Darting all around

Ben Wilson says he might have a chance in the Olympics if golf or darts were included

What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
My first job was as a gardener and window cleaner when I was about 14, and it's probably the richest that I've ever been. I had all that cash, and no outgoings or responsibilities. But my first proper job was a two-year apprenticeship for a gearbox company in Scunthorpe, where I grew up. I was then offered a permanent position and sent on a sales course, where I met a lady working for LogiTek HR. She invited me for an interview, where they offered me three times as much money. And the rest is history!

Planes, trains or automobiles?
Definitely planes, as they give you a sense of freedom, and there are no traffic jams.

What sport should be in the Olympics but isn't?
Golf or darts - as these two are probably the only chances I have of ever competing in the Games.

What was your best business trip or junket ever?
Without a doubt Interop Las Vegas 2007. That was my very first trip to Las Vegas and at the time I was a Xirrus customer, so I got treated exceptionally well and just had an amazing time.

What was the best holiday you ever went on?
My two-week honeymoon in the Maldives. I got to spend all my time with my wife with no interruptions in a beautiful setting, and I have to say that the food was incredible.

If you had a week to live, how would you fill it?
Family, music and golf or cricket.

"I always…"
...make sure I keep my word.

Print or online news?
I prefer online, as it is much faster and changes continually.

Do you use social media?
Yes - both business and personal.

Will the economic recovery continue?
Yes, but IT will have to get more creative and start to sell more in the private enterprise, rather than in the public sector.

What does the channel most need to learn?
Adapt to changing economic cycles and work closer to deliver more innovative solutions.

Do vendors do enough to help their channel?
Yes. We for example work to create opportunities and are heavily involved with the implementation. Most of the time we also do the chasing!

Is IT well taught in schools?
No - I think the topics are quite out of date and not relevant to modern IT.

Ben Wilson is principal technologist at Xirrus