Welcome to the IT Pro Panel Profile, where we talk to the CIOs, experts and IT leaders that make up the IT Pro Panel, and discover their top tech, pet peeves and IT inspirations.
The education sector can be a challenging one for any IT manager. Not only do you have to keep up with a vast number of younger, tech-savvy users (many of whom may well be trying to exploit holes in content-filtering systems and the like) you also have to give teachers the resources they need to effectively teach.
IT departments of academic institutions also frequently have to do their jobs with comparatively constrained budgets, all while making sure that pupils’ sensitive information is kept safe and secure.
As the Director of IT for the University of Suffolk, these are challenges that Peter O’Rourke is well familiar with these challenges. A veteran of the education sector, Peter also serves on UCISA’s executive committee, helping to shape the industry’s attitude to technology.
Peter O'Rourke
Director of IT - University of Suffolk
Describe your role in 20 words or fewer.
I aim to make a difference by understanding what our organisation and sector needs most to achieve.
What was your first computer?
I started out with the Texas Instruments Ti-99/4A - a venerable machine indeed!
What do you like most about working in IT?
I love the constant change.
If you could magically get rid of one piece of technology forever, what would it be, and why?
I’d get rid of anything described as ‘smart’. I find they are rarely as smart as people.
What future tech innovations are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about the ones that don't yet exist!
Who’s your biggest inspiration in the world of tech?
In recent years, I’ve been most inspired by Joseph Reger, Fujitsu’s EMEA CTO.
If you're a senior IT decision-maker and you'd like to apply to be part of the IT Pro Panel, please email panel@itpro.co.uk.
