Month: April 2025

Scaling digital businesses in Ireland could create 14,000 high-value jobs, and contribute €1.8 billion annually to the economy

A report conducted by Implement Consulting Group and commissioned by Google examines a highly important group of companies termed ‘innovative digital businesses’. The research is being launched at a dedicated AI Summit taking place today at Google’s EMEA Headquarters in Dublin.

Delivered in partnership with Scale Ireland, the event aims to promote discussion around the opportunity of AI for Ireland’s indigenous tech start-up and scale-up companies. Innovative digital businesses are defined as businesses likely to have digital technology at their core and a scalable business model less than 30 years old. They fall into one of three categories; startups (2–49 employees), scaleups (50–500 employees), or grownups (over 500 employees).

The economic role of digital innovative businesses

Innovative digital businesses play an outsized role in the Irish economy, paying higher average wages than other businesses. While these businesses have accounted for 4% of private sector job growth since 2017, they have created fewer jobs in Ireland compared to other EU countries. In Denmark, for example these businesses account for 11% of new jobs, and in Sweden, they account for 13%.

The use of AI in innovative digital businesses

Innovative digital businesses are key to capturing the AI opportunity and closing Europe’s competitiveness gap. These businesses are 50% more likely to create radical innovations and play a crucial role in the early diffusion of new technologies, such as generative AI. These businesses develop new AI tools, in turn enabling businesses across sectors to benefit from the new technology.

The potential of scaling innovative digital businesses

Ireland has a strong ecosystem of innovative businesses, with 56 innovative digital businesses per 100,000 working-age adults compared to the EU average of 19. If Ireland can transform more startups into grownups, reaching the same relative levels as the three leading OECD countries, it could create 14,000 jobs and contribute €1.8 billion annually to the Irish economy.

James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science said:

“It is essential businesses are supported in the adoption of AI. This includes tailored support for start-ups and scale-ups, but the foundation of all this is people – and the skills they bring to bear. My Department is acutely focused on Ireland’s future skills needs. This includes expanding digital upskilling and reskilling opportunities through initiatives like Springboard+, MicroCreds, apprenticeships, and others. Together, with the right capital, the right infrastructure, and most importantly, the right skills, Ireland is ready not just to adopt AI – but to lead in shaping it.”

Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland said:

“This is a transformative opportunity for Ireland to leverage AI to secure our position as a global leader in technology. To fully realise AI’s potential, Ireland should seek to enhance the conditions that support businesses to increase AI adoption and scale successfully. Google Ireland is committed to continuing its  role in supporting Ireland’s competitiveness in these crucial areas.”

Marina Fitzgerald, CEO of Scale Ireland added:

“Scale Ireland is hugely positive about the potential economic and societal benefits of AI, which is being deployed by the vast majority of our members. This report is very timely as it highlights the opportunity for Ireland to create a supportive environment so indigenous tech companies can leverage AI to drive innovation, economic growth and competitiveness. Put simply, we need to create the conditions to support, and match the global ambition of our founders.”

Report recommendations

The report sets out five areas of focus for Ireland to support the scaling of these businesses:

 

  1. Build an AI-empowered workforce by investing in skills and training systems, treating AI as a core component of the education system.

  2. Widening access to state-of-the-art AI tools, digital infrastructure and compute power.

  3. Invest in research and development by investing in long-term AI research and encourage private investment at a national and EU level.

  4. Risk-based regulation to provide clarity to developers, adopters and users.

  5. Capital: Unlock fragmented risk capital markets and increase the attractiveness of venture capital investment in the EU.

Report 

Cross-Platform Play: Uniting Gamers Across Devices

The gaming world has come a long way from single-console setups and isolated player bases. Today, one of the most talked-about and appreciated features in modern gaming is cross-platform play. Also known as cross-play, this feature allows players using different devices, such as PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or even mobile, to compete or cooperate in the same game environment. As technology continues to advance and the demand for more inclusive gaming grows, cross-platform play is redefining how players connect, compete, and form communities.

Breaking Down the Walls

For years, the gaming landscape was divided by platform exclusivity. Gamers had to own the same console or device as their friends to enjoy multiplayer experiences together. This limited interaction, split communities, and made gaming less social and more competitive in terms of console preference. Cross-platform play is breaking down those walls. With this feature, someone playing Fortnite on a mobile device can squad up with a friend on Xbox while another teammate joins from their PC.

This shift benefits both developers and players. For game developers, cross-platform play means larger player bases, longer game lifespans, and a wider reach. For players, it means no longer being left out of a game night because of hardware differences. It opens the door to diverse gameplay experiences and makes games more accessible to everyone. Online casinos are following a similar path, offering smooth mobile platforms that work across devices, allowing users to play wherever they are. Many players are now drawn to the best casinos not on GamStop, which typically offer players access to thousands of game options, flexible transaction methods with quick payouts, and perks like welcome bonuses, free spins, and deposit offers while players enjoy polished and rewarding experiences regardless of which device they use. At its core, cross-platform is breaking barriers, uniting people through shared experiences, no matter what screen they’re on.

Competitive Edge and Community Building

Cross-platform play doesn’t just make it easier to play with friends, it also brings a new level of competitiveness. Since gamers from all platforms can face off, the competition pool becomes deeper and more varied. This can push players to improve their skills and learn how others play from different setups.

At the same time, it fosters stronger communities. Gamers who would otherwise never meet because of console barriers can now become teammates, rivals, or even friends. Discord servers, Reddit threads, and in-game voice chats now bring together a wider mix of players from different backgrounds and devices. The sense of community grows, and gaming feels less like a divided industry and more like a shared experience.

Designing for All Players

Cross-platform play has inspired developers to design games with a broader audience in mind. With players coming in from mobile phones, high-end PCs, and various consoles, the goal is to create a smooth and balanced experience for everyone. This means smart matchmaking systems that group players by input type, thoughtful control options, and flexible gameplay mechanics that adapt across different hardware.

Game studios are also investing in stronger shared servers, cross-progression features, and improved user interfaces. These upgrades don’t just make cross-play possible—they make the overall gaming experience more polished and player-friendly. With more attention being paid to accessibility and fairness, developers are raising the standard for what online play can look like.

The Future of Cross-Play

More games are now launching with cross-platform support built in from the start. Titles like Minecraft, Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends, and Rocket League have shown that it’s not only possible but also successful. Gamers now expect this option, and developers are listening. There’s also the rise of cross-progression, which lets you carry your game data and unlocks from one platform to another. This adds even more flexibility and personalisation.

Looking ahead, cross-play could become a standard rather than a bonus feature. As cloud gaming grows and internet connections become faster and more reliable, the gap between console, PC, and mobile performance may continue to shrink. This could allow developers to deliver more balanced gameplay across all devices.

Cross-platform play also has the potential to influence game development and design. Knowing that players from all kinds of devices might be playing together can push developers to think creatively about matchmaking, control schemes, and accessibility options. This could lead to more inclusive and innovative titles in the future.

Conclusion

Cross-platform play is more than just a feature, it’s a movement toward unity in the gaming world. It brings players together, regardless of what device they use, and encourages stronger communities and fairer competition. While the technology behind it keeps evolving, one thing remains clear: the future of gaming is all about breaking barriers and playing together.

AI-Powered PCs: Transforming How We Work, Create, and Innovate

Over the decades, personal computers have evolved from simple work tools into indispensable companions that shape how we live and work. Tara Gale, Client Solutions Country Lead at Dell Technologies Ireland tells us more.

But now we’re on a cusp of game-changing revolution with Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforming the PC and other devices we use on a daily basis. We are entering a new era in workplace technology, with AI redefining productivity, efficiency, and sustainability for Irish businesses.

Rise of AI-powered PCs

As organisations in Ireland navigate an increasingly data-driven world, the demand for faster and more secure workflows is growing. AI PCs step up to this challenge by integrating powerful on-device AI capabilities that reduce reliance on the cloud.

At its core, AI PCs are accelerated desktops, laptops, and workstations capable of running AI-optimised apps locally on device.

By processing data locally with embedded accelerators like Neural Processing Unites (NPUs), these devices offer a more responsive user experiences and a seamless approach to manage workloads all while ensuring improved security and energy efficiency. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also opens new opportunities for AI development, deployment, and fine-tuning directly at the user’s fingertips.

These next-generation devices are more than just an upgrade. They represent a fundamental shift in workplace technology, designed to meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises.

Leveraging decades of innovation in purpose-built accelerators, such as NPUs and GPUs, our latest AI PCs at Dell Technologies help to unlock the power of AI for the end user. With devices like the Dell Pro Max PC can handle up to 30 billion-parameter AI models, equipping Irish enterprises to tackle complex challenges effortlessly.

AI PCs are designed to empower users with unparalleled productivity capabilities. By leveraging on-device AI, these PCs streamline workflows and enable employees to handle complex tasks with ease. Features like intelligent automation and predictive analytics reduce time spent on repetitive processes allowing user to focus on higher-value work.

Sustainability and Innovation

Beyond performance, efficiency, and sustainability what remains a key priority for businesses across Ireland is to align themselves and support Ireland’s environmental commitments while allowing their business to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising on technological advancement. AI PCs contribute to these goals by optimising energy usage and reducing overall carbon footprints.

At CES 2025, Dell Technologies unveiled its latest AI PC portfolio, showcasing a range of devices built to support diverse business requirements. Devices in the Dell Pro portfolio, features low emissions aluminium and a modular USB-C Port to minimise carbon footprint.

Dell is all-in on the AI PC experience and we’re aligning this innovation with the broader vision to lead the industry and offer the most comprehensive AI portfolio spanning from desktop to data centre to cloud, all under one roof.

At a recent event, we brought our AI-enabled PCs and tools directly to Irish customers, developers, and IT administrators, providing hands-on experience of our products designed to build and deploy AI applications seamlessly. By streamlining AI capabilities into everyday workflows, these devices empower users to work smarter and drive real business value.

Our collaboration with industry leaders such as NVIDIA has resulted in innovations like the Dell AI Factory, an end-to-end solution combining cutting-edge hardware and software to deliver unmatched AI performance. Meanwhile, the Dell Data Lakehouse simplifies data management and accelerates insights by up to 90%, allowing businesses to make smarter decisions faster.

Benefits of Adopting AI PCs

In 2025, Irish businesses will embrace AI-powered PCs as essential tools for boosting productivity and redefining the future of work. These advanced devices, equipped with embedded AI, will streamline daily tasks such as drafting follow-ups, organising to-do lists, and summarising emails before the workday even starts.

With AI capabilities soon becoming a standard expectation in PCs, the benefits are clear:

  • Enhanced productivity: Future workloads are increasingly going to be AI-driven, making AI PCs indispensable for tackling complex data challenges. People working with AI PCs will have an edge of fast and more responsive performance, leaving those on outdated devices unable to harness the benefits.
  • PC refresh opportunity:  With over 1.5 billion units in the global commercially installed based and nearly 30pc of them being four years old or more, now is the perfect time to upgrade to AI PCs. Older PCs lack NPUs making them obsolete to handle AI workloads.

With the Windows upgrade cycle ending in October 2025 where hardware requirements may exceed the capabilities of older devices, businesses have a strategic opportunity to embrace smarter, more sustainable technology.

With a wave of PC upgrades anticipated this year, nearly every device will feature an AI accelerator or NPU, enabling seamless execution of AI-driven apps and workloads. For companies still relying on outdated hardware, upgrading to smarter technology will be pivotal to staying competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape.

The Road Ahead: Embracing AI-powered future

As AI continues to demand greater data processing capabilities, Irish business have opportunity to embrace and innovate. The shift to AI PCs represents as significant advancement in enhancing their workforce productivity and addressing complex data challenges with ease.

This integration of AI into everyday devices is only the beginning. As technology evolves AI PCs will deliver even more intuitive and adaptive computing experiences, ranging from smarter workflows to enhanced collaboration tools.

For businesses here in Ireland, adopting these AI powered devices is far more than a routine tech upgrade, it’s a forward-thinking strategy that aligns innovation, sustainability and competitiveness. By investing in these transformative devices, businesses can unlock the power to drive their success and redefine the future of work.

First Look – Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G

The Redmi Note is a recently released device now on sale in Ireland in multiple stores and online and we have just got this in to check out over the next few weeks and look forward to seeing how it fairs out in the market.

With a good spec sheet this device promises to offer great features at a decent price and of course AI is one of the themes here as is with most smartphone makers now which has become jarring for some but each manufacturers take is different and you also get Google Gemini on board which most Android users are now more custom too.

With Redmi Note 14 Series, Xiaomi delivers a remarkable blend of powerful  performance, stunning photography, and robust durability, all designed to meet the  needs of modern life. From the high-resolution camera systems with advanced AI tools,  to the rugged dust and water-resistant design, powerful performance and long-lasting  battery, Redmi Note 14 Series sets a new standard in its category by bringing premium  features to a wider audience, offering exceptional value in every aspect.

We will be testing this out over the coming weeks so if there is any questions as always ask us on social or our YouTube

 

Features

Camera 200MP main camera
Chipset MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra
Carrier Unlocked for All Carriers
OS Xiaomi HyperOS based on Android
Cellular technology 5G
Storage & RAM 8GB + 256GB
Connectivity technologies Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, NFC
Screen size 6.67 Inches
Battery 5110mAh (typ)
Charging 45W turbo charging

Buy 

Unboxing and first look

Fraudsters try to make every day April Fool’s Day

This April 1st, Bank of Ireland is warning customers that fraudsters don’t just try to fool you for one day, they are always active and financial fraud can lead to devastating loss of income and savings. The Bank is reminding customers about the top ten fraud types currently reported to its 24/7 fraud team.

According to Bank of Ireland’s fraud reporting data, the most concerning fraud type being used to target customers is investment scams, with smishing texts and vishing calls following closely behind. Further down the list, yet becoming more prevalent, are malware attacks where fraudsters gain access to customers’ devices and access private information, including their banking app.

The 10 most commonly reported frauds are:

  1. Investment scams – promising higher returns on investments that don’t exist.
  2. Smishing texts – scam texts claiming to be from delivery companies and other providers urging you to pay outstanding charges or update account details.
  3. Vishing calls – fraudsters pretend to be from your bank, saying your account has been compromised and they need to move your money to a ‘safe account’.
  4. Purchase scams – fake adverts on genuine websites and social media platforms that promise a slashed price or bargain.
  5. Romance scams – fraudsters build relationships online to manipulate victims into sending them money.
  6. Family impersonation – fake messages pretending to be from a family member who has lost their phone and needs access to money.
  7. Rental and holiday scams – fraudsters trick people into paying rent for property that doesn’t exist or is not actually available to rent.
  8. Money mules – criminals try to recruit people into receiving stolen money into their account, then transfer it to another account and keep some of the cash for themselves as ‘payment’.
  9. Malware – harmful apps that ask for full control of your device allowing fraudsters to control your phone and access private information like your banking app.
  10. Phishing emails – fraudsters send emails that look like they’re from legitimate companies, asking for personal information or login credentials.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “Fraudsters don’t just try to fool you for one day, they never take a break and are always on. Our latest fraud reporting data shows that investment fraud is still the most concerning scam targeting our customers. The level of highly personalised targeting, with fraudsters promising higher returns on bogus schemes, continues to grow. Smishing texts and vishing attempts continue on a persistent basis. Fraudulent advertisements online and on social media have been the subject of regular warnings for some time and the trend is not going away. And some new types of fraud including accessing devices using malware are happening more often.

“All fraud types are serious criminal activity and there is no room for complacency. Being alert to the ‘red flags’ – including ‘too good to be true’ returns and pressure to act quickly – is vital.

“Bank of Ireland offers a 24/7 fraud telephone support for customers on 1800 946 764, available every day of the year. We encourage our customers to put this number in their phone, so they have easy access to it if they ever need it.”

For detailed advice and information on how to stay safe from all types of financial fraud, visit the Security Zone on Bank of Ireland’s website.

Red flags of Investment Fraud:

  • Follow-up calls: You receive a call having clicked an investment product advert on social media or in a sponsored search result.
  • Higher/fast returns: They promise a quick and profitable return, with little or no risk.
  • Pressure: They advise you must act quickly to take advantage of an “opportunity of a lifetime”.
  • Celebrity Endorsements: Be wary where the investment is being endorsed by celebrities – they may not know their name is attached to the advertisement.
  • Secrecy: They say you’re not to discuss the “investment” with family, friends or your bank and they may instruct you to sign a “non-disclosure agreement” (NDA).

Remember, Bank of Ireland will never:

  • Send you a text or email with a link directly to the login page of our online banking channels asking you to confirm or update your banking details
  • Ask you to click a link in a message with an urgent warning about suspicious activity on your account
  • Ask you to transfer money out of your account to protect you from fraud
  • Ask you to send us back your bank card.

 

Don’t ever share:

  • Your full six-digit 365 PIN or Business On Line credentials
  • Any one-time activation codes or codes from your Business On Line Approve app
  • Your four-digit card PIN.

Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of fraud should contact their bank immediately so that the bank can try to stop the fraud and try to recover funds. Bank of Ireland customers can call the Fraud Team 24/7 on the Freephone line 1800 946 764.

SCÁLA Can Accelerate Your Business Growth.

SCÁLA, the accelerator programme from Local Enterprise Office Donegal, is now open for applications. Scála is targeted at high-potential start-ups and business expansions in the county. 

This exciting programme is unique to Donegal and is built by investors for entrepreneurs. Applications are open for entrepreneurs and senior managers of businesses with the potential to scale their business from Donegal. 

SCÁLA Donegal will target start-up entrepreneurs with the potential for fast growth in a range of sectors such as Tech, Engineering, Blue Economy and Health Sciences. See https://www.localenterprise.ie/Donegal/Training-Events/Scala/

SCÁLA has a particular focus on businesses with the potential for fast growth in sectors such as Tech, Engineering, Manufacturing, Health Sciences and the Blue Economy. This programme also encourages potential spin-outs from existing firms in the county and region, while introducing participants to potential investment funds.

Speaking about the SCÁLA Accelerator, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Niamh Kennedy said: ‘’Over the past few years we have seen a number of very positive business expansion plans in Donegal across a range of industries. This programme provides an opportunity for further organic growth in these and other high-performing sectors.’’

 

Jon Geary of Little Mamma’s Gelato, who is a recent past participant of SCÁLA, pictured with co-founder Linda Geary. 

Jon Geary of Little Mamma’s Gelato, who is a recent participant in the programme, said: “SCÁLA provided me with the confidence to grow my business, by helping me to identify a market fit product, build a team and assist in finding relevant funding. The connections made and the expertise gained through this programme were crucial for us as we work towards scaling our business.”

Local Enterprise Office Donegal is collaborating with Skillfluence to implement the programme. Skillfluence provides bespoke training programmes designed to accelerate the needs of entrepreneurs and empower them to translate research into commercial opportunities.

Jamie McCallum of Skillfluence who is running the SCÁLA programme for Local Enterprise Office Donegal

Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office, Donegal, said: “SCÁLA focuses on giving participants a deep understanding of the factors that can drive success, along with the skills to build financial models that stand up to investor scrutiny and industry engagement. The programme will also provide mentorship from leaders in their field, so participants will get valuable insights and advice on ways to adapt their business model as necessary. We will select up to twelve businesses based on the scale of ambition of the founder(s), the potential opportunity in the market chosen, and, most importantly, the businesses we believe can be supported  the most through the SCALA programme. We would encourage potential candidates to apply now and give yourself the best possible chance to be accepted.”

Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Donegal.  

The deadline for applying to this programme is midnight Friday, 11th April 2025. Following this, up to 12 businesses will be selected for the accelerator, which commences on April 30th, 2025 and will run for 11 weeks, concluding on July 16th, 2025. For more information on the programme and how to apply, visit: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Donegal/Training-Events/Scala/ 

Why Your Business Needs a Document Management System Today

In the modern business landscape, staying organized and efficient is crucial for success. As companies continue to grow and generate more documents, keeping track of everything manually becomes an impossible task. Here’s where a document management system comes in. A DMS helps you store, manage and retrieve documents fast and secure, increase productivity and overall efficiency. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, a document management can change your workflow, reduce costs and increase efficiency.

This article will talk about the top reasons why you need a document management today.

1. Efficiency and Productivity

One of the main reasons to get document management software is the big efficiency and productivity boost. In a traditional paper-based system, employees waste time searching for documents, organising files and managing physical storage space. With digital document management, documents are stored electronically so you can retrieve them faster.

Cloud document management takes it to the next level by allowing employees to access documents from anywhere, at any time. This remote access is gold for businesses with teams working in different locations or remotely. No more wasting time looking for files or waiting for documents to be mailed. A document management system for small business can streamline your operations and free up time to focus on what matters most to your operations. A document management system for small business can streamline operations and free up valuable time to focus on core business activities.

2. Enhanced Security and Compliance

A document management system significantly enhances the security of your business’s documents. With an electronic document management system, files are stored in a secure, encrypted environment, reducing the risk of unauthorized access, theft, or loss of sensitive data. Advanced access control features ensure that only authorized personnel can view, edit, or delete documents.

For industries that handle sensitive or regulated information, like law firms, a document management system is a must. Compliance with regulations like HIPAA, GDPR and other industry standards becomes much easier when documents are stored securely and can be tracked for auditing purposes. A contract document management system means contracts are protected and compliant with legal requirements.

3. Streamlined Collaboration and Remote Access

A document management system makes team collaboration better. A cloud document management system means employees can access the same document at once, making real-time edits and sharing files with colleagues and clients without the need for meetings or emails. This collaborative environment boosts team work and accelerates decision making.

For businesses with remote teams operating across multiple locations, an online document management system is a game changer. Employees in different offices or even at home can collaborate on the same document without geographical boundaries. This means no one is left out of the loop and collaboration is smoother and faster.

4. Cost Savings and Space Efficiency

Traditional document management systems require a lot of physical space for files, binders and cabinets. Not only does this take up valuable office space but it also costs to file and store. By moving to an electronic document management system you can eliminate the need for physical storage and save big time.

A digital document management system also saves you on printing and paper costs. Since documents are stored electronically, there’s less need to print and duplicate physical copies. This reduction in paper usage saves you money and is a more eco-friendly option for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

5. Version Control and Audit Trails

When multiple employees are working on the same document, keeping track of changes and versions can be challenging. A document management system provides version control, which allows users to save and track changes to documents over time. This is especially useful in industries that require precision and accuracy, such as the legal or financial sectors.

Document management system software also has audit trails which record who accessed the document, what changes were made, and when they were made. This is important for industries that have to comply with stringent regulatory standards.

For example, a contract document management system will track every update to a contract so no version is lost and all revisions are recorded.

6. Automated Workflow and Task Management

A document management system can automate many of the manual processes that slow down business. Automated workflows can route documents for review, approval or signature without human intervention. For example, a document can be automatically sent to the right manager or department for review, reducing delays and speeding up decision making.

With enterprise content management systems, you can manage tasks associated with documents more efficiently. For example, the system can assign tasks related to document processing such as approvals or document indexing. This automates the process and ensures tasks are completed on time, reducing human error and oversight.

7. Scalable and Flexible Solutions

One of the major benefits of a document management system is its scalability. Whether you’re a small business or an enterprise, a DMS system can grow with you. As your business expands, your document management system software can be easily scaled to accommodate additional users, storage, and documents.

For a growing company, an enterprise document management system offers the flexibility to manage large volumes of documents without compromising on speed or performance. A cloud-based document management system can be particularly beneficial here, as it offers easy scalability without the need for significant upfront investments in hardware or infrastructure. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses that need to adjust their document management capabilities quickly and efficiently.

Document Management Systems as a Business Necessity

Adopting a document management system is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for businesses that want to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced, digital world. Whether you’re looking to improve efficiency, ensure compliance, enhance collaboration, or save costs, a document management system provides a comprehensive solution that addresses all these needs.

From small businesses to large enterprises, investing in a document management system can lead to increased productivity, better document security, and more streamlined business processes. By leveraging the power of an electronic document management system, businesses can ensure they remain organized, efficient, and prepared for the future.