Tag: #software

Top 7 Python Development Companies

Most people do not understand the true power of a programming language. Instagram, Youtube, Spotify, Reddit, even Google all have one thing in common – they all use Python. Whether it’s powering dynamic websites, crunching massive datasets, or streamlining repetitive tasks, Python’s versatility and simplicity make it an undeniable leader among all available high-level programming languages. Any python software company is truly a cornerstone of modern IT sphere.

But the magic of Python alone isn’t enough — choosing the suitable company can make or break your project. And among a wide range of the python programming companies presented on the IT market nowadays, it is all the more challenging to pick the right one.  

1. Imaginary Cloud: Experts in Building User-Friendly Applications 

Imaginary Cloud is a seasoned player in the sphere of Python development, with a rich history of producing top-tier digital solutions for the past 14 years. They were founded in 2010. They have received numerous honours, including Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies and Top 1000 Global Companies in 2020 & 2021. Over the years, Imaginary Cloud has honed its skills in Python, making it a go-to partner for businesses seeking innovative solutions. 

They are known for creating user-focused applications, and, moreover, provide full transparency and clear communication which makes them reliable and trust-worthy. They take strong ownership of the projects, meaning you can expect a partner ready to help you every step of the way. 

They also have a proven track record of delivering high-quality solutions. Some of the projects they developed over the years are a publicly accessible website and a subscription-based web application for Confinze, giving Confinze’s clients access to their financial information; improvement of an iOS app for Jinga Life, which is a digital, personalised, family health platform; digitalization of UNUA’s workflow by designing an iPad app and a backoffice app meant for supporting sellers during the sales process and for managing factory orders.

2. Toptal: Connecting Businesses with Top Python Developers 

With Toptal, you are welcome to a network of the top freelance software developers, designers, marketing experts, finance experts etc. It only accepts 3% of the applications after a thorough screening. Veritable crème-de-la-crème of developers and specialists. Their exclusive network of Python developers will not just meet your expectations, they will exceed it with value adds that will further enhance your project. 

One of Toptal’s standout features is its flexible collaboration models. They provide their clients with a choice – whether they want to work with a freelance developer directly, outsource the development or hire developer for a certain project, Toptal provides a solution. 

Startups and large enterprises alike benefit from Toptal’s curated talent pool. Developers associated with Toptal are tested on their soft skills. They are not only amazing workers, but also great teammates. Moreover, there is always a trial period while working with a new freelancer that Toptal connected you with.

3. Evrone: Innovation and High-Quality Development 

Established in 2008, Evrone has emerged as a leading IT outsourcing company specializing in high-load system development for web, mobile, blockchain, and more. On their website you can see the results of their work for yourself. It is genuinely amazing how much they accomplished. More than 400 implemented projects and 150 international awards (WEB GURU, CSSLight, Awwwards etc) definitely make them a market leader in this sphere. 

Evrone’s most desirable perk is their enormous team of high-class professionals. More than 300 people are working on the projects, keeping up with new trends and developments. And those who work with them obviously trust them since 70% of their revenue come from long-term contracts with companies from more than 30 countries. Examples include a big data processing service for the advertising agency SberMarketing, evolution and implementation of new features for a crypto payment processing service, a website for a major corporation in the proptech and development sector “Samolet”.  

Evrone’s main areas of expertise include web development, analytics, and custom solutions. Their comprehensive service offerings encompass agile software development, software architecture consulting, digital transformation, and more, ensuring clients receive end-to-end support for their projects. That is exactly why this is the best company for all your python outsourcing needs.

4. Merixstudio: Integrating Python Solutions for Businesses 

Merixstudio is a Polish top python development company recognized for its expertise. Established in 1999, it’s a full-stack agile firm that helps you all through the planning, designing, and development of your web applications and digital products.  

The company specializes in developing solutions for SaaS products and startup projects. They develop e-commerce sites on daily basis, usually with the usage of Magento technology. Their core competencies and skills that make them stand out include creating top of the line web applications and UX/UI design.  

Merixstudio combines innovation with adherence to high development standards to produce exceptional results. Varying skillsets and perspectives presented in their teams are another welcome bonus.

5. DOIT Software: Custom Applications and Turnkey Solutions 

DOIT Software help enterprises, SMEs, and startups to solve unique business challenges to achieve significant results. The company is renowned for creating custom applications and turnkey solutions that address unique business needs. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, DOIT Software has become a reliable ally for organizations across diverse industries.

Their portfolio showcases successful projects such as advanced CRM systems and tools for business process automation. Example of these include a proactive network relationship management solution NRM, a mobile app to support a healthcare solution provider ID-Queue’s interpreting services and many others, detailed on their website in the portfolio section.

DOIT Software employs a result-oriented approach. They promise to their clients that they will keep in-house-like control over the project and team while building a long-term engagement with the company.

6. STX Next: Europe’s Largest Python Development Firm 

Since its establishment in 2005, STX Next has grown into Europe’s largest python programming company. Boasting of some of the finest Python developers in their staff of more than five hundred, they can supercharge your project with extraordinary code. Over the 19 years, STX Next has earned a global reputation for delivering high-quality software solutions powered by Python among clients from Canada, South Africa, Australia, Scandinavia, Western Europe, and the Middle East. Some of the companies that STX Next has done projects for include Sendcloud based in Netherlands, Procsea in France, VetMedux in USA and many others.

STX Next specializes in large-scale projects, offering end-to-end services for businesses requiring robust and scalable solutions. If you need to scale your project up or down depending on your budget and needs, it can be done very easily with STX Next.

7. BairesDev: A Global Team of Python Developers

BairesDev is one of the fastest-growing international outsourcing companies. They have been reimagining the tech landscape for more than a decade, transforming Fortune 500 brands and leading companies across multiple industries and verticals. Their scalable and high-performing software solutions for various clients across the globe are definitely worth considering.

The company’s portfolio includes collaborations with numerous Fortune 500 companies including Google, Rolls-Royce, Adobe and many more, showcasing its ability to handle large-scale and high-stakes projects. BairesDev’s core services include: 

  • web development 
  • mobile app creation 
  • data analysis. 

They deliver a variety of custom web development projects, from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to SaaS applications using Python and other tools. 

Python has earned its place as one of the most widely used programming languages, powering everything from web applications to data analytics and automation. It has been around since 1991 and as of right now it is the most popular programming language. The global demand for it only increases with passing years, as is evident by the success of the top 7 python development companies. 

Collaborating with professional Python developers unlocks the full potential of this programming language. It is used by the companies in a variety of ways, to work with artificial intelligence, with game development and graphic design etc. The best companies for python developers featured in this article show a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. They can fulfill many functions for their clients, such as consulting, testing their projects, debugging them.

How Does Automated Scheduling Help Salons Enhance Efficiency During Peak Times?

Salons often face challenges when managing peak times and reducing no-shows. Automated scheduling offers a solution that streamlines the booking process and provides useful tools. With automated scheduling, salons can efficiently handle high-demand periods and reduce the occurrence of no-shows. This technology allows clients to book appointments easily online, providing real-time availability and minimizing the risk of double bookings.

By integrating automated reminders, salons can significantly cut down on last-minute cancellations. These reminders, sent through SMS or email, ensure clients remember their appointments, which helps maintain a steady business flow. Additionally, shift scheduling and performance tracking aid in optimizing staff management, making it easier to handle busy times.

Using tools such as Time Tailor, salons can benefit from online booking and appointment management without the burden of extra costs. This improves customer satisfaction by providing a seamless booking experience and boosts employee morale by reducing scheduling conflicts and manual errors.

The Value of Automated Scheduling in Salons

Automated scheduling benefits salons by managing busy times and cutting down on missed appointments. Using technology helps salons operate smoothly, making both staff and clients happier.

Streamlining Appointments During Peak Times

During peak hours, salons often see rushed staff and long wait times. Automated scheduling tools help efficiently organize bookings. They offer a clear view of available times and manage client flow, reducing busy periods’ chaos. This keeps both staff stress and customer frustration low.

Such systems also help with staffing. They show peak demand times so managers can adjust shifts and avoid being short-staffed. This ensures everyone, including clients and stylists, has a better experience.

Besides managing the calendar, automated scheduling supports online booking. Clients can book appointments at their convenience, even after hours. This feature attracts more clients and offers flexibility, increasing bookings during busy times.

Minimizing No-Shows With Automated Reminders

Missed appointments can be a major issue, affecting revenue and scheduling. Automated reminders via texts or emails offer a way to address this problem. By reminding clients of their upcoming visits, salons see fewer missed appointments.

These reminders are typically sent automatically, reducing the need for staff to follow up manually. This saves time and lets staff focus on other tasks. Reminders can also be sent through SMS or email, ensuring clients remember their bookings regardless of preference.

Additionally, reminders allow clients to confirm or reschedule their appointments. This helps salons fill any suddenly available slots, maximizing time and resources.

Implementing Automation for Optimal Results

Salons often face challenges during peak times and with no-shows. Automation can help by improving efficiency and guaranteeing smooth scheduling. Choosing the right software, training staff effectively, and maintaining personal interactions is important.

Selecting the Right Scheduling Software

Choosing the right scheduling software is important for salons. They should look for features like automated reminders, real-time availability, and mobile access. Software that integrates with existing systems can make transitions easier.

Assessing needs helps identify important features. Software that offers customizable reminders and easy calendar management can be beneficial. Guaranteeing the privacy and security of client data should also be a top priority. Reviewing several options can help salons find software that suits their business needs.

Training Staff on Automated Systems

Proper training is necessary for staff to use automated systems effectively. Training should cover all software features and include hands-on practice. Staff should know how to input client details, manage appointments, and handle any technical issues.

Regular training sessions can keep staff updated with software changes or upgrades. Offering support and using training materials, such as video tutorials or manuals, can improve understanding. Feedback from staff can identify areas needing more attention, thus improving the overall use of the system.

Balancing Human Touch with Automation

Automation can make scheduling smoother, but preserving the personal touch is important. Salons can use automation to handle routine tasks while focusing on personalized client interactions.

Staff should be trained to handle customer inquiries swiftly. Personal greetings on automated messages can make communications feel warmer and more personal. Salons can also allow clients to speak with staff for customized services, guaranteeing satisfaction and building customer loyalty. Balancing automation with human interaction means efficiency without sacrificing service quality.

Conclusion

Automated scheduling helps salons effectively handle busy hours by offering real-time availability updates and reducing booking errors. This technology allows salon staff to focus more on serving clients than managing appointments.

By sending automatic reminders via SMS and email, no-shows and last-minute cancellations can significantly decrease. Clients appreciate the convenience of receiving these reminders, helping them remember their appointments.

In conclusion, automated scheduling is a valuable tool for salon management. It optimizes time management and improves customer satisfaction by minimizing errors and improving communication with clients. Embracing these systems is a smart move for salons aiming to improve their operations.

Square Kiosk launches in Ireland to make restaurant ordering faster and more intuitive

Square unveiled Square Kiosk, a fully integrated software, hardware, and payments solution that enables self-serve ordering for quick-service restaurants.

Designed to help fast-moving and fast-growing restaurants deliver a smooth service experience and keep queues to a minimum, Square Kiosk empowers guests to customise and place orders in under 60 seconds through its sleek and intuitive design, an easy-to-use interface, and embedded contactless and chip payment technology.

Amid concerns about increased costs in the hospitality industry and difficulty finding skilled personnel, Square Kiosk also untethers restaurant staff from the counter, freeing them to focus on other tasks.

For customers, using Square Kiosk is a sleek and simple experience that lets them bypass lines and easily customise their orders.

According to the 2024 Future of Commerce report, 78% of customers prefer to place orders through self-serve kiosks or online, and Square Kiosk’s intuitive UI and built-in payments lets diners quickly and easily order their food.

Guests are able to select exactly what they want, with customisation options being sent directly to the kitchen, and restaurants can grow their check sizes by offering upgrades and add-ons on every order without any awkward exchanges.

“With the evolution of technology in the hospitality industry, Irish diners have come to expect speed and convenience when ordering, and Square Kiosk delivers on that,” says Róisín O’Brien, Head of Product Marketing for Square in Ireland.

“Amid staffing challenges, growing costs and shrinking margins, Square Kiosk also gives operators the ability to staff up other areas of their businesses while streamlining service and cutting down on wait time for customers. Our goal is to help restaurateurs adapt to new market demands while optimising their resources, allowing them to focus on what they do best: providing an exceptional dining experience.”

Square Kiosk works seamlessly with Square for Restaurants and Square’s broader ecosystem of customer engagement and business insights tools. It’s easy for restaurants to set up, saves precious counter space, and can be placed anywhere – from the wall to flat on the counter to mounted on a floor stand or swing-arm.

Square Kiosk tracks sales data and instantly syncs menu updates, ensuring that customers have real-time visibility into what’s currently available.

The new Square Kiosk is available online at the Square Shop, starting at EUR119 (iPad not included) with an additional EUR 35 monthly software fee per device – this fee will be waived for early adopters through the end of December 2024. The Bosstab Floor Stand is also available as an optional add-on. For more information visit https://squareup.com/ie/en/point-of-sale/restaurants/kiosk-software

The Benefits of Using Invoicing Software for Your Business

Businesses today face numerous challenges when managing their finances, and invoicing is one area where many organizations struggle. Manual invoicing processes can be time-consuming and error-prone, leading to cash flow problems and unhappy customers. Invoicing software streamlines this process, giving businesses the tools to manage their billing efficiently and effectively. Several features and benefits of invoicing software include automation, improved accuracy, enhanced reporting capabilities, and increased professionalism. Choosing the right invoicing software can significantly improve operational efficiency and contribute to building better relationships with clients.

Streamlining Invoice Creation

Creating invoices can often be laborious and prone to mistakes when done manually. Invoicing software offers templates and customizable options, allowing businesses to quickly and easily create professional-looking invoices. Users can input product details, pricing, and customer information, and the software automatically calculates totals, taxes, and discounts. This saves valuable time and ensures accuracy—reducing the risk of disputes or delays in payment. One of the trusted Prime Software options available can significantly simplify this critical business function. Most invoicing software allows for recurring invoices, meaning businesses can automate billing for regular clients. This feature particularly benefits service-based companies with subscription models or ongoing contracts. Automating these processes frees staff to focus on more strategic tasks rather than spending hours on administrative work.

Enhancing Payment Tracking

One of the challenges businesses face is keeping track of payments and outstanding invoices. Invoicing software often includes payment tracking features that provide a real-time view of receivables, allowing companies to monitor their cash flow effectively. Users can see which invoices have been paid, which are overdue, and how long payments typically take. This transparency helps companies identify trends and adjust their billing processes accordingly. Moreover, many invoicing platforms integrate with payment systems, enabling clients to pay invoices directly online. This convenience can significantly expedite payment times, improving cash flow for the business. By efficiently tracking payment history and patterns, companies can make informed decisions about credit policies and which customers to target for follow-ups.

Increasing Professionalism

Professionalism can significantly influence a company’s image and customer relationships. Using invoicing software elevates the quality of invoices sent to clients, portraying a competent and organized business. High-quality, customized invoices with branding elements like logos and colors can create a memorable impression. Furthermore, personalizing communication in the invoices, such as including messages or terms, can enhance client relationships. An automated reminder system can also maintain communication with clients regarding payments, showing that a business values professionalism in its financial dealings. In an increasingly competitive market, establishing a cohesive brand image through invoicing becomes essential in gaining clients’ trust and loyalty.

Improving Financial Reporting

Having access to insightful financial data is integral to making wise business decisions. Invoicing software generally provides users with powerful reporting functionalities that allow easy access to critical financial metrics. Businesses can run reports on outstanding invoices, payment trends, and revenue forecasts, which can help in budgeting and strategic planning. Some advanced platforms even offer customizable reports, enabling users to focus on specific areas of interest. This level of reporting can lead to enhanced forecasting accuracy and better cash flow management. With detailed reports, decision-makers can identify their top clients and common payment delays and adjust their strategies to optimize financial performance. Therefore, invoicing software can transform data into valuable insights that propel businesses toward growth and stability.

Reducing Errors and Disputes

Error-free invoicing is fundamental for maintaining solid relationships with customers. Manual invoicing methods are susceptible to mistakes, often leading to payment disputes and frustration. Invoicing software significantly reduces this risk by automating much of the invoicing process. The automated calculations and data entry features minimize the likelihood of human error. Moreover, software typically allows for pre-approval of invoices, ensuring all details are accurate before they reach the client. An organized digital record can help clarify misunderstandings quickly and efficiently during disputes. Therefore, businesses can maintain trust and satisfaction among their clients, reinforcing long-term relationships critical for sustainability.

Encouraging Faster Payments

Receiving payments promptly is vital for maintaining healthy cash flow. Invoicing software can implement features that foster quicker payment cycles. Many platforms support multiple payment options, enabling customers to pay through their preferred method: credit: credit card, ACH transfer, or online payment services. The convenience of readily available options removes barriers and encourages prompt payments. Furthermore, automated reminders can notify clients about upcoming or overdue invoices, gently nudging them to make payments without feeling pressured. These features significantly shorten the average payment cycle, improving the overall financial health of businesses. Ultimately, quicker payment collections lead to better resource allocation and growth potential.

Boosting Remote Work Capabilities

As businesses navigate remote work challenges, reliable tools are increasingly critical. Invoicing software often offers cloud-based solutions that allow access from anywhere. Teams can collaborate on invoices, track payments, and generate reports regardless of location. This flexibility enhances productivity and ensures billing cycles remain unaffected by geographical limitations. Additionally, cloud storage creates a secure environment for sensitive financial data, reducing the likelihood of loss. Organizations can implement invoicing practices that remain agile and adaptable, aligning with the modern work environment. Therefore, investing in invoicing software is essential, especially for remote teams, as it maintains efficiency and accountability.

Facilitating Tax Preparation

Tax season can be stressful for many businesses, but proper invoicing software can simplify this process considerably. Comprehensive invoicing platforms often include features that track sales tax automatically, ensuring compliance with local regulations. By storing all financial data in one system, businesses can quickly access income information and expenses related to invoicing for tax reporting. This centralized approach reduces the time and hassle of sorting paper invoices or disparate systems. Additionally, reports generated throughout the year can help business owners identify deductible expenses and optimize their tax strategies. By utilizing invoicing software, organizations can confidently prepare for tax season, knowing their data is organized, accurate, and readily accessible.

Taking Control of Cash Flow Management

Effective cash flow management is a cornerstone of business sustainability. Invoicing software plays a crucial role by providing businesses with the tools to monitor their financial health continuously. Features such as cash flow insights, real-time updates on outstanding invoices, and trend analyses can help owner-managers understand better how money moves in and out of their businesses. With the ability to forecast cash flow based on upcoming invoices and historical payment patterns, business leaders can anticipate needs and adjust strategies accordingly. Implementing invoicing software can improve liquidity, which is essential for meeting payroll, settling debts, and reinvesting in growth opportunities. By leveraging the insights provided by invoicing software, businesses enhance their capacity to navigate financial ups and downs seamlessly.

 

 

Utilizing invoicing software brings numerous benefits that can significantly enhance the functionality of a business. The efficiency gains are undeniable, from streamlining invoice creation to improving payment tracking. The professional image created through high-quality invoices can refine the client experience and establish trust. Enhanced reporting capabilities empower businesses to make data-driven decisions while error reduction fosters more robust relationships. Furthermore, features encouraging faster payments are vital in cash flow management. As the business landscape evolves, partnering with trusted invoicing solutions remains crucial for long-term success.

 

Lero technological research could enable older people to live independently reducing the stress for them and those who support their self-reliance

Improving technology-enabled home care for older people to help Ireland reduce the annual €500 million impact on the economy from people falling – especially those over 65 – is one of the goals of a new interdisciplinary research programme at Lero, the University of Limerick-based Research Centre for Software.

A two-year €140,000 research programme focussing on technology-enabled care (TEC) in home environments is being part-funded by Shannon-headquartered Ei Electronics, one of Ireland’s leading indigenous electronics manufacturing and exporting companies, employing 1,250 worldwide.

Lero researcher Associate Professor Katie Crowley said that while technology-enabled care (TEC) in home environments currently has support items such as motion sensors and panic buttons, the innovative development and use of technology can help people function safely and remain at home longer.

Dr Crowley, who is also attached to The Ageing Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Limerick (UL), added: “One example of this is in relation to falls. The National Health Service in the UK report that approximately 1 in 3 adults over 65 years and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year.  “In Ireland, the economic impact of falls is €500 million annually, according to data from the Health Service Executive. For the elderly, having a fear of falling significantly increases the chance of having a fall, and emerging evidence suggests that having monitoring technology reduces this fear, leading to improved mobility for the older person,” added Dr Crowley, who lectures in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at UL.

Lero lead researcher Prof. Ita Richardson believes a growing need exists to modify and integrate occupational home practice with innovative technology and software, changing homecare significantly for older people who often have cognitive, physical, caregiving and healthcare needs. “Initially, we need to understand how older people’s lives and the lives of their formal and informal carers could change through TEC,” said Prof. Richardson, who also shares her expertise with ARC.

The Lero team also includes Dr Ann-Marie Morrissey, who brings occupational therapy expertise to the project.

Ei Electronics head of research and development Mike Keegan said they are delighted to work with Lero, whose work in connected health, driverless vehicles, smart communities, and other areas is world-leading.

“At Ei Electronics, we are all about deploying dependable technologies to improve people’s living environment today and into the future. Where lives are at risk, especially among older adults living independently, nothing can be left to chance, and we hope this programme can make life less stressful for those living by themselves and those supporting that independence,” he added.

Big Red Cloud partners with GoCardless to streamline payments for accountants and SMEs

Big Red Cloud, the Dublin headquartered online accounting software business and UK’s GoCardless, the bank payment company, have expanded their relationship. Through Big Red Cloud’s integration of GoCardless’ payment capabilities into its platform, its customers can now, for the first time, use Direct Debit to automatically collect and reconcile recurring payments from their own clients directly.

In addition to helping accountants and SMEs reduce late payments and bad debt, the integration project will also free up time so they can focus on client-facing activities.

In a further initiative, before the end of 2024,  Big Red Cloud will also add GoCardless’ open banking-powered payment feature, Instant Bank Pay. This will provide accountants an alternative for instant, one-off payments without the high fees associated with traditional card transactions.

Marc O’Dwyer, CEO at Big Red Cloud said: “We are really pleased to be expanding our relationship with GoCardless. As a customer already using GoCardless for our own business, it was a natural step for us to look at how we might bring these benefits to our customers.

“Our goal is to simplify financial management for accountants, and a large part of that is making sure they have access to the latest payment technology. By partnering with innovators such as GoCardless, we are able to deliver – and we know first-hand how it revolutionises the payment experience for the better.”

Jolawn Victor, Chief Growth Officer at GoCardless, said: “We believe accountants should be successful because of the valuable advice and services they provide to clients. Building on our relationship with Big Red Cloud enables us to bring faster, cheaper and more secure payments to our joint merchants and their customers, freeing up time for accountants who can take payments off their list and get back to serving their clients.”

The partnership strengthens GoCardless’ position in the accounting sector, building on existing integrations with a number of major players in the space.

Big Red Cloud is based in Dun Laoghaire in South Dublin and has 75,000 online customers for its accounting software products.

ESET bulks up its ESET HOME consumer protections against identity theft, ransomware, phishing, and more

ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, has announced the launch of its upgraded consumer offering ESET HOME Security, introducing new features such as ESET Folder Guard and Multithread Scanning, together with an overall improvement of its capabilities. Identity Protection featuring Dark Web Monitoring is now globally available.

These enhancements to ESET HOME Security, as an all-in-one solution for consumers, correspond to the increasing number of advanced, automated, and AI-driven threats targeting individuals and address growing concerns about data privacy, ransomware attacks, phishing, and scams.

Despite being packed with the latest technology, ESET HOME Security remains easy to use thanks to ESET HOME, a comprehensive security management platform available across all major operating systems — Windows, macOS, Android, iOS — and covering all typical smart home devices. Now ESET HOME Security offers even more formidable protection for entire households.

“As a progressive digital life protection vendor, ESET is dedicated to always being one step ahead of adversaries. Our team of experts created a powerful digital life protection solution that blends more than 30 years of human expertise with artificial intelligence, multilayered security technology, and live cloud protection. Following a prevention-first approach that stops threats before they can do any harm, ESET HOME Security brings peace of mind regarding privacy and security, while staying user-friendly, powerful, light, and fast,” said Viktória Ivanová, Vice President of Consumer and IoT Segment at ESET.

To complement the long list of already existing layers of protection, including Antivirus & Antispyware, Firewall, Ransomware Shield, Anti-Phishing, Safe Banking, Safe Browsing, Password Manager, VPN, and Anti-Theft — to name just a few — new features and upgrades have been added:

New Dark Web Monitoring — ESET Identity Protection* scours websites on the dark web, black market chat rooms, blogs, and other data sources to detect the illegal trading and selling of users’ personal information. ESET technology sends prompt alerts so users can take immediate action.

New ESET Folder Guard — This technology helps protect Windows users’ valuable data from malicious apps and threats, such as ransomware, worms, and wipers (malware that can damage users’ data). Users can create a list of protected folders — files in these folders can’t be modified or deleted by untrusted applications.

New Multithread Scanning — Improves scanning performance for multi-core processor devices using Windows by distributing scanning requests among available CPU cores. There can be as many scanning threads as the machine has processor cores.

New Link Scanner — This feature improves ESET Mobile Security Anti-Phishing that, in general, blocks potential phishing attacks coming from websites or domains listed in the ESET malware database. The Link Scanner is an additional layer of protection for Android smartphone users that allows ESET Mobile Security to check every link a user tries to open, not only those coming from supported websites and social network apps. For instance, if a user receives a phishing link in a game app and opens it, the link is first redirected to the ESET Mobile Security app, where it is checked, before being redirected to the browser. If the user is using an unsupported browser, the Link Scanner will block the malicious link in this case.

Improved Gamer Mode — This feature is for users who demand uninterrupted usage of their software without pop-up windows and want to minimize CPU usage. The improved version allows users to create a list of apps automatically starting gamer mode. For cautious players, there is also a new option to display interactive alerts while gamer mode is running.

Improved Password Manager — ESET Password Manager now includes an option to remotely log out of Password Manager when it is logged in on other devices. Users can check their password against the password breach list and view a security report that informs users if they use any weak or duplicate passwords for their stored accounts. Password Manager has an integrated option to use third-party programs as an optional two-factor authentication (2FA).

Improved Cyber Security for Mac users — ESET HOME Security tiers for Mac users now have a new unified Firewall with both basic and advanced setup options in the main Graphical User Interface (GUI). This means the solution is tailored to the needs of users from basic to more advanced, without unnecessary settings.

This robust all-in-one security product is an ideal solution for all who have concerns beyond general cybersecurity, and it includes privacy protection, identity protection, performance optimization, device protection, and smart home protection. Because in a world of advanced cyberthreats, quality matters.

More information about the consumer offering and subscription tiers can be found here.

Ardanis Technologies Creates 20 New Jobs and has Invested €2m in Aileen, its AI Solution

Irish software and digital consulting company Ardanis Technologies is creating 20 new jobs to support Aileen, the company’s new AI solution.  Aileen is a generative solution developed for call / contact centres.

New jobs will be created over the next 12 months and will include roles in sales, marketing, support, and innovative AI-driven technology.

Aileen was developed by Ardanis and is designed to be intelligent, adaptable and can integrate into all existing systems used by call/contact centres.  A key challenge for call centres/contact centres is managing call volumes and other inbound requests such as email, which need to be routed to the correct agents for processing. Aileen enables contact centres to fully automate this process, which frees up the agents to provide a better and quicker experience to their customers, while allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks.

“Aileen has resulted in the opening of new opportunities for Ardanis”, explains Ivan Goor, Group CEO at Ardanis.  “Aileen has proven that with the right blend of technology and human expertise, even the most complex problems can be solved, leading to happier customers, more empowered agents, and a brighter future for the contact centre industry”.

Aileen is a generative AI solution and goes beyond traditional rule-based AI by combining advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) with flow-based, agentic workflows to deliver context-aware, adaptive, and emotionally intelligent responses.  While LLMs enable Aileen to understand and generate human-like text by processing vast amounts of training data, the flow-based architecture allows Aileen to execute complex, multi-step tasks in a structured and efficient manner.  This dual approach enables the AI to understand the nuances of human communication while managing interactions dynamically through predefined workflows.

“Aileen has been designed to enhance the customer experience landscape”, concludes Ivan. “Ardanis will support every business in achieving its vision by reducing process lifecycles from hours to seconds”.

Lero partners with Arm to build prototype car cameras for enhanced road safety

Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre for Software, has today announced an innovative new partnership with Arm, the global semiconductor and software leader. The research project, valued at €566,000, is designed to explore new technologies that will enable cars to see and react to their surroundings faster, more intelligently and more effectively.

A four-year collaboration between Lero and Arm, the ARMADAS1 project is focused on the development of next-generation car camera systems. The project will explore the optimisation of artificial intelligence to enhance how vehicles perceive their surroundings.

The research is being led by Professor Patrick Denny of Lero, who is Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Imaging at University of Limerick and an expert in automotive imaging.

The ambitious project is designed to help reduce road accidents by modelling advanced imaging systems for vehicles that are more responsive than existing technology.

“As car camera systems become increasingly sophisticated and AI is deployed across the vehicle, this research aims to explore the potential of smarter, more responsive imaging systems optimised for computers rather than humans. The collaboration between Lero and Arm could revolutionise the way vehicles perceive their environments by optimising cameras and sensing systems for AI processing, enabling cars to sense and react faster to their environment,” explained Prof. Denny.

“The automotive market is going through an unprecedented transformation and as part of this, we’re seeing an explosion in the demand for AI across the vehicle,” said Andy Rose, VP Technology Strategy and Fellow, Arm. “Bringing together Arm’s technical expertise and market knowledge with Lero’s internationally recognised software and computer imaging research capabilities, this project has the potential to drive exciting new developments for next-generation automotive vision systems.”

This research will benefit drivers, the public, and vulnerable road users. The project’s advancements have the potential to not only help make cars smarter but also empower chip manufacturers to develop innovative new products for this market.