Mr. Brian Halling

On graduating in mathematics in 1962, I joined the IT profession as a programmer with Rolls-Royce in Derby. I began by developing engineering computer systems for the Aero Engine Division, and later lead the corporate group responsible for operating software on the company’s multiple IBM mainframes. In the early 1970s I specialised in database software, and successfully introduced Adabas to the UK by introducing the relational concept to large organisations in the public and private sectors. During the 1980s I helped to grow a small software house into a major supplier to the automotive industry, and then spent the final eleven years of my career providing strategic advice to senior management in industry and commerce on how to exploit IT to redesign their businesses. I have been an active member of the British Computer Society since 1966, serving in various roles as a branch official, a member of the degree course accreditation panel and external examiner for IT degrees. In retirement I am still involved as a Life Fellow and Chartered IT Professional, with a keen interest in how new IT techniques are affecting the professional and ethical development of our society. During my long career in IT I became proficient in many programming environments spanning machine code, assembler languages, programming languages, 3GLs and systems development platforms using hardware from most major computer manufacturers. I have developed compilers, operating systems and database software. As a consultant I adapted a formal method for information strategy planning based on information engineering principles, helping a wide range of organisations adapt their business models to embrace IT. I relish relating new IT developments to their early beginnings, and have a keen interest in the history of this remarkable discipline.