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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.
The Pamu slide mini are the second pair on offer from their well received OG pair which today still serve me well and are a worthy purchase and a solid performer considering the price and they also came in a first I have seen with a case that offers wireless charging for your phone too which was a neat touch and not seen since from me from any other, there is charging cases with many TWS earbuds but none that offer wireless charging.
To keep this short these are pretty much identical to the previous pair and you can read that review HERE and they still deliver as a whole coming in cheaper and the fit on these again is great and something I liked from the OG and the design which again remains the same and the difference being a smaller case yet offering wireless charging for the earbuds but none for your smartphone etc.
Most companies will need to transport large sets of data at some point in their lifetimes. Whether you are upgrading your storage hardware or replacing a database, you will need to employ a reliable set of data migration tools to get the job done. But if you’re new to this sort of job, finding the right tools can be difficult. In our latest blog post, we’re offering a comprehensive guide to data migration as well as tips for finding the right tools for your organization.
We will review:
The basics of data migration
Different tools your company can use for data migration
Challenges and risks of data migration
Tips for successfully planning your data migration
Let’s get started!
What is Data Migration?
Data migration is a key focus for data storage professionals.
So, what is data migration exactly? The concept is actually quite simple. Data migration is the process of transferring data from one storage location to another. During this process, a company must prepare, extract, and even transform the data. Not to be confused with data replication, which occurs when someone copies data from one platform before sending it to another, data migration can be a long and tedious process.
Purpose of Data Migration Projects
There are a number of different reasons why a company needs to invest in a data migration project. They might be upgrading a server or launching a new application. If they acquired another company, they will need to transfer the data from the old company into their current one. Some other common types of data migrations include:
Performing storage migration for a technology refresh
Moving a database into cloud storage or some other platform
Transitioning data between different applications after switching software platforms
While transferring the data, the company wants to complete the process with no data loss. When possible, it will also want to minimise the amount of data that requires manipulation or recreation.
Data Migrations Tools Your Company Might Use
Self-scripted, on-premises, cloud-based, and more services can be used for data migration.
Data migration tools are not all built the same. There are a number of different data migration tools you can use to successfully complete your project. Smaller companies might prefer to use a self-scripted, “do-it-yourself” tool while larger ones might require extra assistance for developing a cloud-based program. The three main types of data migration tools include:
Self-scripted programs
On-premises tools
Cloud-based sources
Understanding the basics of these programs as well as the needs of your organisation can help you pick the right tools for your company. Make sure you weigh the key points of these programs against the key goals of the data migration project you’re organising. Another great tool you could use is Sharegate’s teams migration tool.
Self-scripted Programs
Self-scripted programs are best suited for small data migration projects. They are great for companies in need of a quick fix or who have a source-destination that isn’t supported by other tools. They also tend to be cheaper than the other programs listed.
However, you will need someone on your team with coding skills if you want to use a self-scripted program. Because your company’s need will be constantly changing, the increase in cost for using these self-scripted programs can seriously add up over time.
On-premises Tools
Certain compliance requirements prevent businesses from using cloud-based solutions for data migration. As a result, they turn to on-premises tools. On-premises programs are great for IT teams that can handle their management and upkeep.
Cloud-based Sources
If you have multiple destinations for your data, a cloud-based program might be the best fit for you. Cloud-based solutions are great for companies that need to scale up or down. If you are managing a geographically dispersed team, cloud-based programs are great for helping everyone stay in the loop.
Some people do have concerns over the security that cloud-based sources offer. As a result, you might need to take extra steps in ensuring the safety and security of your chosen program.
Challenges and Risks of Data Migration
Businesses rely on properly-run data management projects for the success of their overall operations.
Data migration does come with its own challenges and risks. You might be faced with data loss or compatibility issues that impede the process of your data migration. Poorly run projects can also cause your company to lose money in the long-run.
That’s why it’s crucial to select a tool that can handle the needs of your organization. Some companies try to save money by completing the process in-house. But if they don’t have enough time and resources to give their team to complete the migration, they are at risk of setting themselves up for failure. If necessary, you might need to recruit some outside help for planning the migration.
How to Build the Right Data Migration Strategy for Your Company
Make sure you find the right tools for your company.
When building a data migration strategy, you need to consider your company’s budget and unique needs. In general, you should include enough money in your budget to hire data migration consultants, this might mean you need financing through means likerevenue based loans. Planning out the strategy with these consultants can help set your organisation up for success. Make sure you consult with the end-users of this project as well. They might need help with understanding and managing the data.
If you’re planning a data migration project for your organisation, you need to find the right tools to help you pull it off. Some companies prefer to perform this process in-house, if for example they are preparing to move to an open banking system to help with finances. Others need extra assistance for such a large job. Whatever you decide, you need to review the basics of data migration. Familiarising yourself with them can help you find the right tools and expert assistance for your company.
DxO, a software developer that has developed a reputation in the photography industry and one of the global leaders in image processing technology, is announcing the immediate release of DxO DeepPRIME, an artificial intelligence technology dedicated to editing photos in RAW format. Trained with deep learning technology using the millions of photos DxO’s laboratories have analysed for more than 15 years, DxO DeepPRIME employs cutting-edge artificial intelligence and drastically improves digital noise reduction while also delivering more effective demosaicing. The resulting photo quality is spectacular, especially for photos taken in low light conditions, with small pixels, or with early-generation cameras.
“We’ve always thought that nothing could extract pertinent information from a noisy image better than the human brain,” explained Wolf Hauser, Scientific Director at DxO. “It is fascinating to see that AI is now even better at the job!”
DxO DeepPRIME: State-of-the-art Neural Networks
DxO DeepPRIME AI belongs to a class of neural networks call convolutional neural networks, the structure of which is directly inspired by neuroscientific research on the human brain. The computer is allowed to determine the values of millions of parameters within the network, hence the term automatic learning, based on a vast database of carefully chosen input and output example images.
DxO DeepPRIME is Trained Using a One-of-a-kind Database of Calibration Images
Since its founding in 2003, DxO has earned an international reputation after measuring and calibrating hundreds of cameras and thousands of lenses using a protocol that is more extensive than any other in the industry. Its laboratories have measured the amount of distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, loss of sharpness, and digital noise present in RAW images for each equipment combination and every situation with an extraordinary level of precision. Such in-depth knowledge of the performance and defects of each piece of photography equipment, which now totals to more than 60,000 different combinations, has resulted in a database of several million thoroughly calibrated images, each one containing several thousands of characteristic points. This database ultimately provided the DxO DeepPRIME network with several billion samples to learn from.
Revolutionary Denoising and Demosaicing Performance
Based on these billions of datasets, the DxO DeepPRIME artificial intelligence technology taught itself the two fundamental operations for editing any RAW image file—demosaicing and denoising.
Demosaicing consists of recreating complete colours based on the pixels from a photo sensor that initially only receive one of three basic colours. Denoising involves correcting digital noise, which produces granulation and coloured dots that significantly degrade the quality of photos taken in low-light conditions. Using a traditional approach, these two operations are performed separately, with each one introducing artifacts that degrade the quality of the other. Through deep learning, DxO DeepPRIME uses a holistic approach that combines demosaicing and denoising in the same step, resulting in exceptional performance.
“There are a number of applications for DxO DeepPRIME,” explains Jérôme Ménière, CEO of DxO. “In the field of photography, DxO DeepPRIME creates new creative opportunities by helping expert photographers overcome digital noise or a lack of light. For amateur photographers, DxO DeepPRIME compensates the drawbacks of the smaller sensors on compact and bridge cameras, which can typically only take high-quality images in bright light. Lastly, it can also be used to breathe new life into photos taken by early-generation digital cameras.”
In addition to photography for the general public, DxO is also exploring ways to apply DxO DeepPRIME in the medical, surveillance, and automotive industry.
Availability
DxO DeepPRIME is immediately available to the general public through DxO PhotoLab 4, the latest version of DxO’s advanced photo-editing software that was announced today. A fully functional, one-month trial version of DxO PhotoLab 4 is available on the DxO website: https://www.dxo.com/dxo-photolab/download/.
As we go back into a complicated world of local lockdowns, households will find themselves increasingly relying on their digital devices for work and leisure. That’s why Dropbox has created a new plan specifically adapted for families, making it easy and safe to share content and manage passwords.
A recent study by Ofcom found that adults in the UK had become glued to their devices for more than 40 per cent of the waking day due to lockdown, highlighting the relevance of Dropbox’s family plan, which will enable six users to stay connected in one virtual family room, with 2,000 GB of space to share photos, videos, and even Google Docs.
Key features:
· The great digital declutter
o On the family plan, everyone has their own separate account for personal files, but everything can easily be shared with other family members
o You can also back up all of your Facebook photo libraries in a few clicks
· Dropbox Passwords
o Netflix, Amazon Spotify and Asos, on the family plan, all members can securely store their passwords with zero-knowledge encryption to ensure that all members and their devices are protected
· Dropbox Vault
o For your sensitive files, like bank statements or identity documents, Dropbox Vault provides an additional layer of security. You can also select one member of your family to access your vault in an emergency
· Computer backup
o Forget the worries of hard drive crashes or the hassle of manual data transfer, the computer backup feature automatically syncs documents on your devices into your Dropbox folder.
The service will cost £16.99 per month (£13.99 when you sign up to an annual subscription) and will offer something new and unique to families. Not everyone wants to jump on the social media gravy train and Dropbox has finally found a way to share and communicate digitally without the additional pressure or feeling of being on a digital stage.
A new study from PayPal reveals that one in four Irish consumers used or bought online services for the first time during the pandemic. Furthermore, some 76% bought products online during this period.
The study, conducted by Ipsos and involving 2,000 consumers in Ireland, found that a third (33%) of people plan to buy more products or services online going forward, compared to before COVID-19. Over half (51%) said they can buy everything online without any issues.
In terms of the most popular services purchased by Irish consumers, call/video call services took the top spot, followed by video on-demand subscriptions and music subscriptions. The most popular online product purchased during lockdown was clothing/shoes/accessories.
Some 86% of Irish consumers found benefits to buying online during the COVID-19 crisis. Home delivery availability was cited as the biggest advantage with almost two thirds (64%) of respondents selecting it. More than half (59%) cited no queues as a main benefit.
Access to shops and products from home and online being the only option to get the desired products were also among the top benefits, each being cited by 39% of people. Meanwhile, 21% of respondents said payment security was a main advantage.
Moreover, the survey found that a 59% of Irish consumers purchased something from abroad since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maeve Dorman, VP Merchant Operations, PayPal EMEA
Maeve Dorman, VP Merchant Operations, PayPal EMEA, said: “Understandably, there has been a huge shift toward online purchasing in recent months, and our research shows that this will be a permanent change for a lot of people in Ireland. Digital has become the new normal for buying both goods and, increasingly, services – as well as many consumers buying online for the first time, there are those who have completely changed their behaviours when it comes to purchasing as a result of the pandemic.
“COVID-19 has clearly accelerated the evolution of commerce in Ireland, with people turning to online shopping and digital payments rather than the traditional cash and in-store experience. As a result of this growing preference for the convenience associated with online purchasing, many are also buying from international sellers.
“Irish businesses need to step up and ensure that they are able to deliver an online offering equipped with a simple checkout process and secure payment options, otherwise they will fail to capitalise on the opportunity during what is already an extremely challenging time. Having a digital platform is more important than ever in order to meet the growing domestic need for online access to products and services, and future-proof businesses by attracting building trust among existing and new customers. It also opens up a huge global opportunity for Irish businesses to grow at this time.”
Speck announced a new line of protective, durable, and slim cases, with built-in antimicrobial protection, now available for iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Speck designs products that enable users to experience more, more mindfully, more free from distraction— with protection at the core of every Speck product. The entire line of cases for the iPhone12 series provides consumers with unparalleled protection from stain and odor-causing bacteria and drops up to 4 metres, and is available to order now at Amazon.co.uk.
Speck has partnered with Microban International, the global leader in antimicrobial technology, to integrate Microban® product protection into all cases for the iPhone 12 series. Microban provides Speck users product protection against stain and odor-causing bacteria on case surfaces. Consumers have peace of mind that their phone case is cleaner beyond what is visible to the naked eye by targeting the invisible microbes that contaminate surfaces. Working continuously, Microban technology has been proven effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria to fight growth 24/7, for the lifetime of the case.
Included in the lineup is Speck’s new Presidio®2 line of cases with Presidio2 Armor Cloud technology, a breakthrough in device protection that uses individual air capsules to resist damage upon impact. To create Presidio2 Armor Cloud technology, Speck developed a proprietary design that aligns individual air capsules along the perimeter of the case. At impact, the air capsules flex and suspend the device on a cushion of air, like an airbag. Speck is continuously innovating and exploring ways to pack in the most protection while maintaining Speck’s hallmark slim design. The Presidio2 line includes Presidio2 Armor Cloud, Presidio2 Grip and Presidio2 Pro.
Also available is a range of Presidio Perfect-Clear cases. To show off the beauty and vibrant colors of the iPhone 12 series without compromising protection, the cases in the Presidio Perfect-Clear line provide brilliant clarity and 4 metre drop protection. An innovative crystal-clear coating is guaranteed to resist yellowing and discoloration over time. The Presidio Perfect-Clear line includes cases that address both function and style: Presidio Perfect-Clear, Presidio Perfect-Clear with Grips, Presidio Perfect-Clear with Glitter, Presidio Perfect-Mist, and Presidio Perfect-Clear Ombre.
The full Speck line for iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max includes:
Presidio2 Armor Cloud (£34.95) — Protective dual-layer case featuring new Presidio2 Armor Cloud technology that protects against drops up to 4.8 metres.
Presidio2 Pro (£24.95) — Features Armor Cloud technology with a unique, soft-touch finish.
Presidio2 Grip (£29.95) — All new no-slip grips, Presidio2 Armor Cloud technology and a unique, soft-touch finish.
Presidio Perfect-Clear (£24.95) — Perfect-Clear coating resists discoloration while Microban technology fights against stains and bacteria growth.
Presidio Perfect-Clear with Grips (£29.95) — Iconic grip design with clear, no-slip grips for ultimate durability and coating that resists discoloration.
Presidio Perfect-Mist (£29.95) — New, luxuriously soft-touch matte finish with a semi-transparent back for a more enhanced look and added scratch resistance.
Presidio Perfect-Clear Ombre (£29.95) — Fashionable clear case with bold, fade-resistant ombre designs.
Presidio Perfect-Clear with Glitter (£29.95) — Slim, protective clear case with fade-resistant glitter crystals.
Speck cases for the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are available starting at £24.95 with select UK retailers including Three, John Lewis, Argos, Amazon UK and all Apple Premium Resellers.
Amazon has announced that its first ever Amazon Academy event for small businesses in Ireland will take place on Friday 6th November 2020, providing free training and guidance to help businesses increase their online sales and reach new customers.
The virtual event aims to help entrepreneurs and SMEs grow their business online, boost their export sales, and improve the experience and services they provide customers. Businesses are invited to register for the free tickets here. More than 4,000 SMEs have attended previous Amazon Academy events to learn how to scale their business.
Amazon Academy Ireland has been created in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, Enterprise Nation, Design & Crafts Council Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office. The event will feature interviews, panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions with Irish industry leaders, including RTE Dragon’s Den investor Alison Cowzer, successful Amazon entrepreneurs, as well as marketing, HR, accounting, IP and legal experts. They will provide a wide range of practical advice on how to grow sales and guidance on the issues facing businesses in Ireland today.
“Irish small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the economy and we’re excited to bring the Amazon Academy to Ireland for the first time to support, engage and inspire the next generation of world-class Irish entrepreneurs,”said Simon Donegan, Head of Seller Services, Amazon. “We’re looking forward to welcoming hundreds of people to our virtual event in November where they’ll meet and learn from some of Ireland’s leading business minds.”
Julie Sinnamon, CEO of Enterprise Ireland:“We are delighted to collaborate with Amazon on their first ever Amazon Academy Ireland, designed to help Irish SMEs and entrepreneurs realise their ambitions and embrace e-commerce for growth. More than ever, consumers around the world are shopping online and there is a significant appetite from Enterprise Ireland client companies to trade online and to partner with marketplaces such as Amazon to access new customers and markets. Virtual selling is one of the key areas of focus for Enterprise Ireland client companies and we are committed to helping Irish SMEs access the range of digital marketing supports available to help grow their businesses online”.
Emma Jones MBE, Head of Enterprise Nation:“We are looking forward to bringing the Amazon Academy to Ireland for the first time to support the growing number of small businesses across the country, helping them build a stronger online presence and expand their digital might. It’s an exciting development in Amazon’s approach to supporting smaller companies and we are looking forward to a strong, informative and inspirational event.”
Amazon Academy Ireland takes place following a recent report from Enterprise Ireland, published during International Markets Week 2020, which showed that one in three SMEs have seen their export sales decline in 2020 due to COVID-19. But despite the challenges faced by small businesses this year, many remain optimistic, with more than half (57%) of Irish SMEs expecting a brighter outlook in 2021 alongside an ambition to create new jobs, and 83% intend to hire new staff next year.
Amazon offers a suite of services to help businesses export their products and services, including providing global delivery and distribution, managing customer services in the local language and translating hundreds of millions of product listings each year on behalf of smaller businesses.
Earlier this year, Amazon announced it was creating another 1,000 permanent jobs in Ireland over the next two years. The new, highly skilled roles will be based in locations across the company’s Cork and Dublin sites in Blanchardstown, Tallaght, the city centre, and north County Dublin, and will bring Amazon’s total permanent workforce in the country to 5,000 people over the next two years. This will help to support Ireland’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic
On October 20, 21 and 22, all Stadia users can play a brand new, exclusive demo or beta for free. These demos will be available for seven days, so play now while you have a chance! PAC MAN is first up which I am currently enjoying so check it out..
Current Stadia gamers: play via Click to Play link or by navigating to the Stadia store
New Stadia gamers: play via Click to Play link or by navigating to the Stadia store; while an account is needed to play, neither Stadia Pro nor a form of payment is required to play these titles
PAC-MA Mega Tunnel Battle Demo (Oct. 20; First on Stadia)
Jump into Elimination mode, one of the two game styles available in the full game, and play head-to-head in 64-player last-PAC-MAN-standing battles! PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle introduces new power-ups, a variety of character customizations and mazes, and a new Spectator mode that allows players to impact the game from the sidelines.
Free gameplay of PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle Demo available through October 27. PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle launches First on Stadia on November 17. Pre-order now ($19.99 USD / €19.99) on the Stadia store.
HUMANKIND Beta (Oct. 21)
Expand your empire, discover new technologies, form diplomatic relationships, and master fully tactical battles within a 4X game of monumental proportions. HUMANKIND is a historical, turn-based strategy game where YOU will rewrite the entire narrative of humankind to create a civilization that is as unique as you are.
Immortals Fenyx Rising Demo (Oct. 22)
Play as Fenyx, a new winged demigod, on a quest to save the Greek gods and their home from a dark curse. Take on mythological beasts, master the legendary powers of the gods, and defeat Typhon, the deadliest Titan in Greek mythology, in an epic fight for the ages.
Day 1 Lineup
PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle Demo
Jedi Fallen Order (Available on November 24)
The Empire seeks to eradicate all Jedi after the execution of Order 66. You, a Jedi Padawan-turned-fugitive, must fight for your survival as you explore the mysteries of a long-extinct civilization in hopes of rebuilding the Jedi Order.
Hello Engineer (First on Stadia)
Hello Engineer is a multiplayer machinery-building construction game set in the Hello Neighbor universe. Scavenge, craft and overcome challenges in the sandbox world of a mysterious amusement park. Put together incredible machines built of scrap, and beware of the Neighbor.
JAM Audio today launches the Bookshelf Speaker, an affordable sound system offering robust and rich sound to enhance your at-home listening experience.
With 4 inch bass drivers, 0.75 inch tweeters and rear bass port, the speakers deliver clear, bold quality sound with true bass, even with the volume up. The robust cabinet design also reduces distortion for a rich audio experience, able to fill any space.
Featuring Bluetooth 5.0, with the Bookshelf Speakers you can easily stream your favourite music from your phone, tablet or laptop. Or use the multiple connection points (RCA & AUX) for wired connections from multiple audio sources.
As the Bookshelf Speakers are mains powered, they can be moved to any room in the house, depending on where you like to listen to your music. They are also the perfect match for the JAM Bluetooth Turntables and can be paired together for ultimate enjoyment of your classic vinyl collection.
“We are excited to expand our range of speakers with the affordable Bookshelf Speaker”, explains John Mikkola, JAM Audio Director of Consumer Electronic Sales. “We know that having a quality at-home sound system can enhance our home life, and having the option to connect the Bookshelf Speaker to our Bluetooth Turntable gives customers the option to enjoy their favourite music in different ways”.
Available in three different and stylish colourways: Black, Wood and Dark Wood, the speakers will fit with any décor, and on any shelf. The Bookshelf Speaker is available for £79.99 from uk.jamaudio.com and select retailers nationwide.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
· 4 internal speakers (2 x bass drivers, 2 x tweeters)