Businesses hoping to cash in on the imminent arrival of broadband throughout Co Longford by the end of next year could also be in line for another hi tech advancement in the form of a novel online data protection initiative.
Local IT company Clear Technology have just closed a deal with Ireland's largest backup provider, 'KeepITsafe' to afford enterprises tighter controls over their data thereby ensuring risk management levels are stringently maintained.
Its managing
director, Fraser McCloud said the new setup would open a wide range of opportunities for businesses who are keen to maintain a strong grip on safeguarding important information records.
"Many companies will benefit from the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) over the coming years. The initiative is a step in the right direction for government to invest in rural Ireland. With the growth in online backup as a fully managed service we are also positioned quire favourably to capitalise on this growth market," he said.
Armed with no less than 20 years experience in the IT industry, the softly spoken Scotsman brings with himan impressive looking CV which includes successful stints at British Aerospace. However it's not academic admiration he is after, from it in fact.
A little over two years ago, Fraser and his wife opted to move to Longford and start up their own franchise, Clear Technology. The results have been notable to say the least.
"The main reason we decided on Longford was for the accommodation. My wife is actually from Dublin and the other reason was because of its (Longford's) location. You are only about one and a half hours from Sligo and an hour or so from Dublin. Initially we looked at the Laois area but Longford just made sense," he said.
Though still very much in its infancy, Clear Technology has managed to establish a foothold during its two years of operation. The new deal struck with KeepITsafe brought at end to months of graft and research by Fraser and his wife.
"On that side of things I have been doing a lot of background work for 18 months on the online backup solution and I have been talking with American companies so it is a big step forward," he added.
In terms of what the new initiative can offer potential clients, Fraser is unequivocal as to its long term benefits.
"With the advent of online backup as a managed service it allows companies to back up and instantly restore all data and files at the click of a button. It continuously backs up your data via the internet and stores it securely off-site in multiple data centres.
"Things are going ok with it so far. I have a client in Dublin already which is great. The local businesses have been a bit slow at the minute because some of them aren't looking to spend money. But it's the same as spending insurance.
