Melanie Townsend's Blogs

Rob L. FLASH

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:22:01 GMT

I think it’s safe to say that Rob L is pretty flash. I don’t mean with the bling, and I’m fairly sure he’s not a G, but still, Rob is flash, like a flash of lightning that is. What do I mean? Who knows… read on.

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Let the Game…Continue

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:20:08 GMT

In case you haven’t heard, Web Applications has a long history of highly competitive people. People like this require games to prove themselves, and Web Applications enjoys providing these games in a friendly and fun fashion – office tournaments. The last tournament was a medley of games from Wii Sports Resort, won by Robin. We have moved on now and started a new tournament which will last a while longer, taking us up to a trophy presentation at the Christmas Party. Said game? Guitar Hero.

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Web Applications Adopts Virtual Real…no, sorry, Virtualisation

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:39:27 GMT

Web Applications is well and fully in the Virtualisation game these days. Virtual Reality sadly continues to lack any business relevance though it’s something I’ve always wanted to try. A girl can dream.

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Web Apps will deliver the keynote speech at TTI’s Autumn Conference

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:11:36 GMT

Web Apps is headed back down to London for Travel Technology Initiative’s Autumn Conference, AKA the Travel Innovation Summit. The Summit will take place on Tuesday, September 21^st and will begin at 9:30 in The Institute of Engineering & Technology, Savoy Place, London. Registration is now open for anyone who wishes to join us in this event.

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Web Apps Enjoys Group Activities

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:29:02 GMT

Thanks to one outgoing and forward thinking member of the Web Apps community, we have our own league in Fantasy Premier League Football. Currently there are 24 members of Web Apps who are enrolled in our league, spanning from 72 points to 22 points after week one. The first place in the Web Apps League is The Milk Snatchers managed by newcomer Safder.

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Claire, One in a Million, or at Least in Eight

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:53:41 GMT

Claire started in March 2008, giving her two and a half years of full Web Applications experience. She is a Software Engineer who works in Support with Jeff, Shui and Rob to name a few. Currently she is the only female on the support team which makes her quite special and is also the fourth member of Services to be profiled.

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HTML5 is a Brease but that MVC needs to get out of my Interface

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:16:01 GMT

A number of weeks ago while in a meeting of Senior Engineers, Steve Elliott suggested that there should be training sessions by and for developers. Each training session would be on a topic that the presenter found interesting and had the potential to be useful for fellow engineers. Anyone could present a topic, and everyone would have the option of attending in the presentation during lunch, though it would not be compulsory.

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Web Applications UK knows how to work hard and play murder

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:23:57 GMT

Web Applications UK is gearing up to celebrate our tenth anniversary in style.More...

New Logos for the New Website

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:29:16 GMT

John, Web Applications UK’s trusty designer has re-invigorated and re-imagined all of our Product logos. Read on for a sneak peak at the new faces of Traveller, Acumen and the whole family of Web Apps products.

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Sir Robert, Knight of the Fishbowl

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:33:10 GMT

Rob has been with Web Applications since 2003 making him the longest serving member of staff. Not only that - Rob, Lee and Gordon go back, way back. Rob’s known Lee since he was 18, and Gordon since he was 20. There is no need to bandy about guessing ages, suffice to say that it’s in the realm of a 20 year acquaintance; give or take a decade.

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Services Gets A Mascot

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:22:40 GMT

After years of hard work and social exclusion, the services team manages to get a reward, a pet.

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Profile of the Week: John P, the Office Artiste

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:36:30 GMT

This week’s profile is John P. I promised not to add any embarrassing links in this profile to his various websites (myspace, ball of dirt) but I will say that he is highly searchable if you can spell his last name. That said, let’s begin.

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Genius Day Recap

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:57:57 GMT

Ahh, so Genius Day has come and gone; the presentations were Monday morning where everyone showed off their great ideas. I’m going to do a quick run-down of everyone’s project as succinctly and accurately as I can, some of them were quite technical and went completely over my head, so I’ll do my best. Everyone had to present for at least 2 minutes but no more than 5 minutes, which was followed by a Q&A session. Now, if you concentrate you can hear it, it’s Oprah saying “Geeeeeeeeeeniusssssss”… and so we begin.

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Kerry is a Secret Lawyer

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:19:31 GMT

Let’s get everything out in the open. Kerry is a lawyer. Yeah, yeah, she’s a Project Manager now, but I personally believe once a lawyer always a lawyer. You will have to excuse the occasional lawyer joke in this post that might not have anything to do with the topic.

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Show Me The Genius

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:50:48 GMT

Well, as I’m sure anyone who is reading this is going to be aware, we like to do things differently at Web Applications UK. This Friday is our Genius Day. What is Genius Day? Wouldn’t you like to know…actually I’d like to know too.

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Newsflash: Soldiers work with Guns. It’s not what you think. Promise.

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:11:06 GMT

A number of weeks ago now Web Applications UK had some very special visitors. We try to tell everyone we’re a pretty cool place, as a tech company the odds of that are sadly stacked against us, but we really are down with the kids, honest! To prove our nascent hipness we’ve decided to let you in on a little secret. We’re so awesome übercool bands film their music videos in our office. Okay, it was just one, but still – pretty awesome. It’s okay to be jealous now.

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Microsoft Apprentices – Ready, Set and Lift With Your Legs

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:47:40 GMT

I sat down today with Lauren and Dale, our resident Microsoft Apprentices. I had a pretty quick chat with them about what they’ve been up to since they started about two months ago and how they’re getting along. The results are good.

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Wii Sport Tournament: Winner Announced!

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:36:19 GMT

22 Competitors. 4 Rounds. 1 Winner.

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Web Applications is a Small Business Specialist!

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:20:25 GMT

If you are sitting there thinking, hmm, I thought you were already a Small Business Specialist, well, you would be correct, but SURPRISE! We are now re-certified. The emotions you are looking for are relief and elation.

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All Our UGS Clips are on Youtube. Watch Them Before Youtube Deletes Them…Again.

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:09:13 GMT

On May 17, 2010 Web Applications UK had its annual User Group Seminar. Around June 1 the video from the event was ready to be uploaded onto YouTube. 3 Weeks, about 18 abortedhttp://www2.webapplicationsuk.com/failed uploads (the mysterious disappearance of 9 clips) and at least 10 migraines later, the job is complete. The clips are ready and available for your consumption and viewing pleasure. So please, enjoy!More...

A Question of Travel

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:29:31 GMT

On Tuesday a small delegation from Web Applications UK went to London to participate in Travolution’s Question Time. This is their story.

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Ode To Kris

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:34:35 GMT

For Kris’ profile I have taken a different approach. The following are six Haikus which I feel cover the length and breadth of Kris’ time at Web Applications. Haikus are short and punchy, and I believe reflect Kris’ artsy side. I hope you enjoy. (A Haiku is characterized by 3 lines consisting of 5-7-5 syllables.)

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Travolution Question Time is coming to a venue near you, if you live in London

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:56:51 GMT

On June 15, 2010 Web Applications’ Craig Dean will take his place on a five-person panel discussing the changing face of Office Communication. The event is now fully booked, but make sure to register your interest if you haven’t already and get yourself on that waiting list!

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Unified Communications: The Future Is Now

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:00:21 GMT

As Web Applications prepares to head down south for Travolution’s Question Time, I thought we’d spend a minute looking at the topic of the debate, Unified Communications.

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UGS 2010 – “Best One Yet”

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:51:08 GMT

There were riots at the door as people vied for seats at Web Applications’ prestigious UGS. Luckily no one was seriously injured during the stampede, except of course our humility. What an awesome response. Really though, we love the support our faithful clients showed us in their attendance - and if you happened to miss it, here’s the run-down of the seminar. Get ready for a long post.

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Darren’s Going For The Les Cup

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Wed, 12 May 2010 11:24:35 GMT

Web Applications’ Darren Mitchinson will be going to the Buxton Cup Final this Sunday in a bid to win the Championship with his team, Inter Web.

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Two New Differences in the Upcoming Website Redesign

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:17:24 GMT

There are two significant changes that will be taking place in the forthcoming redesign of the Web Applications UK Website which are near and dear to my heart. These changes are the subject of much office discussion - and just because I’m talking to myself, don’t assume it’s not a conversation worth having. For one, pictures of current Web Applications employees will grace many of the pages. The second? The death of the interactive user surveys.

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Two weeks left to RSVP for the UGS

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:51:04 GMT

The User Group Seminar is coming up quickly and you only have two weeks left to confirm your attendance.

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Nick Drives, Serves and Slices

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:17:17 GMT

Nick is one of the new recruits at Web Applications and the first recent addition to be profiled. As our Sales Manager Nick is our designated ‘people person’ and we love him dearly for it. Nick has two jobs really, one is Sales Manager, and the other is battling the sands of time. At both he is remarkably successful.

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Andrew Fryer, Technical Evangelist

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:36:07 GMT

Andrew Fryer is the Microsoft representative who is going to be gracing us with his presence and presentation at the User Group Seminar May 17^th. With the User Group Seminar less than a month away, we decided it was time to let you know a little about our guest presenter. He has been with Microsoft for a number of years and specialises in Business Intelligence as well as other topics, like remote desk-topping (sic), web virtualisation, and the topic du jour, SQL Server 2008.

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Shaun the Sheep is no Relation

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:54:38 GMT

Once Shaun starts talking, it really doesn’t stop.

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In Case You Missed It...

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:31:00 GMT

Missed any of GMTV’s program on April 14, 2010? You know, the one that had segments filmed at Web Applications. Well, lucky for you, we’ve provided clips. Videos to follow.

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Web Applications UK: We’re FAMOUS

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:30:18 GMT

It’s 6 am. Normally at this time I would be fast asleep but today I’ve already been in the office for twenty minutes. Why? The #^@* election. UPDATE we've added the video.

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Saying So Long, Farewell to the Old Website

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:31:01 GMT

Web Application UK’s new designer is coming up with some fresh ideas to revamp our web presence. In addition to inventing some new icons within our reporting system Br-ease, our designer, John, has designed a new look for the entire website and taken it to a whole new level. We assure you that the website will retain all of that signature charm you have come to know and expect from Web Applications though it will definitely be different and, I like to think, a welcome change.

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Subscribe and Stay Connected!

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:23:14 GMT

Web Applications wants to make sure that you have as much up-to-date information as possible. To guarantee that, we have multiple ways of getting information out to you: News, Forums and Blogs.

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8 out of 10 cats agree: Cheryl is a good owner

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:13:56 GMT

Cheryl is this week’s profile and I am very excited to sink my teeth into my first Project Manager profile. Cheryl is one of the longest serving PMs at Web Applications and I am so happy she virtually volunteered this week. Let’s begin.

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Steve Elliott Escapes The Squirrels

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:23:32 GMT

Steve was less than keen to be featured in this week’s profile. In fact, for a while he downright refused. Through a series of tough negotiations and some very useful recently acquired information; Steve became inclined to acquiesce to my request, for that I’d like to send a special thank you to Rob Illing. And so I was able to sit down with Steve and learn a little more about him, his love for all things JQuery and his antipathy for embarrassment.

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Good Food, Good Company, Good Cause

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:28:48 GMT

The Mayor’s Ball was a great event and Web Applications had a wonderful night. The evening began with a champagne reception for the VIPs and ended with one of our members winning Ferrero Rocher chocolates, needless to say we heartily enjoyed ourselves.

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Oldham Business Awards

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:30:52 GMT

The awards for ‘The One Oldham Business Awards’ will be presented Monday, March 22, 2010 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham and Web Applications will be a part of the action.

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Mayor’s Emerald Ball Charity Event

melanie.townsend@webapplicationsuk.com — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:25:02 GMT

This Friday Web Applications is very proud to announce that a number of its members will be attending the Mayor’s Emerald Ball in Oldham.

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