Dell Technologies brings data centre-class AI to the desktop with Dell Pro Max with GB10

Dell Technologies has today announced the availability of Dell Pro Max with GB10, a new desktop system that makes it easier for anyone building AI tools to do it right from their desk. Capable of handling massive AI models, the new Pro Max with GB10 uses NVIDIA’s Grace Blackwell chip and comes with 128GB of unified memory and up to 4TB of storage to support models with up to 200 billion parameters.

The system is designed to remove long-standing barriers in AI development, allowing Irish research teams, startups, regulated industries, and individual creators to train, fine-tune, and deploy advanced models locally—without relying on cloud solutions or compressing models to fit hardware limitations. Dell Pro Max with GB10 comes pre-installed with key AI tools such as CUDA, JupyterLab, Docker, and AI Workbench, enabling teams to start building in minutes.

By bringing this level of performance directly to the desktop, Dell Pro Max with GB10 transforms how AI work is done. Academic researchers at Irish universities and institutions can test hypotheses and adapt models rapidly, accelerating discovery. Startups gain enterprise-grade computational power without heavy infrastructure investment, allowing small teams to prototype, validate, and scale AI projects efficiently. Regulated industries can deploy secure AI workflows on-premises, protecting sensitive data while maintaining performance on par with leading cloud solutions. Independent creators and developers across Ireland can now have the ability to develop sophisticated AI models from their own workspace, democratising innovation.

“Human ingenuity fuels AI progress, yet most teams hit hard limits on computation well before reaching their creative potential,” said Charlie Walker, Senior Director and GM, Dell Pro Max and Pro Rugged Products. Dell Pro Max with GB10 empowers customers to advance securely, accelerate insight, and innovate on their own terms. This isn’t just another workstation; it’s an AI accelerator for real-world AI challenges, built for those who won’t let limits define what’s possible.”

The Dell Pro Max with GB10 is designed with scalability in mind. For teams requiring even greater power, connecting two systems creates a single node capable of handling 400 billion-parameter models, showcasing Dell’s approach to scalable AI infrastructure.

By removing computational constraints and simplifying AI development, Dell Pro Max with GB10 enables faster innovation, more secure workflows, and broader access to advanced AI technology. This initiative demonstrates Dell Technologies’ commitment to empowering creators and organisations and supporting the growing AI ecosystem across Ireland to push the boundaries without compromising.

For morei information on the new Dell Pro Max with GB10, visit: www.dell.ie

Digital banking has not overtaken the demand for a more personal experience: 6 in 10 want face-to-face banking

Irish people want to conduct their main banking transactions with a human being and not a computer. This is the finding of a new survey from the Credit Union Development Association, which found that more than 6 in 10 people still opt for face-to-face interactions when opening a current account or accessing car finance, and 8 in 10 want to take out the mortgage with the help of either a lender employee or a broker (See Appendix).

The credit union representatives say indicates just how important face-to-face interaction still is with the public when it comes to banking.

The research, which surveyed 1,000 people nationwide found:

  • More than two thirds (65pc) of those who opened a current account over the last five years did so with in-person support from branch staff.
  • 54pc of those who opened savings accounts preferred to do so with in-person support.
  • Six in 10 (63pc) used face-to-face help when taking out car finance.
  • The vast majority (87pc) of those who applied for a mortgage in the last five years did so either in branch – or in person with a financial advisor.

Speaking of the findings, Kevin Johnson, CEO of CUDA, said:

The preference for face-to-face interaction doesn’t surprise us and supports the decision of credit unions to retain this key service while rolling out their new digital channels for members. Choice in how to interact with a financial institution is imperative for consumers. It’s not ok that some banks appear to be trying to force their customers to fit into their lower-cost branch models, in an effort to boost profits for shareholders but to the detriment of customer service.

“Borrowing for a major purchase such as a car or home is a big deal for most people, so it is not surprising that so many people need the reassurance of the personal touch when taking out a personal loan or a mortgage. People have financial needs and financial challenges, some straightforward and some requiring quite specific advice, so they should be able to decide between going online and walking into their local branch and getting face-to-face help if they need it.”

Where we bank is changing

The CUDA survey revealed that more than 7 in 10 people still bank with the countries three main banks.

But Mr Johnson contends that the tide is turning against the pillar banks and,

There is a definite shift in mindset in recent years and people are becoming increasingly open to the offerings of other providers. This change in behaviour is only going to gather more pace in the next few years and we believe the market will really open up and the Irish banking landscape will look completely different in five years’ time. Credit unions for their part are making a real play to grow their role by offering people the length and breadth of the country exactly what they need – efficient and effective banking solutions, with digital, local and in-person support”.

Further highlights from the CUDA consumer survey include:

  • One in 20 (5pc) said they used a fintech such as Revolut, N26 or Bunq for most of their banking needs.
  • Those aged between 25 and 34 are more likely than other age cohorts to use a fintech for most of their banking needs – 13pc vs the national average of 5pc
  • One in 25 (4pc) use credit unions for the majority of their banking – twice as much as the number who cited An Post.
  • Men are more likely to use a credit union or a fintech for their banking needs – though the numbers are still relatively small.

Mr. Johnson concluded

“ As co-operative societies, owned by and managed in the interest of their members, credit unions  understand the importance of setting and achieving service levels at the standard expected by the members.  They are delivering digital services with a personal touch, only in this way, they can be certain that they will achieve high levels of customer experience satisfaction, retain business and also optimise the use of valuable resources. With this in mind, credit unions continue to invest in emerging technologies, as these give rise to new ways of conducting financial activities, while also continuing to invest in their people. Balancing these investments enables them offer both digital and face-to-face options to both borrowers and savers.”