Matt Gains DOORS Next Generation IBM Technical Certification

SyntheSys is an IBM 'Silver' Business Partner, providing resell of IBM Watson Internet of Things (IoT) software solutions, and delivery of supporting services to IBM clients.

IBM have a certification process in place that recognises technical competence in their software solutions.  SyntheSys Technical Consultant Matt Mendell has been examined and certified on the DOORS Next Generation (NG) solution, providing confirmation of his abilities and competence to deliver advice and consultancy on the solution.

Following a period of study and on the basis of regular delivery of consultancy for DOORS NG, Matt was confident that certification would be a recognisable benefit to both his personal development and to SyntheSys’ ability to provide services and support to clients.  He said: “It also demonstrates expertise in requirements management principles and in understanding the way in which DOORS NG is used in requirements management for System Engineering and software development.”

For more information about our partnership with IBM, visit our SyntheSys Direct website here.

Expert Consultant Kevin Farquhar GCGI has recently joined SyntheSys

Kevin currently works within the SyntheSys Defence Business Group and is primarily responsible for the delivery of Interoperability (IO) Assurance, support and assistance to customers utilising the Multi-Link Test Facility(MLTF).

He has both an operational and technical background having served over 30 years’ exemplary service in the Royal Air Force (RAF) undertaking numerous Radar, Electronic Warfare (EW) and Tactical Data Link (TDL) related roles.  His final 10 years working within the RAF were spent as a crew member on Sentry E-3D AEW and as an ISTAR Instructor specialising in Air Command & Control (C2), EW and TDL.  He has been deployed worldwide in support of Operations and Exercises.  On leaving the RAF, he entered into Industry, as a Link 16 Advisor with BAE Systems, Saudi Arabia, joining SyntheSys in April 2017.

Kevin brings to the Company experience in the following areas: Multi-TDL Instructor, Training and Development, TDL Network Management, TDL Operations and Analysis, Air/Ground/Maritime Integration, C2 Systems, Extensive Operational experience, Track Management and Sensor Fusion. This experience enables him to support clients in their requirements for a highly adaptable, versatile system manager with in-depth experience in operating, training and management within the fields of C4ISTAR TDL and Air and Ground C2 Combat Systems.

SyntheSys Completes Combined MIDS Link 16 and Identification Friend or Foe Training Course

SyntheSys has just completed its first combined Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Link 16 and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) training to students from both the military and industry.  The course took place at the Institute of Directors in London, UK, where three days were spent on Link 16 training and one day on IFF.

SyntheSys Training Manager Paul ‘Ski’ Czajkowski, who led the course, said the subject area covered the basics through to Advanced Link 16, looking at both technical and operational use.  Ski said: “This training was important as the course attendees are specifically focused on MIDS Link 16 integration within their own national systems.  Consequently, there is a need to not only understand both the protocols and procedures as described in the various TDL Standards, but also how those are put into practice during actual operational use.  The students were fully engaged in the material which is very rewarding as an instructor.  All provided very positive feedback”.

The students’ interest around Link 16 protocols and best practices meant that the Link 16 simulator proved to be particularly useful.  This simulation is a unique feature of SyntheSys courses, and aids each student in exploring what MIDS Link 16 provides, both on the operational and technical front.

The IFF training day included the civilian Mode S technology and the military Mode 5.  The students were particularly interested in how both Modes S & 5 data is exchanged via Link 16, right down to bit level, and the transmission rules.

Ski added: “We are able to provide a variety of TDL courses at virtually any location around the world.  We work closely with our customers to identify the most productive course structure, thus ensuring their training needs are always met.”  Anyone interested in holding similar combined, or separate courses, can email training@synthesys.co.uk.

Richard Hesketh has recently joined SyntheSys, bringing a wealth of experience to the company

Principal Consultant Richard is an IBM Rational tools specialist, with 19 years' experience of using, teaching, administering and customising DOORS.  In addition to DOORS, he has extensive skills in DOORS Next Generation and Rational Publishing Engine, as well as experience of Rational Quality Manager, Rational Performance Tester and Rational Functional Tester.  He also has skills in Windows and Linux system administration, and scripting.

Richard grew up in a Royal Air Force family, and has developed his skills around large defence and aerospace programmes and projects.  He was part of the team that created and developed the DOORS HealthCheck service offering associated tools and has developed training material around IBM requirements tools and Requirements Management good practice.  

Richard has also participated in and led requirements gathering and information architecture workshops for more than ten years.  He has wide experience in the defence, aerospace, rail, automotive, medical devices and pharmaceutical industries.  Richard has also worked as a solution architect and technical specialist on many IBM Rational tools deployments including DOORS and the Rational Solution for Collaborative Lifecycle Management.

Currently he is focused on developing his interests and skills in the wider arena of systems engineering, with a particular interest in Model-Based Systems Engineering. Richard is a professional member of the British Computer Society and of the UK chapter of INCOSE, the International Council on Systems Engineering.