Online Opportunity

Aidan D’Arcy, Director of Business at Virgin Media Business, speaks to InBUSINESS about future-proofing Ireland’s network infrastructure to allow business to take advantage of digital opportunities.

Q: How has 2019 been for your business?

A: This past year, Virgin Media Business unveiled a series of innovative partnerships and product to help businesses perform better with technology solutions that take them Beyond Fast. We joined forces with managed IT and cloud service provider INNOVATE and Cisco to offer a managed Software-Defi ned Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solution, an entirely new way to manage and operate network and connectivity infrastructure.

Our new internet security product is driving increased innovation in cloud-based cybersecurity solutions through our antiDistributed Denial of Service (DDoS) support that proactively details DDoS attacks, alerts customers when an attack is under way and enables the means to mitigate attacks. Whether you’re just starting out, or are already a thriving small business, we’ve got tailored connectivity solutions to help your business stay one step ahead in the digital marketplace.

Q: How would you describe the overall landscape in your sector at present?

A: While Ireland’s private sector has invested €2.75bn over the past 5 years in network infrastructure, we cannot remain complacent. There are over 280,000 businesses operating in Ireland, the majority of are SMEs and our sector needs to continue to contributing to the business ecosystem to ensure it viability, growth and competitiveness. There are wonderful opportunities for Irish businesses at the moment in a strong economy and the growing trend of the online market place. With online spending in Ireland set to grow to over €20bn in the coming years, Irish businesses have never had a better opportunity to speak to new customers. It’s not just about better broadband; it’s about future-proofi ng the country’s network infrastructure with the best and most modern technology. Virgin Media business wants to break down the barriers to building broadband.

Q: What are the major challenges?

A: At work, at home or on the move, the citizens of Ireland expect an internet connection that is fast and reliable. Encouraging investments in high-capacity networks is increasingly important for all sectors but in particular for education, healthcare or transport. All main socio-economic drivers will need access to extremely high—gigabit—connectivity at every corner across Ireland. These objectives can only be achieved with massive investments, mainly from private sources but also some from the public purse. Digital technology plays a role to help deliver jobs, prosperity, quality of life and leads to businesses creating innovative products and services to promote smart, sustainable growth. The big question now though is: are the local authorities on board or will they simply railroad through onerous costs on private companies?

Q: What does this award recognition mean to you?

A: Virgin Media Business has made a companywide commitment to build connections that really matter. We’re honoured to have our top performing service recognised by the Chambers Ireland. As digital transformation takes hold, Virgin Media business is not only providing the advanced technology solutions to help customers get ahead in the connected economy but is transforming our own operations to optimise the relationship between people, processes and technology.