Refereeing Tools

[oiuyt]

Originally Posted by jdoiv

Is that this is all possible today. What fencing needs is a tech sponsor. I think HP would be the perfect candidate for this role. Somebody should get on the phone and call their CEO and pitch this idea. Seriously....

Lenovo is an international Olympic sponsor. Not sure what rights that gets them at the national level or with specific sports, but I wouldn't be surprised if they get first shot at things like this in their field. No other computer hardware companies are listed at any of the five levels given on the USOC website. "As Technology Equipment sponsor of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Lenovo will be providing the International Olympic Committee with..."

Atos Origin is an IT company that similarly has international level sponsorship. "Atos Origin is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic Games..."

Of course neither of them are US-based companies, which might make things more difficult.

-B

[DJ Apostrophe]

Lenovo is the spin off of IBM's PC division... AFAIK ... some upper management is still state-side... all of the manufacturing (quite obviously) is in china, but I think some of the big wigs are still over here.
-w

[oiuyt]

Originally Posted by DJ Apostrophe

Lenovo is the spin off of IBM's PC division... AFAIK ... some upper management is still state-side... all of the manufacturing (quite obviously) is in china, but I think some of the big wigs are still over here.

As well as research facilities.

Lenovo bought IBM's computer manufacturing operations, but they existed prior to that purchase, they are not an IBM spin-off.

Mmmm, looking more at it, it appears that despite a Hong Kong stock listing and being a Chinese company, since the acquisition their primary offices have been in Purchase, NY. They are technically a Chinese company, but with such a US-based presence that that fact could be considered mostly irrelevant.

Anyone know CEO Bill Amelio? Do they even make a PDA (even their tablet is a convertable laptop that has a 12" screen)?

-B

[jdoiv]

HP, how about DELL. American company that also sells a PocketPC device. I don't know how Olympic sponsorship works so not sure how that would play out. They could, however, become a USFA sponsor or FIE sponsor (to increase their International appeal). A properly delivered presentation, including demographic data on the fencing community (national and international), could pose some interest to them I would think. Fencing, in general, tends to attract intelligent tech savy folks. 'Course, I could be full of it, but I like to dream....

[jdoiv]

Why don't we just go after Microsoft. Somebody up in Washington needs to recruit the Gates kid and get 'em hooked on fencing. Oh wait, bad idea. Can you imagine the scoring boxes running windows. (shudders....)

[KD5MDK]

Microsoft has expressed interest. I don't know where the program went.

[jdoiv]

Originally Posted by KD5MDK

Microsoft has expressed interest. I don't know where the program went.

do they. Something about a "blue screen of death"

[dberke]

Originally Posted by KD5MDK

Microsoft has expressed interest. I don't know where the program went.

Do you know what kind of interest they expressed? When was this? I could look into this if it's still something they might be interested in...

Dan

[Joe biebel]

I was recently told I don't have the "tools" to be a good ref. I looked at the various resources other posters mentioned, but could not find a "sharp Eye" anywhere. When I googled it it came up with some medium sized felt tip pens. I am now a complete referee.

[fencerbill]

Originally Posted by oiuyt

Of course neither of them are US-based companies, which might make things more difficult.

-B

But we are a big consumer-that might make a difference.