Technology Mashup

As Beijing ends and thoughts turn towards London 2012, I thought it would nice to highlight this quote from Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee. Atos Origin the world-wide IT partner for the Olympic Games ensured that the technology infrastructure was designed, delivered and operated seamlessly...

When an athlete crosses the finish line, how do final lap times get published in less than one second? What goes on behind the scenes to keep the Games running smoothly? This is your look at 4,000-member team who doesn't compete in any sporting events.

With the world's largest sporting event kicking off in Beijing, billions of people around the world will flock to China or their TV sets and the Internet to get updates on their country's Olympic medal count.

But how often do you think about the technology needed to get stats out to a global audience in the same amount of time it takes you to blink? What about the IT infrastructure required to ensure the Games run without glitches? And who updates the Olympic website?

Watch and find out...

The Economist poses an interesting question on the viability of future cheating techniques based on gene therapy.

"On the eve of the Beijing Olympics, we examine the prospect of athletes using gene therapy to enhance their performance, and of catching them if they try..."