2 in 3 Irish businesses to increase investment in cybersecurity according to Dell Technologies survey

A new survey undertaken by the Dell Technologies in association with the Executive Institute found that two-thirds (66%) of businesses in Ireland are planning to invest in their cyber security as cyber threats continue to increase. Moreover, 93% of organisations have already taken steps to enhance their data protection measures in the past twelve months.

The latest ‘Digital Pulse Survey’ from Dell and the Executive Institute of over 150 business leaders, shows that Irish businesses are struggling under the weight of increasing cyber-attacks. The majority of respondents (64%) say that the ever-growing number of attacks is the main barrier to enhancing their organisation’s cyber resilience, with 13% citing lack of in-house cyber skills and expertise and 9% citing outdated technology and upfront investment in cybersecurity solutions.

Highlighting the cyber dangers posed by hybrid working, 68% of businesses have already taken steps to mitigate the cyber risks of flexible and remote working models.

The Digital Pulse Survey also reveals that Irish businesses are increasingly turning to technology to help them achieve their sustainability goals. Over 8 in 10 business leaders (84%) say that technology has positively impacted their sustainability goals to date. Over one-third (37%) are using technology to increase energy efficiency, 24% are using it to facilitate hybrid or remote working, and 20% are using technology to help reduce carbon emissions.

In addition, almost half (49%) of Irish business leaders say they are considering replacing outdated technology in the next 12 months to reduce higher energy costs.

Commenting on the survey results, Catherine Doyle, Managing Director, Dell Technologies Ireland, said: “It’s clear that cyber risk continues to weigh heavily on business leaders as they advance their digital transformation plans. The vast majority have taken steps to enhance their data protection, and two-thirds are looking to increase this investment in the year ahead. Proactive and timely action will be vital to strengthening cyber defences.  

“As businesses work to enhance their cyber resilience, it’s also positive to see the role of technology in driving sustainable innovation. From using technology to increase energy efficiency and facilitate remote working to achieving operational efficiency, digital transformation can help leaders shape a more sustainable future.”

Conor Morris, Managing Director, Executive Institute, said: “The results of the survey suggests that the threat posed by cyber-attacks continues to grow and threatens the future success of our member organisations. These attacks are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated.  Planning for and adopting a security strategy that remains current and as up to date as new cyber threats themselves will be a key factor going forward.”

Surveys reveal that 95% of organisations across Ireland do not have an active AI Use Policy in place

Recent comprehensive surveys conducted between March and October this year have revealed concerning trends regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace. The surveys, conducted by Legal Island, which encompassed a total of 500 HR respondents from various organisations across the island of Ireland, found that a startling 95% of these establishments have still to implement an active AI Use Policy in the workplace.

Mr. Barry Phillips, Chairman of Legal Island, and a former practising employment law barrister, expressed his concerns over these findings, stating: “These results are alarming. It suggests there’s something of a Wild West going on at the moment in the workplace, reminiscent of the early days of the internet’s introduction at work in the 90s. Employers back then chose to regulate its use only when it became clear employees were misusing email and the web, and when companies started facing penalties from regulators due to data breaches.”

The lack of an AI Use Policy can expose organisations to reputational risks as well as unnecessary legal liability. The findings signal a pressing need for businesses to develop and enforce clear AI policies, ensuring safe and responsible use in the workplace.

Phillips added “Employers need to be proactive and set about determining how AI is to be used at work, and within what parameters. It’s a complicated task when AI is evolving so quickly but those who choose to do nothing, preferring to watch from the sidelines, could end up in serious difficulties when they have no rules or practice guidelines to point to when something goes wrong.”

On Wednesday, 29th November, Legal Island will host a full day review of employment law topics, with a keynote session on regulating the use of AI at work. This will include a template AI use policy, as well as expert advice on how to mitigate the risks of AI at work, whilst maximising the benefits. The event, Annual Review of Employment Law, will be held simultaneously online and in person at the Dublin Convention Centre.

Legal Island is a multi-award-winning workplace compliance company, founded in 1998, working across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Legal Island helps HR professionals understand employment law and how it applies to their workplace.

For further information, or to register for the event on 29th November, visit www.legal-island.ie/events.

Pandora and Presto Music Now Available on BluOS

BluOS, the original hi-res multi-room music management platform developed and licensed to premium audio brands by Lenbrook International, is excited to announce new content partners to its ecosystem with the addition of two important music streaming services, Pandora and Presto Music. Starting today, both Pandora and Presto Music are accessible as natively integrated services in key markets, adding to the broad choice of streaming options that BluOS users already have with dozens of supported services that add to the variety of enriched and personalized audio experiences possible within the BluOS platform.

Pandora, one of the true original music streaming pioneers and available exclusively in the United States, is renowned for its exceptional music discovery features and expert curated radio stations. Its integration offers BluOS music lovers access to another seamless and intuitive way to enjoy their favorite tracks and discover new music based on listeners’ tastes. 

BluOS users in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, can enjoy Presto Music, one of the world’s leading authorities on classical and jazz recordings. Their recently launched streaming service lets subscribers directly access Presto’s vast library of high-quality music via the BluOS Controller app. Their focused, extensive, and growing catalog includes 200,000 albums in CD-quality and 34,000 albums in 24-bit/192kHz. Presto Music subscribers will also enjoy a powerful search engine designed for classical and jazz music with rich composer, artist and genre profiles including recommendations and featured releases. 

“We are truly excited to bring Pandora and Presto Music to BluOS, further expanding our commitment to offering users the freedom to choose their preferred streaming services and at the highest quality,” said Andrew Haines, Product Manager at BluOS. “Pandora has been a long asked-for service addition with its unique history and strength in music discovery. While Presto Music is new, we are especially optimistic that niche music services with high-quality content are perfectly matched to the discerning audiences that BluOS and its premium audio integration partners serve.”

BluOS users can listen to Pandora and Presto Music by simply updating to the latest firmware and BluOS Controller App (version 4.2.0), available in the Apple App Store, Google Play, and at bluos.io/downloads. 

Etsy’s new office in Dublin’s Liberties represents Etsy’s commitment to its employees and the community in Ireland

Etsy, Inc. is moving from the current office on Strand Street to One Le Pole Square, 8 Ship Street Little, in Dublin’s Liberties. Etsy currently employs well over 100 employees in Ireland, benefitting from the strong talent pool and technology sector in the country. The move represents Etsy’s commitment to Ireland and will provide employees with a space designed to promote connection and collaboration.

Etsy has seen that creating vibrant office hubs is key to making in-person moments both meaningful and collaborative. The new office offers similar amenities to Etsy’s Brooklyn HQ, along with updated focus work areas, outdoor space, more meeting rooms, and large gathering spaces for employees to connect, all with an Irish twist – drawing inspiration from Irish heritage and local culture in Dublin’s infamous Liberties.

This move coincides with Etsy becoming a signatory of Diversity Charter Ireland on Tuesday, November 7th at its new Dublin office. By becoming a signatory of Diversity Charter Ireland, the country that hosts Etsy’s EU headquarter, Etsy demonstrates its ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion across its business.

Etsy CHRO Kim Seymour shared, “We’re excited to establish Etsy’s new EU home in a space that enables our teams to leverage in-person moments with thoughtful design that facilitates connection and collaboration. Through the opening of this new office space and Etsy’s signing of the Diversity Charter Ireland, we’re proud to deepen our commitment to our Ireland-based community, and to cultivating a vibrant, diverse workplace in Ireland where employees from all backgrounds can thrive.”

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are deeply embedded into Etsy’s culture and how it operates as an organization. Etsy publishes its progress and goals annually, working to promote transparency and measurable commitments in DEI. In Ireland, the company is working toward building a software engineering team with 2x the national benchmark for representation of women and marginalized gender engineers by 2027 (16%). Etsy is proud to be tracking ahead of that goal.

Tech Review – SOUNDPEATS RunFree Open-ear Sport Headphones

The SOUNDPEATS RunFree Open-ear sport headphones are the next installment after the RunFree Lite we recently reviewed here and they are have improved greatly it has to be said, these type of headphones are now a trend and you may notice more people wearing them when out jogging or in the gym.

One thing with these is they are very light and very comfortable to wear and robust, you can connect to two devices at once which for me is important and I am sure many others out there and there is of course a good connection with Bluetooth 5.3 on board.

Sound is what people want to know more about with the likes of these headphones and I am happy to report it is good,loud and clear and so are calls. You have 16.2mm drivers on board which packs a punch and for me a decent audio experience only to be boosted by the SOUNDPEATS app which I think is pretty decent. See photo below for features in the app..

On the Audio experience they pack a punch it has to be said and with and for me are loud with nice bass and more. Within the app you have control of what you want out of the headphones and there is plenty of presets to mess around with, ensure you do the hearing test for the best results.

The controls are simple to use and all you require is there you can skip and reverse tracks higher and lower the volume, access your voice assistant and play and pause tracks, game mode and call management is also present on the slightly raised keys on the right side of the headphones.

Overall these are ideal for those into sports and want to hear their surroundings and getting great audio and having a good app to back them up with no compromise all round with a robust build.

The App

 

Features

    • Open-ear Design & Air Conduction Tech
    • Patented λ Enhanced Bass Algorithm & 16.2mm Dynamic Driver
    • Liquid Silicone Comfort & 1.09oz Lightweight
    • 14 Hrs Playtime & Type-C Charging
    • BT 5.3 Stable Multiple Connection
    • App Control & Standardized Touch Control

 

BUY 

Video Review

New CS:GO Case: A Comprehensive Review and Item Analysis

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) has long held its reign in the gaming world, offering not just intense combat scenarios but also an engaging economy of in-game items. The thrill of unlocking a rare item from a newly released case is a feeling known well to the CS:GO community. With the unveiling of the new CSGO case, expectations soared, riding on waves of rumors and sneak peeks. This article aims to dissect the contents of the fresh case, providing a well-rounded review and an insightful analysis of the items encased within.

Overview of the New CS:GO Case

The excitement in the air was palpable as the clock ticked down to the release of the new CS:GO case. As the case burst onto the scene, it brought with it a promise of fresh aesthetics and a renewed vigor in the weapon skin collection domain. The case, named “Vanguard Reprise,” was released on August 18, 2023, and quickly became the talk of the town. Its unique feature lies in the blend of retro and futuristic designs, giving a nostalgic nod while embracing modern-day graphics. This fusion has not only made the new CS:GO case a visual treat but also a topic of hearty discussions among enthusiasts.

Detailed Item Analysis

The Vanguard Reprise case unfolds a diverse array of items, each with a distinctive appeal. Here’s a meticulous breakdown of the offerings:

 

– Weapon Skins: 

  • Hyperbeast Redux: A reimagining of the classic Hyperbeast skin, it now sports a sleeker, more streamlined look with an infusion of neon accents.
  • Retrograde: This skin takes a step back in time with its vintage design, yet holds a modern edge with its high-resolution textures.

– Stickers: 

  • Gamer’s Graffiti: A set of vibrant, playful stickers that resonate with the heart of every CS:GO player.
  • Battle-Scarred Badges: These stickers embody the grit and valor of the battlefield, a perfect emblem for the seasoned warrior.

– Other Items:

  • Victory Lap Glove Set: A pair of gloves adorned with the emblems of past champions, a tribute to the rich legacy of CS:GO.

Each item within the new CS:GO case carries a story, a tribute to the game’s glorious past while paving the way for an exciting future. The meticulous craftsmanship and the thought process behind each design reflect the creators’ profound understanding of the community’s evolving tastes.

Economic Impact

The release of the new CS:GO case has undeniably rippled through the in-game economy. Initially, the prices for the items within the Vanguard Reprise case soared as players rushed to obtain the fresh skins. The allure of being among the first to flaunt the new designs drove a spike in market demand, leading to a temporary inflation of prices.

As the initial hype simmered down, the market dynamics began to stabilize. The prices of the new CS:GO case items found a more sustainable level, aligning with the perceived value among the community. However, it’s noteworthy that some items, due to their rarity or popularity, maintained a higher price point, showcasing the economic intricacies within the CS:GO marketplace.

Trading has always been an integral aspect of CS:GO’s appeal, and the new case has added a fresh zest to this trade culture. The vibrant trading community swiftly embraced the new items, with trading forums and platforms bustling with activity. The economic interplay surrounding the new CS:GO case is a testament to the game’s enduring appeal and the continual evolution of its in-game economy.

Community Reception

The reception of the new CS:GO case has been a mixed bag of anticipation, excitement, and critiques. Social media platforms and gaming forums have been abuzz with discussions dissecting every aspect of the Vanguard Reprise case. The blend of retro and futuristic designs particularly sparked lively debates, showcasing the community’s diverse taste.

Professional players and streamers have also chimed in on the discussion, sharing their takes on the new CS:GO case. Their reviews, streamed live or shared on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, have further fueled the community’s interest. Their endorsement or critique significantly influences the perception and popularity of the new case items.

Moreover, various CS:GO communities have organized case opening events, fostering a sense of camaraderie among players. These events have not only provided a platform for players to share their excitement or disappointment but also strengthened the communal bond within the CS:GO ecosystem. The new CS:GO case has indeed contributed to enriching the vibrant culture surrounding the game.

Comparison to Previous Cases

The Vanguard Reprise case stands as a bridge between the nostalgic past and the promising future of CS:GO. When compared to previous cases, the new CS:GO case encapsulates a broader spectrum of design philosophy, embracing a modern approach while paying homage to classic designs.

The items within the new case hold a distinct aesthetic appeal, setting them apart from previous offerings. The level of detail and craftsmanship showcase a maturing design process, hinting at an exciting trajectory for future CS:GO cases. The comparison reflects the continuous effort by the developers to keep the game engaging and aesthetically appealing.

Moreover, the economic dynamics surrounding the new case show a pattern of healthy engagement and trading activity. Previous cases have also spurred economic activity, but the fresh designs and the well-balanced rarity of items in the new CS:GO case suggest a positive trend towards sustaining a lively in-game economy. The evolving nature of case offerings keeps the game fresh and continues to enthrall the vast community of CS:GO.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the new CS:GO case, Vanguard Reprise, has undoubtedly added a fresh layer to the rich tapestry of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s in-game economy and community engagement. Each item nestled within this case tells a story, bearing a blend of nostalgic allure and futuristic excitement. The meticulous design and thoughtfulness behind each item resonate with the community’s diverse taste, evoking a blend of excitement, critique, and thorough discussion.

The economic repercussions of the new CS:GO case have once again showcased the vibrant and dynamic marketplace inherent in the CS:GO ecosystem. It’s a living testament to the game’s enduring appeal and the significant role played by item trading and collecting. The fresh zest brought by the case to the trading scene reiterates the importance of continuous innovation in keeping the in-game economy lively and engaging.

In summation, the Vanguard Reprise case is more than just a collection of new skins and items. It’s a nod to the rich legacy of CS:GO, a stimulus to the thriving community discussions, and a promising glimpse into the evolving aesthetics and economic dynamics of the game. As the community delves into the treasures of the new CS:GO case, the journey of exploration and discussion it propels enriches the overall CS:GO experience, making the game continually engaging and rewarding.

 

Tesco Mobile Ireland launches Black Friday offers taking place throughout the month of November

Tesco Mobile Ireland has announced a month-long Black Friday celebration, offering customers an extended opportunity to enjoy exclusive deals on several Pay As You Go and Bill Pay devices and plans.

For those hoping to get a head start on Christmas shopping, looking to upgrade, or simply keen to bag the latest hi-tech bargain, the Tesco Mobile Black Friday sale offers unmissable deals available both online and in Tesco Mobile Phone Stores nationwide until 29th November!

With reductions across leading brands including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi devices, there’s a deal for everyone throughout November.

 Black Friday Bill Pay Offers Exclusive to Tesco Mobile Customers* 

Tesco Mobile customers, both existing and new, can reap the benefits of exclusive offers with savings of over €400 on Apple and Samsung devices.

  • Apple iPhone 13. Now €129.99 on €35 Monthly Plan, Save €320 

The Apple iPhone 13 offers an advanced dual-camera system and a state-of-the-art A15 Bionic Chip, boasting 2.5 more hours battery usage than its predecessor. This model also provides an improved OLED visual display and water and dust-resistant finish.

 

  • iPhone 11. €9.99 on €35 Bill Pay Plan, Save €190 

A dual‑camera system captures more of what you see and love. All‑day battery life lets you do more and charge less.

 

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. €9.99 on €35 Bill Pay Plan, Save €340 

Introducing the latest in the Samsung Galaxy FE family, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. The everyday epic adventure continues with a pro-grade camera, fastest processor, 5G, huge 4,500mAh all-day battery and incredibly immersive 120hz 6.4″ display

Black Friday Pay As You Go Offers from Tesco Mobile 

Tesco Mobile’s Prepay Data Plus Plan provides customers with access to 100GB for just €15 per month.

This Prepay Data Plus Plan, available online or across stores nationwide, also includes 1,000 any network minutes with Tesco Clubcard. In addition to 500 any network texts, this plan also offers unlimited Tesco Mobile calls and texts. All Tesco Mobile Pay As You Go offers include unlimited data.

And to add a Christmas bonus, all Pay As You Go offers can be reduced further for Tesco Clubcard holders, look out for more information in-store and online.

Black Friday Prepay offers tesco mobile Ireland

 

  • Xiaomi Redmi 12C on Pay As You Go Now €79.99, Save €70 with Clubcard Price 

The Xiaomi Redmi 12C will elevate every movie or gaming experience with its stunning 6.71” HD+ display. This device has a smart and striking design and the massive 5000mAh battery and 10W fast charging ensures that users can enjoy a longer battery life all day long.

Frozen Contracts 

While other operators are increasing their prices, Tesco Mobile is committed to helping households across Ireland cut the cost of connectivity and has frozen contracts across all Bill Pay plans until 31st December 2023. Existing and new Tesco Mobile customers signing up to 24-month contracts before the end of the year will enjoy the same great-value prices, safe in the knowledge that their monthly charge will not change for the duration of their minimum term.

Refer a friend 

Tesco Mobile has launched its ‘refer a friend programme’, where existing customers can earn up to €100 in Tesco gift vouchers for referring friends onto Tesco Mobile prepay. More information here

https://www.tescomobile.ie/refer-a-friend. 

Check out all these great Tesco Mobile Black Friday deals and more on www.tescomobile.ie/blackfriday.

The Challenges You Face with a Very Niche Business

Narrowing down your business to a very specific niche often has some great advantages. You can target a small but loyal target audience, perhaps meeting a particular need that no one else is providing for. However, there are disadvantages to this business approach too. You can find yourself facing many challenges when you choose to run a business within a small niche, or within a niche that’s seen as alternative or risky. But, although these challenges can be difficult to grapple with, there are always things you can do to try and overcome them. Approach these challenges in the right way and you could make your niche business a success.

Finding the Right Services

For some businesses within a specific niche, finding the right services can be tricky. This is especially true if your business is within a niche seen as risky and if you’re looking for financial services. One of the ways to ensure you get the right tools and services for your business is to look for those designed specifically for businesses like yours. If you can find merchant accounts for CBD businesses, a bank that’s willing to work with casinos, or a payment service that understands your business model, it can really benefit you. These services are set up for businesses like yours.

Explaining Your Business

One thing that can help you find the right business services, among other things, is being able to explain your business clearly. This isn’t always an easy thing to do, as you can find yourself having to explain your business and product to someone unfamiliar with many of the terms and concepts you might want to use. But if you can tell people what your business is about and who it’s for, it could help you secure funding, generate leads, and much more. Perfecting your pitch in understandable language can really help you.

Finding and Retaining Customers

Of course, any business has the challenge of finding and keeping the right customers. But if you work within a very small or unusual niche, your target audience could be a lot smaller than others. Just finding the right audience can be a challenge. You need to work out where to target them, whether it’s on certain social media platforms, in industry magazines, at events, or anywhere else they might be found. And, because your audience is smaller, customer retention can be a lot more important too.

Smaller Growth Potential

A small niche will often mean smaller growth potential too. Your potential pool of customers is likely not as large as some other businesses. However, this is something many small businesses have to face. You may be happy with the idea that your business is only going to grow so far. But if you do want to keep expanding, you could consider ways to broaden your horizons. New products or services, or perhaps widening the net on your target audience, could help your business keep growing like what we see now with the rise of Full Spectrum CBD oil businesses. 

Very niche businesses will always face certain challenges. But if you’re aware of them, you can develop the right tactics to tackle them.

Jabra’s Study at the LSE Behavioural Lab Highlights Critical Role of Technology in Boosting Collaboration in Meetings

Globally, there are over 572 million knowledge workers*, and each week, billions of hours are spent in online meetings. Yet many of these meetings are held in settings that are not at all supportive for collaboration or productivity. In Jabra’s recent Hybrid Ways of Working 2023 Global Report, only 15% of employees say that all of their office’s meeting rooms are equipped with video cameras for online meetings, and around 60% of knowledge workers still rely on built-in laptop cameras and microphones. This begs the question: how much is the technology we’re using impacting our behaviour in meetings and our ability to collaborate effectively?

Answering that question has taken over a year of work by Jabra using state-of-the-art facilities to study human behaviour in a controlled environment at the Behavioural Lab at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The study, ‘Meeting Great Expectations: Behaviour, Emotion and Trust’, sought to understand the biopsychological impacts of the technology we use in our day-to-day work, and how it affects collaboration and inclusion in meetings.

Professional meeting technology is key to meeting equity

Meeting experiences are holistic and need to factor in all participants. When we first made the shift to remote work during the pandemic, most organisations provided employees with headsets and webcams for online meetings. However, the quality of this technology varied and was oftentimes inadequate. In fact, only 19% of knowledge workers** are using a personal, professional webcam.

Looking into how technology impacts the quality each person can access a meeting, and how much an equal playing field impacted everyone’s overall collaboration perceptions, the study observed significant improvements when everyone in a meeting uses professional Jabra equipment, when compared to using the nearest competitor’s video bar or built-in laptop audio and video. There was a 27% increase in clarity, 16% more trust, 35% greater expressiveness, and a 47% perceived improvement in the quality of input.

Additionally, remote workers often face the greatest challenges with technology in hybrid meetings. When armed with professional headsets and cameras, the research saw overall call clarity improved by 18% among remote workers, while meeting room participants also rated remote users 32% higher in terms of expressiveness. Meeting room participants also showed nearly twice (84%) the perceived level of engagement when comparing hybrid workers using professional equipment with those on laptop with built-in hardware. Furthermore, remote participants also trusted others joining remotely 22% more when using professional technology. These findings highlighted the increased levels to which remote workers can show up and contribute to hybrid meetings, and the advantages technology can provide them.

Meeting room equipment directly improves remote users meeting experience

We’ve all been in that situation where we join a meeting remotely while everyone else is in the office. It can be frustrating – you might struggle to hear what’s being said, not be able to see everyone in the room, and sometimes feel overlooked. But what if having the right tools could make you feel more present and included?

The study found that when people used professional technology both in the meeting room and remotely, those joining remotely reported a 56% improvement in the quality of conference room contributions. While nothing can quite replace face-to-face interaction, the second-highest ratings for collaboration, right after in-person meetings, came from remote participants rating conference room users equipped with professional video gear.

These findings highlight that technology can bridge the gap between meeting participants separated by physical distance. In summary, it’s clear that high-quality in-room technology significantly enhances the experience for remote participants. Any business aiming for inclusive meetings should prioritise updating their meeting spaces to support fair collaboration.

Holger Reisinger, SVP at Jabra said, “High-quality technology has a profound impact on the effectiveness of remote collaboration. Our research demonstrates that when businesses invest in professional equipment for both in-room and remote participants, they can achieve remarkable improvements. These findings underscore the pivotal role of technology in optimising meeting experiences and fostering successful hybrid collaboration.”

Dr Simon Noyce, British Chartered Psychologist, Lead Project Researcher said, “In today’s world of hybrid meetings, bridging the gap between in-person and remote collaboration has never been more important. Our aim is to encourage businesses to harness this technology to enable meaningful interactions that come as close as possible to the richness of face-to-face engagement.”

Download a copy of the full report here: jabra.com/lse

*Jabra’s Global Knowledge Worker Survey, 2023

**Jabra U&A Collaboration Study, 2022