Scottish Embedded Software Centre opens its doors for business
03 July 2001   

Bristow Muldoon MSP, officially launched the Scottish Embedded Software Centre at the Alba Centre today (Tuesday 3 July). The Centre, which was announced in May 2001, is intended to be a centre of excellence in providing expert advice and assistance to companies in Scotland, in developing this technology.

Embedded software is not normally a product in its own right, but is found in all sorts of areas, from washing machines to personal digital assistants and spacecraft. The Centre aims to overcome some of the barriers that make it difficult for smaller companies to develop their expertise in embedded software, as well as providing an information resource and brokerage service so that they can gain access to relevant expertise and tools.

The SESC is providing a number of services including:

* Access to expert technical staff, with additional links to industry experts to address wide ranging technical queries;

* Access to telephone and e-mail helpdesks;

* Regularly updated SESC website with technical briefings and news items of particular industry interest;

* Regular newsletter detailing local news, technical developments, industry issues and conferences;

* On-going seminar programme focusing on current and new technologies, services and best practice examples.

Antonia White, Director of the Centre, said: “ Development of Embedded Software skills and expertise is vital for the growth of Scotland’s semiconductor and electronic design capability. This centre gives practical advice and support for a wide range of companies as they seek to increase their use of embedded software in their products.”

David Crichton, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, which is responsible for the Alba Centre, said: “The Scottish Embedded Software Centre will provide a welcome addition to the services offered at Alba. This is a crucial area of technology, where Scotland has an opportunity to gain a great deal of advantage by improving expertise and improving the level of knowledge within companies.”

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