Tag: Business

Powering the next generation of Irish tech startups

From early-stage SaaS startups in Dublin to scaling fintechs in Cork and Galway, Ireland’s tech ecosystem is thriving. But as competition intensifies, efficiency and agility have become the new currency of growth. For young companies balancing innovation with tight budgets, business cloud storage is now essential. It provides the secure, scalable foundation that keeps data protected, teams connected, and operations running smoothly as startups evolve.

Smarter cloud infrastructure for smarter businesses

Traditional IT setups require heavy upfront investment in servers, software, and maintenance. Business cloud storage removes that burden entirely. Instead of purchasing physical hardware, startups can store, share and back up data online, and pay only for what they use. This approach frees up capital to reinvest in product development, customer acquisition or talent, rather than tying up funds in infrastructure that may quickly become obsolete.

Flexibility and security that scales with ambition

Startups rarely grow in a straight line. Demand can spike overnight after a funding announcement or major partnership. Business cloud storage systems are built for that unpredictability. With scalable storage plans and integrated security, Irish startups can expand capacity instantly without worrying about server upgrades or downtime. This flexibility makes it easier to experiment, pivot, and grow sustainably.

As the number of data breaches continues to rise across Ireland, maintaining data integrity has become a strategic necessity for all companies. Reputable business cloud storage platforms use end-to-end encryption, access controls and regular backups to protect sensitive files from loss or unauthorised access. This level of security not only safeguards company assets but also reinforces trust with clients, partners and investors.

Collaboration without borders

Many Irish startups operate remotely or across hybrid teams. Cloud-based file sharing ensures that everyone—from founders to freelancers—can access up-to-date project files anywhere, anytime. It eliminates version control issues and supports real-time collaboration, even across time zones. 

For small teams trying to move fast, that can be the difference between closing a deal and missing a window of opportunity. Beyond day-to-day communication, it also streamlines client management, onboarding and project delivery and allows teams to share proposals, feedback and updates securely in one place. This seamless connectivity helps startups maintain momentum and consistency as they grow.

Business cloud storage: The bottom line

Business cloud storage is a cost-saving tool and an operational growth enabler. It gives startups the infrastructure of an enterprise at a fraction of the price, letting them focus on what matters most — innovation, execution and scaling.

Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC Review

Having reviewed audio gear and office headsets for over 10 years, I’ve tested a wide range of Poly (formerly Plantronics) products — from dependable Bluetooth models to enterprise-grade headsets. The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is positioned as a premium, business-focused option for hybrid professionals who need comfort, clarity, and seamless connectivity across devices.

Design and Comfort

The Voyager Surround 80 UC is an over-the-head model featuring an ergonomic gap at the top of the headband to reduce pressure points. At 275 grams, it feels comfortable and balanced even during long meetings. The artificial leather ear cushions are soft and breathable, providing a pleasant wearing experience throughout the day.

The overall construction feels solid and businesslike, with subtle branding and a Teams logo for those in Microsoft environments. While the button layout is intuitive for right-handed users, left-handers might find the positioning less natural. Still, it’s a well-designed, durable headset suited to daily professional use.

Controls and Connectivity

Poly combines touch and button controls to handle calls, music playback, and volume with ease. Touch gestures manage playback and volume, while physical buttons cover mute, power, and Bluetooth pairing. 

Connectivity is excellent, with support for Bluetooth 5.3, the included BT700 USB-C adapter, and optional USB-C to 3.5 mm cable for wired use. Pairing with Windows 11, Android, and macOS devices was quick and stable. The headset supports dual-device connectivity, making it easy to switch between laptop and phone without interruptions.

 

What’s in the Box

  • Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC headset
  • Premium carry case with zip pocket for accessories
  • BT700 USB-C Bluetooth adapter
  • USB-C to USB-A adapter 
  • USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable 
  • USB charging cable 
  • User guide

 

The carry case deserves special mention — sturdy, compact, and well thought out, making it ideal for professionals commuting between office and home.

Setup & Software (Poly Lens)

The Voyager Surround 80 UC can be used straight out of the box via Bluetooth, connecting instantly without requiring additional software. However, downloading the Poly Lens app unlocks a range of useful customisation and management options.

With Poly Lens, users can: 

  • Customise headset controls and button functions
  • Enable smart sensors that detect when the headset is worn or removed
  • Automatically pause or resume media, or mute/unmute calls
  • Manage firmware updates and battery monitoring
  • Access Poly Lens Cloud for centralised device management (ideal for IT teams)

The software is well designed and adds real value, particularly for business users who want to tailor their experience or manage multiple devices.

 

Features

  • Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to reduce distractions
  • Six built-in microphones for clear, boomless voice pickup
  • Dual-device Bluetooth connectivity for laptop and phone pairing
  • Touch and button controls for calls, playback, and volume
  • Up to 21 hours talk time / 24 hours listening time
  • DeepSleep mode conserves power when inactive
  • Teams and UC certified for professional collaboration platform
  • Poly Lens integration for software customisation and management
  • 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty for peace of mind

 

Sound and Microphone Performance

Audio performance is impressive for professional use. The six microphones deliver crisp, natural voice pickup and handle background noise effectively through adaptive ANC. The boomless design keeps things tidy while maintaining excellent speech clarity.

During testing across Teams, Zoom, and Android phone calls, the overall audio quality was faultless. Voices were clear, background noise was minimal, and the headset performed reliably across multiple devices.

However, one noticeable drawback was that while mute and volume controls worked correctly on the headset, these actions didn’t always visually reflect in Microsoft Teams across different laptops. The headset muted and adjusted sound as expected, but Teams’ on-screen indicators didn’t always match the headset’s status — a minor but noticeable usability issue.

On Android, by contrast, everything worked seamlessly: media playback, track skipping, and volume control all responded perfectly.

Battery and Power Management

Battery life remains a major strength, with up to 21 hours of talk time or 24 hours of listening time. The DeepSleep mode automatically conserves energy after 24 hours of inactivity, and charging via USB-C is quick and convenient. It’s an ideal companion for long workdays or travel without needing to worry about frequent recharging.

Real-World Experience

In practical use, the Voyager Surround 80 UC delivers exactly what professionals need: reliable connectivity, consistent audio, and all-day comfort. The dual-device connection works flawlessly, allowing smooth transitions between phone and laptop calls.

While the Teams visual feedback issue is worth noting, it doesn’t affect actual functionality or audio performance. The headset remains a dependable tool for business calls and virtual meetings.

Verdict

The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is a high-quality, professional headset built for hybrid workers who spend much of their day in virtual meetings. It offers excellent microphone clarity, strong noise cancellation, long battery life, and a well-designed carry case that makes it easy to travel with.

While it commands a premium price, it’s backed by solid engineering, reliable connectivity, and a two-year warranty. The only minor frustrations lie in the Teams visual control sync issue and sensitive touch controls, but overall, this is a polished, professional headset that performs consistently where it matters most — in call quality, comfort, and usability.

BUY

Other Poly reviews

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How UK CCTV Crime Prevention is Shaping Business Security

Business security should always be at the top of a company’s priorities. Measures need to be put in place to protect the business. UK CCTV is playing a significant role in shaping business security. Installing CCTV systems is seen as an excellent tool in risk management for businesses and crime prevention.

It can help to deter theft and vandalism against a business while it can give reassurance to business owners and employees. UK CCTV systems are effective at reducing crime and are shaping business security.

With businesses finding issues such as anti-social behaviour, organised shoplifting and vehicle theft, CCTV is so important to help prevent these types of crimes. Installing CCTV can be vital to help prevent crimes as well as provide important evidence if a crime does occur.

A report from the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) states there are over 21 million cameras in operation. 

Here are some of the reasons why CCTV in the UK is so effective, and why crime decreased by 13% in places with CCTV compared to places without it. 

CCTV works as a deterrence

The main reason why UK CCTV is shaping business security is that it’s a deterrent for criminals. With the presence of CCTV cameras, it can stop those who intend to commit a crime from taking action. 

They are aware that footage will be taken and this footage could lead them to being charged. With this in mind, it can stop them from committing the crime. The possibility of being identified can prevent the action from being taken.

To make sure it’s an effective tool for business security, the UK CCTV system needs to be installed in the best place to stop criminals. It needs to be in the vision of those who encounter your business. It’s a good idea to find an external CCTV system that will cover the whole perimeter of your business.

While it’s a successful business security tool, you need to make sure you stay within the laws of data protection. You can make sure you stay within the law by checking out the government website before installing the UK CCTV system. 

Evidence for investigation 

When a crime does take place, the CCTV crime prevention footage can be used to help resolve the crime. It can provide vital information to those investigating what exactly occurred and action can be taken.

They can make vital identification using the CCTV footage and this could lead to the individual being charged. It’s also essential for insurance claims if an incident did occur that damaged your business.

Having the footage can also help you take steps to help your business security move forward and install measures to prevent further crimes from being committed.

Provides active monitoring

With the UK CCTV surveillance camera playing a vital role in business security, it allows those at the business to actively monitor what is happening at their business. 

A lot of the systems can now be managed while on the go and you can check in and take action quickly if any issues are detected. 

It can help you to be aware of exactly what is going on at your business quarters and to take action if necessary. You can hire security to monitor this for you and help shape your business security.

Commercial access control systems integrated with UK CCTV can also provide an added layer of security by regulating entry to business premises and verifying identities in real time, enhancing overall crime prevention and operational efficiency.

High-tech technology

As CCTV develops, smart CCTV is becoming more common for business security. The new CCTV technology can analyse the footage and inform the business about potential threats that could take place. They can spot any patterns and will inform the CCTV owner regarding any threats to the property or persons.

They can also inform about areas or facilities that are more dangerous so that businesses can put measures in place.

They also offer AI detection which can detect objects that could be suspicious and potentially harm your business. It’s also beneficial as it can identify criminals, so if a theft does occur, this can help with charges to occur.

Not only this, but it can help to diagnose genuine threats to the business. It can also offer faster responses, so that you can get quicker responses which could prevent further theft or threats to staff. These technological advances make this a must-have for shaping business security.

Conclusion

There are so many different types of CCTV systems and you should look at the benefits and negatives before installing one at your business quarters. You need to make sure that the CCTV that is installed is professionally installed by a reputable company. This will stop any errors occurring which could lead to failed recordings.

With the right coverage and the best features, CCTV crime prevention is helping growing businesses stay secure.

 

Cyber Threats Could Force 1 in 4 SMEs to Shut Down After a Ransomware Attack

The latest Vodafone Business Cybersecurity Threat Report reveals a stark reality for Ireland’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), warning that 28% of businesses would be at risk of shutting down after just one ransomware attack, while 94% of Irish SMEs admit they feel unprepared to defend against advanced cyber threats.
With cyber criminals increasingly harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to launch faster, more convincing and more adaptive attacks, the report warns that no business is immune to risk.
AI: The Game-Changer in Cybercrime
The report highlights how AI is now being used to clone voices, impersonate trusted executives, and create highly realistic phishing campaigns, making it harder than ever for busy SMEs to spot malicious activity. These sophisticated identity hacks can lead to operational shutdowns, exposure of sensitive customer data, and long-term reputational damage to businesses.
The financial impact is expected to surge with cybercrime-related costs projected to rise by nearly 50% over the next three years as AI-driven attacks continue to evolve.
The report highlights the emergence of adaptive AI malware, a type of malicious software that can learn and adapt its tactics to evade detection. Traditional antivirus systems are becoming less effective against these shape-shifting threats, signalling a critical need for stronger, AI-enabled defences.
As Irish SMEs begin integrating AI tools into everyday operations, from automating customer service to analysing data, the research shows that 50% of small and mid-sized enterprises ranked cybersecurity among their top five priorities. However, 69% of SMEs admit they lack the proper cybersecurity measures to deploy these technologies safely. This gap is leaving many businesses exposed to new forms of cyberattacks.
However, Vodafone Ireland, connectivity and technology partner to six in ten Irish businesses, emphasises that there are practical steps SMEs can take to strengthen their cybersecurity, such as employee training, software updates, multi-factor authentication, regular backups, and partnering with expert providers for monitoring and threat detection. These measures can help businesses close gaps without requiring extensive IT expertise.
Speaking on the findings, Sinead Perry, Head of SMB Sales – Small & Medium Business at Vodafone Ireland, warned that no business is too small to be a target:
“The scale of AI-powered attacks means no business is too small or too remote to go unnoticed. If you’re online, you’re on the radar. For SMEs, the risk is real – they are big enough to be a target but often don’t have the same security resources as larger firms.”
“Attackers only need to succeed once, while your defences must work every time. Irish SMEs now face two major challenges: defending against AI-driven threats and ensuring their own use of AI is secure.”
“Today, SMEs manage more data than ever before and operate in a complex digital environment that rivals larger businesses. This makes them attractive targets, and with AI in the mix, this threat is evolving fast. SMEs must act now to strengthen their resilience and protect the future of their business. With 2.4 million customers in Ireland, Vodafone is a trusted connectivity and technology partner, uniquely positioned to support SMEs in navigating today’s cybersecurity challenges. This is why at Vodafone Ireland, we are working with leading global technology partners, like Google, Microsoft
and Zscaler, to help SMEs build stronger, smarter defences and protect the future of their businesses.”
The full Vodafone Business Cybersecurity Threat Report is available to download via the V-Hub knowledge centre: https://v-hub.vodafone.ie/knowledge-centre/how-to-defend-smes-from-rising-ai-driven-cyber-attacks.

How to Identify the Best Sustainability Courses for Business Leaders?

The need to be sustainable has never been as intense in the current fast moving business environment. Leaders understand that it is not only a moral but a strategic need to incorporate the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The drivers of this change are the growing stakeholder demands, the regulation requirements, and the effects of the climate change and social inequality. The rate of change in this paradigm is fast leading to the need of specialized knowledge and skills in sustainable business practices.

ESG courses come in at this stage and provide a systematic way in which professionals can enrich their knowledge and improve their ability to effect positive change. However, with an increase in the number of offerings, how does a business leader with a keen sense of discernment identify the most sound sustainability courses that genuinely align with their career aspirations and organizational needs? This guide will explore key considerations all of which can assist you to navigate through the education landscape and make an informed choice that can launch your leadership in the sustainable age.

Understanding Your Needs and Goals

Before you find a sustainability course, you need to assess what you already know, what you want to achieve in your career and what concerns you in an organization. Specify the need or not of a simple understanding or technical expertise in areas like finance of renewable energy, circular economy responses, or sustainable supply chain control. The reason this is necessary is in order to assist in customizing your educational experience in a way that it may have maximum impact on your professional life and your organizations endeavors to be sustainable.

Take into account your status, such as executive, manager or future professional to distinguish between introductory courses, specialized certifications, and executive education courses. Such self-evaluation will assist in narrowing down, making sure that the course fits your particular needs.

Key Criteria for Evaluating Sustainability Courses

When you have quite a clear picture of your needs, you may start to assess the possible sustainability courses according to a number of important parameters. These are the requirements that will assist you in determining the quality and appropriateness of a program and therefore will give the best returns in terms of investment in terms of time and resource usage.

1. Curriculum Relevance and Depth

Review course syllabus. Find a curriculum that is both theoretically and practically balanced with a range of case studies and practical projects. As a leader, a course that explores strategic sustainability, risk management, stakeholder engagement and impact measurement are of special value.

2. Faculty Expertise and Industry Experience

Conduct an investigation on the faculty. Are they well-educated, experienced in the industry and with successful sustainability history? Their life experience may be invaluable.

3. Program Format and Flexibility

Bear in mind the format that most effectively fits your learning style and schedule: face-to-face, online, hybrid, self-paced, or cohort-based. Online courses are flexible, yet they offer enough possibilities in terms of communication.

4. Accreditation and Reputation

The reputation of the institution offering the same and accreditation by known organizations can lend a lot of weight. Search through testimonials, networks and industry reputation that can help determine the status of a program.

5. Networking Opportunities

The courses that provide strong networking with other business leaders, sustainability professionals and faculty can be incredibly useful. Such networks are capable of producing new knowledge, collaborations and employment.

6. Practical Application and Impact

Does the course focus on the practical tools, frameworks, and methods you can apply in your position immediately? Find programs where the participants are encouraged to come up with projects or strategies that can be implemented.

Types of Sustainability Courses for Business Leaders

To narrow your search further, it is useful to know the various types of sustainability courses they offer that are aligned to different learning outcomes and career levels:

1. Executive Education Programs

Targeted at top managers and executives, such programs usually provide a strategic perspective on sustainability, including bringing the factors of ESG into business strategy, risk management and corporate governance. They can be short, intensive and offered by the best business schools and they offer high-level information without a long-term academic commitment. Such programs are suitable to busy professionals who should get the strategic implications of sustainability fast.

2. Graduate Degrees and Certificates

To go a little further and gain a formal degree, one can choose MBA programs with a sustainability focus, a Master’s degree in Environmental Management, or a graduate certificate. They offer in-depth information in multiple areas of sustainability and are best suited to individuals in the field who intend to make a radical career shift towards full-time sustainability work or to enhance their professional competence to a new level. They tend to include intense academic research and study.

3. Online Courses and MOOCs

Online courses such as Coursera, edX and university-specific online courses are less rigid and can be less expensive. These may be basic courses that offer a basic knowledge to the highly specialized subjects which may enable you to study at your own speed. Some of them are self-paced, whereas others can have cohort-based learning, where the instructor interacts and learners collaborate with each other, as it offers a structured but flexible learning environment.

4. Professional Certifications

Professional accreditation in certain fields of sustainability, e.g., LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) of green building, or sustainable finance, are offered by multiple organizations. They are superb in showing specialized knowledge in a specific field and may make you have more credibility in certain areas of the industry. They frequently need to take an exam and may need further education.

5. Custom Corporate Training

Individual organizations have custom sustainability training programs available in many institutions and consulting firms. In case the company is interested in upskilling a group of people or solving certain sustainability issues that are specific to your industry, then a bespoke course can be developed to meet those specific requirements. The programs are offered locally or online and are very useful in creating a sense of collective comprehension and uniformity of approach to sustainability in an organization.

Emerging Trends in Sustainability Education

Sustainability is a dynamic discipline and education does capture the same. The important trends to consider during selection of course include:

1. ESG Integration and Reporting

The most important courses are those that concentrate on strong ESG integration in financial decision-making, performance measurement and transparent reporting. It is essential to learn such frameworks as SASB, GRI, TCFD.

2. Circular Economy Principles

Courses that provide practical strategies of introducing circularity in a business operation are very helpful.

3. Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

Climate risk assessment, adaptation plans, and low-carbon transition plans education is on the rise.

4. Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions

Courses that delve into nature-based solutions, ecosystem services and how they can be incorporated in the business models are leading.

5. Digital Tools and Data Analytics

Find programs that include data analytics, AI, and blockchain use in sustainability management.

6. Social Equity and Just Transition

Holistic leadership requires courses that consider human rights, labor practices, community engagement, and a just transition to all the stakeholders.

Conclusion

Making a proper sustainability course choice is a landmark decision of every business leader who is interested in managing the intricacies of the contemporary economy and making a positive change. It is an investment in your personal development, as well as the future effectiveness and strength of your organization.

After critically analyzing your own needs, examining curriculum relevance, evaluating faculty competency, and program format and reputation, then you can be sure that you have chosen a program that gives you the knowledge and skills needed to become a leader in the sustainable age. Sustainability education is a multifaceted landscape with opportunities at all the levels of experience and aspiration. You are seeking to have a general knowledge base, become the specialist in a certain field, or bring the transformative change to the executive stage, you will find the course that will help you achieve your goals.

The knowledge you will acquire during such programs will enable you to incorporate the environment, social, and governance aspect in the main business strategies, which will promote innovation, reduce risks, and build long-term value to all the stakeholders. Finally, it is not only a matter of compliance or reputation when investing in high-quality Sustainability courses; it is a matter of creating a more sustainable, fair, and successful future of your business and the world.

Galway County Council Launches Revamped Bilingual Website

Galway County Council has launched a completely redesigned bilingual website aimed at delivering faster, clearer, and more accessible information to residents, businesses, and visitors.

The new site, available at Gaillimh.ie and Galway.ie, was developed by award-winning Irish web services company Annertech. It now offers 100 per cent Irish-language content, improved translation management, and the ability to deliver dynamic updates including rich media, event announcements, and severe weather alerts.

Core services, including Planning, Housing, Environment, Libraries, Climate Action, Community, and Business and Economy, are easily accessible from the home page. Visitors can also sign up for location-based alerts on road works, planning applications, severe weather, and community notices through the MapAlerter service.

With the majority of users accessing the site on mobile devices, page layouts automatically adjust to fit smartphones and tablets.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said, “We have incorporated the views of elected members and the public, along with best practices in local government web service delivery, when redesigning the site. This ensures that the most up-to-date information about our services is presented in a modern, user-friendly interface with improved navigation and accessibility features.”

Katie O’Connor, Director of Finance, Motor Tax, ICT and Digital Transformation, described the launch as “a major step forward in making our services clearer, faster, and more accessible.”

She added, “The upgraded bilingual site ensures reliable access to council information and services at all times. It follows the Local Government Service Catalogue, presenting information around what people need.”

Michael Martyn, Head of Information Systems, commented, “By rewriting all content in plain English and Gaeilge, building on an open-source platform, and making Irish-language content a core feature, we are making it easier for people to find what they need, when they need it. This is about putting the user first, whether they are a resident, a business, or a visitor to Galway County.”

The site is built on Local Government Drupal, an open-source platform shared by councils in Ireland and the UK, with sharing of additional development and features on a build-once, share-many basis.

Visit www.Gaillimh.ie and www.Galway.ie.

ESET Updates Its Home Security Portfolio for Advanced Ransomware and Scams

ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, today announces its upgraded consumer offering, ESET HOME Security and its Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) offering, ESET Small Business Security. Launched earlier in 2025 for businesses and enterprises, today’s release makes ESET’s award-winning Ransomware Remediation feature available to consumers and SOHOs. ESET Ransomware Remediation seamlessly creates encrypted backups – enabling users to detect, block, and recover from ransomware attacks with minimal disruption.

Recognizing scams as a global threat that can harm virtually anyone, anywhere, at any time, ESET now delivers enhanced scam protection, addressing attacks vectoring from all types of sources, including SMS, email, phone calls, URLs, QR codes, malicious files, and more. ESET also launched advanced functionalities within existing features, including Microphone Monitor and Website Security Inspector.

“As a progressive digital life protection vendor, ESET carefully monitors the current threat landscape and develops its protection solutions accordingly,” said Viktória Ivanová, Vice President of Consumer and IoT Segment at ESET. “Heightened scam protection, added Ransomware Remediation, and multiple privacy protection improvements make both ESET consumer and SOHO offerings robust, all-in-one solutions for households and Small Office/Home Offices seeking reliable security that has low impact on performance and is easy to use.”

This launch expands the availability of ESET VPN to ESET HOME Security Premium users. The updated ESET HOME security management platform simplifies security management, making it easier for home admins to protect their families, and SOHO owners to observe exactly who and what are protected, and to distribute security apps with a consistent, simplified experience.

Key ESET HOME Security/ ESET Small Business Security (for Windows) improvements include:

Ransomware Remediation — Originally developed for large businesses, Ransomware Remediation minimizes the impact of ransomware attacks. Once a potential ransomware threat is identified by ESET Ransomware Shield, ESET Ransomware Remediation immediately creates backups of affected files, and after the threat is mitigated, it restores the files, effectively reverting the system to its previous state.

 Enhanced privacy protection — New Microphone Monitor detects and alerts users to any unauthorized attempts to access the microphone hardware on Windows devices.

 Enhanced browser security — New Website Security Inspector adds an extra layer of protection against phishing, scams, and malicious websites. This feature scans the rendered HTML in the browser to detect malicious content that can’t be detected on the network level and by URLs blacklist.

New ESET Cyber Security/ ESET Small Business Security (for macOS) features and updates:

macOS 26 Tahoe support — User can enjoy ESET Cyber Security on the latest version of macOS.

HTTPS & HTTP/3 support — Improves overall end-user protection when online.

Device Control — This feature monitors and manages external devices connected to the Mac. It helps protect against malware and unauthorized transfers of data by restricting access to specific device types or even individual devices.

ESET HOME Security and ESET Small Business Security are available across all major operating systems—Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS—and cover all typical smart home devices. On top of that, ESET Small Business Security also protects Windows servers. The updated offerings are designed to address the evolving threat landscape with special attention to prevention – ensuring a best-in-class user experience because truly effective cybersecurity should be easy to set up and administer.

More information about ESET’s consumer offering and subscription tiers can be found here. A detailed description of the SOHO offering is available here.

SETU launches ‘Elevate’ digital resource to support micro-enterprises in the region

South East Technological University (SETU) has launched a new digital resource to support micro-enterprises in the region. ‘Elevate’ is an online platform that provides entrepreneurs with easy access to practical business assessments that help identify strengths and areas for development across a range of enterprise competencies.

The platform offers free online tools to evaluate digital readiness, sustainability practices, and innovation capacity, and to support succession planning. These tools enable businesses to identify growth opportunities and take clear steps towards development.

A key feature of Elevate is a set of interactive diagnostic tools that help business owners assess and challenge their operations. After completing a short series of questions, users receive a tailored report with recommendations to support future planning and sustainable growth. Each assessment takes only a few minutes to complete and focuses on strategic themes that can be further supported by SETU’s business support team.

The initiative is part of SETU – TU RISE (Technological University Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise), which is strengthening research capacity and deepening engagement with enterprises across the south east. Elevate complements the activities of SETU’s recently launched Rural Innovation Hubs in Hacketstown, Urlingford, Rosslare Harbour and Dungarvan, giving business owners the opportunity to engage with the university in their locality or online.

Commenting on the new initiative, Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement, said, “As part of SETU’s wider activities to foster entrepreneurship and business engagement, Elevate reinforces our commitment to the business community, particularly those in rural locations.”

Ian Campbell, Business Development Manager at SETU, added, “Alongside our four new rural innovation hubs across the region, Elevate provides an accessible pathway for business owners to engage with the university’s supports, including our Technology Gateways. It offers valuable insights to inform decision-making and future planning.”

Visit elevate.setu.ie to begin your business’s journey with SETU.

Toast teams up with Eclective Hospitality Group

Toast the cloud-based restaurant technology platform, today announced that Eclective Hospitality Group, Ireland’s largest hospitality group, has implemented Toast across its portfolio, highlighting Toast’s growing role as a trusted partner in Ireland as the company celebrates 3 years in market.

This new collaboration sees Toast’s technology platform deployed across 25 Eclective venues, including iconic brands like Angelina’s, Elephant and Castle and Wowburger.

Toast’s technology seamlessly connects every aspect of Irish hospitality businesses, from kitchen to customer. Eclective will utilise Toast technology to strengthen operational flexibility, provide greater ease of use and responsiveness, improve staff efficiency, and enhance the overall guest experience.

“As Ireland’s largest hospitality group employing 850 people across 27 venues, we need a technology partner that can scale with our ambitions while understanding the unique demands of running a restaurant in Ireland,” said Dave Mongan, COO at Eclective. “Toast eliminates the complexity of managing multiple systems across our portfolio. Toast gives us the tools that power service and allows us to focus on what matters most – creating exceptional experiences for our guests. This partnership positions us perfectly for our next phase of growth.”

“Delivering a great guest experience requires a restaurant to have exceptional tools and technology,” added Daniel Hanigan, Executive Chef at Angelina’s. “By leveraging technology like Toast’s Kitchen Display Systems to improve efficiency in the kitchen, our team will have more time to focus on creating exceptional food experiences.”

“Partnering with an ambitious, forward-looking organisation like Eclective represents a defining moment in Toast’s journey here in Ireland,” Ana Munoz, GM of International at Toast said.

“Working with a group of this scale and caliber is a testament to the depth and presence we’ve built in the local hospitality community over the past three years. We know that Irish restaurants want both great technology and a provider who truly understands them, and we’re the ideal choice for growing restaurant groups here and across our other international markets.”

Toast is the restaurant technology partner of choice for many of Ireland’s leading hospitality businesses, including Bewley’s, Kicky’s and OAKBERRY.

Toast’s presence in Ireland includes Customer Support, Research and Development, and Sales and Marketing teams in Ireland, and is recognised as a Certified Great Place to Work in Ireland.

Toast supports many Irish communities through Toast.org, the company’s philanthropic arm. Some of Toast.org’s programmes in Ireland over the last 3 years include a €50,000 donation to Airfield Estate for a new community garden that supports local food education. Toast.org’s continued community investment reflects Toast’s on-going commitment to supporting communities that make Irish hospitality thrive.