In response to internet trafficking doubling every two years the Exemplar Network looks to solve the problem of costly bottlenecks of data and seeks to create further possibilities for future applications on the internet. July 2009 saw the Government launch its ‘Technology Actions to Support the Smart Economy’ report. Said report included six actions to help Ireland jump ahead of our competitors in the digital economy. One of the actions promised was the development of the Exemplar Network. As of its launch, Phase I of the Exemplar is now up and running in its test bed facility in Parkwest, Dublin.

The Government has invested €5 million in the network and at the launch Minister Ryan announced his intention to provide a further €5 million in additional investment. Over 30 companies and institutions have signed up to use the Exemplar network to test their products and services and conduct research. These include: BT, Imagine, EMC, Celtix Connect, IBM, Smart Telecom, e|Net, Opennet, ESBTelecom and Firecomms. Four of Ireland’s universities UCC Tyndall, NUI Galway, UCD and DCU will use the facility, as will Science Foundation Ireland.

The Exemplar Network can be used to create virtual data centres and to facilitate cloud computing. High quality data and image transfer also allows for multi-site simultaneous broadcast of arts events. The Exemplar technology was used to broadcast a Snow Patrol concert in St. James’ Church in Dingle last year with a live, high definition stream to a number of locations. Many of the applications of this network are as yet unknown. “The future of the internet is here”, said Minister Ryan at the launch, “and it’s being developed in Ireland.”.

“There are those who believe Governments are not innovators, that we are technology takers, not leaders. Today, they would see gathered in one room leading international businesspeople, academics and artists. Everyone here today understands that this is a breakthrough moment for Ireland. This Government identified cutting-edge technology with the potential to transform the internet. We invested in it and ensured it was available on an open access basis for all to use. Such is the interest from industry and the arts, today I can say that we are investing an additional €5 million in the Exemplar, which will create 140 jobs in the short term. The further phases of this project have the potential to create thousands more. The new economy is digital, green and smart. The Exemplar network is all of these and with human ingenuity its future applications are endless”.