Month: June 2022

Hyper-Converged Infrastructure: Time to Upgrade the Data Center?

Numerous companies are constantly looking for technologies that can help take data centers to the next level. In addition, companies are interested in minimizing costs, increasing productivity, and improving flexibility when using innovative solutions. 

That is why the number of companies that have chosen in favor of a hyper converged data center is now increasing. Most organizations have already moved on to building HCI data centers, or are making every effort to use HCI hyper converged infrastructure. 

Many experts are interested in the question of what is so unusual and special in such an architecture. We will talk about what HCI is, how traditional data centers work, and what makes this innovative solution stand out. 

Table of Contents:

  • What is hyperconverged infrastructure?
  • One step back to the traditional infrastructure
  • Hyper converged infrastructure to improve data centers
  • Analysis of the costs and benefits

What is hyperconverged infrastructure? 

“Too, over, excessive, beyond” is what the “hyper-” prefix implies. Thus, we can say that this is a completely new level for converged infrastructure. If in CI each component is separate and can be used independently, then HCI is the union of all components into one. Component integration is achieved through software-defined technology. 

By components we mean the following: 

  • Computing power; 
  • Storage; 
  • Servers; 
  • Networks. 

All of them can now be managed using a single interface. This means that there is no longer a need to hire a team of IT specialists since companies need only one system administrator to manage the data center. The hyper-converged infrastructure definition also implies that the scaling process is now achieved simply by adding new blocks as needed, which is easy and fast. 

One step back to the traditional infrastructure 

Each specialist understands what traditional architecture is. This includes the following components: 

  • Server; 
  • Storage; 
  • A group of software components that are used to support a virtual environment. 

Each component of such a data center performs only a specific function. Thus, there is no question of flexibility at all. If you need to do computing tasks, then you need to use a server for this. For example, it is not suitable specifically for storing data. For networking purposes, you need to use completely different equipment that will be used only for this and nothing else. 

Based on this, we observe complete isolation. All isolated layers perform a specific function. This means that you will not be able to manage them in a consolidated way. For each purpose and each piece of equipment, a separate control system is needed. 

Moreover, you cannot limit yourself to only one specialist to manage each component. You need teams of specialists for different purposes because the amount of work is huge. Component management requires people with different skill sets. At the same time, in general, at least three teams of specialists are needed who will be responsible for the operation of all components. Furthermore, other specialists will be needed who specialize in working with virtualization, security issues and policies, and so on. 

Traditional architecture is characterized by being quite challenging in terms of deployment, maintenance, and management. The disadvantages include delays in the provision of IT services, as well as applications. Building such an architecture is inexpensive, but if you need more capacity, then you will run into a whole host of problems. 

Given that you need multiple teams, running all the processes becomes more of a challenge as multiple teams are difficult to coordinate. 

Hyper converged infrastructure to improve data centers 

A radical change from the traditional architecture is that in a hyper converged infrastructure, you no longer need to manage each component individually. That is why this architecture is the new better future of multiple data centers. All components are now combined and connected by one structure. Everything that previously had to be controlled separately can now be controlled using just one program. 

To change the legacy architecture to a more modern one, you need to interact with one reliable supplier who will be responsible for both equipment support and software support. Companies can get a pre-configured platform that meets their needs. That is why the deployment process will not seem like torment for specialists. Thus, costs are significantly reduced, as well as the hassle of equipment compatibility. 

To perform the virtualization process, the system needs to use a virtual machine monitor, a software that creates and runs VMs. In addition, various data services will be installed on the platform, and other third-party applications can also be installed on it. Such a platform is easy to acquire, deploy, and manage. Companies receive increased efficiency and exponential economic efficiency. This infrastructure is ideal for companies that need to reduce the time of market entry and perform complex data calculations more quickly. 

Analysis of the costs and benefits 

There are good reasons to implement such an innovative solution because companies need to know what they will get in the end. The following reasons are confirmation that companies should take a step in this direction: 

Reducing the cost of maintaining the environment 

Such an infrastructure helps companies reduce the cost of maintaining a data center environment. This includes reduced electricity costs, space occupied by servers, a cooling system for servers, and wiring. 

Convenient management 

Since all components are combined and can be managed using software on a single console, the time spent on troubleshooting is reduced. In addition, if you need many specialists with different skill sets to manage a traditional architecture, then you need one generalist to manage such an architecture. 

Scale as needed 

If you need to increase volumes, then it will not be difficult. To do this, you just need to determine the desired capacity and purchase additional boxes that are easy to install. 

For any workload 

This is a universal solution that is suitable for companies operating in various industries. The platforms support a huge number of applications and also different types of workloads. 

Decreased TCO 

By choosing this solution, you can interact with a single vendor that will provide support for both hardware and software. You benefit from a reduction in the total cost of ownership as well as a reduction in both capital and operating costs. 

Conclusion 

HCI, compared to other architectures, has many more benefits for companies in various industries. If this solution suits your specific goals, needs, and workloads, then you should start thinking about how to modernize your data center and increase performance. 

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless – key features revealed

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM range continues to redefine the standard for sophisticated listening through superior sound. Now, the upcoming MOMENTUM 4 Wireless over-ear headphones raise the bar even higher, with best-in-class sound, advanced Adaptive Noise Cancellation and an all-new design offering exceptional comfort. The battery life is rated at an outstanding 60 hours.

Best-in-class sound
​The MOMENTUM experience starts with Sennheiser’s Signature Sound that surpasses everything in its class – letting users enjoy music as never before. An audiophile-inspired 42mm transducer system delivers brilliant dynamics, clarity, and musicality for exceptional high-fidelity sound. The angled speakers ensure sound is channelled slightly from the front towards the user’s ears to give a more natural soundstage. Advanced voice pick up provides for optimised calls and easier voice assistant access.
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​Advanced customisation and a new design
​MOMENTUM 4 Wireless offers multiple customisations to enable users to adapt the sound to their unique preferences. An all-new lightweight design is optimised for acoustic performance, with deep cushioned earpads to ensure exceptional and long-lasting wearing comfort. The synthetic leather ear pads offer both optimum comfort and high precision in reproducing sound and ANC performance.
​
​Availability  
​The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless will be available globally from August 2022.

‘Ireland’s Future is MINE’ digital skills competition final on RTÉ2 this Thursday at 5pm

The final of Ireland’s first national digital skills competition, Ireland’s Future is MINE, is scheduled to be televised on RTÉ2 this Thursday, June 16th at 5pm. Delivered through a collaboration between Microsoft Ireland and RTÉjr, the final between St. Hugh’s National Primary School from Leitrim and Moyvore Primary School from Westmeath will be the first ever eSports final shown on broadcast television by an Irish station.

Launched in September 2021, the ‘Ireland’s Future is MINE‘ digital skills competition challenged primary school students to use Minecraft: Education Edition to think creatively, collaborate, problem-solve and shape Ireland’s sustainable future.

Since its launch, schools across Ireland have entered the competition and students have explored fun challenges such as building their own NASA rover and coding their very own polar ice hut. These challenges, made possible through Minecraft: Education Edition, are aligned to both the Republic and Northern Irish curriculums covering subjects from English, Maths, Science, Geography, SPHE and more.

Having successfully progressed through the various stages of the competition, which saw participation from 130 other primary schools across Ireland, St Hugh’s National Primary School and Moyvore Primary School will compete in the final phase of the digital skills challenge. The winner will receive the grand prize of laptops for the classroom plus a charging trolley for their school.  

To view the scheduling programme for the final, visit RTÉjr here: www.rte.ie/learn/irelands-future-is-mine/

How Can Technology Improve Your Product Packaging

Packaging is an important part of any product. It is the first thing that potential customers see, and it can make or break a sale. That’s why it’s important to make sure your packaging looks good and is effective. In today’s blog post, we will discuss how technology can improve your product packaging. We will look at some of the latest trends in packaging technology and how they can help you create a more effective package for your products!

 

Technology and packaging – Everything you should know

In the day and age in which we live, technology is an integral part of our everyday lives. We use it for everything, from communicating with loved ones to ordering takeout. And, as you may have guessed, technology has also revolutionized the packaging industry! A good example might be TDI’s vertical form fill seal technology. This technology creates a three-dimensional (TD, or 3D) image of your product that can be used to create a virtual package. The benefits of this are twofold: first, it allows you to create a more accurate representation of your product; and second, it eliminates the need for physical packaging mockups! Therefore, it’s no surprise that this technology is becoming increasingly popular with businesses of all sizes. There is no doubt that technology has improved the packaging industry significantly. With so many options available, there is no excuse for not having an effective and eye-catching package for your products! Finally, this can only help us look forward to the future and what it has to bring.

Adding content to your packaging using Augmented Reality

A trend that is gaining popularity is the use of augmented reality (AR) in packaging. AR allows you to add digital content to your packaging such as videos or interactive games. This can be a great way to engage customers and promote your product in a fun and unique way. Moreover, it can also be used to provide customers with additional information about your product, such as instructions or nutritional information. Even though this technology is still in its early stages, it shows great promise and is definitely worth keeping an eye on! Hence, it’s evident that technology can help you create a more effective and engaging packaging for your product. So, if you haven’t already, now is the time to start exploring all the possibilities that technology has to offer!

Adding content to your packaging using QR codes

QR codes are another example of how technology can improve your product packaging. QR codes are a type of barcode that smartphones can scan to reveal additional information about a product. This information can include anything from nutrition facts to product reviews to your packaging solutions. QR codes are a great way to provide customers with more information about your product without taking up too much space on your packaging. Some companies are even using QR codes to create interactive packaging, such as this one from Coca-Cola. Hence, they can be a great way to let your customers engage with the product, even before they purchase it!

Digital printing

Digital printing is another technology that is revolutionizing the packaging industry. Namely, it allows you to print your packaging designs directly onto the substrate, eliminating the need for costly dies and plates. This means that you can create custom packaging labels and designs without having to worry about minimum order quantities! Digital printing also enables the production of high-quality labels that are printed, offering a flexible and cost-effective way to customize
packaging. Furthermore, digital printing also allows you to print on a variety of different materials, such as paper, plastic, and metal.

This gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing the right packaging for your product. Another advantage of digital printing is that it is much faster than traditional printing methods. This means that you can get your product to market quicker and start selling it sooner!

Easier communication with customers

Communicating with customers has never been easier, thanks to technology. There are now a variety of different ways to reach out to your customers, such as social media, email, and even SMS. This means that you can quickly and easily get feedback about your product packaging. You can also use these channels to let your customers know about any new packaging designs or changes. Furthermore, you can use them to answer any questions that your customers might have. Finally, if there are things that you would like to change, you can always consult with your customers and hear what they think of it. Luckily, technology has made it easier than ever to communicate with your customers and you can use this to create leverage.

 

 

Including sustainability features in your packaging

As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of packaging, sustainability is becoming an important consideration for businesses. There are many ways to make your packaging more sustainable, such as using recycled materials or biodegradable packaging. You can also include sustainability features in your packaging design, such as easy-to-open features or compostable materials. By including sustainability features in your packaging, you will not only be helping the environment but also showing your customers that you care about their needs! All in all, if you are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solution, technology can definitely help you out. Also you could check out another option Metal Marker’s barcoded tags.

The future of technology in packaging

It’s clear that technology is changing the way we package our products. And, it’s also clear that the trend is only going to continue in the future. So, what does this mean for businesses? Well, it means that you need to stay on top of the latest trends in order to stay competitive. It also means that you need to be willing to invest in new technologies, such as digital printing and sustainable materials. But, most importantly, it means that you need to be creative! So, go out there and show the world what you can do!

 

Technology has definitely improved the packaging industry and there are many benefits of using technology in packaging. Some of these benefits include QR codes, digital printing, easier communication with customers, sustainability features, and more. So, if you are looking for a way to improve your product packaging, be sure to consider using technology! It could just be the thing that takes your packaging to the next level. Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!

A Guide to Online Gambling in Ireland

Gambling is a pastime as old as time itself and has had a significant impact on the cultural history of many countries in the modern world. 

It seems that no matter how fast the world continues to upgrade its technology, the games and sports that have been around for centuries live on in the new age, integrated into the technological landscape with all the benefits this has the potential to bring. 

Gambling is certainly one of these activities that has evolved alongside humans and their technology, and one of the countries in which the activity has a rich history in Ireland. 

Known as a cultural home for horse racing and producing some of the best jockeys the world has ever seen, it’s no surprise that the Irish love to try their luck at any one of the many stakes on the line during a horse racing competition. 

However, much like in other modern countries with an affinity for gambling, there is a new player on the block – online gambling. 

While the aim of online gambling is to provide players with an experience that is familiar to their land-based gambling experiences, the online nature of it brings a whole new range of factors for lawmakers to consider, and hence, Ireland has specific laws for the regulation of the online gambling industry.

Read on to find out more about gambling online in Ireland and how to stay safe and within the law. 

History of Irish Gambling

While under the rule of the English, gambling became an institutionalised part of Irish everyday life, as the success of horse racing in England had been easily transferrable to its colony of the time. 

Such was the strength of influence from England at the time that betting on horse racing was adopted very quickly, and by the year 1751, there were over 400 separate locations in Ireland for horse racing, and punters could bet at every single one of them. 

It wasn’t just horse racing that took off, too, as while under English rule all gambling remained largely unregulated, including card games and other games, a useful distraction for rich landowners that collected taxes for the colonisers. 

Once Ireland became a free state in 1922, it got to work on a law that would outlaw illegal gambling, and the Betting Act was passed in 1926.

Current Online Gambling Law in Ireland

Thankfully for players looking to bet online in Ireland, it’s a long-established and well-regulated industry that is safe to participate in, as long as the company in question holds a license from the government under the Irish Gambling Act. 

Players can also use services provided by companies licensed by approved regulators, such as the UK Gambling Commission, meaning Irish players have access to the best UK casino service providers too. 

Future Changes to Irish Gambling Law

While there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of significant change coming for Online Gambling laws in Ireland, the rate at which the technology is expanding means it’s impossible to rule out amendments in the future. 

The Gambling Control Bill of 2013 has been held in Parliament since that year and would bring in tougher regulations should the bill ever pass. 

The GAA rolls out an anti-Bullying and Internet Safety Programme to 100 GAA clubs in 2022 in partnership with Google

The GAA, in partnership with Google, has launched its anti-bullying and internet safety programme to over 100 participating clubs from the GAA, Ladies Football and Camogie Associations in Ireland and Britain, targeted at the 9 – 12 years age group.

As part of the Gaelic Games, Give Respect – Get Respect initiative, this programme incorporates Google’s Be Internet Legends initiative, an existing free, online safety education programme for primary-age children helping them to become safe and confident explorers of the online world. The programme helps children bring the respect and values they learn on the field into their online interactions encompassing learnings and activities in the areas of anti-bullying, developing positive behaviour and staying safe online.

This programme mirrors the Give Respect – Get Respect initiative which promotes respecting fellow players, coaches, referees, opponents and officials; playing fair; treating others equally; setting an example; and creating an environment where children feel confident and comfortable to talk to a coach or adult if they have a concern.

Speaking at the launch the GAA President Larry McCarthy welcomed the involvement of the Gaelic Games Give Respect – Get Respect initiative in this programme. He said:

“This is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness around the need for young players to show respect for referees, fellow players, coaches and opponents, both on and off the field of play.

“It is the Association’s intention to further develop the ‘Respect Initiative’ over the period of our recently launched Strategic Plan and this Anti-Bullying and Internet Safety Programme will be supported and closely monitored.”

Speaking in Croke Park at the launch, Shane Nolan, Director, New Business Sales, EMEA, Google Ireland, said:

“At Google Ireland, we recognise the responsibility that we have as a company to protect and support the users of our products. We need to play our part in ensuring that the internet is an accessible resource to all and that it’s used in a positive way.  We are delighted to build upon our already successful partnership with the GAA to deliver the Be Internet Legends programme to even more clubs and children across the country. Google Ireland is committed to helping empower young people to act wisely, responsibly and safely all the while remaining confident explorers of the online world.”

Minister of State Jack Chambers TD speaking at the launch said:

“I am delighted to support and help launch this important initiative. Abuse of our players, coaches, referees and volunteers is unacceptable and must be called out – whether it occurs on the pitch, in the training grounds, up in the stands or online. This initiative underlines the commitment of the Gaelic Games family to tackling the scourge of bullying and to protect and safeguard all those who participate. The initiative equips young people to identify and learn how to respond to online abuse and bullying, with the learnings then applied to a sports setting. I congratulate the GAA and partners Google on this welcome and important initiative and look forward to it being rolled out to children in clubs across the country.”

Tech Review – X-Sense Wi-Fi smoke alarm. (XS03-WX)

I do not need to tell you every house should have a smoke alarm but they a super important and again no need to explain why, they come in all shapes and size and again cost differences are there they are now installed in all new builds and wired but this little guy is wireless and smart and works really well and I have put it to the test.

The design is simple and familiar and it is smaller than most out there, it is easy to set up and the app is simple to use too which we go through in the video review and a live sample of it in action, a stock image review will have no context which is becoming too common and just lazy so we go through all out tech hands on for better context.

How does this work.

It is simple, you get a battery with it, mount to wherever suits connect to the app and you are done, it is that simple.

What features do you get.

2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Connection – Most tech is this anyway

Easily connect this alarm to your X-Sense app via a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Then you can control the alarm afar and be warned about any emergencies.

Easy Installation

1-minute installation in any circumstance with our included accessories, adding an attractive twist to your home.

Loud 85 dB Buzzer

Be alerted to fire hazards through the detector’s loud 85-dB alarm with a flashing LED indicator.

Full App Control

Control your smoke alarm from your fingertips. You can activate the self-check function, check the battery level and enable timely notifications, all within the app.

Instant Notifications

See what’s going on in the app notifications and be alerted to any fire hazards as soon as possible.

Overall this is a great cost effective product so for example if you have a garden shed or storage area outside or similar you can use this product there or indeed just add it your home for some extra security.

Check out the video for more and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

BUY

Video Link

AnyClip makes information available in videos with AI

The American-Israeli technology company AnyClip will have a stand at the International Technology Conference in Dublin on June 15 and 16, 2022 (Hall 4, Stand E23). The company, which has been active on the European market since the end of 2021, has developed a solution that for the first time makes it possible to fully exploit the data available in videos. 

If you want to find something on the Internet, you search Google. If you want to find something in an Office document, you use the text search function. If you want to find something in a video, then … well, what do you actually do? Until now, you had to click your way through second intervals until you find the right place. At a time when information is increasingly stored in the form of videos, this is not particularly efficient. For short videos, this may not be a big deal. But for databases with hundreds, even thousands of videos – as they are commonplace in more and more companies today, this is simply impossible. 

The AnyClip solution makes it possible to make the information contained in videos comprehensively accessible with just a few mouse clicks. And it does so with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The cloud solution turns an ordinary video file into a highly intelligent medium. AnyClip allows users to search a video specifically, find the information it contains in just a few clicks, and share it with others at the same time. The solution can also automatically create short highlight summaries of videos that span several hours. 

“Let’s take an example: imagine, for instance, that you had the ability to automatically search and summarize all recorded video conferences since the beginning of the Corona pandemic for the most important content with just one mouse click,” Michael Kummer, AnyClip managing director in the DACH region, explains the AnyClip principle. “Everything that is written, said and shown in a video becomes keyworded and searchable through AnyClip.” 

Especially since the start of the Corona pandemic, the importance of video as a communication and storage medium has continued to grow. In Germany alone, millions of people work “remotely”: almost every briefing, every sales meeting, as well as training courses and continuing education, even onboarding measures mostly take place digitally via video. This is exactly where AnyClip comes in: The cloud solution makes the valuable information contained in videos accessible to all authorized users at any time. 

Video highlights reduce time spent   

But how does this automatic processing actually work? Imagine: A sales representative has a digital customer appointment. With the consent of all parties involved, the conversation is recorded. An authorized colleague wants to view the recording afterwards, but only a few sequences that are relevant to him. Watching the video in its entirety, which may take several hours, is not possible in everyday life; clicking through the video until you find what you are looking for would take far too long. With AnyClip, this process becomes as simple as a text search in a WORD document. A conversation that could last several hours is turned into a 10-minute highlights video, with all the individually selected data. The software filters the video content according to the parameters defined by the user. If desired, automatic subtitles can be added. The cloud solution can be used in German and English. 

Know-how should not be lost

Using “GeniusWORK“, a fully integrated communication platform, the video data can be stored in a central location. The platform includes automatic content recognition and distribution and can be accessed on any device. Employees’ unique know-how can be stored there audiovisually and made available to selected users. Employees who leave the company, often having worked there for decades, record their unique special know-how on video. The saved videos can then, for instance, be made available to new employees as onboarding and training measures. 

“The knowledge available in videos is a blank space in most companies,” Michael Kummer points out. “For the first time, AnyClip gives companies of all types comprehensive access to this information. AnyClip offers exactly the right technology to make visible the many valuable pieces of information that are also contained in older videos.” The information delivery through the video solution does not create additional staffing needs, Kummer says: “Whether corporate events, HR resources, or internal recordings, everything can be accessed in one central location without costing additional capacity.” GeniusWORK resides on a European cloud server and can be used on all types of devices.

One software, many applications

In addition to video on demand, live events or business-relevant content, such as documentation of verbal agreements, can also be uploaded to the platform. Furthermore, AnyClip users can, for example, use the “Zoom” video communication platform to record their meetings directly and upload them to GeniusWORK. Video access rights can be distributed individually. 

Expanding business to the European market

Besides Munich, the company currently has offices in Tel Aviv, London, New York, and Los Angeles. With the establishment of the Munich office – the first European office – at the end of 2021, AnyClip has initiated a new phase of its global expansion. In the U.S., AnyClip achieved record revenue growth in 2021. This was in addition to a $47 million funding round. The company, which has experienced a significant upswing since the start of COVID-19, is ranked 5th in New York on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ list of fastest-growing companies in North America.

Trade show info

AnyClip will be in Hall 4 at stand E23 on both days of the show. There will also be a presentation with Michael Kummer on June 16 at 09:30 a.m. (Workshop Stage), where he will give a live demonstration of AnyClip’s features. 

Ireland’s biggest gaming and esports festival “GamerFest” returns to the RDS in October

Originally established in 2017, GamerFest is a diverse and inclusive celebration of all things gaming and esports that has been developed with a community-first approach, welcoming visitors from across Ireland, the UK and Europe. 

Central to the event has been the GamerFest Live Stage which sees a huge variety of gaming content across the weekend including esports tournaments, special guest appearances and gaming challenges.

Visitors to the event can also expect a wide array of gaming entertainment including the latest titles, VR gaming and technology, expo hall and market place to grab the latest gaming equipment and gear. Esports tournaments will continue to be a huge part of GamerFest with a full list of tournaments, schedules and prize pools to be announced over the summer.

The festival is also planning to showcase the best in Irish gaming content creator talent with the launch of a new Creator Zone where visitors will get the chance to meet their favourite Twitch and YouTube creators at the event. Further announcements regarding special guests will be made by the organisers over the coming weeks.

Speaking at the announcement of the event, GamerFest CEO Stuart Dempsey was excited to see the return to live events for the Irish gaming community. “It’s obviously been a really tough couple of years for everyone involved with live events and we certainly haven’t been immune. But to see the excitement and anticipation amongst our community for the return of GamerFest is just incredible. We can’t wait to see everyone again at the RDS this October.”

GamerFest takes place at The RDS, Dublin this October 22nd and 23rd with tickets on sale now at GamerFest.ie.