We’ve got a great opportunity to see how information technology is deployed on a large scale, and to learn about it from Gustie alumni among others.
On Wednesday, October 12th, I have arranged for a bus trip up to Thomson Legal and Regulatory (TLR) in Eagan, a southern suburb of the twin cities. We will get a tour of their huge datacenter, where many major internet services are hosted. This is awe-inspiring in itself, just to see hundreds of thousands of square feet of equipment stretched out before you, and hear a bit about what it takes to make it all hum. We’ll hear from several people about the technology operations.
Please respond to me immediately with your best estimate of the probability you will go on the trip. I’ll be back in touch to firm things up closer to the trip if you give me a non-zero estimate. Having an estimate now will help our hosts plan for such matters as feeding us lunch.
The tentative schedule looks like this:
- 10am leave Gustavus by motor coach
- Welcome at TLR, get fed lunch
- Overview of IT in the real world by Matt Pettis, Gustie math major, class of 1994, Senior Systems Engineer
- Datacenter tour by Jill Gerding, Director of the Data Center and Application Services
- Networking presentation (networking guru still to be determined)
- Application hosting presentation by Todd Hauschildt, Gustie CS major, class of 1987, Vice President of Managed Technology Services
- 3pm leave TLR by motor coach — should be back at Gustavus around 4:15
Please give this serious consideration. I know missing most of a day on campus is not without its costs. However, I for one consider this opportunity more valuable than anything I could do in my classes. Seniors are encouraged to bring a resume along, as TLR is interested in making contact with possible recruits.
Please spread the word to interested students outside the MCS department; I’d be glad to have anyone along.