Tag: applications

How Modern Technology Shapes Everyday Human Life and Work

Modern technology has transformed how people live, communicate, and perform their daily tasks. From smartphones to artificial intelligence, the influence of digital innovation is present in nearly every aspect of life. The rise of mobile applications and online platforms has also made entertainment and connection more accessible. For instance, even traditional Filipino card games such as Tongits in GameZone have found new life online, showing how technology bridges the gap between fun, convenience, and culture.

Technology today is not just a tool; it’s an extension of human capability. Whether used at home, in schools, or at workplaces, its presence helps individuals save time, expand opportunities, and simplify complex processes. The effects of technology reach far beyond gadgets—it reshapes how people think, interact, and pursue goals.

The Evolution of Everyday Technology

Over the past few decades, technology has evolved faster than any other field in human history. What began as basic computing devices has now expanded into a digital ecosystem that touches communication, education, healthcare, and even personal relationships. Early technologies focused on solving specific problems, such as typewriters for documentation or telephones for direct contact.

Today’s technology goes beyond function—it integrates into lifestyle. Smartphones serve as calendars, banks, entertainment hubs, and communication tools all at once. Cloud storage allows people to access work or files anywhere in the world. The Internet of Things (IoT) connects appliances, vehicles, and even homes, creating a world where almost everything operates with a simple tap or voice command.

This shift reflects a deeper transformation in how humans relate to technology. It’s no longer separate from daily life; it’s a constant companion that adapts to personal and professional needs.

How Technology Redefines Work and Productivity

One of the biggest benefits of modern technology is its ability to make work more efficient. In the past, tasks such as communication, data management, and project coordination took hours or even days to complete. Today, cloud-based collaboration tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Slack allow employees to connect in real time, regardless of distance.

Remote work, once considered impossible for most jobs, has become the norm for millions. Employees can attend meetings, share documents, and collaborate from anywhere in the world. This flexibility not only improves productivity but also work-life balance. Businesses benefit from lower operational costs, while workers gain more control over their schedules.

Artificial intelligence (AI) also contributes to this change. Automation tools handle repetitive tasks such as scheduling, email sorting, and data entry, freeing humans for creative or strategic work. AI-driven analytics help organizations make smarter decisions by providing insights that were once difficult to uncover manually.

However, the digital transformation of the workplace also presents challenges. Constant connectivity can blur the line between work and rest. Employees must learn how to manage time effectively and set boundaries to prevent burnout. But when used wisely, technology becomes an enabler—helping individuals reach their full potential.

Technology’s Role in Communication and Social Connection

Communication has experienced one of the most dramatic shifts due to technology. The transition from handwritten letters and landlines to instant messaging and video calls changed how people interact. Social media platforms allow families, friends, and colleagues to maintain relationships despite physical distance.

Apps such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Zoom became essential tools during global events like the pandemic, where physical contact was limited. These platforms provided not just a means to communicate but also emotional support and community.

Technology also opened doors for global understanding. People can now learn languages, exchange ideas, and experience other cultures online. This accessibility strengthens social bonds and creates a more connected world. Still, it’s important to remember that balance is key—while technology connects, it can also isolate when overused.

The Impact on Education and Lifelong Learning

Education has been one of the most positively affected sectors by modern technology. Digital platforms, online courses, and virtual classrooms allow students to learn beyond traditional boundaries. Teachers use multimedia tools to make lessons more engaging, while learners access resources that once required libraries or textbooks.

E-learning platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and YouTube enable continuous learning for all ages. Professionals can update their skills, and students in remote areas gain access to quality education. This democratization of knowledge is one of the most powerful outcomes of technology.

Artificial intelligence also supports education by offering personalized learning experiences. Programs can adjust to a student’s pace, identify weak areas, and provide targeted exercises. Meanwhile, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) make learning more interactive—students can explore ancient ruins, conduct virtual science experiments, or travel through space without leaving the classroom.

As technology continues to evolve, education will remain one of its greatest beneficiaries, helping individuals build skills for the future.

How Technology Shapes Lifestyle and Human Behavior

Technology doesn’t only change how people work or study—it influences how they live. Daily routines, entertainment habits, and even relationships have adapted to digital convenience. Fitness trackers monitor physical activity, streaming platforms personalize entertainment, and smart homes automate everything from lighting to security.

Online communities also provide a sense of belonging for people with shared interests. Whether discussing hobbies, careers, or causes, individuals can connect globally. At the same time, users must learn to manage screen time and use digital tools responsibly to maintain a healthy balance.

The constant innovation in consumer technology also encourages creativity. People can now produce music, edit videos, and design art using only a smartphone or laptop. The ability to create, share, and inspire others globally is one of modern technology’s most empowering effects.

 

HighPoint’s Half-Length NVMe AICs empower compact systems with true x16 Storage Performance

In the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance computing, space efficiency, and raw speed are often at odds. However, HighPoint Technologies is changing the game with its new Rocket 7604A and Rocket 1604A PCIe Gen5 NVMe AICs, which deliver true x16 storage performance in a half-length, compact form factor. These solutions are ideal for small form factor tower servers, rackmount chassis, and edge computing environments where space is limited, but performance must remain uncompromised.

Designed for modern workloads that demand high-speed, high-capacity storage, the Rocket 7604A and Rocket 1604A enable systems to directly host up to 64TB of NVMe storage without the need for internal drive bays or additional cooling components. This makes them a perfect fit for edge computing, AI, and data-intensive applications where every inch of space matters.

Server-Grade NVMe AICs for Maximum Flexibility

Both the Rocket 7604A and Rocket 1604A are server-grade PCIe Add-In Cards (AICs) that support up to 8x off-the-shelf M.2 2280 SSDs, regardless of their speed or capacity. This flexibility allows users to tailor their storage configurations to specific needs, whether it’s high-speed read/write for AI training or large capacity for data archiving.

The Rocket 7604A and Rocket 1604A are not just about capacity—they deliver real-world performance of up to 56GB/s using just four drives. This is made possible by HighPoint’s advanced PCIe Gen5 switching and RAID technologies, ensuring that storage systems can keep up with the most demanding workloads.

Powerful Cooling for Sustained Performance

One of the biggest challenges in compact systems is thermal management. HighPoint addresses this with self-contained cooling solutions that effectively prevent thermal throttling, even under heavy, sustained I/O operations. This ensures that NVMe SSDs maintain their peak performance without the need for extra cooling devices or complex thermal management setups, making the AICs ideal for edge environments where space and power are limited.

Rocket 1604A Switch AIC: Gen5 Speeds with Native Support

The Rocket 1604A Switch AIC is designed for users who want to leverage PCIe Gen5 speeds without the hassle of software or drivers. It offers simple drop-in installation and is natively supported by modern Windows and Linux platforms, meaning it is automatically recognized and ready to use right out of the box.

With no need for additional software, the Rocket 1604A is perfect for environments that prioritize ease of deployment and simple serviceability.HighPoint’s proven PCIe Switching architecture ensures each M.2 SSD operates at maximum throughput under the most challenging workloads.

Rocket 7604A RAID AIC: Customizable Storage for Critical Applications

For users who need more than just speed—those who require flexibility, performance, and security—the Rocket 7604A RAID AIC offers a powerful solution. It supports RAID 0, 1, and 10 configurations, allowing users to balance speed, redundancy, and data protection according to their specific needs.

The Rocket 7604A’s Active Hardware Sensor Monitoring solution and a Comprehensive NVMe Storage Management Suite, give administrators real-time insights into drive health, temperature, and performance. These features are essential for environments where data integrity and system reliability are paramount.

In Summary

Whether it’s for AI model training, real-time data analytics, or media production, the Rocket 7604A and Rocket 1604A deliver the storage performance and dependability that professionals need in a compact, easy to integrate add-in-card form factor. As the demand for edge computing and portable high-performance systems continues to rise, HighPoint’s half-length NVMe AICs are setting a new benchmark for storage innovation.

Learn More

Rocket 7604A – PCIe Gen5 x16 to 4x M.2 NVMe RAID Adapter

Product page: https://www.highpoint-tech.com/rocket-7604a-individual-page/

Buy Now: https://www.highpoint-tech.com/product-page/rocket-7604a

Rocket 1604A – PCIe Gen5 x16 to 4x M.2 NVMe Switch AIC

Product page: https://www.highpoint-tech.com/rocket-1604a-individual-page/

Buy Now: https://www.highpoint-tech.com/product-page/rocket-1604a

Virtual Reality in Education: The Future of Learning Right Ahead

Virtual reality (VR) has gone from the domain of science fiction into the mainstream in recent years, transforming sectors including entertainment to healthcare. Its ability to revolutionize education is now acquiring impetus.

VR is revolutionizing schools and teachers especially in science education as they search for creative approaches to involve digital-native students and close the theory-practice gap.

Outline virtual reality and explain its applications.

Virtual reality is the simulated experience that might be either exactly like or quite different from the real world. Usually, it uses a headgear that envelops the user in a 3D environment so enabling real-time interaction with digital elements.

Users can experience scenarios from a first-person point of view, move across the surroundings, and handle objects.

VR is already rather extensively applied outside of the classroom. Medical students perform procedures in virtual operating rooms in hospitals. In architecture, designers stroll through virtual building models before they are ever built.

Gamers enter large virtual worlds with lifelike graphics and physics in entertainment. All of these programs have as their common thread immersion and interactivity—qualities that can be quite effective in the classroom.

Why Virtual Reality in Education Might Be the Next Frontier

Virtual reality in education marks a major change in the way teachers present materials and students absorb knowledge. Lectures, textbooks, and sporadic hands-on exercises define conventional classroom environments.

Although these strategies have many benefits, they can find it difficult to involve students completely, particularly in relation to abstract or difficult topics including chemistry, physics, or biology. VR presents a chance to bring learning more physical and interactive.

Imagine students seeing real-time oxygen-rich blood flow across arteries as they investigate the human circulatory system from the inside. Alternatively, chemistry students working in a totally safe digital lab on perhaps hazardous reactions.

Deeper knowledge and long-term memory depend on VR transforming students from passive receivers into active participants.

 

Benefits of VR in Education

Using virtual reality in classrooms offers many benefits. Among the most convincing advantages of VR are its capacity to support active learning, increase participation, and produce unforgettable learning opportunities. Here are a few main advantages:

1. Enhanced Involvement and Motivation

Students that participate actively in their education are more likely to remain involved. VR brings an exciting quality absent from many conventional approaches. Using cutting-edge technology in conjunction with immersive storytelling and interactive surroundings makes courses unforgettable and fun.

2. Enhanced Conceptual Knowledge

Like molecular structures, gravitational forces, or electromagnetic fields, abstract ideas are famously challenging to teach. Often directly manipulating these ideas, VR lets students see them in three dimensions. This spatial interaction makes learning more natural and helps one to grasp.

3. Safe and Understood Environment

Many experiments in disciplines including chemistry or physics include hazards that restrict active student participation. In a real-world classroom, VR lets students run experiments that would be too costly, dangerous, or logistically difficult. Errors become inevitable in the course of learning without any practical repercussions.

4. Individualized Education

One can create VR systems to fit different learning environments by means of design. Immersion graphics help visual learners; kinesthetic learners value interactive simulations. Some sites even provide real-time comments to help students through courses at their own speed.

5. Inclusiveness and Accessibility

VR can provide experiences otherwise unattainable for students with disabilities or those living in remote areas. Virtual field trips, 3D visualizations, and simulated labs help to level the playing field and offer equal learning possibilities.

Useful VR Applications for Science Education

There is nowhere more clear the influence of VR than in STEM education, especially science. These are a few useful approaches VR is now being used in science classrooms:

1. Virtual laboratories for science

Creating virtual labs where students may conduct experiments without using actual materials is one of the most efficient applications of VR. Under a VR helmet, platforms like Futuclass—which provides modules allowing students to balance chemical equations, mix elements to form compounds, or see exothermic reactions—offer These labs provide hands-on experience that supports theoretical knowledge by simulating real-world physics and chemical interactions.

2. Human Biography and Anatomy

Students could investigate the human body in 3D rather than learning diagrams from a textbook by memory. Learners can “walk through” organs, see body processes in action, and even replicate surgical operations using virtual reality. Higher education and medical training, where a better knowledge of anatomy is crucial, benefit especially from this approach.

3. Physics Replays

From grasping Newton’s laws to experimenting with electromagnetism, VR lets students visualize forces, motion, and energy transfer in ways that would be challenging in a conventional lab. Students can, for instance, instantly see how changes in variables like gravity or friction affect outcomes—something impossible in a real-world classroom. This allows them to control those variables.

4. Environmental and Earth Sciences

In environmental science education VR is also creating waves. Students might investigate several ecosystems, see how climate change is affecting things, or go through geological events like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. These immersive events inspire closer involvement by making world problems feel instantaneous and personal.

5. Discovery of Space

 Virtual reality lets students travel across the solar system, land on Mars, or negotiate the International Space Station, so transforming their lessons in astronomy. This not only piques interest but also helps to place difficult astrophysical ideas in a context never possible in textbooks.

Using VR in Education: What More Is Needed?

Although the advantages are obvious, using VR in learning environments does call careful preparation:

  • Schools need VR headsets, ideally with high-resolution displays and easy controls. Affordable choices for classroom use are Meta Quest, which provides wireless, stand-alone capability.

     
  • Software and Content: Excellent learning materials are absolutely vital. Curriculum-aligned VR modules especially meant for middle and high school students are offered by external providers.

     
  • Teachers have to be at ease using VR technology and including it into their lessons. Many companies provide onboarding and support to guarantee seamless adoption.

     
  • Important factors also include infrastructure: charging stations, a stable Wi-Fi connection, and an area where students might safely use VR headsets.

     
  • Safety and Monitoring: Schools should create procedures for supervised use, so guaranteeing that sessions are catered to avoid motion sickness or disorientation and that students use the equipment responsibly.

     

Last Words

Virtual reality in education offers a present-day chance to rethink how we teach and learn, not a futuristic dream. The possibilities to create interesting, significant, and successful learning environments become almost endless as more universities embrace immersive technologies.

Particularly in science education, VR provides a strong means to bring abstract ideas to life, so enabling students to investigate, experiment, and really comprehend the surroundings.

Investing in this transforming technology now will help teachers equip their students for the real-world challenges of tomorrow rather than only for tests.

How Do Optical Beam Splitters Work & Applications

Optical beam splitters are important components across multiple optical systems since they serve applications throughout telecommunications and scientific research. These devices split one light beam into two or more separate light beams. Standard Beam splitters enable light control by using  polarization orientation or wavelength properties, while diffractive beam splitter enable universal control insensitive to wavelength or polarization

Types of Optical Beam Splitters

The different types of optical splitters exist to serve specific requirements in optical applications. Multiple versions exist of optical splitters, including these main types:

 

  1. Plate Beam Splitters

 

A plate beam splitter uses thin glass combined with a reflective coating as its structure. Its compact design makes it desirable when minimising physical space is essential. However, the flat design of these devices causes minor path deviations in the split beam path.

 

  1. Cube Beam Splitters

 

Beam splitters in cube form result from the bonding technique between two prism structures. These splitters provide better alignment stability and reduce surface reflections compared to plate models, but are unsuitable to high power laser applications

 

  1. Polarizing Beam Splitters (PBS)

 

The design purpose of these beam splitters includes polarization-based light division. A PBS functions to split unpolarized light into two primarily polarised beams oriented at right angles thus becoming useful for microscopy and optical communication.

 

  1. Wavelength-Selective Beam Splitters

 

The optical filters implemented in these devices create wavelength-based reflection of light. Fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy heavily rely on this device for their operations.

 

  1. Diffractive  Splitters

 

Diffractive beam splitters, or Damman gratings, are thin window like components that split a laser beam into an array of bams with precise separations and power ratios. Unlike 1-4 types of beam splitters, they do not have to split the beams at 90 degrees, but can rather generate small separation and a fan-out array of beams all going forward to the work plane. 

Applications of Optical Beam Splitters

Many fields rely on optical beam splitters as critical or necessary for operation. These tools’ basic light manipulation capabilities are vital in contemporary technological advancements.

 

  1. Laser Systems

 

In laser applications, multiple laser beam paths emerge from single beam distribution through use of diffractive beam splitters. The functionality is mandatory in applications such as laserskin treatment, perforation, and interferometry. High-power laser equipment commonly relies on anti-reflective diffractive beam splitters because of their effectiveness.

 

  1. Scientific Research

 

The scientific community depends on optical splitters as essential components for their experiments, mainly in fields such as quantum mechanics and optics. The operation of Michelson’s interferometer depends on beam splitters, which split and unite light paths to conduct precise distance and phase shift measurements.

 

  1. Biomedical Imaging

 

Chromatic Beam splitters in fluorescence microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) serve to transmit particular wavelengths towards a sample while acquiring the sample-produced emissions. Including optical filters in the splitter system improves the quality of imaging results. In applications such as STED microscopy, diffractive beam splitters generate arrays of donut illumination to enable faster scanning of samples. 

 

  1. Telecommunications

 

The signal routing and multiplexing operations in fiber optic communication systems depends on beam splitters. Wavelength-selective splitters extended data transfer capacity through simultaneous multiplexing of multiple data streams which run across single optic fibers.

 

  1. Optical Instrumentation

 

Beam splitters efficiently direct light beams in spectrometers and rangefinders. Semi conductor metrology often relies on diffractive beam splitter gratings to generate reference points with absolute angular accuracy. 

FAQs

 

  1. What is the difference between a cube and plate beam splitter?

 

The cube beam splitter is more robust during sensitive alignment procedures compared to plate beam splitters as it adds no beam deviation . For high power applications, a plate beam splitter is often referred  to their higher laser damage threshold compared to cube beam splitters. 

 

  1. How does polarization affect a beam splitter?

 

A polarizing beam splitter uses polarized light to determine its transmission and reflection outcomes. PBS devices are essential optical components because they apply specific polarization-based splitting to light signals for advanced systems. Other types of beam splitters are unaffected by polarization.

Conclusion

Current optical technology heavily utilized   optical beam splitters because they deliver exact light control in multiple applications. Engineers and scientists can select appropriate beam splitters for their applications by comprehending the operational mechanisms and practical implementations of the different beam splitter types. These flexible devices continue to influence future optical developments in laser systems while enhancing biomedical imaging and telecommunications applications.

Top 7 Python Development Companies

Most people do not understand the true power of a programming language. Instagram, Youtube, Spotify, Reddit, even Google all have one thing in common – they all use Python. Whether it’s powering dynamic websites, crunching massive datasets, or streamlining repetitive tasks, Python’s versatility and simplicity make it an undeniable leader among all available high-level programming languages. Any python software company is truly a cornerstone of modern IT sphere.

But the magic of Python alone isn’t enough — choosing the suitable company can make or break your project. And among a wide range of the python programming companies presented on the IT market nowadays, it is all the more challenging to pick the right one.  

1. Imaginary Cloud: Experts in Building User-Friendly Applications 

Imaginary Cloud is a seasoned player in the sphere of Python development, with a rich history of producing top-tier digital solutions for the past 14 years. They were founded in 2010. They have received numerous honours, including Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies and Top 1000 Global Companies in 2020 & 2021. Over the years, Imaginary Cloud has honed its skills in Python, making it a go-to partner for businesses seeking innovative solutions. 

They are known for creating user-focused applications, and, moreover, provide full transparency and clear communication which makes them reliable and trust-worthy. They take strong ownership of the projects, meaning you can expect a partner ready to help you every step of the way. 

They also have a proven track record of delivering high-quality solutions. Some of the projects they developed over the years are a publicly accessible website and a subscription-based web application for Confinze, giving Confinze’s clients access to their financial information; improvement of an iOS app for Jinga Life, which is a digital, personalised, family health platform; digitalization of UNUA’s workflow by designing an iPad app and a backoffice app meant for supporting sellers during the sales process and for managing factory orders.

2. Toptal: Connecting Businesses with Top Python Developers 

With Toptal, you are welcome to a network of the top freelance software developers, designers, marketing experts, finance experts etc. It only accepts 3% of the applications after a thorough screening. Veritable crème-de-la-crème of developers and specialists. Their exclusive network of Python developers will not just meet your expectations, they will exceed it with value adds that will further enhance your project. 

One of Toptal’s standout features is its flexible collaboration models. They provide their clients with a choice – whether they want to work with a freelance developer directly, outsource the development or hire developer for a certain project, Toptal provides a solution. 

Startups and large enterprises alike benefit from Toptal’s curated talent pool. Developers associated with Toptal are tested on their soft skills. They are not only amazing workers, but also great teammates. Moreover, there is always a trial period while working with a new freelancer that Toptal connected you with.

3. Evrone: Innovation and High-Quality Development 

Established in 2008, Evrone has emerged as a leading IT outsourcing company specializing in high-load system development for web, mobile, blockchain, and more. On their website you can see the results of their work for yourself. It is genuinely amazing how much they accomplished. More than 400 implemented projects and 150 international awards (WEB GURU, CSSLight, Awwwards etc) definitely make them a market leader in this sphere. 

Evrone’s most desirable perk is their enormous team of high-class professionals. More than 300 people are working on the projects, keeping up with new trends and developments. And those who work with them obviously trust them since 70% of their revenue come from long-term contracts with companies from more than 30 countries. Examples include a big data processing service for the advertising agency SberMarketing, evolution and implementation of new features for a crypto payment processing service, a website for a major corporation in the proptech and development sector “Samolet”.  

Evrone’s main areas of expertise include web development, analytics, and custom solutions. Their comprehensive service offerings encompass agile software development, software architecture consulting, digital transformation, and more, ensuring clients receive end-to-end support for their projects. That is exactly why this is the best company for all your python outsourcing needs.

4. Merixstudio: Integrating Python Solutions for Businesses 

Merixstudio is a Polish top python development company recognized for its expertise. Established in 1999, it’s a full-stack agile firm that helps you all through the planning, designing, and development of your web applications and digital products.  

The company specializes in developing solutions for SaaS products and startup projects. They develop e-commerce sites on daily basis, usually with the usage of Magento technology. Their core competencies and skills that make them stand out include creating top of the line web applications and UX/UI design.  

Merixstudio combines innovation with adherence to high development standards to produce exceptional results. Varying skillsets and perspectives presented in their teams are another welcome bonus.

5. DOIT Software: Custom Applications and Turnkey Solutions 

DOIT Software help enterprises, SMEs, and startups to solve unique business challenges to achieve significant results. The company is renowned for creating custom applications and turnkey solutions that address unique business needs. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, DOIT Software has become a reliable ally for organizations across diverse industries.

Their portfolio showcases successful projects such as advanced CRM systems and tools for business process automation. Example of these include a proactive network relationship management solution NRM, a mobile app to support a healthcare solution provider ID-Queue’s interpreting services and many others, detailed on their website in the portfolio section.

DOIT Software employs a result-oriented approach. They promise to their clients that they will keep in-house-like control over the project and team while building a long-term engagement with the company.

6. STX Next: Europe’s Largest Python Development Firm 

Since its establishment in 2005, STX Next has grown into Europe’s largest python programming company. Boasting of some of the finest Python developers in their staff of more than five hundred, they can supercharge your project with extraordinary code. Over the 19 years, STX Next has earned a global reputation for delivering high-quality software solutions powered by Python among clients from Canada, South Africa, Australia, Scandinavia, Western Europe, and the Middle East. Some of the companies that STX Next has done projects for include Sendcloud based in Netherlands, Procsea in France, VetMedux in USA and many others.

STX Next specializes in large-scale projects, offering end-to-end services for businesses requiring robust and scalable solutions. If you need to scale your project up or down depending on your budget and needs, it can be done very easily with STX Next.

7. BairesDev: A Global Team of Python Developers

BairesDev is one of the fastest-growing international outsourcing companies. They have been reimagining the tech landscape for more than a decade, transforming Fortune 500 brands and leading companies across multiple industries and verticals. Their scalable and high-performing software solutions for various clients across the globe are definitely worth considering.

The company’s portfolio includes collaborations with numerous Fortune 500 companies including Google, Rolls-Royce, Adobe and many more, showcasing its ability to handle large-scale and high-stakes projects. BairesDev’s core services include: 

  • web development 
  • mobile app creation 
  • data analysis. 

They deliver a variety of custom web development projects, from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to SaaS applications using Python and other tools. 

Python has earned its place as one of the most widely used programming languages, powering everything from web applications to data analytics and automation. It has been around since 1991 and as of right now it is the most popular programming language. The global demand for it only increases with passing years, as is evident by the success of the top 7 python development companies. 

Collaborating with professional Python developers unlocks the full potential of this programming language. It is used by the companies in a variety of ways, to work with artificial intelligence, with game development and graphic design etc. The best companies for python developers featured in this article show a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. They can fulfill many functions for their clients, such as consulting, testing their projects, debugging them.

Applications now open for Deloitte’s 2024 Fast 50 Awards

Indigenous technology companies can now apply to be part of the 25th annual Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards.

The Technology Fast 50 is one of Ireland’s foremost technology awards and a celebration of both innovation and entrepreneurship.

The programme ranks the 50 fastest growing indigenous technology companies based on revenue growth over the last four years.

The list features both private and public listed technology companies that have demonstrated creative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision, driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s programme, James Toomey, partner and Fast 50 programme lead at Deloitte, said:

“As we celebrate 25 years of Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 awards, it is an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary growth of Ireland’s indigenous technology sector and the ongoing presence and contribution of large tech companies that call Ireland home.”

“Even though there are challenges, Ireland’s indigenous technology sector continues to exhibit robust growth in 2024. Cloud computing, cybersecurity and data analytics are all areas that are rapidly expanding amid increased investment in artificial intelligence and greater reliance on cloud infrastructure.”

“The Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards is a performance benchmark for indigenous tech companies and the industry as a whole. I strongly encourage any interested tech company in Ireland to apply.”

This year’s awards programme will include several award categories that companies can enter in addition to the overall ranking.

  • Growing New Technology Award in association with Google: This award recognises a company that has created or introduced a new or innovative product or service to international markets, which helped grow their business over the last four years.
  • Impact Award in association with Meta: This award recognises a company that has made a significant impact within the current year.
  • Women in Technology Advocate Award in association with NetSuite: This award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated through their actions that they are an advocate for increasing participation by, and promotion of, women in the technology sector.
  • Scale Up Award in association with Scale Ireland: This award recognises a company that has demonstrated an impressive ability to scale up/expand overseas over the last four years.
  • Financial Services Innovation Award in association with Financial Services Ireland: This award recognises a company with an innovative product or service that is having a disruptive impact within the financial services industry.
  • The Rising Star award in association with Enterprise Ireland: This award will recognise a company that has demonstrated a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in years to come. Companies being considered for this award must have operating revenues accounting for a minimum of 2 years and less than 4 years.

2023 rankings

15 of the 50 companies ranked last year were first time winners. Fintech company Swoop, led by Andrea Reynolds, ranked first as the fastest growing technology company, after ranking fourth in 2022. Swoop is a global platform supporting SMEs by bringing their business data into one place to garner insights and instantly match them to eligible finance, as well as assess their spend on cost categories such as energy, banking and FX. Buymedia, led and founded by Fergal O’Connor, ranked fifth in 2023 and eighth in 2022. Buymedia is a data-driven platform that helps companies and agencies plan, manage and buy advertising.

Andrea Reynolds, CEO, Swoop, said: “Ranking in the Fast 50 awards has brought us valuable brand recognition, in particular in the US, as Fast 50 is a globally recognised award. As we continue to grow Swoop, this recognition abroad is incredibly valuable. For the team in Swoop, it’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come, and this award gives them another boost to keep going.”

Fergal O’Connor, CEO, Buymedia, said: “Fast 50 sticks out to me due to its objectivity, as the rankings are based solely on the growth of the business. Ranking in the Fast 50 has been really helpful when we have been speaking to potential investors.”

Application details and further information about the programme can be found at https://www.deloitte.com/ie/en/Industries/tmt/technology-fast-50-awards.html

The closing date for entries is 27 September 2024 and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin on 28 November 2024.

Applications of blockchain in the identity management prospects

There is no denying that the world has gone digital, which means crucial data—namely sensitive customer data such as banking and healthcare information—are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. For example, the website supply chain relationships with fast deposits, withdrawals, and trading strategies. Privacy concerns are longstanding and with good reason: the bounty of personal information that significant tech companies store presents a tempting target for hackers. However, as technology races forward, so must our ability to manage sensitive data with increased efficiency and security. Blockchain-based identity management could make a difference. Here’s how:

Blockchain-based digital identity system:

In a blockchain-based digital identity system, users are in charge of their personal information and can choose whether to share it with specific organizations and on what terms. It is made possible by distributed ledger technology that records all transactions permanently in a way that allows them to be tracked but not altered.

Because data are stamped with a timestamp and cannot be altered or hacked (furthermore, nothing is stored in centralized locations where companies can easily access it), blockchain-based digital identity systems provide an almost fail-safe way for people to control their personal information – without fear of alteration or hacking. Blockchain’s Strengths

Blockchain-based identity management solutions present several advantages over other digital identity security tools. Most importantly, they achieve improved security and transparency while providing greater ease of use. However, blockchain is a unique but still nascent technology. Many use cases are still being explored. As such, people must overcome some hurdles before digital identity management can take off in the mainstream—weaknesses. 

For example, while blockchain-based identity management seems promising and offers a lot of promise as a long-term solution to identify security issues, people must address some limitations if the technology is to reach true strength. These include transaction speed and other issues related to the current scalability of the technology.

Government can use blockchain to verify identity:

There are numerous reasons blockchain could be a big deal for identity management: more people around the globe are being brought into the system every day. In other words, people are taking on new roles involving different risk levels, including positions in government agencies and civil society. 

Each person added to the system adds to its security risks, so it’s essential to have a scalable, flexible solution that can grow with new users. Blockchain could be that solution, meaning that organizations need to work now on developing distributed ledger-based identity management systems.

 As such, it is not without its flaws. Blockchain-based identity management’s most significant challenges lie in transaction speed and scalability. It is an issue with all distributed ledger technologies, and it’s an obstacle to widespread adoption by government agencies, which are often forced to rely on outdated technology simply because they need to afford to update systems frequently enough to keep pace with technological advances. That may change soon, though: many governments are investing heavily in blockchain technology to improve their own services while also reducing costs, making distributed ledger-based identity management more attractive and cost-effective over time.

How can blockchain ease identity management?

  1. Blockchain is transparent:

Contrary to popular belief, there is absolutely no way to hack a blockchain. As a result, it has become an essential aspect of blockchain technology, explaining the popularity of Bitcoin. Furthermore, the fact that all transactions are recorded in a public ledger means that the identity of wallet holders cannot be hijacked or altered—not even by governments or large banks, makes digital identity management a much safer prospect than before.

  1. Blockchain is efficient:

 Use cases for this technology are already being explored and tested, with some succeeding more than others. For instance, Digital Citizen Fund (DIF) uses it to protect children’s data privacy. Moreover, blockchain-based identity management has the added benefit of being infinitely scalable. As more people use digital identity management systems, the networks become more secure and efficient. So even if governments are slow to adopt blockchain, there is no reason to believe it will fail to grow in value over time.

 Blockchain is Not Cheaper to Execute:

To build a blockchain-based digital identity management system, individual users need to create their trust officers. It is not just laborious but also extremely costly. In fact, in some cases, the costs can be so onerous that the use of the technology is entirely prohibitive.

Public and private sector organizations and government agencies need to give greater importance to security – particularly around sensitive data such as healthcare and financial information. Blockchain-based digital identity management seems like it could be an up-and-coming solution. As blockchain technology becomes more prevalent, we’re likely to see more government and private sector organizations adopting distributed ledger-based digital identity management that needs a cost-effective, secure and scalable solution.

With the growth in cyberspace, we are seeing a new type of criminal emerge: cybercriminal. Their method is the same as traditional criminals; they have always sought to take advantage of individuals or companies that do not know how to protect their data and information, and blockchain mitigates any prospect related to cybercrime.