10am Mike meets with the RCM Junior Department team to help implement a software system designed to administer this valuable department. The RCM has a complex IT system matching the diversity of the RCM itself. The technology used to teach children is very different to the technology for the senior college, but the systems all still need to fit together holistically as we are one organisation. Mike will work on technical setup and integration, as well as project advice and support. 10.30am ICT Support Manager Birju Patel and I conduct a review of our print services with the supplier. The ICT team procures and manages all technology centrally for efficient management so that RCM resources can go into its main activity of teaching. The students are at the heart of everything we do here at the RCM. I also make sure that current print systems continue to be environmentally efficient. 12pm Birju and I have our weekly meeting where we discuss the current projects and plan future developments. On the list is technology for the upcoming redevelopment of our building. The More Music project will enable our students to stay at the forefront of digital technology for generations to come. We also discuss support for a studio event using the RCM’s pioneering real-time video collaboration system LOLA, lecture-capture systems and budget planning.
1.45pm ICT Service Desk Engineer Fong Wong helps a Russian and a Chinese student who are having difficulties with the mobile phone print system; they need to print a score for a rehearsal starting in 15 minutes. Cantonese and Russian are two of the ten languages the ICT team speak between them. This allows us to help many of our international students, especially those who have recently arrived at the RCM.
Above The ICT team at work Photos: Sheila Burnett Opposite The ICT team: Mazhar Jamadar, Fong Wong, Gbenga Akinrodoye, Alex Razumov, Mark Soole and Birju Patel
3pm ICT Service Desk Engineer Mazhar Jamadar has a conference call with the Danish provider of our room-booking system ASIMUT to complete testing of their new mobile app. ASIMUT enables students to book practice rooms and know their timetables and it’s the RCM’s main planning tool for concerts and rehearsals. We have been working closely with ASIMUT in the development of this app. 4pm I meet with Mike to discuss the RCM’s computer infrastructure, to see where we can improve speed and stability for students and staff. I take some time to plan future ICT priorities, including improving our online payment systems and tackling our data storage issues. We are really lucky to have such a rich audio and video archive, but we need to make sure it is stored safely and cost effectively. 5pm The ICT Helpdesk closes. The team has dealt with requests for assistance right across the RCM today, and will be back again tomorrow to deal with new challenges!
UPBEAT SPRING 2016
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