National ICT Australia, or NICTA, is the country’s largest independent ICT research company, with more than 700 employees. NICTA not only conducts and commercializes research, it also provides training and collaborates with both private and public sector organizations.

Terry Percival, managing laboratory director at NICTA says: “Our focus is on user-inspired basic research to address the technology challenges facing industry, our community and the national interest.”

“We expect our work to have an impact in the areas of biomedical and life sciences, intelligent transport systems, security, the environment, mobile systems and, services and software infrastructure. One example is our secure operating system based on the L4 microkernel now deployed in the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 Smartphone. Another is our work in traffic control systems to reduce pollution and carbon emissions.”

Some of the organization’s other innovative projects include fiber optic monitoring, embedded mobile device technologies, enhancing performance of electronic financial transactions and pushing Web 2.0 concepts.

Percival says: “We have four research themes in which we seek to make step changes in knowledge and develop technology platforms based on that knowledge: Embedded Systems, Networked Systems, Making Sense of Data, and Managing Complexity.”

He says NICTA’s work reflects the trends in the Australian market and is currently paving the way for the rollout of next-generation broadband and related applications such as location-aware media distribution, personalized medicine, fast and scalable social networking, efficient logistics systems and better access to eGovernment services. 

Those market trends include demands for increased mobile device capacity. Data storage for “road warriors” – users who travel frequently and need constantly updated information – is critical. Sales people, for example, need quotes on the spot.  NICTA technology is increasing the amount of data that can be stored, updated and easily accessed.

Percival says this applies just as much to the healthcare sector: “Healthcare provision in the home has increased due to the spike in the older population, and the costs of care in hospitals or residences. Accessing medical health records and providing electronic prescriptions are key to facilitating home care.”

Percival says the industry should be prepared for the challenges of next-generation broadband: “The rollout provides great opportunities for Australian businesses to be able to afford a web presence and maximize the benefits of a digital economy. At the same time, appropriate technology, full coverage and competition will be the challenges that the industry will face if it wants to deliver better performance for the customer, and maximize the impact of a national broadband network.”


Carmen López-Clavero