Ulf Schmidt,
Windows Expert, Atos Origin Germany, Essen 

Ulf tells us about his role in the Technical Operations Center (TOC) at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games :

"In the end there is nothing special at all about my work here, basically I do what I also do at home in Essen.”, Ulf Schmidt tells me.  This is hard to believe as we sit together in the Digital Headquarter looking out over the Olympic Green and into the “Birds Nest” stadium with the immense Olympic flame burning brightly over head.  All the IT systems and devices that are deployed at the 39 Olympic venues are monitored and controlled from here.  If there are problems with any of these systems the screens in the TOC will start flashing.  It is anything but an ordinary, or un-important, work-place. "Nevertheless, the work is a little bit different of course. The security regulations are extremely high, but you get used to it very quickly.", Ulf continues,  "The working mentality has really surprised me. I had actually expected strict Chinese drill and many regulations, but it is a very pleasant working atmosphere. My Chinese colleagues are friendly and open-minded”

With the international team working in the TOC there are many opportunities to observe other working methods and attitudes. "Sometimes I am also a mediator when Chinese and European ideas collide. But as I said, we have a generally pleasant working atmosphere, although it becomes very hectic sometimes.”  Ulf has been in Beijing since February 2008, and he has seen many things change in that time both on the Olympic Games site and in the city itself.

“Of course it is now very exciting!  This excitement has been building since the first test competitions were held.  Suddenly you get it: Hey, outside there is a competition taking
place and you must pay very close attention in here that everything runs smoothly. You are suddenly part of it; it hits you that you are a part of the Olympic Games and this is a great feeling!”  Ulf enthuses.   For Ulf the magic really got going as he watched the magnificent opening ceremonies from the Digital Headquarters.  "This was a crazy day, the Olympic site was suddenly full of people everywhere and because of the many heads of state attending, the security regulations were terrifically high. It’s a pity that we had to work, but the fireworks compensated us a little bit.”, Ulf adds with a smile.  "It is simply a great experience to live in Beijing and work here, I must confess.”

Ulf Schmidt will take this experience; of working in an international team, observing different methods and attitudes, and working at a hectic pace under great pressure; back to Essen with him and into all the client projects and situations in which he is involved in the future.