The research program is entitled “Microsoft Innovation Cluster for Embedded Software” (ICES) and envisions the development of appropriate software and prototypes. Microsoft plans to invest up to 1 million Swiss francs in public tender in the first year, and, according to Peter Waser, General Manager of Microsoft Switzerland, similar amounts for the duration of the program.

Kick-off in the fall

The continuing miniaturization of processors, sensors, memories and communication modules allows them to be embedded in objects of all kinds. Already today, many applications of everyday life contain intelligent software without it being visible to the user. According to figures from 2005, only 200 million of the 9 billion processors produced were, in the narrower sense, used for computers. Most processors were fitted into applications operated by embedded software. Software for safety-relevant systems (for example for the medical supervision of bodily functions) has to become more reliable, says Prof. Jürg Gutknecht, Head of the Computer Science Department, and requires further research. Jürg Gutknecht is a member of the five-member strong steering committee that decides on the allocation of project funds. EPFL is represented in this committee by Prof. Willy Zwaenepoel, Dean of the School of Computer and Communication Sciences. The ICES project is already intended to start this fall, and the first concrete projects are planned for selection by the beginning of July. According to Zwaenepoel, a wide range of scientific projects is possible under the ICES program, from doctoral theses to joint activities between the two Federal Institutes of Technology and industrial partners. The question of intellectual property, because of the diversity of projects worthy of support, will be decided on a case by case basis.

Making computer science studies more attractive

Development of new software that will eventually lead to better and more intelligent products is not the only aim of the research program. Faced with the widespread shortage of IT specialists and the difficulties in igniting student interest in computer sciences, both Professor Ralph Eichler (ETHZ) and Professor Patrick Aebischer (EPFL) emphasized that the ICES initiative could play a role in helping to regain the luster of computer science study.

According to Microsoft it is quite conceivable that the research initiative could be widened. Microsoft General Manager Peter Waser explained that his company is ready to incorporate into the initiative further academic and industry partners. The coming years will show whether this newly initiated model for cooperation between the two Federal Institutes of Technology is successful and whether it should incorporate further partners.