Internet of Things in Ireland

Ireland has a dynamic and flourishing software industry with sixteen out of the top twenty global software companies and over 1,000 digital companies operating here. It is the second largest exporter of software, computer and IT services in the world.  There are many small to medium enterprises, dynamic tech start ups and a rich ecosystem that is enabling the Internet of Things (IoT) to flourish. Ireland’s thriving tech industry and reputation for research and development make it a leader in IoT innovation.

What’s It All About?

The Internet of Things is an ever-growing network of interconnected devices that can communicate, transmit and receive data through the Internet. These are embedded in our daily lives, in the cars we drive, our computers, smartphones, televisions, home appliances, medical devices and fitness trackers. These devices can communicate with other devices without any human interaction e.g. to predict when our car needs a service or monitor our health. With game changing 5G and technological advances, It is forecast that by 2050 over 50 billion devices will be interconnected, revolutionising the way we work and live. 

The rise of smart homes, smart cities and smart factories is driving the IoT. Smart homes use IoT to monitor and control heating, lighting, appliances and security systems. Smart cities use IoT to monitor energy usage, manage the flow of pedestrians and traffic, parking, waste management and street lighting.  Smart factories use IoT to optimise the manufacturing process, predict maintenance to reduce downtime, and track and trace shipments in the supply chain. The huge amount of valuable data gathered by IoT provides insights that can be analysed to make informed decisions, adapt to new business and customer requirements, drive efficiency, reduce costs and improve our quality of life and environmental impact. In sectors where data is critical such as medical devices or food production, IoT gives real time alerts when action needs to be taken e.g. glucose monitoring devices in diabetics and temperature regulation to ensure food safety.

Skills and Knowledge

The IoT relies on the collection and analysis of data. The colossal amounts of data created by IoT are stored, processed and maintained in the cloud in data centres. Ireland has over eighty data centres, the vast majority in the Dublin region, with more under construction. It is a dynamic and fast-growing sector involving companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Equinix, Digital Reality and Viatel Technology.

IoT is universal across every sector of the economy including agriculture, automotive, education, energy/utilities, healthcare, ICT, manufacturing, retail, security, telecommunications, transportation & logistics, and offers endless possibilities for growth.

IoT offers many exciting career opportunities to work in cutting edge technologies. Sought after skills are AI, Machine Learning, Hardware knowledge and Programming languages, Node.js, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, Networks, User Interfaces UI and User Experiences UX, and Cyber Security, As well as IoT, there are multiple pathways to join the IT sector in different roles where there are skills shortages. These options include;

• FIT Tech Apprenticeships where you learn and earn, are open to school leavers or those who wish to upskill or retrain. Further information available here.
• ICT Skillnet offers free and subsidised training, part-time & online, in critical technology skills. Further information available here.
• Springboard Courses offer free and heavily subsidised courses, including ICT skills conversion courses, to address skills shortages. Further information is available here.
• Further information on careers in Data Centres is available here
• Further information on careers in Cybersecurity is available here

Employment in ICT has increased by a third in Ireland to a new high of 174,000. Any of the routes described above will give you the opportunity to work in this dynamic, thriving sector which offers excellent opportunities for career advancement.