Broadband map released under open source policy

carl May 27, 2008 - 23:02

The State Services Commission contracted local companies to develop the Broadband Map and have released the underlying code under an Open Source license according to this Computerworld article. The Broadband Map is part of the overall Digital Strategy and is designed to visually show demand areas by sector to encourage network infrastructure development. It has apparently been used with some success in Australia and the US so here's hoping.

Oh, and local companies ProjectX andSilverStripe both get plugs as well!!

Web Developer - Opus International Consultants Ltd.

carl May 27, 2008 - 22:28

Job Description

Opus International Consultants have the deserved reputation of being New Zealand's leading professional consultancy. We have consolidated our rich heritage and our services are increasingly in demand both in NZ and internationally. The Opus name is synonymous with innovation, professionalism and a solid track record of delivering a timely and quality service.

We are looking for a Web Developer to be an integral part of our GIS team. The role will involve:

* Develop and manage new open source web-based database and mapping applications for future projects.

* Maintain current PostgreSQL and PostGIS web-based GIS applications for a diverse set of clients.

* Assist in the creation of a spatial data infrastructure (SDI) for the Northern Region and Opus NZ.

* Support company enterprise and project-level GIS infrastructure and data management needs.

* Provide technical support on new and innovative spatial technologies.

The ideal applicant will preferably have a qualification in GIS or Computer Science (or of similar discipline). You will need to have experience in Web Development, and it would be beneficial if you had experience in Advanced SQL and Relational database concepts. Knowledge of the ESRI suite of products would be an advantage. It is also important that you have good communication skills and be willing to up-skill in GIS concepts and data and spatial analysis if required.

Full details of the role are available at http://recruitment.opusinternational.com/detail.aspx?jobId=60843&CoId=1942&rq=2

NZ education software wins People's Choice award

carl May 27, 2008 - 22:19

This Computerworld story is about the mainly New Zealand developed Open Source eLearning XHTML editor (eXe). This is an excellent effort and demonstrates yet again the power that the Open Source collaborative development model has in benefiting and supporting society.

There is also reference to how well eXe perfomed in a live test of a load into a Learning Management System. The test used a format called the "Common Cartridge" which is designed to allow compliant learning modules to be loaded into any complaint LMS, thus giving the end users the choice that standards are supposed to bring...

Lead Network Designer

CandleNZ May 20, 2008 - 09:46

Job Description

Join a market leader in their Infrastructure Design & Delivery team as a Lead Infrastructure Designer. A very challenging role, combined with a fantastic working environment makes this an excellent opportunity for a progressive and positive infrastructure designer.
 
The role:
Lead infrastructure design against a set of infrastructural architectures, patterns, standards and policies.
Facilitate and coordinate infrastructure deliverables associated with project delivery.
Hold responsibility for the design of infrastructure.
To provide an end to end view of infrastructure Design across the spectrum of infrastructure technologies.

Technical Expertise:
Broad understanding of infrastructure technologies: Ideally experienced with UNIX (Sun Solaris Preferred) along with knowledge of Wintel, Storage, Network, Voice etc.
Infrastructural design leadership, especially in the field of Service.
Provider infrastructure and applications.
IT Operations experience an advantage.
IT vendor management and negotiation skills.
Understands and applies best practice concepts to solutions design.

Your technical background would include strong Unix, with exposure to Storage, Wintel and Voice.

If you are a natural leader with the proven ability and experience to take this challenge...then call me now!!

Paul Jenkins T: 09 309 6534 E: pj@candle.co.nz

Job Reference

593978

Location

Auckland

SNZ Magazine Article

donchristie May 14, 2008 - 12:39

Over a month ago I was asked to submit an article for Standards NZ official magazine. That is an offline publication but it was released this week. Here is the article I submitted, it appears alongside a piece by Brett Roberts of Microsoft:

Don Christie of the NZOSS Discusses why he is Against the OOXML Standard

The Standards NZ press release announcing its recent decision to vote against Microsoft's proposed OOXML standard states what has been obvious to technical experts across the world:

Government Web Standards Wiki

carl May 8, 2008 - 23:09

One of our members has pointed out that there is a Government Web Standards Wiki up and running. From the about page we have "The intent of this wiki is to provide a collaborative website where anyone who is interested in the New Zealand Government Web Standards and Recommendations and Web Standards compliance can share knowledge and make suggestions on the future development of the Standards."

We know that a lot of work has already been done in this area by NZOSS members in Wellington especially so here is a chance to contribute on line as well if you wish.

You'll need to email the SSC to request an account and details of that process are available here.