Internet and digital pioneer Vint Cerf, widely regarded as one of fathers of the Internet, was in Aberdeen today (Monday, June 22) to officially open the new headquarters of Internet For Business (IFB), which was formerly located at Union Street.
The Internet has become an essential part of modern life and the American pioneer, was instrumental in developments in inter-networking, co-designing and implementing the Internet's communications and has won numerous awards for his work.
As Google’s vice-president and Chief Internet evangelist, Vint has become well known for his predictions on how technology will affect future society, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, environmentalism, and the transformation of the television industry and its delivery model.
Graeme Gordon, CEO of IFB said: “Vint Cerf’s work has changed the world and we are delighted for him to join us as we launch our new headquarters in Altens. He is a truly inspirational figure and to have him with us to mark a significant new phase in the life of IFB, makes it all the more momentous.”
A selected number of invited guests gathered in Altens at the new headquarters of IFB and where the company’s new Tier III Data Centre will open later in the year. It provides a spacious and modern environment with increased capacity, placing the company in a strong position for the future.
Since 1996, IFB have been providing critical connectivity and digital services to their growing client base, to become a recognised and innovative Digital Service Provider for core business ICT infrastructure services.
An independent company based in Aberdeen, IFB service clients across the UK, and internationally in a wide range of sectors including energy, public sector, professional services and third sector.
IFB is one of the partners behind Aberdeen CORE is a new, state-of-the-art pure fibre network that will make Aberdeen Scotland's first Gigabit City.
Today’s event at IFB saw Vint lead a breakfast briefing, sharing his knowledge, thoughts and experiences of the digital world, including digital as an economic enabler, connectivity, the Internet of Things, and the prevention of a digital dark age through the use of digital vellum.
Speaking at the launch, Vint said: “This is an important day for IFB and I’m pleased to have been able to come to Aberdeen and be part of it. “
While in Aberdeen, Vint also visited Robert Gordon’s College where he spoke to pupils interested in Computing Science and Business Studies at the new Wood Foundation Centre for Science and Technology, the largest school centre for STEM education in the UK.
Simon Mills, Head of Robert Gordon’s College said “We are honoured to have had Vint Cerf visit our campus. Our vision at Gordon’s is to prepare pupils for life, broaden their horizons and encourage them to ‘Be the Best They Can Be’. Vint is an exceptional and inspirational role model to pupils and staff and he excelled in sharing his journey of how he has become world class in a field he greatly enjoys.
Vint Cerf is due to receive an honorary degree from St Andrews University on Wednesday, June 24.