Irish companies making a mark in the technology capital of the world.
Trintech is an Irish success story in Silicon Valley the area of California that has become known worldwide for technological innovation. Richard Martin set up Trintech a software company with colleagues three years ago now it employs 53 people in a rapid growth that has forced the firm to get extra office space. Trintech is selling the technology that enables credit card payments over the internet. Trintech is not the only Irish company operating out of Silicon Valley.
Marina Donoghue of Enterprise Ireland explains that when she came to America first in 1998 there were 18 Irish companies in the area now there are 33 firms.
It really is like bringing coals to Newcastle. Silicon Valley is the technology capital of the world and Irish companies are competing with Silicon Valley companies.
Enterprise Ireland has established a start up base in an office block in San Jose where 13 Irish companies are operating from. Prime Learning is a company that sells training software to large corporations. A year ago it did not exist by next year Prime Learning hope to employ 60 people. Nuala Sweeney president of the company believes this expansion is possible.
I think that companies here are very open to working with new companies.
President Mary McAleese speaking at Stanford University described a culture shift that sees a new attitude to business coming from young Irish people. Mervyn Dyke is part of this new wave and is bringing his company Vistatec to Silicon Valley with the help of Enterprise Ireland.
No one can see how Silicon Valley will change these Irish companies but already these firms are making a mark in this part of California.
RTÉ News report broadcast on 21 September 1999. The reporter is Mark Little.
