US TECHNOLOGY giant Cisco is to invest €26 million in its operations in Galway, creating 115 jobs.

The investment will enable the Galway operation, which was opened in 2007, to move into new areas in communication and collaboration software technology, including desktop virtualisation and real-time web communications.

The investment shows Cisco’s continued commitment to the Galway operation and its importance as a software development centre, said Chris Dedicoat, president of Cisco Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea).

“This technology is used globally by many of the world’s largest companies and many of the world’s governments. It’s a recognition of the progress that has been made here since the site was opened in 2007,” he said. “It is seen globally as a centre of excellence, and I think it’s a great example of the benefit of the investment that Ireland has made in the science and technology subjects through education.”

The Galway operation builds collaboration applications that enable users to do things such as real-time voice and video text messaging, desktop-sharing and integration of social media, according to Mike Conroy, general manager of the Galway facility.

The investment, announced by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, will be made over the next two years and is being supported by IDA Ireland.

The US group currently employs about 180 people in research and development at its European customer centre at Oranmore. Recruitment for the new roles is ongoing.

“Ireland is in a great position in that there are more jobs available than there are students to fill those jobs,” said Mr Dedicoat.

A shortage of highly skilled graduates is not just an issue for Ireland, he said, but can be seen across the developed world.

“Europe graduates on an annual basis about 50,000 to 60,000 students in science and technology. In the US, it’s about the same. In China, half a million students graduate in science, technology, engineering and maths. So I think it’s important to recognise that Ireland isn’t alone in terms of its production of science and technology graduates. But I have to say, Ireland is leading from a European perspective, and that is one of the key reasons that Cisco is here.”

Cisco’s revenues in the Emea region grew 15 per cent in the second quarter and, if the current trend continues, Ireland could be in line for further investment.

“Providing that we as a company do well in the marketplace, then we will continue to invest around the globe in areas such as collaboration, which for us is a key area of growth,” said Mr Dedicoat. “Certainly Ireland has proved to be a really tremendous location for us, and the quality of the software engineers here is second to none.”

He said Cisco would never be “immune” to the economic environment, but said companies in Europe needed to invest in productivity.

“We always believe we can gain more market share during difficult times provided we maintain our focus on innovation and productivity,” he said.