Category: Career

HPE NonStop Tandem represents a line of fault-tolerant, high-availability servers

HPE NonStop (formerly Tandem) represents a line of fault-tolerant, high-availability servers designed for 24/7, zero-downtime operations. Originally created by Tandem Computers in 1974, the architecture is now owned by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and supports mission-critical workloads like banking and finance. 

Key Aspects of HPE NonStop (Tandem):

  • Continuous Availability: Designed to eliminate single points of failure with 100% fault tolerance.
  • Architecture: Initially used a proprietary Tandem T/16 design; modern systems are based on HPE Integrity/x86 architectures.
  • Operating System: Traditionally runs the Guardian OS, which handles the system’s specialized, continuous processing capabilities.
  • Evolution: Founded by James Treybig in 1974, Tandem was acquired by Compaq in 1997, which then merged with HP in 2002.
  • Applications: Ideal for transactional applications requiring strict data integrity and real-time processing.
  • Modern Platforms: Current systems include HPE NonStop Compute NS9 X5 and NS5 X5. 

The systems are still widely used today for mission-critical applications that cannot afford to be offline. 

HPE NonStop (formerly Tandem) represents a line of fault-tolerant, high-availability servers.

Capgemini C&CA UKs Communications and Engagement Award Winner – Cloud and Custom Applications

Capgemini C&CA UKs Communications and Engagement Award Winner – Cloud and Custom Applications

Web Development Stack from Browser to Database

Web Development Stack from Browser to Database

What Full-Stack Developer Actually Means

What Full-Stack Developer Actually Means

Project Management Soft Skills Overview

Project Management Soft Skills Overview

PRINCE2 7 Process Model, 2026 – 7th Edition

In 2026, the PRINCE2 7 (7th Edition) remains the current global standard for the methodology. The core diagram, known as the PRINCE2 Process Model, illustrates how the 7 processes interact across the four management levels: Corporate, Direction, Management, and Delivery. 

The PRINCE2 7 Process Model

The diagram typically visualises the project lifecycle from a “Project Mandate” to “Project Closure” through these processes: 

  • Starting Up a Project (SU): The pre-project process where a mandate is converted into a project brief.
  • Directing a Project (DP): The Project Board’s high-level oversight, running from project start to finish.
  • Initiating a Project (IP): Establishing firm foundations, including the Project Initiation Documentation (PID) and the Business Case.
  • Controlling a Stage (CS): The daily management of a stage by the Project Manager.
  • Managing Product Delivery (MP): The link between the Project Manager and Team Managers to ensure products are built.
  • Managing a Stage Boundary (SB): Occurs at the end of each management stage to plan the next one and review the current.
  • Closing a Project (CP): The final process for a formal decommissioning of the project. 
PRINCE2 7 Process Model, 2026 – 7th Edition

PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a structured, process-based project management methodology

PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a structured, process-based project management methodology used globally to manage projects of any size and complexity. It focuses on dividing projects into manageable stages, ensuring accountability, and maintaining a clear business justification from start to finish. 

Core Framework (PRINCE2 7)

The latest version, PRINCE2 7th Edition (2023), centers on five integrated elements: 

  • 7 Principles: The “guiding obligations” that must be followed for a project to be considered PRINCE2 (e.g., Continued Business Justification, Learn from Experience, and Manage by Exception).
  • 7 Practices: Essential aspects of management (formerly “Themes”) applied throughout the lifecycle: Business Case, Organizing, Plans, Quality, Risk, Issues, and Progress.
  • 7 Processes: A step-by-step guide from Starting up a Project to Closing a Project.
  • People: A major addition in Version 7, focusing on the human side of change and team dynamics.
  • Project Context: Emphasises the need to tailor the methodology to suit the specific project environment. 

Certification Levels:

Qualifications are typically sought through PeopleCert Accredited Training Organisations (ATOs): 

  1. Foundation: Introduces basic concepts and terminology; no prerequisites required.
  2. Practitioner: Focuses on applying and tailoring the method to real-world scenarios. Requires a valid Foundation-level certificate or an equivalent (like PMP or CAPM).
  3. PRINCE2 Agile: A specialised version that blends the structure of PRINCE2 with agile delivery frameworks like Scrum and Kanban. 

Comparison and Value

  • Geographic Dominance: PRINCE2 is the de facto standard in the UK public sector and is widely used across Europe and Australia. In contrast, the PMP (from PMI) is more prevalent in the USA and Canada.
  • Cost: In the UK, Foundation courses typically range from £549 to £1,000, while Practitioner courses cost between £599 and £1,100.
  • Renewal: All current PRINCE2 certifications must be renewed every three years. 

PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a structured, process-based project management methodology.

May 2011 – Registered PRINCE2 Practitioner with ILX

mark whitfield mark_whitfield_prince2_registered_practitioner
PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a structured, process-based project management methodology

Education Summary – 1980 thru 1990 – Mark Whitfield

1988 to 1990 : University of Bolton (previously BIHE, Bolton Institute of Higher Education)
Deane Road, Bolton, Lancashire, UK. BL3 5AB

Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Studies –
DISTINCTION – overall first over the 2 years

1985 to 1988 : Leigh College (now Wigan and Leigh College)
Marshall Street, Leigh, Lancashire, UK. WN7 4HX

2 ‘A’ Levels – Computer Science and Biology

1980 to 1985 : Park High Secondary School
Park Road, Hindley, Wigan, Lancashire, UK. WN2 3RY

8 GCE ‘O’ Levels –
All grades ‘C’ and above including Computer Studies, Maths and English

Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Studies – Certificates:

mark_whitfield_hndcertificate1
mark_whitfield_firstyearhnd
mark_whitfield_bothyearshnd

LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/51224