The last couple of weeks have seen a number of conferences with an ICT theme.  LGfL, EMBC, Northern Grid and most recently SWGfL have all held events.  A theme coming forward is the impact of the cuts made by the new administration in ICT budgets.  £100million lost from the Harnessing Technology fund is having a significant impact – in many cases the money has been justifiably committed but not yet spent.  Everyone seems to be very focussed on how to either fill the funding gap or to reduce costs.  In rural SWGfL, where providing broadband connectivity of a quality fit for delivering educational services can be more expensive than in more urban areas, the challenges will be significant.

There’s a good round up of the events linked from Merlin John’s website and the report of proceedings in the southwest can be found here.

This week it’s the turn of Birmingham and their annual conference.  I wonder if the theme will continue?  We’re presenting at the event, talking about our OPENHIVE proposition.

How will the Harnessing Technology funding cuts impact on your school or business?

Patrick Kirk