News & Events

Smart Futures Event 18th May 2011

ICT Ireland, the Irish Software Association and Engineers Ireland, supported by Discover Science and Engineering, are proud to announce that this year's Smart Futures event will be held on May 19th at 8.30am at Engineers Ireland, Clyde Road Ballsbridge.

This event will communicate the breadth of jobs currently available in the technology sector and the career options that are available for students, jobseekers and those who wish to up-skill and re-skill. Since the beginning of 2010 more than 4,500 jobs have been created in the technology  sector, further highlighting how the sector continues to grow and flourish in the face of a global economic downturn. Experts at the event  will discuss their views  on the skills needs of indigenous software and multinational companies,  current  employment opportunities and the future potential of the sector in Ireland. With the development of Ireland as a centre for cloud computing and the digital games industry, Ireland is at a pivotal turning point where we have the chance to give our population the skills to become employable and to attain a fulfilling and enriching career in the technology sector.

This event  will be of interest to guidance counsellors, career advisors, parents and teachers as well as those who are seeking advice on how to secure employment in the sector. It will also be a key opportunity for policy makers to discuss how to develop Ireland as an international hub for technology talent.  The event will be chaired by Philip Sharpe of Danu and will be opened  by two keynote speakers, Regina Moran, CEO of Fujitsu Ireland and Chair of ICT Ireland, and Sean Baker, Director of Gridstore. The keynote speakers will be followed by a panel discussion, including representatives from Google, Microsoft, Intel and Facebook.

You can register your attendance at this event by clicking here. For further information please don't hesitate to contact me.

Please feel free to pass this invite to those who may be interested in attending.

Technology Through Innovation - it@cork Conference 5th May 2011

The need to grow and enhance our indigenous and multinational ICT sector has never been more urgent. Through increased competitiveness, a global focus and a renewed spirit of entrepreneurship, the Irish ICT industry is primed for growth through innovation.

This conference will highlight and explore some of the key factors that will enable this growth, namely (i) learn from key global innovation success stories, (ii) exploit new innovative technologies, (iii) develop robust innovation systems, and (iv) regain competitive advantage and leverage from current technology multinationals.

This year's Technology in Business Conference, Growth Through Innovation, will go to the very heart of these issues and will focus on growth areas such as Cloud Computing and Mobile Applications as well as focussing on the economic outlooks and success stories of companies and entrepreneurs who have overcome difficulties and prospered in challenging times.  For more information or to book a place on this please contact marie@itcork.ie

Software Investor Forum - Deadline 22nd April 2011

Register your interest…………
If you think your organisation has what it takes to enter the Software Investor Forum please send us on your company pitch using the attached guidelines from the IVCA before close of business on Friday April 22nd. All presentations should be sent in powerpoint format to Alicia Hunt  alicia.hunt@ibec.ie
 
The Irish Software Association, in partnership with the Irish Venture Capital Association will then invite the successful companies to participate in a mock-pitch the week of 2 May and present to a panel of Ireland’s leading venture capitalists  on 10 May.

As one of six short-listed companies for the November software investor forum last year, Brendan O’Brien, CEO of Thinksmart Technologies said: “The forum gave us the valuable opportunity to refine our pitch in front of an experienced team. We have taken on board the insightful advice we received, and I would recommend it to any young company looking to raise outside investment.”

If you are interested in applying please log onto www.software.ie for more details 

Software Skillnet Secures More Funding

We are delighted to announce that we have just secured more funding for YOUR training requirements in 2011.  To access this money is as easy as 1, 2, 3

1.  Ensure your company is a member by filling out our Company Membership form.  Membership is free.  Any company operating within the Software Sector and not already government funded is eligible.

2.  Decide what training your company requires for 2011 and send the details to susan@isa-skillnet.com.  You should include course title and no. of people you will send on it.

3.  Sit back, let us source a training provider and revert with a significantly discounted fee!

We are always happy to discuss your requirements with you so feel free to call us on 086-8067200 or email susan@isa-skillnet.com

Unique Opportunity for developers and DBA's - American SQL Gurus come to Ireland

SQL Immersion Dublin 2010 -Deep-dive into the complex world of SQL Server - With Paul S Randal and Kimberly L Tripp

The Software Skillnet will grant aid a number of people to attend this event.  Book soon to ensure your place. 2-3 and 4 day options.

SQL gurus Paul Randal & Kimberly Tripp are returning to Dublin this June to deliver their highly acclaimed 4 day SQL Immersion Course.  They delivered this event to an Irish audience for the first time last Autumn and the feedback was exceptional. 

This level 300 course provides a unique opportunity for Developers and DBAs who wish to focus on achieving excellence in SQL Server to learn directly from renowned world experts, Paul S Randal and Kimberly L Tripp. Delegates who attend will acquire essential knowledge that can quickly be applied in production to improve performance, reliability, availability and scalability.

 "I can't express just how huge a benefit this class has been.  After this week, I have a whole list of things that I have learned that I will be able to implement and make some incredible gains in my system!  You cannot imagine how much time, effort and MONEY this will save.  GREAT CLASS!"
- Michaelene Johnson,
Senior Program Manager,
Microsoft and Delegate at SQL Immersion: Dublin 2009

Date June 28th - July 1st 2010

For further information on prices and grant aided rate to attend this event Click here

To download a brochure click here

To book this event click here

This event is Sponsored by Microsoft and supported by the Software Skillnet, this event will be hosted by local Microsoft Gold Partner - Prodata SQL Centre of Excellence in conjunction with SQLSkills.com.

Product Management for Successful Software Commercialisation: a specialist programme for Software Products

One of the main drawbacks of most available product management courses is that they are not designed for the unique context and challenges of software products.

The Software Skillnet is bringing Product Innovator a specialist training and consulting company in product management for the ICT sector to the network.  

This is a highly regarded course delivered by Mary Ryan who worked in the IT industry for twenty years, she understands the importance of implementing and instilling good marketing and product management practices to ensure the commercial success of technology products.

Venue: Clontarf Castle Hotel.
Date: 1st and 2nd June, 2010.

For further information on the product Innovator course click here

To book this course and avail of grant aid through the software Skillnet Click here

Software Skillnet Special Rates for small companies to attend - Epicentre 2010 - The Irish Software Show

The Software Skillnet are providing grant aid to 30 small companies to attend this National Software event. Companies are eligible if they employ less than 30 staff and any number of places can be booked. To avail of the special rates contact susan@isa-skillnet.com or visit the Software Skillnet website at http://www.isa-skillnet.com/

epicenter is four days of software excellence - it's a conference for learning, it's an expo for researching, it's a place for meeting! It's for software architects, CTO's and developers of all knowledge and experience levels.

The epicenter conference is 'the place' to come to hear expert programming tips and tricks in the latest and greatest movements for the software, web and technology worlds. There are over 100 sessions covering Java, Open Source, Microsoft, Web, Enterprise, Mainframe (yes, you read right!) Databases, Mobile, Agile, Cloud and Virtualisation...plus much more!.

To book tickets at special rates through the Software Skillnet click here

For more information on the event click here http://epicenter.ie/2010.html

 SOFTWARE SKILLNET - MEMBER BRIEFING - DUBLIN

We are pleased to let you know that the Software Skillnet has been approved for funding for 2010 and 2011.  A members briefing will be held in the IBEC offices in Dublin on Monday 17th May from 8.30am to 10.00am.  Please contact susan@isa-skillnet.com to reserve your place.

This will meeting will outline for members :

• the grants available,
• how to work with us to schedule courses,
• information on the current schedule,
• ideas or questions that you may have,
• how your company can work with the Software Skillnet in 2010

16.04.10 FREE WEBINAR - TESTING AN SAAS PLATFORM ON AN AGILE WORLD

Register for this free webinar which will take place April 21st https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/506544250. The attached pdf gives further details of the event with bios etc.

25.01.10 Additional 2010 Funding Available

The Software Skillnet is now preparing an application for funding training needs in the Software Sector in 2010 and 2011. 

Companies which are existing members of the Skillnet network, or those who may wish to avail of grant support for their training needs going forward will be asked to complete a Training Needs Survey.

The survey will be used to

• decide what courses will be provided at subsidised costs
• provide evidence to Skillnets of the demand for the courses from the sector
• assess how the Software Skillnet can put the grant funds to best use for the benefit of your company.

For courses that are delivered by the Skillnet generally grants of up to 50% of course costs will be available.  Companies needs which are based on clear plans, have identified staff for training and  will make available the costs of trainees to take part in courses will be prioritised for inclusion in the Software Skillnet application for training grants.

22.01.10 New Funding for 2010

Software Skillnet has successfully secured funding for the first quarter of 2010.  The schedule of programmes will be confirmed by the beginning of February and is based on requirements of members who responded to our earlier request for requirements.  The Software Skillnet relies on member input to deliver the most relevant training needed by our sector so many thanks to all those who took part.

20.01.09 ScrumMaster Certification In Ireland

Software Skillnet brought the ScrumMaster certification course to Ireland for the first time led by internationally renowned 'SCRUM' expert, Martine Devos. On 13th and 14th January in Bewleys Hotel, Ballsbridge, 20 Software Skillnet members took part in this two day course which resulted in all participants successfully becoming Certified ScrumMasters.  Click here for further information..This course will be run in Cork during the year with a second course being considered for Dublin.  To view the course outline, please Click here or to put your name on a waiting list for either, just email susan@isa-skillnet.com

04.06.08 Software Skillnet joins SoftTest

SoftTest Ireland is a Software Testing Special Interest Group which was established to provide a forum for professional testers in Ireland.  Members of SoftTest Ireland are typically Software Testers, IT Managers, Testing Managers, and Quality Managers within their organisations but are not strictly limited to these roles.

The Software Skillnet is pleased to announce that it has become a sponsor of SoftTest Ireland Cluster events in 2008 and the Software Skillnet in association with SoftTest, will run a number of specialised training courses for software testing professionals this year.

The main aim of the SoftTest professional network is to facilitate the sharing of knowledge in this discipline.  The SoftTest events enable anyone who has an interest in the process of software testing, to benefit from meeting those in the industry with thom they can network, share information and learn from each other. 

See more:

Ref SS31:  ISTQB Foundation Course in Software Testing, DUBLIN, 8-10 July

Ref SS21:  ISTQB Foundation Course in Software Testing, CORK, 29-31 July

Ref SS32: SoftTest Cluster, DUBLIN 16 June: Testing in an Agile Environment & Competency Based Tester Qualifications

Ref SS33: SoftTest Cluster, DUBLIN 18 June: Testing in an Agile Environment & Competency Based Tester Qualifications

http://www.itcork.ie/  

21.04.08 New learning Opportunities in the Cork Region

The Irish Software Association has established a strategic learning partnership in 2008 with it@cork through the Software Skillnet. This allows the Skillnet to support regional skills needs and expand the accessibility of the learning network by providing Masterclasses and Training Courses in the CORK REGION. For further information on events in Cork see Training Courses or log on to http://www.itcork.ie/

09.04.08 The Software Skillnet brings International Experts to Ireland

There are two expert Masterclasses taking place in both DUBLIN and CORK:
Recent Trends in AJAX Technology- David Crane Masterclass
.NET Futures- Dave Sussman Masterclass

07.04.08 The Inside Story on Procurement

The Procurement Cluster provides companies with an opportunity to find out about tendering structures systems and processes. The upcoming cluster events will focus on understanding public sector procurement and RFTs for the semi state sector. Details of these events will be posted as soon as they are available. The objectives of the Group are to increase the levels of business indigenous companies win in both the public and the private sector. Winning business in the Irish public and private sectors can be used by indigenous companies to springboard into larger international markets. The Chair of this working group is Alex Campbell of Newcode - a company specialising in IT systems modernisation technology

01.04.08 Training covers a range of Strategic Needs

The Software Skillnet has launched its Spring-Summer Schedule. This covers a range of courses aimed at:
- Maximising Commerical Potential
- Managing Projects and Collaboration
- Effective Business Development & Leadership
- Sustaining Technical Competence