Dear Colleague,

2012 was an exciting year of change and transformation. We achieved many things, respected global branding, increased relevant leadership and talent, relevant actions and workstreams making regional and national impact. A rapidly growing collaborative team making a difference.

In support of this we have deployed many pioneering initiatives that will help our membership, region and industry to enjoy economic and educational opportunities. These include Tech Tuesday, Adopt a School, Digital Strategy, Annual Conference, Skillsnet, Heads of IT, Leaders Awards and Innovation that Matters.

We will capitalise on this to spur further membership value, growth and economic results and to develop it@cork, European Tech Cluster as a national organisation with international reach. Our actions have achieved recognition and exposure both politically and in the national media.

Organisations that embrace positivity and collaborate for the common good are the ones that make a tangible difference. Our strategy and growing cluster is ideally positioned to make a global impact - Lets all collaborate to make this a reality.

We encourage you to get involved in 2013.


Together we can make a difference!

On behalf of us all at it@cork, European Tech Cluster, Thank you!

Denis Collins, Chairman it@cork, European Tech Cluster
e: chairman@itcork.ie
t: @denisjco

Speaker Profiles:

Alan Cooney

Alan has worked for EMC IT since late 2000. He is currently the Regional IT Manager for Europe West and the Nordics. FOr the first nine years in EMC Alan managed the international Data Centre in COrk and has lived closely with EMC IT's journey to the Cloud. Amongst his other roles he is involved with the Executive Briefing Centre explaining to customers how EMC uses it's own products internally on his journey. Alan has over 30 years experience in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) arena. He has formally worked in the IT area with Ireland's Defence Forces as well as working with European Union Monitoring Mission in post war Bosnia.

Rob O'Donoghue

Rob is in his fifth year in EMC, his is the manager of Project Management group primarily focused on delivery on IT projects and programs. He led the global VDI program over the past 4 years, delivering Virtual Desktop as a Service in late 2012. Rob has presented EMC's VDI journey and client computing strategy to EMC customer (on site in Cork, at EMC World and other conferences). He will provide a brief introduction of the overall IT as a Service program to-date.

Steve Fleming

Steve is EMC IT's Global Product Manager for Moility and End User Computing. In his two years at EMC, Steve has transformed IT's Choice Computing strategy using a product management approach, pioneering the introduction of Apple Mac, Comunity Support and Virtual Desktops. He will focus on the service catalogue leveraged at EMC and Virtual Desktops as a Service.

• Providing some software development classes to interested students
• Providing some software/harware troubleshooting classes to interested students
• Donating some useful IT equipment, new or re-configured
• Providing some necessary IT support
• Offering work experience for transition-year students interested in IT
• Setting up a Coder Dojo in your organisation for local children to learn how to "code" in an informal environment

In relation to every adopt-a-school success story, it@cork will ensure that your organisation receives full recognition for it's contribution and will:

• Formally present to your organisation an adopt-a-school certificate which may be displayed in a prominent location in your premises, on your website etc.
• Publish relevant details on the it@cork Website
• Provide extensive coverage on social media websites
• Provide numerous photo opportunities
• Issue press release to relevant media outlets

To "Sign Up" please contact Julie Ann Ramsell at julianne@itcork.ie

Embracing Consumerisation of IT with Windows 8

Vibrant, intuitive and cloud-connected, Windows 8 represents the most significant redesign of the Windows product in nearly twenty years.  Windows 8 PCs come in many shapes and sizes: laptops, desktops, all-in-ones, and - for the first time - tablet PCs. Tablet PCs offer the best of both worlds. The mobility of a tablet - and the power of a PC. Consumption of web and media - and the creation of documents, spreadsheets and presentations.  Fun with apps from the Windows Store – and productivity with desktop software. All on a single device that can be managed securely by IT, using technology that’s familiar and trusted. Patrick Ward will outline how Windows 8 delivers, both for end-users and the IT department, allowing organisations to enhance productivity and embrace the consumerisation of IT trend.

Patrick Ward is the Windows Business Group Lead at Microsoft Ireland where he has responsibility for the Microsoft Windows business for the island of Ireland.

Patrick began his career in Product Development at Nortel and has led various management roles in UK, Canada and Ireland across telecoms, internet, financial services and computing.

Patrick’s current focus is the launch of Windows 8 in Ireland. Vibrant, intuitive and cloud-connected, Windows 8 introduces a broad range of new PCs to the market – many of them touch enabled. Apps are central to the Windows 8 experience, available through the new Windows Store on Windows 8 devices.

A native of Dublin, Patrick has a Degree in Electronic Engineering from DIT and an MBA from UCD Smurfit Business School. He lives in Co Wicklow with his wife Heather their three young sons.

 it@cork is an influential and key network for over 3,000 IT professionals, based in Munster and developing a national agenda. Our plans and ambitions for 2013 are significant and we are confident that being a member of it@cork, European Tech Cluster will add value to your organisation, through our variety of services and network.  

Members who pay before January 31^st are automatically entered into a draw for one of the following:

• 2 free tickets to the it@cork Annual Conference 2013
• Lunch voucher for 2 people
• Case of Wine

Membership Value & Benefits:

• Being part of the “go-to” organization for government and authorities seeking IT opportunities and engagement.
• Contact database of over 300 leading companies, with over 3,000 IT professionals contacts.
• Networking events and opportunities to promote and market your events.
• Client Referral and Affinity Schemes.
• Job Exchange and Recruitment opportunities.
• Marketing & PR opportunities – ezine, website, and exclusive access to online database.
• Conferences & Awards: world class leading events.
• Reduced entry cost to the annual it@cork conference.
• Free admission to the numerous networking events and seminars on sector topics.
• Sponsorship opportunity to promote your brand, products and services.
• Speaking opportunities, hosting events onsite at your business.
• Keep up to date on industry patterns, interacting with like-minded professionals and exposure to new thinking and new ideas.
• Links to drive traffic to your company and website.
• Professional development through links with leading colleges in the Region including UCC, CIT, Cork College of Commerce etc.
• Playing a part – on committees, board and other sub groups of it@cork to shape the future of the organization.

Connect with it@cork members

it@cork members are invited to join the it@cork LinkedIn and Facebook groups and follow it@cork on Twitter (@itcork).

Bundled Packages are available in the form of Sponsorship, Advertising (web, ezine etc.), Speaking Engagements and product placement at events etc. Please contact Sarah Walsh for further information : Tel: 021-4868180.

Upon receipt of the membership fee, your membership will be activated and you will automatically be included in our correspondence, invitations to events, training and networking opportunities.

Should you require further information on Membership, please do not hesitate to contact Lisa Monaghan by telephone: 021-4868181 or alternatively, by email: lisa@itcork.ie

• Is in regular contact with personal information about employees, clients or prospects
• Fills a data management role within their organisation, whether formally or informally
• Wants to ensure their organisation is legally compliant with current data protection legislation

This conference is suitable for any one working in the following roles; Data Protection Officer; Human Resources Manager; Head of Information Technology; Sales and Marketing Manager; Data Protection Lawyer; Commercial Lawyer; Advisory Counsel; Security Officer; Healthcare Professional; Information Security Professional; Compliance and Audit Manager; Database Administrator; Business Continuity; Planner; Auditor; Risk Manager; Researcher

Attendees will hear first-hand from respected figures who will share: In-depth accounts of the real-world data protection challenges; Practical guidance on complying with current data protection legislation; Expert foresights into what the future holds for the data protection community. Topics at this year's conference will include New EU Regulations, The DP Challenges of 'Big Data' and Data Protection & Social Media. 

Confirmed speakers for the 5th Annual Data Protection Conference include: Billy Hawkes, Data Protection Commissioner; Simon Milner, Director of Policy (UK & Ireland), Faccebook; Brian Honan, Principal Consultant, BH Consulting; Jim Friars, CEO, Irish Computer Society; Frank Collins, Chairman, Irish Recruitment Federation; Hugh Jones, DP Instructor, Irish Computer Society.

it@cork, European Tech Cluster members can avail of a special rate of €200. Mention it@cork Membership when booking. For more information or to register for this conference contact fiona@ics.ie

Cost: Reduced Fee of €275 available to it@cork, European Tech Cluster members (Contact Sarah Walsh for your promotion code)

About the event:

The ITLG Global Technology Leaders Summit which is being held in Cork on 21-22 January is the first major business event of the Gathering 2013. The event is a two day gathering of top executives, entrepreneurs, and venture capital investors from the US, China and Russia.

On 21 January, the ITLG investor team will meet and engage with selected top innovative technology companies for a Dragons Den style pitch camp. Submission forms for the pitch camp sessions are at www.itlg.org.

The conference on 22 January will include thought leadership presentations, panel debates and technology showcases that will provide delegates with an inside look at the latest cutting-edge technology opportunities and will be followed by a gala dinner in Cork City Hall. Speakers and participants at the conference include, among others: Craig Barrett (ITLG Chairman and Former Chairman & CEO Intel Corp); Liam Casey (CEO, PCH International); Sean O'Sullivan (MD, Avego & SoS Ventures International); Barry O'Sullivan (Senior Vice president, Cisco); Kevin Barrett (CIO, Elan Corporation).

For a full list of speakers and bookings see the ITLG Website

https://www.itlg.org/events/2013-SVCTI/event-agenda.php

Blackrock observatory active participants in adopt a school programme will launch the first ever annual Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) for Space competition in Cork at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory in association with Audi Cork. This competition is open to students in Cork City and County to display their scientific skills and imagination to demonstrate that ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ [advancement through technology] is a powerful force.

The competition theme is engineering for Space and its aim is to enable pre and post junior certificate student teams to display their skills and imagination as they create new technological pieces/methodologies/concepts that will create a solution to a problem and aid the understanding and exploration of our Universe.

The competition categories are Science, Engineering and Technology, as these are key areas for future discoveries and careers.

Competition entrants will be supported through a comprehensive network of mentors both online (via ScienceSpace.ie to answer questions quickly and foster discussion) and face to face in regular group “training camps”. Students will be able to partake in workshops and meet with academic and industry mentor professionals in these areas (such as CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory, Audi Cork, NIMBUS and it@cork) and role models such as Leena Gade, Audi Sports Engineer, who will inspire their future subject and career choices.   

The SET for Space competition is designed to encourage interest in science, mathematics, engineering and technology, inspire students to choose and achieve excellence in science and Space-related subjects and careers. 

The competition aims to provide a unique educational experience by enabling students to take part in real scientific research. This will foster many skills required for tomorrow’s innovators, providing the opportunity to experience and understand the processes of scientific inquiry, technological design, collaboration and the multidisciplinary nature of discoveries. Students will be empowered to take initiative in developing their ideas and to consider each stage of their design development. The competition requires that project development is in a systematic, scientific manner: this will teach students to identify, analyse and solve practical scientific, Space-related problems. Working in teams will afford the students the opportunity of operating in academic collaboration with others on scientific problems in a synergetic way, learning to communicate with both peers and scientists to present ideas and solve problems.

Students will be supported in gaining an insight into scientific career paths. Face to face interactions with professional STEMists from many disciplines during the mentoring sessions and workshops will advise the teams in overcoming obstacles and encourage them in their research and design. They will also be able to interact and debate with scientists on ScienceSpace.ie and during open nights and events such as the Cork Science Café, First Fridays at the Castle World Space Week, Science Week, and Maths Week held at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory and in venues across Cork.

The competition will also feed into BCO’s Continuous Professional Development programme for teachers so that teachers will also be inspired to view Space as a career route for their students as well as an engagement subject.

A final objective of the competition is to enable students to stand behind their designs and explain them to both the public and judges at the SET for Space Exhibition. This will give the student teams public recognition for the work they have completed and give them the confidence to pursue education and careers in these areas.    

Completed projects will be submitted by mid-January. A shortlist will be released for 15 teams to exhibit their projects to the public, invited guests, schools and the expert judging panel at the SET for Space Competition Exhibition at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory during CEIA Engineer’s Week 2014.

Partnering with Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), Discover Science & Engineering (DSE) it@cork and Cork Electronics Industry Association (CEIA), - the foremost experts in promotion & education of STEM in Cork and Ireland – ensure the competition is associated with excellence.

European Tech Cluster Chairman Welcomes Hauwei’s Announcement

Chairman of European Tech Cluster Denis Collins has today welcomed the creation of 50 jobs with Hauwei’s expansion to Cork and Dublin. Today’s announcement that Hauwei, a dynamic and leading company in R&D and IT sector, is expanding in Ireland clearly demonstrates the enormous potential of this high-growth industry.

Building on the foundation of its existing facility, Hauwei will now provide 50 highly skilled research jobs spread across two sites in Cork City and Dublin.

Collins said: “I am delighted to support Hauwei with their decision to invest further in Ireland, this decision is another endorsement of Ireland’s ability to meet the needs of leading companies in the R&D space. It is also another example of the tangible global value our IT cluster model brings to the table. We are committed to offer the support of the European Tech Cluster as the company continues to develop.”

-Ends-

For further information please contact:

Denis Collins IBM & Chairman European Tech Cluster, email: Chairman@itcork.ie,

T: @denisjco

Sarah Walsh, European Tech Cluster, Tel:  353 21 4868160

Notes to the Editor:

European Tech Cluster is a leading not-for-profit, independent business organisation, representing the interests of the IT industry.

Avnet Client Solutions (http://www.ts.avnet.com/clientsolutions/) serves Ireland’s top companies in the provision of software solutions and consultancy services covering the specialist areas of

• Application Development
• Business Intelligence
• Business Service Management
• SAP Services

Avnet Client Solutions (Avnet) won the MicroStrategy Partner of the Year Award at the MicroStrategy London symposium in November 2012. The award reflects Avnet’s continued strength in the Business Intelligence domain and their strong solution services performance throughout the year.

Avnet’s Business Intelligence Director, Damian Maloney attended the symposium to receive the award commented; “We’re delighted to be recognised for our achievements by our long standing partner MicroStrategy. Over the past 15 years we have thoroughly enjoyed working with our customers to deliver high impact successful solutions using the MicroStrategy product stack. MicroStrategy has made it ‘easy’ for us to deliver outstanding solutions with their industry leading, innovative software and excellent support.”

Garth Lane, MicroStrategy Partner Manager for UK and Ireland stated that “Avnet Client Solutions have consistently excelled as a MicroStrategy Partner. Avnet have championed MicroStrategy in the Irish market, winning customers across all industries. The Avnet team’s technology knowledge and customer commitment is unrivalled in their market place, making Avnet the clear winner of Partner of the Year. The MicroStrategy team look forward to continued growth with this exemplary partner.

Avnet is dedicated to providing the Irish and UK market with leading business intelligence solutions, for telecommunications, utilities and insurance. The award is further recognition of Avnet’s strength and technical knowledge of business intelligence solutions. Avnet will continue to work closely with MicroStrategy to deliver cutting edge Business Intelligence solutions to their customers.

For more information about Avnet Client Solutions Business Intelligence Solutions, contact iebi@avnet.com

_____________end________________

Griffith College, Cork

Faculty of Computing Science

Lecturers required  for day/evening in the following disciplines:

1. HCI and GUI programming using C#
2. Agile Software development strategies

• CSS, AJAX, Web Services, Javascript
• Python and Django framework

Interested parties should contact Éamonn Walsh at eamonn.walsh@gcc.ie for further information.

Our clients range from large multinationals and government agencies to SMEs, charities and associations across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the rest of the world. Newsweaver customers use the solution for sales and marketing communications, internal communications, channel sales communications and advanced enterprise communications. Clients include Saudi Aramco, Shell, Zurich Insurance, State Street Corporation, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), KBC Bank, Vestra Wealth, Institute of Chartered Accountants, The Irish Stock Exchange and ACCA.

The sucessful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a friendly and supportive team of highly skilled, experienced and motivated professional dedicated to producing the best possible product for our customers.

The role: Software Test Engineer

How to apply: If you are interested in this role, then please email your CV along with a brief cover note to careers@newsweaver.com

Our clients range from large multinationals and government agencies to SMEs, charities and associations across Ireland, the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Newsweaver customers use the solution for sales and marketing communications, internal communications, channel sales communications and advanced enterprise communications. Clients include Saudi Aramco, Shell, Zurich Insurance, State Street Corporation, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), KBC Bank, Vestra Wealth, Institute of Chartered Accountants, The Irish Stock Exchange and ACCA.

The Role: Customer Support Specialist


How to apply: If you are interested in this role, then please send your CV along with a brief cover note to careers@newsweaver.com