Category: Tech

A Dive into the Technology Used in Solar PV

In a world where the consequences of climate change are increasingly apparent, the push to reduce greenhouse gases, mainly by burning fossil fuels, is in full swing. Investment in green energy, such as solar energy, is increasing with each passing year, and for good reasons.

Switching to green solar energy is now economically feasible. While there has always been an abundance of solar energy to tap into, the technology to harness ample solar energy for typical household or commercial use cases was cost-prohibitive. 

It’s estimated that the amount of sunlight that hits the earth’s surface in just one hour and a half is enough to meet the world’s full-year energy consumption. On average, 342 watts of solar energy hit every square meter of earth yearly (https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/135642main_balance_trifold21.pdf). This is a huge amount of energy, which, if tapped into by using solar PV, can make a significant difference in reducing carbon emissions. Recently, harnessing solar energy to generate electricity has become a viable option.

Solar PV technology such as pvgeneration.ie used in harnessing solar energy has improved tremendously in the past decade, improving the efficiency of commercially available solar panels. With increased efficiency, typical solar panels can generate more electricity and meet our needs, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Let’s dive into the solar PV technology that’s making harnessing solar energy possible.

Solar Photovoltaic Technology: How PV Cells Convert Sunlight into Electricity

A photovoltaic cell is a non-mechanical device that converts sunlight to electricity. Every PV cell is made of a semiconductor material. Semiconductor materials conduct electricity better than insulators but not as well as conductors, such as metals, can. When sunlight strikes PV cells, the photons can provide enough energy to dislodge negatively charged particles called electrons.

The dislodged electrons also attain energy to flow through the material, creating an electrical current that can be harvested to power electrical appliances. The front of the PV cells are treated to attract the dislodged electron or current of electricity. With the electrons moving to the surface of the PV cell, an electrical imbalance between the front and the back surfaces of the PV cell is created, thereby creating a voltage potential that allows the current to flow.

The vast majority of PV cells are made using silicone semiconductor material. The abundance of material and the longevity of silicon-based PV cells makes it commercially viable to produce silicon PV cells.

Every PV cell can produce as much as 1 to 2 watts, which is insufficient to power household or commercial appliances. However, when the cells are connected in a package to form a panel, they produce usable electricity. Typically, solar panels are connected to create an array, further enhancing the electricity-generating potential of the PV cells.

Once the electron reaches the surface of the PV cells, the current is extracted through a conductive metal and transferred to external loads – appliances that use electricity or storage batteries. 

PV cells generate direct current (DC) electricity. You can charge storage batteries directly with DC electricity. However, nearly all devices use alternating current electricity. As such, homeowners and businesses that invest in solar panels must also invest in an inverter, which converts the DC electricity that PV cells generate to AC command devices.

PV Efficiency 

One of the most essential measurement metrics for solar PVs is their efficiency. Understanding what happens to sunlight when it hits the PV cells is important to understand PV efficiency. When solar radiation hits the PV cell, it can either be reflected by the cell, pass through it, or be absorbed by it. The absorbed sunlight is the proportion of sunlight that generates electricity. As such, PV cell efficiency is the measure of the amount of electrical power generated by a PV cell compared to the energy of sunlight that hits the cells. 

The efficiency of PV cells depends on the intensity of solar radiation and the wavelengths of light the PV cell can utilise to generate electricity. The semiconductor bandgap indicates the wavelength of light the materials can absorb and use to dislodge electrons to generate electricity. As such, the efficiency of a solar PV cell depends on the bandgap matching with the wavelength of the light. 

Commercially available PV cells from companies such as NFC Energy in Meath typically have an efficiency of 15% to 25%. However, niche PV cells such as those used in satellites and experimental cells can achieve about 50% efficiency.

Other Types of Solar Cell Technology 

While the solar PV industry is dominated by silicon solar cells, there is an array of other types of solar cells. They include:

#1: Thin-Film Solar Cells – Thin-cell PV cells are made using a micrometre thick layer of semiconductor materials such as copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) or cadmium telluride (CdTe). Consequently, these PV cells are flexible and lightweight, which makes them ideal for portable applications. Thin cell PVs are also easier to manufacture than traditional silicon-based PV cells. 

#2: III-IV Solar Cells – The III-IV Solar PV Cells can be considered the most advanced currently available PV cells. They are named after the group of elements they are made of – that is, Group III materials such as indium and gallium and Group V elements such as antimony and arsenic. These types of solar cells are more challenging to manufacture and, therefore, more expensive. As such, they are typically used in high-tech environments where high power-to-weight ratios are essential, and their high cost is not a prohibiting factor, such as satellites and high endurance UAVs.

Additionally, research is ongoing to develop new types of solar cells that are cheaper and easier to produce while retaining high levels of efficiency (or even improving efficiency). Various national laboratories and private organisations are pursuing new PV technologies such as quantum dot PV cells, concentration PVs, multijunction PV cells, PV cells made of organic materials, and PV cells made of hybrid organic-inorganic materials (such as Perovskite Photovoltaics, which are a type of thin-film PV cells).

 

Irish Tech Inventions That Went Global

While it is well known that Ireland has been the birthplace of numerous exceptional poets, writers, singers, and actors, a number of fantastic inventors were also born and raised in the country. 

The inventions that came forth from the minds of these men and women not only affected things in Ireland but spread to become standards worldwide. Below, we’ve found the greatest Irish tech inventions that, at the time, revolutionised industries and opened new avenues to things nobody knew existed. 

Submarine (1881)

Modern submarines are a marvel of technological innovation. They can stay beneath the choppy waters for weeks on end, generate their own power, travel freely at impressive speeds, and pop up out from the ocean at a moment’s notice.

These submarines, however, would likely not exist today if it weren’t for the work of John Philip Holland. 

Born in Liscannor, Ireland, he battled health problems before moving to the United States in 1873. At the time of his immigration, John had already begun working on preliminary designs for an underwater vessel that could have leisure and military applications. 

After slipping and breaking his leg, he had time to refine his designs, submitting many to the US Navy. All of these were, however, rejected. In 1881, John designed and built the Holland, the world’s first working submarine. Various tweaks were made until 1897 when the Holland VI launched, which the US Navy purchased three years later; it then became the blueprint for further development of sleeker and more capable subs. 

Transatlantic Cable (1858)

Although the first telegraph sent via transatlantic cables resulted from the work of inventors from various nations, the input of numerous Irish inventors and engineers made it a success. There was an attempt to lay the cable, which actually consisted of seven cables, in 1857 from White Strand in County Kerry, Ireland.  

In 1858, a successful cable run from Count Kerry to Newfoundland, Canada, was completed. Although not the first permanent transatlantic cable, since a more durable one was laid between North America and Europe in 1866, it was the first time a telegraph was successfully sent across the Atlantic, paving the way for more accessible communication between the two continents.

Seismology Instrumentation (1840s)

Born in Dublin in 1810, Robert Mallet shook things up by entering university at 16 and graduating by 20. After his studies, he worked as an engineer, helping design and build lighthouses. He had a particular interest in geology and became a member of the Royal Geological Society of Ireland in 1838. 

By 1846, Robert had developed a unique understanding of earth movements and presented a paper to the Royal Irish Academy. In the paper, he outlined basic seismology as we understand it today and coined terms such as epicentre.

Guided Missile/Torpedo (1874)

Moving from Ireland to Australia in 1861, Louis Brennan grew up being groomed to be a respected engineer and inventor. His first job was as a watchmaker, during which he honed his engineering skills. This was until he went to work for a renowned mechanical engineer called Alexander Kennedy Smith.

While working, Brennan came up with the idea of designing a torpedo that could be steered. The idea came from experiments using a thread and reel and seeing how the two interacted when used together. 

After developing his idea for years, Louis finally received a government grant and began working on a prototype. This he completed in 1877, shortly after which he filed a patent. In 1880, Brennan returned to England, where the UK military purchased his patent for over £100,000 (more than £12 million today). 

From here, his design was perfected while he worked as a factory superintendent dedicated to manufacturing his torpedo.

Jet Ejector Seat (1946)

Born in County Down, Sir James Martin worked as an engineer before starting his own firm in 1929 alongside his friend Captain Valentine Baker. The two worked on the design and manufacture of multiple fighter aircraft, the most famous being the MB 3.

As part of the design of these aircraft from 1934, Sir James experimented with the idea of an ejector seat that could launch a pilot to safety. However, the idea did not evolve until 1944. During a test flight of their new MB 3, Captain Baker, who was acting as the test pilot, fell out of the sky to his death after an engine failure.

With the death of his partner severely affecting him, Sir James redoubled his efforts to focus on pilot safety. After developing a new design, the Martin-Baker system was tested in a Gloster Meteor Mk III jet on 24 July 1946. The test was successful and led to further developing systems used in almost all military aircraft available today. 

Induction Coil (1834)

Even though most of us rarely need more electricity in modern times, Nicholas Callan certainly did in the 19th century. A physicist and Catholic priest by profession, Nicholas began teaching natural philosophy and became fascinated with the concept of electricity.

Needing more than what was available, he began playing with the idea of using coiled wire to create an intermittent high-voltage alternating current using a low-voltage direct current. In 1834, he perfected his design using a bar of iron and lengths of variously sized strands of copper wire.

Although he referred to his invention as an electromagnet, it was actually the world’s first induction coil. The coil became commonly used in X-ray equipment and is still used in some internal combustion engines. 

Conclusion

From fantastic inventions that allow us to travel across the world to great resources like Bonusfinder Ireland that make it easier to try our luck online, the origins of some of yesteryear’s creations may seem forgotten. However, many of them set the stage for items and concepts still used today.

The Irish inventors above not only changed the times and regions they lived in, but their inventions have gone on to be incorporated into modern life and spread to every corner of the planet—something that every inventor dreams of.

Investment fraud attempts surge by 76% in the first half of 2024

According to the latest Bank of Ireland fraud data for the first half of 2024, the volume of investment fraud attempts has surged by 76% compared to the same period in 2023.

Investment fraud happens when fraudsters, posing as legitimate firms, offer consumers investment opportunities on social media or in a sponsored search result. A common tactic is to promise high returns and then put people under considerable pressure to commit to the investment opportunity quickly.

The majority of investment fraud cases begin on social media with customers then receiving phone calls and messages to continue the scam. The practice of re-targeting customers is also a growing trend. This is where fraudsters contact a person who has already been a victim and pose as someone trying to help the consumer recover their money. However, this is simply another way for them to try to gain access to consumers’ accounts.

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.
  • Big/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”.
  • Urgency: They tell you to make an urgent payment to get in on the deal.
  • 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).

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said:  “The growth in investment fraud attempts is the most concerning trend we are seeing at the moment. The level of highly personalised targeting of consumers continues to grow year on year, and everyone needs to be on their guard. When it comes to this serious criminal activity, 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. 

“We know that three in four consumers want to be able to speak directly with someone at their bank or financial service provider if they fall victim to fraud or are worried about a transaction. That’s why 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.”

Bank of Ireland fraud research (Red C, 2024) reveals:

  • 94% of people have been targeted by a fraudster in the last 12 months.
  • The most common way is by text message (89%), followed by phone calls (75%) emails (65%) and fraudulent WhatsApp messages growing in prevalence at 39%.
  • When asked whether they feel personally at risk of financial fraud, 43% of people still rate themselves as having little or no risk of fraud in the next 6 months. This increases to 52% in the age 18 – 30 category, showing a high degree of complacency or over-confidence. 

Aine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer, Bank of Ireland said: “Bank of Ireland runs one of the most comprehensive consumer fraud awareness programmes in Ireland, designed to help safeguard the financial wellbeing of our customers. However, our research shows that close to half of those surveyed do not feel at risk of fraud, and this underlines the importance of raising awareness of this very real risk.

“Bank of Ireland will spend €50 million on fraud prevention and protection measures this year and next. This includes €15 million on new fraud prevention technology, along with a range of high-profile consumer awareness campaigns and support for customers who are targeted by fraudsters.”

 A new heavy-weight fraud awareness campaign across digital and social media is being launched this week, running for the rest of the year, designed to reach the general public across a range of media. The latest phase in Bank of Ireland’s consumer fraud education campaign, now in its fourth year, will have a particular focus on media to reach the 18-30 demographic, where research has indicated a degree of over-confidence.

The campaign includes five new episodes of Fraud Watch: True Crime Stories,  a content series featuring real-life examples of fraud scenarios including advice from international cyberpsychologist Professor Mary Aiken, digital audio ads,  social influencer partnerships, a partnership with LADBible and ‘Back To Basics’ social content series.

The content highlights topical fraud scams and gives customers essential fraud prevention steps they can take.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.

For advice and information on how to stay safe from fraud, visit the Security Zone on the Bank of Ireland website.

The Latest Technology Used in Home Stairlifts

You or your loved one with mobility retirements can use home stairlifts to get some mobility and freedom back. Installing a home stairlift in your home can help you to transport those with mobility issues up and down stairs safely. Home stairlifts provide a sense of independence and enhance quality of life. 

Home stairlifts are affordable and come with unique features. Home stairlift technology can make stairlifts convenient and reliable. The advancements in technology enhance the safety, comfort and effectiveness of home stairlifts. 

Read on to learn the latest technology used in home stairlifts: 

Memory Seats

Do you use a stairlift to get up and down stairs in your home? Then, you probably want to find the perfect seated position. Thankfully, memory seats allow you to store your preferred seat position and height. You can program your preferred seat position and height. Your stairlift will automatically adjust to your saved settings. 

Emergency Stop Mechanisms 

Home stairlifts have emergency stop mechanisms. The emergency stop button provides an additional safety layer. You will just press the button during an emergency. It will stop your stairlift quickly and safely. You will not even feel sudden jerking movements. So, you do not have to worry about falling down the stairs. The emergency stop button can give you and your loved ones peace of mind. 

Obstruction Detection System

Home stairlifts come with obstacle detection systems. The obstruction detection system detects potential obstacles on the stairs. How? It uses infrared sensors or lasers. So, if the system detects an obstacle, the stairlift automatically stops. The purpose of this feature is to avoid a collision and keep the users safe. You will never have to worry about your loved ones. 

Pressure Sensors

Pressure sensors are embedded in the seat. They detect whether the home stairlift is occupied. Therefore, it prevents the stairlift from operating accidentally. For instance, if you accidentally bump the control, the stairlift will not move. The lift only moves when the seat is occupied. The pressure sensors can also stop the stairlift if the lift encounters obstacles. 

Powered Footrests

You no longer have to manually adjust footrests. Powered footrests are one of the best safety features found in modern home stairlifts. You can adjust the footrest with a simple press of a button. And the footrests automatically retract and extend as your stairlift moves. Powered footrests can improve user experience and ensure a smooth ride. 

Swivel Seats

Many modern home stairlifts feature swivel seats. Swivel seats rotate 45 or 90 degrees. So, they can help you mount and dismount the stairlift. That is why they are suitable if your legs are weak. You will be able to get on and off the seat of your stairlift with ease. They can reduce the risk of falls. 

Mobile App Connectivity

We use our mobile phones to do so many things. You can, for instance, use your smartphone to control electronic devices. Nowadays, you can also use your smartphone to control your home stairlift remotely. You can even monitor the operation status of your stairlift from your smartphone. You will, therefore, be able to manage your mobility needs easily. 

Smart Home Integration

Do you want to control your home stairlift with your voice? It is now possible. In fact, you can use virtual assistants, such as Google Assistant or Alexa, to control your stairlift. You do not even have to press a button to control your stairlift. You will just use your voice to control it. And if you want to create a smart home, your home stairlift can be connected to other smart devices in your home. 

Backup Battery 

You may want to use your home stairlift throughout the day. Thankfully, modern home stairlifts have a backup battery. So, you do not have to worry about power outages. If there is no power in your home, you can still use your stairlift. The backup battery charges automatically. And it holds power for 6 – 8 trips. 

Speed Control 

You need to consider the speed at which the home stairlift travels. Stairlifts have a speed of around 0.16 to 0.34 miles per hour. Manufacturers place speed limiters on modern home stairlifts. The speed limiter prevents speed malfunctions. So, it prevents dangerous speeds. It will ensure the stairlift does not exceed the top speed of the stairlift. If you can prevent your stairlift from going too fast, you can prevent unnecessary accidents in your home. 

Emergency Contact Button 

Some modern home stairlifts have an emergency contact button. You can use it in an emergency to contact emergency services or a loved one. You will just program the emergency contact button. The stairlift can even store multiple emergency contacts. 

Diagnostic Systems

You would want to know the well-being of your home stairlift. You can, therefore, use the diagnostic display to monitor the performance of your stairlift. The diagnostic system can even help you detect potential issues. You will need to fix these issues to prevent breakdowns. The system alerts service providers and users. Do not ignore these alerts. 

Final Thoughts 

Modern home stairlifts from trusted local companies such as O Connor Carrol Stairlifts Kildare are safe and convenient. They provide a safe way to go up and down the stairs. They can reduce the risks of falls in your home. However, you still want to make sure your home stairlift suits your needs. You may need to test different models to find the best one for your home. 

A good home stairlift is affordable and convenient, comfortable and can help you gain independence. Do not forget to maintain your stairlift. Why? Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your stairlift.

The Modern Technologies Used By Teeth Whitening Clinics in Ireland

Teeth whitening has become an increasingly popular cosmetic dental procedure in Ireland, with many seeking brighter, more confident smiles. Modern technologies have significantly improved the effectiveness and efficiency of these treatments. In this article, we’ll explore the modern technologies used by teeth whitening clinics in Ireland. 

The Appeal of a White, Bright Smile in Ireland

Having a white, bright smile can significantly elevate your confidence levels and enhance your attractiveness. Here are a few reasons why a white smile is so appealing:

Youthful Appearance: As we age, our teeth tend to yellow and become discoloured. Whitening your teeth can reverse this effect, helping you achieve a more youthful look.

Enhanced Overall Appearance: A bright, white smile can be a major asset, making your face stand out and balancing other features like skin tone and hair colour.

Increased Confidence: When you feel good about your appearance, you’re more likely to feel confident and self-assured. A white smile can enhance your confidence in both social and professional settings.

Sign of Good Health: A white, healthy smile is usually associated with proper oral hygiene and overall health. By maintaining a white smile, you project an image of being well-cared-for and healthy.

Whether you’re aiming to boost your confidence or simply improve your appearance, teeth whitening is a simple and effective treatment. Here are some of the modern technologies used by top teeth whitening clinics in Ireland such as The White House.

 

  1. Laser Teeth Whitening

 

Laser teeth whitening, also known as power bleaching, is a highly effective and non-invasive technique that combines a whitening gel with bleaching agents like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, activated by laser light. This technology is renowned for its ability to remove stains and whiten teeth swiftly, often delivering dramatic results in a single session.

The procedure begins with the application of a whitening gel to the teeth. This gel contains powerful bleaching agents that are activated by laser light, which enhances their effectiveness in breaking down stains and discolouration on the teeth. The laser light speeds up the whitening process, making it one of the fastest and most efficient methods available.

 

  1. LED Light-Activated Whitening

 

LED-accelerated whitening technology is a more advanced version of laser teeth whitening. Instead of lasers, this procedure uses LED light to activate the whitening gel. The benefit of using LED light over lasers is that it generates less heat and is less intense than laser whitening, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive teeth.

 

  1. Advanced Tooth Whitening Toothpaste

 

Another effective over-the-counter teeth whitening solution recommended by dentists is nanoparticle-infused toothpaste. Often prescribed to complement professional dental treatments, these advanced toothpastes offer several benefits due to their innovative use of nanoparticles. They help prevent dental decay by increasing the teeth’s ability to fight cavities and aid in their remineralisation.

For whitening purposes, common agents include charcoal, carbon nanotubes, HA, and TiO2. These nanoparticles help patients maintain the whiter teeth for much longer once the specialised procedures have been completed. Additionally, they close micropores, reduce hypersensitivity, have antibacterial properties, and, importantly, brighten teeth and enhance their appearance. This allows patients to maintain their newly improved aesthetics for longer periods.

 

  1. Teeth Whitening Trays

 

Teeth whitening trays are a dentist-supervised solution designed for home use. This process begins with the dentist taking a dental impression of the patient’s teeth to create a custom mouth tray. The custom-fit tray ensures maximum contact between the gel and the teeth while minimising spillage onto the gums, thus reducing the risk of potential side effects.

Once the whitening gel is applied to the tray, the dentist provides detailed instructions on its usage. Patients may be advised to wear the tray for 30 minutes daily or for longer periods, depending on their specific needs. The treatment duration varies; some individuals might see results in 30 days, while others may require more time. The length of the treatment depends on the patient’s whitening goals and overall dental health.

 

  1. Combined In-Office and At-Home Treatments

 

Some clinics provide a combination of in-office and at-home whitening treatments for optimal results. The in-office treatment gives an immediate boost, while the at-home teeth whitening kits help maintain the whitening effect over time. Dentists will often recommend at-home teeth-whitening solutions to complement their in-office treatments. Some of the most effective at-home options include whitening pens, strips, gels, and rinses.

These over-the-counter products typically contain a formula of nanoparticles, advanced abrasives, and/or hydrogen peroxide. The combination of these ingredients effectively targets stains without causing damage to your teeth. These products are essential for maintaining and enhancing your teeth’s whiteness, allowing you to continue the whitening process conveniently at home without the need for specialised tools and techniques.

Choosing the Right Clinic and Technology

When selecting a teeth whitening clinic in Ireland, consider the following factors:

Professional Credentials: Ensure the clinic has qualified dental professionals with experience in teeth whitening.

Patient Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous patients to gauge the clinic’s reputation.

Technology and Equipment: Choose clinics that use the latest technology for the best results.

Aftercare and Support: Opt for clinics that offer comprehensive aftercare advice to maintain your new smile.

Modern teeth whitening technologies offer a range of options to achieve a brighter smile. From laser and LED light-activated treatments to custom tray-based systems, there is a solution for every need and preference. It’s important to understand how each of these technologies works so that you’re better informed when making a choice. Remember to always consult with a dental professional to determine the best teeth whitening method for your specific need

New Name Enters UK Connectivity Arena – Sona Business

A new name has officially entered the UK connectivity arena, promising to shake-up the sector and ‘raise the game’ of integrated network communications.

Sona Business is a wholesale internet, cloud and hosted UC solution provider backed by a 12-year international pedigree. The ambitious company is opening flagship offices in Hull to spearheaded UK activities led by experienced industry professional and new UK Partner Manager John McKindland.

The privately owned business was started by founders Sonia Harjani and Walter Perris, with global operations centred from Dubai and Rotterdam – supported by data centres across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

High Calibre

“Sona is on a mission to shake-up the market and forge a strong UK presence based on high calibre connectivity and speed of service through a personal touch. Our core areas are connectivity, communication, cloud and mobility,” Sonia explained.

Sona’s wide-ranging portfolio includes hosted UC, SD-WAN and private cloud services, offering ‘last mile’ access and data connections across the UK and Europe. Sona enjoys a strong market presence in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, supported by a 24/7/365 Global Network Operations Centre.

Sonia added: “There’s a lot of untapped resource and potential based on exceptional network infrastructure. Everything is in place to make a much bigger market impact and provide customers with unrivalled levels of product and service.”  

Sona provides real-time data, video and voice communication solutions over IP based on the brands of EziData, EziMobile, EziPBX, EziRoam, EziSIP, EziSMS and EziTalk. 

“The UK has taken great strides forward in recent years but in many ways they are still lagging behind the rest of Europe in terms of network performance. We want to raise the game and provide more choice,” Walter emphasised.

Sona Business Founders Walter Perris and Sonia Harjani

“We are a complete one-stop-shop with a global reach. Equally the short lines of communication with after-sales, helps us stand out from the competition. We are reachable, caring and professional. In many ways we hold the same importance as a utility provider and recognise that speed of service really matters.”

Building Blocks

He concluded: “We are an ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified company, and our vision is to become the leading provider of advanced IP communications solutions to businesses around the world. We are committed to providing cutting edge technology services to make sure our clients are connected on a secure and extensive network.”

John boasts almost four decades of industry experience which spans military telecoms, hardware manufacturers, networks and distribution.

He pointed out: “I needed a role to challenge me from the ground up. To launch a very established product set into the UK to a select number of partners, brick by brick; a bit like a Lego set. It’s an ideal scenario for me.

“We are a very nimble and adaptable business with high levels of availability. We’re always there when customers need us. Delivering faster, more cost effective and profitable services. The future is bright and we’re all looking forward to putting Sona firmly on the UK map.”

Evolve IP Launches Anywhere Mobile – Putting The Power Of A Desk Phone Into The Hands Of Mobile Users

Evolve IP has launched a new Fixed Mobile Convergence [FMC] mobile solution, which seamlessly combines desk phone functionality within a personal mobile device, to further accelerate its ‘work from anywhere’ strategy.

The leading UCaaS collaborations provider has announced Anywhere Mobile which uses innovative eSIM technology, designed to streamline business communication into one personal device in a ‘best of both worlds’ scenario.

Powered by technology partner, Tango Networks, the service enables Evolve IP EMEA partners to have flexibility in device usage and encourages a BYOD (bring your own device) culture across a host of industries. This drives efficiencies and convenience by turning any employee’s personal mobile phone into a fully-featured business extension.

Making Business Mobile 

Evolve IP Solutions Director, Scott Rixon says the new addition gives a business direct control over a second line on an employee’s phone, whilst personal communications remain private and secure. All business communications use the existing UC platform and business number.

“This represents a major step forward and offers a host of benefits to organisations and their staff,” he explained. “For example, it allows employees to use the mobile phones they like and are familiar with. It’s about working smarter and more effectively in an increasingly mobile-driven world. As it’s a full extension the presence of a user is visible, and the calls can be recorded and fully reported with reports and on dashboards. This should be thought of as just another way to take a call, supporting all our platform features.”

Anywhere Mobile is simple to use and requires no special apps, phone clients or training. It supports eSIM and physical SIMs. Furthermore, a business can reduce administrative overheads by eliminating personal phone expenses, according to Rixon.

“They can prevent employees from making business calls with personal numbers and retain business contacts when employees leave. Routing calls correctly means having proper call treatment, fewer missed calls and ultimately higher customer satisfaction.”

Work Anywhere Technologies 

He says Anywhere Mobile offers the best of both worlds with added cost savings and convenience.

Rixon concluded: “This is another innovative addition to our Anywhere UCaaS Solutions. Anywhere Mobile is the latest UC solution we are excited to be offering to partners across EMEA after seeing a clear demand and understanding that mobile services should sit within the essential part of any UC offering. Empowering teams to have the tools that allow them to work anywhere.”

Lee Essex, SVP Global Sales and Marketing, Tango Networks, is equally enthusiastic and emphasised: “We are thrilled to partner with and support Evolve IP with their launch of Anywhere Mobile. As leaders in fixed mobile convergence, we want to work with fellow leaders in UCaaS. Evolve IP continue to show themselves as innovators in both technology and their approach to delivering customer focused outcomes. This collaboration underscores our joint commitment to delivering seamless communication solutions on a global scale.”

To learn more, resellers can register to attend a webinar on August 7th by clicking here.

 

Nokia and eir to extend IP collaboration to support growing customer base for new services across Ireland

eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications company, and Nokia today announced the extension of its IP collaboration to support the evolving needs and expectations of its customers with access to world-class technology and connectivity solutions.

The agreement will see eir introduce the latest 400/800GE IP backbone for larger capacity to meet future traffic growth and Nokia’s 7750 Service Router, powered by Nokia’s in-house routing silicon, FP5, for greater flexibility, power efficiency and security. This move will support eir’s commitment to provide the most reliable and unparalleled connectivity and service to every corner of Ireland.

Fergal McCann, Chief Technology Officer at eir, said: “This announcement further supports our strategy to ‘Connect for a Better Ireland’, enabling access to the latest technology and fastest speeds and to grow our network capacity to meet continued customer and traffic growth. eir is delighted to continue to grow its collaboration with Nokia for IP Network Infrastructure delivering future-proof and highly reliable network technology for our customers.”

Phil Siveter

Phil Siveter, CEO, UK and Ireland at Nokia, said: “eir has been a strategic customer for Nokia’s Network Infrastructure business for many years with our IP collaboration starting more than 15 years ago. We are delighted to extend our reach to include our latest IP routing technology and solutions to further support eir’s commitment to the quality of its services across Ireland now and in the future.”

Resources and additional information
Webpage: 7750 Service Router
Webpage: FP5 Network Processor Technology

IT.ie forecasts €1M revenue increase from ethical hacking service

IT.ie, the Irish-owned Managed IT Services company, today announces that it expects to generate an additional €1M in revenue through an automated testing service that imitates the movements of hackers to uncover and exploit cybersecurity weak spots within organisations.

The company’s new penetration testing as-a-service (PTaaS), also known as pen testing or ‘ethical hacking’, is an automated cyber security solution designed to fully replicate a hacker’s attack on an organisation, as it attempts to exploit and gain access to its network. This forewarns the organisation to the potential dangers before cybercriminals have an opportunity to exploit them, potentially preventing an attack.

Pen testing has emerged as a key solution for businesses with the growth and increased sophistication of cyberattacks in the modern business landscape. As threats develop at a previously unforeseen rate, regular, automated testing – which takes into account human oversight – is essential.

The new service provides an in-depth scan of the organisation’s network to identify vulnerabilities. It then exploits any vulnerabilities found by replicating the actions of a hacker via a diverse and sustained attack.

PTaaS is preferable to traditional pen testing, which typically only occurs once per year. It represents a significant upgrade on the previous method, which was less precise, more expensive, and more prone to human error. Monthly assessments, however, allow organisations to constantly evaluate and reinforce their systems, enabling them to protect themselves from emerging threats.

Significantly, regular pen testing also enables a reduction in business’ insurance premiums, representing long-term cost savings. As insurance premiums for businesses continue to rise, PTaaS can reduce the likelihood of needing to pay out a ransomware attack – along with the associated costs of a major cybersecurity incident – making them less of a risk to insurance companies.

The new service is being introduced at a time of significant growth for IT.ie. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to double its headcount to 50 people by the end of 2025 and increase annual revenue to €8M.

Wayne Morgan, CTO at IT.ie, said: “To stay ahead of hackers, we must think like them and view our defences as their points of attack. Manual penetration testing led the way for many years, highlighting vulnerabilities in our networks and systems. Identifying these issues internally gave us time and direction to apply remediation steps before falling victim to malicious intent.

“Although this is effective at the time it is carried out, it fails to account for the dynamic nature of cyber threats. Hackers don’t just knock on your door once; they are constantly there, looking for ways in. Automated monthly pen testing is the next generation approach and is a much more effective means of testing your network to highlight any potential weaknesses, helping you to keep hackers at bay. This new innovative service offers cost-effective, monthly assessments, reducing costs and helping achieve regulatory compliance.”

“At IT.ie, we are determined that we remain at the cutting edge of cybersecurity and provide our customers with the most up-to-date services available as we continue to grow, and this new solution adds to our armoury.”