Intelligent CIO North America Issue 51 | Page 79

Jason Van der Schyff , COO , SoftIron
On the lighter side of things , we ask the industry experts what makes them tick . . . .

. . . GET TO KNOW . . .

Jason Van der Schyff , COO , SoftIron

wWhat would you describe as your most memorable achievement ?

My most memorable achievement is a tie between two significant projects .
First , I successfully published my debut book Asymmetric Advantage shortly after the COVID lockdown .
Additionally , I led the construction of a pioneering manufacturing facility for SoftIron in Australia . This project , co-funded by the Australian Department of Defense , aimed to establish sovereign industrial capability for the country , marking the first-ever establishment of such a facility for computer manufacturing within Australia .
What first made you think of a career in technology ?
My journey into a career in technology was more of a case where technology found me rather than me actively seeking it out . It all started when I began building websites in high school when website development was unique .
What do you think is the current hot technology talking point ?
Today ’ s prevailing technology talking point revolves around the widespread discussion of AI . It ’ s hard to go anywhere without encountering conversations about AI . There ’ s a palpable sense of anticipation regarding the implications of AI for everyday jobs , indicating that we ’ ve reached an inflection point in the advancement of the underlying technologies that enable artificial intelligence .
What do you think of VMware ’ s acquisition by Broadcom ?
Broadcom ’ s acquisition of VMware can be viewed through two distinct lenses . From an industry standpoint , it has undeniably been highly disruptive .
While some anticipated the significant changes in pricing and licensing models many have been caught many off guard .
On the other hand , considering Broadcom ’ s perspective , the acquisition aligns with the fundamental objective of maximizing shareholder value .
Given my inherent interest in engineering , I ventured into various engineering disciplines , including electrical , mechanical and software engineering .
Despite exploring different industries , I consistently gravitated toward roles intertwined with technology .
I derive immense enjoyment from associating new technologies with real-world applications , as it allows me to contribute to meaningful advancements .
Their approach involves a heightened focus on their VMware customer base , including direct engagement with the largest accounts and a comprehensive overhaul of 25 years of legacy , encompassing customers , products and partners .
This acquisition has substantial implications for numerous organizations ’ daily operations , as VMware underpins a vast amount of core infrastructure within society .
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