Private: Blog - Open Box Technology

Joyful Service as a Professional Techie

July 24, 2017July 24, 2017 by Nick

Being a ‘professional techie’ in a church (e.g. a full time Audio Engineer serving on the sound roster) is a hard burden to bear. High expectations abound, but without the understanding or budget to back it up. In such conditions, it can also be hard to not be on the roster for duties every week. As a result, it is not surprising that many of us professional techies suffer from burnout and bitterness in our church ministry, and sometimes make big efforts to steer clear of any ‘work related’ ministry.

Even in the best of situations, as someone who does technical work day in and day out, it can be hard to slot into technical ministry in a church. Being on the team like everyone else is a great way to serve, but is that the best use of our God given skills? Is it the best way to steward our gifts?

What We’ve Done: A Church Music Director’s Handbook

June 19, 2017 by Toby

We had the opportunity to work on Mountain Street Media‘s (MSM) new book “A Church Music Director’s Handbook. We handled designing the cover, and typesetting the contents, producing two versions of each. One for print and one for screen view as an eBook.

Should I use Two Factor Authentication?

May 1, 2017 by Nick

In October last year, over 20,000 hacked emails from John Podesta, chairman of Hillary Clinton’s US Presidential Campaign, were released to the public via Wikileaks. The contents of these emails included many private discussions relating the campaign and resulted in much controversy in the media and public. The leak contributed to the growing mistrust of Hillary Clinton and her subsequent election loss in November.

Could it have been prevented?

Two Factor Authentication

Embracing the Internet for The Gospel

October 13, 2016 by Nick

In September of 2015 Mark Zuckerberg (founder and CEO of Facebook) addressed the UN as part of a movement seeking to ensure the internet is accessible for all people. He declared “ensuring [internet] access, is essential to achieving global justice and opportunity”. Zuckerberg is not alone in thinking that internet access is a basic human right; many foundations, charities and organisations have been formed in order to promote this idea.

What We’ve Done: openboxtechnolgy.com

October 14, 2016September 15, 2016 by Toby

Towards the middle of last year (2015) we at Open Box Technology started thinking about building our own website. As a company that builds websites for other people there was a lot riding on this project! We met to discuss our plans and identified ways our website needed to function.
Firstly, the website is a business tool, allowing people to learn about our work and contact us. Secondly, the website is effectively a demo site showcasing our web design and development work. Our website!

“Your kind of service is rare these days”

Nick, you were amazing on Saturday night at the Carols on the Colonnade!

Thank you for the generosity of your time and enthusiasm. As you know, I was very anxious as to the quality and experience of the guests. You allayed my concerns with your positive attitude and ‘all good’ approach.

Thank you, your kind of service is rare these days.

I so value what you contributed to our purchase of a Sound System and will look forward to working with you in the future.

Wendy McDermott, Tara Anglican School

“The kind of consultants you want in your corner”

Open Box Technology has done two things for Barneys. Firstly, they have stopped us from repeatedly making dumb, reactive - and, ultimately, costly - decisions, by helping us to develop a single vision for the integrated use of enabling technologies across ministries, without redundancy or false economies. Secondly, they have equipped Barneys volunteers to use our technology to the best of its capacity and rescued us when needed.

Open Box has a great passion for Christian organisations to be as effective as possible. They are practical about our financial realities. Open Box Technology is efficient, honest and hard-working: the kind of consultants you want in your corner.

Rev Mike Paget, Rector, St Barnabas Anglican Church Broadway

“Clear communication, integrity and honesty”

I have had the privilege of knowing Nick Utber (Open Box Technology, Owner) during the past couple of years. During this time, we have worked together on a number of projects in a range of situations. Nick has shown himself to be a very competent audio engineer across a variety of projects ranging from large outdoor events to small indoor gatherings. He is a good planner, wanting to ensure that all necessary equipment and personnel are in place in order to achieve a desired outcome.

In addition, I have observed Nick present several training courses. He is able to communicate clearly, understand the competence level of those in the group and answers questions to the satisfaction of the target group. On a personal level, I know Nick to be a person of integrity and honesty. I warmly commend Nick to anyone requiring expertise in the areas mentioned above.

Steve Williams, Crosstalk Technical Services

It’s a relationship

We really value our relationship OBT because it is just that—a relationship. They listen to our challenges and desires and help manufacture solutions that don't break the bank and can be implemented in a relatively short space of time.

Chris Booth - Assistant Minister, Guildford Anglican Church