News From Asidua

Asidua obtain ISO 9001 recertification

2012-05-17T09:11:34Z

Global IT software and telecoms services provider, Asidua is celebrating once again! Following the recent launch of their new WanStaX Carrier Ethernet suite, the company is now celebrating the successful recertification of their ISO 9001:2008 and TickIT standard.

Since starting operations in 2002, Asidua has been actively committed to ensuring the delivery of high quality services to their global client base. Recently the data and telecom integration specialists enhanced their successful working practices by obtaining a recertification of their ISO 9001:2008 and TickIT accreditation from the BSI Group (certificate/licence number: FS 71752).

“As an IT services company, the key to our continued business success is to ensure that we provide the highest standard of services to our global client base,” said Asidua’s Quality Manager, Paul Matthews. “Following an internal management review of our processes and practices, Asidua introduced a Integrated Management System (IMS) in 2010, which has obtained both ISO 9001:2008, TickIT and ISO 27001:2005 accreditation from the BSI Group - the largest certification body in the UK.”

ISO 9001 is by far the world’s most established quality framework, currently being used by over ¾ million organizations in 161 countries, and sets the standard not only for quality management systems, but management systems in general. TickIT is an internationally recognised scheme for the application of ISO 9001 in a software development environment.

“Following our initial ISO 9001 accreditation in 2003, Asidua has been continually assessed every six months and has been re-accredited by the BSI Group in 2006, 2009 and now once again in 2012,” explained Paul. “As in previous year’s, the recent onsite assessment looked at all aspects of our business, from engineering to operations to sales. Following the latest reassessment we are pleased to announce that we have been recertified with the ISO 9001:2008 and TickIT accreditation.”

In addition to their recent ISO 9001 re-accreditation, Asidua’s Integrated Management System (IMS) has been successfully benchmarked against BSI’s ISO/IEC27001:2005 (certificate/licence number: IS 55232) and Accredit UK’s ICT suppliers assessment (registration number: SOL/10/225).

Despite numerous accreditations, the IT services provider continues to enhance the Asidua IMS through the review of current processes and the incorporation of additional standards; all designed to help ensure that the highest standard of service is continually provided.

Commenting on the company’s recent ISO 9001 re-accreditation, Asidua Chief Operations Officer, Angela Canavan said: “Since inception, Asidua has always strived to provide the highest level of service to our customers.” Angela continued: “In addition to our other quality management and information security accreditations, the recertification of ISO 9001 helps embody the importance we place on ensuring that all our business processes are aligned to enable our customers to obtain a ‘right first time’ service level.”

Photograph Caption
Asidua Quality Manager, Paul Matthews, helps the Global IT software and telecoms services provider company celebrate their successful recertification of their ISO 9001:2008 and TickIT standard. Since starting operations in 2002, Asidua has been actively committed to ensuring the delivery of high quality services to their global client base. The recertification of ISO 9001 accreditation by the BSI Group helps demonstrate the importance that the company places on ensuring all their business processes are aligned to help their customers to obtain a ‘right first time’ level of service.

About Asidua
Asidua, who employ over 120 staff, is headquartered in Belfast and has offices in Dublin and Birmingham. As a current Investor in People, the company delivers world-class software consultancy and services to clients across a broad spectrum of business sectors through two specialised divisions:

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) & Customer Contact Platform^TM (CCP) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide the telecommunications market with market ready and richly featured software suite (WanStaX) specifically designed for the PMC-Sierra WinPath^TM network processor family.

To discover more about Asidua, visit www.asidua.com

About the BSI Group
BSI Group is a global independent business services organization that develops standards-based solutions to improve management practices and promote innovation. BSI can help businesses, governments and other organizations around the world to raise quality and performance in a sustainable and socially responsible way. From its origins as the world’s first National Standards Body, BSI Group draws upon over 100 years’ experience to work with 66,000 organizations in 147 countries from its 50 offices.

To learn more about BSI, visit www.bsigroup.com

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Ltd, 10 Weavers Court, Belfast, BT12 5GH
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5000
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: marketing@asidua.com

Asidua announce new WanStaX Carrier Ethernet control stacks

2012-05-08T06:30:31Z

Asidua, a preferred supplier for PMC®’s Mobile and Broadband Division, today announced ‘general availability’ of a new suite of Carrier Ethernet control stacks - WanStax Carrier Ethernet (WCE). The control stacks are built specifically for network infrastructure equipment providers, by supplying proven off-the-shelf software components thereby helping those companies meet the fast changing demands of today’s global telecoms industry.

Specifically designed for PMC’s WinPath^TM network processor family, Asidua’s new WanStaX Carrier Ethernet (WCE) portfolio is a set of market ready, feature rich, control stacks incorporating Link Aggregation (IEEE 802.3ad), Link OAM (IEEE 802.3ah), CFM (IEEE 802.3ag) and Performance Monitoring (ITU-T Y.1731).

Offered via a royalty free commercial mode, each control stack within the WanStaX Carrier Ethernet suite is provided with a comprehensive documentation set and explanation of the reference applications, including details of how to port and build the stack for a new compiler or OS as well as step-by-step guides for integrating with a target solution.

In announcing the new WanStaX Carrier Ethernet suite, Eddie Millsopp, Head of Device Services at Asidua said: “Asidua is delighted to announce the general availability of our new WanStaX Carrier Ethernet stacks. PMC’s WinPathTM network processor family addresses both challenges in hardware and data plane software by providing flexible, powerful and high value for money solutions for the wireline and wireless infrastructure equipment market. Asidua’s WanStaX Carrier Ethernet stacks have been specifically designed to allow our clients to reduce costs and delivery times, while still allowing them to fully exploit the hardware acceleration aspects of PMC’s WinPath^TM processor family.”

Such has been the global demand for Carrier Ethernet Access and Aggregation equipment, that the Belfast based telecoms integration specialist has already been able to secure new engagements with a number of tier 1 and tier 2 equipment manufacturers.

Speaking on the availability of Asidua’s new Carrier Ethernet control stack portfolio, PMC’s Mobile and Broadband Division Vice President of Marketing, Robert O’Dell said: “PMC is pleased that Asidua’s Carrier Ethernet control stack portfolio is now generally available. Asidua has worked in partnership with us developing Ethernet solutions that have been incorporated in a number of our WinPath^TM customers’ products. Now that the control stacks are generally available, we expect to see Asidua control stack software in an increasing number of WinPath-based systems. Asidua’s Standards Compliant Carrier Ethernet Control stacks, developed specifically to exploit the advanced features within WinPath^TM processors, help our customers meet their aggressive schedules and allow them to focus their efforts on value-added and differentiated features.”

For further information on Asidua’s WanStaX Carrier Ethernet suite, visit www.asidua.com/wanstax

About Asidua
Asidua is endorsed by PMC® as a preferred supplier for providing a complete portfolio of software components and niche professional services focused on the WinPath^TM product family. Asidua’s WanStaX Carrier Ethernet (WCE) is a portfolio a market ready, rich featured, Carrier Ethernet control stack solutions, incorporating Link Aggregation (IEEE 802.3ad), Link OAM (IEEE 802.3ah), CFM (IEEE 802.3ag) and Performance Monitoring (ITU T Y.1731). From their headquarters in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Asidua teams have successfully delivered solutions for a wide range of equipment suppliers including Tier 1s & 2s from across the globe.

For more information on Asidua’s new WanStax portfolio, visit www.asidua.com/wanstax

About PMC
PMC® (Nasdaq:PMCS) is the semiconductor innovator transforming networks that connect, move and store digital content. Building on a track record of technology leadership, the company is driving innovation across storage, optical and mobile networks. PMC’s highly integrated solutions increase performance and enable next generation services to accelerate the network transformation.

For more information visit www.pmcs.com

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager

Asidua Ltd, 10 Weavers Court, Belfast, BT12 5GH
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5000
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: marketing@asidua.com

Asidua find the winning ‘formula’ to make NICS Live a grand success!

2012-05-01T12:10:52Z

Leading customer contact, data integration and telecoms specialists, Asidua helped make this year’s NICS Live conference a formula for success as delegates, including Northern Ireland Finance Minster Sammy Wilson MP MLA, were asked to put their F1 driving skills to the test and see if they could beat the legendary Michael Schumacher.

Hosted in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, this year’s NICS Live conference brought together over 2,400 delegates to showcase innovation and discuss the future of government and service delivery by sharing best practice and solutions.

Keynote speakers at the one day conference included Peter Robinson MP MLA, Northern Ireland First Minister, Martin McGuinness MP MLA, Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Dr Malcolm McKibbin, Head of Northern Ireland Civil Service and Jonathan Edwards, Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games & Olympic Triple Jump Champion.

As proud event sponsors, Belfast based IT services provider Asidua showcased their Customer Contact Platform^TM (CCP) which puts Local Authorities, Education Bodies and Police Forces in pole position to deliver better customer services.

Speaking on the company’s involvement with the conference this year, Asidua’s Sales and Marketing Director, Bob McClean said: “Asidua has a long and successful track record of working with a number of organisations throughout the Northern Ireland public sector. As such, we were delighted to support this year’s NICS Live event, which is sure to be the main public sector event for Northern Ireland in 2012.”

During the conference scores of delegates put their driving skills to the test, as local Michael Schumacher wannabes raced around the Silverstone track in the Asidua Formula 1 simulator. Up for grabs for the driver who posted the fastest lap time was a pair of weekend passes to the 2012 British F1 Grand Prix.

“We were delighted to see that such a large number of drivers, each with different driving skills and experiences, decided to put themselves to the test and enter our F1 competition,” said Bob.

Once such driver was Northern Ireland Finance Minster Sammy Wilson MP MLA. However despite starting his lap confidently, Mr Wilson experienced some ‘mechanical issues’, meaning he was slightly off the pace as he crossed the line posting a time of 3 minutes 10.403 seconds.

However the Department for Social Development’s Niall McVitty had no such problems as he posted a blistering time of 1 minute 47.272 seconds and in doing so, lifted the coveted Asidua F1 racing crown!

For racing victor Niall, the day proved to be an overwhelming success: “The NICS Live event proved to be very enlightening and thought provoking. The exhibitors in the landing areas provided an interesting mix of products and services, although one exhibitor, Asidua, stood out for me given my keen interest in Formula 1.”

“I had to have a go at the lap round Silverstone in their F1 simulator,” continued Niall, “and I was astonished to hear that I had set the fastest time of the day and had won a pair of weekend passes to the British Grand Prix!!!”

Bob congratulated Niall on his success: “Niall posted a lightening time early in the day and despite the best efforts from our other drivers, his lap time proved unbeatable. I would like to congratulate Niall on his success and we hope that he can further enhance his driving skills by watching the real drivers this July.”

Photograph Caption
Northern Ireland Finance Minster Sammy Wilson MP MLA puts his driving skills to the test in the Asidua F1 simulator at the recent NICS Live event in Belfast. During the conference the Belfast based IT services provider were showcasing their Customer Contact Platform^TM (CCP) which puts Local Authorities, Education Bodies and Police Forces in pole position to deliver better customer services.

Photograph Caption
Niall McVitty concentrates as he posts the quickest lap time in Asidua’s F1 competition at the recent NICS Live event in Belfast. During the conference the Belfast based IT services provider were showcasing their Customer Contact Platform^TM (CCP) which puts Local Authorities, Education Bodies and Police Forces in pole position to deliver better customer services.

Overall Asidua F1 Competition Leader board

Position    Driver                            Lap Time (min:sec)
01              Niall McVitty                  1:47.272
02              Mark Fitzsimons          1:48.925
03              Stuart Coulter              1:49.415
04              Stephen Donovan    1:49.857
05              Richard Irwin       1:50.190
06              Philip Embleton           1:52.260
07              Mark Bennett                1:52.745
08              Simon Russell           1:52.971
09              Gareth Rennix         1:54.006
10              Angela Bell            1:54.619
11              Andrew Holdsworth 1:55.431
12              Chris Gawley            1:56.042
13              Paul Young              1:56.688
14              Mark Barr                  1:57.341
15              Trevor Pinon            1:57.539
16              Steven Andrews         1:58.353
17              Paul Grocott                 1:58.455
18              Daniel Mulholland   1:58.499
19              Derek Clydesdale    1:58.562
20              Paul Fitzgerald   1:59.210
21              Craig Boyd              1:59.350
22              Eddie Ritson              1:59.551
23              Mark Bennett             1:59.729
24              David Hamilton    1:59.887
25              Alistair Massey          2:00.182
26              Lawrence Martin         2:00.919
27              Carol Caves           2:00.948
28              Derek Quinn         2:01.578
29              Shane Milligan          2:01.774
30              Charlie Connor      2:01.856
31              Simon Kelly                    2:03.094
32              Michael Montgomery       2:04.184
33              John Hunter                    2:04.235
34              Michael Blower               2:05.089
35              Lee Carroll                      2:05.260
36              Mark Gibsom      2:05.598
37              Richard McMichael          2:05.608
38              David Morton                  2:06.065
39              Michael Withers              2:06.422
40              Peter Crilly                 2:06.485
41              Michele Quinn                2:06.488
42              Mervyn Adair                  2:07.157
43              Sean Blair                      2:07.803
44              Louise McCourt              2:07.929
45              Derek Baker                   2:08.304
46              Brian Morrissey              2:08.403
47              Seamus Graffin              2:08.576
48              Norman Hawkins            2:09.040
49              Karen Henry                   2:09.058
50              Ryan Nolan                    2:09.207
51              Michael O’Kane              2:09.282
52              Brian Patterson              2:09.774
53              Peter Rice                     2:10.108
54              Daniel Barton   2:10.327
55              Carl Savage                   2:10.589
56              Suzanne Carroll              2:11.034
57              Colum Ronney                2:11.440
58              Stephen Grimason 2:12.021
59              Allen McCartney             2:12.334
60              Grainne Killen   2:13.191
61              Ian Wilson      2:13.281
62            Joy Davidson                  2:13.285
63              Mark Dougan                  2:17.344
64              Gerard Murray                2:18.042
65              Chris Ross                     2:18.064
66              Paul Nash                      2:18.703
67              Mark Killew                    2:18.892
68              Terri-leigh Brown             2:20.056
69              Declan McGrady             2:20.445
70              Ben Martin                     2:21.419
71              Jordan Reid                    2:22.228
72              Leslie Smyth                  2:22.842
73              Albert Kirlhwood              2:23.330
74              William Campton             2:25.334
75              Claire Davidson               2:25.783
76              Tony Cooke                    2:30.170
77              Sheila Butler                   2:32.070
78              Laura Parkhill                 2:32.272
79              Colm Sheanon    2:33.245
80              Esther Colacio-McAlister 2:35.961
81              Maeve Hamilton    2:39.722
82              Ann Smyth 2:44.928
83              Andrew Downey              2:45.965
84              Patrick Davidson             2:46.625
85              Winston Donnell              2:57.448
86              Theresa Murphy              2:58.724
87              Mairead Higgins              3:03.019
88              Olive Maybin                  3:04.889
89              Sammy Wilson               3:10.403

About Asidua
Asidua, who employ over 120 staff, is headquartered in Belfast and has offices in Dublin and Birmingham. As a current Investor in People, the company delivers world-class software consultancy and services to clients across a broad spectrum of business sectors through two specialised divisions:

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) & Customer Contact Platform^TM (CCP) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide the telecommunications market with market ready and richly featured software suite (WanStaX) specifically designed for the PMC-Sierra WinPath^TM network processor family

To discover more about Asidua, visit http://www.asidua.com

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Ltd, 10 Weavers Court, Belfast, BT12 5GH
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5000
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: marketing@asidua.com

David Healy thanks Asidua for their ‘Big Impression’ with TinyLife!

2012-04-12T14:25:11Z

Northern Ireland football star and TinyLife Patron David Healy MBE, thanked Asidua employees for their ‘Big Impression’ with TinyLife as their efforts helped the IT services company raise £10,140.49 for their current Charity of the Year.

While their name may be tiny, TinyLife, aim to make a ‘Big Impression’ by providing much needed family support services across the province; an aim which the Belfast based data and telecoms integration specialists were delighted to support throughout the past year.

Since forming in 2002, Asidua has always placed CSR at the heart of its business operations. In 2009 they further expanded this commitment by announcing a new initiative, the Asidua Charity of the Year, which sees the company engage and support a specific employee nominated charity each year.

Building on their previous successful partnerships with the Disability Action and NSPCC, Asidua announced TinyLife as their Charity of the Year for 2011/2012 at a special launch event last April. Since making the announcement, Asidua employees have been enthusiastically raising funds to help support Northern Ireland’s only premature and vulnerable baby charity.

What a year busy year it’s been!” said Asidua Chief Operations Officer, Angela Canavan. “We have had mountain climbs, marathon runs, clothing appeals, six pack and lipstick challenges, raffles, a pub quiz and a summer BBQ; all to help raise vital funds for TinyLife.” Angela continued: “This year, such was the dedication and commitment of everyone to play a part, that we even had a company director ‘volunteer’ to shave off his beloved moustache after 30 years!”

In addition to the numerous fund raising activities, the company’s charity ‘choc box’ helped raise a further £2,000; funds which will help support two TinyLife volunteers over the coming year.

“Through all these combined efforts, I am pleased to announce that Asidua employees have helped raise an overwhelming total of £10,140.49 for our current Charity of the year, TinyLife,” explained Angela.

To help bring their successful partnership to a close, an event was organised at Asidua’s head offices in Belfast. Guest of honour and Patron of TinyLife, David Healy MBE, was thrilled to accept the company’s donation – the largest amount raised since their Charity of the Year initiative began.

“I am delighted to accept Asidua’s fundraising cheque on behalf of TinyLife,” said David. “The employees at Asidua have worked tirelessly over the past year taking part in everything from the Belfast marathon to reversed Movember moustache shaves! Their ultimate goal was to ensure that TinyLife would benefit and that is exactly what was happened with a staggering £10,140.49 being raised for our family support service.”

In addition to presenting a cheque for £10,140.49 to TinyLife, Asidua’s CSR Committee presented Valerie and David with a memento [framed picture collage] to help recall the numerous successful fund raising actives organised throughout the year.

Commenting on the successful year’s partnership, TinyLife Regional Fundraising Manager, Valerie Commie said: “TinyLife relies on the support of local business to ensure we are able to provide practical and emotional support to the parents of premature and sick babies.”

Valerie continued: “The charity of the year partnership between the CSR at Asidua and TinyLife has been exceptional. Asidua staff embraced the cause with enthusiasm and drive, their fundraising efforts have been unstinting. It has been a privilege to have worked with them.’

A view which was shared by Asidua CSR Committee member Irene Gates: “Speaking on behalf of the CSR Committee and indeed everyone in Asidua, I would like to say that it has been a genuine pleasure to work with TinyLife over the last 12 months. We hope that our donation can help TinyLife continue the wonderful service that they provide families throughout Northern Ireland.”

Photograph Caption
Northern Ireland football star and TinyLife Patron, David Healy MBE (centre), joins Asidua Chief Operations Officer, Angela Canavan (centre right), TinyLife Regional Fundraising Manager, Valerie Commie (centre left) and Asidua employees to help acknowledge the ‘Big Impression’ the Belfast based IT services provider had made with their current Charity of the Year. Their efforts throughout the year helped Asidua raise £10,140.49 for TinyLife - Northern Ireland’s only premature and vulnerable baby charity.

About Asidua
Asidua, who employ over 120 staff, is headquartered in Belfast and has offices in Dublin and Birmingham. As a current Investor in People, the company delivers world-class software consultancy and services to clients across a broad spectrum of business sectors through two specialised divisions:

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) & Customer Contact Platform^TM (CCP) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide the telecommunications market with market ready and richly featured software suite (WanStaX) specifically designed for the PMC-Sierra WinPath^TM network processor family.

To discover more about Asidua, visit www.asidua.com

About TinyLife
TinyLife is Northern Ireland’s only premature and vulnerable baby charity. Last year, there were 24,500 babies born in Northern Ireland, nearly 2000 were born prematurely. There are 2 stillbirths in Northern Ireland every year. TinyLife offers a breast pump loan service, extensive resource library, funds research and has a Family Support Service. TinyLife offer a support group specifically for Fathers who have been affected by premature birth. Many premature babies that we support weigh as little as 1lb and can spend up to 16 weeks in hospital in neo natal care.

For more information about TinyLife, visit www.tinylife.org.uk

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Ltd, 10 Weavers Court, Belfast, BT12 5GH
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5000
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: marketing@asidua.com

Samara Prentice
Community & Events
TinyLife, 33 Ballynahinch Road, Carryduff, BT8 8EH
Tel: +44 (0) 2890 815050
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9081 5850
Email: samara@tinylife.org.uk

The Asidua ‘All-Stars’ leave the competition in the shade!

2012-04-03T07:00:08Z

Employees from worldwide data integration and embedded telecoms specialists Asidua, outshone the competition once again as their team scooped the Addiction NI ‘Fastest Workplace Award’.

In treating over 2,000 people throughout Northern Ireland each year, Addiction NI’s mission is to provide professionally delivered treatment and support options to people affected by addiction in a way which promotes easy access, equality and inclusion.

To help raise awareness and essential supporting funds, the local charity organised the ‘Addiction NI 10K Run’, taking place along Belfast’s scenic Lagan Embankment on March 11th.

A large number of individual and corporate teams entered the Addiction NI 10K race, helping make it an extraordinary success, but it was the Asidua ‘All-Stars’ (Gerry Gribbon, John Black, Andrew McDowell, Paul Allan, David McGimpsey and John Tresadern) who left the competition in the shade as the team picked up the coveted Addiction NI ‘Fastest Workplace Award’ - posting an overall group time of 2hrs 6mins and 57secs.

“Asidua has always placed CSR at the heart of our business operations and we were delighted to help support Addiction NI by entering a team into the 10K event,” said Paul Allan, team winner and Asidua CSR Committee member.

Speaking after the event, Dr. Claire Armstrong, Director of Addiction NI, commented on the ‘All-Stars’’ success: “The Addiction NI 10K Run was a great success and helped raise funds and increase awareness of Addiction NI. Asidua well deserved our ‘Fastest Workplace Award’ trophy, and I want to thank them for their support and participation.”

“Addiction NI is treating over 2000 people a year; demand continues to grow and alcohol is now the third leading cause of ill health and premature death in Northern Ireland. It is excellent to see local businesses supporting Addiction NI, their local drug and alcohol treatment charity,” continued Claire.

The Asidua ‘All-Stars’ team captain Gerry Gribbon, who came 8th in the overall individual race with an impressive time of 39m 24secs, was pleased to collect the fastest corporate team prize: “On behalf of the team, I am honoured to accept the ‘Fastest Workplace Award’.”

Seasoned marathon runner Gerry went on to conclude that he hopes to see the Addiction NI event become a permanent fixture: “The event was very well organised and I found that it is ideally placed for anyone preparing for a spring marathon or half marathon. I hope that Addiction NI can make the event an annual fixture on the local racing calendar and in doing so continue to raise awareness and vital funds to allow them to maintain their essential addiction support services across Northern Ireland.”

Photograph Caption
The Asidua ‘All-Stars’ (left to right: David McGimpsey, John Black, John Tresadern, Gerry Gribbon, Paul Allan, Andrew McDowell and Christopher Laughlin) left the competition in the shade recently as the Belfast based IT Services company ran away with the Addiction NI ‘Fastest Workplace Award’ during the charity’s successful 10K Run.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Asidua
Asidua, who employ over 120 staff, is headquartered in Belfast and has offices in Dublin and Birmingham. As a current Investor in People, the company delivers world-class software consultancy and services to clients across a broad spectrum of business sectors through two specialised divisions:

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) & Customer Contact Platform^TM (CCP) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide the telecommunications market with market ready and richly featured software suite (WanStaX) specifically designed for the PMC-Sierra WinPath^TM network processor family.

To discover more about Asidua, visit www.asidua.com

About Addiction NI

Addiction NI was established in 1978 and was previously known as NICAS, we rebranded to Addiction NI in 2010. Addiction NI is a trading style of the Northern Ireland Community Addiction Service Limited (NICAS).
The mission of Addiction NI is to provide professionally delivered treatment and support options to people affected by addiction in a way which promotes easy access, equality and inclusion.
Addiction NI treats over 2,000 people each year throughout Northern Ireland, and research shows that 1 in 4 families in Northern Ireland are affected by addiction.

For more information on Addiction NI, visit www.addictionni.com

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Ltd, 10 Weavers Court, Belfast, BT12 5GH
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5000
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: marketing@asidua.com

Danielle Ross
Fundraising & Marketing Officer
Addiction NI, 40 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast, BT9 6AZ
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9066 4434
Email: danielle.ross@addictionni.com

Asidua continue to set new records

2012-03-30T08:05:56Z

In March 2011 Asidua became the first employer to be shortlisted twice for the prestigious University of Ulster Placement Employers of the Year Awards. Today the IT services company are pleased to announce that this record has been surpassed… by themselves!

Now entering its fourth year, the University of Ulster Placement Employer of the Year Awards recognise local employers’ contributions to student employability through Work-Based and Placement Learning.

In 2009 Asidua were crowned the winners of the inaugural University of Ulster Placement Employer of the Year Awards. In 2011 their success was increased as Asidua became the first company to be shortlisted for the University award twice.

This year the IT and telecoms integration specialists are celebrating once again as they have been successfully shortlisted in the over 50 employees category, along with Almac, Southern Youth and Family Services, Sita Inc Ireland.

This latest achievement follows the company’s recent success at the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) Excellence Awards; were Asidua were nominated by the Career Development Centre at the University of Ulster.

Commenting on this recent latest success, Asidua Chief Operations Officer, Angela Canavan said: “Asidua is ecstatic to once again be shortlisted for the upcoming University of Ulster Placement Employer of the Year Awards. As a previous winner, we have always felt honoured to be given the opportunity to assist local universities with the ongoing development of our next generation. An honour that we are delighted has been recognised once more.”

Over the past few years, the Belfast based IT services company has achieved significant growth on a global basis, a growth which is being shared throughout the company. “In addition to our continued business successes, our scholarship, placement and graduate programmes continue to grow year on year,” explained Angela.

“Our scholarship programme, which this year has been expanded to include universities in West Midlands, has grown to 16 current scholars. Our placement and work based learning opportunities also continue to expand; allowing us to ensure that at least 10% of our increasing workforce is made up by students – students who are given the opportunity to work on real projects and gain access to the latest technologies and training.”

The winners of the University of Ulster Placement Employer of the Year Awards for 2011 are set to be announced at a black tie award ceremony on Thursday the 10th May in the Loughview suite of the University of Ulster Jordanstown campus. It’s a date that Asidua is hoping will allow them to set another record – by becoming the first employer to take the prestigious university accolade on two separate occasions.

NOTES TO EDITOR

About Asidua
Asidua, who employ over 120 staff, is headquartered in Belfast and has offices in Dublin and Birmingham. As a current Investor in People, the company delivers world-class software consultancy and services to clients across a broad spectrum of business sectors through two specialised divisions:

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) & Customer Contact Platform^TM (CCP) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide the telecommunications market with market ready and richly featured software suite (WanStaX) specifically designed for the PMC-Sierra WinPath^TM network processor family.

To discover more about Asidua, visit www.asidua.com

About the University of Ulster Placement Employer of the Year Awards
Launched in 2009, the University of Ulster Placement Employer of the Year Awards recognise our placement employers’ contributions to student employability through Work-Based and Placement Learning. The Awards, which are now in their fourth year, have generated great competition among Ulster’s placement employers, students and staff. The Results of the competition will be announced at a black tie ceremony on the evening of 10th May 2012 in the Loughview suite, Jordanstown campus. Further information on the University of Ulster’s “Placement Employer of the Year” can be found at http://pa.ulster.ac

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Limited, 10 Weavers Court Belfast
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5000
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: marketing@asidua.com

Asidua make it three in a row at the NCWE Awards!

2012-03-29T07:50:20Z

IT services and telecoms integration specialists Asidua are celebrating once again. For the third successive year, the Belfast based company has been successfully shortlisted for the prestigious National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) Awards.

Now in its ninth year, the annual NCWE Awards are designed to reward organisations that offer outstanding placement opportunities and encourage work experience and graduate internship providers to continue to raise quality standards.

This year the national work experience awards event received over 330 entries. Despite the record number of applicants, Asidua was successfully shortlisted in the 10-250 employees category, along with fellow finalists Houlder, ProspectSoft, Ash Gaming, Clock and Quantum Marketing Group.

To help nurture fresh talent into the IT industry, the School Employer Connections ambassador for the Northern Ireland Digital Technology sector has introduced successful graduate, scholarship and placement initiatives. Initiatives which are continually recognised by both academic and professional bodies such as the NCWE, the University of Ulster Placement Employer of the Year and National Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS).

During the event the organisers took an opportunity to recognise Asidua’s achievement. Vicky Miles who runs the NCWE Awards said: “We’re now in the ninth year of the NCWE Awards, so it’s good to see so many new companies entering as well as organisations that take part year after year. Asidua has been shortlisted for the last three consecutive years, demonstrating consistent high standards of work placement provision for students.”

Commenting on the company’s latest shortlisting, Angela Canavan, Asidua’s Chief Operations Officer said: “Since 2002 Asidua has always placed a strong emphasis on the continued development and well-being of all our employees – no matter of their grade or experience. As an Investor in People, we are committed to ensuring that all our employees are given the support and assistance to allow them to reach their full potential. We are therefore delighted that our efforts have been recognised by the NCWE once again.”

“In addition to our tailored inductions and an on-going competency based Professional Performance Review (PPR), our tailored graduate and work placement initiatives help ensure that we are able to nurture new talent. We find that by providing students with real world work experience, access to the latest technologies and by supporting their ongoing development through specific training, we can not only help them better prepare for final year, but also ensures that they develop the key skills required for a successful career in IT,” concluded Angela.

NOTES TO EDITOR

About Asidua
Asidua, who employ over 120 staff, is headquartered in Belfast and has offices in Dublin and Birmingham. As a current Investor in People, the company delivers world-class software consultancy and services to clients across a broad spectrum of business sectors through two specialised divisions:

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) & Customer Contact Platform^TM (CCP) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide the telecommunications market with market ready and richly featured software suite (WanStaX) specifically designed for the PMC-Sierra WinPath^TM network processor family.

To discover more about Asidua, visit www.asidua.com

About the NCWE
NCWE (National Council for Work Experience) is part of HECSU, the Higher Education Careers Services Unit. It promotes, supports and develops quality work experience for the benefit of students, organisations and the economy. This includes disseminating information and good practice, the development of quality standards and more employers to provide placement opportunities. Further information on the NCWE Awards visit www.work-experience.org/awards

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Limited, 10 Weavers Court Belfast
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5000
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: marketing@asidua.com

Asidua helps make BitC Cares @ Christmas appreal a success

2011-12-09T14:40:10Z

Employees from global IT services company Asidua have helped make this year’s Business in the Community (BitC) Cares @ Christmas appeal a resounding success. The campaign supports the local charity Action for Children, giving local business’ the opportunity to help over 5000 families in need during what can be a very difficult times for those struggling.

As in previous years, Asidua employees have continued to give generously, with an impressive number of gifts donated. With the combined efforts of other companies across Northern Ireland, a total of over £25,000 worth of gifts and toys were donated, making a huge difference to the lives of many children over Christmas.

Asidua would like to thank all their employees who helped improve Christmas for many children across Northern Ireland.

Photograph Caption
Angela Canavan, Asidua Chief Operations Officer joins members of the Asidua CSR Team to help show the gifts donated by Asidua employees for the Business in the Community Cares @ Christmas Appeal.

Asidua employees fast for Concern

2011-11-14T14:33:12Z

During November Asidua employees took part in the Concern 24 hour fast, to help the charity combat children malnutrition in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Keith McGrellis, Marie Donnelly, Louise Ladd and Linda McMahon raised £402.00 to help Concern increase their efforts to prevent the needless death of 3.5million children every year.
Marie commented on the significance of completing the fast: “By the end of the 24hours I was exhausted. Fasting gave us just a mere glimpse of what some people have to deal with on a daily bases, so we would like to thank everyone for their support.”

Concern does vital work responding to major emergencies as well as working on long term development programmes; it operates in 25 of the world’s poorest countries, working with people to achieve major and long-lasting improvements in their lives.

Asidua employee runs the extra mile for TinyLife

2011-11-03T12:57:11Z

Asidua’s John Black went the extra mile recently to help raise vital funds for the company’s current Charity of the Year, TinyLife.
Belfast based telecoms and data integration specialists have continued to place CSR at the heart of its operations with another employee going the extra mile to raise more vital funds for Asidua’s charity of the year, Tiny Life.

Taking part in this years’ Dublin Marathon, John raised £400 for the charity. Speaking on his challenge, John said: “Running the Dublin Marathon was a daunting challenge, but I was determined to complete it after my failed attempt at the Belfast marathon last year, and in the process raise as much money as possible for Tiny Life.” John concluded: “I would like to thank everyone who gave their support.”

The Asidua Charity of the Year initiative was introduced in 2009, to allow the Belfast based telecoms and data integration specialists to support and engage with an employee nominated charity each year. This year, TinyLife, Northern Ireland’s only premature and vulnerable baby charity, was chosen as the company’s nominated charity. The funds raised by John will help the charity continue to provide their invaluable support services for local families.

Photograph Caption
John Black with the medal he received for his efforts in the recent Dublin Marathon.

Asidua help raise vital funds during Macmillan Coffee Morning

2011-10-31T14:17:42Z

Since 2002, Asidua has been a proud supporter of the Macmillan, ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ - and this year was no different. Asidua employees baked a wide range of Halloween inspired goodies to help raise £400.00 for MacMillian.

Over two million people in the UK are living with cancer, and one in three will be diagnosed with it during their lifetime. Macmillan provides practical, medical, emotional and financial support to make a positive difference. They are there for people from the moment they suspect they have cancer, and for their families too.

Being one of the biggest fundraising occasions in the UK, Asidua was delighted to join 43,000 people and help raise over £8million for Macmillan.

Photograph Caption
Members from the baking Club, from left Irene Gates, Stacy Mallon, JamieLee Feeney, Catriona O’Kane, Marie Donnelly and Sophie Gaw.

Asidua secure place on LGSAS framework

2011-10-13T09:20:50Z

Building on recent successes, contact management and integration specialists Asidua, has today announced their successful placement onto the new Local Government Software Application Solutions (LGSAS) framework.

Set up by Government Procurement Service, the LGSAS framework provides local government organisations with a means of procuring a range of sector-specific software and services solutions.

As a key IT services provider to the local government sector, Asidua were keen “to give customers the increased visibility and added security that the Government Procurements Service LGSAS framework provides,” said Bob McClean, Sales and Marketing Director at Asidua.

Following their response to an Invitation to Tender from the Government Procurement Service, Asidua was successfully placed onto 4 LGSAS framework lots – Management & Finance (Lot 1: Revenue, Benefits and Finance Software Application Solutions & Lot 2: Performance Management, Planning and Decision Making Software Application Solutions) & Environment & Public Protection (Lot 8: Waste and Environmental Health Software Application Solutions & Lot 9: Highways and Transport Software Application Solutions).

As a result of their successful placement, Asidua’s key local government IT service offering – Customer Contact Platform^TM (CCP) – can now be procured directly via the new LGSAS framework.

Built using the latest Microsoft technologies, the Asidua Customer Contact Platform^TM makes it easier for local authorities to improve customer contact, promote channel shift, maximise one-and-done, minimise avoidable contact and ensure that services are delivered effectively, reliably and with minimal effort.

“Having successfully engaged with a number of local authorities including Chorley, South Gloucestershire and the London Borough of Harrow, the placement of CCP onto to the Government Procurement Service LGSAS framework represents a further significant achievement for Asidua,” continued Bob.

“We feel that this placement is testament to Asidua providing cost effective services at a time when local government is facing difficult financial pressures.”

Bob went on to conclude: “Today as a Government Procurement Service LGSAS framework supplier, Asidua look forward to developing new partnerships to help local government meet these challenges.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

Asidua & LGSAS Framework
Asidua has been appointed as a LGSAS framework supplier under the following Lots:

Lot 1: MANAGEMENT & FINANCE - Revenue, Benefits and Finance Software Application Solutions
Lot 2: MANAGEMENT & FINANCE - Performance Management, Planning and Decision Making Software Application Solutions
Lot 8: ENVIRONMENT & PUBLIC PROTECTION - Waste and Environmental Health Software Application Solutions
Lot 9: ENVIRONMENT & PUBLIC PROTECTION - Highways and Transport Software Application Solutions.

For further information, please refer to Asidua’s LGSAS supplier profile

About Asidua
Asidua, who employ over 120 staff, is headquartered in Belfast and has offices in Dublin and Birmingham. The company delivers technology solutions focussed on transforming the way public sector organisations interact with their customers and how they deliver these services. Asidua solutions are designed to maximise efficiency across business processes leading to significant operational savings without sacrificing customer satisfaction.

For local authorities the Asidua Customer Contact Platform^TM (CCP), which is built on Microsoft technologies, makes it easier to improve customer contact, promote channel shift, maximise one-and-done, minimise avoidable contact and ensure that services are delivered effectively, reliably and in minimal time.

To discover more about Asidua and CCP, visit www.asidua.com/ccp

About the Government Procurement Service
Formally known as Buying Solutions, Government Procurement Service is an executive agency of the Cabinet Office. Their overall priority is to provide procurement savings for the UK Public Sector as a whole and specifically to deliver centralised procurement for Central Government Departments.

The centralisation, standardisation and aggregation of spend on common goods and services are a key mechanism to deliver significant, sustainable cost reductions to Government. Operating at the heart of Government Procurement, they play a key role delivering expert sourcing, category and centralised data management.

For further information on Government Procurement Service, visit www.buyingsolutions.gov.uk

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Ltd, 10 Weavers Court, Belfast BT12 5GH
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5000
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: marketing@asidua.com

Asidua recognised as leading work-related learning employer

2011-10-11T08:04:09Z

Worldwide integration and embedded telecoms specialists Asidua, is celebrating once again! During the 2011 National Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) Excellence Awards, the IT services provider was recognised as the leading work-related learning employer in the UK.

Since forming in 2002 Asidua, has played a pivotal role in the ongoing development of local students. Today with the introduction of a number of initiatives, including their successful industrial placement and scholarship programmes, the IT and telecom integration specialist continues to be recognised by both industry and academia alike.

During the recent National AGCAS Excellence Awards, Asidua was crowned winner of the Award for Work-related Learning category. Nominated by the Career Development Centre at the University of Ulster, the national award recognises a company’s effectiveness and success in innovative practice as a placement partner supporting local universities.

Commenting on Asidua’s success at the national awards, Damian McGivern, Director of Student Marketing and Employability at the University of Ulster, said: “Providing an opportunity for students to enhance their employability is a key component of programmes within the University of Ulster. We were pleased to nominate Asidua for the AGCAS Award as they provide a wide range of high quality work-based learning opportunities for students.”

Angela Canavan, Chief Operations Officer at Asidua, spoke of the company’s “delight” at picking up the latest accolade: “As a previous University of Ulster Placement Employer of the Year winner [winner 2009 & commended finalist 2011], Asidua has always placed a strong emphasis on the support and continued development of our local students. Following the University of Ulster’s nomination for this year’s award, Asidua is both honoured and delighted to accept the AGCAS Employer Award for Work-Related Learning.”

During the award ceremony, the judging panel highlighted Asidua’s placement scheme, which provides university students with real experience, employability skills and the opportunity of future employment; a point which Angela was happy to acknowledge: “Asidua values the contribution and fresh insight that all our placement student’s offer. Following a detailed induction, placement students join our existing project teams, allowing them to gain real experience on a worldwide scale. Our tailored CPD (Continual Professional Development) programme then helps ensure that all our students are given the necessary individual support and training that enables them to have a successful career in the IT industry.”

“In addition to helping our students better prepare for their final year [all Asidua placements students achieve a 2:1 or above], we feel that the learning and development culture experienced while on placement with Asidua, is one of the main reasons why 100 per cent of our students choose to apply for a graduate position in the future,” concluded Angela.

Photograph Caption
Philip Houston (centre), Work Experience Development Manager at the University of Ulster joins Asidua’s Angela Canavan (right), Chief Operations Officer (right) and Sophie Gaw (left), HR Department, in celebrating the IT services company recent success at the National Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) Excellence Awards. Following a nomination by the Career Development Centre at the University of Ulster, Asidua was crowned winners of the National AGCAS Excellence Award in the Work-related Learning category.

About Asidua
Asidua, who employ over 120 staff, is headquartered in Belfast and has offices in Dublin and Birmingham. The company delivers world-class software consultancy and services to clients across a broad spectrum of business sectors through two specialised divisions;

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) & Customer Contact Platform^TM (CCP) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide specialised WinPath^TM Expert Services (WES) to the telecommunications market

To discover more about Asidua, visit www.asidua.com

About the University of Ulster

The University of Ulster is a multi-campus university which spans across Northern Ireland. Over 25,000 full and part-time students study in campuses in Belfast, Magee, Coleraine and Jordanstown. The University has six faculties - Arts, Art Design and the Built Environment, Computing and Engineering, Life and Health Sciences, Social Sciences and the Ulster Business School and offers an extensive range of full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses with an emphasis on applied subjects and employability. Wherever possible, professional body accredited degrees are offered. The University also boasts 16 research institutes supporting local business and industry. In the UK-wide 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, the University finished in the top third of universities, ranking 45th - up 18 places since the 2001 exercise. Ulster also finished in the top three in the UK for research for three subjects - Nursing, Biomedical Sciences and Celtic Studies. In 11 subjects, Ulster was ranked in the top 20.

For further information on the University of Ulster, visit www.ulster.ac.uk

About the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services
The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) is the professional association for higher education (HE) careers practitioners and those involved in the provision of careers and employability education, information, advice and guidance to current or prospective HE students and graduates.

For further information on the AGCAS, visit www.agcas.org.uk

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Ltd, 10 Weavers Court, Belfast BT12 5GH
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5000
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: marketing@asidua.com

Pauline Reynolds
Press Officer
University of Ulster
Tel: 028 90368310
Email: p.reynolds@ulster.ac.uk

Asidua ‘All-stars’ make successful debut in TinyLife’s Operation Six Pack

2011-10-05T16:22:35Z

To help raise vital funds for the company’s charity of the year, six Asidua employees took part in TinyLife’s Operation Six Pack – an exhausting Orienteering, Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Raft Building and Raft Racing team challenge.

The ‘Asidua All-stars’, made up of Andrew McDowell, David McGimpsey, John Black, Paul Crooks, Dinuka Wijesinghe and Christopher Laughlin raised over £500.00 for Asidua’s Charity of the Year TinyLife, the boys didn’t disappoint coming an impressive third place in the challenge.

Andrew McDowell commented: “We had great fun and everyone helped raised vital funds for TinyLife On behalf of the team, thanks to everyone who sponsored us.”

Every year in Northern Ireland approximately 24,000 babies are born and of this 1,800 are born prematurely. TinyLife, Northern Ireland’s only premature and vulnerable baby charity provides an essential support services to local families.

Photograph Caption
The Asidua ‘All-stars’ take to the water during the TinyLife Operation Sixpack challenge.

Asidua rise to the challenge!

2011-09-28T09:05:39Z

Since announcing TinyLife as their Charity of the Year in May, Asidua has been involved with a number of fund raising activities to help raise vital funds for the vulnerable baby charity.

Recently their fund raising efforts scaled new heights as an Asidua team including Marie Donnelly, Sophie Gaw and Paul Matthews, successfully completed the gruelling TinyLife Slieve Donard Challenge, helping raise £571.50 for company’s charity of the year.

Launched in 2009, the Asidua Charity of the Year sees the IT services company actively engage and support a specific employee nominated charity each year. This year the company’s chosen charity is TinyLife - Northern Ireland’s only premature and vulnerable baby charity. With nearly 2000 babies born prematurely in Northern Ireland last year, it provides an essential service in supporting local families.

This year’s Slieve Donard Challenge – an 850m (2789ft) trek to the highest peak of the Mourne mountain range – took place on Saturday the 10th of September. The Asidua team started the 5.5 mile hike towards the summit by following the Glen River uphill through woodland of Scots Pine, Oak and Birch. After crossing the river and continuing uphill, the team soon reached the famous Mourne Wall. The team finally reached the summit after four and half hours.

Despite difficult conditions - 40mph winds, heavy rain and very poor visibility - the Asidua team’s heroic endeavours were applauded as their combined efforts helped raise over £10k for TinyLife.