Don Stokes

Don has been working in information technology since 1985, programming small microcomputers. He grew up in 1986, dealing with DEC pdp11 and and VAX equipment, initially as an applications programmer at Datacom Systems Ltd, and later as a systems programmer for the Government Printing Office, a role that increasingly involved computer networking with many external sites running many different operating systems.

In 1992, he joined Victoria University of Wellington in the newly created position of Network Manager. As VUW was also the Wellington hub of the then embryonic Internet in NZ, he became intimately involved in the hub's operation, and managed the transition from a set of grace and favour relationships to a commercial Internet services provider. This operation was re-launched in 1995 as NetLink, and Don managed all technical operations until his departure in 1997.

From 1997 onward, Don operated a private consultancy. With John Rumsey, he formed Knossos Networks Ltd in 2001 to service customers that required greater coverage than could be provided on his own, and in August 2003, committed full time to Knossos.

Career highlights

Submissions to TelstraClear Wholesale Bitstream Service Determination, 2005;
Development of Gatekeeper hotel Internet access solution, 2004;
Development of Domainz Ltd web and email services, 2003;
Implementation of DNS infrastructure for .NZ Registry Services for NZ TLD operations, 2002/2003;
Convener of InternetNZ committee investigating the "0867" dialup Internet interconnection arrangements, 2001;
Member of InternetNZ Registry Review working group that recommended that NZ move to a shared registry implementation, 2000;
Implementation of independent NZ DNS infrastructure for Domainz, 2000;
Development of small-scale dial-up ISP, 1999;
Redevelopment of ISP systems at Globe.Net, 1998/1999;
Initial development of IP traffic accounting package for Paradise Net, 1998;
Implementation of wireless connection VUW to MetService, 1998;
Design of VUW switched fast Ethernet backbone, 1996/1997;
Installation of NZ's first general wireless Internet networks in Wellington and Christchurch, 1996;
General Election web coverage, one of the world's first successful official election results web sites, 1996;
NetLink expansion into Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, 1995/1996;
Volcano Cam: installing an Internet Camera to cover the eruption of Mt Ruapehu, 1995;
Formation of NetLink and expansion of services from Internetworking Group leased lines operation to include dial-up, web and email services etc, 1994/1995;
Formation of VUW Internetworking Group, 1992;
Design of compressed document storage system to replace microfiching; 1991;
Development of VAX/VMS email to fax gateway, 1990;
Development of data entry forms management system, 1988;
Development of student database program, 1985.

Publications

UBS

NZ Domain Name Registry

0867

Submission to Telecommunications Enquiry, May 2000

Other