Dublin: August 14th 2007: BICSI Ireland and Dublin played host to nearly 500 delegates recently who attended the European BICSI Conference in Citywest Hotel, Saggart. Fighting off competition from a number of other European cities, Dublin was awarded this conference based on a competitive and innovative pitch to BICSI head quarters in Tampa, Florida. The conference was run over three days, with delegates including industry professionals and exhibitors dedicated to advancing the information transport systems (ITS) industry. Minister for Transport and the Marine Noel Dempsey TD delivered the opening keynote address to conference delegates.

There is no doubt that the Irish economy is becoming increasingly dependent on information communications technology (ICT) and its corresponding Information Transport Systems (ITS). The information and telecommunications industry is one of the world's fastest moving, most dynamic industries. In Ireland the ICT sector is fast growing, research intensive and innovative. Existing technologies are evolving rapidly and there seems to be no end to the new technologies that are being introduced. The rapid evolution is not confined to the technologies used to provide communications services. Ireland is also witnessing other noticeable trends with devices and connections.
Delivering the keynote opening address Minister for Transport and the Marine Noel Dempsey TD stated “Over the years we have witnessed the development of new communications technologies that have had an impact on business and on our lives at home. We have seen the development of domestic video recorders, digital recording devices such as read-write DVDs and computers and multi media devices that we can hang on the wall in place of a picture. While many of these developments where once considered as threatening, possibly resulting in a shift in business that could have devastating consequences on traditional industries, history has shown that many of these feared technologies have generated opportunity and prosperity”.

Continuing Minister Dempsey commented “Technology is changing, with increased use of radio devices (33% get broadband via radio access) such as wide area networks (WiFi), Wireless Local Area networks, Bluetooth and 3G. We all have our parts to play in the deployment of infrastructure for the ICT sector. My focus is the maintenance of a legal, regulatory, trading and social environment, which provides you, the industry, with the highest prospect of growth and profitability. There is an ongoing need to educate and the government must take a leading role. The role of BICSI in educating and supporting the ITS industry in conferences such as this one is of great value in helping us all to achieve our goals”.
Throughout the three day conference there were eighteen educational sessions covering a number of important topics affecting the ICT sector. Emphasis was placed on the future of Copper Cabling, IP Security, Cabling the Wireless LAN, Data Centre Design & Applications and Codes & Standards. In addition a panel of experts was on hand to discuss the impact that changes in standards and requirements are having on how copper cabling systems are chosen, especially for data intensive environments like data centres and storage area networks.

Commenting on supporting the ICT industry in Ireland Paul Ryan RCDD, Chairperson BICSI Ireland, stated “As Ireland migrates towards an ever present information society, people will be connected with everything, whenever they want and wherever they go. This creates many opportunities and challenges. If such a society is to succeed, users need to have confidence and trust in ICT and ITS. BICSI Ireland is actively supporting the industry with information, education and knowledge assessment. This conference enables delegates to learn about new advancements in the industry, network with experts across the globe and, importantly, contribute valuable information to ensuring standards and accreditation practices are implemented“.

Speaking on the success of the European Conference John Bakowski, RCDD®/NTS/OSP/WD Specialist, BICSI President said “I am delighted to be here to witness the gathering of professionals dedicated to leading the information transport systems in Europe and worldwide. This event sets the standard for future BICSI European conferences. In addition, it was a great honor to hear Minister Dempsey speak to BICSI conference delegates.”

Said Greg Sherry, RCDD/NTS/WD Specialist, BICSI European Region Director, “We are extremely pleased with the attendance at the conference and are now looking forward to using this event to expand BICSI’s presence in Europe and to make it the association of choice in the ITS industry.”

BICSI Media Contacts:
Paul Ryan, BICSI Ireland
Tel: +353.87.2614520 or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it     
Laura Curtin, Account Director Communicate,
Tel: +353.22.20213 / +353.86.8537043 or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it     
Maarja Kolberg, BICSI Headquarters
Tel: +1.813.979.1991 or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Notes to Editors:

About BICSI:
BICSI is a professional association supporting the information transport systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies. BICSI serves more than 24,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 100 countries. For more information visit www.bicsi.org

Photo Caption:
Taking time out from presentations at the BICSI European Conference, held recently in Citywest Hotel, Saggart are l-r
John Bakowski, BICSI President, Clair Kirby, Data Products Manager for Kellihers Electrical, Minister for Transport & the Marine Noel Dempsey, Paul Ryan, BICSI Ireland Country Chair and Greg Sherry BICSI European Region Director.