Charlton House was the venue for on 4th October 2006, for the first Engage Development Partners Conference. Delegates began arriving at noon to check in and quaff a refreshing glass of Champagne.
After a Buffet Lunch, everyone was driven to Yeovil for a tour of Double First’s HQ, which included meetnig the Support Team, the Development Team, and seeing the new dedicated Training Centre.
Returning to Charlton House, the Conference began with Jeff Elliott (Group MD), giving a history of Double First, and Engage.
Paul Rastall (Software Development Manager) followed and demonstrated the key points in v2.05. Lively discussion resulted in many excellent ideas being noted for evaluation. Jeff mentioned Engage’s Interoperabilty, and the benefits it would bring schools which wanted to run other softwares but which needed to integrate with the Engage SQL database.
Clues on the future development of Double First were mentioned, especially how Double First Accounts would be enhanced and further integrated with Engage. Jeff explained that he would shortly be looking for Double First Development Partners.
What does du Pré do for Schools?
Piers du Pré (Chairman) briefed on the strengths which du Pré brings to school in relation to Telephone and IT systems, and Infrastructure, including Broadband. Indeed, some of the Development Partners already had du Pré systems installed.
Telephone Call Costs – UK Academic rates
Piers added that the most favourable rates for a school’s telephone calls were now available exclusively from du Pré.
‘An easy statement to make,’ said Piers, ‘but one that can be proven. Just email calls@dupre.co.uk for details.’
Dinner
The day concluded with an excellent dinner during which a caricaturist drew his impressions of all Delegates, as well as some of the staff. It must be reported that an air of nervousness existed!
After a good night, Delegates departed after breakfast.