A rapid digital transformation has taken place both here in Ireland and across the planet in an era widely referred to as the Industrial Revolution 4.0. Data and digital tools are enabling new types of innovation, communication and creativity. Where would we be without data over the last few years? Zoom calls to friends and family, virtual classrooms for remote learning and online shopping to clothe and feed us have all been critical components of our shared global experience. Ireland has had a six decade relationship with data. From mainframes in the 1960s to world-leading software exports via floppy disk in the 1990s to data exports via data centres and fibre today. Irish companies have a long history supporting and partnering with global multinational organisations. Nine of the top ten global ICT companies have a home in Ireland as do more than 1,000 data-driven digital infrastructure organisations, which have grown up alongside the global tech giants. Through this experience, the knowledge acquired by Irish companies has helped Ireland evolve as a leading data hosting nation, as well as a supplier of skills and services needed for data’s global expansion. Despite this success, there is still much that is misunderstood about the part of the digital infrastructure where data lives – in the data centre. The buildings are sometimes thought of as secretive and austere grey “boxes’’ that are disconnected from their local communities. There is a misperception they add little value to the communities they reside in despite the economic benefits they provide.
Garry Connolly Founder Host In Ireland
“ The knowledge acquired by Irish companies has helped Ireland evolve as a leading data hosting nation, as well as a supplier of skills and services needed for data’s global expansion. ”
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