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Meet the people of the Switch project in their native habitat: the cubicle. These three basement dwellers are Linda, Karl, and Hector.Meet the people of the Switch project in their native habitat: the cubicle. These three basement dwellers are Linda, Karl, and Hector.

Chalres Hutchinson, Site Area CoordinatorChalres Hutchinson, Site Area Coordinator

Reggie Santos, Site CoordinatorReggie Santos, site coordinator

Alma and Carlos, District Team LeadsAlma and Carlos, District Team Leads

Marion, Backup Site CoordinatorMarion, Backup Site Coordinator

Aaron Schneider, Backup Site CoordinatorAaron Schneider, Backup Site Coordinator

Eddie Ellis, District Team LeadEddie Ellis, District Team Lead

Frank HannahFrank Hannah

Hector and Bobby G in the labHector and Bobby G in the lab

Josh observes Karl intently resolve an issueJosh observes Karl intently resolve an issue

'Master Fly' Tony Davis'Master Fly' Tony Davis

Mike Kress and Phillip Thomas: separated at birth?Mike Kress and Phillip Thomas: separated at birth?

Lisa Michelle, the only one who consistently laughed at each and every one of my jokes no matter how terribleLisa Michelle, the only one who consistently laughed at each and every one of my jokes no matter how terrible

Michelle Nambo, often found at 120 South LaSalle but capable of being in up to three places at onceMichelle Nambo, often found at 120 South LaSalle but capable of being in up to three places at once

Josh atop a mountain of freshly delivered PC's. We sometimes received so many new computers at a time that it would take three of us all day just to unbox them.Josh atop a mountain of freshly delivered PC's. We sometimes received so many new computers at a time that it would take three of us all day just to unbox them.

Scott proudly standing in front of a pile of PC's that he unboxed mostly by himself. Fueled by massive quantities of coffee, Scott was extrememly productive when faced with overwhelming tedious tasks.Scott proudly standing in front of a pile of PC's that he unboxed mostly by himself. Fueled by massive quantities of coffee, Scott was extrememly productive when faced with overwhelming tedious tasks.

Hallway signs in the basement hallway at 120 South LaSalle. Switch was a complicated project involving the efforts of many people deploying computers to tens of thousands of clients.Hallway signs in the basement hallway at 120 South LaSalle. Switch was a complicated project involving the efforts of many people deploying computers to tens of thousands of clients.

Prior to a deployment, new computers are imaged using PowerQuest Powercast. Everyone who worked Switch deployments grew accustomed to watching the familiar blue progress bar crawl across the screen.Prior to a deployment, new computers are imaged using PowerQuest Powercast. Everyone who worked Switch deployments grew accustomed to watching the familiar blue progress bar crawl across the screen.

Scott and Hector compare notes before the kickoff of a deployment weekend.Scott and Hector compare notes before the kickoff of a deployment weekend.

Pete Scianna directs Mike and Jimmy in the delivery of retained desktops. Pete devoted himself tirelessly to the production and delivery of desktop PC's.Pete Scianna directs Mike and Jimmy in the delivery of retained desktops. Pete devoted himself tirelessly to the production and delivery of desktop PC's.

Motorola Radius CP200. These classic communication devices were used during deployment weekends and during the 3-day post-deployment support period.Motorola Radius CP200. These classic communication devices were used during deployment weekends and during the 3-day post-deployment support period.

Packet folders. Switch deployments invoved a lot of paperwork to document the process, assure quality, and provide orientation to customers.Packet folders. Switch deployments invoved a lot of paperwork to document the process, assure quality, and provide orientation to customers.

Cathy Stewart possessed the magic ability to collect and inventory notebook computers and assemble paperwork at the same time.Cathy Stewart possessed the magic ability to collect and inventory notebook computers and assemble paperwork at the same time.

One of the first things to happen at the start of a deployment weekend is the delivery of computers to each customer desktop.One of the first things to happen at the start of a deployment weekend is the delivery of computers to each customer desktop.

mobile Powercast cartmobile Powercast cart

beginning a deployment at 1 N Dearbornbeginning a deployment at 1 N Dearborn

Hutch enters the war room.Hutch enters the war room.

Mark Brewer and Mark Padecky man the war roomMark Brewer and Mark Padecky man the war room

The most difficult part of any deployment is deciding what to order for lunch!The most difficult part of any deployment is deciding what to order for lunch!

April LibanApril Liban

LAN cablesLAN cables

Izzy and ReggieIzzy and Reggie

delivery of old PC's made new againdelivery of old PC's made new again

Switch swtichSwitch swtich

The Bobby G powercast cartThe Bobby G powercast cart

Scott Lockwood as the caffeine wears offScott Lockwood as the caffeine wears off

Insight techs in training. Some of the weekend helpers were very good. Others were good in their own way.Insight techs in training. Some of the weekend helpers were very good. Others were good in their own way.

old PC'sI always thought that all the surplus GX50's would make good building material. But no one seemed excited about my idea to build a house from these old Dells.

Do not attempt to switch from tokenring to ethernet without the supervision of a qualified union electrician.Do not attempt to switch from tokenring to ethernet without the supervision of a qualified union electrician.

another Pizza lunchanother Pizza lunch

Mark Brewer clowns around during a slow moment of Sunday post-deployment testingMark Brewer clowns around during a slow moment of Sunday post-deployment testing

War Room for the final Switch deployment at 300 S Riverside in ChicagoWar Room for the final Switch deployment at 300 S Riverside in Chicago

Celebrating the completion of the final deployment. We went to the Elephant & Castle, an unofficial after-work meeting place for Switch in Chicago.Celebrating the completion of the final deployment. We went to the Elephant & Castle, an unofficial after-work meeting place for Switch in Chicago.

Pete and Jim at the Elephant & CastlePete and Jim at the Elephant & Castle

Tim and Izzy at the Elephant & CastleTim and Izzy at the Elephant & Castle

After the project was over, we enjoyed a party on the 57th floor of Bank One Plaza. The open bar and filet mingon made for a fun evening.After the project was over, we enjoyed a party on the 57th floor of Bank One Plaza. The open bar and filet mingon made for a fun evening.

Bola and Lisa MichelleBola and Lisa Michelle at the celebration

Bobby G and the Switch catBobby G and the Switch cat

Jared and Switch catJared plays piano for the Switch cat

Justyna and Switch catJustyna strokes the Switch cat

Josh and Switch catJosh attempts to bite the head off the Switch cat.

I also have photos of the after-party at the Elephant & Castle, but they are not suitable for publication.

Note: Since these pictures were taken, I have been re-assigned back to BankOne to work another project. Stay tuned for more wacky adventures at JP Morgan Chase Bank One.