News - 2008
BioGrid - The Computerworld Honours Program
BioGrid – Laureate Medal 2008
BioGrid Australia has received a Laureate Medal for the Computerworld Honours Program – a tribute to the leaders of the global IT revolution.
Ms Naomi Rafael from BioGrid attended the awards ceremony in Washington DC on June 2.
There were 208 who received a Laureate Medal. All Laureates have their submissions recorded in the Computerworld archives which record our contribution to IT innovations.
Background of the program:
The Computerworld Honours Program, and mission, was established in 1988. Since then, the Program has grown immensely in size and scope, while retaining the highest standards in its recognition of IT excellence:
- Each year, members of the Chairmen's Committee identify the organisations whose use of information technology has been especially noteworthy for the originality of its conception, the breadth of its vision and the significance of its benefit to society. These nominated organisations must meet established standards and are then asked to contribute a case study to the program's collection.
- Each case study submission must meet 10 criteria to be designated Laureate status. The recognition of these case studies that meet Laureate status is celebrated with a formal medal ceremony where a Laureate from each case study organisation is publicly recognised.
- From the Laureates in each of 10 categories, a distinguished panel of 33 CIO-level judges selects finalists in each category. In June, the program honours these finalists with a special ceremony. At this ceremony, the Chairmen's Committee presents the 21st Century Achievement Awards to the 10 organisations selected by the judges as first among their peers within the Finalists.
See: http://www.cwhonors.org/laureates/
The first Annual Report is also available in hard copy if required. Please email admin@biogrid.org.au if you would like a copy mailed to you.
Copies of the brochure are available if required. Please email admin@biogrid.org.au if you would like some mailed to you.
Using SKYPE to communicate
BioGrid Australia is now using Skype to communicate with members, researchers, interstate and international collaborators. Skype is an internet telephone (VoIP; short for voice over internet protocol) software program that is freely available on the internet (www.skype.com). Making calls from Skype to Skype is free. Skype uses various ways of communicating — and it’s easy!
Voice calls:
Using a headset plugged into your computer or an inbuilt speaker and microphone, you can make calls to other Skype users for free or to home or mobile phones for a fee. Conference calls are also available for up to 10 participants.
Video calls:
If you have a webcam you can make video calls to anyone else with a webcam.
Chat session:
If you cannot talk you can have an instant messaging “conversation” or a group chat. This feature could replace “reply to all” emails.
Costs:
Small headset and web cameras can be purchased retail for under $50 each.
We encourage everyone to take advantage of this technology because the software is so easy to install and use. BioGrid Australia has created some user notes to assist with setup and using Skype. Click on the link to access these notes. Skype Guide