A 75 year old Georgian woman is facing a jail sentence for accidentally cutting off the internet. Well, not the whole internet but in the task of digging for copper, Hayastan Shakarian managed to sever fibre optic cabling resulting in 90% of Armenians losing connectivity to the web.

Whilst a wry smile may be raised at the fact that the accused hasn’t even heard of the internet, let alone used it, the incident does raise debate about the security of net connectivity and communications.

With the rise in net usage, there is a linked reliance on having a reliable connection. If the Facebook addict suffers withdrawal symptoms with downtime, the effect on net-enabled businesses is many times worse. Unfortunately, many businesses don’t have a ‘Plan B’ (or Plan C or D for that matter!)  At Foundry One, we have multiple DSL connections as well as an automatic failover onto mobile internet should the worst occur. Whilst it’s certainly not bullet-proof, it does cover for most eventualities and we continue to look for ways to improve systems in the event of more OAPs vandalising the network!

Foundry One worked with Learning and Teaching Scotland to create a case study on improving engagement by developing literacy and numeracy in social studies.

The project emerged as a result of collaboration between colleagues in the Social Studies and Support for Learning departments who were looking at ways of developing learning and teaching which would actively engage young people and support specific pupils in S2 more effectively.

Foundry One filmed on-site over two days then completed all additional editing work whilst working closely with LTS in ensuring their technical specifications were met.

Some samples of the work can be seen below.

Foundry One was commissioned to design and produce signage in connection with the centenary celebrations for the International Lanark Airshow in 1910.

The event in 1910 attracted aviators from around the world and was attended by over 250,000 visitors. A number of events were held throughout the year culminating with the unveiling of a sculpture (created by Blacksmiths P Johnson & Company) and the signage work created by Foundry One.

Two boards were produced in GRP (Glass Resin Plastic), each over a meter wide. Frames were finalised in British Racing Green.

Credited as the creator of the World Wide Web, Tim Berners-Lee is undoubtedly a respected figure on all things ‘webby’. Speaking at the MIT Symposium marking the university’s 150th anniversary, he took the opportunity to stress the importance of internet access.

Going somewhat further, he has claimed that web access should be seen as a basic human right:

It was certainly a bold statement, one that has attracted a degree of criticism. If nothing else, it highlights the exponential growth of ‘net access and the expectation (in many parts of the world) for reliable connections. The great challenge may not be to guarantee access to the net but to ensure it remains open. Whilst it would be unimaginable, in the West at least, to have censored or restricted access, the concept of net neutrality continues to face numerous challenges.

Global Integrated Solutions are specialists in bespoke entertainment and automation solutions both for the home and commercial marketplace. From simple home network or home cinema to complete integrated control, embracing heating, lighting, security and audio-visual systems.

Foundry One was delighted to have worked alongside Global Integrated Solutions to create a stunning portfolio of photographs showing entertainment and automation solutions implemented both for private individuals and businesses throughout Scotland.

A selection of the images can be seen below.

It seems that you can’t do much these days without stumbling across some form of terms and conditions. Perhaps the worst of these are the typical e-mail disclaimers that often turn a brief message into something much longer – it’s a good job that we don’t print nearly as many emails in a drive to be greener!

What most don’t realise is that they are, legally speaking, completely pointless – in reality a waste of space. In Europe, any disclaimer would be deemed an unreasonable contractual obligation. Beyond Europe, no individual case has turned on the presence or absence of any such legal jargon.

It seems that many businesses have started using these disclaimers as they have seen others doing the same. And once something becomes a habit, it does tend to stick (even the annoying habits).

[Disclaimer: The above blog post should not be construed as legal advice... No, seriously!]

Whilst the number of text messages sent in the UK grows exponentially, businesses have been slow to adapt to the technology.

Figures show UK residents have an ever increasing appetite for the txt. In 2009, we sent a total of 96.8 billion text messages with 441 million sent on Christmas Day 2009 alone.

An emerging generation views the humble text as a primary mode of communication with the majority of adults comfortable with the technology. Unfortunately, businesses haven’t seen the value in offering short codes, communicating with customers by text or even offering premium content by text.

Foundry One has recently launched a brand new text option – give it a try – send your text to 88802 and start it with 1FOUNDRY1. And get in touch if you want an informal chat about using text in your business!

Foundry One has an on-going relationship working with young people of high school age on video workshops and training. Over the last two years we have worked with a large number of groups in order to meet the goals of More Choices, More Chances and Engaging the Curriculum. The groups are facilitated through Universal Connections (Lanark) – a South Lanarkshire Council run youth centre and involve students from Lanark Grammar School.

Over 10 short films have been produced in this time with positive feedback received from both the young people and the school who have noted improved engagement in the school environment.

CCI was initially set-up in 2002 to enable young people at risk and adults with mental health issues to develop a derelict site in South Lanarkshire. CCI fills a gap in services and support to severely disadvantaged people. CCI complements mainstream services. It does not duplicate their work. However, the benefits it brings to clients often reduces long term demands on mainstream services.

We recently undertook to re-launch CCI’s website presence, giving a totally fresh outlook to this unique organisation. The challenge was to avoid text-heavy descriptions of the valuable work that CCI does, instead we moved to illustrate various case studies and services using photography (jointly taken by participants of CCI and Foundry One).

To allow quick and easy updates, the site is entirely based on a content management platform. Over the coming months, we will be adding to the CCI shop which showcases the woodcraft products made in the CCI workshop.

Take a look below at some of the features from the site…

The Highland Perthshire Challenge is Scotland’s newest cyclo-sportive event. The event is organised supported by members of churches from Lanarkshire and the Highlands.

Foundry One was commissioned by the organisers of the sportive to create a brand identity and website to promote the event.

The website was designed to be engaging and bright, whilst providing on-going updates and news on the forthcoming event. The site links in with an online booking service as well as interactive mapping tools to illustrate the cycling routes available.

Take a look below at some of the features from the site…