Five Ways Data Storage Can Advance Your Sustainability Ambitions

In Ireland, IT departments are increasingly prioritising sustainability as part of their Environmental, Societal, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. A recent survey Enterprise Strategy Group revealed (93%) of IT decision makers consider asking about a supplier’s ESG programme when making IT purchase decisions and looking to action their digital transformation strategy. Colin Boyd, data centre solutions sales director with Dell Technologies Ireland tells us more. 

Today’s digital age has brought a surge in data usage, placing a significant pressure on Irish organisations to adopt sustainable practices. This is especially relevant given the high energy prices experienced by many businesses. Notably data centers consume approximately 200 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, which is nearly 1% of all global electricity demand. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that implementing a green data center and hitting the “Environmental” aspect of ESG is top of mind for IT decision makers.

That’s where the modern storage solutions are playing a crucial role in promoting sustainability and energy efficiency in data management. There are five key benefits to sustainable data storage that are contributing to a more environmentally friendly and energy-conscious future.

1. Energy Efficiency:

Sustainable data storage solutions are engineered to minimise energy consumption by leveraging cutting-edge hardware technologies and energy-efficient processors. By optimising power usage, organisations can not only reduce their electricity costs but also make substantial reductions in their carbon emissions.

The adoption of virtualisation technologies and cloud computing is a significant driver of sustainable data storage practices in Ireland. Through the consolidation of physical servers into virtual machines, businesses can utilize technology more efficiently, ultimately lowering the energy required to maintain and cool IT infrastructure.

Cloud-based storage solutions are also enhancing sustainability by providing on-demand scalability, allowing Irish companies to efficiently expand their storage capacity when and how they need. The shared infrastructure of the cloud also helps to reduce waste, resulting in more eco-friendly data centers.

2. Cost Savings enabled by advanced technologies:

Embracing sustainable IT data storage practices not only advances sustainability, but it can also result in significant cost reductions for Irish businesses. Through the strategic allocation of resources and the integration of advanced technologies designed to enhance energy efficiency, organisations can effectively lower their expenditures on hardware and maintenance.

Irish companies that opt for high-density storage arrays can make the most of their physical data center space while simultaneously making strides in reducing their carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. Dell’s PowerMax 2500 model can deliver more than five times the effective storage capacity per watt consumed (PBe/watt) compared to the previous PowerMax generation.

New technologies, including Edge Computing and AI, are emerging as sustainable alternatives to traditional centralised data storage methods. These innovations involve decentralising data processing and storage, which brings benefits like reduced latency, enhanced data security and decreased reliance on extensive network infrastructure and you can also check out a hybrid cloud case study for more information.

This shift aligns with Irish businesses’ sustainability goals, enabling them to cut down on energy consumption and achieve greater operational efficiency. AI-powered algorithms play a crucial role in this transformation by analysing and optimising data efficiently.

Machine learning algorithms can identify data usage patterns, allowing for proactive measures like data tiering, where frequently accessed data is stored on faster, energy-efficient drives. By dynamically managing data placement and resource allocation, AI optimization reduces energy consumption and enhances overall storage efficiency.

3. Minimising Data Footprints:

Ireland’s data management landscape is evolving at pace. New data management approaches are gaining traction among IT leaders for their ability to eliminate redundant or duplicate data, which not only reduces storage requirements but also enhances overall system efficiency. By minimising data footprints, Irish organisations can unlock several advantages, including cost savings, improved backup and recovery times, and decreased energy consumption.

4. Environmental Conservation:

Conventional data storage infrastructure has long been associated with significant energy consumption and dependence on non-renewable resources, presenting environmental challenges. Whereas sustainable data storage solutions offer a distinct advantage by harnessing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power This shift not only reduces carbon emissions but also lessens the environmental footprint. Furthermore, the adoption of renewable energy sources to power data centres aligns perfectly with the commitment of Irish organisations to a sustainable future.

5. Regulatory Compliance:

Across the globe governments and regulatory bodies are introducing more stringent environmental regulations, extending their reach to data storage practices. In Ireland, adhering to these regulations is crucial for organisations to avoid penalties and legal entanglements. By adopting to eco-friendly data storage solutions, Irish companies not only ensure compliance with these evolving regulations but also showcase their dedication to sustainable business practices.

Advancing sustainability together

The rise of sustainable data storage in Ireland reflects the technology industry’s dedication to advancing sustainability and accelerating climate action. This commitment spans various innovations, including virtualization, cloud computing, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like edge computing and AI optimization.

As Irish organisations embrace and further develop these new technologies and practices, they not only ensure their own future sustainability but also play a vital role in fostering a greener, more efficient, and sustainable future.

As the IT industry plans to increase emphasis on ESG data management initiatives. Dell Technologies is leading the changes in championing ESG initiatives and promoting sustainability with data centers. With a modern storage portfolio, our team at Dell Technologies Ireland can enable organisations to effectively address the demands of a data-driven world while simultaneously reducing their ecological footprint.

Midlands celebrates 4 Ericsson Finalists in Women in STEM Awards 2023

The highly anticipated Women in STEM Awards 2023 celebrate and recognise the incredible achievements and innovations of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Ireland, with the Midlands region celebrating as four women from the Ericsson Athlone team have been named as finalists in the upcoming awards.

These awards shine a light on the women who are breaking barriers, pushing boundaries, and making a significant impact in their fields. Among the esteemed finalists, Ericsson Athlone has emerged as a stand-out contender, with an impressive four finalists from their Athlone team, confirming their dedication to diversity, innovation, and leadership in STEM.

Ericsson’s nominations span diverse categories, reflecting their continued work to promote gender balance, and highlight the opportunities of careers in STEM to women and girls across the Midlands region.

  • Role Model of the Year: Sinéad Pillion
  • Women in STEM Award for Engineering: Noreen Muldoon
  • STEM Graduate of the Year: Andrea Tesarova
  • Rising Star of the Year: Natallia Patsykalnik

The Women in STEM Awards have become a leading event in the STEM community, showcasing some of Ireland’s leading companies and organisations that are creating diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces that allow every employee to thrive, regardless of their background.

The awards are driven by the belief that when companies and organisations embrace diversity and inclusivity, they foster a culture of innovation and creativity, and provide the necessary support for women in STEM to reach their full potential.

Commenting on the nominations, Sinéad Pillion, Head of Programs & Operations for Network Management Engineering at Ericsson, and Chair of the Midlands ICT Cluster said, “It is an honour to be named as one of this year’s finalists, along with my three colleagues, in the Women in STEM Awards, and it’s a testament to Ericsson’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender diversity, technological innovation, and leadership within our industry.

“Through our INFUSE (Investing in Future Software Engineers) program at Ericsson Athlone, we are committed to investing in STEM through a range of initiatives that focus on creating enthusiasm around software engineering, with the aim of motivating more female students to consider a career in technology and software engineering. Across the Midlands region, there are so many inspiring programmes offered by members of the Midlands ICT Cluster and aimed at increasing female STEM participation, and we are delighted to support the ongoing work that is ensuring a bright future for women in STEM across the region.”

The Women in STEM Awards 2023 will be hosted on October 26th 2023, at a prestigious event in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin. The event promises to be an inspiring evening, celebrating achievements, fostering networking, and encouraging future leaders in STEM. For more information about the event, please visit https://womeninstemawards.ie/

Top 6 Things Every Android User Should Know

Welcome, Android users! If you’re reading this, it means you’re keen to uncover the hidden gems within your device. Whether you’re a new user or an Android aficionado, this blog post is going to reveal some essential tips that can truly transform how you interact with your device. Let’s delve into the world of these operating systems!

App Updates and Maintenance

Keeping your Android operating system and apps updated is crucial for a seamless user experience. These updates often provide new features, bug fixes, and security enhancements that keep your device protected and working optimally. Moreover, using some App Templates can help you customize your Apps for better performance too. Most Android devices automatically notify you when updates are available, but you can also check manually in ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘Advanced’ > ‘System Update’ for OS updates, and for App updates go to ‘Google Play Store> ‘My Apps & Games’. 

Remember to connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network before updating to save on data usage. Also, routine maintenance like clearing the cache, deleting unnecessary files, and restarting your device regularly can significantly improve its performance. Don’t worry, your personal data won’t be affected by these processes. So, to enjoy a smooth, efficient, and secure Android experience, regular updates and maintenance should be your top priority!

Google Account and Synching

Your Google account is like the master key to unlocking your Android device’s full potential. It offers access to an ecosystem of Google services like Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, and more. Simply put, it’s the backbone of your Android experience. Now, onto syncing – this refers to the process of keeping your data updated across all your devices. 

Any changes you make on one device, like adding a contact or saving a photo, are mirrored on the others. To enable it, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Accounts’ > ‘Google’, choose your account, and select the services you want to sync. Remember, regular syncing ensures you have access to the latest information, regardless of which device you’re using!

Security Measures

Androids offer a variety of security measures that will provide peace of mind. Here are the best options: 

 

  • Lock screen
  • System updates
  • App permission management
  • App source verification
  • Antivirus
  • Device encryption
  • VPN
  • Google play protect
  • Secure browsing
  • Secure emails practices
  • Backup
  • Two-factor authentication

 

Android’s security is multi-faceted. Lock screens provide the first line of defense, while system updates regularly patch vulnerabilities. App permission management helps you control your data, and app source verification ensures you download safe apps. Antivirus software offers additional protection, while device encryption, VPN services, Google Play Protect, and secure browsing provide extra layers of security. Secure email practices, regular backups, and two-factor authentication further enhance Android’s security architecture.

Data Usage Management

Managing your data usage on Android is straightforward. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Network & Internet’ > ‘Data usage’ to find an overview of your data consumption. Here, you can set a warning for when data usage approaches a certain limit and even specify a limit to automatically restrict data use. If you wish to understand which apps consume the most data, go to ‘App data usage’. 

Here, you can see a detailed breakdown per app and choose to restrict background data for apps that consume too much. This will cause these apps to only use data when actively being used. Proper data management helps avoid unexpected charges and ensures a smoother Android experience.

Data Backups

Data backups on Android operating systems are a lifesaver, allowing you to preserve and restore your personal information, apps, settings, and more. Google’s built-in backup service, tied to your Google account, automatically backs up data like Wi-Fi passwords, call history, and app data to Google Drive. To enable this, navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘Backup’, and toggle ‘Backup to Google Drive’ on. 

If you ever switch phones or need to reset your device, you can restore this data during the setup process. Third-party apps offer additional backup options. Regular backups ensure you never lose important information and can resume your Android experience seamlessly, no matter what happens.

Battery Optimization

Optimizing your Android device’s battery life is essential for prolonged, uninterrupted usage. Android’s built-in battery optimization feature intelligently manages how apps use batteries by putting inactive apps into a low-power state. Access this feature at ‘Settings’ > ‘Battery’ > ‘Battery Optimization’. You can choose to optimize all apps or select specific ones. Additionally, Android’s Adaptive Battery feature learns your app usage patterns and prioritizes battery for the apps you use most. 

Also, the Battery Saver mode reduces your device’s overall power consumption by limiting features like location services and background data. Remember, a well-optimized battery ensures your Android device lasts the whole day, enhancing your user experience.

 

So, there you have it! These six essential tips can truly elevate your Android experience. Don’t forget that keeping your device updated, secured, and optimized not only enhances its performance but also extends its lifespan. So go ahead, unlock the full potential of your Android device, and enjoy the seamless, efficient, and secure experience it offers. Happy Android-ing!

Finalists announced for inaugural BIM Aquatech Business of the Year

Three cutting edge Irish aquatech companies using technology to drive sustainable seafood farming have been announced as finalists in the inaugural BIM Aquatech Business of the Year.

The winning company will be announced at a conference titled “Aquatech – Ireland’s Global Opportunity” in Killarney, Co. Kerry, on Thursday, 19 October. Some of the world’s leading experts in aquaculture will be speaking at the conference.

The three finalists in the BIM Aquatech Company of the Year are:

  • Aquamonitrix, led by CEO Mark Bowkett and based in Co. Carlow. It provides a revolutionary new analyser for measuring nitrate and nitrite in fresh, saline and waste-water.

 

  • Aqualicence, founded by Kate Dempsey and based in Co. Wicklow. This is a marine and offshore windfarm consultancy firm supporting on all aspects of licensing applications and support services required for successful submissions.

 

 

  • Konree Innovation, founded by Margaret Rae and based in Co. Galway.  The company uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to outsmart infestation by sea lice, a parasite that affects salmon and other fish, and impacts on production.

 

According to Richard Donnelly, Development and Innovation Director at BIM, there are currently 62 aquatech companies operating in Ireland, all using technology to enable sustainable seafood farming at a time when the sector is facing many challenges. Between them the companies turned over €212 million last year.

“Ireland has the potential to be a world leader in aquatech and BIM is driving the sector’s development. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Food Vision 2030 strategy is to “promote Ireland as a knowledge base for aquaculture technology and research and attract external investment into the sector”. The scale of the opportunity is enormous.” said Mr. Donnelly.

He added that the three finalists in the first BIM Aquatech Company of the Year are examples of the energy, innovation and talent in the sector in Ireland. “We believe that with proper supports Ireland has the potential to be the “Silicon Valley” of the aquatech world.”

Technicians testing a nitrate sensor in the Aquamontrix lab in Tullow, Co. Carlow

Currently 8 emerging aquatech companies are taking part in the Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Aquatech Innovation Studio Programme in Kilorglin. The programme, being delivered by aquaculture accelerator Hatch Blue, and supported by the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, is now in its fifth year.

The Innovation Studio will culminate with Thursday’s conference. Leading experts in aquaculture taking part include Kristen Virega, SVP Global Shrimp efishery, Neil Sims, Founder and CEO, Ocean Era and Jennifer Bushman, Sustainable Aquaculture Strategist and Communicator. BIM CEO, Caroline Bocquel, is also among the key speakers.

The panel discussion will focus on what’s required for Ireland to take advantage of the global opportunity in aquaculture, and how the ecosystem can be nurtured. Panellists include:

  • Antonios Chalaris, Aqua Business Manager of Devenish Nutrition, an agri-technology company based in Belfast.
  • Róisín O Shea, a Senior Investment Manager in the Food and Agri team at Ireland’s Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF).
  • Fearghal O Donncha, a research scientist at IBM Research Europe. Research includes high-resolution modelling of coastal systems and data driven management of fish farms and
  • Jennifer O Brien, CEO of food tech company Sea & Believe.

Tech Review – Burga iPhone 15 Pro cases and Ring Holders

Need to spice up your iPhone 15 Pro or other devices a bit well Burga can help out with a massive range of accessories for your phones and much more. We have been testing Burga goods for some time now and they hold up with their longevity and look well on the phone, not only this they have a huge range of designs and cases to pick from which you can see more of in the video review below where we take a look at what is on offer.

These cases look well and add additional grip to your smartphone and give you peace of mind should you drop it and adding the ring holder also gives you a but more security and also acts as a small stand to consume media at your table or bedside locker. All their products are quality and we know as we have tested many before and still hold up today.

The range of cases come in different types which are as follows

SNAP

  • One-Piece Hard-Shell Design
  • Ultra-Thin, Sleek & Lightweight
  • Camera protected by raised case bezels around camera
  • For those who like the original shape of their phone

TOUGH

  • Dual-Layer: Silicone Interior + Hard Shell Exterior
  • Covers all around the phone
  • Raised Bezel for screen protection
  • Camera protected by raised case bezels around camera
  • Slim Profile & Comfortable to Hold
  • For those who need extra protection, while maintaining the style

ELITE

  • Shock Absorption: Cutting-edge CloudGuard technology absorbs up to 90% of impact force
  • Improved Grip: Dot-pattern finish on the sides ensures a confident grip
  • Raised Bezels: Raised bezels around the screen and camera protect the delicate glass against flat drops
  • Soft Interior: Microfibre lining keeps your phone cozy and prevents scratches from within
  • HQ Image: Our anti-fade printing technology keeps your design as vibrant as day one for months to come
  • Strap-ready: Specially designed sockets make it easy to attach a phone charm
  • Truly premium: An eye-catching gold camera bezel for that subtle touch of luxury

    Tough MagSafe

    • MagSafe®️ Compatible
    • Dual-Layer: Silicone Interior + Hard Shell Exterior
    • Covers all around the phone
    • Raised Bezel for screen protection
    • Camera protected by raised case bezels around camera
    • Slim Profile & Comfortable to Hold
    • For those who need extra protection, while maintaining the style

    Elite MagSafe

    • MagSafe®️ Compatible
    • Shock Absorption: Cutting-edge CloudGuard technology absorbs up to 90% of impact force
    • Improved Grip: Dot-pattern finish on the sides ensures a confident grip
    • Raised Bezels: Raised bezels around the screen and camera protect the delicate glass against flat drops
    • Soft Interior: Microfibre lining keeps your phone cozy and prevents scratches from within
    • HQ Image: Our anti-fade printing technology keeps your design as vibrant as day one for months to come
    • Strap-ready: Specially designed sockets make it easy to attach a phone charm

Please keep in mind that the Tough cases and the Snap cases are two entirely different products and they are not compatible. Check out the drop down menu for case variants

Sunset Glow 

Proper Uniform Elite

Ivy League – iPhone 15 Pro Case

Ring holders 

Check out the video review below.

Tech Review – ZHIYUN FIVERAY V60, 60W light wand combo

ZHIYUN has been part of our review channel for some years now with their equipment that we use on a daily basis and we have some other products in for review from them so stay tuned for those coming soon, today we are here to talk about the FIVERAY V60 light wand combo pack which gives you control over the tone you need for the subject you will be focussing on.

This is a less expensive version of similar lights we have reviewed such as the FIVERAY F100 stick light and the FR100C light stick which are also great tools to have at your disposal which cater in other ways compared to this one and it is great to see that the company does offer different solutions for different needs. Both those previous models had colour options as you will see in the reviews and had some cool features.

This model is less complicated to use and again portable or can be placed on a tripod to set the tone, you could use two or more of these in a scene or just one like what we will be basing our review on which is plenty for now in my set up.

If you do plan to use a tripod and want it vertical you will need a strong one as it will be top heavy

Once set up this is simple to use, really simple you have two dials to adjust your needs as you will see in the video below, this for me is ideal to focus on one point but others may be more useful in certain settings, this not only provides multiple light modes but also music modes too. See the video for a hands on look at what to expect.

Features

• Compact and portable design, only 1.96lb
• True-to-life colors, CRI≧96
• MAX mode 100W, fill light wherever
• Use while charging, easy charging with DC/PD adapter
• Multiple light effects & music modes, ideal ambiance created instantly

BUY

Video Review

Aon’s M&A report reveals technology and telecoms sector most actively considering M&A activity

Aon plc, a leading global professional services firm, today published its latest report about the attitudes and actions regarding mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among senior business leaders in Ireland.

Aon’s M&A in Ireland 2023 Report surveyed 281 businesses across Ireland between June and July 2023.

Results show that 11 percent of all businesses are actively considering engaging in a merger or acquisition in the next 12 months. Businesses in the Technology, Media, and Telecom sector (TMT) are the most active for M&A, with 26 percent considering dealmaking in the next year. 17 percent of financial and professional services firms are also considering engaging in M&A activity in the next 12 months.

For firms considering M&A activity, the top reasons include accessing skilled talent (31 percent), increasing business efficiencies (30 percent), and building innovation capacity for the future (28 percent). The top motivator for TMT businesses was expansion into new jurisdictions (46 percent) while 37 percent of financial and professional services firms indicated that expansion into new business areas was a key driver.

Nearly 2 in 3 firms (62 percent) that engaged in M&A over the past 12 months said the deals had achieved their strategic objectives, indicating that M&A activity may increase should economic conditions improve.

Evolving risk landscape

The risk landscape for Irish firms has shifted considerably over the past 12 months. Rising inflation (56 percent) remains the top risk to M&A for Irish businesses, although it has fallen by 13 percent since last year, indicating businesses are at a turning point in managing its impact on their M&A strategy. Lack of sustainable investment options (44%) and high valuations (43%) make up the remaining spots within the top three risks identified by business leaders in Ireland considering M&A activity.

Cyber and ESG due diligence rise

Cyber security and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors continue to rise up the due diligence agenda for Irish firms.

The majority (62%) of Irish businesses consider cyber security and technology risks before concluding an M&A deal – a 7 percent increase on last year’s report. There are differences in the treatment of cyber risk among organisations of different sizes, with 41 percent of large businesses considering cyber security due diligence on every deal. In contrast, 31 percent of mid-sized businesses, do not consider cyber security at all in relation to M&A, suggesting smaller companies may not have the capabilities in place to effectively evaluate these risks.

35% of organisations in Ireland say ESG standards are extremely important pre-transaction, a modest gain (2 percent) on last year’s results. 43 percent of businesses have not considered ESG factors at all up until now. Irish firms are still significantly behind their global counterparts in their assessment of the importance of ESG risk. According to Aon’s Global M&A Risk in Review survey 72 percent of businesses expect ESG to be the most significant risk facing their organisations in the next 12 months.

The availability of sustainable investment (21 percent) is the top ESG factor for Irish firms when assessing a potential merger or acquisition, followed by the impact of the business on climate (19 percent) and diversity on company boards (19 percent).

Importance of human capital and taxation

Aon’s research shows other key factors considered by business leaders in due diligence include financials, legal, human capital, and taxation. Human capital was identified as a main area of focus for due diligence when considering M&A by 42 percent of businesses, reflecting the importance of talent in a labour market with unemployment near a historic low.

Taxation is cited by 42 percent of businesses as a key concern in determining whether to conduct an M&A transaction. 1 in 4 businesses stated that the tax rate that will apply to future profits following an acquisition or merger is their key tax concern, indicating the impact of continuing uncertainty regarding the OECD’s global minimum tax rate proposals.

Karl Curran, Head of M&A and Transaction Solutions at Aon Ireland, said: “Despite growth in the domestic economy, organisations continue to navigate a challenging business environment from a tight labour market, to rising operating costs and increasing levels of cyber-attacks.

 “Aon’s latest M&A in Ireland Report shows that these challenges are creating uncertainty among businesses, with almost 90% of businesses either less likely or unsure of whether they will engage in M&A activity in the coming year. However, when broken down by sectors, there is stronger appetite for M&A activity among firms in the Technology, Media, and Telecom sector and the Financial and Professional Services sector.

“The risk landscape for Irish businesses continues to evolve at pace. Addressing emerging areas of risk such as cyber security will be critical to long-term success. The impact of potential cyber-attacks can be deeply damaging. According to the 2023 Aon Cyber Resilience Report, major cyber incidents typically result in a 9% decrease in shareholder value for businesses in the 12 months following an attack. In this context, we welcome the findings from today’s report that more firms in Ireland are prioritising cyber risk as part of M&A due diligence. However, with a significant number of businesses still not screening for cyber risk at all, many firms need to urgently put these capabilities in place.

“With firms in Ireland facing a growing set of new and evolving risks, the insights from Aon’s M&A in Ireland Report help shine a spotlight on the trends in this area but critically highlight the risks and due diligence that companies should be considering as part of any M&A activity. We hope that the data will be a useful tool in helping to guide Ireland’s business leaders towards making better-informed decisions to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex M&A environment.”

CWSI providing security for Bright’s growth journey

CWSI, Ireland’s most experienced mobile and cloud security specialist, today announces that it has successfully delivered a cybersecurity solution for leading payroll software company, Bright. Bright’s award-winning solution, BrightPay, is used to pay 3.5M employees every month and this number is continuing to grow.

Headquartered in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, BrightPay serves small to medium businesses, accountants, bureaus, and sole traders throughout Ireland and the UK. As the company grew, it identified a significant increase in the number of malicious activities on its endpoints and needed to ensure that its data was as secure as possible.

As more and more cyberattacks become automated, the most effective way to combat this is with automated cybersecurity. CWSI implemented SentinelOne’s Autonomous Endpoint Protection, which uses static and behavioural AI together with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities to protect its customers, while also saving them time.

The new cybersecurity solution was seamlessly rolled out across 200 devices. It has relieved stress and pressure on Bright’s internal IT team and given them peace of mind that they have a highly secure environment when dealing with sensitive information every day. Prior to partnering with CWSI, Bright had multiple issues with its cybersecurity software, including slow operating times, poor interface, and false positives blocking legitimate users, which was taking the IT team away from their day-to-day core operations.

CWSI engaged with Bright to identify its cybersecurity goals, listen to its unique requirements and find the best fit for Bright’s EDR objectives.

Alan Kelly, IT Manager, Bright Software Group, said: “Cybersecurity is massively important to us. It is a fundamental part of our business to make sure that we’re secure, not only for our staff but for our customers as well. We were looking for a solution provider we could trust and CWSI felt like a perfect match right from the start.

“Our objectives and ambitions at Bright are to continue to grow and innovate. To do that we need the right partners and products, and we are confident that we have found both with CWSI.”

Aimee Hall, Customer Success Manager, CWSI, said: “Bright is such an exciting company, and BrightPay such a fantastic solution, and we are excited to be partnering with them to ensure the company can continue to scale at pace, unencumbered by fears around the safety and security of it and its customers’ data.

“Providing that peace of mind and removing those barriers is what we want to do for all of our customers, and to create a situation for them where they are free to achieve their goals.”

€22,000 Raised By Dublin Amazon Cyclists For Irish Charities

A group of Amazon employees from Amazon sites and offices across Ireland have participated in a cycling challenge between Cork and Dublin to raise money for two children’s charities.

Team members from Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon offices in Dublin and Amazon Customer Services (ACS) in Cork, joined forces on a charity cycle for Cliona’s Foundation and Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

The group commenced the 400-kilometre cycle, in recognition of the 400,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year, from the ACS headquarters in Cork, finishing the route at the fulfilment centre in Dublin. The team arrived at the fulfilment centre after three days, raising €22,000, including a €5,000 donation from the fulfilment centre in Dublin, which will be divided between Cliona’s Foundation and Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

Cliona’s Foundation works across Ireland to support families who are dealing with financial issues whilst caring for a child with life-limiting illnesses. The foundation was set up after the passing of Brendan and Terry Ring’s daughter, Cliona, from an inoperable brain tumour. In honour of their daughter, they have helped over 1,200 families across Ireland.

In memory of their son, Jack, Jonathan Irwin and Mary Ann O’Brien set up Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation to support families across Ireland who are in the same position they were. The charity provides in-home nursing care and respite support for children with severe to profound cognitive delay. Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation has helped more than 2,600 families across Ireland.

Darragh Kelly, General Manager at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin, said:

“We couldn’t be prouder of the teams from Amazon sites across Ireland who took part in the fundraising cycle from Cork to Dublin. This was the first-time representatives from all sections of our business in Ireland came together for a fundraising event. We are pleased to be building our relationship with the teams from Cliona’s Foundation and Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. All involved should be extremely pleased with the amount they raised for these two important charities.”

Dave Carney, an employee from Amazon who took part in the fundraising cycle, added:

“I am very proud to have completed the cycle alongside such an amazing team, as well as raising an incredible amount of money for Cliona’s Foundation and Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Weather conditions were tough on the last day, but to see everyone cheering us on at the finish line was incredible!”

Brendan, CEO and Co-Founder from Cliona’s Foundation, said:

“On behalf of the staff and volunteers at Cliona’s Foundation, I would like to say thank you to the Amazon teams in Dublin and Cork for their support. I would also like to thank and congratulate the inspiring team who took part in the cycle – their efforts mean so much to us.”

The donations to Cliona’s Foundation and Jack and Jill’s Children’s Foundation were made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations in Ireland.

Since opening its doors last year, Amazon’s Dublin fulfilment centre has supported many community organisations locally. Charities supported by the team at the fulfilment centre include Jigsaw and LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

The Amazon team also donated €5,000 each to Cliona’s Foundation and Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation when the site opened in 2022.

The Amazon fulfilment centre in Dublin, the first of its kind in Ireland, opened in August 2022 providing more than 500 new permanent jobs. The 630,000 square foot centre at Baldonnell Business Park in Dublin holds millions of items that are picked, packed and shipped to customers across Ireland and the rest of Europe.