Cogito ergo sum is usually translated as “I think, therefore I am.” The most famous proposition of philosopher René Descartes demonstrated that thought leads to existence. It was in 2004, on the top floor of Descartes House in London, that the idea of holding a free meeting for telecoms assurance practitioners was turned into reality by the good people at Cartesian, the international provider of consulting services and managed solutions. The Risk & Assurance Group (RAG) still holds meetings in that same room, as pictured above. RAG has also become international, with members around the globe and an ambitious program of conferences that will see it visit three continents in 2017. Remaining true to the original spirit of RAG, its events continue to be provided free of charge to attendees. And the passage of time has not altered Cartesian’s steadfast support for RAG. Last week Cartesian announced the signing of an annual sponsorship agreement which sees them joining forces with Neural, WeDo, and Subex as Foundation Sponsors of RAG. The announcement of a fifth and final Foundation Sponsor is expected soon.
Dermod Ranaghan, Cartesian’s Managing Director for the EMEA region, explained why his business is committed to RAG.
We have been fortunate to be able to contribute to the group’s continued success as it has gone from strength to strength, increasing its membership, growing its events, and expanding its coverage. TMT businesses face a growing set of complex challenges in revenue, risk, and assurance, as their products and services evolve technologically and commercially. Today there is an even greater need for RAG, as an independent association, to inform and educate, and to create a community for professionals to share ideas. Our sponsorship reflects our commitment to maintaining the active part we have played in this community since its inception.
Hayley Daniels expressed the RAG Committee’s delight at the sponsorship agreement with Cartesian.
Cartesian were the original founders of this group back in 2004. This announcement is a tribute to Cartesian’s willingness to assist the education of telecoms professionals, irrespective of whether they work for existing Cartesian customers. We applaud Cartesian’s dedication, the work they have done for our community and the work they will continue to do in concert with RAG.
As well as providing funding, Cartesian will continue to host RAG meetings at Descartes House. However, RAG’s biggest two-day London Conference now needs another venue capable of accommodating all its guests. This year it will be held on March 15th and 16th at BT’s London headquarters, within walking distance of Cartesian, but with room to welcome 170 guests. A small number of seats are still available. You can register for free at the conference page on the RAG website.