Enterprises told ‘embrace technology and don’t stand still’

Enterprises of all sizes need to embrace technology and use it to drive growth, a successful entrepreneur in the security industry has urged.

Netwatch co-founder and chief executive David Walsh said businesses need to continuously focus on growth. The most dangerous thing any entrepreneur can do is stand still, he said.

Mr Walsh, who recently expanded his Carlow business to the US, creating an extra 50 jobs over the next 18 months, will share the secrets of his success and his entrepreneurial journey when he addresses the Techovate 2012 conference in the Wexford Opera House on Mar 21 and 22.

Speaking ahead of the conference, he said it has never been more important for Irish businesses of all shapes and sizes to learn how technology can drive their business, network at such events and learn from global experiences.

Techovate is a new species of event that encourages interaction between established businesses in the technology field — global giants such as Google, Microsoft, IBM and Cisco — and start-up companies.

“The difference between Techovate and other such events is that it will focus on showing businesses of all nature how and why they should use technology to develop business expansion and innovation through practical advice and conversations,” said Mr Walsh, a native of Castleisland, Co Kerry.

“Business people simply can’t afford not to put an emphasis on growth and Techovate has been developed with this in mind.

“With any business, but most particularly those in the technology field, the most dangerous thing to do is to stand still.

“That’s why Netwatch concentrates a huge amount of time and resources on research and development. The technology world moves at an incredible pace and if you are not at the forefront of technological innovation, it is extremely easy to get left behind,” he added.

Netwatch is investing over €3m in an expansion drive in the US, which will generate 30 positions, split between Carlow and Boston, by the end of the year. It will bring Netwatch’s total headcount to over 120. A further 20 jobs will be created by late summer next year.

The firm deploys the most advanced protection technologies, including GPS tracking, audio visual detection, personal protector equipment and wireless perimeter security cordons.