Tom Ribbens

Interested in computers since I was little, I started experimenting with computers. Having learned some programming language, I realized I did not want to type code all day long, and turned my interests more to System Administration, discovering the Linux Operating System in 1998, at age 13. Quickly learning to appreciate this powerfull suite of technologies, I found challenges for myself at every corner: configuring XFree86 (in those days, not an easy thing to do), configuring Apache, MySQL, high-availability with Heartbeat and DRBD, ...

Some years later, I discovered the world of networking better, now understanding better how it worked beyond a simple home network. I was intrigued by the possibilites what could be done with IP packets. Continuing my quest for knowledge, I took a course in IP Telephony, where I discovered the basics of Cisco IPTel products.

Right after this, I started looking for my first job, quickly finding one at Getronics, where I learned a lot about Cisco Unified Communications Manager. After a couple of months, I got an offer to join BT Professional Services, where I could work on bigger IPTel projects.