Inside Track 2012

Life

Image: Vantage Data Centers

There seems to be a little less uncertainty this year than last, as we begin 2012. Unfortunately, that certainty is that 2012 will be a difficult year for the ICT industry in Ireland. Continuing austerity, depressed markets and turbulent currency and bond markets all set a backdrop of challenging times for any businesses.

Adapting the Inside Track formula for this situation, we asked a number of leading companies, across a broad spectrum of the ICT industry, to make some predictions in their respective areas for the coming year, and to describe what they can do to allow your organisation to cope.

The response was strong and eight insights from Irish experts build a comprehensive picture of the year to come.

With greater emphasis on data centres, through the further adoption of cloud computing and services, TE Connectivity emphasises the need for underlying infrastructure to be developed to form a firm foundation. Cisco predicts the year of the technology leader, when forward thinking IT people can make a difference for their organisations in mobile and cloud services. Magnet Networks sees 2012 as the year that smaller businesses adopt cloud for critical business services such as telephony. O2 argues that organisations will to enhance their competitiveness by empowering workers to boost efficiencies and productivity through adopting the latest in computing, mobility and collaboration technologies. Sophos sees the accelerated rise of malware and mobile threats against non-Microsoft operating systems and Bryan S Ryan warns that in the rush to take up managed print services, provider selection is still key to a worthwhile contract.

With the breadth of views and advice on offer, Inside Track: 2012 provides you with the outlook for ICT in Ireland, and the knowledge get your organisation ahead.

Company: TE Connectivity – Enterprise Networks

Phone: +44 (0) 1799 520022

E-mail: peter@peterbush.co.uk

Web: www.ampnetconnect.co.uk

Answered by: Julian Riley, TE Connectivity – Enterprise Networks

Q: What predictions, from your area of expertise, can you make about the coming year, and what can your company do for end users in these areas?

A: As a major supplier of network cabling infrastructure systems, we are seeing some interesting developments in a market that in recent years has attracted a number of purveyors of lower-cost systems.

While initially these low cost systems meet the demands of standards and applications, over time their ability to maintain those levels could be called into question, owing to the quality of the raw materials used and the quality of manufacturing processes. Fortunately, it is becoming apparent that end users are now starting to seek better value for money rather than just the lowest price. Opting for the lower cost solution is often a false economy-today’s physical infrastructure needs to be built using “best in class” low loss components and cable.

There is no substitute for investing in a quality brand from a highly rated supplier who will also provide a high level of long-term support and technical expertise. Despite the current economic situation, investment decisions will still need to be made because users’ needs will inevitably increase, and any investment will need to consider this future growth. There is no room for short-term thinking when communications infrastructure decisions need to be made.