Nanyang Polytechnic (www.nyp.edu.sg) will train about 800 students in Web 2.0 and Mashup technologies over the next three years, with the opening of a Business Software Innovation Centre which is being set up in collaboration with IBM (www.ibm.com).

Located at NYP's School of Information Technology, the Centre aims to help enterprises leverage on the benefits of Web 2.0 and Mashup technologies by bringing innovative Web 2.0 solutions to businesses through project engagement. It will allow the industry to leverage on its infrastructure and expertise to apply IBM Social Networking software and Mashup technologies.

Ms Lim: Enterprises are looking at Web 2.0 technologies to help revolutionise the way  they conduct business.

In addition, IBM's Web 2.0 and Mashup technologies will be incorporated into the curriculum for NYP students, with the first batch of students trained in IBM Social Networking software graduating as early as next year.

"The computing industry is abuzz with Web 2.0. Today, enterprises of all sizes are looking at Web 2.0 technologies to help revolutionise the way they conduct business, to help employees collaborate more effectively and enhance their clients outreach," said Ms Teresa Lim, Managing Director, IBM Singapore. "Enterprises are able to realise the benefits of such innovative technologies as they are based on open standards which enables transformation, economic growth and collaborative innovation."

The Business Software Innovation Centre will be equipped with IBM's Social Networking software, including IBM SOA products and Lotus Connection. Both IBM and NYP will provide and share the necessary expertise in Web 2.0 and Mashup technologies.

"We remain committed to developing innovative solutions for companies and believe our capabilities in Web 2.0 technologies, Web Services, Enterprise SOA, RFID, Software Quality and Security, will add-value to this collaboration," said Mr John Tan, Deputy Principal/Technology, NYP. "The Centre will also bring invaluable experiences and knowledge to our graduates who will be the industry champions of these new technologies in the near future."