Working to solve eight complex programming problems over the course of a four-hour timed period, BSc (Hons) Computer Science students, Alin Rohnean (21), Alexandru Faur (23), and Alexandru Ghitescu-Hrin (22) who live in the city centre, along with Team Coach and Lecturer Dr Daniel Doolan, battled it out against 30 other university teams.

Hosted by University College Cork's Association for Computing Machinery Student Chapter, the competition was designed to foster a passion for computer programming by bringing together students from across the UK to put their knowledge of algorithms, problem solving and computer programming to the test.

The RGU team were sponsored in the competition by Aberdeen-based IT firm, Codify, specialists in developing software for business. Codify's Managing Director, Mark Griffiths, is a graduate from RGU's School of Computing and several of his staff are fellow RGU alumni. A member of staff also currently sits on the School's Industrial Advisory Board.

Mark Griffiths commented:

"I would like to congratulate the team on this fantastic achievement - to come second out of 30 teams speaks volumes about the calibre of talent. I look forward to Codify continuing to support RGU's students and this important industry in the future."

Daniel Doolan, Team Coach and Lecturer at the School, adds:

"I am delighted that our students achieved second place in a competition with such a high standard of entries. The team worked hard and dealt with the pressure of competing at an international level very well.

"I'd like to thank Codify for their generous support without which this success would not have been possible."

Mark Griffiths, Managing Director at Codify, specialists in delivering software solutions to the energy industry, commented: "Six of our employees came to us as graduates fresh out of university which is around a third of Codify's total staff. One of those made an impression when they completed their university placement with us and we were more than happy to get them back in.

"We are committed to encouraging people at all levels to get into IT and this attitude has served us extremely well as we have attracted high calibre individuals who have made an impact. With the current employment situation it is vital that we do not overlook bright prospects who often have the determination and drive that we need more of within the IT industry."

For the past two years, Codify has participated in Aberdeenshire Council's work experience programme, taking at least one school pupil per year for a week long placement. This is set to continue next year.

Mark added: "Many organisations dismiss work experience students because it takes up vital time and resources but Codify is passionate about encouraging young people down an exciting and varied career path."

Toni Murray, 17, completed her work experience placement at Codify earlier this year and it had a direct influence on her subsequent university course choices.

She said: "Just a week at Codify really opened up my eyes to all the different options I would have if I was to choose a career in computing.

"My assigned role was Junior Software Developer which was very interesting and diverse. I enjoyed it so much that I am now studying Computer Science at RGU."

Codify is also currently working with ScotlandIS, taking part in e-Placement Scotland - an industry-backed programme to boost the participation of students in industry placements. The firm often welcomes university students for their summer or annual placements. Ben Owen, 20, studies Computer Science at RGU and is half way through his year long placement at Codify.

As a Software Developer, his role is to assist clients when they encounter any problems with software systems, in addition to development work. He commented: "Codify is increasing my experience in programming and problem solving, but equally it is allowing me to experience customer relations and being part of a busy development team - aspects I wouldn't have been exposed to if it hadn't been for my placement.

"It is great to work with a company that really values my contribution and the stage I am at in my career."

Graeme Humphrey, Codify's Operations Director, is part of RGU's School of Computing Industrial Advisory Group which helps shape courses for the future, ensuring students are taught real-world knowledge that will be utilised when they begin working.

He said: "Taking on university placement students is an opportunity to support the local universities and give students the real world experience they crave, and ultimately need to progress and appear attractive to prospective employers upon graduating.

"When we take on graduates, it's all about moulding them into a 'Codifier' - someone who is professional, highly competent and always ahead of the game."

The wheels were set in motion; lots of brainstorming took place, a cleaner and responsive layout designed and chattier copy written. The result - our new slicker site which we launched in January 2012.  We think this new look and feel is a much better reflection of our personality and what our customers like about us; that we are friendly, talented, passionate about what we do and always happy to help.

We would love to hear what you think so please get in touch via our contact page, use our new instant chat feature or drop us a tweet @TeamCodify.

Mark Griffiths, Managing Director at Codify, specialists in delivering software solutions to the energy industry, commented: "Six of our employees came to us as graduates fresh out of university which is around a third of Codify's total staff. One of those made an impression when they completed their university placement with us and we were more than happy to get them back in.

"We are committed to encouraging people at all levels to get into IT and this attitude has served us extremely well as we have attracted high calibre individuals who have made an impact. With the current employment situation it is vital that we do not overlook bright prospects who often have the determination and drive that we need more of within the IT industry."

For the past two years, Codify has participated in Aberdeenshire Council's work experience programme, taking at least one school pupil per year for a week long placement. This is set to continue next year.

Mark added: "Many organisations dismiss work experience students because it takes up vital time and resources but Codify is passionate about encouraging young people down an exciting and varied career path."

Toni Murray, 17, completed her work experience placement at Codify earlier this year and it had a direct influence on her subsequent university course choices.

She said: "Just a week at Codify really opened up my eyes to all the different options I would have if I was to choose a career in computing. My assigned role was Junior Software Developer which was very interesting and diverse. I enjoyed it so much that I am now studying Computer Science at RGU."

Codify is also currently working with ScotlandIS, taking part in e-Placement Scotland - an industry-backed programme to boost the participation of students in industry placements. The firm often welcomes university students for their summer or annual placements. Ben Owen, 20, studies Computer Science at RGU and is half way through his year long placement at Codify.

As a Software Developer, his role is to assist clients when they encounter any problems with software systems, in addition to development work. He commented: "Codify is increasing my experience in programming and problem solving, but equally it is allowing me to experience customer relations and being part of a busy development team - aspects I wouldn't have been exposed to if it hadn't been for my placement. It is great to work with a company that really values my contribution and the stage I am at in my career."

Graeme Humphrey, Codify's Operations Director, is part of RGU's School of Computing Industrial Advisory Group which helps shape courses for the future, ensuring students are taught real-world knowledge that will be utilised when they begin working.

He said: "Taking on university placement students is an opportunity to support the local universities and give students the real world experience they crave, and ultimately need, to progress and appear attractive to prospective employers upon graduating.

"When we take on graduates, it's all about moulding them into a 'Codifier' - someone who is professional, highly competent and always ahead of the game."

Emma said: "There are still myths out there that IT restricts you to programming day in and day out. A lot of females I speak to underestimate the scope of what I get to do which is maybe why some of them decide against the IT route. I was the only girl left on my university course by the time I graduated.

"Each day is different which certainly keeps things fun and interesting - not words many people would necessarily associate with an IT role."

Emma enrolled on a distance learning Web Development course through Aberdeen College after leaving Aboyne Academy. This then led her to Robert Gordon University's Computing for Graphics and Animation degree course which she completed last year. Upon graduating she was invited into Codify where she is already making an impression and is being encouraged to progress.

Currently a developer within the technical support team, Emma works closely with a number of large Aberdeen-based oil and gas companies.

She continues: "Helping fix applications when they go wrong, whether it involves a database or data management, gives me a great deal of satisfaction and spurs me on. I really enjoy interacting with all of our clients and delivering what is a valuable service to them - being able to pick up the phone and seek our help whenever required is so important for companies.

"I recently attended an applicant day at RGU to speak about my experiences since graduating and I really enjoyed having the opportunity to promote my industry, in particular to female students. Hopefully I am doing my bit to dispel any myths and pave the way for more of us girls.

 "I'm suited to the pace within an IT firm like Codify. Being kept busy with a variety of hands-on tasks suits my personality down to the ground.

"Because Codify is a small company we're more like a family. We do team building sessions and always take time out to catch up socially as individuals rather than colleagues which is always really fun."

Emma can certainly argue that emerging talent is never overlooked by Codify. Each year they employ a placement student for one year as part of their studies in addition to monitoring graduate talent.

"The average age at Codify is quite low and it's refreshing that they do value new talent, developing your skills in a way that can be applied effectively within the industry which is invaluable following your academic studies. Graduates can bring something to a company, whether it is enthusiasm or a fresh, unbiased approach.

"Maybe not all IT companies are like Codify but I have definitely found my fit - a company that makes IT fun and diverse whilst putting professionalism and customers at the heart of everything it does."

 * Maggie Berry, managing director of Women in Technology, an information portal for female technologists

One major project in particular was won following the successful completion of a smaller job. As Katherine Rutherford, Sales & Marketing Manager, explains, "The client was new to us and as they had had a bad experience with a previous supplier they were understandably nervous at first. However, they were delighted following completion of the initial project and have now commissioned us for a much larger six figure project to be completed in 2012.

"This project, among others, has put us in a strong position for the year ahead and with plans to add further to our team we are looking forward to the rest of the year."

Partners are now encouraged to be more focused in their offering to ensure that they offer expert advice and service to their customers. The minimum number of Microsoft exams achieved by partners has risen to make it more challenging for a partner to achieve gold level. In addition, the annual Customer Survey is now mandatory to ensure that partner's claims are backed up by their customers.

Codify has specialised in custom software development for over 10 years, however, achieving the Gold competency was still not a walk in park as Mark Griffiths, Managing Director, explains, 'Achieving this competency so quickly is proof of our skill and experience in this area. Although we have been developing custom software for over 10 years, Microsoft really raised the bar with the introduction of the new network and we had to really prove our capabilities to gain the Gold competency. This is also reflected in the fact that we are currently only one of three companies in the UK to attain this.'

Codify specialise in creating custom database systems for the oil and gas industry including equipment rental, HSEQ, logistics and personnel systems.

Mike Taulty will be discussing all things Silverlight whilst Mike Ormond will be focusing on the features and development platform for Windows Phone 7. Only released last month, Windows Phone 7 has already generated lots of positive reviews and is set to shake up the smartphone market.

The event has been arranged by the recently formed Aberdeen Developers User Group - a non-profit group that has been created to benefit software developers in and around the Aberdeen area. Robert Gordon University is kindly hosting the event which has already attracted over 50 attendees.

Gary Park, founder of the Aberdeen Developers User Group, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome the two Mikes up to Aberdeen for what will be a very interesting and informative evening."

"It is not often that such coveted speakers travel this far north, yet we obviously have a large community of software developers in the North East. We intend this to be the first of many showcase talks over the coming years."

The firm has made the last three in the Web Development Partner of the Year category. Microsoft selected web-based application Kinesys, which was developed by Codify specifically for oil and gas logistics specialist ASCO Group.

Aberdeen-based ASCO works for more oil majors in more locations throughout the world than any other oil and gas logistics company.

Mark Griffiths, managing director of Codify, said: "We are delighted with this nomination, which makes us one of the top three web developers in the world. It is a fantastic achievement that is testament to the quality of our software team".

"Congratulations to the 2010 Partner Award finalists for delivering such creative and superior Microsoft solutions and services," said Allison Watson, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Partner Group, Microsoft Corp. "It's incredible to see the level of expertise our partners continue to exhibit as they create and deliver innovative solutions and services to grow their businesses, meet customer needs, and drive down costs."

By pioneering the use of Microsoft's Silverlight technology to develop Kinesys, Codify has simplified ASCO's global logistics operation. The web-based application supports the entire logistics process, from the warehouse to the oil platform and back-again. Fundamentally, it can be accessed both onshore via the internet and offshore via satellite.

ASCO's Doug More said, "Kinesys is an exciting development that is bringing huge benefits to our business. As a global operation in a dynamic industry, it's important that we can deploy resources rapidly and effectively - Kinesys helps us to do this".

Awards will be presented in a number of categories, with winners and finalists chosen from a pool of almost 3,000 entrants worldwide. The Custom Development Solutions, Web Development Partner of the Year Award recognises exceptional, innovative partners who focus on the development of customised web solutions built on Microsoft technologies.

Custom development partners deliver highly customised web solutions to support customers' unique business practices. They deliver one-off enhancements that enable customers to integrate existing systems with new technologies. Additionally, they develop extensions to existing Microsoft solutions that the customer may already employ.

This award honours Codify for serving unique customer needs by developing on and with Microsoft technologies and solutions in the area of custom web development.

Now employing 21 people, Codify has been in businesses for over 10 years, designing, building and supporting business software solutions. It works with companies to automate and improve core business processes through the use of custom software and actively develops customer service, financial management and information sharing applications.

Over 100 clients, associates and staff attended the celebration to mark a decade of success for the Aberdeen based company. Founded by managing director Mark Griffiths, Codify now has 20 full time members of staff with office space to accommodate a further 20, symbolising their growth plans for the future.

Mark Griffiths said: "Codify has come a long way in the last decade, not only the growth of the company but also with the continuous developments in technology allowing us to offer new, innovative and exceptional software to our customers. I am delighted that so many people joined us to celebrate this milestone, including some of our first ever clients. I look forward to embracing the next ten years and the challenges they will bring".