ESP has delivered comprehensive services in a diverse range of ICT and related environments.

The range and depth of experience we bring to a project is clearly evident from these samples of some of our recent work. We believe they give testament to the commensurate experience of out team.

Select one of the links below to view projects conducted in that region:

• Republic of Ireland Projects
• European Union
• European Union Accession States
• International

ESP was awarded the contract to review the requirements of the EPA Data Gathering and Reporting system and propose options for the required browser based User Interface. ESP both facilitated and supplemented EPA staff in carrying out the core duties on this project. These duties included:

• Review the initial specification document
• Propose and demonstrate at least 2 design options for the required system interface
• Use prototypes to prove ease of use and efficient navigation
• Evaluate screen prototypes to ensure EPA work flow practices are respected
• Provide full HTML templates for the screen and controls that provide a clear, intuitive design.

After a public tendering competition, the consortium led by ASTEC Global Consultancy and ESP has been appointed as a Framework Contractor to the Local Government Computer Services Board. Our consortia will now provide services to local government in the general areas of:

• Application Development - Design and Programming
• Databases - Design and Programming
• Management and Related Services - ICT Procurement and Tendering, Project Management of ICT Projects
• Network Services - Design and Implementation, LAN Implementation & Support, Web Hosting

.NET, UML, SOA, C#, ASP.NET, XML, IIS, Sharepoint, VB.Net, Network Infrastructure (LAN and WAN) Routing, Switching, Firewalls, Secure Comms, Wireless, VoIP, Telcos, Windows Infrastructure, Windows Server OS, Windows Server Systems, Windows Infrastructure Design, Implementation & Management, Windows Servers & Desktop OS, Multiple Domain and Active Directory Administration, Exchange 2003 Admin, Desktop Deployment/Management, MS Office products, Anti-virus

The EPA and Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB) have awarded the Environmental Data Exchange Network (EDEN) project to ESP Technologies Ltd. This new scalable system will to establish centralized database storage for environmental monitoring data using standardized data formats. The system will provide the ability to submit environment data remotely and to access and download this data by all the various stakeholders.

The Environmental Data Exchange Network (EDEN) will be developed by applying the technologies and approaches that have transformed data exchange on the Internet to the exchange of data between environmental agencies. A system based on standardised internet languages with comprehensive data validation and reporting, will allow individual agencies to use an Internal Storage system of their own choice whilst also supporting easier exchange of environmental data.

The EDEN system will result in:

• Environmental Data that is readily available via any PC with a browser
• A manageable, standard and advanced approach to environmental information exchange
• Enhanced data integration, data sharing and reporting
• Reduced overall costs in data exchange
• Seamless application of Environmental Data Standards across a broader spectrum
• A commensurate increase in the quality of Environmental data across the Republic

Beneficiaries and Contributors to the EDEN system include the EPA, River Basin Districts, Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government, Department of Agriculture, Local Authorities, Private Labs, Marine institute, Central Fisheries Board and Health Boards.

This project will be led by ESP, supported by our spatial data and information management partner Compass Informatics.

SQL Server 2005, SQL Reporting Services 2005, GIS, IIS 7, XML, XSL, CSS, HTML, C#.NET, ASP.NET, RDBMS

LabInfo is an existing Laboratory Information system (LIMS) originally developed by the Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB) using Visual Basic Version 6.0 service pack 5, Crystal Reports 8.5 and the SQL Server 2000 database. This project will deliver an enhanced version of the system that is better able to meet the current water quality reporting requirements of the local authorities and other responsible parties across Ireland.

In addition to the existing Labinfo system modifications, the project includes the design, development and implementation of a new web services based XML Import/Export Utility for LabInfo (LIXIE). It is anticipated that the initial phase will be delivered in June 2007 and will enable seamless data transfer and information integration with the EPA Environmental Data Exchange Network (EDEN) system.

Beneficiaries and Contributors to the LabInfo, LIXIE and EDEN systems include the EPA, DEHLG, River Basin Districts, Local Authorities, Private Labs etc. throughout the Republic of Ireland

SQL Server 2000, Crystal Reports, VB 6, VB. Net, XML, XSL, CSS, WCF, Framework 3.0

The eLink project involves the design, development, implementation and integration of a generic web based, user defined query and reporting tool. It allows the LGCSB to provide their local authorities with website based access to multiple local government database sources. It is being deployed for use in all Local Authorities throughout the Republic of Ireland - initially against the HOME housing management system database.

eLink has been designed and developed to be an easy-to-use and navigate application. It provides users with the ability to create, manage and output reports, in numerous formats, without the need to have any database knowledge or previous familiarity with reporting tools. Online context sensitive help is provided on all screens to further assist the users.

This solution has been developed by ESP to be fully generic - it provides for deep abstraction of the data source from the ad hoc query functionality - thus enabling eLink to be integrated with virtually any source of data. Furthermore, it allows the LGCSB to facilitate XML based exchange of data between any existing systems. The first release of eLink entered its pilot phase in July 2006.

This successful project was conducted in partnership with ASTEC Global Consultancy.

XML, XSL, CSS, HTML, SQL Server 2000, SQL Reporting Services, C#.NET, ASP.NET, RDBMS

eReturns is an internet system developed for use by local authorities and Departmental staff for the capture of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) information, such as Local Authority Service Indicators, in an efficient and user-friendly manner.

The eReturns system includes a bespoke Content Management tool to generate new screens, Indicators and other Survey screens and publish them to an unlimited number of authorities in the country without any changes to the system. This is a state-of-the-art .Net implementation that leverages the latest technologies, design & development practices and standards.

SQL Server 2000, Analysis Services, SQL Reporting Services, .NET, XML

As part of the Housing Needs Assessment of 2005, eReturns Phase 2 enabled the capture of Housing Needs Assessment data. Extracted databases from local authority housing systems are submitted via the internet to eReturns, where data is validated before being made available for automated transfer to the data warehouse.

Analytical MIS Reports for HNA and preexisting data sources were seamlessly integrated with the existing eReturns Reports facility, thus providing an extremely powerful central information resource for both local authority managers and government departmental staff alike.

This project was conducted in partnership with ASTEC Global Consultancy.

SQL Server 2000, SQL Analysis Services, SQL Reporting Services, OLAP, C#.NET, VB.NET. ASP.NET, XML, XSL

This is an ongoing Maintenance & Support Contract for the Departments RDBMS platformed Payscales & Allowances system ,Financial Estimates system and Census System. ESP provides consultancy on the day to day support and operations of these multi-user systems, as well as the development of enhancements to core functionality.

CA - Advantage Ingres, OpenROAD, C, Unix, MS Windows.

A technical and organisational review of the Complete Information for Water Services (CiS) system, a Geographical Information System, was conducted.

The purpose of the review was to identify and analyse the root causes of slippage in the development schedule for the project; to make recommendations to solve the problems and to monitor progress thereafter. An analysis of the current ICT situation was performed and recommendations made for future strategies appropriate to the Council's technology base, expertise and available resources. Housing Administration and Housing Engineering Sections activities, Human Resources Section activities, eGovernment & Document Management operations were covered.

The Gaelic Arts Agency's An Leabhar Mòr project involves the internet access of arts installations at various remote locations of the Gaelic speaking regions of the British Isles.

The work consisted of the design, establishment and test of a wireless network, establishment of Internet connectivity and the integration of computer systems with in-situ sound and projection at the Áras Éanna cultural centre. The project was undertaken on the island of Inis Oírr and integrated this location into the overall An Leabhar Mòr project (see Leabhar Mòr: Na Gàidhlig Na Gaeilge/The Great Book of Gaelic).

Following a comprehensive survey of students, the Faculty of Science in University College Dublin required the ability to analyse and leverage the human resource data obtained. Trend analysis and forecasting from the data was required.

ESP built an interface and relational database system to achieve this. The delivered system enabled the Faculty of Science to improve the services, courses and ancillary support provided to students.

On the basis of this successful implementation, the faculty contracted ESP to provide the same services and a new system for managing surveys of their academic staff body.

Microsoft Access, Visual Basic

Mr James Martin, our security consultant, conducted an analysis of a Vitalographs major medical software product for deficiencies pertaining to FDA approval. A specification report was produced and used that enabled the company to achieve FDA compliance.

FDA 21CFR Part 11 is the FDA rule describing a set of requirements to be met that guarantee the security, authenticity and integrity of electronic records.

The SDAS system is a state of the art bespoke corporate solution developed for the Administration of Stamp Duty in multiple sites across the Republic of Ireland.

This system is a multi site, multi user real time client server implementation platformed on the Ingres Relational Database & OpenROAD 4GL /C++ / VB integrated development environment. Database Replication is used to provide a highly robust and fault tolerant implementation - even in cases of complete server unavailability. The SDAS has proved to be an extremely successful and stable implementation.

A project lead by Bull/Cara Information Systems and Bull Integris UK, Mr Robin Kennedy, acting as Project Manager and Systems Designer was involved at every stage of the project life cycle and provided training to senior Revenue management and administrative /operational staff on the Capital Taxes system.

CA - Ingres, Replication, OpenROAD, C++, VB, Unix, NT, MS Windows, Device Drivers.

This Strategy review was performed by Mr Nick Larter, who is highly experienced and qualified in the area of analysis. The areas examined included:

A report was presented to the County Council, documenting the situation, and setting out recommendations for future strategies appropriate to the Council's technology base expertise and available resources.

Having moved the Departments systems from Windows W4GL Release 2 to a fully GUI enabled, Object Oriented interface, and from UNIX environment to Windows 2000, Mr Robin Kennedy, ESP Senior ICT consultant, made the changes to the Payscales & Allowance System & Estimates System to allow for a smooth introduction of the Euro.

The rules and procedures documented assisted the department in making other systems fully euro and were issued to other Departments as guidelines for Euro Compliance.

A corporate web presence was designed and developed for 4CON Space Ltd,, a aerospace and science and technology consulting company. 4CON supplies high quality consultancy services in the space and space-related science and technology sectors to corporate, national and international agency clients using state of the art interpersonal and on-line technologies.

Mobile Mentality Ltd, a company based in Swansea, Wales, specialises in providing mCommerce solutions to retail businesses. They concentrate in the area of the mobile/SMS services market.

ESP was contracted to advise and assist them in their new venture. These services included ICT Consultancy and representation, database design, production of technical documentation and provision of technical reviews. Our work focussed on the development of a new system to manage and control their new business and services.

This classical technology management project for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) - an international organisation concerned with monitoring the observance of the Chemical Weapons Convention was conducted by Mr Nick Larter, our International Aerospace Expert. The work was completed and received the approval of the organisations externally appointed Security Audit Team. Tasks focussed on the following areas:-

Mr Nick Larter produced a report following interviews he conducted with representatives of spacecraft contractors on the following areas:

An important strategic study for ESA was performed by Mr Nick Larter into the National Industrial Policies In Support Of Competitiveness In Space And Related Technological Sectors.

His work involved data gathering and analysis of the policies in place within Ireland for the space, aeronautics and related ICT sectors.

Mr Nick Larter carried out work that consisted of a top down, functional approach Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) for this mission critical control electronics box.

Mr Nick Larter undertook this project for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) - an international organisation concerned with monitoring the observance of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Activities focussed on the following areas:-

The terms of reference for this project, funded by the World Bank, was to provide complete technical, functional, and operational specifications for a new Electronic Document Exchange Gateway (EDEG) for the State Treasury of the Ministry of Finance. The EDEG is a service oriented architecture solution that allows all budget users (State Ministries) to integrate their disparate Financial Management Information Systems (FMIS) with the SAP based FMIS of the State Treasury.

The Interoperability Framework is a catalogue of specifications based on XML (Extensible Markup Language), as today's lingua franca for information interchange. It imposes no requirements on the budget user FMISs' technological base, but comprehensively specifies defined schemas of electronic documents, the methodology for specifying the business rules imposed on them, describes all parties involved at each stage, defines a Dublin core based metadata element set and all the relevant security specifications required

In addition to the deliverables mentioned above, we managed the integration with two concurrent projects for master data management and the interchange of electronic data with SAP. The project was conducted according to the European Commission (EC) Practical guidelines for contract procedures and included the preparation of all software/services and hardware/supply tender dossiers required for the next stage of the EDEG system.

This successful project was conducted with our partner ASTEC Global Consultancy
and local experts Teched - New Generation Services

Business Rule Engines, Business Process Management, Security, Orchestration, SAP, XML, Electronic Data Interchange, Master Data Management, Internet/Intranet/Extranet.

The project terms of reference was to deliver, via a comprehensive ICT platform, technical and functional specifications for a Integrated Criminal Intelligence System (iCIS) with comprehensive Case Management. The new system will strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of the Interior in the efficient and effective fight against serious and organised crime, corruption and terrorism.

Our consultants produced the final "Integrated CIS Design with Technical and Functional specifications" document and related TORs and reports for this CARDS 2003 project. The project moved to its development and implementation phase in June 2006.

This successful project was conducted with our partner ASTEC Global Consultancy, as the EU appointed Framework contractor.

Internet/Intranet/Extranet, RDBMS, Security, Case Management, GIS, Analytical Tools

The aim of the project was to accelerate and improve management, monitoring, co-ordination and communication for the implementation of projects under the PHARE Programme, in Bulgaria.

The object of the PHARE MIS was to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of NAC Services daily work by providing up-to-date technical and financial information on the implementation of PHARE projects in Bulgaria, prioritise actions, provide focus on the main milestones to be achieved and provide monitoring and tracking regards the date by which project activities must be achieved. The PHARE MIS open and available to all participating government ministries, enabling the level of information appropriate to their function within the PHARE programme.

This project was conducted with our partner ASTEC Global Consultancy, as EU appointed Framework contractor.

SQL Server, MS SharePoint Portal Server, .Net, MS Office, MS Exchange, Internet

As part of its preparations for EU membership, The Government of Malta agreed to carry out a number of tasks in the field of taxation, to improve collection, ensure alignment with the tax acquis, to review the relevant existing laws, to strengthen its administrative capacity and to implement the necessary intra-EU interfaces.

In this context, a Business Change Management Plan (BCMP) was developed, providing a structured way to accomplish the above objectives and a project entitled Modernisation and Upgrading of the Operational Capacity of the Customs and Tax Departments of the Republic of Malta was set up to implement it.

This project was conducted with our partner ASTEC Global Consultancy, as EU appointed Framework contractor.

Click here to download a detailed summary.

ESP assisted the Malta Communications Authority on the technical aspects of the setting up of the regulatory structures required for the implementation of the Electronic Commerce Act, in particular as they relate to CSP's (Certification Service Providers) and ISSP's (Information Society Service Providers).

This project was conducted with our partner ASTEC Global Consultancy, as EU appointed Framework contractor.

The ESP work consists of interviews with the key public and private sector actors in the Republic of Mongolias ICT sector. It includes a full review of available documentation.

The key project deliverables to the Information & Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) are:-

• An information security policy and strategy document
• A detailed Information Security implementation plan

This project is being conducted with our partner ASTEC Global Consultancy

Reviews were conducted and reports for the following were delivered:

• A review of existing business processes and paperless working practices within the Ministry.
• A strategic assessment of the context for the project, taking in everything from regional policies in ICT to new trends in technology development.
• Development of a detailed plan for the implementation of a paperless office

This project was conducted with our partner ASTEC Global Consultancy

A number of business analysis were performed in United Nations Headquarters, New York for the Projects Office & Standards Unit, Information & Technology Services Division.

The produced reports made recommendations for tools, solutions and approaches to be adopted that best fit the needs of ITSD in the areas of Data Warehousing, Human Resources management, Web Development, eCommerce, Enterprise Reporting with Analytical Tools and Project Management.

Lotus Domino, MS Project, Cognos, WebFocus, Crystal Reports, Business Objects, SQL Server, Sybase, Java

A critically acclaimed bespoke hardware and software inventory system, e-Assets is estimated to have saved the United Nations millions of dollars, highlighting software already developed and acquired within the organisation and allowing the reuse of the same assets worldwide.

This browser-based system, was built using Server side Java and EJB/J2EE technology in an n-tier architecture with a SQL-driven database and has been designed and programmed to be fully portable. An integrated bespoke reporting tool was also created for the producing reports in various formats. The programming methodology, database approach, system architecture and source control have since being adopted by the UN for future projects.

SQL Server 2000, Java (J2EE), EJB, Tomcat, JBoss, XML, XQML

Our consultant carried out an analysis of initial ICT in the UN survey results and helped draft the resulting strategy report for the UN General Assembly. Following acceptance of this report, an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Standards scheme was developed for the United Nations Secretariat at Headquarters, New York City.

A complete scheme for both technical and management standards was designed and a detailed standard was developed for the preparation of ICT Requests for Tender (RFTs).