Early Years
The principal, Ian Whiting, founded Colink Technology in 1985 but has been developing computer solutions since 1966.
Mainframes
Ian first started at Vauxhall Motors (part of General Motors) as a programmer analyst developing systems for IBM mainframes. Ian has also designed and developed software systems on IBM and ICL mainframes for Esso Petroleum, F W Woolworths, Johnson Matthey and Hoskyns.
Mini-computers
In 1971 Ian worked on the Singer System 10, the first truly commercial oriented multi-user
mini computer to be introduced in to the United Kingdom.
The System 10 had no system software other than an assembler compiler with a limited (13)
instruction set. The first jobs required developing essential operating system utilities.
Later several successful commercial accounting and stock control applications were developed for this range.
In 1975 Ian moved to Prime Computer Inc, an American mini computer manufacturer,
which at the time was the foremost engineering and scientific mini computer system available,
running PRIMOS, a powerful multi-user Unix style operating system.
Ian's job was to develop FIRST, a commercial transaction processing language.
Later Ian became the International Commercial Support Manager and introduced
Cobol, RPG, ISAM and ODBC into Europe as well as working as a programme manager for the Research and Development department.
In 1981 Ian moved employers to become the European Data Processing Manager for one of the
largest American future commodity brokers in the City of London, Conti-Commodity,
part of the Continental Grain Company.
Conti had no local computer systems and Ian introduced a network of Honeywell DPS 6 mini
computers linked to the Chicago office. Conti was sold to Refco Inc.
in 1985 and at the same time Ian left to start his own computer consultancy company,
Colink Technology. Refco became one of his best clients for the next 12 years.
PCs and Networks
Since 1985 Colink has designed and developed a large range of systems for personal computers.
Clients have included, in the commodity business, Refco, Paine Webber and RG Grace.
In other areas Ian has designed and developed systems, either directly or indirectly,
for Coca Cola, Black & Decker, Graphic Data, Volkswagen, Audi, Laing, Arrow Electronics,
Reader's Digest, Maryse Boxer Designs, Nationwide Building Society, Anglian Water, Homebank and MortgagePro; to name but a few.
Colink now specialises in developing systems for Microsoft Windows using Visual Basic,
SQL Server, ASP, HTML, .NET, Access, Excel and FoxPro.
It has built up expertise in general commercial applications, accounting, document imaging,
GIS systems, bar coding and various graphic handling packages including Kofax, Kodak, Wang, Image Man, IMGX and Leadtools.
Colink retains its small, flexible approach to system design and is able to work closely
with the client to ensure the very best of service.
Ian Whiting remains the principal/owner and works with a number of associates as and when the work demands it.
Further information
