Tag: #europe

RETN Unleashes 400G Across Europe

RETN, a leading international network services provider, announces the completion of its Pan-European upgrade, now offering 400 Gbps wavelengths across its extensive fibre network.

Through a long-standing cooperation with Infinera, RETN has installed cutting-edge technology and massively upgraded network capacity across all European routes. A high-performance optical transport solution, including the ICE6 optical engine, GX G42 compact modular platform, and FlexILS open optical line system from Infinera, are now deployed to meet the hyperscale bandwidth needs of customers, with lower power consumption, reduced cost and maximum spectral efficiency.
Tony O’Sullivan, CEO of RETN, expressed his confidence in the transformative impact of 400G technology, stating, “The Connectivity market has reached a tipping point with single wavelength 400G. With the latest generation Layer 1 capacity services, we are empowering businesses with high-availability 100% diverse fibre routes and industry leading services provision times.”

Nick Walden, Senior Vice President of Infinera commented: “Infinera is delighted to partner with RETN and provide industry-leading optical networking solutions purpose-built to address growing capacity demands and deliver an enhanced customer experience. With our ICE6-powered GX platform and FlexILS line system, RETN is equipped with an agile, high-performance and scalable transport infrastructure optimised for the evolving needs of its customers.”
Additionally, RETN upgrades its IP/MPLS network to 400G technology running on Juniper’s latest-generation equipment in proactive approach to satisfy global growing demand for IP traffic.

In one of its first deployments of 400G, RETN has successfully interconnected the Budapest Internet Exchange’s (BIX) Point of Presence in Vienna with its core infrastructure in Budapest. This supports the surging demand for cross-border data exchange from BIX’s 90 members. RETN seamlessly upgraded the Budapest (T-Systems/Dataplex Invitech DC10) – Vienna DigitalRealty (Interxion) wavelength from 100Gbps to 400Gbps in just a few weeks, ensuring a smooth service handover during a hot-cut. The enhanced infrastructure now enables BIX to scale its network and future-proof its operations.

Attila Miszori, Member of the Board, BIX, “BIX values RETN’s ability to deliver 400Gbps wavelength service with short delivery time and our required hot-cut service handover. We appreciate RETN’s professional, proactive, and quality-oriented approach. In an ever-evolving industry, it’s essential to partner with service providers like RETN who understand the market and deliver innovative solutions.”

Bard’s latest update: more features, languages and countries

Curiosity and imagination are the driving forces behind human creativity. Whether it’s a child inventing a game, friends dreaming up their next adventure, or an entrepreneur coming up with a new business idea, the ability to imagine new possibilities is one of the most innate human qualities. Bard today has launched in Europe with new features and more, check out the press release below..

That’s why we created Bard: to help you explore that curiosity, augment your imagination and ultimately get your ideas off the ground — not just by answering your questions, but by helping you build on them.

Today we’re announcing Bard’s biggest expansion to date. It’s now available in most of the world, and in the most widely spoken languages. And we’re launching new features to help you better customize your experience, boost your creativity and get more done.

Interact with Bard in new places and languages

Starting today, you can collaborate with Bard in over 40 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, German, Hindi and Spanish. You can also now access Bard in more places, including Brazil and across Europe. As part of our bold and responsible approach to AI, we’ve proactively engaged with experts, policymakers and privacy regulators on this expansion. And as we bring Bard to more regions and languages over time, we’ll continue to use our AI Principles as a guide, incorporate user feedback, and take steps to protect people’s privacy and data.

GIF shows the text “Bard can collaborate with you in over 40 languages, including…” followed by names of different languages.

Get more customized responses

We’re launching new updates so Bard’s responses better suit your needs:

Listen to responses: Sometimes hearing something out loud can help you approach your idea in a different way. That’s why, starting today, you can listen to Bard’s responses. This is especially helpful if you want to hear the correct pronunciation of a word or listen to a poem or script. Simply enter a prompt and select the sound icon to hear Bard’s answers. This feature is now live in over 40 languages.

 

  • Easily adjust Bard’s responses: You can now change the tone and style of Bard’s responses to five different options: simple, long, short, professional or casual. For example, you can ask Bard to help you write a marketplace listing for a vintage armchair, and then shorten the response using the drop-down. This feature is live in English and will expand to new languages soon.

Boost your productivity

Four new Bard features are also launching today to help you get more done:

  • Pin and rename conversations: We’ve heard you want to be able to revisit prompts, so we’re adding new ways to pin and rename your conversations with Bard. Now when you start a conversation, you’ll see options to pin, rename and pick up recent conversations in the sidebar. For example, if you ask Bard to help you compare outdoor sports for the summer, you can revisit the tips later. This feature is now live in over 40 languages.

GIF shows a conversation with Bard. The cursor selects the option to pin the chat in the sidebar and renames it.

  • Export code to more places: We’re continuing to see interest in using Bard for coding tasks. So today we’re adding a new feature that allows you to export Python code to Replit, in addition to Google Colab. This feature is now live in over 40 languages.

  • Share responses with friends: We’ve also made it easier to share part or all of your Bard chat with your network. With shareable links, you can share your ideas and creations with others. This feature is live in over 40 languages.

 

  • Use images in your prompts: Images are a big part of how we put our imaginations to work. At I/O we announced we’re bringing the capabilities of Google Lens into Bard. Whether you want more information about an image or just need help coming up with a caption, you can now upload images with prompts and Bard will analyze the photo to help. This feature is now live in English, and we’ll expand to new languages soon.

 

GIF shows the text “Bard can now collaborate using Google Lens” and a picture of a bike.

So the next time you have an inkling of an idea, a full-fledged concept or just need to brainstorm, give Bard a try. You’ll not only find the tools to bring that idea to life, you may also uncover an entirely new one.

ANGOKA wins big at Infosecurity Europe 2023

Belfast-based cyber security specialist ANGOKA has been awarded the title of ‘UK’s Most Innovative Cyber SME’ at this year’s Infosecurity Europe.

ANGOKA’s solutions for smart cities and smart mobility, which strengthen the cybersecurity and safety of connected devices such as connected and autonomous vehicles, have been recognised by both the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Infosecurity Europe as meeting technology goals, seeing them win the award as the UK’s Most Innovative Cyber SME 2023.

Now in its eighth year, the prestigious contest open to micro, small and medium cybersecurity businesses registered in the UK saw 14 of the UK’s most creative and original information security businesses shortlisted and competing for the title.

ANGOKA’s unique and patented solution represents a paradigm shift by securing the device rather than the network. They provide an integrated identity and key management technology to embed trust in connected devices even over untrusted networks in areas including Critical National Infrastructure, Smart Cities, Smart Mobility, and Industry 4.0

In accepting the award, ANGOKA’s business development manager, Paul Ellis said: “The UK has a brilliant and dynamic cyber sector and to be recognised by your industry peers is a great honour and truly humbling. We’ve approached the important issue of securing IoT and machine to machine communication with a fresh perspective and a unique approach that’s increased traction in the market. We’ve got something different and the judges recognised our innovation and the future of ANGOKA. This recognition will help us continue on our upward trajectory.”

Andrew Elliot, deputy director, DSIT, added: “Cyber SMEs are the backbone of the UK sector, making up more than 90% of the companies in the country. They help drive innovation by bringing new products and services to the market, and that is why we are proud to sponsor this competition. Congratulations to this year’s winner ANGOKA, and all the finalists for making the final decision so tough.”

Nicole Mills, exhibition director at Infosecurity Group, commented: “This competition is a highlight of the event and an opportunity to spotlight innovation and provide a launch pad for up and coming cybersecurity start-ups. We’ve seen past winners really thrive and go on to achieve great things, growing exponentially and receiving funding to continue their growth. ANGOKA are a prime example of a company keeping pace with an evolving industry and spotting opportunities to innovate and meet industry demands.”

Infosecurity Europe is the biggest gathering of the information security industry in Europe, taking place between 20–22 June 2023 in ExCel London.

The Impact of GDPR on Data Privacy and Security in Europe

In the era of digital communication, data privacy and security have become paramount. Europe, in its pursuit of stronger privacy rights, introduced the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018. This groundbreaking law has reshaped the landscape of data privacy, not only in Europe but across the globe. This article will explore the impact of GDPR on data privacy and security in Europe.

A Brief Overview of GDPR

The GDPR is a regulatory framework that provides EU citizens with more control over their personal data. It obligates businesses to protect the personal data and privacy of EU citizens for transactions occurring within EU member states. The regulation also applies to non-EU businesses that offer goods or services to EU citizens.

Enhancing Data Privacy

The GDPR has significantly enhanced data privacy in Europe. It has done so by setting strict rules on data collection, storage, and usage. Under GDPR, organizations can no longer collect personal data without explicit consent, and even then, only the minimum necessary data may be collected.

Furthermore, individuals have the right to know what data is being collected about them, why it’s being collected, and how it’s being used. They also have the ‘right to be forgotten,’ which means they can request that an organization delete all of their personal data.

Improving Data Security

In addition to enhancing data privacy, the GDPR has also led to improvements in data security. The regulation mandates that organizations implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data. This includes measures to prevent data breaches, such as encryption, pseudonymization, and the ability to ensure the ongoing confidentiality, integrity, and resilience of processing systems.

Moreover, in the event of a data breach, organizations are required to notify the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours. This has led to greater transparency and has helped mitigate the impact of data breaches on individuals.

The Role of Online Security Tools

While the GDPR has undeniably enhanced data privacy and security across Europe, it’s crucial to recognize that individuals themselves also bear responsibility for safeguarding their own data. Here is where the value of online security tools becomes evident.
One of these valuable resources is the WebParanoid browser extension. Although this extension doesn’t interact with GDPR directly, it serves as an invaluable aid for individuals looking to protect their personal data by impeding access to harmful sites and identifying potential phishing attempts. Tools like these can supplement security measures, assisting individuals in further fortifying their data protection efforts.

Summary

The GDPR has had a profound impact on data privacy and security in Europe. It has given individuals more control over their personal data, imposed stricter rules on data collection and usage, and improved data security measures. Online security tools like WebParanoid further enhance these protections, helping individuals safeguard their personal data. While the GDPR has set a high standard for data protection, it’s a shared responsibility between individuals, organizations, and the tools they use to ensure the privacy and security of personal data.

 

Top-Rated iGaming Legislation Authorities In Europe

Gambling is an activity of high risk; which may be the reason why people enjoy the thrill that comes with it. However, despite the number of wins and losses gamblers may record, there is the need for assurance regarding casino games being fair and player protection too. The European gambling market is the biggest in the world and there are thousands of EU casino brands that have different licences and operate in different countries. To ensure fairness and gambling protection, the gambling industry has mandated holding a legal license from any regulatory body like Malta, Curacao, Kahnawake, Gibraltar, and UKGC. This requirement is not specific to online or offline gambling but to both if they want to freely operate their business legally.

Smart gamblers are aware of the fact that gambling is risky but they choose to stake their money in regulated casinos for playing safely and protecting personal data. Regulators offer multiple benefits to punters and including the safeguarding of funds and fair play. Many gambling commissions across the world stand on the same set of principles of equilibrium. 

ARJEL

When punters think of gambling, the first place that pops into their minds is Las Vegas. However, France happens to be one of the most important and happening gambling locations. It is open to the world and approved the regulation of online or virtual gambling in 2010. To protect punters who enjoy both offline and online gambling. 

The country established the Autorite de Regulation des Jeux en Ligne or ARJEL. This is responsible for issuing gambling licenses to French gambling companies. However, the con of this authority is that it has become popular due to its high tax rates which are challenging for the operators that fall under this jurisdiction. Since France stands as the largest betting market in Europe, the ARJEL aims at protecting gamblers against issues that may make them feel cheated while trying to appreciate the games they choose to play online for winning cash. 

United Kingdom Gambling Commission

The UKGC happens to be one of the most popular gambling regulars in the gambling industry. This body is ladened with responsibilities regarding establishing license procedures for gambling companies in the UK. Compared to other authorities UKGC has a lot of power and basically determines how the gambling market will look in the United Kingdom. Almost all good casinos across the UK hold licenses from the UKGC since it governs all casinos under its jurisdiction. 

Operating a casino without a UKGC license in the UK is illegal and multiple fines have been taken for the same. Due to these limitations, many UK punters prefer non-UK casinos due to their independent approach. As per 2021 reports, the UKGC has issued over 3600 licenses to 2600 online gambling platforms. There are more than 175 online casinos operating in the UK. Just like other gambling operators, the companies are liable to pay taxes in order to obtain permission for operating in the country. The good part is that this license is affordable and punters can experience transparent gameplay which improves winning chances. 

Spillemyndigheden

This is also known as the Danish Gambling Authority which is an exclusive authority that falls under the Danish Ministry of Taxation. 

This body ensures that the gambling market in Denmark is regulated to protect players against illegal or unfair gambling. The duties of this authority include the administration of gambling legislation and license, lotteries, betting, online casinos, gaming machines, public poker tournaments, and land-based casinos. The key duties are issuing licenses, supervising gambling operators, and monitoring the gambling industry. Other essential functions include international cooperation, advisory services, and responsible gambling. 

AAMS

Only the state in Italy reserves the right to allow gambling activities. Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato- Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies or AAMS holds the power to regulate gambling matters and issuing of gambling licenses within Italy. If any of the rules set by this body is flouted, the punishment could be from as mild as a fine to serious action like imprisonment.

Spelinspectionen

This Swedish gambling authority fulfils the duty of ensuring the legality, safety, and reliability of the Swedish Gaming market. According to this regulatory body, their prime aim is to provide customers with tools that are required for fair gambling along with lessening the harmful social effects that gambling might have on customers. In order to protect gamblers in Sweden, this body has launched a self-exclusion tool known as SpelPaus where punters can restrict their gambling tendencies.

Conclusion

Gambling is a major issue in the UK and it affects millions of people and their families. Between 3-5 of every 100 punters in Europe suffer from a gambling addiction. Ethnic and racial minorities record higher problem gambling. The problem gambling risk factors are quite similar to those predisposed to drug and alcohol addiction. 

 

Swedish gambling statistics state that the rate of divorce for gambling addicts stood at 53.5% as compared to 18.2% for non-gamblers. There are however no specific game categories that impose higher risk. Over 95% of lifetime gambling addicts suffer from at least one more disorder. 

 

Nikon Precision Europe to expand operations with new office at Kildare Innovation Campus

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar today announced plans by Nikon Precision Europe (NPE) to expand its operations with the opening of its new offices on Kildare Innovation Campus.  The offices will form part of its worldwide support network.

This expansion was supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

NPE has been in Ireland since the early 1990’s with local staff supporting a number of multinational semiconductor customers.  Having started with a handful of local employees, the company has steadily grown in line with customers’ needs. It now has close to 140 employees, and this expansion will continue over the coming months with an additional 40 positions available across a range of skills.

Nikon Precision Europe (NPE) GmbH is the organisation supporting Nikon’s Lithography systems for its European customers. It provides service to customers during the lifecycle of the Lithography system. Whether it is during installation, wafer production ramp-up or in a sustaining production environment, their team provide expert analysis and solutions to enable optimal usage around-the-clock of the capital equipment in the customer factory.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: “This expansion, which will create 40 new jobs in Nikon’s new offices in the newly launched Kildare Innovation Campus, is a great boost for Kildare and the surrounding area. Congratulations to the team, I’m sure it has taken a huge amount of work to make these plans a reality. The very best of luck with it.”

NPE President Harumi Sawada said: “Our continued investment in Ireland underlines the importance Nikon places on the support of our customers locally as well as creating a technical hub that can support our worldwide semiconductor operations.”

IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan said: “Nikon Precision Europe has been in Ireland for close to 30 years now, supporting a number of multinational semiconductor customers. The company has grown from a handful of local employees as the business developed in line with customer needs to close to 140 employees at present in its international support hub. These new offices in Kildare Innovation Campus will add a further 40 roles; a very welcome development demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to its Irish operations. I wish them continued success.”

To learn more about exciting careers at this moment of unprecedented rapid and ongoing growth in the semiconductor industry, go to NPE’s application portal here https://nikon-precision-hr.secure.force.com/recruit/fRecruit__ApplyJobList

OPPO becomes the 4th largest smartphone vendor in Europe in 2021 #Oppo

According to a Counterpoint market research, OPPO achieved a 94% year-on-year growth in Europe during the first quarter of 2021. By doubling its sales share over a year, the company now ranks as the 4th largest smartphone vendor in the region.

Maggie Xue, President of OPPO Western Europe, commented: “Since the launch of Find X3 Series, we have been humbled by the overwhelmingly positive response from our customers and communities, which has been reflected in the impressive demand for our new devices. Compared with the Find X2 Series last year, the pre-sales have increased by over 400% year-on-year.”

As a consumer-centric company, OPPO puts customers at the core of all our decisions. This fundamental value has fueled the passion for delivering excellence with each iteration of products, and becoming one of the leading manufacturers in the world.

With more innovation and product launches to come in 2021, OPPO will continue to move forward to bring the best product experiences to customers in WEU.