Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

Why a Business Name Generator is a Great Tool to Optimise Your New Business for SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is inarguably one of the most important factors for success online. Businesses cannot overlook its impact on growing an audience, maintaining relevance, and most importantly, getting conversions. Even businesses that primarily work with clients directly or conduct work offline need to have some form of online presence to establish themselves. 

Consider how often people go, “Let me Google that first.” 76% of consumers will look for a company online before visiting in-person. With how competitive SEO has become, it’s key for businesses to use as many effective tools as they can to edge out the competition. 

New businesses, in particular, can benefit greatly from using tools that are already accessible in the market. The likes of Namechk’s business name generator help optimise SEO in quite a few ways. 

1. Hitting Your Keywords

Keywords are the most basic lifeblood of SEO. If you want to capture a specific audience, you need to capture the right keywords to build visibility. The goal is for your business to be the one that pops up on search results whenever a user looks up any word related to what you offer. 

A business name generator is able to take your input and generate results that already incorporate relevant keywords. This is a good way to get your name out there and immediately tie it into any services, products, and industry-specific terms you want to pin down. It also gives you a greater chance of being among the top website suggestions on search engines as long as you have the content to back it up. 

2. Creating Domain Relevance

According to ActionPoint’s annual Digital Transformation Index Report, a startling 85% of organisations are not digitally optimised. If you’re a new business, this is arguably good news as you can get ahead of the curve and make sure you cover all your bases in terms of digital footprint. 

One of the most important things you need to have is a domain. This is the way your website is found and it makes search engines more likely to boost you up. Trying to achieve proper SEO without a good domain is a lost cause so you should prioritise it when launching your business. A good name generator tool will already offer up available domains along with its suggested names, so you can quickly act on results and establish your online presence. 

3. Establishing Uniqueness and Credibility

Ireland saw 21,637 new companies started in 2022 – and that is already considered a six-year low. With so much competition out there equally vying for attention, you need to establish your credibility and uniqueness. This not only keeps you top of mind for new consumers but also improves your SEO. 

Unique content and keywords allow you to rank higher on search engine results as there is less competition. It also helps with backlinking, which is another factor that improves your credibility. Search engines look for these factors when working their algorithm, so it’s worth leaning on those benefits when you use a business name generator to brainstorm. 

4. Building Visibility Across Platforms

SEO is not just about having a website and leaving it at that. You have a better chance of improving visibility (and being remembered) if you also have a presence on various social networking sites. Having a page on popular sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even TikTok can significantly improve your on-page optimisation. 

It also helps that having socials makes your brand feel more approachable and trustworthy to potential consumers. With a business name generator, you will automatically be able to check if there are any available social media handles that match the generated suggestions. This way, you can have a unified name across platforms for better search rankings and brand retention. 

Conclusion

When you use the tool to your advantage, you’ll be able to launch your business with a good foundation for SEO right off the bat. Instead of building from scratch, you’ll essentially be able to give yourself a solid framework that leans into the ideals baked into search engines. 

Version 1 awarded exclusive Global Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for delivery of National Highways app driving safety on England’s roads

IT service provider Version 1 has been awarded a prestigious accolade by Microsoft for its work with the UK’s National Highways to improve safety across the road network across England.

Dublin-founded Version 1 was named the global winner in the Modernising Applications 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards, beating off stiff competition from an international field.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognise Microsoft partners which have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services, and devices during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with those honoured chosen from a set of more than 4,200 submitted nominations across 100 countries worldwide.

Version 1 was recognised for providing outstanding solutions and services in Modernising Applications for its innovative transformation of a critical application for National Highways’ Incident Liaison Officers (NILOs). The NILO team are responsible for coordinating information on major incidents – multi-vehicle collisions, severe weather, and freight spillages – over 4,500 miles of England’s strategic road network and are vital to the 254 billion passenger and freight vehicle miles travelled across England every year.

The solution has meant the NILO team has increased the speed at which major traffic incidents are reported by 150%, incident closure efficiency by 82% and incident creation by 50%. It replaces a legacy system and is a key enabler of National Highways £27.4 billion Digital Roads Strategy aimed at revolutionizing how the strategic road network is designed, built, operated and used.

The app significantly improves user productivity and incident handling through easier, faster logging, reporting, and information sharing. This has facilitated smoother coordination of emergency services, dissemination of media updates for the public, and enhanced incident management and road network operation.

Crucially, for road users, this means a safer, easier journey and improved journey times, bolstering England’s reputation for having the safest roads globally. It also helps National Highways deliver on its commitment to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on its roads by 50% by 2025.

The project was delivered using Version 1’s collection of quick-start delivery accelerators, known as Foundations, which uses prebuilt solutions which incorporate industry best practices and utilise best-of-breed open source and cloud-native technologies. Foundations enables a reduced time to market, reduced delivery risk, increased alignment to standards and improved security.

Tom O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer of Version 1, said: “We are delighted to have been named as the global winner in the Modernising Applications 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award. The award cements our reputation as a trusted partner of choice to major organisations in the transformation of critical digital infrastructure and we are pleased to have been recognised by Microsoft.

“The National Highways project is a great example of the transformational projects that Version 1 can deliver which significantly improves efficiency and efficacy for our clients. We are particularly proud to have helped National Highways to make England’s roads safer and thank them for partnering with us.”

Nicole Dezen, Corporate Vice President of Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft, said: “Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards! The innovative new solutions and services that positively impact customers and enable digital transformation from this year’s winners demonstrate the best of what’s possible with the Microsoft Cloud.”

Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced annually prior to the company’s global partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, which will take place on July 18-19 this year.

Boosting Sales and Customer Engagement with the Power of 3D Product Configurators

In the competitive landscape of modern business, capturing the attention and interest of customers is crucial for driving sales and fostering brand loyalty. With the rapid advancement of technology, businesses are leveraging innovative solutions to enhance customer engagement and provide unique shopping experiences. One such powerful tool that is transforming the way businesses operate is the 3D product configurator. In this article, we will explore the benefits and applications of 3D product configurators in boosting sales and customer engagement, and how this cutting-edge technology is reshaping the business landscape.

Creating Interactive Product Experiences

Traditional product images and descriptions can only convey so much to potential customers. However, 3D product configurators take product visualization to a whole new level. By allowing customers to interact with virtual representations of products in real-time, configurators provide an immersive and engaging experience. Customers can rotate, zoom in, and explore every aspect of the product, gaining a comprehensive understanding of its design, features, and customization options.

 

The interactive nature of 3D product configurators empowers customers to personalize products according to their preferences, selecting colors, materials, sizes, and additional features. This level of customization creates a sense of ownership and personal connection, ultimately leading to increased customer satisfaction and higher conversion rates.

Streamlining the Customization Process

Customization has become a significant trend in consumer preferences. However, implementing customization options in a streamlined and efficient manner can be challenging for businesses. This is where 3D product configurators shine. By providing a user-friendly interface, configurators enable customers to easily customize products and see the changes reflected in real-time.

The configurator seamlessly generates accurate manufacturing specifications, eliminating the need for manual coordination between customers and manufacturers. This not only reduces the margin for errors but also optimizes the production process, allowing businesses to efficiently handle custom orders. The streamlined customization process not only improves customer satisfaction but also boosts operational efficiency and reduces costs.

Showcasing Product Variations and Upselling Opportunities

Product variations and upselling opportunities play a vital role in driving sales and increasing average order value. 3D product configurators excel in showcasing different product options and upgrades. By presenting customers with a wide range of choices and configurations, businesses can tap into upselling opportunities and encourage customers to explore premium features or accessories.

The configurator serves as a visual sales tool, allowing customers to see the impact of each variation on the final product. This visual representation enhances the perceived value of the product and helps customers make more informed purchasing decisions. By leveraging the power of 3D product configurators, businesses can effectively showcase their product range and maximize sales potential.

Enhancing the Online Retail Experience

One of the challenges in online retail is replicating the tactile experience of in-store shopping. However, 3D product configurators bridge this gap by providing a rich and interactive online shopping experience. Customers can virtually try different combinations, visualize the product from various angles, and see how it fits into their desired context.

Moreover, the configurator allows customers to share their customized designs on social media platforms, generating user-generated content and word-of-mouth marketing. This social aspect adds another layer of customer engagement and expands the reach of the brand.

Data-Driven Insights and Continuous Improvement

The integration of 3D product configurators brings valuable data-driven insights to businesses. By analyzing customer interactions and customization choices, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of customer preferences, market trends, and popular product variations. This data-driven approach empowers businesses to make informed decisions in product development, marketing strategies, and inventory management.

Additionally, the configurator serves as a feedback mechanism, providing businesses with valuable insights into customer preferences and potential areas for improvement. By continuously analyzing customer behavior and feedback, businesses can refine their product offerings, tailor their marketing campaigns, and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

Conclusion

The implementation of 3D product configurators has revolutionized the way businesses engage with customers, boost sales, and enhance the overall shopping experience. Through interactive product experiences, streamlined customization processes, showcasing product variations, enhancing online retail experiences, and leveraging data-driven insights, businesses can gain a competitive edge and meet the evolving demands of modern consumers.

By embracing the power of 3D product configurators, businesses can drive sales, foster customer engagement, and establish themselves as industry leaders. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further innovations and refinements in the realm of product configuration, providing even more exciting opportunities for businesses to thrive.

Nokia announces the G42 5G repairable phone

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announces a brand-new repairable phone, the Nokia G42 5G in So Purple.

The Nokia G42 5G is built with QuickFix repairability so you can replace cracked screens, bent charging ports and old batteries, all by yourself¹. In collaboration with iFixit, the Nokia G42 5G can be repaired with handy step-by-step repair guides and affordable replacement parts.

Coming hot on the heels of the 2023 Colour of the Year – Digital Lavender, predicted by global trend forecasting experts WSGN, the Nokia G42 5G arrives in So Purple and is our first repairable smartphone with 5G connectivity² so you can snap, share, shop, stream in style, all at your own pace. Plus, it’s made with 65% recycled back cover and boxed in FSC®-certified mixed packaging.

It’s safe to say Purple is having a moment this year. Not only does the Nokia G42 5G look great, it’s also a continuation of our repairability journey which is now a fundamental part of the way we design smartphones.
Lars Silberbauer,  CMO of HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones
I’m thrilled to see how our partnership with HMD Global is turning the tide in favor of self-repairs. This is not just about providing parts; it’s about seeding the DIY ethos among consumers and signaling that the era of self-service repairs is truly upon us. Kyle Wiens, CEO, iFixit
So fast

Get answers. Share photos. Browse, shop, work and play – whatever being online means for you, 5G connectivity powered by the Snapdragon® 480 Plus 5G Mobile Platform, gets you where you want to go, fast. Plus, with plenty of memory, loads of storage space and smart background optimisation, you can jump from one app to the other with no problems.

So clear

The 50MP camera works with some of our smartest imaging AI to capture clear shots, even in tougher conditions. Portrait Mode brings your focus point into the limelight while Night Mode helps with quality shots after dark which can all be viewed on the 6.56” HD+ display. And with OZO 3D audio capture, your videos sound as good as they look.

So much battery

With a whopping 3-day battery life³, your Nokia G42 5G battery will keep 80% of its original capacity after 800 full charging cycles – that’s about four years of charges.

So durable and secure

Like all our Nokia phones, the Nokia G42 5G is built to last and has been rigorously tested for durability against everyday knocks. It also stays up to date, with 3 years of monthly security updates and 2 years of OS upgrades⁵.

With Android™ 13, you have more control over what information apps can and can’t access including specific photos, videos and clipboard history. With up to 3 years of monthly security updates⁵, you won’t be worrying about ‘outdated protection’ any time soon.

Google finds that only 20% of Irish SMEs are aware of the necessary cyber security measures to protect their data and digital assets

Research conducted by iReach Insights on behalf of Google has found that the majority of SMEs (77%) agree that having a secure online presence is a priority for their business, with 42% strongly agreeing that it is a priority. However, only 20% are very aware of the specific measures or tools required to protect their data/ digital assets while 64% know a little but not much.

When it comes to protecting their website and digital assets, the research shows that just over a half of SMEs regularly back-up data (54%), ensure software is updated (53%), and use two step authentication for accessing common owned devices (53%).

Despite the fact that a strong majority of Irish SMEs readily recognise the benefits of having a secure online presence, less than half of SMEs require employees to periodically change passwords (44%) or take regular or annual security awareness training (38%). Even less (28%) have an incident response plan in case of a cyberattack.

When it comes to how cyber security is managed,  38% of SMEs have their cybersecurity managed in-house, 25% have it outsourced, while 37% have a mix of both. Interestingly, the 38% of SMEs that have their cybersecurity managed in-house express the highest levels of satisfaction at 70%. The 37% of SMEs that have a mix of both In-House and Outsourcing, show the lowest satisfaction levels at 53%.

The findings were published as Google added a new module, ‘Improve your online business security’, to the You’re the Business initiative, a digital training scheme to help upskill Irish SMEs. Launched in July 2022 by Google, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, You’re the Business aims to accelerate Irish SME growth through digitalisation in the form of tailored, free of charge online training as well as an SME reward programme.

Marie Davis, Head of SME Retail, UK and Ireland, Google said: “Google is very proud of the You’re the Business initiative and how it has helped Irish businesses initiate, grow, and expand their digital capabilities over the last twelve months. We are introducing a new cyber security module as our research informs us that while Irish SMEs understand the importance of cyber security, they are not always aware of the measures required to protect their data and digital assets. Designed by Google experts, this online training program will better protect SMEs from the growing threat of cyberattack”.

John Magee, Chair of the network of Local Enterprise Offices, said; “Cybersecurity has been identified as a key area of both threat and growth in the coming years. It is vital that small businesses understand that, particularly those that have a significant online presence. As sustainability has become a pillar for many small businesses, so should cybersecurity and it is fantastic that we can now offer that expertise to every small business across the country through our partnership with Google and the You’re the Business initiative. This is another area where we are expanding our approach to ensure small businesses are getting the support they need from their Local Enterprise Office.

Carol Gibbons, Head of Regions and Local Enterprise, Enterprise Ireland, said; “The You’re the Business Campaign in partnership with Google and the Local Enterprise Offices has helped us to significantly increase our offerings to small business in the areas of digitization.  In recent years trading online has become crucial for many businesses and it has also opened doors to new markets internationally.  This brings opportunity but also significant exposure for businesses to threats such as cyber-crime. This new element of the initiative is the perfect first step for businesses to enhance their cybersecurity protocols.”

With the addition of the ‘Improve your online business security’ module today, SMEs can now access [ four modules that can help SME decision makers understand and grow their digital capabilities. All training is accessed through the You’re The Business website.

All training modules including the cyber training are available on-demand online. For further information please visit: g.co/yourethebusiness

Tech Review – Edifier WH820NB Plus headphones

The Edifier WH820NB plus are an affordable pair of headphones with a bit of punch thrown in when it comes to the audio experience, over the years we have being checking out the tech from the company they have been consistent when it comes to audio at all price points and in short there is no cheap take on it when it comes down to how your music is delivered to you via their products

The headset itself this time around comes in several colours which is a good start and might look and feel a bit cheap but still it is robust and it is a headset that can be worn for hours on end with no clamping effect and sweaty cups, I have tested these on my travels to Milan recently and with the humidity over there they did not cause any issues for me and the fact they are so light makes them super comfortable over hours of listening to music or even gaming if you wish as these have a gaming mode included.

The buttons on the headphones are on the small side but work well and all is kept to one side which makes navigation simple and after a few minutes use you will have no issues using them and they are tactile and work really well dishing out the commands you want with no mistakes so in that department all is good. On the buttons you can control your listening mode volume levels track selection and so on.

With the audio aspect again the company has delivered here with an excellent pair of cans with 40mm drivers and a great audio experince in gaming music and more so for those who want to take a punt you will not be sorry, during my usual test run they surpassed all expectations with nice volume decent ANC was noted, no distortion on maxed out volume and overall the highs lows and mids and no matter what genre was listened to they done a superior job and I would not expect anything less from the company anyway at this stage. Calls also done really well for me on my testing and from the few calls I tool people could here me clearly and same on my end and you have built in DNN which aides the quality.

Battery life is also excellent here on the headphones and at the higher end of the tier for longevity

The app as seen below is again available for the headphones and works really well and is simple to use you can also avail of their widget too if you wish, check out the video review for more where we take a look at the app and discuss the features and more and you get to see what value you get for your money here.

Features of the WH820NB Plus

  • Hi-Res Audio standard for a rich listening experience
  • Active noise cancellation technology isolates unwanted noise
  • Ambient sound mode allows you to hear environmental sounds such as traffic or flight announcements
  • Built-in microphone with DNN (deep neural network) noise cancellation for clear phone calls
  • Large driver with titanium diaphragm delivers crystal-clear sound
  • Low latency for game mode gives players an immersive gaming experience
  • Up to 49 hours continuous playback
  • Lightweight headset assures comfortable fit

BUY 

Video Review

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Hotel Management Software for Your Property in 2023

In today’s technology-driven hospitality industry, integrating the right property management system for hotels has become crucial for staying competitive and delivering exceptional guest experiences. As we enter 2023, contactless payment systems have become the norm, and major hotel chains like Hilton are revolutionizing guest experiences through personalized room controls via smartphones.

Among the various technological advancements, hotel management software stands out as the backbone of a property, ensuring seamless coordination among different departments. From capturing valuable guest preferences to offering fully contactless experiences, the capabilities of this software are vast.

Selecting the ideal software solution for your property is a daunting task with numerous options available in the market. However, having a comprehensive checklist of key considerations can simplify decision-making.

If you aspire to make your hotel more technologically advanced and seek a new system that aligns with your specific requirements, this article will guide you through the essential steps to get started.

Preparing for the Right Choice

Before embarking on the selection process, it is essential to undertake a series of preparatory steps that will lay the foundation for making an informed decision:

Identify Your Hotel Type 

Begin by creating a comprehensive profile of your hotel, considering various aspects such as the size of your property, location, range of services offered, target markets, available amenities, and rooms. For instance, if you are the owner of a medium-sized hotel situated in Germany with a room count ranging from 30 to 50, strategically located near popular tourist destinations and benefiting from excellent local infrastructure, understanding these specific characteristics will prove instrumental in determining which software features will best align with and enhance your operational requirements.

Define Your Business Goals 

Gain a clear understanding of your expectations from the hotel management software and identify the challenges you aim to address through its implementation. Additionally, carefully assess the reliability and trustworthiness of software providers in the market. To streamline this process, we will explore a range of standard requirements typically sought by hotel owners and demonstrate how a modular Hotel Management System can effectively cater to the diverse needs of the industry. This comprehensive analysis will provide valuable insights into the available options and functionalities.

Evaluate Software Features 

Once you have identified your hotel type and defined your business goals, it is time to evaluate the features and capabilities of different hotel management software options. Look for a comprehensive Cloud-based Property Management System (PMS) with a Front Desk module that can efficiently handle the main administrative processes of your hotel. Additionally, consider the inclusion of a Channel Manager, which will enable you to effectively sell your rooms across various Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) while ensuring real-time synchronization to avoid overbookings. A website with a built-in Booking Engine is also crucial for gaining direct bookings and reducing dependence on third-party OTAs, ultimately saving on fees.

By diligently following these preparatory steps, you will establish a solid framework to guide you in selecting the most suitable hotel management software for your unique requirements and operational objectives. Taking the time to meticulously evaluate your property’s specific needs and align them with the available software solutions will ensure a successful implementation that maximizes operational efficiency and enhances the overall guest experience.

By carefully considering these key points and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed decision when selecting a Hotel Management System that aligns with your needs, business goals, and guest requirements. Prioritize software solutions that enhance the guest experience, improve marketing strategies, automate daily operations, and offer scalability for future growth. Investing in the right software will streamline your processes and increase efficiency, guest satisfaction, and overall success in the highly competitive hospitality industry.

“I need a system that would help me automate even more operations on my property.” 

If you desire a higher level of automation beyond basic administrative tasks, there are additional features that can significantly benefit your hotel.

Quick Check-In 

Streamline the check-in process for your guests by offering a quick check-in option. This allows guests to skip waiting lines at the front desk, save time, and maintain physical distancing. By enabling guests to fill out forms and upload necessary documents in advance, you can ensure a smooth and contactless check-in experience.

Fast Room Access

Enhance guest satisfaction and efficiency by providing fast room access. Once guests complete their self-check-in and submit their registration form, they do no need to wait at the front desk. They can proceed directly to their room, eliminating unnecessary delays.

Keyless Entry 

In the age of contactless experiences, implementing a keyless entry system can be a significant advantage for your hotel. Enabling guests to use their smartphones as room keys adds an extra layer of convenience and safety, enhancing the overall guest experience.

“My hotel needs a PMS and its application.” 

A dedicated mobile application for your hotel can offer many benefits. It can serve as a platform for upselling your services and allows seamless communication with guests, online payments, and fast self-check-ins. Consider the following customization options for your app:

Basic Customization 

You can start with a customizable app template and personalize it with your hotel’s logo and color scheme.

Unique Design 

Choose a provider that can create an app that aligns with your hotel’s branding and aesthetics for a more distinctive look.

Complete Customization 

If you have specific preferences and requirements, opt for a provider that offers complete customization, allowing you to tailor the app to your specifications. A unique hotel application tailored to your property can give you a competitive edge and provide guests with a higher level of secure and contactless service.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, selecting the right hotel management software is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact your hotel’s success. By carefully evaluating your hotel’s characteristics, defining your business goals, and considering essential features such as a cloud-based PMS, channel manager, and website with an integrated booking engine, you can streamline operations and enhance guest experiences.

Advanced features like intelligent task management, accounting and invoicing capabilities, a central reservation system, and contactless options such as quick check-in, fast room access, and keyless entry can further optimize your hotel’s operations and ensure a seamless guest journey.

By focusing on guest-oriented solutions, practical marketing tools, automation of daily operations, and scalability, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your specific requirements and positions your hotel for success in the competitive hospitality industry. Choose wisely and enjoy the benefits of comprehensive software tailored to your property’s needs.

Logicalis UK & Ireland survey reveals security threats & skills are the biggest concerns for IT experts

Logicalis UK&IRL the leading technology service provider, today reveals the challenges that IT professionals are most concerned about in 2023, with security threats taking the top spot (47%). This was followed by skills and resourcing (46%) and budgetary pressure (36%).

The survey of IT professionals across Ireland and the UK also found that more than a third (35%) are concerned about upgrading legacy infrastructure systems, while almost a fifth (18%) are worried about IT supply chain shortages.

Given the challenges causing the most concern, it’s perhaps unsurprising that some 71% of respondents are planning to focus their IT strategy this year on security. The other two most cited focus areas were public cloud (46%) and automation (41%).

Clearly, cloud remains a key focus for 2023 with a quarter (25%) of IT experts also honing in on cloud backup. Some 30% will prioritise hybrid (multi) cloud, with 34% set to focus on Software as a Service (SaaS) or cloud applications.

A similar proportion (35%) are setting their sights on data protection and compliance as a primary focus area of their 2023 IT strategy, while workplace modernisation is a priority for 26% and remote working is high on the list for 30%. The same amount (30%) cited end user computing and environmental sustainability as key areas.

In terms of IT budgets for 2023, the research revealed that 35% of IT professionals are expecting theirs to increase – this is down considerably from 2022 when 51% expected their IT budgets to increase. Meanwhile, some 40% are expecting theirs to stay the same, with a quarter (25%) anticipating a decrease – rising from 16% who expected a decrease the year previously.

When it comes to making strategic IT decisions, 76% said the input of the internal IT team is most valuable. Moreover, half (50%) value the input of their peers/personal network most and 46% identified independent tech specialists.

The study also found that 95% of organisations are currently using Microsoft as the technology vendor most aligned with their IT strategy for 2023. The other vendors in the top five were VMware (83%), Azure Cloud (82%), Dell (78%) and Cisco (73%).

Alex Louth, Managing Director, Logicalis UK&I, said: “Given the concerns around rising threats and lacking skills, where IT leaders allocate their spend is more critical than ever. Furthermore, there is a balance to be found between securing company systems and supporting the modern workplace.

“This will mean choosing not just the right technological solutions and vendors, but having an approach which can evolve to meet the needs of the team and the business as a whole – both today and moving forward.

“After all, workplace modernisation is a continuous process and change is required. However, if organisations can successfully master and implement their IT strategy, they can protect their data, encourage team innovation and drive business growth.”

To download the Logicalis IT Survey Results, Independent Survey of IT Priorities, UK and Ireland, click here.

Codec named Microsoft Country Partner of the Year for Ireland 2023

Codec, one of Ireland’s leading cloud solutions consultancy companies, today announced it has won the prestigious Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for 2023. The company was honoured among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

The achievement comes following a recent expansion programme launched by Codec. The expansion will create 65 new jobs in Ireland and saw the opening of a new office in London.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognise Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services, and devices during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honourees chosen from a set of more than 4,200 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Codec was recognised for providing outstanding solutions and services in Ireland.

Commenting on the achievement, Ronan Stafford, CEO, Codec, said: “I am delighted to accept the Microsoft Ireland 2023 Country Partner of the Year award on behalf of our exceptional team at Codec. Their dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment have driven transformative digital projects for our clients in the Public Sector and Healthcare Sector. This recognition is a testament to their remarkable achievements and the positive impact they have made. Together, we will continue pushing boundaries and shaping a brighter future.”

Speaking about the award win, Martina Naughton, Global Partner Sales Director, Microsoft Ireland, added: “We are delighted to announce Codec as Microsoft Ireland’s Country Partner of the Year for 2023. Codec’s exceptional drive for innovation, their dedication to customer success, and collaborative approach truly set them apart. Their unwavering commitment to assuring delivery of Microsoft’s cloud solutions has been instrumental in enabling their customers to thrive and embrace digital transformation. We look forward to continuing our partnership, developing innovative solutions, now and into the future, as Codec continues to exemplify excellence in leveraging Microsoft technology.”

Established in 1985 and headquartered in Ireland, Codec is a high-growth, leading technology company with offices in Dublin, London, Belfast, and Malta. With a team of over 300 dedicated professionals, they are committed to delivering innovative solutions based on the Microsoft low-code platform. As a four-time recipient of the Microsoft Country Partner of the Year award, Codec specialises in providing business applications, artificial intelligence, and cloud infrastructure on the low-code Microsoft platform to organisations in the Public and Healthcare sectors. Beyond technology Codec actively supports sustainability and our chosen charities, Ruhama and Flourish.