the language of the S/3X machines that were the predecessors to the AS/400. RPG II was/is a programming language that used the program cycle where the system would control the logic of reading records from files.

Did you know?

• RPG was preceded by a language called FARGO which was also a Report Generator language. (Wikipedia)

• RPG III was introduced for the S/38 and was the main language of the AS/400 (although renamed RPG400).

• The main text editor for the AS/400 was SEU (Source Entry Utility) – it allows developers to create, modify, and compile RPG, COBOL, and CL source code.

Other development tools on the system include:

• SDA (screen Design Aid) was a tool for developing and designing user interfaces for data entry and enquiry.

• RLU (report layout utility) was a tool for developing and designing reports for printing.

RPG IV & RPG LE

1994 saw the release of RPG IV and RPGLE, this iteration of RPG introduced the first change in RPG moving away from fixed format code to free format. It took until 2013 before a truly free-format RPG was released by IBM.

Even though RPG has continued to evolve over the years with more built in functions, SQL functions and the capability to link to Java objects, code that was written in RPG II 40 years ago will still run on the platform today alongside code written in free format.

RDi

Together with updates to RPG, IBM introduced Rational Developer for i (RDi) in 2008: An integrated development environment (IDE) that provides a comprehensive set of tools for developing IBM i applications. RDi supports several programming languages, including RPG, COBOL, Java, CL and SQL. This tool effectively replaced SEU on the AS/400.

Whatever iteration of RPG your legacy systems are written in and whatever development tools you use, KFA have extensive experience of development on the IBM i with a team of staff who either grew up coding RPG II and have coded everything in between or started recently learning the latest version.  

Richard Austin

KFA Connect – Director

15th March 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

Joe Vavasour – IT Manager, KFA Connect

Starting Out…

Can take anything to pieces, can put most things back together again. 

I grew up during the golden age of computing when technology was anything but ubiquitous and many had not even seen a computer let alone owned one, but from the first time I saw one I was hooked.  It wasn’t just computers either, it was technology of any sort, and I didn’t just want to use it I wanted to understand how it worked. 

My early working life was spent in the photographic industry working in photographic equipment sales, computing was very much relegated to a lapsed interest.  However, I knew that I didn’t want to stay in retail long term and began exploring other potential career paths.   

The Beginning of a Career in IT!

After an unhappy year or so working in corporate insolvency for an accountancy firm, I found myself working as a management trainee in the automotive industry where one day frustrated on the reliance on paper datasheets, and individual knowledge I decided to develop a database driven application to enable the quick identification of components. 

I Interviewed for a small IT company which had been formed by two BT stalwarts and was thrilled to get the job, slightly less thrilled to be told that I was second choice!  However, whilst inexperienced and still very young, my enthusiasm for technology and its application flourished. 

I worked with technologies that are now universal, technologies such as Wireless Lan (WIFI) as part of one of perhaps three companies in the field, we were one of the first to put WIFI and long range point to point links into operating theatres, rally cars, offices, even whole villages; and our mobile computing offerings took me to places from warehouses, to airfields, supermarkets, even the JET fusion reactor. Because the company was small having multiple roles was essential and I became responsible for the computer systems and networks internally whilst selling and supporting our then leading WMS system for small business across the UK. 

Starting at KFA

I became the father to a little boy who was critically ill almost from the point of his birth, he shocked everybody except his mum and I by pulling through and so as a family we looked at what was important to us and decided to relocate to the South of England to be close to family and so that my wife could pursue her career. 

It was at this point that I interviewed for an IT support role at a small company in rural Dorset, Kingfisher Associates (KFA Connect) really just to give myself something to do!  That role changed as KFA changed; I now provide technical sales, business analysis, software development, whilst still managing the infrastructure and computer systems of what has become a diverse team working in many fields. 

Work-Life Balance

I am passionate about music, reading, and film, still enjoy getting my hands dirty building things and taking them to pieces, and can fix pretty much anything, given time! I love living so close to the South Downs, the New Forest, and the coast, and can often be found watching the sunset with my family, some good food, and a glass of wine. 

And that early fascination with technology, software, and systems?  Still going strong! 

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.