NZCS News

NZCS News http://www.nzcs.org.nz/news/ en NZCS - http://www.nzcs.org.nz/ Newsline is back! Big update, RFPs, ICT Trends of App Devs and FYXing the Interwebs http://www.nzcs.org.nz/news/archives/3483-Newsline_is_back_Big_update_RFPs_ICT_Trends_of_App_Devs_and_FYXing_the_Interwebs NZCS News Paul Matthews NZCS has released the latest NZCS Newsline.In This Issue: <ul><li>Paul Matthews: And... we're back!</li> <li>NZCS: Consultation on Degree Accreditation closes Friday</li> <li>Juha Saarinen: Request for thought</li> <li>Garry Roberton: ICT Trends: Tertiaries and App Development</li> <li>Paul Brislen: It's the Internet, stupid</li> <li>ICTEvents.co.nz: List of upcoming tech-related conferences</li> <li>NZCS: The Woz coming to New Zealand!</li> <li>ICT around town: All the latest ICT-related events in your area </li> </ul>You can view the NZCS Newsline <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/newsletter/63" target="_blank">here</a>. Wed, 09 May 2012 10:51:47 +1200 NZCS calls for submissions on Degree Accreditation model http://www.nzcs.org.nz/news/archives/3383-NZCS_calls_for_submissions_on_Degree_Accreditation_model NZCS News Paul Matthews NZCS has been working with the tertiary community on a proposal to implement internationally aligned Accreditation of IT-related degrees (eg Computer Science, Information Systems, ICT, Applied Computing etc) across New Zealand in the same way that the professional body in most other professions accredit degrees. The IT professional bodies in most other countries already accredit IT degrees and many have come together to form the Seoul Accord cross-recognition agreement, recognising accredited degrees from Australia, USA, UK, Japan, Canada, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong in each of these countries. It is thus imperative to ensure that IT graduates continue to have their New Zealand degrees recognised in these countries in future and that our degrees are seen as world class. The proposed model involves creating an Australia/New Zealand ICT Accreditation Board to oversee accreditation in both countries, in conjunction with the Australian Computer Society (ACS). ACS have been accrediting degrees for over 20 years. Please see this previous Newsline article for background information: <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/newsletter/article/230" target="_blank">http://www.nzcs.org.nz/newsletter/article/230</a> NZCS is very pleased to call for submissions on this proposed model, ahead of a final decision by the NZCS National Council on whether to proceed with the project and implement IT-related Degree Accreditation in New Zealand. We strongly encourage you to take a look at the <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/accreditation/faq" target="_blank">Frequently Asked Questions</a> before proceeding. These contain answers to the most frequently asked questions about the proposed degree accreditation model from previous consultations and discussions. <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/files/accreditation.zip">Click here</a> [zip, 600kb] to download the full consultation document set. This includes an introductory document outlining more details about the rationale for IT-related degree accreditation in New Zealand. Submissions should be emailed to <a href="mailto:accreditation@nzcs.org.nz">accreditation@nzcs.org.nz</a> on or before 11th May 2012. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:36:43 +1200 NZCS Consultations: Name change and Cloud Code of Practice http://www.nzcs.org.nz/news/archives/3361-NZCS_Consultations_Name_change_and_Cloud_Code_of_Practice NZCS Blog Paul Matthews Hi , This is just a quick reminder that there are currently two matters open for consultation at NZCS and we would really love your feedback on either or both. We've sent you this as you've indicated you want to receive NZCS updates and news. Both of these have the potential to make a significant impact on the future of both our organisation and the IT sector as a whole and we believe it's absolutely essential you have your say.   <h3>1. NZCS Name Change Proposal</h3> NZCS recently released and began a formal consultation process on a proposal to change the Society's name to Institute of IT Professionals to better reflect who we are and what our field has become since the time our organisation was originally named in the 60s. We strongly encourage everyone, members and otherwise, to consider the <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/files/ourname.pdf" target="_blank">Consultation and Discussion Document</a> including the rationale for change and make your submission to <a href="mailto:submissions@nzcs.org.nz">submissions@nzcs.org.nz</a> before 15 April 2012. Your submission can take any form from a one-liner saying you support the change or not, through to a response to the specific 10 questions in the Consultation Doc. All we ask is that you read the consultation document first and we really want to hear from YOU. This proposal will only proceed if there is a mandate from membership. If you agree with the change we still need to hear from you. More details are available in <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/newsletter/article/281" target="_blank">this Newsline article</a> and NZCS members can also discuss or leave their views at the NZCS LinkedIn group which will also be considered during the submission review process.   <h3>2. Code of Practice for Cloud Computing (CloudCode) </h3> Following a request from a group of Cloud Computing providers, NZCS has developed a draft Code of Practice for Cloud Computing (known as the "CloudCode"). The Code of Practice is a voluntary disclosure-based document laying out the minimum standards and disclosures reputable cloud computing providers should proactively supply to their clients. The CloudCode has been developed collaboratively with over 200 people providing input and has received much publicity already locally and around the world. You can view the draft Code and Consultation Document at <a href="http://www.nzcloudcode.org.nz/consultation/" target="_blank">www.nzcloudcode.org.nz/consultation</a> Consultation ends next week - submissions need to be sent to <a href="mailto:cloudsubmissions@nzcs.org.nz">cloudsubmissions@nzcs.org.nz</a> before 5pm next Tuesday 10th April 2012.   We hope you'll choose to participate in these important consultations. Regards, - The team at NZCS Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:16:23 +1200 NZCS releases draft Cloud Computing Code of Practice http://www.nzcs.org.nz/news/archives/3324-NZCS_releases_draft_Cloud_Computing_Code_of_Practice Press Releases Paul Matthews The New Zealand Computer Society (NZCS) today released the draft of the New Zealand Cloud Computing Code of Practice (or "CloudCode") for consultation following broad input from across the IT industry.  The CloudCode was developed following calls from a number of significant Cloud providers for a framework of voluntary self-regulated disclosures and minimum standards for those offering cloud-based services in New Zealand. CloudCode Coordinator Joy Cottle today said "More than 200 people and a significant number of cloud-based IT businesses have contributed to the development of the Code, which includes a set of disclosures and minimum standards for Cloud providers." The CloudCode has been developed as an industry initiative under the auspices of the New Zealand Computer Society (NZCS), the independent professional body of the IT sector. "Development of the Code was funded by industry with major contributions from NZCS, Gen-i, Equinox, OneNet, Webdrive and Xero, plus Salesforce.com, Google, EOSS Online Ltd, InternetNZ, NZRise and Systems Advisory Services also contributing", Cottle said. NZCS chief executive Paul Matthews said "NZCS are very happy to have reached this milestone, releasing this draft of the Code for consultation, and we're looking forward to feedback from the industry and public over the next few weeks to help identify gaps and areas that can be improved". "New Zealand is one of the first countries to develop such a code and we're leading the way in this area globally with many international eyes watching the progress of the development of this code of practice", Cottle said. "The NZ Code has been developed with a focus of proactive (ie up front) disclosure to clients and is very heavily focused on providing easily understandable information from the non-technical consumer's point of view", Cottle concluded. The draft Code and consultation docs are available from the CloudCode website (<a href="http://www.nzcloudcode.org.nz/consultation">www.nzcloudcode.org.nz/consultation</a>) with submissions open to all interested parties closing on the 10th of April 2012. ENDS Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:00:45 +1300 Draft CloudCode released, iPads, the Bechdel test and ICANN issues http://www.nzcs.org.nz/news/archives/3321-Draft_CloudCode_released_iPads_the_Bechdel_test_and_ICANN_issues NZCS News Paul Matthews NZCS has released the latest NZCS Newsline.In This Issue: <ul><li>Joy Cottle: Draft Cloud Computing Code of Practice released</li> <li>Juha Saarinen: A confession</li> <li>Paul Brislen: Take the Bechdel Test</li> <li>Keith Davidson: What the NTIA decision on ICANN actually means</li> <li>Spotlight event: NZ Sharepoint Conference coming up!</li> <li>ICT around town: All the latest ICT-related events in your area </li> </ul>You can view the NZCS Newsline <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/newsletter/62" target="_blank">here</a>. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:42:58 +1300 Bumper Newsline: Bad news on SKA, #TPP update, Inbox war and ICANN, Privacy, Posture and more http://www.nzcs.org.nz/news/archives/3305-Bumper_Newsline_Bad_news_on_SKA_TPP_update_Inbox_war_and_ICANN_Privacy_Posture_and_more NZCS News Paul Matthews NZCS has released the latest NZCS Newsline.In This Issue: <ul><li>Paul Matthews: Bad news on the SKA plus #TPP update</li> <li>Juha Saarinen: Inbox War, Sabu and ICANN</li> <li>Marie Shroff: Privacy Update: Data breach - it could be you</li> <li>Dr Joel Taylor : Improve your "network" with better posture</li> <li>Spotlight Event: Apple's Steve Wozniak coming to New Zealand</li> <li>ICT around town: All the latest ICT-related events in your area </li> </ul>You can view the NZCS Newsline <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/newsletter/61" target="_blank">here</a>. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:18:58 +1300 Consultation opens on renaming NZCS. Plus Government, tax and Windows http://www.nzcs.org.nz/news/archives/3285-Consultation_opens_on_renaming_NZCS_Plus_Government_tax_and_Windows NZCS News Paul Matthews NZCS has released the latest NZCS Newsline.In This Issue: <ul><li>Paul Matthews: Formal consultation begins on changing our name</li> <li>Juha Saarinen: Windows Late</li> <li>Perce Harpham: When will Government walk the talk?</li> <li>Robyn Walker: It's that taxing time of year again</li> <li>Spotlight Event: Check out Multicore World</li> <li>ICT around town: All the latest ICT-related events in your area </li> </ul>You can view the NZCS Newsline <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/newsletter/60" target="_blank">here</a>. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +1300 NZCS Branch Committees - Voting Now Open http://www.nzcs.org.nz/news/archives/3270-NZCS_Branch_Committees_Voting_Now_Open NZCS Blog Paul Matthews Hi , NZCS Branch Election voting is NOW OPEN. Please note: <ul> <li>Voting is NOW OPEN for the Auckland and Wellington Branches. <a href="https://www.nzcs.org.nz/members/voting" target="_blank">Vote Here</a>.</li> <li>Committees have been elected unopposed in Canterbury, Waikato/BoP, and Otago/Southland.</li> <li>There are no Overseas positions being elected.</li> </ul> Those in Auckland and Wellington - please consider casting your votes now.   <h2>Auckland</h2> You can view candidates and cast your votes now - <a href="https://www.nzcs.org.nz/members/voting" target="_blank">click here to vote</a>. There are a total of 11 candidates for 8 positions. Standing for Auckland Branch Committee <ul> <li>AMOR, Robert</li> <li>ANDREWS, Regan</li> <li>BANSAL, Amit</li> <li>GRACIE, Nathan</li> <li>GREENAWAY, P-J</li> <li>LLOYD, Jo</li> <li>MERCER, Nathan</li> <li>MITCHELL, Ian</li> <li>SATTAR, Farhan</li> <li>SIMEON, John</li> <li>WELLS, Ken</li> </ul> <a href="https://www.nzcs.org.nz/members/voting" target="_blank">click here to vote</a>. If you just wish to see details of the candidates without logging in, <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/election/auckland" target="_blank">click here</a>.   <h2>Wellington</h2> You can view candidates and cast your votes now - <a href="https://www.nzcs.org.nz/members/voting" target="_blank">click here to vote</a>. There are a total of 12 candidates for 9 positions. Standing for NZCS National Council <ul> <li>WEBB, Paul [Elected Unopposed]</li> </ul> Standing for Wellington Branch Committee <ul> <li>BUNKER, Beverley</li> <li>EASTWOOD, Elizabeth</li> <li>HEATH, Paul</li> <li>HUDSON, Brett</li> <li>KAUR, Sue</li> <li>KLITSCHER, Carl</li> <li>MARSHALL, Stuart</li> <li>MORGAN, Blair</li> <li>PROW, Andy</li> <li>ROWE, Brian</li> <li>RUTHVEN, Graeme</li> </ul> <a href="https://www.nzcs.org.nz/members/voting" target="_blank">click here to vote</a>. If you just wish to see details of the candidates without logging in, <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/election/wellington" target="_blank">click here</a>.   <h2 style="font-size: 1.5em;">Canterbury</h2> I'm very pleased to announce that the following have been elected unopposed in Canterbury. Voting is hence not necessary. <ul> <li>ASCROFT, John</li> <li>BRITTAN, Matt</li> <li>DALE, Tony</li> <li>HALL, Henrietta</li> <li>MOWLEM, Lynette</li> <li>O'SULLIVAN, Simon</li> <li>VAN LOKVEN, Mike</li> </ul> Mehdi Asgarkhani will join the Committee as National Councillor for the Canterbury region (partway through his term). Note that these results are Interim until the branch AGM.   <h2>Waikato/BoP</h2> I'm very pleased to announce that the following have been elected unopposed in Waikato/BoP. Voting is hence not necessary. <ul> <li>HALLETT, David [National Councillor]</li> <li>CUNNINGHAM, Sally Jo</li> <li>DENNEHY, Mike</li> <li>LEE, Phillip</li> <li>LIGHT, Eric</li> <li>OSBORNE, Peter</li> <li>POTGIETER, Christo</li> <li>REITER, Klaus  </li> </ul> Note that these results are Interim until the branch AGM.   <h2>Otago/Southland</h2> I'm very pleased to announce that the following have been elected unopposed in Otago/Southland. Voting is hence not necessary. <ul> <li>DOWLING, Anthony [National Councillor]</li> <li>LOVE, Darrell</li> <li>PAINE, Grant</li> <li>SCOULAR, David</li> <li>SIMPSON, Ian</li> <li>WOODFORD, Brendon</li> </ul> Note that these results are Interim until the branch AGM.   <h2>More Information</h2> <h3>What are Branch Committees?</h3> The NZCS Branch Committees are the lifeblood of local representation of the ICT Profession and we need the best people involved. The role of Branch Committees is diverse including such things as: <ul> <li>Representing NZCS and the ICT Profession to local industry and others, and being the local liaison to the Society</li> <li>Coordinating and assisting with local NZCS events</li> <li>Promoting and advancing Society activities and initiatives</li> <li>Raising awareness of NZCS as an organisation - who we are and what we do  </li> </ul> In short, the Branch Committees are the "go-to" people on the ground across the country and the front line for the Society and ICT Profession. Good committees are made up of a strong mix of people including those well connected to different communities, those with drive, those with good organisational skills, and those keen to pull up sleeves and put a little effort into something they believe in. Time commitments aren't strenuous for most roles - in most cases just a couple of hours a month plus helping out at NZCS events, with Branch Officers (especially Chairs and National Councillors) putting in a little more. Volunteering on Branch Committees is a great way to "give a little back" to the sector, and looks great on your CV. You can find out more about the role of Branch Committees in <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/files/NZCS-Branch-Committees-Info.pdf" target="_blank">this document [PDF]</a>.   <h3 style="font-size: 1.17em;">Timeline for Process</h3> The following timeline will be used for elections: <ul> <li>Midnight 14 Feb 2012: Nominations Open</li> <li>Midnight 28 Feb 2012: Nominations Close</li> <li>01 Mar 2012: Voting Opens</li> <li>3pm of the day before Branch AGM (see below): Voting Closes</li> </ul> Branch AGMs will occur on the following dates (Note that a formal invitation to the AGM will be issued in due course and times may change slightly): <ul> <li>12:00pm 15 March 2012: Waikato/BoP Branch AGM (in Hamilton)</li> <li>06:00pm 15 March 2012: Auckland Branch AGM</li> <li>12:00pm 22 March 2012: Otago/Southland Branch AGM (in Dunedin)</li> <li>06:00pm 22 March 2012: Canterbury Branch AGM (in Christchurch)</li> <li>06:00pm 29 March 2012: Wellington Branch AGM</li> </ul> <ul> </ul>   <h3>Who is Eligible?</h3> According to the NZCS Constitution and Bylaws: <ul> <li>ALL members of all grades may nominate individuals for Branch Committees and National Council</li> <li>Only Professional Members (Associate Member, Full Member, Fellow) and Honorary Fellows may be nominated to Branch Committees</li> <li>Only Full Members and Fellows may be nominated to be National Councillors</li> <li>Only Professional Members (Associate Member, Full Member, Fellow) may vote in elections</li> </ul> The NZCS Member Register shows your member type as: . Note that eligibility for membership grades is <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/membership/professional" target="_blank">outlined here</a>. It is free to apply to change membership grades.   <h3>The Process</h3> The Nomination process is simple: <ol> <li>Any eligible member may be nominated to their Branch Committee or for the National Councillor role (see "How to Nominate" below)</li> <li>The Society Secretary (Paul Matthews, CEO) will contact nominated members to ascertain eligibility, willingness, and give them an opportunity to put forward a brief statement (bio) and photo if they so wish</li> <li>Assuming more nominations than positions, an electronic vote will take place with all eligible members (see above) given the opportunity to vote in their area</li> <li>The voting period will close, and results will be scrutinised</li> <li>The result will be declared at Branch AGMs around New Zealand</li> </ol> Note that this has substantially changed from the process prior to 2011. All voting is now conducted electronically PRIOR to the AGM.   <h3>Further Information</h3> You can find out more about the role of Branch Committees in <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/files/NZCS-Branch-Committees-Info.pdf" target="_blank">this document [PDF]</a>. For more information, please contact Paul Matthews, NZCS CEO and Society Secretary, at <a href="mailto:ceo@nzcs.org.nz">ceo@nzcs.org.nz</a>.   Regards, <img src="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/upload/287_paulsig.jpg" alt="paulsig.jpg" width="200" height="73" /> Paul Matthews Chief Executive / Society Secretary NZ Computer Society inc (NZCS) Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:19:24 +1300 Call for Supporting Partners: ICT-Connect in Schools http://www.nzcs.org.nz/news/archives/3264-Call_for_Supporting_Partners_ICT_Connect_in_Schools NZCS Blog Paul Matthews Hi , I hope you don't mind this direct message in relation to the NZCS ICT-Connect in Schools project. I've sent this to a wide distribution list so my apologies if you've received this more than once or we've discussed it directly already! If you're not in a position to make a decision on this on behalf of your company could I ask that you forward this on to those that are? Thanks!  As you may have seen from <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/newsletter/article/272" target="_blank">last week's Newsline</a>, NZCS is about to release a significant in-schools project called ICT-Connect which will see hundreds of IT Professionals around New Zealand visit schools and talk to students about future options in the IT sector. This is a big one. It's designed to permanently change the perception of IT as a sector in the minds of the next generation and to open their eyes to what a future in ICT actually means. It's an initiative many schools have been asking us for for a long time and we're very proud to be delivering it in 2012. <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/upload/ictconnectpartners.pdf" target="_blank">Details here</a>. This might all sound ambitious, however the fact is we know it works (via a very successful Pilot project previously). ICT-Connect will also help connect teachers with the local industry providing them the support they need to teach software and IT. We're absolutely confident this will lead to more kiwi kids choosing a bright future in IT and Internet-related fields. <h3>But we really need your help!</h3> NZCS will be facilitating and operating this project on behalf of the sector, however we can't do it alone. Many will know New Zealand and our sector has needed this initiative for a long time - now we need the industry to support it. Before we can get going we need a broad church of companies to come aboard and contribute as ICT-Connect Supporting Partners. There are options starting at just a few hundred dollars or larger levels for those keen to make a real difference. NZCS is contributing significantly to the cost of the programme, but running this project properly comes at a cost. However the good news is, spread across many the cost is not significant! Is your organisation prepared to help? Whether large or small, if you're prepared to help with this one it really will make a difference. Not only will you be contributing to the future of our sector and New Zealand but the project also comes with significant exposure and marketing opportunities. And trust me - we'll be yelling the virtues of those supporting the project from the rooftops! If you're interested, simply reply to this email and we can have a chat or download the Prospectus for Potential Partners here: <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/upload/ictconnectpartners.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.nzcs.org.nz/upload/ictconnectpartners.pdf</a> All funds will be ring-fenced for this project, including dedicated staff to coordinate the initiative and other resources such as brochures, videos, posters for schools, a website etc. Partner packages start from just a few hundred dollars or larger options for those keen to make a larger commitment to New Zealand's future. Again, I hope you don't mind me emailing directly however this really is an important one. I hope your company will consider supporting this project if you're able. Let me know if you're keen!   Regards, Paul Matthews Chief Executive NZ Computer Society Inc (NZCS)   P.S. I know many receiving this email may not be in a position to support this project. However there will be lots of other opportunities to get involved - stay tuned! P.P.S You've received this as you've previously indicated you want to receive news and correspondence from NZCS. IF you no longer do, simply either log into the NZCS site and unsubscribe or reply to this email and we'll take you off the list. Thanks. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:51:40 +1300 Update on NZCloudCode, Update hell, Micro-funding innovation and ICT Trends http://www.nzcs.org.nz/news/archives/3258-Update_on_NZCloudCode_Update_hell_Micro_funding_innovation_and_ICT_Trends NZCS News Paul Matthews NZCS has released the latest NZCS Newsline.In This Issue: <ul><li>Joy Cottle: Update on the CloudCode: Cloud standards in NZ</li> <li>Juha Saarinen: In update hell</li> <li>Brett Roberts: Micro-funding Innovation with Kickstarter</li> <li>Garry Robertson: ICT Trends: do I want to work for you?</li> <li>Spotlight Event: SANS Security Training, Australia</li> <li>ICT around town: All the latest ICT-related events in your area </li> </ul>You can view the NZCS Newsline <a href="http://www.nzcs.org.nz/newsletter/58" target="_blank">here</a>. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:50:51 +1300