Data#3 MD awarded a Pearcey

The 2010 Pearcey Medal was awarded to Data#3 CEO John Grant at the World Computer Congress in Brisbane last week.

The Pearcey Medal was presented to an individual who had made an "outstanding life-long commitment" to the ICT sector.

Senator Kate Lundy presented the award and described Grant as a "true pioneer" in the contemporary ICT industry.

"His driving force as the CEO of Data#3... is matched by his outstanding commitment to addressing critical national ICT related issues be it as Chair of the Australian Information Industry Association, Chair of the Federal Government's ICT Innovation Council or through the Queensland ICT Work Group he created with the Queensland Government some years ago," Lundy said.

In an interview with CRN, John Grant said he was surprised by the award and delighted. He also told CRN that it is an exciting time for the industry.

CRN: Congratulations John Grant for picking up this award. Were you surprised?

John Grant: Yes, I was, actually. I found out that I was nominated and shortlisted quite recently and looking at the other candidates I thought it was a long shot.

As it turns out, you forget that it was over 20 years ago that I started getting involved in the industry development aspects of what I do. It's been a long haul; so it was great [to receive the award].

I was really pleased and delighted. Especially that it was at the World Computer Congress as well, you can't really get a bigger forum in Australia in IT terms.

CRN: Describe the Australian IT landscape as you see it and what does it need to further develop?

JG: I've been in the industry now for 30 years and I think it's the most exciting time in the industry.

I look at it in two fronts: number one, the technologies that are around, what cloud means to us and how it will challenge us, as well as the opportunities it opens up.

The biggest thing for me is having spent years and years talking to government and non-IT industry people about what technology can do -  I can just see now all that coming into fruition. I see the awareness of the direct connection between our individual and national wealth is now making sense to people.

And therefore I see people looking to turn to technology to solve problems where previously they would turn to other things and I think that will be increasing.

CRN: What's created this?

JG: Certainly hand held devices - the mobile phones, iPhones, Android phones, iPads have created this huge awareness and ability.

The National Broadband Network - that's the real stake in the ground by the Federal Government, saying 'this is where we need to go from an infrastructure point of view', that's a very big pointer.

So, I just think that the next period of this industry is enormously exciting and all the things we technologists have said for a long time are actually coming to fruition. 

Other awards

Meanwhile, Brian Finn AO, former head of IBM Australia and Emeritus Professor Peter Poole were inducted into the Pearcey hall of frame.