Continuing our series profiling the finalists in the BCS
IT Professional Awards, this week we feature the shortlists for the
four technology award categories: Application of the Year,
Technology Services of the Year, Technology Social Contribution of
the Year and Technology Systems of the Year.
The finalists for the Technology Application of the Year Award
are:
- Prophet, Speed-trap
- CMS - Chemical COSHH Management System, Sypol
- Isys Software for the Outdoors, Isys Computers
- IBM Websphere UDDI registry development, IBM UK
Laboratories.
The finalists for the Technology Services of the Year Award
are:
- Hampshire public services network, Hampshire County
Council
- Integration testing programme, Royal Bank of Scotland
- Bacstel-IP, Bacs.
The finalists for the Technology Social Contribution of the Year
Award are:
- River pollution diagnostic system, Staffordshire
University
- Trinity and mobile location gateway, BT Exact
- London congestion charging scheme, Capita Group
- Social Inclusion through ICT, City of Sunderland
Council.
The finalists for the Technology Systems of the Year Award
are:
- Flyphones, BT Exact
- Erica, BT Exact
- Pixology Iriss, Pixology.
The awards recognise the best team or organisation to bring
excellence in computing to business value and social benefit.
The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony
before an audience of 700 IT professionals and other VIP guests on
Wednesday, 24 September at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel in
London.
For more information about the awards, contact Nisha Mukhey
Telephone: 020-7234 8711
E-mail: nisha.mukhey@quest-media.com
Web:
www.bcs.org/awards/professional
What the judges said about the finalists for the
Technology Application of the Year
ProphetSpeed-trap: This project records in
real-time the way users interact with web-based applications. The
results are used to improve web page design and navigation,
offering substantial benefits for e-business.
CMS - Chemical COSHH Management System, Sypol:
This is a major database application allowing users to conduct
risk assessment conforming to COSHH regulations. The system has an
innovative and user-friendly interface with the data presented in a
simple format using pictograms and minimal text.
ISYS Software for the Outdoor, sIsys
Computers: This software provides easy-to-use information
about walks in most of the UK and the Isle of Man. Data is based on
Harvey and Ordnance Survey maps and offers panoramic views and
route information.
IBM WEBSPHERE UDDI RegistryDevelopment, IBM UK Laboratories: Universal
Description, Discovery and Integration is a widely accepted
industry initiative and an important part of web services. It can
help users build effective web services at application and
infrastructure levels.
What the judges said about the finalists for the
Technology Service of the Year
Hampshire Public Services Network, Hampshire County
Council: Varying demands from the public and council
workers have necessitated an integrated networked solution that can
include voice and data. The network delivers a high-value, scalable
broadband technology that can adapt flexibly to demand.
Integration Testing Programme, Royal Bank of
Scotland: The merger of NatWest and Royal Bank of
Scotland required billions of customer accounts and billions of
pounds of funds to be correctly migrated and reconciled, as well as
allowing the bank to operate as normal. The project was delivered
ahead of schedule with substantial cost savings.
Bacstel-IP, Bacs: With demands predicted to
reach 100 million transactions a day in 2005, the Bacs system is
being enhanced through Bacstel-IP to provide an internet-based
payment service that connectsUK banks and customers to the Bacs
system. The service radically improves the interaction between
customers and banks and provides a secure public key
infrastructure.
What the judges said about the finalists for the
Technology Social Contribution of the Year
River Pollution Diagnostic System, Staffordshire
University: The river pollution system is used by the
Environmental Agency in England and Wales. Users can explore and
interpret archived and new data through a user-friendly
interface.
Trinity and Mobile Location Gateway, BT Exact:
This project allows the emergency authorities to achieve a faster
response to a wider range of emergency calls. It replaces the
present 999 database with an Oracle Spatial database that
identifies the correct authority to deal with an emergency
call.
Congestion Charging Scheme, Capita Group:
Capita has developed and deployed a congestion charging management
system without tolls or vehicle modification. The system comprises
image handling, number plate recognition, database interaction and
a comprehensive range of payment channels, including a text message
payment system.
Social Inclusion through ICT, City of Sunderland
Council: In a relatively deprived area, this project has
been based on creating an image of a preferred trusted service
provider, providing an e-government service platform with the
necessary infrastructure to ensure social inclusion.
What the judges said about the finalists for the
Technology System of the Year
Flyphones, BT Exact: This project addresses
the arbitration between mobile base stations over channels to allow
for variable loading and avoid interference. Algorithms have been
developed based on the growth of hairs on fruit flies.
ERICABT, Exact: This provides a managed
gateway to wireless networks, enabling new applications to be
launched faster and more cost effectively. It provides developers
with an online, single point of access without having to establish
direct secure remote access.
Pixology IRISS, Pixology Pixology Iriss is the
world's first red-eye removal technology. It can provide better
results from digital cameras, requires no user intervention and
reduces battery consumption by eliminating the pre-flash. The
software identifies discoloured eyes and automatically replaces the
redness.