Technology company EMC is to build a cloud computing innovation centre aimed at allowing companies to develop technology for use by public sector bodies and big businesses.
Cloud computing moves technology infrastructure into data centres where information is managed, secured and delivered to users as and when they need it.
The project announced today, called Cloud4Gov, will enable Irish small and medium-sized firms to develop and test their technology in the EMC centre.
They will then be able to demonstrate their ideas across all government departments and agencies within a closed environment.
EMC's Jason Ward said the initiative would remove IT cost and infrastructure barriers facing smaller companies, allowing them to develop and showcase their technology.
Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte said the Government planned to bring forward a "cloud strategy" in the coming months as part of its plans to reform the public sector.
