Tuam lecturer devises Ireland's first cloud computing research degree

By JACQUELINE HOGGE A TUAM man has developed the country's first ever cloud computing research programme that is set to equip students with the skills required for Ireland's smart economy. Dr Tom Acton, formerly of Circular Road, has devised the Masters programme at NUI Galway that provides advanced research on high-value, business focused aspects of cloud computing and services. [private] Cloud computing allows businesses and individuals to use software and access data and services on service providers' remote computers, usually connecting over the internet, and typically using a web browser or mobile application. The programme has been developed in conjunction with Hewlett-Packard and is set to capitalise on an area that has been identified as one of the best high potential growth areas for Ireland. 'Through direct dialogue with key industry partners such as Hewlett-Packard, Information Mosaic and others, we constructed this degree to meet the needs of these and other companies moving into the cloud space, and to provide a vehicle for the realisation of knowledge-intensive research into cloud computing,' said Tom, who lectures in Information Systems at the university. The MSc in Cloud Computing Research is a one-year full time or a two-year part-time research-based course, starting in September 2012. Designed by the JE Cairnes School of Business and Economics at the University together with Hewlett-Packard Galway's Cloud Services Innovation Centre, the new degree is the first of its kind in Ireland. Dr Chris Coughlan, Manager of Hewlett-Packard's Worldwide Cloud Services Innovation Centre, said the course would keep Ireland at the forefront of cloud computing research. 'This innovative and international masters degree is a critical support component in developing and sustaining Ireland's smart economy ahead of the curve, and in the creation of high value employment within Ireland,' he said. The course is targeted at those already working in the ICT sector or within a technology-related role in other sectors. Graduates in the areas of information systems and technology management are also best suited to the programme. 'The course is evidence of what can be achieved through close ties between academia and industry, in building upon synergies both regionally and nationally, and provides an innovative degree capable of producing high calibre and much sought-after graduates,' added Dr Emer Mulligan, Head of the JE Cairnes School. The university also recognises degrees from other institutions for entry, including the Bachelor of Business Studies (Information Systems Management stream) and the BA in Information Systems Management degree programmes provided by GMIT. [/private]