Nanyang Poly and IBM launch Business Software Innovation Centre
ConvergenceAsia staff
04/03/2008

Web 2.0 technologies will be a key enabler in this new age of collective intelligence. Riding on this growing phenomenon, Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) and IBM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch the Business Software Innovation Centre to deliver innovative solutions based on the benefits of Web 2.0 and Mashup technologies for enterprises to grow their businesses and drive new markets.

Located at NYP’s School of Information Technology, the centre seeks to bring innovative Web 2.0 solutions to businesses through project engagement.

In addition, IBM’s Web 2.0 and Mashup technologies will be incorporated into the curriculum for NYP students, with the first batch of students trained in IBM Social Networking software graduating as early as next year. In all, about 800 students will be trained over a span of three years.

The centre has a three-fold aim:
1. To strengthen capabilities in Web 2.0 technologies, leveraging the years of technical exchange between NYP and IBM on Web Services, Open Computing Standards, Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and RFID technologies.
2. To allow the industry to leverage the centre’s infrastructure and expertise to apply IBM Social Networking software and Mashup technologies in innovative enterprise solutions.
3. To include more Web 2.0 technologies as an integral part of the curriculum for NYP IT students.

“The computing industry is abuzz with Web 2.0. Today, enterprises of all sizes are looking at Web 2.0 technologies to help revolutionise the way they conduct business, to help employees collaborate more effectively and enhance their clients outreach,” said Teresa Lim, Managing Director, IBM Singapore.

Enterprises are able to realise the benefits of such innovative technologies as they are based on open standards which enables transformation, economic growth and collaborative innovation. By partnering NYP on new methodologies, the resources available through its Academic Initiative, IBM is heartened to play an instrumental and meaningful role in equipping students with relevant skills for the future marketplace, she said.

“Working in tandem with NYP to launch the Business Software Innovation Centre is a part of our continuous pursuit to spark student interest in technology careers while addressing the industry's software skills shortage by exposing students to tomorrow's technologies today.”

The centre will be equipped with the latest IBM Social Networking software, including IBM SOA products and Lotus Connection. Both IBM and NYP will provide and share the necessary expertise in Web 2.0 and Mashup technologies.

IBM and NYP have a long-standing partnership of more than 15 years in which many initiatives, projects and innovation centres were launched, especially in the areas Web Services, Open Computing Standards, RFID, SOA and Cell Broadband Engine Technology.

“NYP is happy to partner IBM once again to launch the Business Software Innovation Centre. We remain committed to developing innovative solutions for companies and believe our capabilities in Web 2.0 technologies, Web Services, Enterprise SOA, RFID, Software Quality and Security, will add-value to this collaboration,” said John Tan, Deputy Principal/Technology, NYP.

“The centre will also bring invaluable experiences and knowledge to our graduates who will be the industry champions of these new technologies in the near future,” he added.

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