Tag: managed

Soft2Bet: Revolutionizing iGaming through MEGA Platform and Global Expansion

Soft2Bet was established in 2016 by visionary entrepreneur Uri Poliavich. What was once one person’s dream to revolutionize the game of online gaming has now grown into a global technology power, empowering operators and players worldwide. Soft2Bet growth story to become a company to watch since it was started. Based in Malta, Soft2Bet now has over 100 staff members and holds an amazing 19 licenses in 10 jurisdictions. Its rapid growth is a result of its focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and creating truly entertaining gaming experiences that reward players for playing again and again.

The MEGA Platform: Changing the Way Players Play

Soft2Bet’s crown gem is the Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA) which launched in 2023 and caused shockwaves in the industry. This is not another gamification platform – it’s something completely different in terms of how online casinos interact with players. The platform combines personalized elements of avatars, collectibles, and city-building that take gaming more into the experience than actual betting.

The proof is in the pudding. MEGA operators have recorded remarkable success:

  • 4-fold increase in player screen time;
  • 65% rise in Net Gaming Revenue;
  • 50% growth in deposit sizes;
  • 45% growth to Average Revenue Per User.

These aren’t figures – they’re real players, more engaged, having more fun, and more committed to their favorite game websites. The site is a success because it taps into what people naturally enjoy: advancement, rewards, and personalized experiences that seem like they’re just for them.

B2B Solutions That Actually Work

The company has several successful B2C brands, each designed for specific markets and player preferences. Betinia and Campobet serve players in Sweden and Denmark, while Tooniebet is focused on the Ontario region in Canada. Don.ro serves the Romanian players, and Quickcasino focuses on the Swedish market.

Comprehensive Operator Support

Soft2Bet does not just sell software and depart. They form partnerships with operators to provide complete turnkey solutions that include all of what is necessary to run a successful online gaming operation. Their approach includes frontend customization, sportsbook and casino integrated solutions, managed services, and payment integration with over 220 different payment methods.

Global Reach and Accessibility

Supporting over 20 languages and offering over 12,500 games from hundreds of leading providers, Soft2Bet allows operators to reach international audiences. The platform features over 1 million live events each year, giving players endless options for entertainment whether they like slots, table games, or sports betting.

Innovation Through Investment

In July 2024, Soft2Bet unveiled the launch of Soft2Bet Invest, a €50m innovation fund dedicated to funding entrepreneurs and businesses working within the iGaming and casual gaming sectors. It’s not just about making money – it’s about creating the next generation of gaming innovations that will shape the future of the business.

The project was acknowledged in September of 2024 when it took home the “Outstanding Contribution to Gaming 2024” award at SiGMA East Europe. This award is specifically presented to organizations that make significant contributions through technological advancement, mentorship, and strategic investment in gaming industry growth.

Responsible Gaming Leadership

Soft2Bet is dedicated to player protection, regulated by amongst the world’s toughest licensing regulations. Each of their 10 jurisdictions has independent responsible gaming, fraud, and compliance teams. Several gaming authorities conduct regular audits to ensure they always maintain and surpass regulation.

But in addition to simply complying with legal regulations, Soft2Bet takes positive steps beyond. They understand that sustainable business success is based on players having enjoyable, secure experiences they can enjoy responsibly for the long term.

Award-Winning Excellence

Soft2Bet’s commitment to innovation has been best rewarded by industry-wide recognition. At the 2025 Global Gaming Awards EMEA, Soft2Bet won a historic triple: Executive of the Year for Uri Poliavich, Platform Provider of the Year for Soft2Bet, and Product Launch of the Year for the MEGA platform.

Other recognitions include the iGaming Sword Award 2023 Turnkey Supplier of the Year, which further establishes Soft2Bet as a top player in the industry that continues to deliver results for operators and players alike.

With a US expansion planned, starting with New Jersey, and additional expansion on regulated markets around the world, Soft2Bet is the future of iGaming technology. With their blend of innovative products, regulatory expertise, and genuine commitment to player experience, they are perfectly positioned to drive continued success in a transforming industry.

Ekco acquires Adapt IT, bringing acquisition spend to €57M in two years

Ekco, one of Europe’s leading security-first managed service providers, today announces that it has acquired Adapt IT, a Cork-headquartered IT managed service provider (MSP). The new deal, which is Ekco’s sixth acquisition in two years, brings Ekco’s total acquisition investment to €57 million within this timeframe.

In business for more than 20 years, Adapt IT employs 37 people at its Cork location, serving customers in the small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SME) market. Its 300-strong customer base operates in industries such as manufacturing, retail, hospitality, legal, and finance. The deal bolsters Ekco’s ability to support fast-growing SMEs with unified, secure, and scalable technology solutions.

The acquisition of Adapt IT brings Ekco’s global headcount to more than 1,000 employees and adds a seventh Irish location to its growing regional network. In addition to its three sites in Dublin, Ekco now operates in Cork, Waterford, and Laois, as well as across the UK, Netherlands, South Africa, and Malaysia. Adapt IT’s expertise in Microsoft solutions will strengthen Ekco’s modern working service offering for its customers, and its MSP focus will further build upon Ekco’s existing managed service capabilities.

Adapt IT’s customer base will now benefit from Ekco’s suite of advanced cloud services, automation expertise, and cybersecurity capabilities in areas including security information and event management (SIEM), security operations centres (SOC), and backup. As the cybersecurity regulatory landscape continues to evolve, Ekco will also provide peace of mind through its compliance services. Additionally, Adapt IT’s teams will be able to avail of comprehensive upskilling, certification, and continuous learning opportunities to keep pace with industry demand.

The deal is the latest in Ekco’s wider acquisition strategy for growth and brings the total number of businesses acquired by Ekco in the last two years to six. Earlier this year, the company announced the purchase of Predatech, a UK-based cybersecurity consultancy. In 2024, it added UK legal IT specialist CTS to its portfolio of companies. 2023 saw the additions of MSPs Radius and Bluecube, as well as cloud migration and cybersecurity specialist iSystems.

Cian Prendergast, CEO at Ekco MSP, said: “The acquisition of Adapt IT is the latest move in our aggressive expansion strategy which targets key acquisitions combined with sustained business growth. This strategy reflects an investment in innovation that will make us in Ekco, and our acquired companies, stronger as a result. We’re building a modern, security-first MSP that helps ambitious businesses to operate with confidence and resilience.

“Adapt IT, like us, is a cloud-first business that reflects our culture and has had tremendous success in building a nationwide customer base. By bringing our two companies together, we will enhance our regional footprint in a location where we see vast opportunities for our expansion, while also combining our knowledge and services to pioneer the demands of the modern enterprise. It strengthens our position as the go-to IT partner for businesses who want the reliability of a national partner with the responsiveness of a local team.” 

John Levis, Managing Director, Adapt IT, said: “We are delighted to join the Ekco group, an Irish-founded business which is on an impressive growth trajectory. This will enable us to continue to deliver top-tier services to businesses, backed up by the skills and resources of a larger group. We are seeing that even smaller businesses are seeking enterprise-grade IT and cybersecurity solutions – Ekco’s expertise will help us to meet this growing demand as the volume and complexity of cyber threats continues to rise.”

Managed SEO Services In 2025: What You Get And How It Works

Search engine optimization (SEO) has become an essential part of online success. As businesses strive to improve their online visibility and rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs), managed SEO services have emerged as a powerful solution. In 2025, these services will have become more sophisticated, incorporating advanced AI-driven analytics, user experience optimization, and hyper-local strategies.

If you are considering hiring a professional SEO company, this article will provide you with an in-depth understanding of managed SEO services, what they include, and how they work to enhance your online presence.

What Are Managed SEO Services?

Managed SEO services refer to comprehensive SEO solutions provided by agencies or experts to businesses that want a hands-free approach to SEO. Instead of handling SEO in-house, businesses outsource their SEO needs to professionals who implement strategic, data-driven approaches to improve website rankings, traffic, and conversions.

These services cover various aspects of SEO, including on-page optimization, link building, technical SEO, content creation, and local SEO services. By leveraging managed SEO, businesses can focus on their core operations while ensuring their digital marketing efforts remain effective and up-to-date.

What You Get With Managed SEO Services

When you invest in managed SEO services, you gain access to a suite of benefits that enhance your website’s search performance. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Comprehensive Website Audit & SEO Strategy

A professional SEO company starts by conducting a thorough website audit to assess your site’s performance, identifying technical issues, content gaps, and keyword opportunities. Based on the audit findings, an SEO strategy is formulated to improve rankings and user engagement.

2. Keyword Research & Competitor Analysis

To rank effectively on search engines, businesses need to target the right keywords. SEO experts conduct in-depth keyword research and analyze competitors to identify the best keywords for driving relevant traffic. Website SEO services ensure your content aligns with search intent and ranks well for industry-related terms.

3. On-Page SEO Optimization

On-page SEO involves optimizing various elements on your website to make it search engine-friendly. This includes:

  • Title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags
  • Internal linking structure
  • Image and multimedia optimization
  • Mobile-friendliness and page speed optimization
  • Schema markup for better indexing

4. Technical SEO Enhancements

Technical SEO plays a crucial role in website performance. Managed SEO providers address issues like:

  • Website crawling and indexing
  • Broken links and 404 errors
  • XML sitemaps and robots.txt configuration
  • HTTPS security and website speed improvements

5. High-Quality Content Creation

Content remains king in SEO. A managed SEO service includes content creation strategies, ensuring:

  • Blog posts, articles, and web pages are optimized for SEO optimization services.
  • Engaging, informative, and keyword-rich content is published regularly.
  • Content aligns with Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) principles.

6. Link Building & Off-Page SEO

Backlinks from authoritative sites improve domain authority and search rankings. Managed SEO services focus on:

  • Earning high-quality backlinks through guest posting and partnerships.
  • Building citations and mentions for local SEO services.
  • Removing toxic backlinks that harm SEO performance.

7. Local SEO Optimization

For businesses targeting local customers, local SEO services ensure they appear in Google’s local search results and map packs. This includes:

  • Optimizing Google My Business (GMB) profiles.
  • Managing local citations and directory listings.
  • Encouraging customer reviews and improving local engagement.

8. Analytics & Performance Monitoring

A key advantage of managed SEO services is continuous tracking and reporting. Businesses receive detailed reports that include:

  • Traffic insights and keyword rankings.
  • Conversion rates and engagement metrics.
  • SEO adjustments based on real-time data.

How Managed SEO Services Work

Understanding how managed SEO services operate can help you make an informed decision. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Website Audit

The process begins with a consultation where SEO experts assess business goals, target audience, and existing website performance. A comprehensive SEO audit identifies areas of improvement.

Step 2: Strategy Development

After the audit, the SEO team creates a customized strategy outlining keyword targets, content plans, technical improvements, and link-building efforts.

Step 3: Implementation of SEO Tactics

Once the strategy is approved, the SEO team begins executing the plan, implementing on-page optimizations, technical fixes, and content enhancements.

Step 4: Link Building & Content Marketing

High-quality backlinks and authoritative content are developed to improve rankings and drive organic traffic.

Step 5: Monitoring & Adjustments

SEO is an ongoing process. Performance is continuously monitored, and strategies are adjusted to align with Google’s algorithm updates and industry trends.

Why Choose Managed SEO Services in 2025?

With search engines becoming more intelligent and competitive, businesses need a solid SEO strategy to succeed. Managed SEO services provide:

  • Expertise from seasoned professionals.
  • Access to advanced SEO tools and analytics.
  • Time-saving solutions for business owners.
  • Consistent improvements in rankings and traffic.

Conclusion

In 2025, managed SEO services will continue to be a vital component of digital marketing success. By leveraging SEO optimization services, businesses can achieve sustained growth, higher rankings, and improved online visibility. Whether you need local SEO services or comprehensive website SEO services, investing in a professional SEO company ensures that your business remains competitive in an ever-changing digital landscape.

If you are ready to take your SEO strategy to the next level, consider partnering with a managed SEO provider to optimize your website and grow your online presence effectively.

Key Characteristics to Consider When Choosing the Best Managed File Transfer (MFT) Software Solution

In the modern digital landscape, where data transfer is a vital part of daily business operations, Managed File Transfer (MFT) software has become an indispensable tool. MFT solutions offer a more secure and efficient way of transferring files compared to traditional methods. However, with numerous options available in the market, it can be challenging to identify the best MFT software for your organization. Here are key characteristics to consider when selecting an MFT solution.

  1. Security and Compliance:

Security is the paramount concern in any file transfer solution. The best MFT software should offer robust encryption for data at rest and in transit. Look for features like SSL/TLS encryption, SSH (Secure Shell), and support for advanced encryption standards (AES). Additionally, the software should help you comply with regulatory standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and SOX. Compliance features might include detailed logging, reporting capabilities, and automated compliance checks.

  1. Scalability and Performance:

As your business grows, your MFT solution should scale with you. The ideal MFT software should handle large file transfers and a high volume of transactions without lagging. It should offer features like bandwidth throttling, checkpoint restart, and load balancing to ensure optimal performance even under heavy loads. Scalability also relates to the software’s ability to integrate with various systems and platforms seamlessly.

  1. User-Friendliness:

The ease of use is a critical factor. An intuitive user interface (UI) that simplifies complex processes can significantly enhance productivity. Look for a solution with a clear, easy-to-navigate dashboard, drag-and-drop functionality, and straightforward setup processes. The less time your team spends grappling with a complicated system, the more they can focus on core business tasks.

  1. Automation Capabilities:

Automation is a key feature that sets superior MFT software apart. The ability to automate workflows, such as file transfers, data encryption, and notification alerts, can save a significant amount of time and reduce human error. Look for software that allows you to create custom scripts or has built-in automation tools for scheduling and triggering events based on specific conditions.

  1. Reliable Customer Support and Service:

Even with the most user-friendly software, you may encounter issues or have questions. Reliable customer support is essential. Choose a provider that offers comprehensive support, including training, documentation, and accessible technical assistance. Consider providers that offer a variety of support channels such as email, phone, and live chat.

  1. Integration with Existing Systems:

Your MFT solution should integrate smoothly with your existing IT infrastructure. Compatibility with various operating systems, support for different file types, and the ability to integrate with other business applications (such as CRM or ERP systems) are important factors to consider.

  1. Cost-Effectiveness:

Finally, evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the MFT solution. Consider not only the initial purchase price but also the total cost of ownership, which includes maintenance, upgrades, and support. A good MFT solution should provide a solid return on investment by enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risks.

A prime example of a solution that embodies these characteristics is GoAnywhere Managed File Transfer. It stands out for its comprehensive security features, scalability, and user-friendly interface, among other qualities.

In conclusion, selecting the right MFT software involves a careful consideration of all the characteristics mentioned. By focusing on these key characteristics, organizations can find a solution that not only meets their current needs but also supports their future growth and success.

 

Centric360 acquires Irish managed services provider HCS

HCS – the managed services provider with offices in Dublin, Waterford and Cork – today announces that it has been acquired by Centric360. Centric360 is an investment vehicle owned jointly by Pamela Farrell and Brian Larkin, former directors of the Evros Technology Group which was acquired in 2020 by eir. The acquisition will be followed by further investment in HCS throughout 2025, including the expansion of its service portfolio and team.

Over the past 30 years, HCS has become a highly successful managed services business spanning cyber security, cloud, digital transformation and telecoms. HCS has an impressive customer base across financial services, healthcare, hospitality, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors.

Since 2020, HCS has increased its turnover from €3.5 million to a projected revenue of €8 million in this financial year and more than doubled its team from 24 to 50 employees. The company has also invested heavily in automating its systems across sales and services, providing a foundation for long-term growth and innovation.

Building on this acquisition by Centric360, both Larkin and Farrell see significant scope for further investment in the business in 2025. This will include enhancing and scaling the existing HCS service portfolio and expanding the sales and professional services teams to deliver an end-to-end offering with a best-in-class customer experience.

The vision is to build on the company’s impressive growth and foundations by extending the range of products and services to meet the rising demands of existing and future customers. Furthermore, the business intends to shift its focus beyond the SME and midmarket space to include larger enterprises.

To support these plans, HCS will add additional expertise and resources to its experienced team in the coming months. In addition to creating jobs across its three Irish offices, the company will invest in the professional development and progression of the existing team.

The acquisition also includes the purchase of the HCS headquarters in Waterford, where the business intends to strengthen its presence further. The current HCS owners and directors – Seán Hegarty, Dan Hegarty and Neil Phelan – will continue in their vital roles, contributing significantly to HCS’s ongoing growth and future success.

Meanwhile, Larkin will become Chairman and Farrell will assume the role of Managing Director. Together they bring extensive knowledge to the organisation, having been key contributors to building the Evros Technology Group to revenues of over €100 million and a 400-strong team.

Speaking about the acquisition, HCS CEO Neil Phelan said: “It was important for us to join forces with people who understand our brand and history. Together, we hope to continue driving growth not just for the business but for our employees and customers too. Pamela and Brian bring extensive industry experience, strong professional reputation, and a proven track record in leadership and business expansion. Combined with our high-quality services, excellent client relationships and talented team, we look forward to elevating HCS to the next level.”

Pamela Farrell added: “It was clear from the moment we met with HCS that we shared similar values and vision for business. With the alignment of culture and expertise, we look forward to further investing in operations, expanding the company’s capabilities, and bolstering the team. In turn, we intend to open up new opportunities while building on the organisation’s existing legacy of delivering transformational, innovative services which customers can trust.”

Understanding ADHD Diagnosis in Ireland: A Guide to Support and Care

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is experienced by people internationally, within and outside of Ireland. If you are considering seeking an ADHD diagnosis in Ireland, you may wonder how to go about it. This post provides a rundown of exactly what the pathway to a diagnosis entails, as well as help and treatment options available to you and your loved ones.

If you are a parent with concerns about your child’s attention span and behaviour or an adult seeking more insight on how to manage ADHD symptoms in your life, being informed on what’s involved in an ADHD evaluation is the first step on your road to empowerment. Understand the symptoms of ADHD, how to prepare for a diagnosis in the Irish system, and effectively manage symptoms for the best treatment for ADHD Ireland has to offer.

Recognising the Signs of ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people in many ways. Some become overactive or impulsive, whilst others struggle to maintain composure when focusing attention or staying organised. Other symptoms include concerns with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While some symptoms begin in youth, with symptoms typically found in school, the condition can continue into adulthood and impact the remainder of their lives, i.e., impacting their work or relationships.

If you or your child consistently struggles with attention, time management, forgetfulness or getting things in order, perhaps it’s time to consider an assessment for ADHD. The sooner it is identified, the better the opportunity to access support and learn strategies to manage difficulties.

The Process of ADHD Diagnosis in Ireland

Navigating the healthcare system to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in Ireland is relatively simple once you know how. Most people will start by visiting a General Practitioner (GP), who will be able to advise on the process, and refer you to the appropriate specialist. If children have experienced problems at school, then it might be their teacher or a school psychologist who first suggests an evaluation by a specialist.

Experts who can diagnose ADHD are often psychiatrists or clinical psychologists, due to the training required to officially diagnose the condition. In addition to this, regulated and safe platforms like HealthHero.ie can provide online consultations to help provide clarity on next steps, and give families the reassurance they need to move forward with the process.

How ADHD is Managed in Ireland

An ADHD diagnosis tends to open a new door: one of solutions and strategies for managing symptoms, through therapy, medication and lifestyle changes that can boost focus and impulse control. In most cases, management includes a combination of solutions that are right for the given individual:

Medication: Stimulant and non-stimulant medications are often prescribed to help manage symptoms, improve concentration, and decrease impulsiveness. Medications can be mixed and adjusted as needed over time with the help of a healthcare provider.

Therapy and Skills Training: Talking therapies and teaching new skills can help on your side of things. A trained therapist can teach you more about time-keeping, organisation and reducing procrastination. They may use treatment programming to help counter some of the cognitive processing issues experienced when making decisions.

Lifestyle Changes: Keeping a routine, eating healthy food, and sticking to a sleep schedule can help with the symptoms of ADHD. Kids with ADHD should have a limited amount of choices, making it easier to organise and structure environments or routines at home and school for children with ADHD to follow, and adults benefit greatly from things like task planners with date books or apps that can provide help in managing tasks and responsibilities.

Many healthcare providers provide resources and advice specifically targeting ADHD that go well beyond medicine and talk therapy to provide broader support that can help with symptom control.

How an ADHD Diagnosis Can Empower You

For many people, a diagnosis of ADHD is an exciting and life-changing thing. It can give you answers, relief and information that you would never have otherwise had. You can take what you learn about yourself and use that information to help yourself and put tools and strategies in place to manage your ADHD.

Learning that ADHD is behind certain challenges will also give you some insight into your strengths. Many people with ADHD are very resilient; they are often highly creative and have fantastic problem-solving skills. By doing therapy and making lifestyle changes that are catered to you ranging from the people around you to your home and environment, you can use those skills to live an even more satisfying and fulfilling life.

Navigating the Healthcare System for ADHD Support

In Ireland, you receive a diagnosis and support for ADHD through the public health system, which is called the Health Service Executive (HSE). You can expect to wait sometime for the initial appointment with the relevant specialist, as waiting lists tend to be long. But here is help available that can give you an appraisal of whether your child might have ADHD and care until you receive a diagnosis.

Some families can also opt for an assessment in the private sector to avoid waiting times and start interventions as quickly as possible. Even though this is more costly, getting the appropriate interventions early on can make a huge difference not only for the child or teen but also for the entire family.

Finding Support After an ADHD Diagnosis

With a diagnosis of ADHD, having the right support set up is essential. In Ireland, there are Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) in schools equipped to help children with ADHD get the right support where education is concerned. For adults, support in the workplace, at home and in their personal life is available.

Therapists who specialise in ADHD can help work through the practicalities of coming to terms with and managing the sleep-deprived frustration that comes with ADHD, as well as putting in place strategies for bolstering organisational skills, time management and relationships. Friends and family will also play a key role though, so being able to discuss your diagnosis and what it means is likely to put them in the best place to provide the help you need.

With an understanding of the ADHD diagnosis process in Ireland you will be well-placed to live your best, most balanced life, knowing where to turn for the support you need. Equally, if you know someone you care about is struggling with ADHD — whether during childhood or adulthood — you can take your concerns to your GP or simply head to HealthHero.ie to find your way to the help and advice you need.

13 new businesses awarded Ireland’s Best Managed Companies accolade

13 new businesses have been awarded the Ireland’s Best Managed Companies (BMC) accolade at the 16th annual awards programme. This year, Deloitte recognised 129 indigenous companies at the awards, representing 28 of the 32 counties across the island of Ireland.

The network of companies has a combined turnover of more than €15 billion and provide employment to over 45,000 people across a range of sectors from technology and healthcare to construction.

A thorough judging process precedes the recognition each year, evaluating the entire management team and the business strategy of each company. The judges examine a wide range of areas when assessing Ireland’s top privately-owned businesses, such as a business’ environmental, social and governance standards, strategic planning and talent strategy.

The 13 newly qualified companies are: Active8 Solar Energies, Ashdale Care, Coen Steel Limited, Ethos Engineering, MCO, Mergon Group, Mivan, Mowlam Healthcare, S&W Wholesale, Sisk Group, United Hardware, Western Motors and Writech.

Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme, said: “The Irish economic growth story has been extraordinary, and we see this evidenced in the success of Irish indigenous businesses and the confidence shown by Best Managed Companies. Ensuring Ireland’s entrepreneurs and the companies they start get the support they need to grow and scale is crucial.”

Cathy Bryce, Managing Director, AIB Capital Markets, said: “AIB is proud to be the new lead sponsors of Ireland’s Best Managed companies. One of AIB’s core ambitions is to support Irish companies and their management teams in sustainable growth and development, something which is fully aligned with the goals of the BMC programme.”

A total of 116 companies requalified as a Best Managed Company. 19 of these achieved Gold Standard (four years as a BMC) and 12 achieved Platinum Standard (seven years as a BMC). Fexco won the Family Business Award.

The members of this year’s judging panel were:

  • Frank Ryan, former Chairman of the Board of IDA Ireland and Chair of BMC judging panel
  • Cathy Bryce, Managing Director, AIB Capital Markets
  • Ellvena Graham OBE, Non-Executive Director & Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland
  • Feargal Mooney, Non-Executive Director and former CEO of Hostelworld
  • Lionel Alexander, Chair Intact Software and Non-Executive Director
  • Orla O’Gorman, Non-Executive Director and former Head of Listing at Euronext
  • Professor Anthony Brabazon, Dean of UCD Michael Smurfit Business School
  • Sarah Murphy, CEO of Business Post

 

New Winners

Company County
Active8 Solar Energies Monaghan
Ashdale Care Monaghan
Coen Steel Limited Galway
Ethos Engineering Dublin
MCO Dublin
Mergon Group Westmeath
Mivan Antrim
Mowlam Healthcare Limerick
S&W Wholesale Down
Sisk Group Dublin
United Hardware Dublin
Western Motors Galway
Writech Westmeath

 

The Gold Standard (four years as a Best Managed Company) winners are:

Company County
BidX1 Dublin
Camile Thai Kitchen Ltd Dublin
Clonakilty Food Co Cork
DigitalWell Dublin
Dowds Group Antrim
Errigal Group Monaghan
Fortus Group Dublin
H&MV Engineering Limited Limerick
Instantor Dublin
Keltech Waterford
Mannok Fermanagh
Modubuild Kilkenny
MPA Recruitment Derry
Stafford Lynch Dublin
The Brennan and Co Group Dublin
Toga Group Dublin
Totalmobile Antrim
Triangle Technology Services Dublin
Windsor Motor Group Dublin

 

The Platinum Winners (seven years as a Best Managed Company) are:

Company County
Around Noon Down
Codd Mushrooms Ltd Carlow
Creagh Concrete Antrim
Dennison Trailers Kildare
EDGE Innovate Tyrone
GES Group Antrim
GSLS Dublin
LotusWorks Sligo
Ocuco Dublin
Phonovation Dublin
PlanNet21 Dublin
The Merrion Hotel Dublin

IT.ie forecasts €1M revenue increase from ethical hacking service

IT.ie, the Irish-owned Managed IT Services company, today announces that it expects to generate an additional €1M in revenue through an automated testing service that imitates the movements of hackers to uncover and exploit cybersecurity weak spots within organisations.

The company’s new penetration testing as-a-service (PTaaS), also known as pen testing or ‘ethical hacking’, is an automated cyber security solution designed to fully replicate a hacker’s attack on an organisation, as it attempts to exploit and gain access to its network. This forewarns the organisation to the potential dangers before cybercriminals have an opportunity to exploit them, potentially preventing an attack.

Pen testing has emerged as a key solution for businesses with the growth and increased sophistication of cyberattacks in the modern business landscape. As threats develop at a previously unforeseen rate, regular, automated testing – which takes into account human oversight – is essential.

The new service provides an in-depth scan of the organisation’s network to identify vulnerabilities. It then exploits any vulnerabilities found by replicating the actions of a hacker via a diverse and sustained attack.

PTaaS is preferable to traditional pen testing, which typically only occurs once per year. It represents a significant upgrade on the previous method, which was less precise, more expensive, and more prone to human error. Monthly assessments, however, allow organisations to constantly evaluate and reinforce their systems, enabling them to protect themselves from emerging threats.

Significantly, regular pen testing also enables a reduction in business’ insurance premiums, representing long-term cost savings. As insurance premiums for businesses continue to rise, PTaaS can reduce the likelihood of needing to pay out a ransomware attack – along with the associated costs of a major cybersecurity incident – making them less of a risk to insurance companies.

The new service is being introduced at a time of significant growth for IT.ie. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to double its headcount to 50 people by the end of 2025 and increase annual revenue to €8M.

Wayne Morgan, CTO at IT.ie, said: “To stay ahead of hackers, we must think like them and view our defences as their points of attack. Manual penetration testing led the way for many years, highlighting vulnerabilities in our networks and systems. Identifying these issues internally gave us time and direction to apply remediation steps before falling victim to malicious intent.

“Although this is effective at the time it is carried out, it fails to account for the dynamic nature of cyber threats. Hackers don’t just knock on your door once; they are constantly there, looking for ways in. Automated monthly pen testing is the next generation approach and is a much more effective means of testing your network to highlight any potential weaknesses, helping you to keep hackers at bay. This new innovative service offers cost-effective, monthly assessments, reducing costs and helping achieve regulatory compliance.”

“At IT.ie, we are determined that we remain at the cutting edge of cybersecurity and provide our customers with the most up-to-date services available as we continue to grow, and this new solution adds to our armoury.”

Why to Use Managed WordPress Hosting Instead of Shared Hosting

Finding the right web hosting service for a WordPress site may not always be a straightforward process. There are endless choices of providers and a lot of big promises that will come at you from all directions.

Knowing which type of web hosting is most suitable for your website is the first step you should take before getting into more specific details.

The two types of hosting that the majority of WP sites use are shared web hosting, and managed WordPress hosting.

We’ll focus on the latter type in this article, and we’ll look at some of the main reasons why it can be a superior choice to regular shared hosting.

Higher Server Performance

Despite being a relatively simple content management system, WordPress does consume a sizable chunk of server resources, especially if it is a dynamic website like an e-commerce store.

Managed WP solutions usually offer higher quotas of server resources, which include RAM, CPU, IOPS (input/output operations per second), and database connections. The more of these your website has access to, the better and faster it’ll perform.

Another thing that often distinguishes managed WP hosting is the use of SSD or NVMe SSD storage devices. Since WordPress constantly transfers data from and to the database stored on the server’s disk, the high I/O speed of SSDs leads to faster loading of the site’s pages.

In addition to the increased hardware capabilities, the server’s software comes specifically optimized to work with the WordPress system seamlessly and efficiently.

Enhanced Server and Site Security

Having all the websites on the server use WordPress allows the hosting company to only install the software that is required to run this system and nothing else. This reduces the number of possible server software vulnerabilities and also enables the implementation of strict and customized security configurations.

In addition to that, a malware scanning and removal tool is a standard feature in managed WordPress hosting plans that are particularly aimed at small business WordPress websites. This is a very important security feature since WP websites are a big target for malware attacks.

Essential WP Tools

One of the main conveniences of managed WordPress hosting is that a lot of useful tools come preinstalled and preconfigured for instant use. This can save you the time and effort it takes to search for and install those tools on your own.

Here are a few examples of the most important tools you often get at no additional cost:

Automatic installer: This makes it super quick and easy to set up as many WordPress sites as you need without having to manually upload the files or go through the manual installation steps. An automatic installer will only require you to provide some basic details and check a few boxes, then it takes care of the rest and you’ll be able to log in to your new site within less than a minute or so.

Automatic updates: You won’t need to edit your site’s code in order to enable or disable automatic updates of the core, themes and plugins. You’ll be able to easily manage all automatic update settings from one page.

Staging: This is one of the common reasons many site owners choose managed WordPress hosting over shared hosting. A staging tool allows you to test changes and updates in an offline clone version of your website and then publish those changes to the live version once you are happy with the results.

Caching: A built-in server caching tool helps speed up the loading of the site’s content and can be more efficient than third-party cache plugins.

Automatic backups: Every WordPress site owner should keep daily backups of both the files and the database. Instead of searching for external plugins to do the job, managed WP plans normally include an automated backup tool with an instant restoration function.

Advanced Technical Support

Another key advantage that separates managed WordPress hosting from shared web hosting is that the former usually comes with a more skilled support team.

Many professional WP hosts that target small businesses have knowledgeable support agents who have a high proficiency with technical issues related to WordPress. British companies are often hiring a UK-based WordPress agency to help them enhance their online presence and ensure their sites run smoothly. With specialized expertise, these agencies can optimize site performance, implement custom designs, and provide ongoing support to meet the unique needs of each business.

Shared hosting services may only cover basic server-related support issues, but with a managed WordPress plan, you get more advanced technical support that may cover site-related issues and customization requests.

Some enterprise-grade WordPress hosting providers charge hundreds of dollars per month for an entry-level plan — not because their server equipment or software is more expensive, but because they hire real experts to monitor the services and resolve support requests in a comprehensive and prompt manner.

Managed WordPress vs. Shared Hosting: Summary

The following list sums up the main points we discussed above about the advantages of managed WP hosting over shared web hosting.

Managed WP provides more server resources than shared hosting.

Managed WP servers are optimized for maximum performance and security.

Managed WP comes with automatic installation and updates.

Managed WP includes a staging tool for development and testing purposes.

Managed WP servers are configured for optimal caching.

Managed WP comes with an automatic backup generating and restoring feature.

Managed WP support teams are usually more skilled and helpful compared to shared hosting support.

You should note that each provider may have a different definition of what “managed WordPress” hosting means. You’ll notice that the technical specifications and features vary from one company to another.

It is important that you don’t make any assumptions as to what’s included in the service and what’s not. You should carefully examine all the features of any plan you are interested in before you hit the checkout button.