Analysis Cloud Talking Tech Sense

Introducing the Databricks data lakehouse architecture as a modern solution for data management. It explains how this architecture combines the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of data lakes with the analytical capabilities of data warehouses, aiming to eliminate data silos and accelerate data and AI initiatives. The book discusses the limitations of traditional data warehouses and data lakes, highlighting the need for a unified platform that supports diverse data types and workloads, including business intelligence (BI), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI). Furthermore, the text explores the underlying technologies like Delta Lake and Unity Catalog, which provide data reliability and unified governance, and details how the data lakehouse forms the foundation for data intelligence platforms. Get the book for free: https://www.databricks.com/resources/ebook/the-data-lakehouse-for-dummies?scid=701Vp00000MdUO9IAN&utm_source=databricks&utm_medium=email

The European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA), a legislative package designed to establish a safer and more equitable online environment. The DSA focuses on protecting online users' fundamental rights and addressing the spread of illegal content and disinformation by imposing tiered obligations on digital services, with the strictest rules applying to Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) based on user numbers. It aims to increase transparency in content moderation, prohibit targeted advertising based on sensitive data or for minors, and provide users with mechanisms to report illegal content and challenge moderation decisions. The DMA targets large "gatekeeper" platforms to ensure fair business practices and foster competition and consumer choice within the digital market. Both acts include significant penalties for non-compliance and are enforced through a cooperative framework involving the European Commission and national Digital Services Coordinators.

In this TechSence podcast we look at a new publication from Eurostat. This publication is an interactive online report from Eurostat, which provides statistical data and insights into the state of digitalisation across Europe as of 2025. It examines the digital skills of individuals, noting that a significant portion still lack basic proficiency despite high internet usage. The publication also analyses how businesses adopt technology, including the use of artificial intelligence and cloud services, and highlights the progress and challenges faced by enterprises in reaching digital intensity targets. Furthermore, it explores people's online activities, such as e-government service utilisation, internet banking, and online shopping trends, while also touching upon the Internet of Things and the recycling of digital equipment. The data presented is based on annual surveys focusing on ICT use in households and enterprises.Source: Digitalisation in Europe – 2025 edition - Interactive publications - Eurostat

Uphill struggle ahead for Govt’s use of AI as PAC report reveals the scale of the challenge - Committees - UK ParliamentThe UK Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has identified significant challenges in the government's efforts to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) within the public sector. A primary concern is the prevalence of outdated technology and poor-quality data, which hinder AI implementation. In 2024, approximately 28% of central government IT systems were classified as 'legacy' systems—outdated and unsupported—posing obstacles to AI integration.The PAC also highlights a lack of transparency in the government's use of AI, which could erode public trust. By January 2025, only a limited number of records had been published on a government website dedicated to algorithm-assisted decision-making transparency. Addressing public concerns about the sharing of sensitive data in AI applications is deemed essential.Furthermore, the dominance of a few large technology suppliers in the AI market raises concerns about competition and innovation. The government's procurement approach may lead to over-reliance on specific companies, limiting adaptability.Persistent digital skills shortages present another barrier. In 2024, around half of civil service digital and data roles remained unfilled, with 70% of departments reporting difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff with AI expertise. The PAC questions whether planned digital reforms will effectively address this issue.To drive change, the PAC recommends embedding senior digital officers within departmental leadership teams. Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Chair of the Committee, emphasizes the need for transparency to build public trust and ensure the safe and ethical adoption of AI in government services.

Many companies are heavily investing in artificial intelligence (AI), yet they often lack the necessary infrastructure and skilled personnel to fully realise its potential. A significant challenge is building a robust data infrastructure, with many firms addressing data issues inconsistently on a project-by-project basis. Poor data quality, stemming from messy and siloed information, hinders even advanced AI models. Furthermore, organisations struggle to find talent in areas like machine learning and face internal resistance to AI adoption, sometimes leading to waning enthusiasm. To succeed with AI, companies need to develop cohesive data strategies, invest in automation for data management, upskill their workforce, and foster a culture that embraces AI.This discussion is based on the following CNBC article: AI implementation projects are far from intelligent inside companieshttps://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/22/ai-implementation-isnt-being-done-intelligently-inside-most-companies.html

We introduce the Office of the EU Data Protector and discuss one of their recent reports on Deepfakes and how what the EDPS is doing about them. Sources:Podcast based on article: Machine unlearning | European Data Protection Supervisorhttps://www.edps.europa.eu/data-protection/technology-monitoring/techsonar/machine-unlearning_enTechSonar | European Data Protection Supervisorhttps://www.edps.europa.eu/data-protection/technology-monitoring/techsonar_en

We discuss a useful article on LinkedIn where we find out what big data sets are available for research and study:This text details numerous publicly accessible datasets. Several websites are highlighted, including "Our World in Data" focusing on global issues, "Get Open Data" offering UK-centric data, and "Open Data Northern Ireland" providing government and public sector information. Specific datasets are listed, covering areas like health, economics, and crime. Additional resources are also included, such as links to repositories containing New York City taxi data and articles compiling various big data sources. The overall aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of readily available data for research and analysis.url: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/available-datasets-study-big-data-science-research-les-black-llbzf

Microsoft details three proven patterns for using their Azure OpenAI Service to build AI-powered applications. Pattern 1 shows how to create a GenAI chatbot, Pattern 2 explains building a personalisation engine, and Pattern 3 guides users through creating a custom copilot. We discuss Azure OpenAI's capabilities, including its various models (like GPT-4), multimodal features, and enterprise-grade security. Real-world customer success stories illustrate the benefits of using Azure OpenAI for increased productivity and improved customer experiences. htts://portal.azure.com

A discussion about the Gartner 2024 Report on the latest Cloud Database Management Systems on the market.This Gartner Magic Quadrant report (December 2024) assesses twenty leading vendors of cloud database management systems (DBMS). The report evaluates vendors based on their completeness of vision and ability to execute, considering factors such as market understanding, innovation, sales strategy, and customer experience. Vendor strengths and cautions are highlighted for each provider, offering insights into their market positioning. The report also details the inclusion and exclusion criteria used in the evaluation, providing context for the rankings. Finally, it includes market statistics and future trends in the cloud DBMS market. The report can be requested at: https://www.databricks.com/resources/analyst-paper/databricks-named-leader-by-gartner

Will Microsoft's A.I. strategy and current implementation of LLM's adhere to the forthcoming enforcement of the EU AI Act?References:https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2025/01/15/innovating-in-line-with-the-european-unions-ai-act/#:~:text=At%20Microsoft%2C%20we%20are%20ready,and%20use%20the%20technology%20compliantlyhttps://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/legal/cognitive-services/openai/code-of-conductOther source urls:1. Excerpts from "EU AI Act: A Complete Guide for Enterprise Architects":- URL: [https://www.ardoq.com/knowledge-hub/eu-ai-act](https://www.ardoq.com/knowledge-hub/eu-ai-act)2. Excerpts from "EU AI Act: first regulation on artificial intelligence | Topics | European Parliament":- URL: [https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20230601STO93804/eu-ai-act-first-regulation-on-artificial-intelligence](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20230601STO93804/eu-ai-act-first-regulation-on-artificial-intelligence)3. Excerpts from "EUAIActQandA.pdf":- URL: [https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2021/698792/EPRS_BRI(2021)698792_EN.pdf](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2021/698792/EPRS_BRI(2021)698792_EN.pdf)4. Excerpts from "European Accessibility Act 2025 | Key Steps for Compliance":- URL: [https://userway.org/blog/european-accessibility-act/](https://userway.org/blog/european-accessibility-act/)

Our two hosts describe the comprehensive guide produced by Fiverr..com and explains how to run Python scripts across major operating systems. It begins by clarifying the role of the Python interpreter and runtime, emphasising their necessity for script execution. The guide then details the installation and configuration process, including crucial steps for setting the PATH variable on different operating systems. A key section distinguishes between Python code, scripts, modules, and apps, explaining their functionalities and interrelationships. Finally, it presents multiple methods for running Python scripts: from the command line, via double-clicking (with OS-specific caveats), and using an IDE. Throughout, the guide highlights the advantages of using Python for automation, particularly in business contexts, and subtly promotes Fiverr's freelance services for assistance with Python programming. How to Run Python Scripts on All Major Operating Systems in 2025Python is a powerful programming language that can automate many everyday business tasks. Use this guide to learn how to create and run Python scripts quickly.https://www.fiverr.com/resources/guides/business/run-python-scriptPython scripts can automate countless repetitive business tasks, saving time and resources. Python scripts can also perform tasks that usually require paid software, such as converting video files to audio files or various AI-related tasks.Python has extensive support for AI and machine learning, with many built-in and third-party libraries for data processing, natural language processing, and image processing. It’s even possible to train ChatGPT on your business data using a simple Python script. However, writing Python scripts requires some programming knowledge, and executing a Python script on your chosen operating system needs some initial steps that can feel overwhelming for non-programmers.

Based on the information provided in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data Science and Machine Learning Platforms, the following analytical platforms offer a licensing model that allows other companies to use a licensed version of their tool on their platforms:Databricks: Databricks allows other companies to use a licensed version of their tool. For example, Microsoft provides an Azure version of Databricks.DataRobot: DataRobot offers its AI platform, which can be integrated with other cloud providers and platforms, allowing for licensed use on different environments.Cloudera: Cloudera provides a unified data and DSML platform that can be deployed in hybrid cloud, multicloud, and on-premises environments, enabling licensed use on various platforms.IBM (watsonx): IBM's watsonx platform is designed to be open and flexible, allowing integration with various cloud providers and on-premises solutions through licensing agreements.SAS (SAS Viya): SAS Viya is a scalable DSML platform that can be deployed on various cloud providers and on-premises environments, offering a licensing model for use on different platforms.These platforms provide the flexibility and integration capabilities that allow other companies to use licensed versions of their tools on their own platforms, similar to how Databricks and Azure operate.

Introducing Microsoft's Co-pilot agents, including their creation, usage, potential business use cases, and how they can improve automation and business productivity.AI agents are software entities that perceive their environment through sensors and act upon that environment through actuators to achieve specific goals. In the context of Microsoft's Co-pilot, these agents are designed to assist users in various tasks, from coding to content creation. Welcome to the future. The future is AI.

The Searl Effect Spintronic Generator PatentThis document details a patent application for a "spintronic generator," a device purportedly generating clean energy using the spin of electrons. The generator uses concentric rings of specially designed stators and rollers, with precisely arranged magnetic fields to achieve resonance and power generation. The design incorporates multiple layers of specific materials and is claimed to produce a temperature drop and negative ions. The patent claims several novel features, including frictionless operation due to eddy currents and the use of zero-point energy. Thirty-six claims are made to protect various aspects of the design and materials used.See Patent: US 9,871,431 B2References:● "David Sereda: Antigravity, UFO's & the Searl Effect" uploaded on the YouTube channel "Alt Propulsion" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dhEzpsBL60● "Imprinting Magnetic Wave Patterns In Neodymium Rings. With 'Wood Brass And Glass'" uploaded on the YouTube channel "RWGresearch". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wQZ1ZCsrRo● "Searl Effect Generator micro size" uploaded on the YouTube channel "wood brass and glass". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PlPnio8A1E● "Searl Effect Generator replica -UPDATE-" uploaded on the YouTube channel "wood brass and glass". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX-H9yU_UdU● "The Searl Effect - SEG Design, Construction & Theory" uploaded on the YouTube channel "Alt Propulsion". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNoJ-yD6OFM● "The Searl IGV - Inverse Gravity Vehicle" uploaded on the YouTube channel "Alt Propulsion". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW4VRiFuBlE

Further to our introduction to this topic we provide an Overview of International Pharma Regulations. Focusing on those regulations produced by the EU, US and China.The discussion goes into some details about international pharmaceutical and medical device regulations. EU Annex 1 and EU-GMP guidelines focuses on sterile medicinal product manufacturing within the European Union. Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and European Pharmacopoeia (EuPh) establish quality standards for pharmaceuticals across their respective regions, with increasing harmonisation efforts. Finally, the US FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) outlines quality standards for medical device manufacturers, aligning with international ISO 13485 standards. These regulations impact numerous industries, emphasising quality, risk management, and compliance to protect public health and facilitate global trade.

Our discussion focuses on introducing some of the most significant international pharmaceutical and medical device regulations. EU Annex 1 and EU-GMP guidelines focuses on sterile medicinal product manufacturing within the European Union. Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and European Pharmacopoeia (EuPh) establish quality standards for pharmaceuticals across their respective regions, with increasing harmonisation efforts. Finally, the US FDA Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) outlines quality standards for medical device manufacturers, aligning with international ISO 13485 standards. These regulations impact numerous industries, emphasising quality, risk management, and compliance to protect public health and facilitate global trade.

In this discussion our two hosts discuss the role of the Office of the Communications Regulator for Ireland (ComReg).The EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) provides the overarching framework for data protection across the EU, ComReg ensures compliance with these regulations within the communications sector in Ireland. This includes overseeing how personal data is handled by telecom operators and other entities within its remit. The EU AI Act will be policed by ComReg and will further add to it regulatory remit controlling businesses and government agencies, alike, in their usage of AI systems. References[1] https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/26c38c-data-protection-and-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/#the-gdpr-and-ireland[2] https://www.compliancejunction.com/gdpr-representative-office-in-ireland/

Focus on Africa's Digital Economy and Digital Transformation.Discussing a new article by Digital Realty., Ireland."What are the challenges of digitalization in Africa?Sub-Saharan Africa faces challenges in digital development, including poor infrastructure, expensive connectivity, a digital gender gap, limited skills, and inadequate policies. Despite these issues, the region has made significant progress in the past decade, with millions gaining internet access and using digital services like mobile payments and online learning."

Key Irish and European technology events and news from 2024. It covers topics such as AI advancements (including OpenAI releases), the Irish tech sector's challenges (layoffs and the NDRC closure), the launch of a national digital health framework in Ireland, and various conferences focusing on AI, data science, and digital connectivity. The impact of these events on Ireland's digital economy and healthcare system are highlighted, alongside discussions of broader European tech policy and innovation. Emerging technologies and their potential are also explored.GitHub repo contains the reference list together full summaries. https://github.com/MrAnalyticals/Podcasts/tree/main/IrishTechYearinReview2024

Discussing Brian Letort'sdigital article: Understanding and Implementing AI Workflows for Optimal Training and Deployment.Brian is Head of Data Office and Platform AI at Digital Realty.https://www.digitalrealty.ie/resources/articles/ai-workflowsArtificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize business operations and change the trajectory of innovation across industries, and across the globe.Over 75% of the total annual impact of generative AI will occur specifically in sales, marketing, product R&D, software engineering, and customer operations. But these opportunities can only be realized if AI is thoughtfully and strategically executed.

BRIEFINGEU Legislation in ProgressEPRS | European Parliamentary Research ServiceArtificial intelligence actOVERVIEW European Union lawmakers signed the artificial intelligence (AI) act in June 2024. The AI act, the first binding worldwide horizontal regulation on AI, sets a common framework for the use and supply of AI systems in the EU.The new act offers a classification for AI systems with different requirements and obligations tailored to a 'risk-based approach'. Some AI systems presenting 'unacceptable' risks are prohibited. A wide range of 'high-risk' AI systems that can have a detrimental impact on people's health, safety or on their fundamental rights are authorised, but subject to a set of requirements and obligations to gain access to the EU market. AI systems posing limited risks because of their lack of transparency will be subject to information and transparency requirements, while AI systems presenting only minimal risk for people will not be subject to further obligations.The regulation also lays down specific rules for general purpose AI (GPAI) models and lays down more stringent requirements for GPAI models with 'high-impact capabilities' that could pose a systemic risk and have a significant impact on the internal market.

In this episode our hosts discuss the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, highlighting its implications for IT system management and legal liability. The scandal involved faulty software leading to wrongful convictions of subpostmasters. Issues include assigning responsibility for IT failures, emphasising the importance of thorough investigations, clear contractual agreements, proactive risk management and improved corporate governance to prevent similar situations.

What are the Drivers and Challenges of Ireland's IT Landscape? Digital Realty and Hewlett Packard Enterprise have collaborated together to author a report on exactly that! Let's deep dive into it and see what the conclusions and recommendations are and if they are relevant now and for the forthcoming years in Ireland, given the extraordinary A.I. age we are now living in. Yes, we have to pinch ourselves every day too!

In this Podcast our two hosts discuss how you can have a table of data connected to Dataverse refreshing in Excel online. That is, without the need for it to be opened in Excel for Desktop. If you have a workbook shared amongst many people all through the day and night you will find there are data conflicts between the users which becomes especially obvious when the workbook is opened in desktop. Sometimes data is lost. Occasionally and not that infrequently the workbook crashes or breaks entirely. The workbook becoming corrupted and unrecoverable. Keeping the workbook online minimizes these sharing problems. Currently Microsoft does not provide for refreshing of power queries in online mode only. In this video I show how you can still use power queries while keeping the workbook online only. The secret is to use Dataflows!

Exploring the Excel Data Analytics. This podcast episode is part of a series "Analysis Cloud Talking Tech Sense" providing insightful tech discussions, from Ireland, exploring the latest software, news, and innovative ideas, focusing on how global tech developments impact the Irish market. Expect coverage on tech giants, AI, cloud development, and the intersection of world politics and technology. With a unique perspective as both a developer and business owner, the podcast aims to inform and inspire tech enthusiasts and professionals. Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and stay connected with the tech community. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips to stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech world.The Topics covered in this episode are Data Management, Data Importing and Exporting, Data Cleaning, Sorting and Filtering, Power Query, Data Analysis and Calculations, Statistical Analysis, What-If Analysis, Solver, Power Pivot, Python Integration, Macros and VBA, User-Defined Functions (UDFs), Lambda Functions, VBA for Custom Functions, Excel Add-ins, Power Query for Large Datasets, Azure and SQL Integration Financial Modelling Automation with Office Scripts

In this podcast our two hosts discuss the highlights of the ongoing development of Excel Online, Office Scripts, VBA and the future of Excel, suggesting a shift towards cloud-based solutions for data management and automation.They provide a comparison between Office Scripts and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) in the context of automating tasks in Microsoft Excel. Office Scripts, which operate online, are more akin to Azure Functions than VBA, which is an older, offline macro language. While VBA is still useful, Office Scripts offer modern, cloud-based automation capabilities. Power Automate can complement Office Scripts by capturing events and triggering actions, even from external applications like SAP. Office Scripts can run alongside VBA in Excel Desktop, expanding automation possibilities. The podcast highlights the ongoing development of Excel Online, Office Scripts and AI, suggesting a shift towards cloud-based solutions for data management and automation.

"Analysis Cloud Talking Tech Sense" is your new podcast for insightful tech discussions from Ireland. Host Leslie explores the latest software, news, and innovative ideas, focusing on how global tech developments impact the Irish market. Expect coverage on tech giants, AI, cloud development, and the intersection of world politics and technology. With a unique perspective as both a developer and business owner, Leslie aims to inform and inspire tech enthusiasts and professionals. Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and stay connected with the tech community. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips to stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech world.