Good move if you ask me.
Will be interesting to see Andrews take on this, but I've had some peripheral dealings with Duncan from many many years ago and he was on the ball then.
*Hrm*, I will admit to being very surprised by this appointment, and I wish Duncan the best in his new position. I think though that no matter who replaced Dr. Duncan Martin, those would be very very big shoes to fill. It's a complex position that requires close relations with many market segments, both academic, commercial and public sector, and it's going to be interesting to watch the TENET development in regards to these relationships going forward, because its a juggling act that has always been delicate.
I think irrespective of who replaced Dr. Martin, my only wish is that TENET continues to see itself as a pioneer, and I pray that TENET continues to see itself as an innovator, rather than an operator. Every NREN in the world requires the ability to develop, grow, innovate, and pioneer, and that is the other challenge being faced by Duncan Greaves now, as would be faced by any successor. To maintain the balance between operational stability and innovation, because it is something that is critical. An academic network that merely operates and does not pioneer is just another ISP in another guise, and that is something to be avoided.
Beyond that, I can't really say to much, beyond the fact that I wish TENET as an organization all the best, because I truly believe that a strong stable dynamic and innovative academic network is critical in this country (and the rest of the world), but particularly here where we see our education system in such tatters, with University budgets being slashed, shortages of teachers in the primary education sector and all around turmoil. In a situation like we have in South Africa, online resource becomes even more critical as a backup to traditional learning mechanisms.
