Tag: project

Digital Transformation Award for Galway Graveyards Project

Galway County Council has picked up one of the main accolades at the Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards 2023 for its innovative digital project that mapped over 40,000 graveyard memorial records across County Galway and made them publicly available online.

The Digital Mapping of Graveyards Project was named overall winner of the ‘Best Community Engagement’ category of the competition at a ceremony held in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel last night (Thursday).

Organised by The Sunday Business Post, the awards recognise the achievements of public sector organisations that have made significant contributions to advancing digital transformation across Ireland.  Galway County Council beat off competition from a shortlist of organisations that included Dublin City Council in partnership with Trinity College Dublin, CAWT and Aurion Learning, Longford County Council and Tipperary County Council to win the top award.

Working with and supported by Galway Rural Development, Forum Connemara, The Heritage Council, The National Monuments Service and Galway County Community Archaeology Service, Galway County Council provided funding to local groups to employ experts to train local communities to use mobile technology and to undertake drone mapping of graveyards resulting in a public release of 40,000 records from across the county via the Local Authority’s Open Data Portal.

Cllr. Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said, “The success of the Digital Mapping of Graveyards Project has been years in the making and is the result of forensic research and cutting-edge surveying work by the Local Authority’s Heritage department and local communities across Galway. This has resulted in a body of work that will be of benefit to the diaspora and academia at home and abroad for years to come.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, commented, “In congratulating everybody involved, I wish to emphasise the significance of the award win for the future development of this innovative project and similar digital projects that seek to record, preserve and share details of Galway heritage for the benefit of future generations. In an effort to digitalise our services Galway County Council has begun the preparation of a Council Digital Strategy and im happy to say this is the first instalment of this progress. I am delighted to confirm that it is proposed to transfer and update more memorial records and to map graveyards and record further memorial inscriptions in the coming months and years.”

Eileen Ruane, Director of Services, Human Resources, Environment, It and Digital Transformation, Galway County Council, stated, “Galway County Council, through its GIS team, has identified the capability of advanced technology to record Galway’s rich heritage in a way that makes it accessible to a much wider audience, as well as providing a valuable resource for researchers and academia. We are immensely proud of our achievement and look forward to developing existing and new projects into the future.”

According to Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer for Galway County Council, “The aim of the project is to support our diaspora and communities to connect with their past by unlocking valuable graveyard information and making it available as open-source data that is free to use. We are delighted with the positive reaction we have received to making the records publicly available online and this national award will inspire us to further expand the project and develop similar heritage-based digital projects.”

As part of the project, Connemara West mapped seven graveyards in Ballinakill Parish, Renvyle, Tooreena, Salrock, Letterfrack Boys Cemetery, Banogues, St Thomas and Ballinakill.

Janet O’Toole of Connemara West said, “The project’s success is the result of dedicated volunteers giving over their time, and expert guidance delivered by the County Heritage Officer, Marie Mannion with her team in the County Council.”

She continued, “We have mapped seven graveyards in this area, and they are now part of this bigger project from the local authority. It’s online and anybody can enter their surname to find where their ancestors are buried.”

Outlining the background to the project, Barry Doyle, Geographic Information System (GIS) project lead for Galway County Council, said, “We have been working with various community groups and organisations to collect and collating valuable data relating to those who are buried in various graveyards for several years. Galway County Council, with funding from the Heritage Council, the Open Data Engagement Fund and its own resources developed and made available a mobile app specifically for use by surveyors at the local level for memorial surveys, along with associated data management and validation processes. This technology, along with drone technology, was made available to local community groups to expand the number of graveyards in the project resulting in the 40,000 records that are now publicly available.”

The Galway County Digital Mapping of Graveyards Project may be viewed at galwaycoco.maps.arcgis.com and data.gov.ie.

What is a Cryptocurrency and How to Start Your Own Crypto Project

The world of digital finance is rapidly evolving, with cryptocurrency at its forefront. It’s a brave new world, full of potential and challenges. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what a cryptocurrency is, why you might want to invest in it, and how to embark on your own crypto project.

Understanding Cryptocurrency: What is a Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency. The word has been making waves in the financial world for a while now. But what is a cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by central banks, cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning they operate on a technology called blockchain, which we’ll get into in the next section. The most famous cryptocurrency is undoubtedly Bitcoin, which was the first to implement blockchain technology and sparked the cryptocurrency revolution.

However, there are now thousands of other cryptocurrencies, collectively known as altcoins (alternative coins). Each one operates a little differently, but they all share the core principles of decentralization, encryption for security, and the use of blockchain technology. Cryptocurrencies can be used for a wide range of transactions, from buying goods and services to investing and beyond.

The Technology Behind Cryptocurrency: Blockchain Explained

Now that we’ve defined what a cryptocurrency is, let’s take a closer look at the technology behind it: blockchain. A blockchain is essentially a digital ledger of transactions that is duplicated and distributed across the entire network of computer systems on the blockchain. Each block in the chain contains a number of transactions, and every time a new transaction occurs on the blockchain, a record of that transaction is added to every participant’s ledger.

The decentralized nature of blockchain networks means that no single entity controls the data. Instead, all participants collectively maintain the network. This decentralization makes the system inherently resistant to fraud and hacking, as there isn’t a single point of failure that can be exploited.

Blockchain technology has far-reaching implications beyond cryptocurrency. It has potential applications in any field that requires secure, transparent transactions, from supply chain management to voting systems.

Why Invest in Cryptocurrency?

Now that you understand what cryptocurrency is and the technology behind it, you might be wondering: why should I invest in cryptocurrency? There are several reasons why investing in cryptocurrency could be a smart move.

Firstly, cryptocurrencies offer a high potential for return. Despite their volatility, the value of many cryptocurrencies has increased significantly over time. For instance, if you had invested just $1 in Bitcoin in 2010, that investment would be worth millions today.

Secondly, cryptocurrencies offer a level of freedom and control not possible with traditional financial systems. As a decentralized system, cryptocurrency is not subject to government control or interference. This means it can provide a level of financial freedom and privacy not possible with traditional currencies.

Lastly, investing in cryptocurrency can be a way to support the technology and the principles behind it. If you believe in the potential of blockchain technology and the benefits of decentralization, investing in cryptocurrency is a way to help make that future a reality.

How to Identify a Promising Cryptocurrency to Invest In

With thousands of cryptocurrencies to choose from, how do you identify a promising cryptocurrency to invest in? Here are a few key things to look for.

Firstly, consider the use case of the cryptocurrency. What problem does it solve or what need does it fulfill? The most successful cryptocurrencies are those that have a clear, compelling use case.

Secondly, look at the team behind the cryptocurrency. Who are they, and what is their track record? A strong, experienced team can greatly increase a cryptocurrency’s chances of success.

Lastly, consider the community around the cryptocurrency. A strong, active community can be a sign of a healthy cryptocurrency.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Own Crypto Project

Starting your own crypto project can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and preparation, it can also be an exciting and rewarding venture. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started.

Firstly, define your concept. What problem will your cryptocurrency solve? What makes it unique? A clear, compelling concept is the foundation of any successful crypto project.

Secondly, assemble your team. Creating a cryptocurrency requires a wide range of skills, from programming to marketing. Assemble a team that can cover all these bases.

Thirdly, develop your blockchain. Your cryptocurrency will need a blockchain to operate on. This could be an existing blockchain, or you could develop your own.

Lastly, launch your ICO (Initial Coin Offering). An ICO is a way to raise funds for your project by selling a portion of your cryptocurrency to early investors.

Key Considerations Before Launching a Blockchain Startup

Before you launch your blockchain startup, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, consider the legal implications. The legal landscape for blockchain and cryptocurrency is complex and varies by jurisdiction. It’s crucial to understand the laws and regulations that apply to your project.

Secondly, secure your funding. Starting a blockchain startup can be expensive, and securing adequate funding is crucial to your project’s success.

Lastly, consider your marketing strategy. How will you attract users to your platform? How will you differentiate yourself from other blockchain startups?

Potential Challenges and Solutions in Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Startup

Like any venture, starting a cryptocurrency and blockchain startup comes with its own set of challenges. However, with careful planning and strategic decision-making, these challenges can be overcome.

According to Coinseeker, one of the biggest challenges is the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Laws and regulations around cryptocurrency and blockchain are still being developed and can vary greatly by jurisdiction. To navigate this challenge, it’s crucial to stay informed about regulatory developments and to seek legal counsel when necessary.

Another challenge is the technical complexity of blockchain technology. Building a blockchain platform requires a high level of technical expertise. To overcome this challenge, you’ll need a strong technical team and possibly the assistance of blockchain development consultants.

Lastly, attracting users to your platform can be a major challenge. To overcome this, you’ll need a strong marketing strategy that clearly communicates the benefits of your platform and differentiates it from others in the market.

Conclusion: The Future of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Startups

In conclusion, the future of cryptocurrency and blockchain startups is bright. Despite the challenges, the potential rewards are immense. As blockchain technology continues to evolve and mature, we can expect to see an increasing number of innovative applications in a wide range of industries.

Whether you’re considering investing in cryptocurrency or starting your own blockchain startup, I hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and practical advice. Remember, the journey might be challenging, but with the right approach and preparation, it can also be an exciting and rewarding adventure.

Dell Technologies introduces Project Fort Zero to Transform Security

Dell Technologies introduces Project Fort Zero to provide an end-to-end Zero Trust security solution for global organizations to protect against cyberattacks. The solution will be validated by the U.S. Department of Defense and is part of a Dell Security portfolio expansion.

Project Fort Zero builds on the momentum of Dell’s Zero Trust Center of Excellence and partner ecosystem to accelerate Zero Trust adoption. Leading an ecosystem of more than 30 leading technology companies, Dell will deliver a validated, advanced maturity Zero Trust solution within the next 12 months.

“Zero Trust is designed for decentralized environments, but integrating it across hundreds of point products from dozens of vendors is complex – making it out of reach for most organizations,” said Herb Kelsey, industry chief technology officer, government, Dell Technologies. “We’re helping global organizations solve today’s security challenges by easing integration and accelerating adoption of Zero Trust.”

Dell Project Fort Zero to deliver validated Zero Trust solution

The fully configured Project Fort Zero solution will lower the barrier to Zero Trust adoption. Dell will take on the technology integration and orchestration that typically falls to individual organizations across several vendors. In doing so, the estimated time for advanced Zero Trust adoption is reduced through a private cloud.

To achieve validation, a government assessment team will evaluate the Project Fort Zero solution for advanced maturity accreditation and certify compliance against the U.S. Department of Defense Zero Trust reference architecture, which is recognized around the world. This end-to-end solution will help global public- and private-sector organizations adapt and respond to cybersecurity risks while offering the highest level of protection.

Project Fort Zero can serve a variety of use cases including:

  • In on-premises data centers for organizations where data security and compliance are paramount.
  • In remote or regional locations like retail stores where secure, real-time analysis of customer data can deliver a competitive advantage.
  • In the field where a temporary implementation is needed in places with intermittent connectivity, like airplanes or vehicles, for operational continuity.

“Organizations are turning to Zero Trust to modernize their cybersecurity programs and keep pace with an evolving attack landscape. But determining where to start, the capabilities to prioritize and the actions needed to progress towards maturity can be complicated,” said John Grady, principal analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group. “Security and IT leaders need help planning their strategy and implementing the tools to support it. Project Fort Zero can help accelerate this process by delivering a repeatable blueprint for an end-to-end solution that is based on a validated reference architecture recognized around the world.”

Dell expands security services portfolio with launch of PSX for Backup

Along with Project Fort Zero, Dell is expanding its security portfolio with Product Success Accelerator (PSX) for Backup, a new service to help organizations protect and recover data in the event of disruption.

PSX for Backup simplifies the implementation and maintenance of backup environments to enable data recovery. It follows the recent release of PSX for Cyber Recovery, which implements and helps operationalize an isolated cyber recovery vault.

Organizations can choose from three levels of backup or cyber recovery based on their needs:

  • Ready includes planning workshops, configuration of a validated backup or vault environment, a success plan, a runbook and outcome-based skills training.
  • Optimize adds quarterly assessments, improvement recommendations and assisted restore test simulations.
  • Operate adds ongoing operational assistance to meet the solution’s performance objectives. Highly skilled experts monitor and investigate alerts, initiate corrective actions and help with restore tasks at the customer’s direction.

Availability

  • Project Fort Zero’s advanced maturity Zero Trust solution will be available to public- and private-sector organizations within the next 12 months.
  • Dell Product Success Accelerator for Backup is now available in locations across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
  • Dell Product Success Accelerator for Cyber Recovery expanded availability to locations in Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, in addition to North America.

Dell Technologies Transforms the Edge with Project Frontier Software Platform

Dell Technologies introduces Project Frontier, which will deliver an edge operations software platform, integrated with Dell’s edge portfolio, for customers to more securely manage and orchestrate edge applications and infrastructure for deployments at global scale.

The complexities of edge operations—in locations from manufacturing floors and retail stores to remote wind turbines—are growing as more organisations want to manage and secure data at the source but have limited IT support to do it. According to a 2022 IDC survey, 42% of businesses say the most challenging aspect of edge deployments is putting together an entire edge solution. With the amount of data generated growing nine times annually and expected to reach 221 exabytes by 2026, organisations need a simple and effective way to manage and secure the diverse ecosystem of edge technologies.

“We’re seeing exponential growth in applications running at the edge, making edge the next frontier of business transformation—where devices, infrastructure and data come together to deliver real-time insights at scale,” said Gil Shneorson, senior vice president of edge solutions, Dell Technologies. “With this growth, comes complexity. It’s not feasible to have IT staff deployed at every edge location. Our decades of edge experience combined with our new solutions help customers simplify their edge and streamline their data to gain insights ranging from factory safety and the speed and precision of patient care in hospitals, while providing more choice in how they realise their edge and multicloud technologies.”

Dell’s Project Frontier to more securely scale edge operations for any enterprise use case

With the Project Frontier edge operations software platform, customers can expect:

  • Their choice of software applications, IoT frameworks, operational technologies (OT), multi-cloud environments and future technologies supported by an open design that will consolidate existing and new enterprise edge use cases.
  • Zero Trust-enabled security protection across edge applications, data and infrastructure, from design to deployment, backed by end-to-end supply chain security measures.
  • Greater efficiency and reliability of end-to-end edge operations with centralised management, zero-touch deployment and secure device on-boarding.
  • Minimal need for IT expertise in the field with automation to streamline edge deployments and operations across potentially thousands of edge locations.
  • Integration of edge compute and storage hardware with workloads for ease of serviceability and increased security.
  • Global planning and support services across 170 countries to help design edge deployments and create a road map for scaling customers’ edge infrastructure to meet new demand.

As an example, Dell Technologies is one of the world’s leading technology manufacturers and manages one of the largest global supply chains. Dell plans to deploy the edge platform to deliver increased production line efficiencies by simplifying operations, securely connecting critical data from the production floor to IT infrastructure and enabling real-time reporting of automation data. Additionally, with the Dell Edge Design Program, Dell is collaborating with customers to help design and shape the development of Project Frontier to meet their specific needs.

“IDC sees a wide range of locations where modern edge workloads will be deployed, and it is critical that these environments are highly resilient and can operate with limited human intervention,” said Jennifer Cooke, IDC Research Director for Edge Strategies. “Dell’s efforts with its Project Frontier look to be a strong step forward in realising an architecture to address these needs and help customers streamline their edge operations.”

“Dell Technologies and Atos have long worked together to deliver more value to businesses by helping them realise the full potential of their data,” said Arnaud Langer, Global Edge and IoT senior product director, Atos. “We look forward to collaborating on new edge innovations that can help organisations significantly simplify and secure their edge while improving business outcomes.”

Innovations across Dell infrastructure and end user portfolio simplify edge deployments

As Project Frontier comes to life, Dell is expanding its current edge portfolio to help businesses scale and manage their edge deployments.

  • Edge analytics and operations: Manufacturers can remove complexities and streamline how they deploy edge applications with an enhanced Dell Validated Design for Manufacturing Edge. The solution now includes new Dell-validated partner applications to support advanced edge use cases and improve factory processes and efficiencies, while reducing waste and raw materials usage for more sustainable operations. For example, Claroty provides asset discovery, network protection, threat detection and vulnerability and risk management for cyber-physical systems. Cognex machine vision helps improve manufacturing quality and performance by eliminating defects, verifying assembly and tracking information during the production process. Telit automates data collection and management from sensors, devices, machines and factories with its IoT platform. XMPro creates composable digital twins of factory operations to help manufacturers save time and materials during the factory operating process. Manufacturers can respond quickly to changes in demand and enable reconfigurable production lines with Dell’s private 5G capability.

  • Edge compute and analytics: The Dell PowerEdge XR4000 is the shortest depth server in the Dell PowerEdge family at about the size of a shoebox. The XR4000 is 60% shorter than traditional data center servers, and its multiple mounting options allow it to be installed in a rack, on walls or ceilings, saving valuable floor space. The multi-node, 2U chassis server can survive unpredictable conditions like heat waves or falls. While small, the XR4000 is a high-performance server capable of supporting a wide range of edge workloads and is designed with Intel® Xeon® D processors with multi-operating system as well as optional GPU support. The XR4000 is available with the Dell Validated Design for Manufacturing Edge and powers new Dell VxRail rugged modular nodes, delivering high performance and scalability in high latency, low bandwidth locations.

  • Edge data collection: Built to withstand the most demanding edge locations, the Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet is the industry’s lightest, most powerful, 12” fully-rugged tablet. Designed to operate in extreme cold and hot environments, this tablet is rated for maximum protection against dust, dirt and water—ideal for first responders and outdoor environments. New Wi-Fi 6E capability with dual-band support provides more reliable connectivity, 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors deliver powerful performance, and optional integrated features, such as a barcode scanner, GPS module and smart-card reader, increase productivity in the field. The tablet is made to be viewed in the brightest, harshest lighting with the largest screen-area for a 12” fully-rugged, military-grade tablet.

Availability

  • Project Frontier’s edge software platform will be available in 2023.
  • Dell Validated Design for Manufacturing Edge enhancements will be available globally in early 2023.
  • Dell PowerEdge XR4000, also available with Dell OEM customizable options, will be available globally in December 2022.
  • Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablets will be available globally by end of 2022.

Cryptocurrency Projects from Meta – What Can They Be?

Rise of the Metaverse

All other disputes on metaverse blockchain and crypto efforts take a back seat to the defining of the metaverse. Many companies are competing to get their seats reserved in the metaverse, with Microsoft, Facebook, and NVidia leading the charge. The metaverse would essentially be a virtual ecosystem, which would be made up of a variety of virtual worlds. In the metaverse, you may access numerous services and apps as independent areas for diverse use cases and applications.

Surprisingly, many people are pessimistic about the metaverse’s future growth prospects. The metaverse, on the other hand, is growing at a breakneck speed. New initiatives continue to develop, with people engaging with one another to bridge various elements of their digital life. The significant role of blockchain in the development of the metaverse is also a potential highlight.

For example, the Binance Smart Chain, which incorporates blockchain, is one of the most promising answers to the question “What is a Metaverse project?” A variety of metaverse apps, including RPG games and a metaverse world, have already been hosted on the Binance Smart Chain. Other initiatives, such as TopGoal, a collectible card game, demonstrate the metaverse’s potential for blockchain-based or crypto ventures.

 

Top Metaverse Blockchain and Crypto Projects

The value propositions supplied by blockchain in the metaverse provide sufficient evidence for the future expansion of metaverse blockchain and crypto initiatives. For harmonizing with the metaverse’s fundamental objective, blockchain offers a safe, cost-effective, and transparent option. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most promising metaverse blockchain and crypto projects with that in mind.

 

  •         Decentraland

One of the very first metaverse pioneers, Decentraland, is essentially a 3D universe. Users may develop virtual real estate plots and engage in a range of other activities in the 3D environment. Players may also organize events, participate in social activities, and create content on Decentraland.

Decentraland, in reality, was a well-known metaverse project long before the hype around the metaverse began to develop. The modest 2D game, which was created in 2016, has grown into one of the finest metaverse games and metaverse crypto projects, with NFTs worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Decentralized has certain characteristics that qualify it for inclusion in a metaverse crypto project list, such as a 3D interface. In-game events, a virtual economy, and social interaction components are among Decentraland’s other metaverse-friendly features. Furthermore, Decentraland’s virtual real estate NFT, known as LAND, has recently achieved extraordinary popularity.

 

  •         Bloktopia

Bloktopia is the second notable addition to the top metaverse blockchain and crypto initiatives. It’s essentially a virtual reality metaverse game that requires you to play in a skyscraper-filled world. The structure is 21 floors tall, representing the entire number of Bitcoins in circulation, which is 21 million. Its major purpose is to serve as a hub for socializing, work, events, and a range of other activities in the metaverse. Bloktopia makes use of the Polygon blockchain to provide the four main features of studying, earning, playing, and creating.

Bloktopia’s four different blockchain-enabled functions solidify its place among the best metaverse blockchain projects of today. It’s a good place to start if you’re interested in learning more about blockchain and its role in the metaverse. The native token of Bloktopia, BLOK, also uses the play-to-earn system. It also facilitates real estate through Reblok and provides advertising options through Adblok. Users may also play a variety of user-created games in addition to content and design their own gaming environments.

 

  •         The Sandbox

The Sandbox is another significant addition to the list of finest metaverse crypto projects. In the metaverse, it’s essentially a blockchain game that allows users to explore a virtual universe. NFTs, user-created environments, and other material are all part of The Sandbox’s virtual universe. The Sandbox has evolved into a complex ecosystem in which Ether and SAND, the native currency of the Sandbox, is utilized to power the in-game economy.

Players may establish their own digital identities and avatars, which they can attach to a cryptocurrency wallet to manage their NFTs and shiba inu crypto, as well as other blockchain assets. Players might construct virtual objects and games with exclusive economic potential as NFTs using powerful programs.

 

  •         Enjin

Because of its unique features, Enjin is an essential addition to a list of metaverse crypto projects. It’s a blockchain platform that lets users produce NFTs, which can then be used as in-game cash. Enjin has successfully released software development kits (SDKs) to facilitate the construction of Ethereum-based NFTs. Enjin pledges to build a safe infrastructure for minting NFTs, as they have become a vital part of the metaverse.

The liquidity for NFTs is the most remarkable feature of Enjin as one of the leading metaverse blockchain projects. NFTs, in general, suffer from illiquidity as a result of the requirement to find a buyer. You may, on the other hand, exchange your Enjin NFT into ENJ tokens and acquire the value you want for your NFT. Enjin fosters scarcity and digital collectability in addition to providing liquidity, making it suitable for usage in the metaverse.

 

  •         Star Atlas

Star Atlas is the ultimate and most likely one of the most inventive metaverse crypto projects. It’s a brand-new gaming universe built on multiplayer video games, real-time visuals and experiences, decentralized financial systems, and blockchain technology. In its foundations on the Solana blockchain, Star Atlas clearly crosses the gap between metaverse and blockchain technology.

In Star Atlas gaming metaverse, users may buy digital assets like land, equipment, ships, and crew. In addition, Star Atlas contains an in-game monetary system called POLIS, which is used to support a variety of in-game functions. Because of its multiple unique functionalities and engaging experiences, Star Atlas has the potential to quickly rise among the top metaverse crypto projects in the future.

Conclusion

The metaverse is the hottest trend in technology right now. The rebranding of Facebook and the dramatic increase in the value of metaverse tokens provide important evidence for the metaverse’s viability. Furthermore, metaverse blockchain initiatives provide the ideal motivation for combining blockchain with metaverse.

In the metaverse, however, we are still in the early stages of development. Simultaneously, the number of metaverse projects is significantly expanding. Interoperability, security, ownership, and decentralization are all characteristics that blockchain may provide in the metaverse. Will the blockchain-metaverse connection thrive in the future? To uncover your answers, learn everything there is to know about the metaverse right now.