About RSS
Search for: in 
Matthew Pack
R E L A T E D   C O N T E N T
Jargon Buster

ADVERTISEMENT

Computing

Hot Seat: Matthew Pack

Matthew Pack is the web director of online airport hotel and car park bookings specialist Holiday Extras, where he manages a team of 80

Computing, 23 Jul 2009
ADVERTISEMENT

What was your first job and how did you get into IT?
When I was eight my dad bought an Apple computer, which I spent hours taking apart and working on. After school I started a business course but quickly switched to an information systems degree at Bournemouth. My first proper job was with Lastminute.com, which I really enjoyed.

Which IT vendor do you think has been the most influential in the past 20 years?
Google – grabs the spotlight and is now recognised as one of the most powerful brands in the world. But there are plenty of other less-known brands that are doing very special and clever things for online businesses, such as StrongMail.

Is there any piece of tech legislation that will have an effect on your business?

Implementing Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance is a big challenge for online companies like us. PCI is supposed to be enhancing payment security online through tools such as Verified by Visa and 3D Secure Code. However, we are discovering that many users find it too complex and as many as 30 per cent don’t bother to complete their booking as a result. The problem is that many of our partners are requesting we use this service, so it’s a challenging situation.

Which mobile device do you currently use?
An iPhone – and not just for business. I’m a massive fan of all the applications you can get for it. For example, I’ve just downloaded an app that tells me when the wind is right for windsurfing, which is my other passion in life.

What technology would you save in a fire?

My MacBook Pro – it’s my bible. Everything, and I mean everything, is saved on it.

If you were not in IT, what would you be doing?

I would love to be a professional windsurfer. If I spent as much time surfing as I do working I could be quite good.

Tags: Management

Like this story? Spread the news by clicking below:

Post this to Delicious del.icio.us    Post this to Digg Digg this    Post this to reddit reddit!

Permalink for this story
RELATED ARTICLES
M A R K E T P L A C E
Sponsored links
F E A T U R E D   J O B S
| Hays Information Technology
I am seeking to recruit an MI Analyst / Reports Developer for my client based in Dorset. Employed initially on a 6 month fixed-term contract, you will be responsible for supporting and maintaining the reporting function ... more >
| Hays Information Technology
Software Tester – Agile process – Manual tester – Test Scripts – My client are seeking a manual tester to join an established company based in Colchester. You will be joining a new test team ... more >
| Hays Information Technology
Financial Services, Java Systems Developer, £40K, Stockport Hays Technology are representing a Financial Services company who are currently going through new technology implementation and require Java, J2EE Developers with a good academic background.   My client ... more >
| Hays Information Technology
Calling all Graduates and Junior Web Developers.....  Excellent opportunities now available for a number of Web Developers to join an award winning Digital Agency. We are seeking graduate to middle weight Developers who want to develop their careers quickly ... more >
More job opportunities