Microsoft Ireland hosting National Cloud Week this month


13 Apr 2012

Microsoft Ireland is holding its first National Cloud Week from 23-27 April. The week will see a number of events focusing on cloud computing in Ireland.

Each day of the week will focus on particular aspects of cloud computing. For example, one day will focus on how cloud computing can make the public sector more efficient and another will focus on how the non-profit sector is using cloud computing.

The week occurs at the same time as the Irish Imagine Cup finals, where students from across the country will showcase their cloud-based solutions to solve problems in the world today.

There will also be a set of ‘New World of Work’ events at Microsoft’s Sandyford Campus on 27 April, which will showcase how cloud computing can enable flexible working conditions, productivity and cost savings.

The National Conference on Cloud Computing and Commerce will be held in Dublin City University during this week. The conference, which is supported by DCU Business School, Microsoft and the new Irish Centre for Cloud Computing and Commerce, will have presentations and panel discussions from more than 15 business leaders and experts on cloud computing. Speakers include Paul Rellis, managing director of Microsoft Ireland, and tech investor and Dragons’ Den star Sean O’Sullivan.

“Just over a year ago, the Goodbody Consultants report, commissioned by Microsoft, was published. This report highlighted the significant impact that cloud could have in our economy, with the potential to create €9.5bn in annual sales by 2014 and providing 8,600 new jobs,” said Rellis.

“The report also predicted that early adoption of cloud computing by Irish users would take costs of half a billion euro per annum out of Irish organisations. At a time when both the private and public sector is focused on reducing costs and driving efficiencies, this is a significant amount of money.

“We know that cloud has a role to play in our economic recovery and there has been some progress around adoption but there is more that can be done if we are to reap the full potential and if Ireland is to become a centre of excellence.”

“By creating a week of activities designed to raise awareness and educate further about the relevance of cloud to businesses, in education, to the non-profit sector and the public sector, we hope it will bring renewed momentum to the adoption of cloud in Ireland,” he said.