2017 marks 20 years since Harry Potter and the
Philosopher’s Stone was first published, initiating a global phenomenon. Far
from the fact that some of us in Smartmatic call ourselves geeks, the literary
series of the wizard boy has touched us in multiple ways. It has captivated us
across the globe and across departments, so why not join the world celebrating
and sharing our Potter’s love.
1.
‘It is our choices that show what we
truly are, far more than our abilities.’ Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and
the Chamber of Secrets
Sometimes we approach technology
development as if we were wizards. Though, our wizarding world is much more about
finding solutions to enhance digital democracy, empowering public participation
than to cast spells and fight the dark masters. Everytime our election technology is used to
improve the integrity of democratic processes, we feel full of pride of how ‘the
magic’ of our effort truly works.
2. ‘Dragons are extremely difficult to slay, owing to the ancient magic
that imbues their thick hides, which none but the most powerful spells can
penetrate…’ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
We do love magic and dragons. Who doesn’t,
right? While Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’s motto is “Draco
dormiens numquam titillandus” (Latin for “Never tickle a sleeping dragon”), for
us, the adventure lays in waking up and riding our dragons. In Smartmatic, we have a long-standing relationship
(some might even call it fascination) with dragons. They awe-inspire us and motivate
us. And far from what some Game of Throne’s fans could argue, in Smartmatic we
all put extra love and effort to be able to ride one of our awards dragons!
3. ‘Books! And Cleverness! There are more important things — friendship and
bravery.’ Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Besides avid and obssesed readers, we also have
wonderful children literature followers and critics amongst us. Some of our
bookworms are now sharing their bibliophile tendencies with second generations.
Yes, Harry Potter’s love included. Indeed, we even have laureated writers for
children books in the company! In case of doubts, just ask our CEO. Even better, go and enjoy Hookitty-Tookitty-Tah, an awarded tale about a wizard baker boy
who uses his cooking magic to rid his town of a bullying dragon.
4.
‘We are only as strong as we are
united, as weak as we are divided.’Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the
Goblet of Fire
Even if we don’t have
internal Quidditch tournaments, we do try to support and delight in “more
common muggle’s passions” for team sports, such as football or Ultimate. Yes,
we do have sporty developers and many other energetic colleagues getting together
on their free-time to play against each other. It may not be as awesome or
flamboyant as quidditch, but nevertheless we play and enjoy the team magic of
staff integration!
5.
‘Working hard is important. But
there is something that matters even more, believing in yourself. Every great
wizard in history has started out as nothing more than what we are now,
students. If they can do it, why not us? ’ Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the
Order of the Phoenix
And last but not least,
Harry Potter and all his wizarding world has tought us life and professional
lessons about resilence, about fighting for our dreams and loved ones, about
working hard to achieve success, and about the value of team work. Most
importantly, against all odds, it has inspired us to believe that transforming incredible ideas into reality (such as election technology and Internet voting) is possible to build a better electoral
world (for muggles and wizards alike).
Pd. According to Bloomsbury Publishing, The British Library will curate
and launch a brand new exhibition about the magic
of Harry Potter, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s masterpiece, opening 20th October 2017. “This will be the first British Library
exhibition inspired by a single series of books by a living author. From
medieval descriptions of dragons and griffins, to the origins of the
Philosopher’s Stone, the exhibition will take readers on a spellbinding journey
to the heart of the Harry Potter stories.” See you there!
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