Technology

He explained that although mobile was becoming more popular, traditional desktop PCs still served a purpose.

“Data shows most journeys for bookings in the research phase are started on mobile,” he said. “The interesting thing is people still resort to desktops to complete purchases. As we move through these stages there is a transference of user from mobile device to desktop device.”

It may have been founded 150 years ago, but with its ambitious e-commerce strategy Irish agency J Barter Travel is definitely not stuck in the past.

The firm, established in 1865, is focusing on its website travelnet.ie in a bid to extend its reach beyond its stronghold in southern Ireland. The family-owned business has four branches and specialises in cruise, senior and active holidays. It also caters for corporate clients.

Thinking about entering a hackathon? Read on to boost your chances of winning...

1. Read the brief carefully

Even if you think you know the client, the data set, the available technologies and the format of a hackathon inside out, there is no harm in double checking the scope of the task to ensure you are meeting the right criteria and know what is expected of you.

­Four teams from FusePump competed to win, working with product data from luxury travel flash-sale company Secret Escapes. The challenge was simple… but first they had to convince these four judges...