Aust IT industry pioneer dies

Tony Benson, a pioneer in the Australian ICT industry, passed away on Friday 11 February after a four-month battle with cancer.

Tony entered the industry in 1960 as a programmer for NCR. He stayed with the company for 39 years, moving through executive sales and marketing roles before becoming a director.

He also founded bullant Technology and sat on the board of several Australian ICT companies. He served as national president of the ACS from 1978-79 and senior roles with the ACS (Australian Computer Society) Foundation and AIIA.

The outstanding contributions he made to the industry were recognised by the ACS when it made him an Honorary Life Member in 1998.

He was active within the ICT sector until shortly before his death. He leaves behind his wife, Georgette, and five children.