Tag: #IT

The Unseen Engine: How Enterprise Storage Is Powering Business Innovation in Ireland

In the pursuit of digital transformation, businesses often spotlight their cutting-edge applications, their multicloud strategies, or their latest AI models. Yet, behind each of these advancements lies a powerful, unseen engine: the enterprise storage platform. Ivor Buckley, Field CTO, Dell Technologies Ireland tells us more below 

Once regarded as a back‑end system, enterprise storage has become a strategic platform that underpins innovation. As Irish organisations race to modernise services, comply with regulation and compete internationally, the way they store, protect, and govern data is turning into a fundamental differentiator.

Today’s IT leaders face a significant challenge. They must support an ever-expanding portfolio of workloads, from critical business databases to cloud-native applications and data-intensive AI projects. All this must be achieved within the constraints of tight budgets and limited staffing. The sheer volume of data being created and managed is staggering; global data generation is expected to reach 393.9 ZB by 2028 as per IDC. This explosion of information puts immense pressure on infrastructure that was not designed for this scale or complexity resulting in data foundations under strain

According to the latest Dell Innovation Catalyst Study, 48% of Irish organisations are prioritising data readiness for AI related workload, while 66% say they are still in their early or mid-stage of their AI/GenAI journey. This underscores a reality that organisations want to innovate but their data foundations and current storage systems are not fully equipped.

From Data Silo to Intelligent Hub

The perception of enterprise storage as a mere commodity is outdated. Modern platforms have become intelligent hubs that automate complex tasks and unlock new efficiencies. By integrating machine learning and advanced analytics, today’s storage systems can proactively optimise workload placement, predict performance bottlenecks before they occur, and simplify management tasks that once consumed countless hours.

This shift is relevant in Ireland, where businesses from multinationals to SMEs are accelerating digital transformation under the National AI Strategy. A study Dell undertook found that 96% of Irish organisations face challenges when it comes to identifying, preparing, and using data for AI/GenAI uses cases, with 40% struggle to integrate AI systems with existing IT infrastructure. Intelligent storage platforms directly address these pain points by reducing complexity and improving data accessibility without creating new data silos

For Irish businesses planning to expand their e-commerce operations and presence, a modern storage platform can intelligently prioritise these diverse workloads, ensuring that customer-facing applications remain responsive while they have high-speed access, they need to train their models that maintain the strategic initiatives that drive business growth.

Bridging Private Cloud and Multicloud for Seamless Innovation

In today’s digital landscape, businesses are increasingly faced with the decision to operate within a private cloud, adopt a multicloud environment, or find a balance between the two. Enterprise storage serves as the reliable backbone for these evolving strategies, delivering the infrastructure needed to provide both security and agility at scale.

For Irish businesses relying on private cloud infrastructure, enterprise storage provides robust data protection, predictable performance, and the confidence that sensitive information remains under their control.  As organisations here in Ireland expand further into multicloud setup, seamless data mobility becomes essential not just for storing data but also for making it accessible and secure wherever it resides.

According to the Dell study, 46% of local organisations plan to modernise their IT with intelligent infrastructure, and another 46% aim to optimise workload placement across edge, core, and cloud environments.

The right storage platform is central to both goals: it can synchronise data across environments, break down silos and help ensure that everyday operations remain stable even as new services and AI projects come online.

This reflects a clear shift towards hybrid architecture, a trend mirrored in Ireland’s public-sector digital transformation and the country’s growing cloud smart enterprise landscape.

Crucially, enterprise storage also addresses security, and compliance demands unique to both private and multicloud models. By providing unified management and strong governance features, these platforms make it easier for businesses across Ireland to implement consistent security policies and adhere to regulatory requirements. The result is an IT environment that’s not only flexible and responsive but also protected, adhering to regulation and aligned with business goals.

Fuelling the Future of AI and Analytics

Perhaps the most significant driver of storage innovation today is AI. AI and machine learning workloads are incredibly data-hungry, requiring massive datasets to be fed to powerful processors without delay. A bottleneck in the storage layer can bring an entire AI initiative to a standstill.

Modern enterprise storage platforms are engineered to meet these demands, delivering the high throughput and low latency needed to fuel advanced analytics. A healthcare provider, for instance, might use AI to analyse medical images to detect diseases earlier. This process requires rapid access to petabytes of high-resolution image data. An intelligent storage system ensures that this data is readily available, accelerating the model training process and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

One of the most significant developments in this space is the emergence of the data lakehouse – a modern data architecture that blends the flexibility of a data lake with the performance and governance of a data warehouse.

Rather than forcing organisations to move and duplicate data repeatedly into different silos, a Data Lakehouse strategy is about bringing AI to the data. By minimising unnecessary data movement and providing a single point of access, it helps address some of the biggest blockers to AI projects: fragmented data, inconsistent governance, and slow time‑to‑insight.

Modern Enterprise Storage Has Become the Unseen Engine of Digital Innovation

The journey of enterprise storage reflects the broader story of technological progress. What was once a simple utility has become a strategic enabler for Cloud, AI and data-driven services, quietly powering the applications and insights that define modern business. By embracing automation, enabling seamless data mobility, and delivering the performance needed for next-generation workloads, enterprise storage has become the unseen engine of digital innovation.

Irish businesses are operating in one of Europe’s most dynamic digital economies and the opportunity is clear. Ireland’s National AI Strategy aims to see 75% of Irish enterprises using cloud, AI, and data analytics by 2030. To fully realise this potential, businesses must proactively evaluate, adopt, and integrate these advanced solutions into their Cloud Operating Model. This isn’t just about keeping up, it’s about unlocking new levels of efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. By investing in vital storage infrastructure, businesses of all sizes can simplify data management, scale with confidence, and accelerate their AI journey for the next wave of AI-driven transformation.

1 in 10 job postings now reference AI

New research from Indeed shows that one in ten (11%) job postings in Ireland mention AI, leading ahead of the US, UK, France and Germany. This trend is reflective of the tech sector’s sizable footprint in the Irish economy.

Job postings which mention AI are most frequently seen in tech-related categories, led by data & analytics (56%). That’s followed by software development (48%), IT systems & solutions (37%) and IT infrastructure, operations & support (29%). However, several non-tech categories also have significant shares of AI postings, including arts & entertainment (24%), human resources (20%) and sales (19%).

The research also shows that remote and hybrid work mentions have reached a new high of 19.4% by the end of December 2025 – more than four times higher than pre-pandemic levels. The occupations with the highest share of remote or hybrid mentions include software development (47%), media & communications (44%) and data & analytics (43%).

Indeed’s report shows that while job postings in Ireland are well down from peaks seen in early 2022, they still remain 7% above their pre-pandemic baseline as of January 2026. The level of postings has also remained relatively stable since May.

Other key findings in the report include:

  • Salary transparency growth has stalled: The share of Irish job postings which include salary information has dipped recently to around 34%, its lowest since late-2022. The report highlights how the Irish Government’s transposing of incoming EU legislation will result in increased transparency.
  • Benefit offerings have levelled off: The share of Irish job postings mentioning at least one benefit has levelled off over the past 18 months, after rising steadily since 2018. Standing at 48% in November, the share was unchanged from its level in May 2024.
  • Foreign interest in Irish jobs remains high: The Irish labour market remains attractive to foreign workers. On average in 2025, around 13% of searches for Irish jobs on Indeed originated outside Ireland. That was broadly in line with 2024 and higher than seen in recent years since at least 2017.
  • Posted wage growth remains solid: Tight labour-market conditions continue to translate into strong pay pressures in Ireland. At 4.1% in December (on a three-month average basis), wage growth as measured by the Indeed Wage Tracker remains well above the euro area average (2.5%).

Commenting on the report, Jack Kennedy, senior economist at Indeed, said:

“Ireland enters 2026 with the economy in good shape. Growth is set to slow slightly after a strong 2025, but lower interest rates and continued government spending mean the outlook remains broadly positive: jobs are still being created, unemployment remains low, but pay pressures haven’t gone away. For workers and employers alike, this year’s labour market story is one of ongoing change and adaptability.

For jobseekers, AI is rapidly reshaping how work gets done, with a clear expectation emerging for workers across all sectors to be comfortable using AI tools, even in roles that aren’t traditionally tech-focused. Those who adapt to these skills will have a competitive edge, as employers increasingly seek ways to integrate AI into their processes.

From an employer perspective, hybrid and flexible working have moved from a perk to an expectation in 2026, and they will need to keep this in mind when recruiting. The organisations that will stand out will be those offering not just competitive salaries, but transparency, flexibility and support for employees navigating a rapidly changing work environment.”

Irish businesses must do more to assure consumers on data and cyber security

Nearly one in four Irish people has had their personal data compromised, new research from eir business reveals, highlighting low levels of consumer confidence in how companies manage and protect customer information.

The survey on the security of Irish businesses also highlighted that almost half (44%) of Irish consumers do not feel informed about how their data is used by companies, while 40% are not confident their data is safe.

These results offer insights into the prevalence of cybercrime for everyday consumers, and the role Irish businesses can play in safeguarding data and alleviating customer concerns.

Alongside the survey, eir business (formerly eir evo) has revealed a new corporate identity, reflecting the evolution of the B2B telecoms and IT service provider.

The eir business/Amarách survey highlights concern about how businesses manage the security and transparency of vital personal information.

This vulnerability is reflected in the fact that only 16% of people are confident that Irish businesses are protecting their personal information. Older generations are even less likely to feel comfortable with the security of their online data, with 51% of 55–64-year-olds not trusting businesses to protect their information.

While artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are often suggested for data management, almost half (45%) of those surveyed are still unsure of what benefits AI might bring when dealing with business. However, the expectation of faster (30%) and cheaper (26%) service, alongside 24/7 availability (32%) as a result of AI business processes were highlighted.

Susan Brady, Managing Director of eir business: “Businesses across Ireland are operating in a time of rapid and complex digital change, and consumers are rightly asking for greater protection, greater transparency, and partners they can trust.

“This research highlights that expectation clearly. People want confidence that their data is safe, that companies are accountable, and that technology is being used responsibly. Meeting those expectations isn’t optional, it’s now a core requirement for every organisation.

“As we transform from eir evo to eir business, our focus is on bringing that clarity and confidence to the market. We’re here to give businesses secure, managed solutions they can rely on, supported by the scale, expertise and engineering depth that sits at the heart of this organisation. “Our mission is to make the complex feel effortless, to help organisations stay protected against emerging threats, and to empower them to grow and thrive in a digital-first Ireland.”

Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, added: “The findings of this research send a clear message: customers want greater transparency, stronger protection of their data, and partners they can trust. As Ireland’s digital economy accelerates, businesses of every size are facing rising expectations and increasing complexity.

“Our rebrand to eir business reflects both the scale of this opportunity and our commitment to meeting these needs head‑on. By uniting the full strength of eir’s networks, technology and expertise, we are positioned to deliver the secure connectivity, cloud, and cybersecurity solutions that organisations rely on to operate with confidence. This is a pivotal moment in our evolution, one that strengthens Ireland’s digital resilience and supports our purpose to Connect for a Better Ireland.”

Essential IT Infrastructure for Businesses Expanding Across Kent

Expanding a business across Kent is an exciting step. It often means new customers, new locations, and new opportunities. At the same time, growth can expose weak spots in your technology if the right foundations are not in place. Many businesses discover this the hard way, usually during a system outage, a cyber incident, or a frustrating delay that slows teams down.

From my own experience working with growing organisations in the South East, I have seen how strong IT planning can make expansion feel smooth and confident, while poor planning can turn growth into stress. This article explores what really matters when building essential IT infrastructure for businesses expanding across Kent, using clear language, practical insights, and real-world lessons.

Essential IT Infrastructure for Businesses Expanding Across Kent

When a business expands, IT infrastructure stops being a background function and becomes a core driver of success. Whether you are opening a new office in Canterbury, adding a warehouse near Maidstone, or supporting remote teams across the county, your systems must scale without breaking.

In the early stages, many companies rely on basic setups that worked well for a single site. Expansion changes the rules. This is where reliable IT support in Kent becomes more than a convenience. It becomes a strategic asset that helps protect productivity, security, and customer trust.

From my perspective, the most successful expansions start with one simple question. Can our IT systems support twice the workload without doubling the problems?

Why Kent-Based Expansion Brings Unique IT Challenges

Kent offers a diverse business landscape. There are rural areas with limited connectivity, busy commuter towns with high expectations for uptime, and growing business hubs linked closely to London. Each setting brings different technical pressures.

I have worked with companies that assumed broadband quality would be the same everywhere, only to find new sites struggling with speed and reliability. Others underestimated the need for secure remote access when teams began travelling more often between locations.

This is why many expanding firms turn to specialists such as Ingenio Technologies, who understand both the technical side and the local environment. Knowing how Kent businesses operate day to day helps shape infrastructure that fits reality, not just theory.

Network Connectivity That Grows With You

A strong network is the backbone of every modern business. Without it, even the best software and hardware fall apart.

Key network considerations for expansion

  • Reliable business-grade broadband or leased lines
  • Secure connections between multiple sites
  • Scalable Wi-Fi that supports more users and devices
  • Built-in redundancy to reduce downtime

In one expansion project I supported, a company doubled its staff but kept the same network design. Within weeks, slow speeds and dropped connections became daily complaints. Once the network was redesigned with growth in mind, productivity bounced back almost immediately.

Planning for future capacity from the start saves time, money, and frustration later.

Cloud Infrastructure for Flexibility and Speed

Cloud services have transformed how businesses scale. Instead of buying servers for every new location, companies can use cloud platforms to share systems securely across sites.

Benefits of cloud-based infrastructure

  • Faster setup for new offices
  • Easier collaboration between teams
  • Improved data backup and disaster recovery
  • Lower upfront hardware costs

That said, cloud adoption must be done carefully. I have seen businesses move too quickly without proper security controls, creating risks they did not fully understand. A balanced approach, combining cloud flexibility with strong governance, usually delivers the best results.

Cyber Security as a Growth Enabler

As businesses expand, they become more visible targets. More users, more devices, and more locations increase the attack surface for cyber threats.

Cyber security should not be seen as a barrier to growth. When done well, it enables expansion by protecting systems and building trust with customers and partners.

Essential cyber security measures

  • Multi-factor authentication for all users
  • Endpoint protection across devices
  • Regular patching and updates
  • Staff awareness training

The UK National Cyber Security Centre provides clear guidance for growing organisations, which can be found at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk. Their advice reinforces what many IT professionals already know. Human behaviour is often the weakest link, so training matters just as much as technology.

Data Management and Compliance

Expanding across Kent may involve handling more customer data, employee records, and operational information. With this comes responsibility.

UK data protection laws require businesses to manage data carefully, especially when systems are shared across locations. Poor data handling can result in fines and reputational damage.

Good data practices include

  • Clear data access controls
  • Regular backups stored securely
  • Documented data handling policies
  • Ongoing compliance checks

In my experience, businesses that treat data governance as part of everyday operations find compliance far less stressful than those who treat it as an afterthought.

Supporting a Mobile and Remote Workforce

Expansion often leads to more flexible working patterns. Staff may split time between offices, work from home, or travel across Kent.

IT infrastructure must support this mobility without compromising security or performance.

Tools that support flexible working

  • Secure virtual private networks
  • Cloud-based collaboration platforms
  • Centralised device management
  • Clear remote working policies

I once supported a company that expanded rapidly but failed to standardise remote access. Different teams used different tools, creating confusion and security gaps. Once systems were unified, collaboration improved and support requests dropped noticeably.

Hardware and Device Strategy

Growth often triggers a rush to buy new laptops, phones, and printers. Without a clear plan, this can lead to inconsistency and higher support costs.

A smart hardware strategy focuses on

  • Standard device models where possible
  • Centralised procurement
  • Lifecycle planning and replacement schedules
  • Secure disposal of old equipment

Consistency makes troubleshooting easier and keeps staff productive. It also simplifies training and reduces long-term costs.

The Role of Proactive IT Support

Reactive IT support fixes problems after they occur. Proactive support works to prevent them in the first place. For expanding businesses, the difference is significant.

Proactive support typically includes

  • System monitoring and alerts
  • Regular health checks
  • Capacity planning
  • Strategic IT advice

From what I have seen, companies that invest in proactive support experience fewer disruptions during expansion. They also gain clearer visibility into future needs, which helps leadership make informed decisions.

Planning for the Unexpected

No expansion plan is complete without considering what could go wrong. Power outages, cyber incidents, and hardware failures can happen at any time.

A basic business continuity plan ensures that critical operations can continue even during disruption.

Key elements of continuity planning

  • Defined recovery priorities
  • Tested backup and restore processes
  • Clear communication plans
  • Regular reviews and updates

Testing these plans may feel uncomfortable, but it is far better to discover weaknesses during a drill than during a real crisis.

Final Thoughts on Expanding Confidently Across Kent

Expanding across Kent is a positive step that reflects ambition and success. With the right IT infrastructure, growth becomes manageable rather than chaotic.

Based on first-hand experience, the businesses that succeed are those that view IT as a long-term partner in growth, not just a technical necessity. They invest early, plan carefully, and seek advice from people who understand both technology and the local business landscape.

By focusing on connectivity, security, data management, and proactive support, organisations can expand with confidence, knowing their systems are ready for what comes next.

Dell Technologies Ireland reveals top technology predictions for 2026

Mark Hopkins, General Manager of Dell Technologies Ireland, has unveiled his top five technology predictions for 2026, outlining how Artificial Intelligence (AI), data and intelligent automation will fundamentally reshape how Irish businesses and public services operate.

The technology leader is forecasting a major acceleration in AI adoption, as organisations move from pilots and proof-of-concept projects to enterprise-wide deployment. In 2026, AI will become embedded into everyday operations, delivering measurable gains in productivity, efficiency and resilience across the Irish economy. Key predictions include the rise of physical and agentic AI, a step-change in public sector adoption, and a renewed focus on infrastructure and workforce upskilling.

“In 2026, AI will be treated not just as a tool but as a strategic asset capable of delivering measurable impact across operations, innovation and customer engagement,” said Mark Hopkins, General Manager of Dell Technologies Ireland. “Leaders who act now to integrate AI thoughtfully, modernise infrastructure and upskill their workforce will gain a decisive competitive edge.”

“From Bantry to Belfast, organisations are discovering that speed, data and intelligent automation are now the defining levers of competitiveness,” Hopkins added. “By anticipating the technology trends that will shape Ireland’s economy, Dell Technologies is helping organisations adopt AI responsibly and turn promise into real business advantage.”

  1. AI will take on a physical form – but not in the way many expect

In 2026, AI will step out of the digital shadows and take on tangible roles in the real world. Humanoid robots on every street are not expected; instead, purpose-built machines such as drones, mobile robots, and autonomous systems will be deployed to address specific challenges.

Examples include AI-powered crawlers that navigate power lines to identify issues and coordinate repairs to critical infrastructure. In healthcare, logistics robots will streamline hospital operations, freeing up staff for patient care. This new wave of “physical AI” will tackle repetitive, dangerous, and physically demanding work, delivering speed and safety at scale.

For Ireland, with its dispersed population and infrastructure needs, these innovations will help bridge geographic gaps and enhance resilience.

  1. Agentic AI will shift from helpful assistant to an integral manager

AI will move beyond chatbots and copilots to autonomous agents capable of managing complex, multi-step workflows. These systems will validate data, trigger approvals, coordinate with other agents and ensure compliance across business processes.

With nearly 90% of organisations identifying strong opportunities to create value from Agentic AI, according to the Dell Innovation Catalysts Study, Irish organisations – particularly in regulated sectors – will need secure, auditable infrastructure to manage the explosion of data and system interactions these agents create.

  1. Public sector will go all-in on AI, with healthcare leading the charge

After a period of cautious pilots, 2026 will see the Irish public sector move decisively to scale AI, with healthcare leading the way. AI-driven diagnostic support, automated clinical documentation and predictive resource planning will move from trial to production, helping to reduce waiting lists and improve patient outcomes.

As adoption increases, the focus will shift from theoretical debates about AI ethics to practical governance, with public-private partnerships playing a central role in delivering secure, sovereign AI solutions.

  1. Data deluge will redefine IT infrastructure

AI both consumes and generates vast volumes of data, much of it unstructured. As agentic AI becomes mainstream, hybrid IT architectures will become the norm. Critical data and high-value workloads will remain on-premises for control and security, while cloud platforms provide flexibility and scale.

Edge computing will push AI processing closer to where data is generated, reducing latency and keeping sensitive data local. Organisations that successfully align workloads to the right environment will gain a significant competitive advantage.

  1. Focus shifts from long-term STEM education to upskilling today’s workforce

While long-term STEM education remains critical, 2026 will be defined by immediate, practical upskilling. Almost 80% of Irish businesses expect their workforce to require digital upskilling in the coming years, with AI literacy becoming essential across every role.

The most effective programmes will combine sector expertise with hands-on AI tools, whether in healthcare, manufacturing or financial services. They will deliver immediate productivity gains when embedded into daily work and supported by strong governance.

Dell Technologies and Microsoft redefine Hybrid Cloud with Azure local integration

Dell Technologies today announced a major advancement in hybrid cloud innovation through the integration of Microsoft Azure Local with Dell Private Cloud and Dell PowerStore. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in simplifying IT operations for enterprises, delivering a unified approach to managing diverse workloads across hybrid and multicloud environments.

The conversation around enterprise IT has shifted dramatically. Businesses are no longer faced with a binary choice between public cloud and on-premises infrastructure, nor is it simply about running traditional versus modern workloads. The real challenge lies in managing these varied environments consistently and efficiently. Dell Technologies, in partnership with Microsoft, is addressing this challenge head-on by introducing Azure Local support for Dell Private Cloud and Dell PowerStore, creating a seamless experience for organisations seeking flexibility, performance, and enterprise-grade resilience.

Dell Private Cloud represents the first Azure Local offering to deliver a full-stack solution encompassing compute, external storage, and networking from a single vendor, backed by end-to-end solution-level support. This integrated approach simplifies the complexity of hybrid and multicloud management, enabling businesses to focus on innovation rather than infrastructure. With automated lifecycle management, independent scaling of compute and storage, and a future-ready disaggregated architecture, Dell Private Cloud empowers organisations to adapt to evolving demands without disruption.

Complementing this is Dell PowerStore, Dell’s flagship enterprise all-flash storage platform. PowerStore brings advanced data efficiency, flexible scalability, and robust security to Azure Local environments, ensuring critical workloads remain protected while delivering exceptional performance. Its ability to handle both traditional and modern workloads makes PowerStore the ideal partner for businesses modernising their IT operations without compromise.

Caitlin Gordon, Vice President of Product Management for Private Cloud and AI Solutions at Dell Technologies, said: “The conversation around enterprise IT is changing. It’s no longer about choosing between public cloud and on-premises infrastructure. Nor is it a simple decision between running traditional or modern workloads. Today, the real challenge is how to manage all of these different environments and application types together, simply and consistently. By bringing Microsoft Azure Local to Dell Private Cloud and PowerStore, we’re helping customers simplify their IT operations and unlock the full potential of their hybrid cloud strategies.”

This integration is more than a technical milestone; it reflects Dell Technologies’ commitment to helping customers navigate the complexities of modern IT. Together with Microsoft, Dell is delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses, from hybrid cloud to edge computing and beyond. Early access for this combined offering is expected to launch in spring 2026, paving the way for organisations to embrace a future-ready infrastructure that drives innovation and growth.

27% of IT leaders concerned about ability to detect deepfake attacks

Storm Technology, a Littlefish company, today announces survey findings which reveal that 27% of IT leaders are concerned about their ability to detect deepfake attacks over the next 12 months. This concern was felt by more respondents in larger enterprises (33%) than SMBs (23%).

The research – conducted by Censuswide and involving 200 IT decision-makers and leaders across Ireland and the UK (100 in each market) – found that the biggest concerns around AI and security over the next year are data breaches (34%), data protection (33%), and increased risk of adversarial or cyber-attacks (31%). Meanwhile, a quarter (25%) consider shadow AI (use of unsanctioned or unpermitted tools) among their biggest concerns.

This is not necessarily surprising given that half of respondents (50%) know that people in their organisation are using such tools and some 55% admitted to using unsanctioned or unpermitted tools themselves. Forty-two per cent of IT leaders also opined that company data is not safe for input into these platforms.

Perhaps exacerbating this issue, just 60% of companies have been specific about which AI tools are sanctioned or permitted.

More broadly, over a fifth (21%) of IT leaders do not have a high degree of trust in AI tools and almost a third (32%) of companies do not have a strategy in place to address any AI risks that arise.

The research showed that 79% of IT leaders in Ireland and the UK agree their organisation needs to focus more on the regulation of AI tools and 28% do not believe their governance around AI tools is adequate. This rose to more than a third (35%) among Irish respondents.

When it comes to AI and data, 24% of IT leaders do not think their business data is ready for AI, with a similar proportion (23%) of the opinion that that their data governance policies are not robust enough to support secure AI adoption. This could explain why 78% believe a data readiness project is required to ensure successful AI adoption in their company.

Sean Tickle, Cyber Services Director, Littlefish, said: “AI is rapidly reshaping the enterprise landscape, but the speed of adoption is outpacing the maturity of governance. When nearly a third of organisations lack a strategy to manage AI risk, and over half of IT leaders admit to using unsanctioned tools, it’s clear that shadow AI isn’t just a user issue—it’s a leadership one.

“Deepfake threats, data governance gaps, and a lack of trust in AI platforms are converging into a

Ergo named Microsoft Ireland Azure Partner of the Year

Ergo, Ireland’s leading IT solutions provider, has been named Microsoft Ireland Azure Partner of the Year 2025. Ergo received this prestigious award for its consistent excellence in leveraging Microsoft Azure technologies to drive transformative results for organisations.

This recognition highlights Ergo’s leadership in cloud migration and digital transformation, emphasising the company’s exceptional Azure expertise and its ability to deliver innovative and impactful cloud solutions. Ergo was distinguished by its ability to lead large-scale Azure migrations and deliver Azure AI solutions that address complex business challenges while prioritising security, cost efficiency, and agility.

Microsoft commended Ergo’s technical depth and its year-on-year growth with a strong focus on helping customers modernise their IT environments. The company’s track record of supporting organisations in migrating to the cloud and leveraging technology to improve efficiency and resilience was also highlighted.

Commenting on the announcement, Steve Blanche, CTO at Ergo, said:

“We are immensely proud to be named Microsoft Ireland Azure Partner of the Year once again. This award is a testament to the expertise and commitment of our people, who go above and beyond to deliver genuine value for our customers every day. Over the past three decades, we have built a strong and lasting partnership with Microsoft, one that continues to develop as technology advances. Together, we are helping organisations in Ireland to adapt, innovate, and maximise their investment in the cloud.”

Clare Hillis, Enterprise Partner Lead at Microsoft Ireland, extended her congratulations and added:

“Ergo has excelled at delivering impactful transformation for our customers, successfully managing some of the largest and most complex cloud migrations this year. Throughout this period, we have seen Ergo and our customers working in strategic partnership and going from strength to strength. I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate Ergo on this recognition, as there is no partner over the last 12 months that has deserved this award more.”

This latest award highlights the depth of expertise and collaboration between Ergo and Microsoft, reinforcing their shared commitment to support organisations in Ireland on their digital transformation journeys.

Ergo has also renewed its certification as a Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Service Provider. Having first achieved this elite accreditation in 2021, Ergo has successfully passed a rigorous independent audit of its IT service management capabilities across people, process, and technology. This certification confirms Ergo’s ability to deliver consistent, repeatable, innovative managed services on Azure, meeting the highest standards set by Microsoft for technical capability, customer service, and operational excellence.

Together, these achievements reinforce Ergo’s recognition as Azure Partner of the Year 2025 and reaffirm its position as one of Ireland’s leading Azure partners.

You can find more information on Ergo’s cloud migration and AI capabilities here.

Fixify Chooses Cork for EU Hub, Creating 50 High-Tech Jobs

Fixify, a leading provider in AI-driven IT support automation, has selected Cork City as the home of its new EU Centre of Excellence, creating 50 skilled jobs in the region over the next 18 months. The new facility will serve as a regional base for Fixify’s development, support, and customer success for worldwide operations.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Attending the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said: “This announcement from Fixify to select Cork as the home of its new EU Centre of Excellence demonstrates a deep commitment to the region and creates 50 high-tech jobs in an exciting and growing sector. I have no doubt that these highly skilled jobs in IT, software engineering and data analysis will be a further boost to the workforce in the region.   I want to acknowledge the role of IDA Ireland in supporting this project and I look forward to seeing the continued growth of Fixify in Cork over the coming years.”

Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke TD said: “Fixify’s decision to establish its EU Centre of Excellence in Cork is very welcome news and is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s position as a global leader in technology and innovation. This investment will bring 50 high-quality jobs to the region and further strengthen our thriving digital ecosystem. Cork’s deep talent pool, supported by world-class institutions like UCC and MTU, and its proven track record in attracting and sustaining high-value FDI, make it ideally placed to support Fixify’s growth. I wish the Fixify team in Cork the very best for the future.”

Fixify is now hiring in roles including IT Helpdesk Analysts, Software Engineers, Data Engineers, and Data Scientists. To explore career opportunities with Fixify, please visit Fixify careers.

“We chose Cork for Fixify’s European base — a city that brings together deep technical expertise, quality of life and community spirit — the conditions that make great work last,” said Matt Peters, CEO Fixify. “Establishing our base here enables Fixify to tap into Ireland’s exceptional talent and contribute to its thriving tech ecosystem as we scale automation and support that remains genuinely human worldwide.”

“Our investment in Cork is a strong vote of confidence in Ireland’s technology talent and infrastructure,” added Caroline Coughlan, Director, Employee Experience & People Operations at Fixify “Over the next 18 months, we will be scaling our presence here in parallel with delivering outstanding value to our customers across EMEA.”

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said: “I am very pleased that Fixify has chosen Cork as home to its EU Centre of Excellence as it recognises the quality and depth of the South West region’s talent pool, Ireland’s vibrant culture, and our pro-business environment. I wish to congratulate Fixify on this expansion and look forward to supporting them as they enhance Ireland’s reputation as home to a thriving technology sector.”