writing As the previous Chairperson of the Irish Internet Association's Working Group on Cloud Computing , I am penning a blog to journal our efforts to encourage Cloud Computing Adoption in Ireland. There are 21 of us on the Working Group which consists of representatives from 9 vendors (Google, VMWare, Microsoft, IBM, Salesforce, etc.) and 10 enterprises (Bank of America, Accenture, Friend's First, AIB, etc.) The blog can be read at Sysco Software's Blog. We published our first whitepaper, Cloud Business on Thursday the 25th March, 2010. The whitepaper was free for IIA members or available for purchase for €295 on the IIA website.

speaking The Society of Chartered Surveyors - 18th October 2011 - are hosting An Introduction to Cloud Computing to discuss the general principles of cloud computing particularly in relation to the construction industry in Ireland and focussing on the pros and cons of Cloud as a Service deployments and some practical applications. Dynamics Demo Day - 20th October 2011 - Microsoft will host another information day where we will showcase the latest in Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM technology including our own iShop, iPortal and iMobile add ons and a discussion on the pros and cons of Software as a Service deployments. Irish Export Association - 15th November 2011 - At this year's event, we'll discuss by use of reference case studies how modern Microsoft ERP technology is helping a number of Irish exporters improve their revenue performance while automating operations and streamlining their supply chains. The Dynamics ERP Debate - 17th November 2011 - Microsoft will host this one of a kind debate where we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 versus Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 focussing on which ERP application is the right fit for which type of business. This debate will include product demonstrations highlighting some of the strengths each system offers.

Past engagements Dynamics Demo Day - 15th September 2011 - Microsoft hosted a packed session where we spent most of the day showcasing the latest in Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM technology including our own iShop, iPortal and iMobile add ons and discussing the pros and cons of Software as a Service deployments versus on premise. Dynamics Demo Day - 14th July 2011 - Microsoft hosted an information day where we showcased the latest in Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM technology including our own iShop, iPortal and iMobile add ons and a discussion on the pros and cons of Software as a Service. ERP Head to Head - 22nd and 23rd September 2010 - BSM ran an interesting event enabling any prospect in the market for a new ERP application to see the top 6 solutions compete by demoing from the same script over this 2 day event. I presented the roadmap for Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Engineers Ireland - 23rd September 2010 - This Cloud Seminar was for members to learn about the trends and predictions for cloud computing in Ireland. I spoke about the Irish market and its adoption and current use. SaaS4Channel 2010 - 24th November 2010, Lelystad, The Netherlands - At this year's event, I presented a similar talk to the Enterprise Ireland event below on the transition to SaaS for a traditional Value Added Reseller. dot conf - 22nd July 2010 - Keep Ahead of the Cloud was run by the National College of Ireland. It was a very well attended event with over 350 attendees filling the packed lecture hall. I gave a brief introduction to cloud computing and talked about how some Irish companies have already deployed cloud solutions and the challenges and opportunities they have faced. To watch my presentation simply click here. Enterprise Ireland Event - 16th June 2010 - Managed Services & Solutions - partnerships in the Cloud was a very well attended industry event run by Enterprise Ireland. I talked about the challenge and the opportunity which the cloud has presented to Sysco, a traditional value added reseller and how we are grasping this opportunity by creating ReadyDynamics.com. A copy of my presentation can be downloaded by clicking here. IIA Conference - 20th May 2010 - The working group hosted a breakout session at the IIA Annual Conference which discussed Who's Cloud Computing and Why? with Microsoft and Oracle giving examples of Irish companies using IaaS (Advanced Innovations, Inc.), PaaS (Aer Lingus, eirgrid) and SaaS (Aiken Promotions, Acacia, Talentevo). Friend's First also described some of the challenges facing their organisation when considering the cloud. A copy of my presentation can be downloaded by clicking here. Dynamics User Day - 29th April 2010 - Sysco hosted a Dynamics User Day at the Microsoft Ireland campus which discussed the Statement of Direction for Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM with examples of enhancements to deliver more functionality and extend the applictions into mobile and web commerce. I spoke about some ROI metrics these enhancements have been proven to deliver in some Sysco customers. A copy of the presentation can be downloaded by clicking here. Cloud Computing & Virtualisation - 24th November 2009, The Burlington - VMware and Computerscope ran a short, focused management briefing that outlined the case for a merged virtualization and cloud computing approach that combines short term ROI with medium and long term transformation plans. I presented some of the conclusions from our whitepaper. A copy of the presentation can be downloaded by clicking here. The Cloud Summit - 23rd September 2009, Croke Park - The Irish Software Association along with the Sunday Business Post ran Ireland's first Cloud Event on Driving IT Efficiency & Cost-savings in today's Enterprise. I spoke on a topic of particular interest to me Why Ireland's not cloud computing? proposing 2 immediate actions: 1) that the Irish Software Association adopt the NIST definition (which I am glad to say they have) and 2) that attendees lobby Minister Ryan on broadband reliability. A copy of the presentation can be downloaded by clicking here. Logistics Ireland - 24th September 2008, Crowne Plaza - The National Institute for Transport & Logistics ran the Logistics Ireland 2008 conference to introduce delegates to the need for resilience in business and in supply chains. In this context resilience refered to the ability of companies to succeed in the face of uncertainty and turbulence in global markets. I spoke about "Technology Trends for Supply Chains" focussing on 5 major trends - Dynamics Applications, Software as a Service, Pervasive Computing, Unified Communications and the Demise of Bespoke. A copy of the presentation can be downloaded by clicking here.