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Archives of IT (AIT) is an expanding online resource of media and interviews from leading people associated with the UK IT and Telecommunications industry to help understanding and encourage study of the industry and how it has changed our lives.

A catalogue is available to view on the Archives Hub.

Capturing the past

Our emphasis is on the oral history of personalities, their background, successes and challenges.  We capture this through video and audio interviews and complement them with company reports and other media.

AIT is distinctive in concentrating on the personal views, ideas and experiences of those who built and worked in this important activity, while other archives and museums are focused on preserving physical devices and working machines.

Inspiring the future

AIT is a resource for:

  • Informing the public of all ages and interests, about the individuals, and organisations in Tech and the impact it has had on our daily lives.
  • Inspiring young students at schools and colleges to understand the opportunities and aspire to a career in IT.
  • Encouraging researchers to study the economic and societal impact of IT and the people who made it and are making it happen and the lessons for the future.

Why is this important?

Historically, the Computing and Telecommunications (IT) industry has energised the UK economy more than any since the coal industry fueled the industrial revolution in the 19th century.  From a niche industry in the 1950s, in 70 years it has grown to employ hundreds of thousands of people in the Software and IT Services industry alone.

IT is now pervasive in all areas of economic activity, is critical to the economy of the UK and ubiquitous in its social impact.  The industry’s future demands an ever-growing body of professionals and the absorbed interest of the young.  As well as enabling a new generation of business leaders and enterprises, awareness of from where our industry has come, its future direction, and its role in society are important to us all.

This archive complements the diversity of museums, libraries, galleries and archives that help us understand the world around us. The UK has a substantial record of innovation in this arena and the story of these developments and their impact should be told.

We believe AIT is a valuable contribution to the social and industrial history of the UK.  People are interested in other people and what they do and how.  There is a huge appetite to study and understand these fascinating stories, both for educational value and personal fulfilment.

The AIT Organisation

AIT was founded by Roger Graham OBE, based on his belief in the importance of the above objectives.   Roger features among our interviews, having founded, led, and advised many key companies in the industry.  AIT is governed by the board of trustees, who are senior and authoritative participants in the field, chaired by John Carrington.  John played a key role in the development of cellular communications in the UK and Europe.  John also chairs the Woodbridge Tide Mill Charitable Trust and was a founder member of the Information Technologists Livery Company, where he was Master 2001 – 2.

If you’d like to find out more or have any questions about the archive please fill out the AIT Feedback Form:

Registered address: Manufactory House, Bell Lane, HERTFORD, SG14 1BP

Charity Registration:1164198

 
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