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Chris Scholefield from Inception Software Technology Inc. provides us with an Insight into Wireless History

BC Technology Review - Wireless History in BC

Did you know that the wireless industry in BC celebrates its 30 year anniversary? It all started with a small project in Macdonald Dettwiler and Associates to study the use of wireless data communications for the RCMP. This became a trial system for the Vancouver police and a year later Mobile Data International was born in 1978. Since then the industry has grown to the large cluster that exists today.

A new podcast is been launched to capture and tell the fascinating stories of these early pioneers and to learn the lessons of wisdom from the people who have "been there". In June we will hear from Dr John Macdonald, founder of Macdonald Dettwiler and Associates talking about how he started by designing real-time systems for microwave communication. He will tell about the evolution of the business into satellite imaging, synthetic-aperture radar, information products and the spin-off that resulted in the creation of MDI. John concludes in his 4th and last episode by talking passionately about why he feels compelled to return from retirement to work on his latest project at Day4Energy.

In July, Victor Jones, former President of Mobile Data International will be talking about the early days of MDI, starting with a handful of employees, how they were approached by Frederick W Smith of FedEx to supply mobile terminals and the strategy developed to handle the enormous growth in the business. He will also talk about his current interest in Nano Technology.

Future episodes will be announced as interviews with wireless and technology leaders are recorded and scheduled. The "BC Technology Review" podcast will be posted weekly at http://inceptionsoft.net and is available through iTunes and other podcast distributions.

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September 8 - 12, 2007

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