The finalists for the 2025 Diversity in Tech Awards (DITA) have been announced today. Taking place on Thursday 19th September at 6:00pm in a new location—the Gibson Hotel, Dublin—the event will gather over 300 guests to honour individuals and organisations leading the way in diversity, inclusion, and innovation across the tech sector.
Now in its eighth year, DITA celebrates a broad spectrum of diversity—from gender and culture to disability and neurodiversity—and continues to spotlight the changemakers reshaping the tech industry for the better. This year saw more than 300 entries, with the Rising Star and Startup Visionary awards attracting the highest number of submissions.
Claire Rushe, Executive Director Global Technology of JP Morgan and a member of the judging panel, said; “JP Morgan is thrilled to continue our partnership with the Diversity in Tech Awards in 2025. This year we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation and opportunity. These awards honour the trailblazers who are making the tech industry more inclusive, aligning with our belief that technology thrives when every voice is heard and valued. This is an opportunity to recognise those who think outside the box, driving ingenuity and progress through diverse insights. By supporting these awards, we not only honour the groundbreaking strides being made but also reinforce our commitment to fostering a tech landscape where bold ideas and inclusive thinking lead the way.”
Clare Kilmartin, COO of the Diversity in Tech Awards, added; “The 2025 finalists represent the very best of what our industry has to offer—bold thinkers, brilliant innovators, and inclusive leaders who are breaking down barriers in every direction. These awards are a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we create space for all talent to thrive. I look forward to celebrating them in style this September.”
2025 Finalists
Cultural Inclusion Award
EPAM Systems
Fiserv
Integral Ad Science
LearnUpon
MEG
Rewriting the Code
SHEIN
DE&I Special Initiative Recognition
Access Avenue
Datapac
JP Morgan
TiLT Role-Play Limited
Yahoo International Limited
DE&I Support Network of the Year
BearingPoint
EPAM Systems
ESB
Limit Break
Logitech
DE&I Excellence in Leadership
Datapac
Indeed
JP Morgan
Yahoo International Limited
Disability Inclusion Award
Access Avenue
EPAM Systems
ESB
Nexus Inclusion
Diverse Company of the Year Award
BearingPoint
Cognizant
Datapac
Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT)
Oracle EMEA Ltd.
Uisce Éireann
Yahoo International Limited
Inspirational Diversity Role Model Award
Accenture
BNY
Greenhouse Software
Microsoft
Optum
Uisce Éireann
LGTBQ+ Inclusion Award
Gas Networks Ireland
Greenhouse Software
myGwork
Shane Collective
Neurodiverse Inclusion Award
auticon
BearingPoint
EPAM Systems
ESB
Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT)
Laois County Council
Rising Star Award
Dr. Sheetal Dash of Barclays
Israel Ngombo of BNY
Apurva Kiran Vangujar of Jaguar Land Rover
Lynsey Byrne of Bord Gáis Energy
Faith Omotayo of Rewriting The Code
Aisling Kearney of Squarespace Ireland Limited
Naa Korkoi Addo of Taighde Éireann Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Artificial Intelligence
Social Impact Award
Datapac
JLR (Jaguar Land Rover)
Logitech
Oracle
PayGap.ie
Therapix
Women in Technology & Science Ireland
Startup Visionary Award
Deirdre McCarthy – AllSkills Tech
Rena Maycock – Chirp
Cuty Gupta – Cozmotec
Emer Mugisha – Cyberminds
Corina Popov – Digitax
Hannah Wrixon – KELLA
Victoria Finlay – The MenoPal
STEM Champion Award
Sara Grimaldi -Amazon Web Services
Amy Everson – Baker Hughes
Elfreeda Sunny – EY
Catherine Casey – Fiserv
Faith Omotayo – Rewriting The Code
Svitlana Samko – Verizon Connect
Lidia Maria Muñoz – Vodafone Business
Tech Leader Award
Karen Morton – Ekco
Rebecca Keenan of Expleo
Marisa O’Shea – North (NAB_IRE Ventures Limited)
Marie O’Connor – Sogeti Ireland
Dorothy Zbikowski – Squarespace Ireland Limited
Svitlana Samko – Verizon Connect, W2business
Orlagh Lynch – Workhuman
Technical Guru Award
Lisa Devery – Fiserv
Aanchal Mittal – Integral Ad Science
Lee Pegas – JP Morgan
Daria Vasileva – North
Megan O’Brien – Optum
Trailblazer Award
Katarina Antill – Bonafi
Melissa Proxenos – Debtrak
Rebecca Keenan – Expleo
Veronica Rahneberg – EY
Joanna Haslam – Snap Finger Click
Máirín Murray – TechFoundHer
Mithra Ravichandran of Trane Technologies, Women in AI
Chirawan Phongkasettrakam of Vodafone Business
The 2025 Diversity in Tech Awards take place on Wednesday 17th September at 6:00pm at the Gibson Hotel, Dublin.
CHERRY has been shortlisted for Gaming Peripherals Vendor of the Year at the PCR Awards 2025 for its XTRFY range of performance-focused keyboards, mice and headsets.
The Gaming Peripherals Vendor of the Year category honours brands that have had a significant impact on gaming through innovation, performance and market presence.
The ceremony will take place on 24th September at The Brewery in London, bringing together leading names within the tech industry.
The CHERRY XTRFY line combines CHERRY’s expertise in mechanical switch engineering with XTRFY’s esports-driven innovation. The brand continues to redefine what gaming gear can be, from collaborating with professional players to co-developing enthusiast-grade technology.
In the past year, CHERRY has launched a range of products, including the MX Northern Lights Switch, the IK Magnetic Switch, the H3 Wireless Headset, the MX 8.3 TKL Wireless Keyboard and the KW 300 and 300W MX keyboards, which are CHERRY’s first hot-swappable models designed for productivity users.
CHERRY XTRFY products are now available both online and in Curry’s stores across the UK.
Recent collaborations with gaming enthusiasts have reinforced CHERRY XTRFY’s presence within competitive gaming. The brand’s first wireless gaming headset was recently endorsed by Counter-Strike legend Emil “HeatoN” Christensen, who praised it as “perfect for FPS games” with standout directional audio.
As the brand expands its presence across retail and esports, the PCR Awards recognition highlights CHERRY XTRFY’s role in shaping the future of gaming peripherals.
Robin Bithrey, Channel Marketing Manager at CHERRY Europe said: “We’re proud to be shortlisted for this award. At CHERRY, we’re gamers ourselves, and that passion fuels everything we create. From working closely with eSports pros to obsessing over the tiniest design details, our mission is to help every player get the most out of their game. Recognition like this tells us we’re on the right path.”
TOBi, Vodafone Ireland’s award-winning AI-powered self-service assistant, might still be getting to grips with Irish phrases like “acting the maggot” or “sucking diesel” but it is already doing the hard work behind the scenes, helping customers 24/7 with top-ups, billing queries and much more. TOBi now resolves 60% of customer service queries without the need to talk to someone, a milestone in AI-led customer care.
New research conducted amongst 1,000 people on behalf of Vodafone Ireland by Coyne Research shows that AI has officially been adopted by consumers and has become an everyday tool. Almost half of all Irish adults (48%) now use AI weekly, with usage rising to 66% among Gen Z, nearly a quarter of whom use it every day. One in three people are already using AI for customer service, while one in five rely on it to help write something, whether it’s an email, college assignment or social post.
Two in five consumers (40%) now claim to have a good understanding of AI technology, evidence that awareness of AI is growing rapidly. Confidence is even stronger among men, with nearly half of males (48%) believing they have a good or very good grasp of what AI can do. This rising confidence is reflected in overall experience as 40% of consumers say their interactions with AI have been positive, signalling a major shift in how the technology has moved from a niche innovation to a routine part of how people in Ireland work, communicate, and solve problems.
Vodafone Ireland is also addressing uniquely Irish challenges through TOBi’s ongoing development, as it constantly learns to understand Irish accents and Irishisms. With three in five survey respondents acknowledging their own difficulties in understanding certain Irish accents (particularly Kerry, Cork, and Donegal), TOBi is being specially trained to recognise regional dialects and local expressions, from “banjaxed” to “acting the maggot.”
Interestingly, one in three people believe AI can understand Irishisms, such as “grand” or “c’mere to me” – though “banjaxed” (60%), “sucking diesel” (59%) and “acting the maggot” (52%) were named the most confusing for both AI and people alike to understand.
Gen Z and Dubliners are the most confident that AI like TOBi is catching on to these Irishisms.
The development of TOBi is part of Vodafone Ireland’s broader €10million investment in enhancing its customer care experience, resolving common customer queries and expanding care channels to ensure faster, more flexible help for customers. As a result, Vodafone Ireland now offers the longest customer care hours and the largest retail footprint in the market, as well as the only 24/7 AI resolution option available from any Irish telecoms provider.
“TOBi isn’t just a chatbot,” said Ciaran Barrett, Commercial Operations Director at Vodafone Ireland. “TOBi helps our customers everyday by giving them fast, intuitive support any time of the day or night- whether they want to check a bill, query a charge or top up their account. TOBi learns from every interaction, adapting to how Irish people speak and what they need. This is AI made useful, not just clever.”
“Our research shows that Irish people are becoming more comfortable with AI – and we’re meeting that shift with technology that actually delivers. TOBi is getting smarter, faster and more helpful all the time. While TOBi is still learning to understand every accent and irishism, it absolutely gets what our customers need and is fully supported by our team of care specialists as well as the largest retail footprint in the country – giving our customers real choice in how they connect with us.”
Unlike many digital assistants that simply provide information, TOBi is fully integrated with Vodafone Ireland’s core operating systems, enabling secure, real time account changes and issues resolution, distinguishing Vodafone Ireland’s care offerings from its competitors.
As TOBi grows in popularity as a support option, Vodafone Ireland’s customer care performance has surged. The company now solves 80% of customer queries on the first try and has seen calls drop by half over the past three years, as customers have fewer reasons to contact Vodafone.
Offering customers greater choice remains central to Vodafone Ireland’s approach to customer care. While TOBi handles the bulk of straightforward queries, customers with complex or sensitive queries can still rely on speaking to a care specialist. According to this research, 90% of people still prefer talking to a human for more complex queries, but younger users increasingly embrace digital options for speed and convenience.
At Vodafone Ireland, every connection counts. TOBi is helping Vodafone Ireland to lead customer service innovation, demonstrating how AI can enhance rather than replace meaningful customer connections.
Vodafone Ireland currently serves over 2.4 million customers nationwide and was recently named Ireland’s ‘Best Mobile Operator’ for the tenth consecutive year by independent benchmarking organisation umlaut. This achievement has been driven by Vodafone Ireland’s €500 million investment over five years (2024–2029) in enhancing mobile and fixed network quality, coverage, and capacity for customers across Ireland.
Twelve South, a leading designer of premium tech accessories, today launches the PowerCord, a first of its kind, all-in-one charging solution. Putting an end to tangled cables and confusing adapters, PowerCord combines a 30W fast charging wall adapter with an integrated USB-C cord, creating one seamless solution that simplifies charging. Users can just plug in the PowerCord and power up their devices, without having to scrabble around for separate blocks, adapters or cables.
Universally compatible with all USB-C devices, PowerCord will charge the latest iPhones, Google Pixel, USB-C iPads, Android devices, earbuds, gaming controllers and even smaller laptops like the MacBook Air. Designed to charge quickly with high-speed 30W charging, it’s perfect for use at home, in the office or on the go.
Thoughtfully engineered with a slim plug and cable that angles downwards, PowerCord will easily fit into tight spaces without users having to move furniture around. Compact and lightweight, it also has a flat, durable, tangle-resistant, braided cable that makes it ideal for remote work setups, travel and commuting. It comes in two lengths – four feet, or 10 feet for extra reach – helpful for using in a bedroom or behind a couch where outlets aren’t as accessible.
Bringing style and substance to everyday charging, the Twelve South PowerCord is available now in either Slate or Dune, from £39 from Twelve South UK and Amazon UK very soon
Global leader in precision measurement solutions, Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) is proud to introduce digital connectivity to its trusted U2B and C2 force transducers, now available with an IO-Link interface.
This enhancement makes it easier than ever to integrate tensile and compressive force measurements directly into control systems.
For years, the U2B (tensile and compressive) and C2 (compressive) series have been essential tools in production, monitoring, and testing environments worldwide. With a nominal force range from 500 N to 200 kN, these sensors are known for their reliability and precision.
Now, in addition to analogue outputs (4 – 20 mA and 0 – 10 V), users can opt for a digital output via IO-Link – which ensures smarter data handling and improved system integration.
The IO-Link Integration provides engineers with many benefits:
Sensor Health Monitoring: Real-time diagnostics compare applied forces and temperature conditions against sensor limits. If thresholds are exceeded, warnings are issued to help prevent damage.
Enhanced Accuracy: Improved measurement precision and integrated temperature sensing.
Universal Compatibility: IO-Link is standardised and works seamlessly with all major fieldbus systems.
Simplified Integration: HBK provides function blocks to streamline sensor setup within control systems.
HBK also offers IO-Link-enabled sensors for torque and weight, expanding the possibilities for smart, connected measurement solutions.
The PanaCast 40 VBS (Video Bar System), the newest meeting room camera in the premium collaboration portfolio from Jabra, is shipping from today.
PanaCast 40 VBS boasts advanced audio technology for exceptional voice clarity, as well as quick and easy installation, ensuring a seamless setup experience. This solution is a future-proof investment with flexible deployment options on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or permanent BYOD setups and managed seamlessly with Jabra+.
The PanaCast 40 VBS delivers an all-in-one solution that transforms small meeting rooms into high-performing collaboration hubs. With its wide field of view, exceptional audio quality, and seamless usability, the PanaCast 40 VBS ensures every participant is seen and heard clearly, enabling organisations to fully utilise their small spaces and bring collaboration to new heights.
The sound is powered by a single high-quality speaker and six microphones with adaptive beamforming. Intelligent audio algorithms enhance sound clarity for exceptional voice pickup, fostering more natural and engaging virtual interactions and ensuring remote participants feel fully included.
Designed for ease of use and rapid deployment
New packaging enhances the deployment experience further by allowing provisioning without the need to remove the product from the box. The design also features easy cable routing, reducing installation time. The PanaCast 40 VBS is ideal for quick and easy installations in small rooms, and is a great Express Install for Microsoft Teams Rooms.
“By leveraging the strength of Microsoft Teams, the PanaCast 40 VBS provides an easy to install experience, reduces IT-complexity and enhances productivity. It’s a practical, versatile solution for organisations navigating the demands of hybrid collaboration in smaller rooms,” says Albert Kooiman, Senior Director Partner Engineering and Customer Experiences, Microsoft.
A future-proof investment
The PanaCast 40 VBS is built to adapt to the evolving needs of modern workplaces, particularly for small Android environments. With its compatibility for Android environments, it offers flexibility for installations such as Zoom Rooms.
“With the launch of PanaCast 40 VBS, it will be even easier to design Zoom Rooms that deliver a big impact, even in small spaces. PanaCast 40 VBS is built to allow for seamless integration and high performance, which underscores our shared commitment to advancing video technology for modern meeting spaces,” said John Stearns, Head of Zoom Spaces at Zoom.
PanaCast 40 VBS includes optional accessories such as a touch controller and a detachable faceplate. Furthermore, seamless integration with ecosystem partners ensures a future-proof investment, complemented by up-to-date manageability through Jabra+ software and the reassurance of Jabra Warranty+ services.
Key features of the PanaCast 40 VBS:
Full-room coverage – 180° field-of-view with dual cameras and 4x digital zoom.
Superior audio – 1 speaker and 6 microphones, enhanced by intelligent audio algorithms for crystal-clear sound and voice pickup.
Streamlined setup – New packaging enables provisioning without removing the product from the box.
Consistent experience – Shared touch controller and stand with the PanaCast 50 VBS medium room solution for seamless integration across spaces.
Effortless installation – Simplified cable routing and protection for easy, clean setup.
Flexible deployment – Compatible with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and BYOD setups.
PanaCast 40 VBS is an MDEP-based solution (Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform), delivering strengthened security and enhanced meetings experiences.
Intelligent Meeting Space enables users to personalise and set virtual meeting space boundaries – perfect for open-plan offices or glass-walled rooms.
Always up to date – Managed via Jabra+, ensuring the latest features and functionality.
Reliability – Backed by Jabra Warranty+ for added peace of mind.
Modern design – Clean, professional aesthetic that fits seamlessly into contemporary workspaces.
Practical features – Easy-clean cover and ADA compliance for enhanced usability.
Cutting edge portable projector tech from the Vali 1 offers best in class sound and vision performance at £269 / $319 while T2 Ultra offers a step up in entry level performance at just £229…
Vali 1
Wanbo officially introduces the Wanbo Vali 1 – a truly flexible, portable, and intelligent home cinema projector, packing big screen performance into a compact form factor.
Featuring a 200° adjustable gimbal stand, 900 lumens of brightness, Android TV 11, smart auto-calibration and a screen size of up to 130 inches, the Wanbo Vali 1 offers all the features you need at a price point that aims to shake up the market in 2025.
All the viewing angles
The Wanbo Vali 1 boasts a integrated flexible stand that rotates through a full 200° range. Users can pivot the image onto walls, ceilings and dedicated projector screens. Complemented by ±30° auto-keystone correction, it instantly straightens any image in a few seconds, making projection alignment effortless.
Whether it’s transforming a blank ceiling into a star-studded night scene or shifting from lounge based gaming to a movie night in your bedroom, the Wanbo Vali 1 allows you to enjoy your TV, movies and gaming with no mounting or manual set up required.
Double the brightness
With 900 ANSI lumens – almost double the amount of rivals, the Wanbo Vali 1 delivers vivid and vibrant visuals even in brightly lit daytime rooms. Paired with native 1080p resolution, detail pops with exceptional clarity, enabling easy viewing without the need to dim lights.
Stereo sound
A built-in pair of 6W full-range stereo speakers ensures punchy audio, creating an immersive soundstage that matches the picture quality. A headphone socket allows you to connect headphones or an external speaker.
All your favourite apps
Powered by Android 11, Wanbo Vali 1 grants easy access to over 7,000 Google Play apps including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, HBO Max, and many more. Official Netflix certification ensures reliable, high-quality playback.
Integrated Google Assistant allows voice control hands-free, while Chromecast built-in makes wireless screen mirroring easy. A dedicated remote is included with one touch access to key streaming services.
Smart AI set up
The Wanbo Vali 1’s ASA 3.0 (Auto‑Focus + Keystone + ScreenFit + Obstacle‑Avoidance) is an intelligent projection assistant. It detects the screen’s boundaries, focuses sharply, squares the image and notes interference automatically. The advanced level of automation enables stress-free set-up across different surfaces and angles.
Quiet cooling
A standout among compact projectors, the Wanbo Vali 1 features Wanbo’s largest cooling fan to date (10 cm diameter, 3.3 cm height), optimised to maintain quiet operation at all times.
Compact Design
The power socket is mounted directly on the gimbal bracket rather than the projector, eliminating cable clutter and offers unrestricted viewing movement. Multiple mounting options including ceiling, wall, stand and bracket are supported.
Game mode and ambient art walls
For gamers, the Game Mode activates low latency and high refresh responsiveness. Artistic Ambient Wall mode casts ambient visuals (think tranquil ocean waves or starfield animations) transforming any space into a living art canvas
The Wanbo Vali 1 is out now priced £269 / $319.
UK retailers include HMV, Amazon and Robert Dyas.
If you can use the following links it would be appreciated. Review samples available now.
Wanbo officially launches the T2 Ultra, a bold reinvention of the portable projector that promises to redefine home entertainment with superior brightness, immersive audio, and seamless usability, all in a sleek, compact package.
Built around Android TV 11, viewers can effortlessly stream in 1080p from services like Netflix and Disney+, ensuring vibrant, high-definition playback at home or on the go.
The T2 Ultra raises the bar for visual performance too: delivering 500 ANSI lumens – this projector enhances color accuracy and contrast for truly immersive imagery.The inclusion of ASA 3.0 auto‑alignment technology guarantees pristine focus and alignment instantly, even when projecting from unconventional angles.
On the sound front, the T2 Ultra features 10W dual full-range speakers, enriched by dual bass diaphragms that extend bass respons.
Its integrated 120° gimbal stand effortlessly adapts to any projection surface (even ceilings) liberating users from the constraints of rigid projector setups.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION: T2 Ultra
Operating System
Android TV 11
Brightness
500 ANSI lumens
Alignment
ASA 3.0 for instant clarity
Audio
10W speakers, dual bass diaphragms, 40 Hz bass.
Bluetooth 5.0.
Form Factor
120° adjustable gimbal stand
Noise
30 dB operation
The Wanbo T2 Ultra is out now priced £229.
UK retailers include HMV, Currys, Amazon and Robert Dyas.
If you can use the following links it would be appreciated. Review samples available now.
In today’s data-driven world, managing storage infrastructure efficiently has become increasingly complex for IT professionals. The challenge of configuring RAID arrays while balancing performance, capacity, and data protection often leads to time-consuming calculations and potential errors. Enter the UGOS CloudRAID calculator – a powerful tool designed to streamline storage planning and eliminate the guesswork from RAID configurations. This innovative solution helps IT teams optimize their storage infrastructure while reducing the risk of miscalculations that could impact system reliability. Whether you’re building a new storage array or expanding existing infrastructure, this calculator empowers you to make informed decisions quickly and confidently, ensuring your storage solutions meet both current needs and future demands.
What Every IT Pro Should Know About RAID Basics
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology forms the backbone of modern storage infrastructure, offering various approaches to balance data protection and performance. At its core, RAID combines multiple physical drives into a single logical unit, with different levels serving distinct purposes. RAID 0 stripes data across drives for maximum performance but offers no redundancy, making it suitable for non-critical data requiring high speeds. RAID 1 mirrors data between drives, providing excellent redundancy but at the cost of 50% storage efficiency. RAID 5 introduces parity for fault tolerance while maintaining better storage efficiency, though write performance can be impacted.
RAID 6 adds a second parity block for enhanced protection against drive failures, particularly valuable in large arrays. RAID 10, combining striping and mirroring, delivers both high performance and redundancy, though at a higher drive cost. Understanding these configurations is crucial as each level’s capacity calculation follows different principles—a key consideration when planning efficient and reliableNAS storage systems. This foundational knowledge enables IT professionals to make informed decisions based on their specific requirements for performance, redundancy, and storage efficiency.
Common RAID Configuration Challenges
Storage administrators frequently encounter significant challenges when configuring RAID systems manually. Calculation errors can occur when determining usable capacity across different RAID levels, potentially leading to undersized storage arrays or overestimated available space. Drive compatibility issues often emerge when mixing drives of different speeds, capacities, or manufacturers within the same array, resulting in reduced performance or system instability. The complex tradeoff decisions between performance and redundancy present another crucial challenge – while RAID 0 offers maximum performance, its lack of redundancy makes it unsuitable for critical data storage.
Conversely, implementing RAID 6 provides excellent data protection but impacts write performance and requires additional drives. Disaster recovery planning becomes particularly challenging when considering rebuild times for large arrays, especially in RAID 5 configurations where the failure of a second drive during rebuild could result in complete data loss. These technical hurdles underscore the importance of careful planning and precise calculations in RAID implementation to ensure optimal system performance and data protection.
Tired of Manual RAID Math? Let UGOS Cloud Handle It for You
The UGOS Cloud RAID Calculator revolutionizes storage planning by providing a comprehensive solution for IT professionals struggling with complex RAID configurations. This powerful tool seamlessly integrates with the broader UGOS Cloud ecosystem, offering real-time calculations and automated validation checks that eliminate human error. Unlike traditional manual methods that require multiple spreadsheets and complex formulas, the calculator instantly processes drive specifications and RAID level requirements, delivering accurate results in seconds. The tool excels in practical applications, from designing new storage arrays to expanding existing infrastructure, by offering dynamic visualization of capacity utilization and performance metrics.
IT teams can leverage its predictive analysis capabilities to model different RAID configurations before implementation, ensuring optimal resource allocation. The calculator proves particularly valuable during storage upgrades, allowing administrators to simulate various drive combinations and RAID levels to achieve the perfect balance between performance, redundancy, and cost-effectiveness. By streamlining the decision-making process, it enables organizations to implement storage solutions confidently while maintaining high availability and data protection standards.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using UGOS Cloud RAID Calculator
Inputting Drive Specifications
Begin by accessing the UGOS Cloud RAID Calculator’s intuitive interface through your dashboard. In the drive specification panel, enter the total number of drives in your array. For each drive, input the capacity in TB or GB, ensuring accurate representation of your hardware. The interface allows you to specify drive parameters including rotational speed (RPM), interface type (SATA/SAS), and manufacturer details. The calculator automatically validates input consistency to prevent configuration errors.
Selecting RAID Configuration
Once drive specifications are entered, explore the RAID configuration matrix displaying available RAID levels. The calculator’s smart recommendation engine analyzes your input and highlights optimal RAID configurations based on your drive count and capacity. Each RAID level shows projected performance metrics, redundancy levels, and space efficiency. The system automatically flags incompatible configurations and explains why certain RAID levels may not be suitable for your specific drive setup.
Analyzing Results
The results dashboard presents comprehensive metrics for your selected configuration. View the total raw capacity alongside usable storage space after RAID implementation. Performance indicators display expected read/write speeds, taking into account your drive specifications and RAID level. The redundancy analysis shows fault tolerance levels, providing clear insights into how many drive failures your array can withstand. Interactive graphs visualize capacity distribution, helping you understand storage allocation across the array. The calculator also generates detailed reports including rebuild time estimates and recommended hot spare configurations for enhanced reliability.
Compatibility Considerations for Hard Drives
When implementing RAID configurations, drive compatibility plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal system performance and reliability. Storage administrators must carefully evaluate interface specifications, as mixing SATA and SAS drives within the same array can lead to communication bottlenecks and potential system instability. Drive capacity matching is essential – all drives in a RAID array should have identical capacities to prevent capacity loss and performance degradation. Speed synchronization demands equal attention, as combining drives with different rotational speeds or performance characteristics can force the entire array to operate at the speed of the slowest drive.
Many IT professionals turn to trusted manufacturers like UGREEN for their network-attached storage solutions, as they provide specific compatibility matrices for their enterprise drives, recommending matched sets for optimal RAID performance. Additionally, firmware versions should be consistent across all drives in the array to prevent unexpected behavior and ensure seamless operation. The UGOS Cloud RAID Calculator automatically validates these compatibility requirements, alerting administrators to potential issues before implementation.
Advanced Storage Management with UGOS Cloud
The UGOS Cloud platform extends beyond basic RAID calculations to provide comprehensive storage management capabilities. Through intelligent capacity planning features, administrators can model future storage growth patterns and receive proactive alerts when systems approach capacity thresholds. The platform’s performance optimization engine continuously monitors I/O patterns, suggesting configuration adjustments to maintain peak efficiency as workloads evolve. For future-proofing storage infrastructure, UGOS Cloud enables seamless integration of new storage technologies and expansion options without disrupting existing arrays.
The system’s predictive analytics help identify potential bottlenecks before they impact operations, while automated storage tiering recommendations ensure optimal data placement across different storage media. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, UGOS Cloud adapts its optimization strategies to your specific usage patterns, providing increasingly refined recommendations over time. This forward-thinking approach to storage management helps organizations maintain operational excellence while preparing for future storage demands.
Make Your Storage Setup Stronger with the Right RAID Solution
The increasing complexity of storage infrastructure management demands sophisticated tools that can eliminate human error and streamline configuration processes. The UGOS Cloud RAID Calculator addresses these challenges head-on by providing IT professionals with an intelligent, automated solution for RAID planning and implementation. By automating complex calculations, validating drive compatibility, and offering detailed performance metrics, this tool significantly reduces the risk of configuration errors while saving valuable time.
The integration with the broader UGOS Cloud ecosystem further enhances its value, offering advanced features like predictive analytics and capacity planning that help organizations stay ahead of their storage needs. For IT professionals seeking to optimize their storage infrastructure while ensuring data protection and system reliability, the UGOS Cloud RAID Calculator represents an essential tool in their technical arsenal. Take control of your storage management today by leveraging this powerful solution to build more efficient, reliable, and future-proof RAID configurations.
Designed with quieter operation, sustainability and comfort in mind, the new KW 300 MX, KW 300W MX, KW 550 MX LP and KW X ULP 2.0 MINI mechanical keyboards from CHERRY are aimed at modern office and home working environments.
The KW 300 MX and KW 300W MX feature insulated housing, a compact 82- key layout and CHERRY’s latest MX2A switches, which deliver a soft and quiet typing experience. The hot-swappable sockets allow users to change switch types easily, while high-quality PBT keycaps support long-term durability. Both models offer dimmable white backlighting, and the KW 300 MX includes replaceable keycaps for Mac users.
Additional features include a 1000 Hz polling rate, anti-ghosting, N-key rollover, and AES-128 encryption. The keyboards connect via Bluetooth 5.2 or USB-C and use 65% recycled plastic in the lower housing. Packaging is plastic-free and instead uses silk-like paper and paper-based seals.
The KW 550 MX LP uses CHERRY’s new MX Low Profile 2.0 switches to reduce overall keyboard height and sound output. With a 96% layout and under 22mm in height, it includes adjustable feet and offers both Bluetooth 5.2 and USB-C connectivity. As with the other models, the packaging does not include plastic.
For users seeking a compact design, the KW X ULP 2.0 MINI features ultra-low-profile mechanical switches and a 75% layout suitable for Windows and macOS. A discrete anodised aluminium top plate houses concave polycarbonate keycaps which are designed for grip and longevity. Wireless options include USB-C, 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 Low Energy, with AES-128 encryption ensuring secure use in shared work environments.
The CHERRY logo doubles as a charge status indicator, and a magnetic nano receiver and transport pouch made from recycled materials enhance portability. The updated model uses additional recycled content and has been refined for quieter operation.
Tanja Knahn, Head of Brand & Communication at CHERRY, said: “Modern mechanical keyboards with RGB and special designs are now widely available on the market for gamers. However, the situation is different in the office and home office sectors. Countless users want modern and ergonomic mechanical keyboards in the office environment too. Mechanical keyboards that don’t attract attention in shared offices with unpleasant typing noises and colourful RGB lighting.
“We are now fulfilling this wish with the compact and sustainable models KW 300 MX, KW 300W MX, KW 550 MX LP, and KW X ULP 2.0 MINI – all elegantly designed and wireless. The different switch technologies and form factors result in a wide range for diverse requirements.”
All products will be available from Tuesday 5th August 2025. The suggested retail prices are:
KW 300 MX at £95.36
KW 300W MX at £119
KW 550 MX LP at £99
KW X ULP 2.0 MINI at £189
The KW 300W MX version is designed for Windows only and does not include Mac keycaps.
For further information about CHERRY products, visit cherry.de/en-gb
