Tag: Digital

6 Growth Hacks for Software Startups to Watch This Year

Running a software startup is a thrilling challenge for any founder. You have built something cool and now you need people to use it. Finding the right way to grow can feel like a guessing game most of the time. 

Plenty of teams burn through their funding trying to find a market that fits. You need smart ways to reach people without spending millions of dollars. These 6 hacks will help you get ahead this year. Success comes to those who test new ideas fast and learn from the results.

Leverage Location Data For Contextual Intelligence

A tech industry report mentioned that using location data to create actionable intelligence helps startups gain trust and scale at a faster rate. This means looking beyond simple map points on a screen. You need to know the context of where your user stands at that moment. Smart tools turn raw data into a better experience for the customer.

Contextual data allows you to send notifications that actually matter to the person. If a user is at a trade show, your app can offer a specific feature for that event. This makes the software feel like it was built just for their current needs. It is a powerful way to stand out in a crowded market.

Trust grows when your app acts like a smart helper. People stay with brands that respect their time and physical space. Use these data points to build a better user journey for every client. This strategy helps you grow without annoying your user base.

Align Technical Build With Marketing

Getting new users is a tough task for many technical founders. Many teams find that https://tortoiseandharesoftware.com/, and similar pages have useful information on the gap between technical builds and marketing success during their early stages. It is a big step to move from a beta to a full market launch. Having the right support can make the transition much easier.

Building a great app is only half the battle in the tech world. You have to tell the world why it matters in simple terms they can grasp. If your marketing is confusing, people will leave before they even sign up. Your website needs to speak to the problems your users face every day.

Keep your messaging clear and direct for every visitor. Use the same language your customers use in their daily lives. This builds a bridge between your code and their specific needs. A clear voice is a huge advantage for any new company.

Master Product-Led Growth Strategies

A blog post about market dominance noted that product-led growth often saves between 30 and 50 percent of costs compared to traditional sales. This lets the software sell itself to the user. It lowers the barrier for a person to try the tool for the first time. You get more users without hiring a massive sales team.

When people can use the app for free, they find the value on their own schedule. You do not need a large team to explain every single feature. The product does the heavy lifting for your growth goals. It is a scalable way to build a massive user base.

This model works best when the onboarding process is smooth. You want users to have a lightbulb moment within minutes of logging in. Once they see the value, they are happy to pay for a full plan. This shift in strategy is a big trend for the year.

Double Down On Search Engine Optimization

A recent benchmark study found that SEO leads the way in ROI with a customer cost of $647 for tech startups. This makes it a top choice for founders who want to avoid the high price of digital ads. It builds value that lasts for years instead of days. Organic search is the gift that keeps on giving.

Paid ads go away the moment you stop paying for the clicks. Content on your site stays there and brings in leads for a long time. It is a long-term play that pays off in a big way. You can build a steady stream of traffic that grows every month.

Focus on the problems your users are trying to solve every day. Write guides that help them do their jobs better and faster. This positions your startup as a leader in the field. High quality content builds trust before a user even talks to you.

Automate Your User Onboarding Flow

The first few minutes in an app determine if a person stays or leaves. You need a system that guides them through the basics with ease. Since you cannot talk to every user, the app must speak for you. Automation helps you scale your personal touch.

Automated tools can show them where to click and what to do next. This reduces the work for your support team and keeps users happy. Low friction is the key to high retention in the SaaS world. You want to remove every hurdle that stands in their way.

  • Create a simple checklist for new sign-ups.
  • Send a tip of the day through a short email.
  • Show a progress bar for account setup.

If the setup is too hard, people will find a different tool. Make it easy to get started with your software. Users will appreciate the simplicity of your design. A smooth start leads to a long relationship with your customers.

Build A Community For Better Support

Users like to feel like they belong to something bigger than an app. You can create a space where they can talk to each other about their work. This builds a loyal fan base that protects your brand over time. A strong community is a moat for your business.

A Slack channel or a Discord server is a great place to start your community. It allows your best users to help the new ones with their questions. This reduces the load on your support team significantly. It also gives you a place to test new ideas with your fans.

Listen to the feedback your community gives you on a regular basis. They will tell you which features to build next for the product. This keeps your roadmap aligned with what people really want. Engaging with your users makes your product better for everyone.

Staying ahead in the software world takes constant effort and learning. You have to adapt to new trends and tech changes as they happen. These 6 hacks give you a solid plan to follow for the rest of the year. 

Focus on your users and the growth will follow your hard work. Keep building and keep learning as you go along your startup journey. Every small win brings you closer to your ultimate goal. Your vision is the most important part of the process.

How Technology Is Improving Safety in Schools

School safety has shifted from reactive measures to proactive, technology-driven systems. Modern institutions are integrating hardware, software, and data analytics to monitor environments, detect risks, and respond to incidents in real time. These systems are designed to address a range of concerns, including unauthorized access, behavioral risks, and environmental hazards.

Technology is now a central component in creating controlled and secure educational environments.

Access Control and Entry Management

Controlling who enters and exits school facilities is a foundational aspect of safety. Traditional methods such as manual sign-ins are being replaced by digital access control systems.

These systems use keycards, biometric authentication, or mobile credentials to regulate entry points. Access permissions can be assigned based on roles, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter specific areas.

Advanced systems also log entry and exit data, creating a record that can be reviewed if an incident occurs. This improves accountability and enables faster investigations.

Surveillance and Real-Time Monitoring

Video surveillance systems have evolved beyond passive recording. Modern systems incorporate real-time monitoring, motion detection, and automated alerts.

High-resolution cameras combined with analytics software can identify unusual behavior patterns, such as loitering in restricted areas or unauthorized movement during off-hours.

Key capabilities include:

  • Continuous monitoring of high-risk zones
  • Automated alerts triggered by predefined conditions
  • Integration with security personnel for rapid response

These systems provide situational awareness and reduce response times during incidents.

Environmental and Behavioral Detection Systems

Schools are increasingly deploying sensors to detect environmental and behavioral risks. These systems monitor air quality, noise levels, and specific activities that may indicate unsafe conditions.

For example, solutions from providers such as Triton Sensors use advanced detection technology to identify activities like vaping in restricted areas. These systems provide real-time alerts, allowing administrators to intervene quickly.

Detection systems enhance safety by identifying risks that are not visible through traditional monitoring methods.

Emergency Communication and Alert Systems

Effective communication is critical during emergencies. Technology enables schools to broadcast alerts across multiple channels simultaneously.

Mass notification systems can send messages via text, email, and public address systems. These alerts provide instructions and updates during incidents such as lockdowns or evacuations.

Communication systems support:

  • Rapid dissemination of emergency instructions
  • Coordination between staff, students, and first responders
  • Reduction of confusion during critical situations

Reliable communication improves response coordination and safety outcomes.

Data Integration and Centralized Control

Modern safety systems are most effective when integrated into a centralized platform. This allows administrators to monitor multiple systems from a single interface.

Integration combines data from access control, surveillance, and sensor systems. This provides a comprehensive view of the school environment.

Centralized control enables:

  • Faster decision-making based on real-time data
  • Coordinated responses across different safety systems
  • Simplified management of security operations

Unified systems improve efficiency and reduce fragmentation.

Threat Detection Through Analytics

Data analytics is increasingly used to identify potential threats before they escalate. By analyzing patterns in behavior and system data, schools can detect anomalies that may indicate risk.

For example, repeated access attempts to restricted areas or unusual activity patterns can trigger alerts. Predictive analytics allows administrators to take preventive action.

This approach shifts safety management from reactive to proactive.

Cybersecurity and Digital Safety

As schools adopt more digital tools, cybersecurity becomes a critical component of safety. Protecting student data and preventing unauthorized access to systems is essential.

Security measures include encryption, secure authentication, and regular system monitoring. These controls prevent breaches that could compromise sensitive information.

Digital safety ensures that technological systems themselves do not become vulnerabilities.

Staff Training and System Utilization

Technology alone does not ensure safety. Staff must be trained to use systems effectively and respond appropriately to alerts.

Training programs should cover system operation, emergency procedures, and incident reporting. Well-trained staff can interpret data accurately and take timely action.

Effective utilization of technology depends on both system capability and user competence.

Scalability and Adaptability of Safety Systems

School environments change over time, requiring systems that can adapt to new challenges. Scalable solutions allow institutions to expand or modify safety infrastructure as needed.

Modular systems enable incremental upgrades without replacing entire frameworks. This ensures that safety measures remain aligned with evolving requirements.

Adaptability supports long-term effectiveness.

Balancing Safety and Privacy

Implementing safety technology requires careful consideration of privacy concerns. Surveillance and data collection must comply with legal and ethical standards.

Schools must establish clear policies regarding data usage, storage, and access. Transparency helps maintain trust among students, parents, and staff.

Balancing safety and privacy ensures that security measures are both effective and responsible.

Technology is transforming school safety by enabling real-time monitoring, proactive risk detection, and coordinated response systems. From access control to advanced sensor solutions, these tools provide comprehensive protection across multiple dimensions. When integrated effectively and supported by trained staff, technology enhances both safety and operational efficiency in educational environments.

How Niche Dating Apps Are Changing the Way People Connect Online

Online dating has been part of everyday life for more than a decade, but the technology behind it is continuing to evolve. While large platforms still dominate the market, a growing number of users are exploring niche apps designed around shared interests or values.

The shift reflects a broader change happening across digital platforms. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, many apps now focus on specific communities where users already have something in common before they even start a conversation.

Moving Beyond Mass-Market Dating Apps

Traditional dating platforms were built around scale. The larger the user base, the greater the number of potential matches.

However, this model can sometimes create the opposite problem. When thousands of profiles are available, users often spend more time sorting through incompatible matches than actually building connections.

Technology companies are starting to respond by creating platforms designed around clearer expectations.

These apps typically highlight lifestyle choices, interests, or beliefs directly within user profiles. That approach helps people begin conversations with more context rather than discovering major differences later.

The Rise of Community-Driven Apps

One example of this shift is SALT, a dating app designed specifically for Christian singles.

The platform connects users across multiple countries and allows people to highlight personal values alongside their interests. Features such as the ability to see who is currently active and search globally for other users make it easier to start conversations in real time.

SALT also includes live audio discussions called “Table” events where users can join group conversations about everyday topics, relationships, and life experiences. These kinds of features are becoming more common across modern apps as developers look for ways to create a stronger sense of community rather than simply matching profiles.

Privacy and Transparency Still Matter

Another important topic in the dating-app industry is data privacy. Research has shown that some platforms collect and share large amounts of user data with third parties, including location and behavioural data. 

Because of this, users are increasingly paying attention to how apps handle personal information and how transparent companies are about their data policies.

For developers, building trust around privacy and security has become just as important as improving algorithms or adding new features.

What’s Next for Dating Technology?

As technology continues to evolve, the dating-app landscape is likely to become even more specialised.

Artificial intelligence is already helping improve matchmaking algorithms, while new social features are turning dating apps into hybrid communities that combine messaging, live conversations, and shared interests.

The trend toward niche platforms suggests that the future of dating technology may not be about having the largest possible network, but about helping people find the right communities online.

In an increasingly crowded app ecosystem, clarity and shared context are becoming powerful features in their own right.

Waterford Festival of Food Unveils Digital Partnership

Waterford Festival of Food has announced an innovative partnership with CultureUnderground.ie, introducing a bespoke, mobile-first digital guide to navigate this year’s extensive festival programme. This exciting collaboration reinforces the festival’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and accessibility, offering attendees a seamless, paperless way to navigate over 100+ events across Dungarvan, West Waterford, and Waterford City directly from their smartphones!

As the 2026 programme expands into Waterford City and deep into the West Waterford countryside, the Culture Underground guide serves as a real-time companion for visitors. Designed to reduce reliance on traditional printed materials, the intuitive platform provides interactive maps, instant schedule updates, and curated discovery features, allowing festival-goers to move effortlessly between high-profile chef collaborations, foraging trails, and the festival’s signature outdoor markets.

The move is a key part of the festival’s environmental strategy, aimed at reducing the event’s physical footprint while ensuring that the 100+ events remain easily navigable for visitors of all ages.

Eunice Power, CEO of Waterford Festival of Food, welcomed the partnership saying “Accessibility and sustainability are the twin pillars of our festival design. As we grow, we want to ensure that navigating the weekend is as enjoyable as the events themselves. Partnering with Culture Underground allows us to bring our values into the palms of our visitors’ hands, making it easier than ever to discover new chefs, follow food trails or family friendly events  and just generally move through the weekend with ease.”

Shane Holohan, Founder of Culture Underground, added: “We’re delighted to collaborate with the Waterford Festival of Food, a flagship event built on community, creativity, and a profound sense of place. Our goal is to make cultural discovery effortless. We are proud to support festival-goers with a digital guide that doesn’t just show them where to go, but helps them immerse themselves in the stories and producers that make this event so unique.”

The digital guide will be available to all visitors via waterfordfestivaloffood.com and through QR codes located at key festival hubs throughout the weekend.

Digital Tools Reshape the Way Assets Are Organized for the Future

Modern technology has transformed the way people manage and monitor their assets. Cloud platforms, encrypted storage, and digital dashboards allow individuals to track property, investments, and important documents with unprecedented clarity. Traditional methods of keeping records in filing cabinets or scattered across physical locations are being replaced by systems that centralize and secure valuable information. This shift improves efficiency while reducing the likelihood of lost documents and forgotten details.

The accessibility of digital solutions has also created new standards for accuracy and transparency. Individuals can update records in real time, share information with trusted parties, and monitor changes without relying on intermediaries. Automated notifications and version control further reduce errors, making the management of critical documents more reliable. Technology now plays a fundamental role in establishing a clear overview of assets, which supports informed decision-making and long-term planning.

Organizations and families alike have started to adopt integrated platforms that combine financial, legal, and personal records. These systems reduce duplication of effort, lower administrative overhead, and allow stakeholders to coordinate seamlessly. The result is a more structured approach to asset oversight that enhances both security and confidence in future decisions.

Streamlining Probate Planning with Technology

According to one legal practice, probate planning has increasingly benefited from digital integration. Complex estates require careful documentation, and digital tools allow users to store, categorize, and retrieve these records efficiently. Probate planning now includes digital inventories, secure communication channels with legal advisors, and automated reminders for critical deadlines. These tools ensure that no detail is overlooked and that the transfer of assets occurs smoothly when the time comes.

Digital solutions also enhance oversight and reduce administrative delays. By consolidating wills, trusts, and related documents in secure platforms, families and advisors can coordinate more effectively. Notifications for legal requirements or upcoming obligations help avoid missed filings, while audit trails provide verifiable records of updates. This technological approach strengthens probate planning by minimizing confusion, streamlining communication, and supporting a more orderly transition of assets.

In addition, digital probate platforms often include tools for tracking disputes, creditor claims, and tax obligations. Families gain clarity on potential challenges and can respond quickly to issues before they escalate. The proactive management of these details reduces stress and ensures that all involved parties are informed and prepared for the transfer of property and responsibilities.

Tools Supporting Legal Coordination and Decision-Making

Technology has changed the landscape for legal advisors and executors. Shared digital workspaces allow attorneys to collaborate with clients in real time, ensuring that instructions and approvals are properly recorded. Platforms with role-based permissions ensure that sensitive information remains accessible only to authorized parties, reducing the risk of mistakes or unauthorized alterations.

Advanced software can also generate summaries, reports, and compliance checks, providing insight into complex estates. Executors can identify discrepancies, track asset valuations, and monitor pending obligations without needing to sift through paper records. The ability to manage these processes digitally improves transparency, accountability, and precision, which strengthens confidence in the execution of legal and financial responsibilities.

Integration with external financial accounts, property databases, and secure communication tools allows legal teams to act efficiently. These connections reduce delays in verification, expedite approvals, and create a complete view of the estate at any given time. Decision-making becomes more informed, and the coordination between multiple stakeholders remains consistent throughout the process.

Security and Accessibility in a Connected World

Data security and access control are critical for safeguarding digital asset records. Encrypted storage, two-factor authentication, and distributed backups protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or accidental loss. Users can set permissions to determine who views, edits, or shares information, providing tailored oversight for families and legal teams.

At the same time, accessibility ensures that critical documents are available when needed. Remote access allows authorized users to review or update information from any location. This capability is particularly useful during emergencies or when coordinating across multiple jurisdictions. By balancing security and accessibility, technology supports a more reliable and flexible approach to asset management.

Organizations can implement layered security strategies that combine internal protocols, external monitoring, and automated alerts. This approach not only prevents unauthorized access but also provides detailed records of who has interacted with sensitive data. Stakeholders can maintain confidence that assets remain protected while remaining available to those with legitimate authorization.

Reducing Complexity and Enhancing Preparedness

Digital tools simplify processes that were previously cumbersome. Automated categorization, reminders, and integration with financial accounts reduce the burden on individuals and legal advisors. Users can create comprehensive overviews of assets, liabilities, and obligations without manually compiling information from multiple sources.

Preparedness extends beyond organization. Digital simulations, scenario planning, and progress tracking allow families and advisors to anticipate potential challenges. By modeling different outcomes, users can adjust their plans proactively. These capabilities reduce stress, prevent oversight, and improve the overall effectiveness of managing complex estates and preparing for eventual transfers.

Further advancements allow integration with estate management services, insurance systems, and tax platforms. This expanded ecosystem ensures that all relevant factors are monitored continuously, giving users a complete picture of estate readiness. The ability to respond quickly to changes in circumstances or regulations adds a layer of security that traditional methods cannot match.

Embracing a Modern Approach to Asset Oversight

The integration of digital tools into asset management represents a fundamental shift in how wealth and property are monitored. Users can maintain accurate records, coordinate with legal advisors, and implement structured processes without relying on outdated methods. Cloud-based solutions, secure platforms, and automated workflows provide a level of control and clarity previously unavailable.

Adopting these systems ensures that assets are organized, accessible, and protected for the future. Families benefit from smoother transitions, reduced errors, and more informed decision-making. Technology has become a central component of modern planning, allowing individuals to safeguard their legacies efficiently while minimizing uncertainty and administrative burdens.

Digital integration also supports long-term adaptability, allowing users to incorporate new asset types, respond to evolving legal requirements, and track historical changes over time. This flexibility ensures that estates remain manageable, responsibilities are clearly defined, and future transitions occur with confidence and efficiency.

Tech Businesses in Ireland that carry the ‘G’ and their impact

Trust & Innovation for Ireland’s Digital Economy, shining a spotlight on the scale, ambition and impact of Ireland’s thriving technology sector. Research commissioned by KPMG in 2025 underlines the sector’s importance, revealing that every €1 million invested in Guaranteed Irish technology businesses generates €2.2 million for the wider domestic economy. This reflects the significant contribution of member companies through business activity, local supply chains and job creation.

Running throughout the month, the campaign will highlight scaling opportunities across key areas including cybersecurity, data centre infrastructure and digital innovation. From high-growth startups to established industry leaders, the campaign celebrates a dynamic and collaborative network of Irish tech businesses. It aims to foster greater connection across the sector, unlock new opportunities for growth, and encourage more technology companies to join the Guaranteed Irish network.

Leading Tech businesses which are a part of the Guaranteed Irish ecosystem include Viatel Technologies, SIRO, Blacknight Solutions, .ie, TAPiTag, Cyberfortress, and DIGI Systems.

As Ireland continues to position itself as a global technology hub, Guaranteed Irish Tech Month highlights the critical role of trusted, locally based businesses in driving sustainable economic growth.

Guaranteed Irish, Supporting Business that Supports Ireland

For more information visit www.guaranteedirish.ie

Prove Accelerates Global Innovation with Expansion of Ireland R&D Hub

Prove, the leader in digital identity, is expanding its Ireland operations to support global product development and growth, reinforcing the country’s role as a central hub for the company’s product development, culture and international growth. The company plans to invest more than $5 million in Ireland-based operations and create 50 jobs in the country, with many new opportunities opening this year. These efforts will strengthen Prove’s ability to deliver faster, safer and more frictionless digital identity experiences for businesses and consumers worldwide.

Since establishing operations in Ireland in 2022, Prove has rapidly scaled its Dublin presence, growing local headcount by 50% in the past six months alone. What began as a small regional footprint has quickly become a cornerstone of Prove’s global innovation engine, supporting customers across markets and enabling the company to meet the increasingly complex identity and fraud challenges facing enterprises worldwide.

Over the past year, teams based in Ireland have played a critical role in the rapid acceleration of innovation at Prove. During this period, the company launched several new solutions, including Prove Unified Authentication, ProveX and Prove Verified Agent, alongside foundational platform elements such as the Global Fraud Policy and the Prove Identity Graph.

Together, these innovations are redefining how businesses verify people, businesses and AI agents securely and at scale in an increasingly digital and AI-driven economy.

Prove’s technology today supports thousands of enterprises globally, including many of the world’s leading banks, fintechs, and global brands across industries. As Prove’s customer base continues to expand internationally, its Ireland-based teams play a growing role in supporting customers with global needs, helping ensure consistent, high-quality identity experiences across regions.

“The growth of our Ireland team has been an important chapter in Prove’s journey,” said Laura Brittingham, Senior Vice President of People at Prove. “The talent we’ve found there brings deep technical expertise and a collaborative, innovative and dependable spirit that has led to an outsized impact at Prove. There is no version of Prove’s future that doesn’t include Ireland at its center.”

Prove’s expansion in Ireland is supported by the Irish government through Ireland’s Foreign Direct Investment Agency (IDA Ireland). IDA Ireland is the national agency responsible for attracting and supporting foreign direct investment, partnering with global companies to drive job creation, innovation, and long-term economic growth across the country.

Commenting on the announcement, Peter Burke, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said: “I welcome Prove’s decision to expand its operations in Ireland. This significant investment and the creation of 50 new high-value roles reflect great confidence in Ireland’s talented workforce and in our strong environment for RD&I. Ireland is well positioned to support companies like Prove at the forefront of digital transformation. I wish all the team at Prove every success in the years ahead.”

“I am delighted that Prove is deepening its presence in Ireland through this investment and the creation of high-value roles,” said Michael Lohan, Chief Executive Officer of IDA Ireland. “Prove’s decision to expand its R&D and innovation footprint here highlights Ireland’s strength as a global hub for advanced digital identity, data, and technology development. This expansion underscores Ireland’s ability to support companies as they scale internationally, innovate at pace, and serve global markets.”

The expanded Ireland team will support a range of high-value roles across product, software engineering, research and development and data science. As Prove continues to scale globally, Ireland will remain a critical hub for advancing the next generation of identity solutions and supporting customers navigating the evolving digital trust landscape.

Wave of ‘Hi Mam / Hi Dad..” and bank impersonation scam texts in circulation

Bank of Ireland is advising customers to be vigilant amid a notable rise in impersonation scams, including fake family text and bogus bank alerts.  Impersonation scams are one of the most common tactics used by fraudsters, with criminals posing as trusted contact, to prompt quick action. These scams arrive by text or via messaging apps and are designed to look familiar, urgent and may even be personalised.

The current wave of scams involves fraudsters pretending to be a family member with a damaged or lost phone, asking for the recipient to pay for something urgently.

The message typically begins with a seemingly innocent message such as ‘Hi Mam / Hi Dad, this is my new number….’ followed by a request asking for help to pay for something. In some cases, the fraudster will ask for a payment to be made to a specific bank account or in other cases ask for a card number and then set it up on a digital wallet e.g. Apple Pay or Google Pay (and ask Mam for the code that the bank just sent).

Fraudsters are also sending texts that closely mimic legitimate Bank of Ireland fraud‑alert messages, particularly those asking customers to confirm whether they recognise a recent card transaction. These scam texts are designed to look authentic, using similar wording and formats to real security messages. While Bank of Ireland may contact customers to verify transactions, genuine staff will never ask you to share your full card details, one-time passcodes or to move your money to keep it safe.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland, said: “Smishing attempts tend to appear in waves, from motorway toll charges to government payment scams, but the goal remains the same – to get people to share their banking details or transfer money directly into the hands of fraudsters.

We have seen the “Hi Mam / Hi Dad…” texts before.  This is a case of fraudsters revisiting a tactic that has worked for them before, preying on a parents’ instinct to respond to a child in need. The sense of urgency in bank impersonation texts is designed to panic people into action to protect their money.

Although 70% of the Irish population are confident they can spot scams according to our latest research*, unfortunately people are still being caught out by these scams. 

Our advice is simple – always be on your guard, and pause.  Whether the message claims to be from your son, daughter, or your bank- always call back on a number that you already know. That one small step protects you and shuts down the scam instantly”.

Bank of Ireland’s guidance to help customers stay in control:

  • If you receive an unexpected message from a child or family member asking for help—do not reply and do not click any links.
  • Verify the sender by calling your family member on their usual number saved in your contacts.
  • TextChecker service – if you get a text that claims to be from Bank of Ireland but you are not sure if it’s genuine, here’s how to verify it:
    • Copy the text you wish to verify.digitPaste into a new message.
    • Add the word CHECK before the text. (In the same text)
    • Send to 50365.
  • If you receive a suspicious text, email a screenshot to 365Security@boi.com and then delete the message.
  • Bank of Ireland customers who believe they may have shared banking information should call the Bank of Ireland 24/7 Freephone line immediately.

Building the business case for AI starts with people, leadership and technology

AI is rapidly moving from experimentation to everyday workplace reality. Across Ireland, employees are already using it to summarise documents, analyse data and automate routine tasks. Yet for many leaders and organisations, the real challenge is not access to the technology but turning AI into meaningful business value. Mark Hopkins, General Manager, Dell Technologies Ireland tells us more.

The organisations seeing the greatest impact from AI are those bringing three things together: strategic leadership, the right technology foundation, and a workforce empowered to identify where AI can genuinely improve how work gets done.

Ireland’s recently published Digital and AI Strategy, which sees AI technologies as a driver of growth, reflects this approach. It highlights the need to invest not only in digital infrastructure but also in the skills and capabilities that will allow employees to harness AI responsibly and productively.

For business leaders, the opportunity is significant, but so is the responsibility to build a clear and practical business case for AI.

Increased focus on the business case for AI

The conversation around AI is evolving at speed. What began as experimentation is now focused on a much more practical question: how can AI deliver measurable outcomes?

Across Ireland, organisations are operating in a cost-conscious environment where every technology investment must demonstrate value. The strongest AI strategies therefore focus on specific business outcomes such as productivity gains, improved decision-making or enhanced customer experiences.

A common misconception is that AI adoption requires large scale investment and disruption. In reality, many successful initiatives begin with targeted use cases, such as automating routine processes, analysing data more effectively or improving customer interactions, that demonstrate value quickly and allow organisations to scale over time.

Workforce central to unlocking AI advantage

While technology provides the capability, it is employees who ultimately determine whether AI delivers real value.

Many of the most effective AI applications are discovered by employees who understand the day-to-day challenges within their roles. Teams in operations, finance or customer service are sometimes best placed to identify repetitive tasks that could be automated or improved through better data insights.

Equally important is ensuring employees feel confident using AI responsibly. Our latest Dell Innovation Catalysts Study shows the scale of this challenge. In fact, 98% of Irish organisations say their employees will need new skills to unlock the full potential of AI.

As these tools become embedded in everyday workflows, organisations will need to move beyond occasional training and adopt more continuous approaches to learning. The Government’s commitment to roll out AI training across the public sector is welcome and will help drive responsible AI adoption and ensure 100% of key public services are digitalised by 2030.

Leadership sets the tone for AI adoption

Leadership plays a crucial role in helping organisations move from AI experimentation to real business impact.

For many organisations, the challenge is not recognising AI’s potential, but unlocking value from the vast amounts of data they already hold. Leaders therefore have an important role in ensuring AI initiatives are tied to clear priorities and focused on turning data into insights that support better decisions.

From our perspective at Dell Technologies, organisations that treat AI as a business transformation rather than simply a technology deployment are the ones unlocking its real strategic advantage.

We are also beginning to see more advanced capabilities such as agentic AI, where intelligent systems can help coordinate workflows and support decision-making. As these technologies evolve, leadership will play an increasingly important role in ensuring organisations have the right strategy and governance in place to deploy AI responsibly and deliver value at scale.

The technology foundation still matters

While people and leadership are essential, the role of technology should not be underestimated.

AI workloads place new demands on infrastructure, including high-performance computing, secure data management and the ability to scale as projects grow. Many organisations are discovering that their existing IT environments were not designed to support these requirements.

At Dell Technologies, we work with organisations across Ireland and Europe to help them build AI-ready foundations that allow businesses to move from experimentation to real-world deployment.

Through our Customer Solutions Centre Innovation Lab in Limerick, businesses and organisations can explore how emerging technologies, including AI, can be applied to real business challenges. We are also seeing how these capabilities are transforming industries. For example, Dell Technologies is working with Studio Ulster to support one of Europe’s most advanced virtual production studios, enabling creative teams to generate complex digital environments in real time and transform how film and television content is produced.

Equally important is understanding the economics of AI. A practical cost model should consider factors such as computing power, energy consumption and data management to ensure AI investments align with real workloads and business needs.

A moment of opportunity for Ireland

Ireland’s unique digital ecosystem and skilled workforce position the country well to benefit from the next wave of AI innovation.

The Government’s Digital and AI Strategy provides an important national framework. But realising the strategy’s goal of becoming a location of choice for AI startups and scale-ups, and a global hub for applied AI innovation will depend on how organisations translate that ambition into practical adoption.

That means leaders creating the right environment for experimentation, employees identifying where AI can improve how work gets done, and organisations investing in the infrastructure needed to scale innovation responsibly.

The organisations that succeed will be those that bring people, leadership and technology together to turn AI potential into real progress.