Author: Mark Whitfield

Welcome to my site! After graduating in Computing in 1990, I accepted a position as a programmer at a Runcorn based software house specialising in electronic banking software, namely sp/ARCHITECT-BANK on Tandem Computers (now HPE NonStop). This was before the internet became more prevalent and so the notion of enabling desktop access to company accounts for inter-account transfers and book keeping was still quite a cutting edge idea (and smartphones only ever hinted at in Space 1999). The company was called The Software Partnership (which was taken over by Deluxe Data in 1994). I spent 5 years in Runcorn developing code for SP/ARCHITECT for various banks like TSB, Bank of Scotland, Rabobank and Girofon (Denmark) to name but a few. I then moved onto a software house in Salford Quays for further bank facing projects. After a further 23 years in the IT industry and now a Senior IT Project Manager (both Agile and Waterfall delivery), I thought I would echo out my Career Profile in this corner of the internet for quick and easy access.

Project Management Templates Bundle FREE Upgrades

Mark Whitfield’s project management templates offer a range of timeline and planning views designed for Agile, Waterfall, and PRINCE2 delivery. These templates typically include a high-level Plan on a Page (POaP) and detailed Microsoft Project (MPP) or Excel schedules. 

Example Plan on a Page POaP

Timeline & Planning Views

  • Plan on a Page (POaP): A high-level summary view (often in PowerPoint or Excel) used to communicate key phases and milestones to stakeholders without the clutter of a full Gantt chart.
  • Detailed Gantt Charts: Provided in both Microsoft Project (MPP) and Excel, these timelines include task dependencies, resource allocations, and critical path tracking.
  • Agile Sprint Timelines: Specialized views for tracking 2–4 week sprints, daily stand-ups, and sprint retrospectives within a broader project framework.
  • SDLC Progression: The templates are often structured around a typical Software Development Life-cycle (SDLC), moving from Inception to Transition and Early Live Support (ELS). 

Key Timeline Components

The templates are pre-configured with several essential timeline elements: 

  1. Project Start & End Dates: Easily adjustable fields that automatically update durations and downstream tasks.
  2. Milestones & Gateways: Visual markers for critical sign-off points and delivery stages.
  3. Task Dependencies: Pre-built links that show how delays in one area (e.g., hardware delivery) impact the overall project finish date.
  4. Resource View: Timelines integrated with resource calendars to account for holidays and leave. 

You can find the full package of over 200 editable templates, which include these timeline views and RAID logs, on Mark Whitfield’s official website or via his Etsy store. 

Buy Premium Programme & Project Management Delivery Templates – plus all Upgrades and Additions are FREE

Project Management Templates Bundle FREE Upgrades

HPE NonStop Tandem Timeline History

HPE NonStop (originally Tandem) has a nearly 50-year history as the gold standard for fault-tolerant, “always-on” computing. Originally developed by Tandem Computers to eliminate single points of failure, the platform has survived through several major corporate acquisitions while evolving its underlying processor architecture. 

Founding and The Tandem Era (1974–1997)

The “NonStop” architecture was born from the idea that a single hardware failure should never crash a system.

  • 1974: Tandem Computers is founded by Jimmy Treybig and three former HP engineers.
  • 1976: The first Tandem/16 (later NonStop I) is shipped to Citibank. It featured a “shared-nothing” architecture where each CPU had its own memory and copy of the Guardian OS.
  • 1981: NonStop II is released, introducing 32-bit addressing to support larger applications.
  • 1983: The NonStop TXP and Pathway software are introduced. Pathway revolutionized the platform by allowing programmers to write fault-tolerant apps without manually coding “checkpoints”.
  • 1986: NonStop SQL is launched, the first fault-tolerant relational database.
  • 1989: NonStop Cyclone arrives, a high-end mainframe-class system.
  • 1991–1993: Transition to MIPS RISC processors begins with the Cyclone/R and the Himalaya K-series. 

Corporate Acquisitions and Transition (1997–2014)

The platform changed hands twice in five years, but the mission-critical nature of the technology kept it alive.

  • 1997: Compaq acquires Tandem for $3 billion to bolster its enterprise server offerings.
  • 1997: The Himalaya S-Series introduces ServerNet, a high-speed interconnect that later evolved into the industry-standard InfiniBand.
  • 2002: HP merges with Compaq, bringing the NonStop line under Hewlett-Packard.
  • 2005: NonStop i (Integrity) is launched, transitioning from MIPS to Intel Itanium processors. 

The Modern HPE Era (2015–Present)

Today, the platform focuses on integrating with modern data centre standards like x86 and cloud-native virtualisation. 

  • 2014–2015: NonStop X (TNS/X) is introduced, moving the architecture to industry-standard Intel x86-64 processors.
  • 2015: HP splits; the server line becomes part of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).
  • 2017: Virtualised NonStop (vNS) is released, allowing the software stack to run in virtual machines (KVM/OpenStack).
  • 2020: HPE officially ends sales of Itanium-based systems, completing the transition to x86.
  • 2024: The platform celebrates its 50th anniversary, continuing to power the majority of the world’s ATM and credit card transactions. 

HPE NonStop Tandem Timeline History

Insider Tech : 1995 – 2013
My Career in HPE NonStop Tandem, 1995 thru 2013
TSP / Deluxe Data : 1990 – 1995
My Career in HPE NonStop Tandem, 1990 thru 1995

Salford Quays, Salford, Greater Manchester, UK

Salford Quays has evolved from a largely empty landscape of racecourses and medieval halls into one of the UK’s most significant urban regeneration projects.

1. The Industrial Era (1887–1981)

2. Decline and Early Redevelopment (1982–1999) 

3. Cultural and Digital Expansion (2000–Present)

  • 2000: The Lowry arts centre is opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
  • 2001: The Lowry Outlet Mall (now Quayside MediaCity) opens to the public.
  • 2002: The Imperial War Museum North opens its doors across the water from The Lowry.
  • 2007–10: Construction of MediaCityUK takes place; the BBC confirms the relocation of five departments to the site.
  • 2011–12: BBC and University of Salford staff move into MediaCityUK; ITV later moves its Manchester base (including Coronation Street) here in 2013.
  • 2021: Buildings at MediaCityUK achieve net zero carbon status.
  • 2022: The Salford Quays 2030 vision is launched to further enhance the area as a vibrant community hub. 

Salford Quays, Salford, Greater Manchester, UK

MediaCityUK
My MediaCityUK Salford Quays photo timeline

Salford Quays Technical Timeline

From its engineering origins as the Manchester Docks to its current status as a digital hub, 

Salford Quays has undergone a massive technical and structural transformation. 

Industrial Foundation & Engineering (1887–1982)

  • 1887–1893: Construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, an engineering feat measuring 35.5 miles from Eastham to Manchester.
  • 1894: Official opening of the Manchester Docks by Queen Victoria, establishing Manchester as Britain’s third-largest port.
  • 1905: Opening of No. 9 Dock, the largest in Salford, by King Edward VII.
  • 1970s: Deindustrialisation begins as the rise of containerisation makes the narrow canal obsolete for modern, larger ships.
  • 1982: Final closure of the docks, resulting in 3,000 job losses and leaving the area as a polluted wasteland.

Regeneration & Environmental Recovery (1983–2000) 

  • 1983–1984: Salford City Council acquires the derelict docks.
  • 1985: Launch of the Salford Quays Development Plan, envisioning a new residential and commercial district.
  • 1986–1990: Massive infrastructure programme: polluted dock water is separated by bunds, and a compressed air mixing system (Helixor) is installed to improve water quality.
  • 1987: Introduction of 12,000 coarse fish to the now-cleaned waterways.
  • 1989: Opening of the Mariners Canal to link the Ontario and Erie Basins.
  • 1999: Completion of major bridge works and the Metrolink extension, connecting the Quays to Manchester city centre.

Cultural & Digital Expansion (2000–Present)

  • 2000: The Lowry arts centre officially opens.
  • 2002: Completion of the Imperial War Museum North, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind.
  • 2007: Construction begins on MediaCityUK.
  • 2011: The BBC completes its move to three buildings (Bridge, Dock, and Quay House).
  • 2014: Coronation Street begins filming at its new dedicated production centre in MediaCity.
  • 2021: MediaCityUK buildings become the first in the UK to achieve net zero carbon status.
  • 2025–2030 Vision: Ongoing regeneration frameworks aim to deliver over 3,000 new homes and 75,000 sq metres of commercial space. 

Agile Scrum Timeline and Overview

In Scrum, the “timeline” is typically structured as a repeatable, time-boxed cycle known as a Sprint, which usually lasts between one and four weeks. Each sprint follows a strict sequence of “ceremonies” designed to ensure constant delivery and feedback. 

The Standard Sprint Timeline (2-Week Example)

The following is a common chronological breakdown of a typical 10-day (two-week) sprint:

  1. Day 1: Sprint Planning
    • Goal: Define what will be delivered and how.
    • Activity: The Product Owner presents prioritized items from the Product Backlog. The team selects items to move into the Sprint Backlog.
  2. Days 2–9: Development & Daily Scrum
    • Development: The team works in parallel on design, coding, and testing.
    • Daily Scrum: A 15-minute “stand-up” held every morning. Team members sync on progress and identify blockers.
  3. Ongoing: Backlog Refinement
    • Goal: Prepare for future sprints.
    • Activity: The team reviews upcoming backlog items to ensure they are “ready” for the next planning session.
  4. Day 10: Sprint Review & Retrospective
    • Sprint Review: A demo for stakeholders to show the Product Increment (completed work) and gather feedback.
    • Sprint Retrospective: An internal meeting where the team reflects on their process to improve for the next cycle. 

Strategic Project Phases

While the sprint is the heart of execution, a broader Agile project often follows these foundational stages: 

  • Concept/Ideation: Defining project vision, high-level requirements, and initial scope.
  • Inception: Building the team, setting up architecture, and creating a mock-up.
  • Construction (Iterative Sprints): The primary execution phase consisting of multiple back-to-back sprints.
  • Release/Deployment: Final testing, security checks, and launching the product increment to production.
  • Maintenance & Operations: Ongoing support, bug fixes, and incorporating user feedback into new sprints. 

Time Allocation (The 15/10/5 Rule)

For a standard sprint, many teams use a percentage-based guide to manage ceremony time: 

  • 15% for Sprint Planning.
  • 10% for Sprint Review.
  • 5% for Sprint Retrospective. 

For more hands-on planning, tools like the Wrike Sprint Template or Jira Timelines can help visualize these cycles across a long-term roadmap.

Agile Scrum Timeline and Overview

PRINCE2 – PRojects IN Controlled Environments – Timeline

PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) has evolved from a rigid, IT-specific framework into a globally recognised, flexible project management standard. 

Historical Evolution Timeline

  • 1975: PROMPT Origins – Simpact Systems Ltd developed PROMPT (Project Resource Organisation Management and Planning Techniques) to address IT project overruns.
  • 1989: The Birth of PRINCE – The UK’s Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) licensed PROMPT, renaming it PRINCE (originally “PROMPT II IN the CCTA Environment”).
  • 1996: PRINCE2 Launch – Developed with input from 150 European organisations, PRINCE2 was released as a generic, scalable framework suitable for any industry.
  • 2000–2013: Ownership Shifts – Ownership moved from the CCTA to the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) in 2000, then to AXELOS Ltd (a joint venture) in 2013.
  • 2009: Major “Refresh” – Introduced the seven core principles and made the method more customisable.
  • 2017: 6th Edition Update – Formerly known as the “2017 Update,” this version focused heavily on scalability and tailoring to specific project needs.
  • 2021–Present: PeopleCert Era – PeopleCert acquired AXELOS in 2021. In 2023, PRINCE2 7 was launched, introducing a greater emphasis on people management and sustainability. 

Comprehensive Project Timeline Breakdown

A standard PRINCE2 project follows a lifecycle defined by seven processes: 

  1. Pre-Project: Starting up a Project (SU)
    • Ensures the project is viable and worthwhile.
    • Key Output: Project Brief.
  2. Initiation: Initiating a Project (IP)
  3. High-Level Oversight: Directing a Project (DP)
    • An ongoing process where the Project Board provides guidance and makes key decisions without managing day-to-day tasks.
  4. Day-to-Day Management: Controlling a Stage (CS)
    • The Project Manager monitors work, manages risks, and reports progress for each individual stage.
  5. Technical Delivery: Managing Product Delivery (MP)
    • The Team Manager ensures products (deliverables) are created, tested, and handed over according to specifications.
  6. Transition: Managing a Stage Boundary (SB)
  7. Finalisation: Closing a Project (CP)
    • The formal decommissioning of the project, ensuring all products are accepted and lessons are documented. 

PRINCE2 – PRojects IN Controlled Environments

BASE24 and core Networking Component XPNET timeline

The technical timeline for BASE24 and its core networking component, XPNET, reflects the evolution of high-availability payment switching on HP NonStop (Tandem) systems.

Technical Evolution Timeline

  • 1980s: The Foundation
    • BASE24 Release: Originally developed by Applied Communications Inc. (now ACI Worldwide), BASE24 was built for the Tandem Guardian operating system.
    • XPNET Introduction: Developed as the Message-Oriented Middleware (MOM) to handle all transaction routing and communications. It introduced a multi-node architecture allowing different “satellite” processes (ATM, POS, Host) to communicate.
  • 1990s: Scale and Maturity
    • Classic Era: BASE24 “Classic” became the industry standard for ATM and POS switching.
    • XPNET 3.x: Enhanced to support larger networks and more complex auditing through NCPCOM.
    • Language & DB: The system relied on TAL (Tandem Application Language), COBOL, and the Enscribe database.
  • 2000s: The Shift to BASE24-eps
    • 2003–2005: ACI introduced BASE24-eps (Electronic Payment Systems). This was a re-architecture using C++ and Java to provide platform independence.
    • XPNET 4.1: Released to support the transition, adding features like Common Transport Subsystem (CTS) for better Pathway integration and support for external processes.
    • z/OS Support: By 2009, BASE24-eps was fully ported to IBM z/OS using CICS and VSAM.
  • 2010s – Present: Modernisation & Cloud
    • 2014–2017: Continued updates to BASE24 Classic R6.0, maintaining its relevance for legacy users.
    • Cloud Enablement: Recent versions of BASE24-eps focus on REST API integration via tools like LightWave, allowing legacy XPNET paths to be exposed as web services.
    • Active/Active Environments: Modern implementations focus on “continuous availability” using GoldenGate for data replication between sites. 

Key Technical Components

  • NMM (Network Management Module): The core process of XPNET that manages the configuration of lines, stations, and links.
  • LCONF: The Logical Network Configuration File used by XPNET to define how messages route between processes.
  • Auditing: XPNET provides the primary transaction auditing mechanism, which is still utilized by both Classic and eps versions.

BASE24 and core Networking Component XPNET

HPE NonStop Tandem ViewPoint EMS Event log viewer

The timeline of HPE NonStop ViewPoint (and its modern successor, Web ViewPoint) reflects the evolution of NonStop systems from Tandem’s fault-tolerant beginnings to Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s modern cloud-integrated management. 

Detailed History Timeline

  • Pre-2000: Legacy ViewPoint
    • Originally developed for the Tandem NonStop platform to provide a graphical operations interface for monitoring system status and events.
    • Featured early support for DSM/PM (Distributed Systems Management/Performance Monitor) and event management through primary and alternate event logs.
  • 2003–2005: Transition to Web ViewPoint
    • September 2003: Version 4 AAD released as an early iteration of the web-based management tool.
    • May–October 2004: Progressive upgrades (Versions 5.0 and 5 AAF) introduced refined management capabilities for S-Series servers.
    • March 2005: Version 5 AAG released, consolidating features for the S-Series.
    • November 2005: Web ViewPoint for Itanium (Version H01AAI) launched, marking the shift to the Intel Itanium-based Integrity NonStop architecture.
  • 2013–2015: The x86 Revolution & Virtualization
    • 2014: Support for Intel x86 architecture was officially announced, leading to the launch of NonStop X.
    • Evolution to Web ViewPoint Enterprise (WVP E): The platform evolved into an automated management product, eventually adding integration with cloud-based analytics like HPE Remote Analyst.
  • 2018–Present: Modern Hybrid Cloud Era
    • L-Series Support: Continued updates provided support for L-Series operating environments and enhanced security monitoring.
    • 2023–2024: Recent developments focus on Web ViewPoint Enterprise, featuring a global configuration platform and enhanced historical data capture through integrations like Sentinel for HPE NonStop. 

For more specific documentation, you can browse the HPE NonStop Manuals on the HPE Support Center. 

MultiBatch is a high-performance, mainframe-class workload automation and batch scheduling solution

MultiBatch is a high-performance, mainframe-class workload automation and batch scheduling solution specifically designed for the HPE NonStop parallel architecture (formerly Tandem). It is developed by ETI-NET (formerly by Insider Technologies) to manage complex batch schedules across both NonStop Guardian and OSS environments. 

Key Milestones and Timeline

  • 1976 – Tandem NonStop Origins: The foundation for these systems was established with the introduction of the first NonStop servers by Tandem Computers.
  • 2017 – MultiBatch Release: Insider Technologies announced an updated release of MultiBatch to enhance off-line processing flows for the HPE NonStop arena.
  • 2019 – GUI and Monitoring Enhancements: Real-time status monitoring through a GUI interface was highlighted as a major differentiator, allowing users to visually track complex batch schedules like RTGS and securities settlements.
  • 2020 – Business Benefits Proven: Case studies demonstrated that MultiBatch could reduce online-dealing batch times by up to 6 hours per day.
  • 2022 – MultiBatch 10 for TBC: MultiBatch 10 was presented at the NonStop Technical Boot Camp (TBC), positioning it as the only workload manager for NonStop built on continuous innovation principles.
  • 2024 – Modernization and Security: Recent updates focused on securing and modernizing the platform for high-performance multitasking. 

Core Functionality

  • Parallel Execution: Supports batch schedules that run concurrently across multiple nodes, leveraging the NonStop architecture for high availability.
  • Hybrid Support: Seamlessly integrates both Guardian and OSS jobs within a single schedule.
  • Batch Prediction: Uses historical metrics in a status database to predict schedule completion times based on average and maximum elapsed run times.
  • Simplified Migration: Unlike NetBatch, it allows for extracting and inserting schedules between environments (e.g., test to production) without TACL changes.

MultiBatch is a high-performance, mainframe-class workload automation and batch scheduling solution