Minister's Welcome
In 2009 the Irish Government first announced its intention to establish the Exemplar Smart Communications Network. The Exemplar Programme is highly innovative, globally unique and addresses the biggest challenge to the Telecoms/ Digital Content Industries namely inability of the current Networks to handle the surge in video and new bandwidth intense applications. The Exemplar Test-bed, opened in July 2010, is a globally unique facility based on Irish developed cutting edge communications technology, has the potential to create thousands of high-value jobs over the next few years. It has already raised Ireland’s International reputation as a technology leader. The publication of the Technology Actions Report in July 2009 featured 6 innovative actions of which the Exemplar is the lead action. The 5 other actions are related to the Exemplar. These include Smart Electric Networks; Energy Efficient Data Centres and Cloud Computing; International Content Services Centre; Work Flow (smart commuter system linked currently to the Smart Cities programme) and Smart Bay.
The World Economic Forum selected Ireland as one of 3 examples of countries (out of 177) which had developed highly innovated ICT applications which could impact on national economic development. The Irish case study was published in March 2010 as a chapter in the highly influential Global Information Technology Report strongly featuring the Exemplar Programme (The Global Information Technology Report 2009-2010@2010 World Economic Forum published jointly by World Economic Forum and INSEAD).
The jobs which arise from Phase 1 are relatively modest. However, the impact of the Exemplar Network over next 10 years is expected to influence the creation of thousands of high value jobs. These will arise from products and services developed in association with the Exemplar. Examples include jobs associated with Cloud Computing/Advanced Data Centres; optical components; advanced communication devices tested and developed on the Exemplar; delivery of high quality user-experience services (e.g. high- quality interactive video);, facilitating a state of the art broadcast quality of Irish Performing Arts and other products and services (many unknown, yet to be developed) which will benefit from the competitive advantage which the Exemplar Network will bring.
Currently the following participants are working in the Test-bed: BT Innovation and Design, Openet, Imagine, Cybercom, Amartus, Ericsson, Sensecom, ESB Telecom and HEAnet.
In May 2011 I announced my intention to progress the establishment of the next phase of the Exemplar Smart Communications programme, the Exemplar Test and Trial Network. I have asked the ESB, through its Telecoms subsidiary to assist in the establishment of the process of engagement with industry and to support the implementation of the Trial Network. The Test and Trial Network will make the Exemplar technology available on fibre in a live environment, so that companies can test new products and services with real customers and users.
In these difficult times Ireland is fortunate in that it has the opportunity to implement such an exciting and relevant programme. We will show that we are leaders in a vital area of technology which will attract global interest to Ireland resulting in significant FDI.
Requests for Access to the Exemplar Test-bed
Any companies or organisations who would like to be considered for access to the Exemplar Test-bed for testing and development of products or services should contact exemplarnetwork@dcenr.ie