A Dublin technology company that enables telecoms companies around the world to extract increased business value from network activity has been named ‘Company of the Year’ at the Irish Software Association’s 2009 industry awards.
Combining specialised solution-delivery engagements with its FusionWorks event-processing and transaction-management software platform, Dublin-based Openet enables telecom and cable service providers to gain transactional intelligence and increase revenue and profitability.
Purpose of the awards
The awards ceremony on Friday, 13 November, in Dublin, sponsored by Enterprise Ireland, William Fry and Software Skillnet, recognised the outstanding contribution to Ireland’s Smart Economy from companies and individuals in the software industry.
Chair of the Irish Software Association (ISA) Sean Baker said the Irish software industry is weathering the recession with considerable strength.
“Many software companies have diversified their markets, especially geographically, and many have increased their revenues in 2009.
“The (indigenous) industry employs 28,000 in the country and, notwithstanding current pressures, the future of the sector in Ireland remains bright. This year’s award winners testify to the strong range of companies based here, from early start-ups to mature companies.”
Award winners
Avego won the Emerging Software Business award for its work in improving efficiency in the transport sector.
Percana won the Sales Achievement award for its Eclipse product suite, which manages a wide range of life and pensions products.
The Technical Innovation award went to iTab for its range of products and services that allows musicians to take advantage of a new content-delivery channel.
The Corporate Social Responsibility award went to Norkom Technologies for its work with disadvantaged youth in its community.
Collaboration of the Year award went to Local Social, a partnership between Rococo, UCD and the NDRC.
In the individual categories, Paul Kerley, CEO of Norkom, won Software Person of the Year for his 20-year track record of successfully building and leading entrepreneurial teams.
Student honour
Yuandong Zhu of UCD won the student medal for developing the most commercially viable piece of research this year by a student: an easy-to-use, highly automated software to aid computer forensic investigations.
“As we can see from the calibre of the award-winners, it is clear that the software industry will play a crucial part in our economic recovery and in the development of Ireland’s Smart Economy,” said the guest of honour, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Conor Lenihan TD.
“Government will continue to work with the software sector and ensure that the great potential for growth that exists is realised and supported,” Lenihan added.
ISA director Paul Sweetman added: “The companies and individuals that we have recognised tonight have generated fantastic value for customers and investors this year. These talented individuals will drive Ireland’s future economic growth.”
By John Kennedy
Photo: Niall Norton, CEO of Openet (left) with Sean Baker, chair of the ISA, and Myra Garrett, managing partner of William Fry, attend the ISA’s (Irish Software Association) annual awards ceremony in Dublin on 13 November. Dublin-based Openet won the ISA’s ‘Company of the Year’ award.
Photo by Gary O’ Neill
