Category: Tech News

Datapac’s managed IT solution helps Special Olympics Ireland to go the distance

Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, today announces that it has implemented a fully managed ICT solution and security upgrades for Special Olympic Ireland (SOI). This represents an evolution of the long term-relationship between SOI and Datapac who, since 2006, has provided managed print services to Special Olympics Ireland, as well as a host of additional volunteering services including personnel, logistics and warehousing facilities.

SOI identified the need for a fully outsourced and integrated managed ICT solution to enable ongoing benefits for almost 8,000 athletes in 293 clubs nationwide. Datapac was successfully awarded the contract through a competitive tender process. Key integration of Datapac’s service management team and SOI stakeholders ensured a seamless onboarding process for staff transitioning to the new system.

The managed services solution designed by Datapac has been implemented across SOI’s five locations, with a dedicated IT helpdesk solution available to the head office in Blanchardstown, Dublin, and bases in Cork, Sligo, Belfast and Abbottstown, Dublin.

The flexible and scalable service provided by Datapac helps to facilitate SOI events around the country such as sporting fixtures and charitable functions. Access to Datapac’s customer support centre through a variety of convenient media allows SOI staff to receive the ongoing support that they need, including access to a 24-hour support service.

Datapac provides a complete and proactive approach to managed security, underpinned by industry leading Sophos™ firewalls, cutting-edge HPE Aruba secure wireless technology, and a range of managed services including vulnerability testing of devices across the organisation. This ultimately protects and provides peace of mind to all who engage with SOI, including almost 8,000 athletes in 293 clubs across the country.

This solution is helping SOI to securely roll out services such as virtual training courses and online ‘Together at Home’ video sessions as part of its Young Athlete Programme, which is a play and sports activity programme for children aged four to 12 years with an intellectual disability.

The advanced managed solution supports in excess of 200 devices, enabling employees to safely work from home. Provision of advanced communications technology in the form of the Microsoft Office 365 suite and remote working hardware ensures that the great work done by SOI never skips a beat, no matter where their staff are located. Datapac’s proactive monitoring of the organisation’s IT infrastructure allows swift responses to potential issues or threats, ensuring minimal staff downtime and business disruption. Regular Disaster Recovery (DR) tests are carried out, which play a vital role in providing business continuity. The fully managed IT support helpdesk, with dedicated phoneline, ensures that a team of experienced engineers are always on hand to assist with day-to-day IT queries, further enhancing the employee experience while working remotely.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in Kazan, Russia in January 2023, while German capital Berlin will host the next Special Olympics World Games in 2023.

Matt English, CEO, Special Olympics Ireland: “Datapac’s proactive approach to our technology needs provides peace of mind to Special Olympics Ireland, benefitting not only our employees, but all those who interact with the organisation. Problems are often resolved before we are aware there was an issue to begin with.

“It was hugely important to us that the service had a human touch, and the reassurance of knowing there is an expert available 24/7 to assist with any IT challenge is invaluable as our needs evolve and change depending on whether it’s a Games year, or whether other events are taking place.

“Datapac’s solution is far-reaching and facilitates the organisation’s endeavours far beyond our expectations, underpinning everything from events to online resources, which are increasingly important in today’s climate.”

Christine Fortune, Sales Manager ICT Services and Solutions, Datapac: “Special Olympics Ireland is an incredible organisation that provides such a vital service for people throughout Ireland. By outsourcing IT management to Datapac, it frees up their teams to carry out even more vital services. We designed and delivered a tailored helpdesk and security solution across SOI’s five bases, which in turn, has helped the organisation to enhance its service delivery and support secure home working for employees.

“We will conduct strategic reviews of the IT environment, in consultation with Special Olympics Ireland, to ensure the solution is continuing to underscore organisational success. Our proactivity provides confidence to them in the increasingly challenging IT and security landscape.

“Datapac has a long history of supporting Special Olympics Ireland beyond professional services and we’re happy to offer our facilities, volunteers and become involved in any way we can. We were delighted to be chosen to work with Special Olympics Ireland on this project and continue to build on our valued relationship.”

Dell Technologies makes ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ programme available on-demand

Dell Technologies today announced that it is making its pioneering ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ educational programme available on demand due to the significant demand amongst those working within the healthcare sector.

The programme which provides healthcare professionals in Ireland with the tools and knowledge to apply new technologies within healthcare settings has been rolled out in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Since its launch in September of last year, the online course has provided 1,400 healthcare workers and leaders with the opportunity to develop much sought-after skills to accelerate the digital transformation of Ireland’s healthcare system.

Due to the significant demand for the programme, everyone involved in providing healthcare services in Ireland will have the ability to upskill and play an active role in transforming the way healthcare services are designed, developed and delivered into the future. To register for the on-demand content, visit: https://dell.to/3pNLugL.

This comes as the Government this week unveiled its new National Digital Strategy, entitled ‘The Digital Ireland Framework’, which sets target in the provision of digital public services. The strategy includes the phased deployment of electronic health record systems, telemedicine, remote care monitoring solutions and the greater use of ePharmacy and ePrescribing.

Participants of the ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ programme to date have gained unique insights into the importance of cyber security, data analytics, next-generation remote imaging, diagnostics and machine learnings as well as the organisational change required to adopt technology in healthcare. These insights will help healthcare workers at all levels to support the roll-out of emerging technologies, connected health, and personalised health solutions which will help to improve patient outcomes.

Speaking about the course, Jason Ward, Vice President and Managing Director of Dell Technologies Ireland, said: “The past two years has demonstrated the benefits of embracing technology to empower our frontline workers while meeting the needs of patients. We now have an opportunity to accelerate the pace of digital transformation to meet the goals of Sláintecare.

 “That’s why we’re delighted to see so many people from across the healthcare system take part in our ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ programme in the past five months and gain the skills to help Ireland become a European digital leader. By gaining the skills to apply digital tools withing GP surgeries, hospital settings and many more, our healthcare workers can become digital change makers. 

 “To ensure that every person in the healthcare sector has an opportunity to take part in the ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ programme, we are making the course available on-demand for free. I would encourage anyone interested to register and help unleash a new era of healthcare transformation in Ireland.” 

Included among the subject experts delivering the programme include Ryan Heynes, Healthcare leader for Dell Technologies Ireland; Paul Reid, CEO of the HSE; and Neil O’Hare, CIO and Professor of Health Informatics at Children’s Health Ireland. The final two sessions of the programme focused on ‘Emerging Technologies in Healthcare’ and ‘Connected Healthcare’ will go live on February 16th and March 24th respectively.

Esri Ireland creates digital map as rugby kicks off this weekend

With the rugby kicking off this weekend and Ireland playing its first match against Wales on Saturday, digital mapping specialist Esri Ireland has mapped the upcoming fixtures for each of the competing countries. Whether tackling a trip overseas or staying on home soil, fans can use the interactive map to find out who is playing who (and when).

See HERE for more

 

57% of people in Ireland struggle to tell difference between real news and fake news

57% of people in Ireland struggle to tell the difference between real news and fake news, according to Deloitte Ireland’s latest Digital Consumer Trends report on digital usage and entertainment. 85% feel that fake news is a major problem today, with 74% relying on multiple sources for news and information.

The report also found that 42% of people in Ireland stopped using at least one social media platform, either permanently or temporarily, in the last year, with 21% doing so because it didn’t make them feel good about themselves and 5% doing so because they were being harassed or bullied.

The 2021 Deloitte Digital Consumer Trends report – formerly known as the Global Mobile Consumer Survey – is an annual survey of 1,000 consumers in Ireland, aged between 18 and 75, which explores their digital usage and attitudes towards technology.

Speaking about the report, John Kehoe, Audit Partner at Deloitte Ireland said: “The phone remains our preferred device for checking bank balances and online searches and it is very close to being the preferred device for online shopping. The pandemic has led to changes in what we do on our phones, with respondents increasingly using their phones to shop, bank and attend medical appointments.

“In last year’s survey, the phone was the most popular device for gaming; however, in the current year, the games console has overtaken the phone across most age groups, which may be impacted by significant console releases in late 2020. When it comes to living room entertainment, the TV reigns supreme across all age groups for watching TV and films. So, while smartphone penetration has grown, the increased amount of time spent at home over the last two years would appear to have boosted the popularity of more traditional devices for these activities.”

Access to connected devices

87% of respondents to the survey in Ireland have access to at least one connected device, with access to connected devices increasing across the board: 94% have access to a smartphone in 2021 (up from 90% in 2020); 61% have access to a smart TV (up from 58%); 38% have access to a games console (up from 34%); 28% have access to voice-assisted speakers (up from 22%); and 24% have access to a smart watch (up from 16%).

Smartphones are the most-used device on a daily basis, with 94% of respondents using them daily, followed by smart TVs (79%); smart watches (69%); laptops (65% – down from 76% in 2020); desktop computers (60%); voice-assisted speakers (56%); tablets (53%); wireless headphones / earphones (50%); eReaders (32%); and games consoles (31%). 47% use standard mobile phones (non-smartphones) on a daily basis.

Three-quarters (74%) of respondents have access to subscription-based video-on-demand (VOD) services, an increase of 11% year-on-year. Access has increased significantly in the over-65s age group, up from 43% in 2020 to 57% in 2021. Netflix is the overwhelming leader in streaming services, with 65% of all respondents having access to it (up from 56% in 2020), followed by Amazon Prime Video (26% – up from 18%), Disney+ (24% – up from 19%), NOW TV (10% – up from 8%) and YouTube Premium (7% – up from 6%).

16% of respondents cancelled a paid subscription to a video streaming service in the last 12 months. Of those who cancelled, the most commonly cited reason is a lack of use (29%), followed by a lack of suitable content (21%). 16% cited spending too much money on all of their subscriptions, while 15% cancelled because the free trial or discount period had ended. 20% cancelled their subscription within one day of deciding to do so, while 21% did so within a week.

40% of respondents would be happy to watch advertisements ranging from 5 to 10 minutes per hour if they were offered a reduced or no subscription fee on a video-on-demand streaming service, while 24% would prefer to pay the full subscription fee to avoid watching ads, a decrease of 9% from 2020.

Device usage

29% of all respondents look at their phone more than 50 times a day, down from 33% in 2020. This increases to 37% in the 18-24 age group. 12% of all respondents check their phone more than 100 times a day, with this increasing to 21% among 18-24s. Men check their phones on average 49 times per day, while women do so on average 58 times per day, both decreasing year-on-year. 37% of all respondents check their phone within the first five minutes of waking up – increasing to 51% among 18-24-year-olds – while 74% of all respondents do so within the first 30 minutes of waking up.

On a daily basis, using instant messaging apps (61%) and social networks (58%) are the most popular activities across all connected devices, followed by reading the news (53%); watching short videos, live posts or stories (40%); streaming or playing music (33%); watching live TV (32%); streaming films or TV series (30%); playing games (30%); and watching live streams (26%).

Mobile phones are the preferred device for checking bank balances and making online searches. Overall, laptops are the preferred device for browsing shopping websites and making online purchases, though mobile phones are preferred by the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups for these activities. TVs are the preferred device across all age groups for watching content live or via streaming or catch-up services. Games consoles are now the most popular device for gaming, overtaking mobile phones which were the most popular device for gaming in 2020.

Online shopping (for items other than groceries) has seen the biggest increase in uptake over the last two years, with 33% of all respondents doing more online shopping now than they were before the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is followed by streaming films or TV series (29% are doing this more now than they were before the start of the pandemic); online banking (28%); reading the news (27%); watching videos online (26%); communicating with neighbours and their local community via apps (18%); listening to podcasts (18%); online grocery shopping (13%); studying online (11%); and taking online fitness classes (9%).

Respondents are also increasingly having over-the-phone appointments with health practitioners (20% are doing this more now than they were before the start of the pandemic); monitoring their health via devices (13%); and having video appointments with healthcare practitioners (8%).

Social media and fake news

“A huge number of respondents – over two-fifths – stopped using one or more social media platforms, either temporarily or permanently, in the last year. A perception of too much fake news and the content being too negative were among the top reasons given for this. There was also a significant amount who felt that it wasn’t making them feel good about themselves along with a small, but still significant, amount who were experiencing bullying or harassment. With a massive 85% of all respondents believing that fake news is a major problem – and 57% feeling that it is difficult to tell the difference between fake news and real news – the recent announcement that a new Media Commission is to be established and a national Online Safety Commissioner appointed, is very timely,” said Daryl Hanberry, Partner and Head of the Technology, Media and Telecommunications Industry Group at Deloitte.

While 76% of respondents use social media and instant messaging apps on a daily basis across all devices, over two-fifths (42%) of respondents have stopped using at least one social media platform, either temporarily or permanently, over the last year. Of those who did, the most common reason cited for doing so is boredom with content (41%), followed by too much fake news (30%); the content being too negative (30%); spending too much time on the platform (25%); privacy concerns (23%); because it didn’t make them feel good about themselves (21%); and that they were being harassed or bullied on the platform(s) (5%).

85% of all respondents feel that fake news is a major problem today, with 74% relying on multiple sources for news and information, in order to get a full picture. 65% believe that news from traditional news providers is usually trustworthy. 16% believe that news from social media platforms is usually trustworthy; this increases to 28% among 18-24-year-olds. 57% of all respondents feel that it is difficult to tell what is fake news and what is real.

Bristol scientists develop insect-sized flying robots with flapping wings

A new drive system for flapping wing autonomous robots has been developed by a University of Bristol team, using a new method of electromechanical zipping that does away with the need for conventional motors and gears.

This new advance, published today in the journal Science Robotics, could pave the way for smaller, lighter and more effective micro flying robots for environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and deployment in hazardous environments.

Until now, typical micro flying robots have used motors, gears and other complex transmission systems to achieve the up-and-down motion of the wings. This has added complexity, weight and undesired dynamic effects.

Taking inspiration from bees and other flying insects, researchers from Bristol’s Faculty of Engineering, led by Professor of Robotics Jonathan Rossiter, have successfully demonstrated a direct-drive artificial muscle system, called the Liquid-amplified Zipping Actuator (LAZA), that achieves wing motion using no rotating parts or gears.

The LAZA system greatly simplifies the flapping mechanism, enabling future miniaturization of flapping robots down to the size of insects.

Flying insect sized robot. Credit Dr Tim Helps

In the paper, the team show how a pair of LAZA-powered flapping wings can provide more power compared with insect muscle of the same weight, enough to fly a robot across a room at 18 body lengths per second.

They also demonstrated how the LAZA can deliver consistent flapping over more than one million cycles, important for making flapping robots that can undertake long-haul flights.

The team expect the LAZA to be adopted as a fundamental building block for a range of autonomous insect-like flying robots.

Dr Tim Helps, lead author and developer of the LAZA system said “With the LAZA, we apply electrostatic forces directly on the wing, rather than through a complex, inefficient transmission system. This leads to better performance, simpler design, and will unlock a new class of low-cost, lightweight flapping micro-air vehicles for future applications, like autonomous inspection of off-shore wind turbines.”

Professor Rossiter added: “Making smaller and better performing flapping wing micro robots is a huge challenge. LAZA is an important step toward autonomous flying robots that could be as small as insects and perform environmentally critical tasks such as plant pollination and exciting emerging roles such as finding people in collapsed buildings.”

The Rise of the Digital Nomad and Tools You’ll Need for the Nomadic Lifestyle

There’s little doubting the world of work is changing – and changing rapidly. Where once it was the case employees were required to suffer the humdrum Monday-Friday, 9-5 (including the often-draining daily commute), the considerable advances in connection speeds, technology and devices in recent years have heralded a new age of the remote workforce. 

The move to freelance and gig working had already been growing momentum towards the end of the last decade however, with the emergence of Coronavirus and the resulting lockdown and isolation measures that ensued, employers had little choice but to embrace the concept of a geographically remote workforce. 

Of course, the tech required to let full-time staff work from home is pretty much identical to that needed to allow freelancers to also join the throng, helping increase the trend for so-called digital nomads – employees happily working in a third-party capacity, untethered by the traditional confines of office space and geographical proximity. 

Jobs best suited to the digital nomad model

As the web and technology have come to play an increasingly important role in all aspects of our business and social lives, so the blurring between the real and virtual worlds has continued apace and, these days, it’s almost impossible to think of any aspect of life that isn’t (at least to some degree) mirrored in the digital realm. With so much real-world information now also stored digitally, there is barely a single aspect of commerce that doesn’t now rely on electronic assets. 

While there are certainly some jobs that are particularly suited to nomadic workers (e.g., programming, design, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), online marketing, etc), in truth, the majority of jobs now rely on working with computers and data. Any job that involves the production of information in a digital format could, feasibly, be performed remotely by a nomadic workforce. 

The minimum requirements

Of course, to work online, you’re going to need a reasonably fast connection (the faster the better) and some kind of input device – a laptop is typically the preferred tool of choice. With WiFi now so ubiquitous in most developed nations around the world (not to mention the fact we pretty much all own connected smartphones these days), getting online should not prove a problem. Don’t forget a pair of classic Ray-Ban​, they’ll protect your eyes wherever you go!

Other tools you might want to consider

A laptop and means of connection are prerequisites; however, you could also consider:

Cloud storage – Essential for backing up files

Speakers – Speakers are particularly useful if you’re producing multimedia work but are also great for powering your Spotify work playlist

External hard drive – For when your cloud connection is running slow

A capacious, secure backpack – Required to carry work essentials safely

Travel sleep kit – Handy for when you’re pulling long hours on the road

Universal travel adaptor – An extension lead capable of plugging into any foreign power supply to keep your devices charged and working

All-in-one external power bank – Essential for when you can’t find power but need to get some juice to your gadgets. Choose a model that can power all your kit – from your laptop to mobile phone and speakers.

Trust Distribution Targets Transitional Growth As Times Change

Trust Distribution has issued a rallying call to resellers to move with the times and follow its lead – by successfully transitioning into a ‘new-age’ technology specialist, following ‘phenomenal levels’ of growth.

The business has undergone a mini revolution in recent years and is urging more customers to join its journey into cloud-based solutions, complementing continued strong demand for on-premise communication systems. 

Its own hosted telephony platform (truSIP) and video conferencing systems from brands such as Konftel are set to propel Trust further forward throughout 2022, based on a seamless collaboration strategy, including high quality end points.

“Integrated UC apps such as Teams and Zoom have really come to the fore having exploded in demand due to the pandemic. This traction continues to shape the market and when combined with high quality end points, resellers can take advantage of significant growth potential.”

That’s the view of Simon Hughes, Konftel Brand Manager at Trust who says over the past two years in particular, there has been a major shift to the cloud taking place – with the company experiencing ‘phenomenal levels of demand’. “The resellers I speak to are doing a much higher percentage of hosted solutions compared to pre-Covid levels. There will always be a requirement for traditional on-premise systems for new and existing customers. However, the market is clearly moving in new directions too. Trust are well positioned to support our resellers no matter what stage of their journey they are at.”

Solutions-based

He emphasised: “We’ve been trading for around 17 years and our core product range was originally based around the PBX. We’ve always been renowned as a telecoms distributor but now we are a communications and IT specialist including networking. We are much more solutions-based as our expertise evolves.”

Hughes added: “Cloud-based applications have grown massively over the last few years and high quality video cameras and audio are essential, for hosted as well as traditional on-premise systems.

“It’s an easy and additional value-added sale with various options available depending on a customer’s requirements. End points are more crucial than ever because they provide a quality experience that can undermine a reseller’s reputation if done wrong. It’s all about the user experience and it’s important not to cut corners. Hosted traction continues to grow and we offer high levels of support to ensure a simple and pain-free way for resellers to enjoy additional revenue success. We are aware of resellers losing their customers to a rival who come in at a later stage, providing additional endpoints and services. They shouldn’t let people steal their lunch!

“Many resellers do understand the importance but there’s still an education process required for some. The final few metres of the communications journey are crucial and opportunities are being missed. Teams and Zoom integration can get let down by poor camera and audio quality especially when just using a standard laptop.”

He highlighted: “Konftel is a key trading partner which is ideally suited to today’s trends as their products are vendor agnostic, easy to use and deliver an exceptional user experience.

“Conferencing in 2022 will be even bigger and better. As more people return to offices this will require more conferencing across more rooms as not everyone will be together at the same time. We won’t go back to the way it was before.”

Trust provides high levels of reseller support including a dedicated no jargon conferencing ‘Tru Guide’, for resellers to use with their customers. This is complemented by Konftel’s interactive room type guide that helps ensure the optimum equipment for every room type. 

Hughes concluded: “We want to encourage more resellers to capitalise on additional revenue opportunities and transition at their own pace.

“High performance endpoints play a crucial role is delivering an optimum experience. Historically conferencing and end points have been viewed as a bit of an afterthought to be added to a sale as and when further down the line. But in a rapidly changing, more agile world, hardware is now being recognised more by resellers. Those neglecting it are definitely missing out.”

EY Ireland launches EY STEM App

EY Ireland has today announced the launch of the EY STEM App which will be rolled out across the Republic of Ireland, following a successful pilot in the US and India. Through the app, which is aimed at girls aged between 13-18 years, EY Ireland is hoping to reach and inspire at least 5,000 young women throughout Ireland to pursue STEM careers across science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Ireland is the first of seven new countries to launch the EY STEM App, with six other countries including Canada, the UK, UAE, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, following suit throughout 2022.

The EY STEM App was developed by EY in collaboration with SkillsVR, an organisation dedicated to developing potential talent through immersive learning. It features modules and activities focused on science, such as climate change or space exploration; technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing or blockchain; the future of work and skills that may be required for future, yet-to-be-defined jobs.

Helena O’Dwyer, EY Ireland Associate Partner and Head of Strategy, EY-Parthenon, says:

“Advancing girls’ skills and interests in STEM is vital to closing the gender gap in technology. It’s crucial that women and girls have the opportunity to realise their full potential as leaders and change-makers in a world increasingly enabled by technology. We’re proud  to be rolling out this app  here in Ireland as we  think it has the real potential to  make STEM learning more accessible and rewarding for thousands of  girls. The CSO recently reported that only 25% of roles in STEM are performed by women in Ireland so the development and rollout of this app is not only incredibly timely but also crucial when skills shortages have never been more prolific and competition for talent has never been more fierce”

Gamified content and incentivized learning 

The free-to-use app connects girls with a wide range of learning activities from exploring new technologies, to learning how design thinking can help solve some of the world’s toughest challenges. Supported by inspirational stories of pioneering women, the app aims to not only nurture confidence and competence in STEM, but also the development of capabilities such as critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity and systems thinking, and social skills and teamwork.

Hundreds of individual activities — each broken into bite-size steps, such as watching a video, answering thought-provoking questions or carrying out an experiment — support self-directed learning that empowers girls to choose what, how and when they learn to build a real sense of accomplishment and confidence with the completion of each step.

Girls are also encouraged to take real-life actions beyond the phone app, such as interviewing members of their community, applying design thinking to solve community problems and conducting experiments, such as building a solar oven with household items.

As they complete more activities on the app, girls become eligible to receive a range of incentives, including One4All Vouchers, options to donate to their favourite charities and the opportunity to engage in training programmes with EY Ireland’s technology and data analytics teams. This will include virtual and in-person access to the world class EY wavespace innovation centre in Dublin.

Eoin O’Reilly, EY Ireland Partner and Head of Data Analytics added, “The EY STEM App is a fantastic programme to support young girls and foster their interests in STEM subjects. The ability to pique the interest of girls at a young age, during the height of their education, is undoubtedly the best way to mobilise interest in a traditionally under-represented career path among women. I hope the EY STEM App will help girls of all ages embrace careers in STEM, and as the programme grows I hope it continues to help girls in Ireland and around the world navigate real-world challenges. There has never been a more important time to encourage more women to build their careers in STEM, especially given the crucial role they play, and will continue to play, in the development and future growth of our economy here in Ireland.”

The EY STEM App is sponsored by the EY Women in Technology programme, which was formed to create an inclusive culture to successfully harness technology’s potential to truly transform society. Activities on the app were also developed in collaboration with some of the world´s most respected non-profit and academic institutions, including the UN and World Economic Forum. In addition, all activities are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals they directly impact, allowing girls to earn Global Goals digital badges as they progress.

New online banking features give customers card control at their fingertips

Bank of Ireland has introduced a range of new features designed to give more control to how customers manage their debit and credit cards through online banking channels, including the mobile banking app and 365 desktop.  The new card management and control features will make a range of everyday transactions easier than ever for Bank of Ireland customers by adding self-service card management features.

Available now through smartphone or desktop, the features will enable customers to:

  • Activate a new debit or credit card for online transactions
  • Freeze/unfreeze card – in the event of a misplaced card
  • View card PIN instantly – in case you forget it
  • Order replacement debit or credit cards without having to call the bank
  • Set up credit or debit card for Apple Pay
  • Set up debit card for Google Pay

Discussing the introduction of the new features, Director of Digital Centre of Excellence at Bank of Ireland, Christine Hamill said:

“The financial wellbeing of our customers is a top priority for us, meaning we are committed to giving customers more control over their money.  These new capabilities do exactly that, by enabling our customers to manage even more aspects of their day to day finances in a safe and secure way, using our mobile app or desktop, and without having to call us or visit a branch, if they chose to do this. We look forward to bringing more new features to customers over the coming months.”

For more information, please visit BankofIreland.com/CardControls