Swedish Plumbing Company Abandons Vans for Professional Ebikes

Cyklande Rörmokaren is a plumbing company in Stockholm, Sweden. Their headquarters are in a former blacksmith forge in the oldest parts of Stockholm. They are an ambitious company that aim to soon grow to other cities like Gothenburg, Malmoe and Oslo.

According to the founder Hugo Wolgers, their rapid growth can be attributed to his team of creative problem solvers. And one reason that these professional plumbers flock to his company, is the fact that they for the most part get to and from their work sites on bicycles and ebikes.

 

If you knew Swedish, you would already know this since the name of the company, Cyklande Rörmokaren, literally translates as “The Biking Plumber”.

In the spirit of “right-sizing” – picking the cleanest vehicle that gets the job done, any heavy materials are delivered in advance and then the plumbers and their tools arrive on their bikes.

Hugo says “we got really tired of having to sit in traffic and we also realized that we could arrive both quicker and more environmentally friendly on a bike. That we are in continuous motion also means we arrive feeling more alert. Leaving the car behind benefits the customer, us and the environment.”

Finding the Perfect Ebike for Plumbing

Since the founding, the company has tested many brands of bicycles and electric bikes and have now zeroed in on their new main vehicle, the Keego Mobility KG4. Built mainly to service delivery couriers with a low center of gravity, 65 kg load capacity, 100 km range and all sturdy components, the ebike also happens to be perfect for the plumbers and their tools.

“We tested the KG4 for a couple of weeks. Turns out our toolboxes click in perfectly on the rear rack and if we need any other items they fit in the front box. We are now converting our fleet to KG4s because of great handling, load capacity and low service and maintenance costs,” says Wolgers.

Wolgers then took a KG4 on a 280-kilometer ride to the (relatively) nearby city of Motala to speak at a conference on using bikes in logistics. To get all the way and since he spent the night camping in the woods, he brought one extra set of fully charged batteries with him and also stopped for lunch at a restaurant where he could also get a quick charge.

 

Hugo Wolgers from Cyklande Rörmokaren and his Keego KG4 before his trip to Motala.

 

Keego Mobility, Swede From Taiwan

As so many other bike companies, Keego Mobility hails from Taiwan, but Keego was co-founded by Swedish serial entrepreneur, Elias Ek, from the northern city of Sundsvall.

Ek moved from Sweden to the US in 1994 to study and then moved to Taiwan in 2000. He has founded several companies, but Keego was the first one to also set up an office in Sweden.

“We now run all of our EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) operations from our office in Sweden,” says Ek. “For me it is really great to now have a professional connection to my home country. And on our way of helping all the world’s 30 million couriers to choose green and clean ebikes, we are proud of also working with Hugo and his fantastic plumbers.”

Keego Mobilitys medgrundare Elias Ek med sin KG4 i Taipei, Taiwan

 

Couriers from companies like Uber Eats, Getir, Foodora, Foodpanda and many other leading delivery companies around the world are using their KG4s in their daily deliveries.

Magnus Wall, Sales Director EMEA for Keego Mobility, has long experience in the bike industry. He adds, “by enabling thousands of delivery couriers and professional craftsmen to switch to strong, professional ebikes, we can save enormous amounts of carbon as well as cut down on noise pollution in our cities. For every 33 km we ride on a bike instead of in a van, we save 1 kg of carbon emissions, so the benefits are huge.”

Look out for the environmentally friendly plumbers on their blue Keego Mobility ebikes in Gamla Stan and other parts of Stockholm

Global EV Conversion Specialist Electrogenic Further Strengthens International Partner Network with Key Appointments in USA and UK

British EV technology company, Electrogenic, renowned for its classic car EV conversions, has further expanded its international network of installers for its transformative ‘drop in’ EV conversion kits, with the announcement of further partners in the UK and USA.

The newly bolstered installer roster enables Electrogenic to meet the surging demand that exists for clean, efficient and reliable EV conversions on both sides of the Atlantic.

The growing installer network will fit the Oxford, UK based Electrogenic’s range of transformative ‘plug and play’ EV powertrain packages, delivering cutting-edge, EV technology – the tech that has underpinned Electrogenic’s sustained growth in recent years -to the rapidly growing international market.

Steve Drummond, co-founder, Electrogenic said: “We’re delighted to announce the further expansion of our international partner footprint, taking our network of expertly trained partners to another level. This move will enable us to deliver expertly developed EV conversion packages to more enthusiasts around the world – helping them to future proof automotive icons with sophisticated EV power.

“We’re very selective over the partners we work with – ensuring their values are aligned with ours. We’re delighted to be partnering with these fantastic businesses. Like us, they place quality of workmanship and customer service at the very centre of all they do.

“These partners also share our broader vision; they’re passionate about converting iconic vehicles to run on clean, sustainable electricity, giving much loved vehicles a new lease of life, and for a new generation of enthusiasts to enjoy.”

With its expanded network of exclusive partners, Electrogenic is ideally equipped to cater to the surging international demand that exists for its highly-innovative EV conversion technology – enabling the firm to deliver dynamic, clean and reliable electric motoring on a greater scale than before, and enabling the company to continue its rapid growth.

 

Wealth of expertise on both sides of the Atlantic

The latest intake of specialists includes Retro Defenders, a leading Land Rover restoration specialist – experts in Defender and Series models of all eras. The Harrogate based company create bespoke Land Rover builds – finished to the highest possible standard – using their passion and exceptional eye for detail to bring a customer’s dream Defender to life. Retro Defenders are to carry out conversions on Land Rover Defender and Series models.

The UK network also includes Knowles-Wilkins Engineering (KWE), the internationally renowned Jaguar specialist. KWE has built a reputation as a world leader in restorations of the British marque’s cars over the past 21 years. Based in Berkshire, KWE will fit ‘drop in’ packages for all variants of the E-Type and soon to be announced further Jaguar options.

Electrogenic have also added Automotive Creation Limited (ACL), based in Middlesbrough, to their roster. ACL are classic car specialists who pack a wealth of experience working with a wide range of marques – from Jaguar and Land Rover to Mini. They will be installing all drop-in kits.

They are joined by North Yorkshire based Land Rover specialists Greenwood Automotive, who leverage in-depth engineering knowledge and passion to turn the iconic off-roaders into desirable, state of the art machines. Greenwood will install kits for all Defender and Series Land Rover models.

The first of the new Stateside partners is InoKinetic of Murrieta, California, a firm renowned for its work to hone and modify a range of niche performance machines, with a particular focus on British sports cars.  InoKinetic will be offering the full conversion kit range, for the classic 911, E-Type, Land Rover Defender and Series models, as well as the Triumph Stag and original Mini.

Customers on the East Coast will be catered for by New Jersey based Land Rover specialists Whittam Engineering – experts in modifying and restoring the British off-roaders. Whittam will provide conversions for Defenders of all eras, along with the other kits in the Electrogenic range.

 

Transformative EV technology, developed in Britain

Electrogenic’s innovative range of kits is produced under the outfit’s ‘Powered by Electrogenic’ technology arm, and comprises options for the Land Rover Defender, Jaguar E-Type, classic Porsche 911, original Mini as well as the Triumph Stag. Different specifications of battery and motors are available for each model – catering to a broad range of customer needs and budgets.

All the ‘drop-in’ kits are defined by their quality and depth of engineering, developed in-house by a research and development team comprising leading automotive engineers, programmers and electrical experts, and overseen by former Arrival Ltd Chief Engineer, Francis Prime.

The ‘plug and play’ powertrain solutions reflect Electrogenic’s approach of developing and manufacturing its own technology, which includes in-house designed software, printed circuit boards (PCBs) and digital dashboards, as well as bespoke Battery Management Systems and vehicle charging technology. The driver interface also gets attention, with sport, eco and traffic modes, as well as a regen-based hill-descent control function for the Defender.

Electrogenic’s cleverly packaged drop-in kits also use highly innovative mechanical componentry, including a unique system for creating high-density battery packs, as well as exceptionally compact in-line and transverse reduction gearboxes, all manufactured in the UK. The neat packaging solutions ensure that for each ‘drop-in’ kit variant, the existing vehicles’ existing structure and architecture is preserved. This approach ensures that all Electrogenic conversions are entirely reversible.

All drop-in kits drive through single speed, fixed ratio transmissions, and are capable of up to 6.6kW AC charging, as well as rapid CCS charging, for total convenience.

Full details on the kit ranges for Land Rover Defender, Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 911, classic Mini and Triumph Stag can be found here.

Drummond concluded: “This announcement represents another significant moment for Electrogenic, as we continue to take our business to the next stage, further developing our world-wide reach. We’ve seen great interest in our EV conversion kits from all over the globe since we revealed them – particularly in North America and the UK.

“Our strengthened network enables us to meet this demand, helping more people than ever before to convert iconic models to EV power. And we’re not stopping here, we’ll be announcing partners for other territories in the coming weeks and months, so watch this space.”

New Tesco Mobile Ireland Handset Offers Have Landed!

The rapidly changing tech landscape can be overwhelming to navigate, but thanks to Tesco Mobile Ireland, choosing the right handset has never been easier! Whether you’re looking for an Android or iOS device, or looking to upgrade to the latest budget-friendly smartphone, Tesco Mobile has a range of great value handset offers to suit everyone.

Customers who register their Clubcard with a new or existing Tesco Mobile account will also reap the Clubcard Rewards with the chance to turn €5 in Clubcard vouchers into €15 in Tesco Mobile top-up or €15 off your phone bill. Clubcard holders can also double their minutes (€15 top up gets you 1,000 minutes) and data (€15 top up gets you 30GB) on select Prepay plans.

PREPAY TESCO MOBILE OFFERS INCLUDE: 

  • Samsung Galaxy A04s – Was €179.99 Now €99.99 with Tesco Clubcard. 

Save €80 (offer valid until 13th September)

The Samsung Galaxy A04s is a feature-rich, affordable Galaxy Smartphone with a brilliant 6.5” HD+ display, which is great for working on assignments or doing research on the go. The huge 5,000mAh all-day battery ensures maximum performance, helping students stay productive without worrying about their phone running out of power.

  • Xiaomi Redmi 12C – Was €149.99 Now €99.99 with Tesco Clubcard. 

Save €50 (offer valid until 13th September)

Equipped with a large 6.71″ HD+ display, the Xiaomi Redmi 12C delivers an immersive viewing experience that makes it easy for students to view and edit projects and presentations from just about anywhere, while the impressive 5000mAh battery and 10W fast charging can last for up to two days on a single charge!

BILL PAY TESCO MOBILE OFFERS INCLUDE: 

  • Apple iPhone 12 – Only €9.99 on €50 monthly plan. 

Save €290 (offer valid until 23rd August)

The iPhone 12 is an ideal choice for parents seeking a dependable and budget-friendly handset. The edge-to-edge OLED display with Ceramic Shield on the iPhone 12 not only offers stunning visuals but has four times better drop performance, so less chance of screen repairs! What’s more, the iPhone 12’s user-friendly interface and robust security features ensure peace of mind for parents wanting a safe digital environment for their children.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus – FREE on €35 monthly plan + FREE air fryer with purchase while stocks last.

(offer valid until 23rd August)

The Redmi Note 12 Pro is equipped with a 50-megapixel main camera, which records 107 million pixels of detail, delivering crystal clear images even when magnified several times. The screen’s 120Hz high refresh rate will help students glide smoothly through webpages, online course materials, games and more. The FREE air fryer is a further incentive for those looking for a tasty, convenient and healthy way to level-up their meals in between classes.

With over 400,000 Tesco Mobile customers across Ireland already enjoying 99% network coverage, this is supermarket mobile.

Check out the great value deals available in store or online at www.tescomobile.ie

€75 off PlayStation 5 promotion available now plus more deals

Gamers can now from today the 28th July to the 10th August, players will be able to purchase PlayStation 5 consoles for €75 offat participating retailers.  Further information on this offer can be found at https://www.playstation.com/ps5/buy-now/#ps5-sale

As part of the Summer Sale, there will also be great deals on PlayStation peripherals and software across participating retailers. Those offers include but are not limited to:

Hardware: 

  • DualSense (RRP €49.99)
  • PULSE 3D Wireless Headset (RRP €89.99)
  • DualSense Charging Station (RRP €24.99)
  • Media Remote (RRP €24.99)
  • HD Camera for PS5 Consoles (RRP €54.99)

Software:

  • God of War Ragnarök PS5 (RRP €59.99)​
  • Uncharted Legacy of Thieves (RRP €19.99)​
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales PS5 (RRP €29.99)​
  • GT7 PS5 (RRP €49.99)
  • The Last of Us Part I PS5 (RRP €59.99)
  • Horizon Forbidden West PS5 (RRP €49.99)

PlayStation Store will also be offering up to 75% off unmissable games and add-ons in the PlayStation Store Summer Sale which is running until the 16th August.

For more information visit on the PlayStation Store Summer Sale visit: https://store.playstation.com/

2023 has been a fantastic year for PS5 so far, with plenty of games to keep players entertained, including recently released blockbuster titles like Hogwarts Legacy and Final Fantasy XVI, as well as virtual reality experiences like Horizon Call of the Mountain and Resident Evil Village on PlayStation VR2, PlayStation’s newest virtual reality headset. We’ve continued to deliver incredible gaming experiences to our growing PS5 community, including PlayStation’s game subscription service, PlayStation Plus, which offers benefits such as the Game and Classics Catalogue with hundreds of games to choose from. Even more amazing new games are coming this year, including Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, EA SPORTS FC 24 and Alan Wake 2.

*Offer ends 10/08. Subject to availability. Manufacturer’s recommended promotional price. Actual retailer price may vary. Saving against previous recommended retailer price of €549.99.

Embracing Innovation: How Tech is Revolutionising Monitoring in Ireland’s Booming Real Estate Market

Tech innovations are making their mark on all industries and real estate is no exception. New technology developments are not only allowing prospective buyers to view properties without stepping foot in them but also making the management and monitoring of properties easier for real estate professionals. In this article, we’ll explore just a few of the ways technology is transforming the real estate industry, for buyers, agents and homeowners. 

Just one example is the rise in online rental platforms such as renthero.ie, which enable renters to view properties all over Ireland. Rather than having to show up to multiple inspections, they can search for apartments or houses that meet their criteria and connect with prospective landlords remotely. In addition, property owners can easily showcase their listings and gain access to valuable performance data. This shift towards digital rental platforms has not only streamlined the rental process for both tenants and landlords but has also brought greater transparency and convenience to the market. With the integration of advanced features such as virtual property tours, online payment systems, and tenant background checks, these platforms have become an integral part of the real estate industry in Ireland, transforming the way properties are rented and managed. 

Monitoring KPIs and metrics

Real estate management software has significantly enhanced the way company representatives view and handle data, with everything from properties for sale to average days on the market visible at the click of a button. A management dashboard gathers all of the key information in one convenient location, enabling reps to quickly view crucial data that can be used to make important decisions. 

By tracking recent sales information, real estate agents can make informed decisions about listing prices and how to best go about marketing similar properties. Agencies can also monitor their sales/rental income, the number of visits to their listings, and track previous enquiries and referrals. Prior to the creation of real estate management software, gathering this amount of data would have been a time-consuming affair and, in some cases, impossible. 

Virtual tours

Even before Covid-19 lockdowns, there was a rise in the use of virtual tours to showcase properties online. They enable prospective buyers and renters to view properties from the comfort of their office desk or couch and figure out if they want to make the effort to attend an in-person inspection. For those viewing properties from abroad who may not be able to attend an inspection, virtual tours provide a great alternative. 

Virtual tours are beneficial for agents too, as they can help to satisfy the curiosity of those who aren’t serious about buying a property and might otherwise turn up to inspections for a sticky beak. When a listing includes a virtual tour, the people who do turn up to inspections are more likely to be prospective buyers and worthy of the agent’s time. Virtual tours also give buyers an opportunity to get a “first look” at a property before putting together a list of questions to ask the agent during the in-person inspection. 

Mobile apps

On the surface, real estate mobile apps are all about convenience for buyers and renters, giving them easy access to the latest listings and sales information on their smartphones. Real estate apps showcase all available properties under one search result, with the option to filter results based on individual preferences. Rather than having to individually check the properties being listed by various agencies, customers can view them all via an easy-to-use interface. 

But aside from customer convenience, real estate mobile apps are also an effective means for real estate companies to understand their customers, based on previous activity. It gives them a rough idea of what the customer is looking for and enables the company to more effectively market similar properties. For example, mobile apps can send personalised notifications to users when properties are listed on their platform that they think the customer may be interested in.

Smart home technology

Another way that technological innovations are transforming the real estate industry is in the realm of smart home devices, which can do everything from increase energy efficiency to play your favourite music with a simple voice command. Smart home technology is basically the remote control of appliances and devices via an internet connection and using a smartphone or tablet. Through an app, users can control temperature, lighting and even home theatre systems, without having to go anywhere near them.

Smart home technology is all about making life more convenient, whether that means your phone “pinging” when the washing machine has finished its cycle or the internet-connected touchscreen on your fridge checking if there is milk at home. But it is also an effective means of monitoring your home security, most obviously via smart cameras. Smart locks can also be implemented to allow select people to access your home when you’re not there (such as house-sitters or cleaners), without the risk of leaving keys under the mat. 

An exciting future of innovation

Real estate technology is a broad term that encompasses many different types of innovations, from property management software to virtual reality experiences and apps that make life easier. What they all share in common is the purpose of making the managing and monitoring of properties easier and more effective. In a world where many people are increasingly looking to apps and online platforms to solve the challenges of day-to-day life, the future of real estate technology looks bright. 

 

How Has The Office Workspace Changed In The Past 20 Years?

The office workspace has gone through its fair share of changes over the past two decades. Technological advances, new trends in workplace design, and shifts in employers’ and employees’ attitudes have all had a major influence on how work is performed. In this blog post, we’ll take a look back at some of the biggest developments that have affected what the modern workspace looks like today – from open-plan offices to flexible workspaces for remote staff. With an understanding of how the office environment has evolved over time, companies can better anticipate where their own workspaces might be headed next!

Hot desking trends

Hot desking trends have been on the rise in recent years, as employers look to make better use of their office space while also promoting collaboration and flexibility among employees. Through hot desking, each employee is assigned a desk that they can occupy for any given day or week. By doing this, companies are able to reduce their need for additional desks or furniture for overflow staff. This trend has been particularly popular among startups and smaller companies with fluctuating staffing levels. Also, when choosing hot desking solutions, it’s important to consider the culture of your organization and ensure that everyone is on board with this arrangement. It’s also important to provide adequate storage solutions for each employee, so they can keep their workspace organized and clutter-free.

A Look at Pre-Pandemic Office Trends 

In a world before COVID-19, office environments were already experiencing changes in trends. Open floor plans, remote work options, and flexible schedules were becoming more common. The rise of technology allowed for more efficient communication and collaboration, leading to increased productivity and creativity. However, with the pandemic, these trends have been accelerated and expanded. Working from home has become a necessity for millions of employees, and companies have had to adapt to provide adequate resources and support. As we continue to navigate this new normal, it’s interesting to reflect on how quickly and drastically office trends can change in response to external circumstances. 

How the Requirements of Working from Home Impacts Design 

Ever since remote work became a norm, the importance of designing homes that accommodate a work set-up has become even more essential. From setting up a comfortable and functional workspace to organizing office equipment, designing a home that can accommodate the demands of remote work has become a top priority. The impact is not just limited to physical layouts but also extends to aspects such as lighting, sound, and even color palettes. With a focus on ergonomics and maximizing productivity, designers are incorporating smart solutions and multi-functional furniture to help individuals create productive home office environments. As the trend of remote work continues to grow, it’s become increasingly important for modern design to keep this shift in mind when creating living spaces.

The Advantages of a Flexible Workspace 

Flexibility is key. And this includes your workspace. More and more companies are turning to open floor plans as a way to provide employees with a more flexible work environment. The advantages are clear: an open floor plan encourages collaboration and communication. It allows employees to work more closely with colleagues, which can lead to increased productivity and better problem-solving. Plus, the lack of walls and partitions creates a more light-filled and enjoyable work environment. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your company’s productivity and enhance employee satisfaction, consider ditching the cubicles and embracing a more flexible workspace with an open floor plan.

Incorporating decorative indoor fountains can further enhance the atmosphere, providing a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment that promotes focus and reduces stress. Additionally, flexible workspaces can support a variety of work styles, from quiet corners for deep concentration to collaborative zones for team brainstorming, ensuring that all employees have the ideal setting to thrive.

Creativity in the Workplace  

Creativity is a high priority for many workplaces, as innovation fuels growth and pushes boundaries. To promote creativity, several offices are adopting standing desks and breakout spaces. These improvements encourage employees to move around and approach tasks from different perspectives. Standing desks allow for more movement throughout the day, preventing physical fatigue and keeping the body engaged. Breakout spaces encourage collaboration and socialization, fostering an atmosphere of creativity and teamwork. These changes may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on an employee’s well-being and productivity. By investing in creative-focused environments, businesses can help their teams thrive and achieve success.

 

The modern office is constantly evolving in order to stay ahead of the curve. By considering trends from both pre-pandemic and post-pandemic eras, employers can gain valuable insight into how best to design their office space for maximum productivity, creativity, and collaboration. Through a combination of hot desking solutions, open floor plans, breakout spaces, and flexible schedules, companies can create an environment that encourages productivity and innovation. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends, employers are better equipped to design a workspace that promotes creativity and collaboration among their employees.

Tech Review – Twinkly Festoon Outdoor RGB Lights Gen II

Earlier this year we checked out one of the coolest tech products outside the norm of phones headphones and earbuds to review which was the Twinkly squares multicolour edition. A nice addition to my house and now placed/ nicked by my daughter and resides in her room now and I guess its fine but I had other plans for this, anyway moving on we have another product from the brand which like other products they have are really cool and popular which is the Festoon Outdoor RGB lights.

OK so you might say what is so special here and there is cheaper out there which there is and I have seen them and was about to buy them but like other similar stuff the other half got for the back garden when we moved into and all of them since purchased from local homeware stores etc simply stopped working and this is the end result for everything for all these lights and fancy items including solar lights from these stores they are not built to last, You are about to say how are these and you only have them x amount of time, well the quality of the product is where we start with and compared to others out there it is clearly visible, a similar item for example is 25 euro, less lights thin wire crap housing and the list goes on.. Ohh and NO APP..

As in out last review there is an app for the product and this enables you to take control of the product, not just an out of box plug in or charge and there you are here is our boring white lights and some might flash.. The Festoon RGB lights are customisable and you are in control and you can also give your own input.

One slight bearbug was I could not connect both ends to make one continuous line but I am sure the could come up with a connector, so I had 20 lights each side which had to meet at a certain point for the power supply. However if you have an outdoor socket it works out better, you can use an extension lead from the house if you wish, these are safe to leave outside all year round even if used for seasonal use but they do give the back garden a nice ambiance now and this is something my partner likes along with the ten million ornaments etc in the garden..

Overall a really nice product that is easy to use and set up and not only being able to use outdoors you can use indoors too if you wish check the video below for more and what to expect.

Twinkly key features:

  • The revolutionary computer vision technology recognises how the lights are positioned on your display, allowing for precise animations.
  • You’re in control of every single one of the 20 LEDs; customize your own effects, and share your effects as animated GIF images. You can even draw your own designs using your finger on your smartphone; save them in the app and then play them!
  • The LEDs are equipped with the newest RGB diffused lens, and are specifically designed to intensify the light effects for unbeatable brightness.
  • WiFi connection dual mode: choose between Twinkly’s integrated WiFi network, or connect directly to your home WiFi network. When connected to your home Wi-Fi network, ask your vocal assistant to switch on and off your lights, or to change the colours, effects or brightness of your decoration.
  • Take the stress out of lighting decoration and use the Twinkly app’s decorating guide; follow the simple step by step instructions to position your lights with ease.
  • The Twinkly Grouping feature lets you connect 2 or more Twinkly light sets via the Twinkly app, to create bigger, better and brighter displays.
  • The brand new Generation II Twinkly controller is more powerful than ever. Thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity music sensor, an enhanced stability and the customisable, multi-effect carousel features, this is the smartest Twinkly controller ever.

BUY

Video review

 

 

 

Advantio acquired by Integrity360 to expand European footprint and provide complementary cyber services capability

As part of its Pan European expansion plan, Integrity360 has acquired leading European PCI QSA (Payment Card Industry Qualified Security Assessor) and cyber security services company Advantio. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition will enable Integrity360 to expand further into continental Europe and provides an additional cyber services practice focused on PCI compliance – complementing Integrity360’s existing service practices which include cyber risk and assurance, cyber security testing, incident response, infrastructure, end-point and SIEM professional services and a highly comprehensive range of cyber security managed services. Advantio will continue to operate from its existing wide-ranging European facilities but with the benefit of the full resources and capability of the existing Integrity360 business. In addition, Integrity360 has formed a strategic partnership with the Advantio founders to expand the footprint of ZeroRisk, an innovative SaaS platform providing compliance and cyber risk management profiling services for the payment industry.

Advantio was founded in 2009, employs approximately 115 employees and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and operates from facilities in Italy, Spain, UK, Lithuania, and Ukraine serving more than 250 customers across Europe, the USA and Asia. For the last three years, Advantio has achieved growth rates of circa 25% pa, and during the next 12 months expects revenues of circa €10m. The combination of Advantio with Integrity360 brings group revenues to approximately €115m in 2023, from circa €85m in 2022, and expands group resources to approximately 450 employees. Advantio’s cyber services capabilities include PCI compliance, cyber security testing, cyber risk and assurance and MDR services (Managed Detection and Response) and are both expansive and complementary to those of Integrity360.

Advantio’s existing SOC (Security Operations Centre) operation in Naples will be combined with Integrity360’s other three SOCs in Dublin, Sofia, and Stockholm – now operating with over 100 dedicated engineers, consultants and cyber experts in delivering a wide-ranging set of managed services for customers including EDR, XDR and MDR (Endpoint Detection and Response, Extended Detection and Response, and Managed Detection and Response). Integrity360’s innovative range of services were recently recognised for a third time in a Gartner market guide, namely as a Representative Vendor in the Gartner market guide for Managed Detection and Response services.

Advantio has a leading position in PCI compliance and operates as one of the leading Qualified Security Assessor organisations in Europe and across the world. Its position is reflected by its standing as being the No 1 most chosen QSA organisation by Visa service provider organisations across Europe, and No 4 most chosen by Mastercard service provider organisations. Advantio has also been a proud member of the PCI GEAR (Global Executive Assessor Roundtable) since 2018, helping to refine and define PCI standards for the benefit of the industry. Advantio’s PCI expertise adds to Integrity360’s existing regulatory and cyber framework services capability including ISO27001, Cyber Essentials, cyber security strategy, and third-party risk management.

Ian Brown, Executive Chairman at Integrity360, commented: “We are delighted to be welcoming the Advantio team to Integrity360. The enhanced group will now significantly expand our existing activities and cyber services throughout continental Europe, and further develop Advantio’s considerable expertise in PCI compliance. The combination of the two businesses provides a powerhouse of technical cyber and security payments expertise for the group’s customer base, including preparing for the impending arrival of the new PCI DSS 4.0 standard which requires comprehensive threat detection and incident response services. The two companies are highly complementary, with common strengths in cyber assurance, cyber security testing and managed detection and response and share the same customer service ethos. We look forward to delivering our expanded and extensive range of services for the benefit of our combined customers over the coming weeks and months.”

Marco Borza, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Advantio, commented: “I am delighted that Advantio is joining Integrity360 and continuing the growth journey that we started some 14 years ago. Thanks to the support of our customers and employees Advantio has become a leading QSA and provider of cyber services across Europe and other overseas markets. Advantio is excited to continue that journey but also with Integrity360’s support, allowing us to expand our services and market coverage.  Our skills combined with those of Integrity360 will provide an extension of our portfolio of professional, support and managed services. This is great news for employees, customers, and partners.  I am also delighted that we are forming a strategic partnership with the wider Integrity360 group to expand ZeroRisk’s merchant management platform, currently enabling merchants and merchant service providers to measure risk and manage compliance. I look forward to working closely with Ian and the wider Integrity360 team over the coming years”.

John Lewis Fashion Rental Debuts Zyler Virtual Try-On

Anthropics Technology, makers of AI-powered Zyler Virtual Try-On, has announced a partnership with John Lewis, one of the UK’s leading department stores, and rental specialist HURR, to introduce virtual try-on technology to their fashion rental website.

The John Lewis Fashion Rental website, which lets customers rent dresses for a selected amount of time, now enables customers to see how the dress looks on them online before they rent with the “Try it On” feature. Customers upload a headshot and sizing information to try the outfit on virtually, from the comfort of their own home.

John Lewis Rental has always been committed to providing a personalized and convenient experience for their customers. The addition of virtual try-on technology is the next step in that commitment. This technology will help John Lewis Rental customers find the perfect dress for their occasion.

 

You can see Zyler technology working on the platform https://johnlewisfashionrental.com/women/new_arrivals/

Find out more about Zyler Virtual Try-On: www.zyler.com