Tag: knowledge

Irish SMBs AI adoption: 80% set to embrace AI within a year

Ireland’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are set to double down on AI, but they’re doing so with a clear-eyed understanding of the challenges ahead. A new report from Viatel Technology Group and Amárach Research reveals a promising surge in adoption, alongside a sharp focus on planning, privacy and security.

The report, “AI Horizons: Insights into AI Adoption, Security and Risk in Irish SMBs”, paints a picture of a market poised for a significant shift. The survey conducted among 150 Irish business decision makers found that while 31% of Irish SMBs report that no AI adoption has taken place to date, 80% expect to be engaged with AI from early trials to extensive use within the next 12 months.

This shift isn’t just about trying the latest trend; it’s about real, impactful integration. The extensive use of fully integrated AI is set to more than double, rising from 7% to 17% in the same period, indicating a move beyond simple curiosity to genuine, strategic implementation.

Crucially, the report highlights that for businesses already using AI, the benefits are undeniable. 98% of those organisations using AI find it useful, underscoring its tangible value.

“This research offers a timely and comprehensive exploration of the current AI landscape, uniquely tailored to the Irish context,” says Lisa Hunt, Microsoft Practice Director at Viatel Technology Group.

“The report focused on Irish companies with up to 500 employees, who are well aware of the need to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence but cannot afford failed experiments, and need to demonstrate a worthwhile return on investment. Trusted external support is critical in ensuring that every organisation is equipped to compete in the race to AI.”

While the appetite for AI is strong, 95% of Irish SMBs see significant barriers. Leading the charge are concerns over security (38%), a lack of technical expertise (35%), and a missing AI policy or framework (33%). Irish firms are keenly aware of the competitive disadvantage of not adopting AI, but they are also wary of the uncertain return on investment and the potential for financial loss from failed projects.

Policies and roadmaps are seen as crucial to avoid pitfalls, but a staggering 87% of businesses don’t have a formal AI policy in place, and only 5% have a detailed roadmap with a timeline and budget. The report also highlights a significant knowledge gap, revealing that 35% of SMBs simply don’t know where to start when it comes to implementing proper AI governance.

“There’s a lot of noise around AI, and a lot of people are talking about it,” said James Finglas, Managing Director of Digital Services at Viatel Technology Group. “Unfortunately, very few are actually doing it. At Viatel, we’re actively partnering with public and private sector organisations on their AI frameworks; getting the policies, people, and processes in place to roll out AI; to truly deliver return on investment and contribute to business goals.”

6 surprising things you can learn from playing games

When you hear the word “games”, you probably think of fun, excitement, or maybe even a waste of time (if you’re not a fan). But beneath the surface of all the thrilling gameplay and fantastic graphics, games can actually be incredible tools for learning. And it’s not just about educational games where you match words with pictures or solve puzzles to unlock math equations. Nope, even the most unexpected games can teach you valuable life skills that sneak up on you while you’re busy leveling up.

1. Protecting your privacy 

Whether you’re playing on your console, phone, or PC, many games require you to share personal information, which can sometimes put your privacy at risk. Games often collect data about your habits, location, and even your spending preferences, and not all companies handle this data with the same level of care. 

For instance, if you love playing casino games, you might choose one of the no verification casinos where you can play anonymously. The thing about these casinos is that they don’t have KYC regulations, so you don’t have to register with your personal data in order to play your favorite games. You can still enjoy gaming, but without unnecessary exposure of your private data, such as financial or ID. 

When you learn to value your privacy through gaming, you can also become more aware of the importance of safeguarding your data in everyday digital interaction.

2. Problem-solving skills

Games throw all kinds of problems at you. You could be outsmarting a monster in an RPG, solving tricky puzzles in a mystery game, or finding the best strategy to conquer your enemies in a battle royale. The beauty of it is that these problems often require creative solutions, quick thinking, and adaptability–and all these skills transfer beautifully to the real world.

Let’s be honest: Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and neither do video games. When things go south in the game, you have to think on your feet. Maybe you’ve run out of healing potions, your weapons are on the verge of breaking, and you’re trapped in a corner. What do you do? You adapt. The ability to improvise can help you navigate everyday challenges in a much smoother, more strategic way. Plus, the satisfaction of figuring out a solution to an in-game problem? Priceless! 

3. Teamwork and communication 

If you’ve ever played a multiplayer game, you already know how important teamwork and communication can be. For instance, games like League of Legends, Fortnite, or even Among Us can show you that if you’re not talking with your teammates, you’re probably not winning. Yeah, it’s not just about shouting “Watch out!” or “Get over here!” It’s about listening, strategizing, and cooperating. 

This is the best way to figure out how to best complement your team’s strengths and weaknesses. Are you the fast problem-solver, or the one who can read the game and anticipate what’s coming next? 

Once you learn to communicate your ideas effectively and make quick decisions as a group, you’ll have an invaluable skill applicable in any part of your life–from the workplace to your personal relationships.

4. Resilience and perseverance 

Have you ever rage-quit a game after losing for the tenth time, only to come back and try again the next day? That’s resilience. Games teach you to keep going, even when things get tough. You’ve probably noticed that failure is a huge part of gaming. You could be dying in a dungeon or missing a crucial jump–it happens to everyone. But you can also learn through these mistakes and push through them. 

The cycle of failing, learning, and trying again fosters perseverance. It’s no secret that people who persevere are more likely to succeed, whether it’s in their careers, personal goals, or just getting through tough times. 

5. Multitasking and time management 

Think playing games is just about mashing buttons and zoning out? Think again! Many games, especially real-time strategy or resource management games, demand you juggle multiple tasks at once. You could be managing a base, gathering resources, and fending off enemies–all within a short amount of time. This could be a serious workout for your brain.

Playing these kinds of games can teach you how to prioritize tasks, balance multiple objectives, and make quick decisions–skills that come in handy for any fast-paced job or even just managing a busy schedule.

6. Cultural awareness and historical knowledge 

Games set in different time periods or in various fictional worlds can really teach you about cultures, history, and geography. For example, the Assassin’s Creed series leads you through historical events and periods, from Ancient Egypt to Renaissance Italy. While the games take creative liberties, they still introduce you to important historical figures, events, and locations.

Even games like Civilization or Age of Empires can give you insights into how different societies evolve, expand, and interact with one another. Sure, you won’t become a history professor by playing these games, but they can definitely broaden your horizons and make history a lot more engaging than it was in school. 

Evolve IP Expands New Training Hub Reseller Knowledge Bank

Cloud collaboration provider, Evolve IP, is continuing to expand a new specialist training hub, designed to inspire reseller knowledge and put key content at their fingertips when they need it.

The ‘ucSKILLS’ digital adoption platform offers valuable tools so partners can seamlessly deliver all of Evolve IP’s solutions, as part of a powerful Unified Communications knowledge bank.

Together with technology partner iTEL, dedicated technical training content across its entire product set is available to all partners – delivered in a user-friendly central resource which is continually updated with new technical resources, fun ‘gamify’ training, videos and marketing resources.

Knowledge Is Power

Scott Rixon, Evolve IP Solutions Director, says the e-learning service has been operational for several months and continues to evolve with new content being added on a regular basis, to cement reseller knowledge across the EMEA region.

“Our partnership with iTEL will continue to totally transform our services and create a host of benefits such as optimising team knowledge and support levels, improving the overall customer experience and reducing customer churn.

“This valuable technical resource is readily available to all our customers, giving them the power to quickly resolve issues and guide customer queries.”

Rixon added that a recent study conducted by iTEL proved that having an effective digital adoption platform reduced customer churn by 35%, ensuring resellers retain their customer bases.

“In today’s fast-paced technology world it’s not always easy to keep up-to-date with the latest developments. But equally in a world of information overload it can be difficult to access advice and find the answers you’re looking for when you need it. Evolve IP’s Training Hub is the answer! It’s about creating and providing access to content at their fingertips when they need it. Training on time at the right time, for new and to support those more established team members.”

Evolve IP is designed to advance today’s hybrid workplace. It partners with many of the world’s biggest tech companies to bring together their unified communications, collaboration, voice, and contact centre tools into a single, secure solution, fine-tuned for the hybrid workforce. 

Continued Development 

Rixon emphasised: “We are only at the beginning of our journey and are now exploring ways to make the whole user experience even more engaging and enjoyable. For example building in ways we can gamify the training, by creating badges for those who are completing the courses we have set them.

“In addition, the training hub is the new home for all technical resources and marketing assets to support our resellers with communicating about our solutions to their customers. Meaning once a team has access, everything they need is in one place. We want to make it even easier to do business with us.” 

Rixon concluded: “This new service is all about empowering partners and helping cement their technical knowledge. The training hub has been very well received so far and continues to expand all the time with both technical and marketing content. We are determined this space becomes the centre for partner learning and development and a go-to Unified Communications knowledge bank.

“We are currently getting detailed feedback from our partners by encouraging them to complete a short survey. It’s important they provide us with honest feedback so we can make the space that they need to learn and develop their skills in the most effective and enjoyable way.”

Find out more about a recent webinar here.

Evolve IP Launch New Training Hub To Empower Reseller Knowledge

Cloud collaboration provider, Evolve IP, has created a specialist eLearning platform to inspire reseller knowledge and help them retain and win new business.

The ‘ucSKILLS’ digital adoption platform offers valuable tools so partners can seamlessly deliver all of Evolve IP’s Anywhere Product Suite solutions, and enhance their own customer experience.

Together with technology partner iTEL, dedicated eLearning content is available from one user-friendly central resource which is constantly updated. 

Transform

Scott Rixon, Evolve IP Solutions Director, says the new service will cement reseller knowledge across the EMEA region and help accelerate digital user adoption.

“Our partnership with iTEL will totally transform current services and create a host of benefits such as optimising team knowledge and support levels, improving the overall customer experience and reducing customer churn.

“This valuable technical resource will be readily available to all our customers, giving them the power to quickly resolve issues and guide customer queries.”

Rixon added that a recent study with iTEL proved that having an effective digital adoption platform reduced customer churn by 35%, ensuring resellers retain their customer bases.

“If their service is reliable and consistent, customers will stay. An adoption platform supports quality control and team development,” he highlighted.

Evolve IP is designed to advance today’s hybrid workplace. It partners with many of the world’s biggest tech companies to bring together their unified communications, collaboration, voice, and contact centre tools into a single, secure solution, fine-tuned for the hybrid workforce. 

Continuous Pursuit

Rixon emphasised: “By integrating these disparate systems from leaders such as Cisco and Microsoft, we can improve both productivity and security, increasing uptime to make the future of work better for everyone. The Evolve IP Training Hub – ucSKILLS – is another major step forward as part of a continuous pursuit to drive standards even higher.

“In addition, the hub will also be the new home for the Evolve IP Partner Portal. Meaning once a team has access, everything they need is in one place such as training materials, marketing resources and technical content. We want to make it even easier to do business with us.” 

James Buxton, Managing Director of iTEL, is equally enthusiastic about the new partnership. “Teaming-up with Evolve IP is a perfect fit as we share the same customer-focused goals and objectives, based on an engage, adopt and retain philosophy. Knowledge is power in an increasingly sophisticated and evolving technology arena.”

Rixon concluded: “This new service is all about empowering partners and helping cement their technical knowledge. As we begin to grow the training hub, we will ensure this space becomes the centre for partner learning and development and a go-to Unified Communications knowledge bank.”

Essential Knowledge To Be Known About Bitcoin

Bitcoin has found its operation well in the market with decentralised control over the investor compared to the government. The unit has made oversight of investment with its incredible input through peer-to-peer software. The intelligent function of Cryptography creates public recognition of the transaction of the Bitcoin and provides several copies to the server to have similar information. The data submitted in the cryptocurrency of the Technology is computerized, and the server provides the data. If you are planning to trade Bitcoin, you must consider using a reputable trading platform such as this app. 

Investors have become very consistent towards that transaction, and the network broadcast allows them to share the information and make the transaction quickly. The online mechanism creates a collectible group of sources and provides a permanent solution to the blockchain. The Technology has a defined circulation and keeps the digital wallet in the market to promote accessibility and a range of services.

Bitcoin has an intelligent function, and its attractive role in providing a decimal place creates a million investments with its recognized name. In the true sense, Bitcoin has everlasting growth in the market as a digital currency that funds the owners with the network and makes quick transactions confirmed in the memory.

The concept of Bitcoin has changed with the brilliant minds of investors using their wallets as a brain and creating market awareness to spend more virtual currency.

Bitcoin Easy To Convert Into Cash

Choosing Bitcoin provides accessibility everywhere, and the digital formation of the currency has now longevity in different countries. People’s opinion has changed with the exchange services offered or carried out online with communication. The mode of investment for small businesses is expected to increase with the official mechanism of the currency that allows the conversion of the digital unit into cash for liquidity. The cash exchange of bitcoin charges minimum fees to provide quickness in the liquidity to transfer the money to the correct address.

It is easy to inherit valuable services from the Bitcoin Network and mean national currency with a stable standard in the market but not similar to Bitcoin. However, the main focus of the investor is to enhance liquidity while preparing for the other investment. Therefore, Bitcoin allows the fastest currency liquidity, and a person can use the option through Bitcoin ATM or a regular exchange platform.

Is Bitcoin Safe?

Several investors and outside individuals have argued about the algorithm and the cryptocurrency’s design. Bitcoin is counted among the one big topic that has regular debates on the safest environment. As per the survey conducted many years ago, the purpose of Bitcoin in cracking down on hackers’ unethical objections is more than the other online currency. The unit utilizes its exchange and technology services with high profile softwares to reduce the hacking element.

The storage of digital currency formulates like otc and its services with the best performance in storage. The digital currency that the people own enables through blocks in Technology which is the perfect source to enjoy the practical response on the online platform. Critically the realistic problem in any cryptocurrency is the decentralization without any authority to manage the entire environment. However, the competitiveness among the investors creates a genuine atmosphere for the exchange and provider virtual connectivity with the practical quantum.

It is best in the resolve of the cryptocurrency investor to know about the Cryptography and the computing codes that processes the unit.

Bitcoin Mining

The set of information related to Bitcoin also includes the tremendous input given by the people to the network in making the existence of the investor with the new coin. It is a practical activity broadcast on the web. The Bitcoin miners are primarily responsible for collecting the transaction and blocking it in the blocks for regular Calculation and circulation. It is an attractive and the most profitable business that includes solving the blocks and providing the correct information with the solution to the blockchain. The activity does not perform or reward any individual without creating a new Bitcoin. It is essential to have information about Bitcoin mining and the software that counts 21 million exchange coins with a rough estimate of trillion dollars.