Pi Perspectives: Alex van Someren (Amadeus Capital)
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Alex van Someren is a partner at Amadeus Capital and previously co-founded security technology company, nCipher . In the 1980s he left school to join Acorn Computers, where he was extensively involved with the BBC Microcomputer project, and he went on to author the first book on the ARM microprocessor architecture . Alex very kindly took time out of his busy schedule to discuss the importance of computer science skills and Raspberry Pi.
How important are skills in microelectronics and computer science to the UK economy?
Very important. We are a world leader in this field.
How does the UK compare with the US and Far East in terms of the aforementioned skills?
UK skills have fallen behind in the last ten years due to poor education.
What opportunity does the Raspberry Pi present?
This is the best opportunity since the BBC Micro to realign the curriculum around a platform everyone can afford so as to stimulate better understanding of real computer science.
Around 20 years ago you authored the first book on a microprocessor architecture which is more relevant now than ever before, ARM. Would you say that it makes a good platform for learning for budding computer scientists and if so, why?
The ARM is great for learning because it is simple. My ARM book is still as relevant now as it ever was. The fact that R/Pi has an ARM inside reinforces this.
Since we are on the topic of ARM, why do you think it has gone, and continues to go, from strength to strength?
Because it was founded by an awesome team and they are still in charge.
The Raspberry Pi is an incredible achievement in terms of affordable technology for use in learning computer science, but what else can be done to help nurture tomorrow's computer scientists and microelectronics engineers?
The Government needs to support the improvement of the computer science curriculum at all educational stages. See the Furber report .
Will you be buying (or perhaps you already have...) a Raspberry Pi, and if so what might you use it for?
Of course, for fun and for helping my 12 year old son teach himself how to program!
Thank you for your time, Alex!