For the record 17 July

17-07-2008

by Deirdre McArdle

Citi invests EUR35m in Dublin base, creates 35 jobs | IRCSET announces EUR10.8m funding scheme

Financial services firm Citi is to base its EUR35 million investment in a next generation eBanking platform at its Dublin operation for Research, Development & Innovation in the IFSC. The investment is supported by IDA Ireland and will lead to the creation of 30 high-calibre positions, such as project managers, technology architects, business analysts and software/hardware engineers. The Taoiseach Brian Cowen made the announcement at Citi's headquarters in New York on Thursday.

Cork-based firm Yougetitback.com has launched two new electronic tagging devices with a free trial period. The Laptop Superhero and Mobile Superhero use unique electronic tagging technology that will help users track lost or stolen laptops and mobiles. The beta software can be downloaded onto a variety of mobile devices such as BlackBerrys and Symbian devices to laptops. Once the device has been reported lost or stolen to yougetitback.com, the new software is activated and instantly locks down the device. Anyone attempting to use the device will see a message on screen telling them that this is a lost or stolen item and to contact yougetitback.com. Thereafter none of the information on the device can be accessed.

The Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) has unveiled a EUR10.8 million scheme to fund the early career formation of new doctoral and masters researchers in science, engineering and technology. IRCSET on Thursday issued a call for applicants for the funding. The closing date for applications is 5pm, 20 August 2008. Successful candidates will be funded for up to three years.

ComReg has launched a public consultation on the liberalisation of the GSM 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum bands and the options available for making further spectrum available. The regulator is setting out a number of proposals for public consultation: removing restrictions on the technology and services permitted in the GSM bands subject to compatibility with existing services; presenting a number of options for future licensing of the spectrum on a competitive basis; going beyond the timeframes of current licences, and providing opportunities for new operators to enter into the market.

ON Semiconductor is to buy Catalyst Semiconductor for USD115 million in stock. The deal will see Catalyst's analog and mixed-signal chips added to ON's own portfolio. The boards of both companies have agreed to the deal, but it still requires the approval of Catalyst shareholders. The parties expect the deal to close in the fourth quarter. ON Semiconductor on Monday announced it was to create a research and development (R&D) centre at Raheen Business Park in Limerick, bringing 49 new high-skill jobs in the process.