Tag: high

Transformative Investment from IBM Ireland to create up to 800 high value tech jobs

Technology giant IBM Ireland today announced a new investment that will create up to 800 high-tech jobs across Ireland, helping build advanced software underpinned by the latest Artificial Intelligence technologies to advance Security, Automation and Hybrid Cloud. The AI technology will include foundational and Large Language Models that are key for Generative AI.

The investment will create hundreds of roles in research and development, as well as digital sales and consulting; and see Ireland continue to be among IBM’s strategic locations globally. The roles will be created across IBM sites in Dublin, Cork and at IBM’s subsidiary, Red Hat, located in Waterford.

The new staff will join IBM’s and Red Hat’s vibrant and diverse workforce, and help enhance Ireland’s rich and highly skilled technology talent pool that supports employment in knowledge-intensive and high-technology sectors.  As the EU leader for the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates per capita, Ireland has a talent pipeline fuelled by skilled young people while educators collaborate with industry to provide the skills needed in the future.

IBM has been in Ireland for more than 65 years during which time it has continually evolved its operations and capabilities to support the company’s global strategy. Today, IBM’s operations in Ireland help clients across key sectors such as financial services and healthcare streamline their business processes, increase productivity and gain competitive advantage through technology. Ireland is also host to IBM Research’s only facility in the EU.

The three-year investment is supported by the Government of Ireland through IDA Ireland.

Speaking of the announcement Taoiseach Simon Harris said, “I very much welcome IBM’s announcement today which not only reinforces the company’s deep-rooted commitment to Ireland as a strategic location but is also set to deliver real impact to the Irish economy through job creation and by strengthening specialist skills and expertise. Furthermore, this news demonstrates Ireland’s continued attractiveness as a preferred location for global companies to build out their digitalisation, research and innovation capabilities.”

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke said: “This is fantastic news. Today’s announcement that IBM Ireland are to create 800 skilled tech jobs between Dublin, Cork and Waterford, is hugely welcome. IBM is a world leader in Technology and has been a long standing high value employer in Ireland for almost three quarters of a century. Ireland is now ranked as the fifth most advanced digital economy in the EU, and having IBM choose Ireland for this new project is another vote of confidence in our country. The Government fully supports advancements in AI and Digital Transformation, and these roles will allow for exciting innovative opportunities for many of our skilled workforce throughout the country. Thanks to IBM for your continued investment here and best of luck to all involved in this exciting new initiative.”

Speaking of the announcement James Kavanaugh, IBM senior vice president and chief financial officer, said, “As IBM continues to help organizations transform their businesses with hybrid cloud and AI, attracting, developing, and retaining talent remains a key priority. Today’s announcement is a result of our strong relationship with IDA Ireland and the Irish government, but is also a testament to the calibre of talent here in Ireland, one of many reasons Ireland continues to be a strategic location for IBM.”

Deborah Threadgold, IBM Ireland country general manager, added, “We’re thrilled to announce this landmark and transformational initiative that will position the Irish operation at the cutting edge of next generation technology development within IBM globally.”

Speaking of the announcement, Michael Lohan, IDA Ireland chief executive officer, said “This is a remarkable initiative by IBM Ireland that will not only drive transformation within IBM and Red Hat’s operations but will deliver strong impact in Dublin, Cork and Waterford. It is also set to deliver real uplift in the Irish technology ecosystem by advancing capabilities across key growth areas for IDA Ireland such as Cloud, AI, Quantum and Cybersecurity.  IDA Ireland has partnered with IBM for more than 60 years and we look forward to continuing to do so throughout this exciting project.”

For the latest information and to apply for the currently open roles at IBM and Red Hat, visit:

https://www.ibm.com/careers/

https://jobs.redhat.com

Practical Gifts for College-Bound High School Graduates That They’ll Actually Use

Smart, Useful, and Appreciated Gifts Your Grad Will Love..

Throughout the years, I’ve been through my fair share of graduation seasons, seeing off my little ones as they step boldly into the next chapter of their lives. With graduation just around the corner, the pressure to find the perfect gift that won’t just gather dust in a closet is on. It’s a challenge, I know! You want something thoughtful, useful, and perhaps a bit fun, right? Well, you’re in luck because today I’m sharing my top picks for graduation gifts that are not only practical but are sure to be appreciated and used by your graduates.

Essential Tech Gadgets and Gear

In our digital age, tech gadgets top the list of must-have items for young adults. Whether they’re heading to college, starting a new job, or taking a gap year, here are a few gadgets that can help make their transition smoother:

  • Laptops and Tablets – Choosing the right laptop or tablet is crucial for any graduate. For college-bound students, look for models that offer a balance of power, durability, and battery life to handle coursework and multimedia needs. Popular choices include the MacBook Air for its long battery life and lightweight design, and the Microsoft Surface for those who prefer a touch interface with the versatility of a detachable keyboard.
  • Ebook Readers – For the voracious reader or the college student majoring in literature, an ebook reader like the Kindle Paperwhite can be a godsend. It reduces the need to carry heavy books and provides instant access to thousands of titles at their fingertips. E-readers are particularly useful for reading in various lighting conditions, thanks to their glare-free screens, and their battery life lasts weeks, which is perfect for the hectic schedules of busy graduates.
  • Smartphones – A reliable smartphone can serve as a lifeline for new graduates. It keeps them connected with friends and family, helps manage their schedule, and supports countless apps that can aid in daily tasks and productivity. The latest models from Apple, Samsung, and Google not only offer excellent camera quality for capturing memories but also come with powerful processors to handle everything from social media to sophisticated job-related applications.
  • Smart Watches – Beyond just telling time, smart watches like the Apple Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Watch can track fitness, monitor health, and allow easy access to notifications without needing to pull out a smartphone. They are especially useful for graduates who have a busy schedule, providing reminders for appointments, emails, and calls right on their wrist.
  • Laptop Backpack – Equipped with their new tech, your grad is going to need something reliable to cart it around campus. Look for college backpacks made from high-quality materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. 
  • Cable Organizers – A perfect addition to a laptop backpack, cable organizers can help your grad keep their cords organized as they hop from class to class. 

Practical Household Items

If your grad is moving out for the first time, there are a few household items that can be incredibly useful:

  • Mini Coffee Maker – Coffee makers are perfect for fueling late-night study sessions or getting an early start before classes. Compact models from Keurig or Nespresso don’t take up much space and work wonders. Plus, it’s better than paying for a cup from a coffee shop.
  • Microwave or Toaster Oven – A compact microwave is another must-have for quick meals. This is particularly crucial for students in dorms where kitchen access can be limited. A microwave can help them heat up leftovers, make popcorn for movie nights, or prepare simple meals like microwaveable rice or pasta, ensuring they’re well-fed even on their busiest days. Just be sure that your grad is allowed one on campus, or that they will be able to return it if it’s not allowed. 
  • Quality Bedding Set – A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. Invest in a high-quality bedding set to give them the comfort of home, wherever they are.
  • Desk Lamp – A well-lit workspace is essential for productivity. A sleek, adjustable desk lamp not only helps prevent eye strain during late-night studying but can also add a touch of style to a work area. Look for models with built-in USB ports for charging smartphones or other devices, adding extra functionality.

Financial Gifts

Let’s talk about a practical and increasingly popular gift choice—financial gifts. These can help set your grad up for financial success:

  • Gift Cards – Versatile and practical, gift cards let grads buy what they need when they need it. You might get your grad a gift card to their campus bookstore, a local grocery store, or just a plain use-anywhere gift card.
  • Subscriptions and Memberships – Paying for subscriptions or memberships can be a thoughtful way to provide ongoing support throughout the year. Consider services that match the graduate’s interests or needs, such as Netflix or Spotify for entertainment or Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft Office for their educational needs. 
  • Savings Bonds or Stocks – Gifting savings bonds or stocks is a great way to introduce graduates to the world of investing. This can teach them about saving and investing for the future, and provide them with a financial asset that can appreciate over time. Savings bonds are a particularly safe investment, while stocks can allow them to start learning about the stock market and financial planning.
  • Cold Hard Cash – Let’s face it—college is expensive. While it isn’t always the most personalized gift, you can rest assured that a cash gift will definitely be used.  Your grad can use it towards books, tuition, or anything else they feel they need. You can never go wrong with cash.

 

Choosing the right gifts for our graduates means considering their future needs and personal tastes. Let’s celebrate this milestone by giving them something that not only marks the occasion but also supports and enhances their new adventures. Here’s to finding the perfect gift that your graduate will truly appreciate and use!

 

Happy gifting and congratulations to all the graduates and their proud families!

 

ABLIC Seeks to Reinforce Its Position in the European Automotive Sector with New Focus on High-Value-Added Products

Analog semiconductor manufacturer ABLIC Inc. embarked on a new start under a new company name in 2018, against the backdrop of a rich history spanning over 50 years. In June 2023, five years later, Seiji Tanaka took office as the new president. While focusing on planning and development capabilities as well as high-value-added products, Tanaka is also strengthening initiatives in the European market.

In November 2023, ABLIC obtained development process certification for the most stringent level ASIL-D under the automotive functional safety standard ISO 26262. Furthermore, by acquiring VDA6.3, which is an important process audit standard for German automotive-related companies, ABLIC has established a comprehensive setup. The company is now capable of handling numerous customer audits, which helps to steadily strengthen its foundation in the automotive market.

ABLIC’s Representative Director and President, Seiji Tanaka is an accomplished professional leader who has accumulated over 35 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, engaging directly with customers around the world and building experience in sales and management. Before joining Seiko Instruments Inc. (of which ABLIC was a division of) in 2012, Tanaka was in charge of sales at the semiconductor division of Japan Motorola and served as the head of sales at Freescale Semiconductor Japan Ltd. Tanaka became an executive officer of ABLIC in 2018 when it became an independent analog semiconductor manufacturer. Furthermore, since June 2021, Tanaka has been serving as Business Officer of Semiconductor & Electronics HQ at MinebeaMitsumi Inc., following ABLIC’s business integration into the company.

Since President Tanaka has taken office, he has been proactive in releasing new products. Presently, the company has been focusing on products for the automotive market, including automotive step-down switching regulators that are housed in the industry’s smallest package, window voltage detectors that realize advanced functional safety with the industry’s top-class high-speed detection, and high-withstand voltage LDO regulators that achieve the industry’s highest PSRR and the fastest transient response.

Tanaka has a clear vision for ABLIC’s future direction, stating,

“We will focus on developing high-value-added products that can functionally differentiate us from other companies. In 2023, we also integrated with Samurai Semiconductor Corporation (SSC), a collective of experts who have been expanding semiconductor designs in the global market. SSC is a group of engineers with abundant experience in both digital and analog engineering skills regarding semiconductors, as well as front-end and back-end processes. In addition to strengthening our engineering resources, we have appointed a Chief Product Officer (CPO) with an extensive background in leading semiconductor planning and development in the medical device field. In the European automotive market, we place a high priority on clear communication with the engineers, from the early planning stages to the final development of high-value-added products.”

For over half a century, ABLIC has developed products based on its corporate vision of ‘Small, Smart, Simple’. The company plans to continue under this adage, which stands for miniaturization and low power consumption, shifting from single-function products to multi-function products while focusing on development that closely meets customer needs. In addition, ABLIC is working towards realizing a more proactive support system by providing simulation data to solve customer problems.

As part of its high-value-added products, ABLIC offers automotive products that perform with high accuracy across a wide temperature range, such as those compatible with AEC-Q100 Grade 0, and high-function products that consolidate multiple features into a single chip. These products also contribute to enhancing the safety of ADAS and AD systems with industry-leading features.

ABLIC is also working on the development of medical ultrasound imaging ICs for medical equipment, which are already being used in ultrasound diagnostic equipment by major Western medical device manufacturers. Furthermore, ABLIC’s flagship technology, CLEAN-Boost®️, stores energy generated from minimal moisture or electrically generating bacteria, boosts voltage from that energy, and converts it into electricity to enable wireless communication. This technology holds infinite possibilities for IoT development and is expected to contribute to the SDGs. In Japan, this technology is already being utilized in ‘battery-less water leak sensors’ within several buildings and factories, with plans to expand this technology overseas.

ABLIC has established a comprehensive network utilizing online distributors, and a robust support system of Field Application Engineers (FAEs), which are now present in the European market. ABLIC’s products have been adopted by major Tier 1 suppliers in the automotive field in Europe, which support vehicle, medical, consumer, and industrial applications worldwide. ABLIC is actively preparing to introduce renewable energy in their effort towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

ABLIC plays an important role in the analog semiconductor business within the MinebeaMitsumi Group, which has set an ambitious target to increase its sales to 300 billion yen by 2030. ABLIC is taking steady steps towards achieving this goal.

7 Tips For Choosing The Best High-Risk Payment Processing

Are you a high-risk merchant looking for the best high risk processing solution? With so many options available, finding one that meets your business and customer needs can be challenging. Choosing the best high-risk payment processor requires careful consideration of features, fees, security measures, service offerings, and more. In this blog post, we’ll offer seven tips to help guide you through the selection process so that you can make an informed decision. From knowing what kinds of transactions qualify as “high risk” to assessing fees and compatibility with existing software solutions – these tips will ensure that you select the suitable payment processor for your business.

Here’s How To Choose The Best High-Risk Payment Processing

1. Look For A Payment Processor With Experience In High-Risk Industries

If you need high-risk payment processing, it’s essential to choose a payment processor with experience in high-risk industries. High-risk industries include businesses such as tech support services, online gambling, and adult entertainment. 

These industries are considered high-risk because of the higher likelihood of chargebacks or fraudulent transactions. A payment processor with experience in these industries will understand the risks and have systems to prevent fraud and minimize chargebacks. 

When researching payment processors, inquire about their experience in high-risk industries. It’s also a good idea to ask for references and read reviews from other businesses in your industry before deciding.

2. Review The Processor’s Fraud Prevention Measures

When selecting a high-risk payment processor, it’s crucial to investigate its fraud prevention measures. This is especially important since high-risk businesses are often targets for fraudulent activity. 

A reliable processor should have sophisticated fraud prevention tools, such as real-time monitoring, verification of customer information, and secure encryption. Additionally, look for processors that offer chargeback protection and customizable fraud filters. 

Don’t hesitate to ask potential processors for detailed information about their fraud prevention measures. Choosing a processor with robust fraud prevention measures can help protect your business from costly chargebacks and financial losses.

3. Check For Hidden Fees And High Processing Rates

It’s essential to be aware of the potential for hidden fees and high processing rates when it comes to high-risk payment processing. Despite what may seem like a straightforward process on the surface, several additional charges can often add up over time if not considered. 

To ensure you’re choosing the best payment processor for your business, research and ask plenty of questions about fees, rates, and other potential expenses. By checking for these hidden costs upfront, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line and keep your business finances on track.

4. Ensure The Processor Supports The Payment Methods Your Customers Use Most

When choosing the best high-risk payment processing provider, it’s vital to ensure that the processor supports the payment methods your customers use most. After all, if your customers can’t pay in the way that they are most comfortable and familiar with, they may leave your site without completing their purchase. 

So before you sign up with a payment processor, look at their accepted payment methods and compare them with the payment methods your customers typically use. It may even be worth surveying your customers to determine their preferred payment methods and it is also wise to know what are embedded payments. 

By choosing a payment processor that supports the methods your customers use most, you’ll be making it easy and convenient for them to pay, which can help drive sales and improve customer satisfaction.

5. Consider The Processor’s Customer Support Options

One key factor to consider when finding the best high-risk payment processing option is the processor’s customer support options. No matter how reliable a payment processor may be, there can always be unexpected issues or questions that arise. 

That’s why it’s crucial to choose a processor that offers robust and accessible customer support. Look for a processor that provides multiple channels for assistance, such as phone, email, and live chat. 

It’s also worth checking if their customer support team is available 24/7 or only during certain hours. By prioritizing customer support options, you can ensure that any issues with your payment processing are dealt with promptly and efficiently.

6. Seek Out Processors With A Strong Reputation And Positive Reviews

Finding a trustworthy processor is critical when it comes to high-risk payment processing. It can be tempting to choose the first one that pops up on a search engine or the one with the lowest fees, but taking the time to research their reputation and read reviews can save you a lot of headaches down the road. 

Look for payment processors with a proven track record of successfully handling high-risk transactions and who have positive feedback from other businesses in similar industries. With a suitable processor, you can feel confident that your payments will be processed securely and efficiently, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

7. Investigate The Processor’s Integration Options

Investigating the processor’s integration options is critical when choosing the best high-risk payment processing solution. Integration options refer to how well the payment processor seamlessly fits into your website or e-commerce platform. 

A payment processor with limited integration options can cause severe disruptions to your sales funnel and ultimately cost you conversions and revenue. Before choosing a payment processor, investigate how easily integrating the solution into your website or e-commerce platform is. 

Some payment processors have straightforward API integration, while others require a complicated setup. Choosing a processor that offers a seamless and effortless integration process is essential to ensure that it does not negatively impact your business operations. Remember, the best payment processor should fit your business needs like a glove.

What Are The Benefits Of Choosing A High-Risk Payment Processing?

Choosing a high-risk payment processing system comes with various benefits for businesses that cannot work with standard payment processors. With high-risk processing, businesses can enjoy higher approval rates and more flexibility in accepting customer payments. 

This is particularly useful for industries deemed high-risk by traditional payment processors, such as adult entertainment, online gaming, and travel. Furthermore, high-risk payment processors offer top-notch security features that safeguard businesses from fraudulent transactions. 

Along with these benefits, businesses can access specialized customer support teams well-versed in handling high-risk transactions. Using a high-risk payment processor can provide businesses with greater options, security, and support.

Detection Technology launches high-resolution and high-speed TDI-cameras to enhance in-line battery inspection

Detection Technology, a global leader in X-ray detector solutions, is broadening its LDA (linear detector array) offering that is based on TDI (time delay integration) technology to enhance in-line battery inspection. The company has launched X-Scan T02 cameras, which come with unique high-resolution, high-speed CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor design and upgraded front- and back-end electronics to maximize the benefits of industrial inspection to its fullest.

”The X-Scan T02 series combines the advantages of X-ray flat panel detectors (FPD) and line scanners. It features superior image quality as FPDs, and fast scanning speeds associated with LDAs. Very high resolution and high speed make it an ideal solution for in-line industrial inspection that values the most accurate detection of the smallest quality issues, fast product throughputs, and maximized production line up-times,” says Tomi Fält, Director, Product Management, at Detection Technology.

X-Scan T02 is a perfect match for the inspection of different types of battery cells and battery modules at different stages of manufacturing processes. It is designed and optimized for battery inspection of electric vehicles to cover all types of battery cells such as cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch cells with Li-Ion and other commonly used battery chemistries. TDI-boosted line-scan modality enables the rapid and accurate inspection of placement and alignment of laminated electrode layers and other critical features without imaging distortion or projection errors.

Furthermore, the X-Scan T02 series is fitted for quality inspection of applications where very high spatial resolution is critical. Examples of such applications are high-value automotive, aerospace, and electronic components, parts and assemblies, and food and pharmaceutical goods.

The X-Scan T02 features a CMOS sensor with a 50 µm pixel size to enable high sensitivity and spatial resolution with low X-ray doses. Typically, spatial resolution that is dependent on magnification measures a few micrometers. Furthermore, X-Scan T02 enables fast scanning speeds of up to 20–30 kHz line rates. Depending on the cell size, this means 1–1.5 m/s object movement or 1,000–2,500 parts-per-minute speed with TDI-processed native image data resolution.

The series is equipped with smart features and configuration options, which enable object movement to be further sped up, or to multiply parts-per-minute inspection rates in the process. Such features and options include digital TDI operating modality, bidirectional scanning operation, defect pixel mapping and correction functionality, region of interest configuration, programmable ROI mode, and flexible pixel binning options.

“We are particularly proud that the X-Scan T02 comes with the 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface and is compatible with the GigE Vision Protocol. This enables robust, reliable, and fast communication between the detector and X-ray systems, and supports third-party software platforms without the need to have a specific image grabber hardware on the system computer.”

The series operates in the energy range of 20–200 kV to cover different X-ray imaging applications. Its industry-standard mechanics support easy system integration and upgrades. The product family has active area length options of 200 and 400 mm and a compact size. In addition, its high resolution enables the system configurations to be shrunk even further as there is less need for high magnification.

The product family has the highest level of integration and a simplified system design. This delivers digitally enhanced image quality, total cost savings, minimized risks, longer lifetimes, and maximized up-times to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and system integrators. Furthermore, the series is equipped with state-of-the-art radiation hardness.

The X-Scan T02 camera family will be available to order by the end of 2023 and deliveries will start in 2024. For speeding up design and system integration, world-class engineering support and a customer evaluation unit are available. The company will showcase the benefits and the key features of X-Scan T02 at Control, the international trade fair for quality assurance, in Stuttgart, Germany on 9–12 May 2023.

High-Tech Solutions for Casino Security

While the casino industry has grown tremendously and gained popularity in the recent past, security remains one of the top challenges still faced by the industry. In order to make sure all visitors have an enjoyable experience and also ensure their protection, casinos such as 777 Bitcoin Casino have implemented high-tech solutions for security. This works in protecting customer data from being accessed by unauthorized parties, and making sure all games are fair.

Leveraging machine learning to enhance casino security

Casinos can detect suspicious conduct and identify possible dangers in real time by employing machine learning algorithms. For instance, machine learning may be used to evaluate client data such as spending trends, gaming habits, and other activities to identify any unexpected or suspicious conduct. It may also be used to monitor the casino floor for any strange behavior or actions that may suggest possible danger. This includes watching out for people lingering on the casino floor or accessing restricted areas without authorization. Machine learning may also be used to detect potential fraud by evaluating consumer data such as credit card information and transaction history.

Strengthening casino safety with biometric identification solutions

Biometric technology has been around for decades. However, recent technological advancements have made it more user-friendly and simple to apply in a casino setting. Biometric scanners can now be used to quickly recognize players entering or exiting a casino floor by scanning their fingerprints or irises. This safeguard guarantees that only authorized bettors have access to the gaming sections of the casino. Casinos that implement biometric solutions are also able to work with customer loyalty programs and make it easy to reward customers for their loyalty. This helps create a more personalized experience for customers while also providing an additional layer of security for the casino. Many casinos have also implemented mobile payment options which require biometric verification by bettors. This verification process assures punters of the security of their funds, as well as safeguards the reputation of the casinos.

Integrating cybersecurity protocols into casino networks

The most critical aspect of incorporating cybersecurity policies into casino networks is ensuring that all data is safe and secure from any possible attacks. Casinos can achieve this by implementing an integrated security system that includes firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems and other safeguards. Betting establishments should also have procedures in place that compel staff to use secure passwords and to change them on a regular basis. This makes it harder for hackers to access personal accounts of bettors. Gambling facilities should consider using encryption technology to safeguard sensitive information such as customer credit card numbers and other personal information. It is also advantageous for casino operators to invest in frequent security audits. This will help keep their networks up-to-date with the most recent security procedures.