Tag: #edge

Jabra adds Cutting-Edge Updates to Flagship Earbuds

In January, Jabra, a global leader in true wireless sound and hybrid work solutions, announced a suite of experience-enhancing updates to its latest Elite wireless earbuds, the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Jabra Elite 10. The experience-enhancing feature-updates are live via update in the app today. These updates not only elevate the audio quality but also enhance the overall functionality and usability of Jabra’s latest generation earbuds. 

Jabra Elite 10 

Jabra’s most comfortable earbuds now have enhanced sound with new AI-based distractor suppression algorithms that improve the noise reduction in the human voice frequency range. This means that voices from people around you will be more effectively blocked out,  resulting in improved call quality. 

Furthermore, Jabra has added Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) during calls to make the call experience much better. Users can expect up to 2X better background voice blocking, optimising call clarity for bustling environments like offices, restaurants, and busy streets, ensuring uninterrupted conversations. 

Jabra Elite 8 Active 

The world’s toughest earbuds get enhanced ANC and HearThrough performance for windy conditions, thanks to a software upgrade that uses dual-microphone technology to detect wind-noise more accurately. With the new software release both external mics are used to detect wind levels and ensure smoother transitions to wind mode.  

The improved music listening experience and awareness makes running or working outdoors more enjoyable.  

Updates are pushed out via the Jabra Sound+ app, and are available to all users, existing and new, via a hassle-free over-the-air update at no cost. 

Five Ways Data Storage Can Advance Your Sustainability Ambitions

In Ireland, IT departments are increasingly prioritising sustainability as part of their Environmental, Societal, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. A recent survey Enterprise Strategy Group revealed (93%) of IT decision makers consider asking about a supplier’s ESG programme when making IT purchase decisions and looking to action their digital transformation strategy. Colin Boyd, data centre solutions sales director with Dell Technologies Ireland tells us more. 

Today’s digital age has brought a surge in data usage, placing a significant pressure on Irish organisations to adopt sustainable practices. This is especially relevant given the high energy prices experienced by many businesses. Notably data centers consume approximately 200 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, which is nearly 1% of all global electricity demand. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that implementing a green data center and hitting the “Environmental” aspect of ESG is top of mind for IT decision makers.

That’s where the modern storage solutions are playing a crucial role in promoting sustainability and energy efficiency in data management. There are five key benefits to sustainable data storage that are contributing to a more environmentally friendly and energy-conscious future.

1. Energy Efficiency:

Sustainable data storage solutions are engineered to minimise energy consumption by leveraging cutting-edge hardware technologies and energy-efficient processors. By optimising power usage, organisations can not only reduce their electricity costs but also make substantial reductions in their carbon emissions.

The adoption of virtualisation technologies and cloud computing is a significant driver of sustainable data storage practices in Ireland. Through the consolidation of physical servers into virtual machines, businesses can utilize technology more efficiently, ultimately lowering the energy required to maintain and cool IT infrastructure.

Cloud-based storage solutions are also enhancing sustainability by providing on-demand scalability, allowing Irish companies to efficiently expand their storage capacity when and how they need. The shared infrastructure of the cloud also helps to reduce waste, resulting in more eco-friendly data centers.

2. Cost Savings enabled by advanced technologies:

Embracing sustainable IT data storage practices not only advances sustainability, but it can also result in significant cost reductions for Irish businesses. Through the strategic allocation of resources and the integration of advanced technologies designed to enhance energy efficiency, organisations can effectively lower their expenditures on hardware and maintenance.

Irish companies that opt for high-density storage arrays can make the most of their physical data center space while simultaneously making strides in reducing their carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. Dell’s PowerMax 2500 model can deliver more than five times the effective storage capacity per watt consumed (PBe/watt) compared to the previous PowerMax generation.

New technologies, including Edge Computing and AI, are emerging as sustainable alternatives to traditional centralised data storage methods. These innovations involve decentralising data processing and storage, which brings benefits like reduced latency, enhanced data security and decreased reliance on extensive network infrastructure and you can also check out a hybrid cloud case study for more information.

This shift aligns with Irish businesses’ sustainability goals, enabling them to cut down on energy consumption and achieve greater operational efficiency. AI-powered algorithms play a crucial role in this transformation by analysing and optimising data efficiently.

Machine learning algorithms can identify data usage patterns, allowing for proactive measures like data tiering, where frequently accessed data is stored on faster, energy-efficient drives. By dynamically managing data placement and resource allocation, AI optimization reduces energy consumption and enhances overall storage efficiency.

3. Minimising Data Footprints:

Ireland’s data management landscape is evolving at pace. New data management approaches are gaining traction among IT leaders for their ability to eliminate redundant or duplicate data, which not only reduces storage requirements but also enhances overall system efficiency. By minimising data footprints, Irish organisations can unlock several advantages, including cost savings, improved backup and recovery times, and decreased energy consumption.

4. Environmental Conservation:

Conventional data storage infrastructure has long been associated with significant energy consumption and dependence on non-renewable resources, presenting environmental challenges. Whereas sustainable data storage solutions offer a distinct advantage by harnessing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power This shift not only reduces carbon emissions but also lessens the environmental footprint. Furthermore, the adoption of renewable energy sources to power data centres aligns perfectly with the commitment of Irish organisations to a sustainable future.

5. Regulatory Compliance:

Across the globe governments and regulatory bodies are introducing more stringent environmental regulations, extending their reach to data storage practices. In Ireland, adhering to these regulations is crucial for organisations to avoid penalties and legal entanglements. By adopting to eco-friendly data storage solutions, Irish companies not only ensure compliance with these evolving regulations but also showcase their dedication to sustainable business practices.

Advancing sustainability together

The rise of sustainable data storage in Ireland reflects the technology industry’s dedication to advancing sustainability and accelerating climate action. This commitment spans various innovations, including virtualization, cloud computing, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like edge computing and AI optimization.

As Irish organisations embrace and further develop these new technologies and practices, they not only ensure their own future sustainability but also play a vital role in fostering a greener, more efficient, and sustainable future.

As the IT industry plans to increase emphasis on ESG data management initiatives. Dell Technologies is leading the changes in championing ESG initiatives and promoting sustainability with data centers. With a modern storage portfolio, our team at Dell Technologies Ireland can enable organisations to effectively address the demands of a data-driven world while simultaneously reducing their ecological footprint.

Data Edge optimises performance management for BT Ireland’s Network Operation Centre

Network optimisation specialists Data Edge today announces it has successfully delivered a new solution for BT Ireland to overhaul its Network Operating Centre (NOC) and allow it to resolve issues more quickly, enhance network reliability and improve the customer experience.

The solution, which is based on Broadcom’s DXNetOps, combines performance management, fault management, Netflow Analysis, and Virtual Network Assurance. It was designed and implemented by Data Edge with the aim of allowing for better detection of incidents in real time and to reduce false alarms to lower noise on the network, and ultimately better prevent outages.

The new performance management solution has achieved a number of key metrics, as the mean time to repair issues has decreased by 40%, meaning less downtime for BT Ireland’s customers.  The number of alarms has also come down, by 80%, freeing up BT Ireland’s team to focus on delivering the best customer experience instead of responding to erroneous alerts.

BT Irelands challenge was that its NOC was reliant on multiple systems and screens to provide up-to-date analysis and information on issues in its network. It needed a fully integrated and scalable performance management system. Data Edge was chosen to provide a Single Pane of Glass solution to show all network events in one place and grant BT Ireland the ability to easily connect and monitor all of its current and future platforms.

The solution, provided in partnership with Broadcom, has proved to be highly effective and also features full neighbourhood topology, triage functions, as well as third party access to better streamline BT’s services.

Paul Hackett, BT Ireland’s Head of Architecture, said; “Enabling digital customer experiences are of upmost importance to BT, and working with reliable partners like Data Edge makes those digital customer journeys much easier.

“Integrating BT’s systems into a single view, has streamlined our in-life processes, meaning we resolve issues faster than before. We’ve moved from reactive to proactive resolutions, which is critical in the modern marketplace.”

Martin O’Leary, Senior Account Manager, Data Edge, said, “Having worked with BT Ireland for over a decade, we have been by the company’s side as it has grown and developed its portfolio of network and communication services in Ireland. We are very proud to have delivered such a successful and impactful new solution and will continue supporting BT Ireland on its growth journey.”

Gerry O’Hara, BT Ireland’s Head of Network Assurance, commented; “The DXN functionality means we only see the relevant alarms which assists the NOC in resolving issues more quickly than we ever have before. Data Edge has a deep understanding of our networks and operations, and was able to design, implement and manage this highly integrated and effective network management solution for us. Ultimately, it helps us to provide even higher levels of service to our growing partner and customer base. Furthermore, the DXN functionality means we only see the relevant alarms which assists the NOC in resolving issues more quickly than we ever have before.”

Exploring the Cutting-Edge Technology Behind Modern Games

Nowadays, video game players are accustomed to exploring realistic 3D landscapes and connecting with many other gamers in real-time, a far cry from the simple and blocky graphics in the early 2000s. This is made possible by the infrastructure game creators have put in place based on several of the most cutting-edge technologies. 

Let’s examine some of the technology utilized in contemporary games. 

Cloud Gaming 

The cloud gaming industry has seen some success and failure over the years, but it’s still a hot topic in 2023 and is on track for rapid growth in the near future. Shadow, Amazon Luna, and GeForce NOW are three of the most popular choices.

The term refers to playing video games on a remote server and streaming such titles to your preferred device. This means that you can play AAA games on your smartphone, laptop, or any other device, regardless of whether or not it has the processing power or graphics card of a dedicated gaming console or computer. 

It’s only a matter of time until this gaming style becomes extremely popular, especially as connection speeds improve and more people can access mobile data. With cloud gaming, players don’t need to invest in expensive hardware to enjoy their favorite games; they only need a device and an internet connection.

5G Internet

The era of slow 3G and 4G mobile networks is over; now, we have access to lightning-fast 5G networks. The 5G internet technology that has just been introduced will undoubtedly provide an advantage to customers when combined with the Internet of Things. 

With a top speed of nearly 10 GB/s, 5G’s speed is mind-numbing. The gaming community will significantly benefit from the super quick connectivity made possible by 5G. This fast internet connection will eliminate buffering, creating a more enjoyable gaming experience. 

 

If you enjoy playing games online or if you are a big fan of card games like Omaha Poker, for instance, all you need is a smartphone with internet access, ideally one with a 5G connection. You will then need to decide on a poker site, download the software, sign up, enter your personal information, and complete the registration procedure. It’s that simple, and a 5G network will ensure a lag-free gaming experience. 

Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technology

Despite the challenges and debates surrounding the crypto gaming industry, it continues to gain popularity among crypto enthusiasts and gamers. CryptoKitties and Axie Infinity were early successes in this genre, ushering in a flurry of interest in P2E (play-to-earn) games and introducing many people to the idea of NFTs (non-fungible tokens).

Both of these games center around the player’s ability to acquire, raise, and trade “creatures” from the game’s virtual world. This game differs from other classic video games in that the creatures have fundamental value outside of their environments. 

Various crypto games have players accomplish missions for the chance to win cryptocurrencies, cash prizes, or non-fungible tokens like weapons, armor, and other collectibles. While these features have been present in games for a long time, the worth of an item’s in-game counterpart has never been directly comparable to its real-world equivalent. All of that is different now with the advent of blockchain and crypto gaming.  

Final Thoughts

Without innovations in game development technology, gaming wouldn’t be where it is now. They have made it possible for video games to transition from public arcades to private homes, beginning on home consoles and eventually making their way to personal computers and mobile devices. 

Thanks to advancements in streaming capabilities and faster internet connections, games are now playable across platforms and on mobile devices, with graphics and gameplay that can compete with AAA titles.

Building a Competitive Edge in Ireland’s Small Business Landscape

In a vibrant economy boasting a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Ireland presents a dynamic landscape for small businesses.

However, thriving in such an environment demands a potent mix of creativity, strategic thinking, and an inherent knack for relationship-building. Here, we delve into strategies that can help small businesses in Ireland gain a competitive edge.

Ireland’s small business sector is an exciting arena of innovation and growth. This spirited community of start-ups and SMEs contributes significantly to Ireland’s GDP, acting as the lifeblood of the local economy. While the opportunities are abundant, the challenges are no less. Let’s explore the key facets of building and maintaining a competitive edge.

Identifying Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

In a saturated market, differentiation is king. Your unique selling proposition (USP) is what distinguishes your business from the crowd. It’s what makes your products or services more appealing to your target audience than those offered by competitors.

Whether it’s a superior product, a better customer service experience, or a unique branding strategy, it’s crucial to identify your USP and communicate it effectively to your audience. This gives your business a unique identity, strengthens your brand and attracts loyal customers.

Embracing Technology

Harnessing technology is a powerful way to streamline operations, improve service delivery and build stronger connections with customers. With a wide array of tech tools available, businesses can optimise everything from product development to customer service. For instance, managing small business payroll, can be a tedious and error-prone task if done manually.

By leveraging reliable payroll software, you can automate this process, ensuring accuracy and compliance, while freeing up valuable time to focus on more strategic aspects of your business. Embracing technology is not merely a convenience; it’s a necessity in the digital age.

Building Brand Loyalty

Brand loyalty isn’t built overnight, but its long-term rewards are immense. A loyal customer not only provides steady revenue but can also become an ambassador for your brand, bringing in new customers through word-of-mouth referrals.

Cultivating such loyalty requires consistent high-quality service, positive customer interactions and an authentic brand story. Engage with your customers regularly, listen to their feedback and demonstrate that you value their business. Building brand loyalty is an investment in your company’s future success.

Networking and Collaboration

In business, the adage “No man is an island” rings especially true. Networking and collaboration are essential components of business growth. They provide opportunities for learning, mentorship, partnership and customer acquisition.

Hiring third-party services, such as conference and event chauffeur services, can also be beneficial. For instance, arranging a chauffeur service for a networking event or a business meeting can make a strong impression, showcasing your professionalism and commitment to quality. Leveraging such services allows you to focus on your core competencies while leaving the logistics to experts.

Investing in Your Team

Your employees are your business’s most significant assets. Investing in their development, wellbeing and satisfaction is not only ethically right but also smart business. A motivated, skilled and satisfied team is more productive, innovative and loyal.

Encourage a culture of continuous learning, offer opportunities for professional development, recognise good work, and promote work-life balance. An investment in your team is an investment in your business’s success.

Implementing Effective Marketing Strategies

No matter how great your product or service is, without effective marketing, it may go unnoticed. Your marketing strategy is an integral part of your business plan. It helps define your brand, articulate your value proposition, and reach your target audience.

Whether through traditional marketing methods or digital channels, a strong marketing strategy helps increase visibility, generate leads, and convert those leads into customers. Consider working with professionals or agencies that can help strategize and execute your marketing plan to ensure a wider reach.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

Innovation is not just about coming up with new products or services; it’s about improving processes, creating efficiencies, and developing new ways to deliver value to customers. Fostering a culture of innovation within your organisation is a long-term investment that can yield significant benefits.

It encourages creativity, engages employees, and can lead to new and improved offerings that set your business apart. Encourage your team to share their ideas, and reward creative thinking. By making innovation part of your business DNA, you can stay ahead of the competition.

Embracing Sustainability

More than ever, customers are demanding that businesses operate sustainably. Embracing sustainable practices not only helps preserve the environment but can also be good for your bottom line.

Sustainable businesses often see benefits such as cost savings, improved brand reputation, and increased customer loyalty. Whether it’s reducing waste, using energy-efficient technologies, or sourcing materials responsibly, there are many ways small businesses can incorporate sustainability into their operations.

Conclusion

Building a competitive edge in Ireland’s vibrant small business landscape is no small feat. It requires a combination of strategic differentiation, smart technology use, loyalty-building, effective networking and a dedicated team.

As you navigate this exciting journey, remember that consistency is key. Maintain a clear focus on your objectives, continually adapt to the evolving business landscape, and stay true to your brand. With the right strategies, your business can not only survive but thrive in Ireland’s competitive market.

Remember, success isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep pushing the boundaries of what your small business can achieve.

The Sky’s the Limit: 4 Ways To Elevate Your Photography Game with Cutting-Edge Technology

With cutting-edge technology constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, photographers now have an array of tools and techniques at their disposal to take their craft to new heights. From high-resolution sensors to drone photography, here are four ways in which you can harness the power of cutting-edge technology to transform your photography and capture stunning images that will leave viewers in awe.

Drone Photography

Drones have revolutionized aerial photography, providing photographers with a bird’s-eye view of the world. These unmanned aircraft allow you to capture breathtaking images from angles and perspectives that were once only possible from helicopters or airplanes. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, Horizon Imagings drone photography can capture stunning vistas, sweeping landscapes, and architectural marvels from above. The ability to maneuver these small flying machines with precision gives you unparalleled creative control, enabling you to experiment with composition, lighting, and framing. Whether you’re shooting nature, cityscapes, or events, incorporating drone photography into your repertoire can take your work to new heights, quite literally.

High-Resolution Sensors and Cameras

One of the most significant advancements in photography technology is the development of high-resolution sensors and cameras. These devices allow photographers to capture an astonishing level of detail and clarity in their images. With resolutions reaching 40 or even 50 megapixels, every nuance and texture can be faithfully reproduced. This level of detail opens up new creative possibilities, whether you’re photographing landscapes, portraits, or still life. The sharpness and depth offered by high-resolution sensors enable you to zoom in, crop, and explore your images in ways previously unimaginable, allowing you to uncover hidden gems within your shots.

Advanced Editing Software

Post-processing has always been an essential part of photography, but with the advent of advanced editing software, the possibilities for enhancing your images are endless. Modern editing tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop offer a wide range of features that can transform your photographs. From adjusting exposure and colors to removing unwanted elements and enhancing details, these software programs give you unprecedented control over the final look of your images. Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the development of automated editing tools that can intelligently enhance your photos with just a few clicks. With the right skills and a keen eye for aesthetics, these editing software tools can elevate your photography game and help you achieve your creative vision.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

As technology continues to evolve, the lines between the physical and digital worlds become increasingly blurred. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are now being used to enhance the photography experience in ways never before imagined. AR apps allow you to overlay digital elements in the real world, creating captivating and immersive visual experiences. With VR, you can transport viewers into a completely different reality, where they can explore your photographs in a three-dimensional space. By embracing these emerging technologies, photographers can push the boundaries of storytelling and create truly unique and engaging visual narratives that captivate audiences.

In a world where technology is constantly advancing, photographers have an incredible opportunity to elevate their craft and create images that leave a lasting impression. By harnessing the power of high-resolution sensors, drones, advanced editing software, and emerging technologies like AR and VR, the possibilities for capturing breathtaking photographs are limitless. Embrace the cutting-edge tools available to you, experiment with new techniques, and let your creativity soar.

Bluesound Announces the POWERNODE EDGE

Bluesound, the original award-winning, hi-res wireless multi-room line of audio players, announces the POWERNODE EDGE. This single-zone, wireless music streaming amplifier is the perfect entry point into “just add speakers” HiFi for the modern age, combining streaming sources, control, and amplification all in one sleek, yet affordable, device. Pre-orders for the POWERNODE EDGE are now being taken on Bluesound.com and participating authorised retailers with shipping starting in early October. Suggested pricing for each unit is USD $649 / EUR €699 / GBP £599 / CAD $849.

Bluesound Powernode Edge

JUST ADD SPEAKERS

Audiophile-grade amplification packed into the POWERNODE EDGE makes it easy to connect a pair of passive speakers to create or extend a HiFi system. Other options include adding the PULSE SUB+ wireless subwoofer for a powerful but compact 2.1 stereo system. Alternatively, the POWERNODE EDGE can power the rear channels of a Bluesound wireless surround sound setup, for the ultimate modern home theater experience.

PUNCHY HI-RES

A conservatively-rated 2 x 40 watts DirectDigital™ amplifier in the POWERNODE EDGE efficiently handles hi-res audio tracks up to 24-bit/192kHz and supports MQA playback, which allows music lovers to listen to the actual studio masters of favourite albums, as they were intended to be heard. Revel in the clarity of playback of everything from densely-layered heavy metal tracks to whisper-quiet dialog in movies and TV shows.

Bluesound Powernode Edge

SLEEK AND VERSATILE

The POWERNODE EDGE is designed with a compact form factor to suit any décor. An included multi-orientation wall bracket allows it to be hidden in closets or behind sofas. Easy to spec and simple to stack, smart home installers will appreciate its 1U rack height and half-rack width, along with an easy-access touch control panel for everyday playback functions and configuration.

ACCESS IT ALL

Over 20 natively integrated music services and thousands of internet radio stations are accessible directly on the POWERNODE EDGE, and controlled from the BluOS™ Controller app. To play from a personal music library, connection via Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet or playback from an external USB drive is available. Built-in AirPlay 2 makes for easy integration into the Apple ecosystem, while users of other devices can take advantage of the high quality aptX™ HD Bluetooth connection to stream audio directly to the POWERNODE EDGE. More traditional wired sources, such as a TV or preamp’d turntable, can be connected using the HDMI eARC input or the combo analog/digital input.

MULTI-ROOM CONTROL

Add multiple Bluesound players around the home to create a high-performance, multi-room system using BluOS, the world’s most versatile whole-home, hi-res audio platform. Send music from player to player or sync up multiple players to one stream for parties and gatherings. Easy control is always readily available via the BluOS Controller app for iOS, Android, Mac, or PC, or using the elegant glass touch panel for quick-access controls like Play, Pause, and Volume Up/Down. The POWERNODE EDGE can integrate with the most popular smart home controllers like Crestron, Control4, URC, RTI, ELAN, and others, while hands-free control is possible with voice assistants like Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.

Key Highlights of the POWERNODE EDGE:

– DirectDigital™ Amplifier Platform
– 40 Watts Per Channel Into 8 Ohms
– Quad-Core 1.8GHz ARM® Cortex™ A53 Processor
– HDMI eARC, Optical & Analog Audio Inputs
– BluOS™ Wireless Multi-Room Music Capability
– App Control with Adjustable Audio Settings
– MQA Music And Hi-Res Audio Streaming
– Airplay 2 Integration
– Works With Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri
– Dual-Band Wi-Fi + Gigabit Ethernet
– Two-Way aptX™ HD Bluetooth
– Wireless Headphone Output
– Wired & Wireless Subwoofer Output
– IR Remote Learning Capability
– Front Panel Touch Controls
– Compact 1U Form Factor
– Easy Four-Way Mounting System
– Black Or White Finish

Here’s How Edge Computing Helps Businesses Thrive

One of our clients said it best when they told us, “Each signal matters.” This client used this phrase to describe the importance and the function of edge computing in a health monitoring edge computing application we helped them construct to support their operations in caring for the elderly. In bypassing the cloud and processing data from wearable devices at the edge, local devices can respond immediately to any change in vital signs and immediately make a call to alert the relevant care professionals. Each signal matters and no signal gets missed.

Unlike cloud computing, edge computing technology handles the data where it is generated. Rather than centralizing in the cloud, it is decentralized. This decentralization allows much less latency and rapid responses to new events. This is why edge computing is particularly appealing to Industries with significant risks, such as healthcare, mining, and extractive industries. If you can’t always count on a stable connection to the cloud, or if you can’t wait for your data to make a round trip into the cloud and back, then edge computing is a perfect solution.

Read on for just some of the benefits that IoT and edge computing can unlock for your business:

  • Monitoring, insights, and intelligent decision-making can all take place in real-time
  • Lightning-fast response to malfunctions, customer requests, or accidents
  • Lower spending for cloud computing and web traffic servicing

Now, we’ll look at several edge computing real-life examples from several industries.

Retail

Traditional retailers can stay relevant and compete against online newcomers by using edge computing to improve their customers’ experience. However, this doesn’t mean that a brick-and-mortar retailer needs to buy and install numerous connected devices in their store instead of a carefully curated stock display. In the world of conventional, real-world retail, real estate is the biggest limiting factor, and space is money. For these reasons, modern iot development services and edge computing solutions combine multiple functions into a single device.

The California-based IT company, Cohesity, prides itself on its data management solutions. It counts a range of high-profile global companies among its clients, with some retailers among them. Cohesity’s devices replace multiple alternative pieces of hardware, enabling retailers to reduce space utilization and free up more room for displaying the products they aim to sell. The data management solution runs on a Point of Sale (PoS) machine with relatively modest computing power and electricity demands. This solution integrates scanner data and weighing equipment data with surveillance footage from the checkout area to improve returns and reduce losses.

Mining

Mining continues to be one of the world’s most hazardous jobs, where inadequate controls or bad data can lead to extremely serious incidents. But setting up Wi-Fi and digital connectivity in underground tunnels and shafts is difficult and expensive. These dangerous and logistically difficult environments mean that cloud solutions simply aren’t the best choice. At the same time, the industry continues to view safe working conditions as a critical goal to work toward, and this goal just isn’t reachable without continued process automation. In many of these remote and hazardous environments, efforts toward automation necessarily imply that devices must collect and process data at the edge and not in the cloud.

Bolodine is a giant among global mining companies. Bolodine recently partnered with Ericsson to digitalize Aitik, a Swedish underground mine. Bolodine’s objective was to begin by automating the most dangerous processes, such as drilling blast holes. Starting by automating the most dangerous processes promised to rapidly and significantly improve safety in a “low-hanging fruit” situation.

Bolodine retrofitted sensors and cameras onto drilling rigs to achieve this objective to facilitate remote control. Edge computing applications now enable these machines to continue their work remotely and autonomously, keeping human workers out of harm’s way.

When it becomes necessary for an operator to modify a work process, they can make the required changes without going into harm’s way, often without even being on site. Edge computing takes human workers out of the physical loop while still keeping them connected through data and controls.

Healthcare

We’ve already briefly mentioned one example of edge computing applications in caring for seniors, but the market for edge computing within healthcare goes far beyond this. In 2021, the American Hospital Association conducted a survey of bedside devices which yielded a staggering total of close to 14 million such devices already deployed. Collecting medical data safely and reliably from all of these wearables and medical sensors is no mean feat. And making effective use of this growing mountain of data while complying with evolving expectations and rules on data security can be even more complicated. Fortunately, edge computing offers an optimal solution for real-time analysis of continuous data flows, even when these take the shape of large files. Plus, it’s a perfect solution for a post-COVID world of virtual visits to the doctor and increasingly sophisticated consumer wearables. Edge computing and IoT allow clinicians to receive accurate and appropriate alerts outside hospital walls and exam rooms.

We’ve got another excellent use case from Barcelona, Spain. In a connected ambulance, onboard medical devices collect and analyze patients’ biometric data and then compare it with their Electronic Health Records (EHR). This data and insights let paramedics determine the best treatment with minimal consideration before reaching the hospital. Personnel within the emergency room also receive alerts about the best preparation for the patient’s care needs.

Construction

Construction companies spend millions of dollars annually on various pieces of capital equipment. However, no matter how much you spend, things can still go wrong, and unnoticed wear and tear can lead to unexpected breakdowns. Because of the size and expense of these pieces of equipment, a single failure can lead to justified panic, extended downtime, and significant cost increases or even overruns.

All these factors help explain why so many construction businesses find predictive maintenance solutions so irresistible and why edge computing is such a critical part of successful implementation in so many cases. These technologies continuously monitor valuable assets, such as mission-critical capital equipment, and then use this data to detect signs of unexpected wear and tear and predict equipment failures. This allows companies to be proactive in their maintenance and to schedule repairs before the failures become catastrophic. This precautionary approach to the health of mission-critical construction equipment helps to extend these valuable assets’ life and dramatically reduce equipment repair costs.

The industrial giant General Electric (GE) is one of the largest and oldest US industrial names. Among its other fields, GE is active in energy production, manufacturing engines, steam turbines, gas turbines, generators, and high-voltage equipment. However, a major problem within its production cycle was equipment health. Due to insufficient controls and data, General Electric couldn’t detect issues in a timely fashion. The result: manufacturing yields fell, and expenses increased in the form of multi-million-dollar scrap costs.

Everything changed when General Electric empowered its winding machines with IoT and edge computing technologies. Now, the deployed edge computing equipment analyzes raw sensor data to rapidly and proactively identify failing machinery. This proactive, efficient, and distributed approach protects the entire manufacturing floor from unnecessary disruptions and production delays. 

To Sum Up

Every business wants the best data. Every business wishes it could act and respond to problems in real-time, even when telecommunications equipment is unstable or offline. However, most businesses now rely on cloud-based autonomous systems to perform the analysis and quick decision-making these objectives demand. Can you afford the bandwidth for such significant data throughputs from systems continuously sending raw data over your network? Even more, is this the most efficient way to address this problem, and can this approach remain compatible with evolving rules and expectations on data privacy and security?

Edge computing addresses all these concerns by using real-time data cost-effectively, without transporting it offsite or into the cloud. In edge computing, you can bypass the cloud and do the data processing locally, sometimes on the same device that harvests a piece of data. This approach saves you time and money, helps reduce the risk and compliance cost from possible data breaches, and lets your business move forward with autonomous, lightning-fast, insight-driving autonomous actions. Schedule a consultation with one of our experts today to see how IoT and edge computing can help your business.

Data Edge seminar: Timing & 5G Connect Forum

Data Edge, Ireland’s leading Network Synchronisation/Timing & 5G Testing specialists, will host a free seminar on Tuesday, 24th May, in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Newlands Cross, Co. Dublin.  The event will look at the latest developments in 5G, particularly in relation to timing and synchronisation, which have become critical functions of 5G’s success.

Data Edge’s seminar will provide attendees with an overview of the strategic outlook for 5G, IoT, service assurance, automation, and managed solutions. Industry experts, including Data Edge’s CEO Paul Phelan, will outline the value of timing, testing and assurance as well as discussing 5G use case scenarios.

The event is being co-hosted by Spirent Communications, a leading global provider of testing, assurance, analytics, and security solutions. Stephen Douglas, head of market strategy at Spirent will address delegates about 5G, Edge and Cloudification.

With over 25 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry, Stephen has been at the cutting edge of next generation technologies and has worked across the industry helping service providers, network equipment manufacturers and start-ups drive innovation and transformation. Stephen leads Spirent’s strategic initiatives for 5G and future networks and is a company representative on several Industry and Government advisory boards.

Stephen’s colleague Dharen Ells will also speak to attendees at the event, covering the topic of ORAN deployment. Dharen will discuss how ORAN bridges the divide between vendor-specific infrastructure and determines how enterprises will deploy future technologies. Live demonstrations will also take place after lunch for any attendees that wish to see how these next-generation technologies perform.

For more information and to register for the event, visit: https://dataedge.ie/spirent-connect-forum-registration/ Coffee and lunch will be provided on the day. Places are limited so early booking is strongly recommended.

Date: Tuesday, 24th of May 2022

Time: 9.15am to 4pm

Venue: The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Dublin