Paul Walsh, the Irish Opportunist

I’m taking part on a panel tonight to discuss (debate I hope) where is Web technology now, what enabling technologies are happening, where will that drive innovation, what skills will people need and how will this translate in to job demand. The debate will be the opening of the IWTC Conference, held at the Cineworld Cinema in Dublin.

I’m a great lover of new technology and debating how it can enable a more accessible Web to more people around the world, irrespective of what device they use. However, I also think we need to look at getting the basics right. One such basic on my agenda for the new Industry Association I’m setting up in Ireland will be broadband. It’s a joke in Ireland and I intend to solicit feedback on my opinion tonight. I’ll save my new technology chant for the same conference on Friday.

On the subject of the basics

Damien Mulley, one of Ireland’s finest bloggers (and Technology Journalist of the Year 2007) has been campaigning for better broadband in Ireland for some time now. I’m hoping I can leverage the fantastic work he continues to do, whilst getting his ongoing assistance and advice to enable a better digital ecosystem in Ireland. Only then can Ireland play a major role on the digital stage.

As a side note, it amazes me that Damien was diagnosed with MS recently and still continues to work like a horse. I’m sure he’s likely to shed a tear behind closed doors (who wouldn’t) but he should be held up as a fine example to anyone unfortunate enough to have been diagnosed with an incurable disease. I know, to a much lesser extent, how Damien must be feeling as my sister was diagnosed with the damn thing about 10 years ago.

Anyway, I hope you can make it along to the event tonight, followed by the launch party. Let me know if you’d like to come as I’ve got some guest passes. If you don’t get a response from me just email barry@irishdev.com and come along anyway - I’m sure you’ll get in (oops, I’m sure I’ll get my wrists slapped).

Can you help?

I’ll post the date for my next meeting to discuss the new Association. Please let me know if there are specific dates in March that I should stay away from.

I’m looking for some sponsors, so please get in touch if you’d like to support a new Industry Association in which your own interests will be looked after too.

Blacknight and Microsoft were very kind and sponsored my kick off dinner meeting. I still have enough in the fund to setup the legal entity and perhaps get a basic Web site done, but that’s about it.