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Category: EdTechUpdate

EdTechUpdate

  • Create a Marketing Strategy That’s Not Annoying, Says Bombora VP

    Create a Marketing Strategy That’s Not Annoying, Says Bombora VP

    “It’s really about customer experience,” says Nirosha Methananda, VP of Marketing at Bombora. “I think that is something fundamental to marketing. I feel like we have gone down this path of almost over automating and having to constantly pounce on people without necessarily being conscious and mindful of what their experience is on the other end. From my experience, it’s leading to me switching off and ignoring messages. I’m sure I’m not the only one. That’s basically why I’m passionate about creating a marketing strategy that’s not annoying.”

    Nirosha Methananda, Vice President of Marketing at Bombora, discusses the challenges of marketing without annoying your potential customers by bombarding them with marketing messages in an interview with Logan Lyles on the B2B Growth Podcast:

    Marketing Is Really About the Customer Experience

    As a B2B marketer, I get marketed to a lot. It’s something that I have increasingly noticed and I’m probably not the only one. That’s just becoming part of the experience in terms of being inundated with different messaging and different calls and this, that, and the other. Use this, do this, buy this, whatever it is. It’s really not a great experience. It doesn’t necessarily provide value. Marketers are so busy as it is, and I know that is applicable across the board with everyone we are marketing to. Being able to cut through the noise and having an understanding of all these different things is very challenging. 

    Having on top of it being inundated with this constant flow of messaging like meet me, meet me, meet me, is not very helpful. That’s one of the things that I’m passionate about. It’s really about customer experience. I think that is something fundamental to marketing. I feel like we have gone down this path of almost over automating and having to constantly pounce on people without necessarily being conscious and mindful of what their experience is on the other end. From my experience, it’s leading to me switching off and ignoring messages. I’m sure I’m not the only one. 

    Create a Marketing Strategy That’s Not Annoying

    It also leads to this annoyance and irritation which leads to distrust of brands and that’s not great for this industry. From a customer perspective those bad experiences, unfortunately, more than good experiences, they stay with you for longer and you remember that. Another thing that we don’t necessarily think of is that it’s wasteful. It’s wasteful of time and it’s wasteful of money especially for marketing and sales where money is a precious resource. It’s not something to be wasted. That’s basically why I’m passionate about creating a marketing strategy that’s not annoying.

    As an example, our Intent Event was our first flagship event that we did last year. It was a closed event so we did have limited numbers and we were limited as to what we could do with promotion. What we did was try to have mindfulness around what we were sending out and ensuring that it was helpful. Making sure that the recipients, the people that we invited, were given all the relevant information, but there was brevity in the communication as well as encouraging them to participate without forcing them to be there. 

    There was certainly some urgency around some of our communication but it wasn’t you need to attend this and this is why you must attend this. It was more about being a bit more subtle in presenting them the idea and the concept of what it was, why it would help them, and exactly the information that they needed. What that meant was not sending out multiple emails, being very controlled around it, really thinking about what the experience was before the event, to during the event, to after the event. We were really focused on the customer and making sure that all of the content and communication was educational and helpful.

    Create a Marketing Strategy That’s Not Annoying, Says Bombora VP Nirosha Methananda
  • A Look at the Future of School

    A Look at the Future of School

    Why Do People Turn to Online Schooling in the First Place?

    The pandemic ushered in the age of so many students needing virtual education overnight, but the need for online schooling goes back much further than that. It’s easy to try to put everything into a tidy container called the global pandemic, but there’s more to the story. COVID hasn’t been the primary motivator for parents and students. The future of school must adapt.

    By The Numbers: In Person Education is Lacking

    Here are some shocking statistics for you – as of March 2021, a whopping 168 million students globally do not have access to in-person learning.

    Studies have shown repeatedly that bullying keeps students wary of going back to a physical environment. Nearly 1 in 4 students experience bullying at in person school.

     60% of Americans are saying that traditional schooling is failing the students of today. We can do better.

    Online Schooling Has Been Tried Before: Here’s What’s Missing

    It’s time for a skillset shift of focus in education. With the world’s knowledge at anyone’s fingertips with Google, Siri, and smartphones, education can no longer be focused on rote memorization and repetition. The skills of the next generation are clear: it’s time to focus on analytical thinking and innovation, active learning and learning strategies and creativity. It’s now a cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning.

    Deeper learning occurs when there is a goal of mastery instead of just trying to ace a test. If a student puts in just enough effort to get their desired grade, how does that prepare them for success in all the areas of their life? Instead, it’s time to focus on learning how to actually learn.

    Additional benefits of online learning done right include greater flexibility, improved memory, enhanced performance, and a better use of time, as online learning often takes 40-60% less time as compared to traditional in-person education counterparts. Online learning is adaptable and has mentorship components that benefit the students for a lifelong journey.

    Today’s Generation Wants an Online Platform That Matches the Times

    More and more, the youngest generation turns to Discord. I’ve often wondered why so many online components of school technology focus on out of date, out of touch tech, when there are much better alternatives that students are embracing while gaming and socializing with friends.

    Discord isn’t just a replacement for another messaging app – what gravitates Gen Z (and others) to it is its sense of community. You can start a server on the most niche interests, and know that you are not alone. This is especially true during the pandemic which has been crushingly isolating for us all.

    Bringing it All Together

    All in all, school can – and must – improve. We may be wandering into an uncertain future, but education does not need to take a back seat. It’s time to innovate – embracing culture, community, and technology and a more immerse online experience.

    For more information on how education can and must adapt to the virtual world and the future of school, see the infographic below:

    What Does the Future of School Look Like?
    January 4, 2022
  • Elon Musk: People With MBAs Want To Parachute Into Being The Boss

    Elon Musk: People With MBAs Want To Parachute Into Being The Boss

    Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was recently interviewed by renowned manufacturing guru Sandy Munro where he talked about MBAs. Musk is not a fan of how people with MBAs from high profile business schools seem to think that they should go directly from school to a leadership position before they have had any actual experience.

    Here are Elon Musk’s somewhat colorful comments on MBAs. The full interview with Elon Musk can be watched below as well:

    The path to leadership should not be through an MBA business school situation. It should be kind of work your way up and do useful things. There’s a bit too much of the somebody goes to a high-profile MBA school and then kind of parachutes in as the leader but they don’t actually know how things work. They could be good at say PowerPoint presentations or something like that, and they can present well, but they don’t actually know how things work. They parachute in instead of working their way up. They’re kind of like just not aware of what’s really needed to make great products. 

    I don’t want to trash MBAs too much here. I actually do have a dual undergrad, a Wharton undergrad, and physics at UPenn. I have direct exposure to business school and I went to do undergrad school with physics and I was a teaching assistant for two semesters and I graded MBAs and undergrads. I think it’s just a little bit too much. People look at MBA school as like I want to parachute into being the boss instead of earning it. I don’t think that’s good. 

    Elon Musk: People With MBAs Want To Parachute Into Being The Boss
  • FBI Warns of Cyberattacks Against Online Learning

    FBI Warns of Cyberattacks Against Online Learning

    The FBI is warning that hackers are increasingly targeting online learning as students get back to class after the holidays.

    While the success of remote work and distance learning have exceeded many people’s expectations, it has also provided new opportunities for hackers and bad actors. Companies have had to take measures to ensure employees can connect remotely and schools have worked to protect their classes from Zoom-bombing and other hacks.

    Even so, the FBI is warning that hackers are increasing their attacks.

    “It’s of greater concern now when it comes to K-12 education, because so many more people are plugged into the technology with schooling because of the distance learning situation,” FBI Cyber Section Chief Dave Ring told ABC News. “So things like distributed denial of service attacks, even ransomware and of course, domain spoofing, because parents are interacting so much more with the schools online.”

    While Zoom-bombing may be one type of attack, ransomware is another common, more dangerous attack. According to the FBI, there has been a nearly 30% increase in ransomware attacks against schools.

    “The broader the move to distance learning, I think the more attacks you’re going to see, just simply because there are more opportunities for it and it’s more disruptive,” Ring said. “Not everybody’s looking to make money when it comes to criminal motivations for these attacks. A lot are they’re looking to steal information. They’re looking to use that for financial gain. They’re looking to collect ransoms.”

  • Coronavirus Relief Package Includes $7 Billion For Broadband

    Coronavirus Relief Package Includes $7 Billion For Broadband

    The upcoming coronavirus relief package Congress has been working on includes $7 billion for broadband at a time when it’s needed most.

    As a result of the pandemic, record numbers of people are working from home, relying on broadband internet more than ever before. Unfortunately, many families are struggling with reduced or lost work, making it hard to pay for the very internet access they need for work, school and socializing.

    According to Senator Ron Wyden, the $7 billion includes $3.2 billion set aside to help keep families connected, via $50 a month broadband fund for anyone who has been laid off or furloughed.

    Broadband connections are essential for Americans seeking to get new jobs, and to access school, health care and other government services. Ensuring working families can stay online will pay massive dividends for kids’ education, helping people find jobs and jump starting the economic recovery next year.

    The provision should help families struggling with staying connected, and will no doubt assist in the ongoing digital transformation.

  • Bill Gates: Over 50% Of Business Travel To Go Away Permanently

    Bill Gates: Over 50% Of Business Travel To Go Away Permanently

    Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says that over 50% of business travel and 30% of time in the office will never come back even after pandemic restrictions are lifted:

    My prediction would be that over 50% of business travel and over 30% of days in the office will go away. Now it’s not the gold standard that to fly all the way here to sit in front of me that. You can do the virtual connection. It will be a very high threshold to actually doing that business trip. There will be ways that you can work from home a lot of the time. Some companies will be extreme on one end or the other.

    I just don’t like talking to African leaders and I always feel bad for African leaders. There are so many conferences in Europe and the US that they are expected to come to. Yet, their job in their countries is so important like their education or health system or collecting taxes or disability. Yet, they spend half their time on all these trips. The fact is now we can do a 20-minute call as needed and touch with base them. It’s been pretty impressive how a lot has gotten done. We will go to the office somewhat. We will do some business travel but dramatically less.

    The fact that the (video communication) software doesn’t have any sort of serendipitous thing of people you run into after the meeting or gathering thing, there is some work to be done there. So no I haven’t run into somebody and made a new friendship. There is something missing there.

    Bill Gates: Over 50% Of Business Travel To Go Away Permanently
  • One More Thing: Apple Silicon MacBook Air, Mini and MacBook Pro

    One More Thing: Apple Silicon MacBook Air, Mini and MacBook Pro

    As expected, Apple unveiled its first Macs to take advantage of its custom silicon: the MacBook Air, the Mac mini and the 13-inch MacBook Pro.

    Apple had promised it would deliver the first of its new machines before the end of the year, with many experts expecting one of the MacBook lines to be the first. Sure enough, the MacBook Air was the first new Mac announced, with the Mac mini and MacBook Pro following.

    Many have wondered how fast the new Macs would be, especially in comparison to Intel-based Macs. Apple didn’t disappoint. The company unveiled its M1 chip, the first in a family of chips that will power Apple’s products.

    The M1 Chip

    Apple M1 - Credit Apple
    Apple M1 – Credit Apple

    The M1 is the first SoC for the Mac, giving it much faster efficiency and performance than previous generations of Macs, all of which had to use different chips for different tasks. The M1 features an eight-core CPU, four for high-performance and four for high-efficiency. Even the high-efficiency cores are workhorses, however. According to Apple, the four high-efficiency cores deliver roughly the same performance as the last generation dual-core, Intel-based MacBook Air…but at 1/10 the power.

    The GPU also includes eight cores. Apple claims it can deliver up to two times better performance than the graphics on Intel machines using only 1/4 the power. The M1 also includes a 16-core Neural Engine, delivering up to 15x faster ML performance.

    The M1 chips improves the overall security of the Mac, bringing the same security architecture that the iPhone and iPad have enjoyed. This includes automatic, high-performance encryption.

    MacBook Air

    MacBook Air - Credit Apple
    MacBook Air – Credit Apple

    With the M1, the new MacBook Air is up to 3.5x faster than the previous model, with up to 5x faster graphics. This makes it faster than 98% of PC laptops sold in the last year.

    Like the iPad and iPhone, the new MacBook Air has no fan, is completely silent and wakes instantly. Its improved efficiency gives the MacBook Air 15 hours of web browsing, 18 hours of video playback and 6 hours of videoconferencing.

    The MacBook Air starts at $999, or $899 with the education discount.

    Mac mini

    Mac mini - Credit Apple
    Mac mini – Credit Apple

    The new Mini offers 3x faster CPU performance, along with 6x faster GPU performance. In fact, the Mini is up to 5x faster than desktop PCs at 1/10 the size.

    The Mini starts at $699, $100 less than before.

    MacBook Pro

    MacBook Pro - Credit Apple
    MacBook Pro – Credit Apple

    The new 13-inch MacBook Pro features 2.8x faster CPU performance and 5x GPU performance. Together, this makes the MacBook Pro up to 3x faster than comparable Windows laptops. The MacBook Pro has the best battery life of any Mac ever made, with 17 hours of web browsing or 20 hours of video playback.

    The new MacBook Pro starts at $1299, or $1199 for education.

    All of the new machines can be ordered today and are available next week.

    At the outset, Tim Cook said: “We love the Mac. It’s in our DNA.” Based on today’s event, that is more evident than ever. It’s also a safe bet far more people will love the Mac too, if today’s announcement is any indication.

  • Amazon Announces ‘Holiday Dash’ Prime Day Every Day

    Amazon Announces ‘Holiday Dash’ Prime Day Every Day

    Amazon wants to emulate the success of Prime Day every day with ‘Holiday Dash,’ a new section on Amazon with daily deals that “equal Black Friday.”

    Amazon says that “with new deals dropping every day starting October 16, customers can shop early and with confidence that they are getting Black Friday-worthy deals and incredible savings on a huge selection of products.”

    Here are the announced details on Amazon’s Holiday Dash deals:

    Amazon Brands

    • Save up to 30% on select kid’s clothing and more from our brands including Amazon Essentials, Spotted Zebra, and Simple Joys by Carter’s
    • Save up to 30% on select men’s and women’s clothing and more from our brands including Amazon Essentials, Daily Ritual and Goodthreads
    • Save up to 20% on AmazonBasics
    • Save 40% on Wag dog food, and treats
    • Save 20% on household and personal care products from Solimo
    • Save 20% on Presto! Refillable Cleaners
    • Save 20% on baby care products from Mama Bear and Solimo
    • Save 20% on Belei skincare
    • Save 20% on nutrition and wellness products from Amazon Elements and Revly
    • Save 20% on coffee, snacks, and other grocery essentials from Solimo, Happy Belly, and Amazon Fresh

    Toys & Games

    • Save up to 40% on Star Wars toys
    • Save up to 40% on Collectible toys from L.O.L. Surprise!, Calico Critters, Fingerlings, and more
    • Save up to 30% on Hot Wheels toys
    • Save up to 30% on Building Sets from LEGO, Magna-Tiles, and PlayMonster
    • Save up to 30% on Marvel toys
    • Save up to 30% on Fortnite, Pokemon, Roblox and more
    • Save up to 40% on Tegu Building Blocks
    • Save up to 30% on Funko POPs!
    • Save up to 30% on Arts & Crafts sets
    • Save 30% on Evenflo Pivot Explore Wagon
    • Save up to 30% on preschool toys from Jazwares, Spin Master, Hape, and more
    • Save on AmScope 52-piece kids beginner microscope STEM kit

    Fashion

    • Save up to 40% on select apparel from Calvin Klein
    • Save up to 40% on select Levi’s apparel for the whole family
    • Save up to 40% on Star Wars apparel
    • Save up to 30% on select New Balance footwear and apparel
    • Save up to 40% on select Tommy Hilfiger apparel
    • Save up to 40% on select kids’ clothing from Gerber, Hudson Baby, and more
    • Save up to 50% on select watches from Citizen, Bulova, Anne Klein, and more
    • Save up to 30% on select Lacoste apparel, shoes, and accessories
    • Save up to 30% on Marvel apparel
    • Save up to 30% on select seasonal fashion trends
    • Save up to 25% on select Nautica men’s and women’s apparel
    • Save up to 48% on select Hanna Anderson pajama sets and underwear styles
    • Save up to 30% on select styles from The Drop
    • Save up to 40% on select women’s shoes from Shopbop
    • Save up to 15% on select women’s accessories from Shopbop

    Household, Kitchen, Home Improvement & Smart Home

    • Save on Le Creuset Cast Iron and Stoneware, including up to 48% on select Le Creuset 3.5Qt Oval Dutch Ovens
    • Save up to 50% on select Bissell Vacuums
    • Save up to 40% on SharkNinja Shark Navigator Lift-Away
    • Save up to 35% on Eufy by Anker RoboVac
    • Save up to 30% on Eureka Stick Vacuum
    • Save on iRobot Robotic vacuums and mops
    • Save up to 30% on iLife Robotic vacuum cleaner
    • Save up to 25% or more on Samsung vacuums
    • Save up to 36% on select Blueair air purifiers
    • Save up to 20% on select Molekule air purifiers
    • Save up to 40% on KitchenAid tools
    • Save up to 20% on the Instant Pot Duo Mini Plus
    • Save up to 30% on Hallmark gift wrap, ornaments, and cards
    • Save up to 20% on select Breville Smart Ovens
    • Save up to 20% on OXO BREW coffee makers
    • Save up to 30% on Tineco floorcare products
    • Save on Ninja AF161 Air Fryer and Ninja FG551 Foodi Indoor Smart Grill
    • Save on select SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker Bundles
    • Save on the Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
    • Save up to 20% on OXO Good Grips Smart Seal and bakeware
    • Save up to 35% on Ayesha Curry Cookware
    • Save 30% on Linenspa 10″ hybrid mattresses
    • Save up to 30% on Zinus furniture and mattresses
    • Save 30% on Sweetnight mattresses
    • Save up to 30% on Moen bathroom fixtures and up to 20% off on Moen kitchen products
    • Save up to 25% on select Hansgrohe products
    • Save 15% on GE Profile Ice Maker
    • Save 20% on select Broan appliances
    • Save up to 15% on select Delta Faucet products
    • Save up to 15% on Whirlpool softeners
    • Save 15% or more on gaming, home education and home office furniture
    • Save on select August Smart Locks
    • Save on select Kwikset Smart and Mechanical Locks
    • Save on Smart Home products from Emerson, Kasa TP-Link, and more

    Beauty, Health & Personal Care

    • Save up to 50% on your favorite Premium Beauty brands from Elemis, Mario Badescu, Redken, and more
    • Save up to 40% on Premium Beauty appliances from T3, Foreo and more
    • Save up to 40% on Waterpik and Colgate oral care appliances
    • Save up to 45% on skin care from NIVEA, Aquaphor, and Eucerin
    • Save up to 30% on hair dryers and products from Revlon, Bed Head, and more
    • Save up to 35% on razors from Braun, Gillette, and more
    • Save 33% on Panasonic and Norelco shavers
    • Save up to 20% on Fitbit Activity and Fitness Trackers

    Electronics

    • Save up to 33% on select Nintendo Switch games
    • Save up to 35% on Nixplay Digital Frames
    • Save up to 30% on Kodak Instant Cameras and Printers
    • Save 25% on Adobe Creative Cloud Entire Collection
    • Save up to 20% on Samsung TVs
    • Save up to 20% on Sony TVs
    • Save up to 50% on JBL Speakers
    • Save up to 33% on Sony Headphones
    • Save up to 33% on Bose Headphones
    • Save up to 40% on select Mynt 3D printing pens and accessories
    • Save 30% on Mynt 3D PRO Pen with OLED Display
    • Save up to 30% on VAVA 4K Projectors
    • Save up to 30% on TaoTronics Headphones

    Small Businesses on Amazon Launchpad

    • Save up to 50% on Kids Against Maturity: Card Game for Kids and Families
    • Save up to 30% on the SOLIOM S600 Outdoor Security Camera
    • Save up to 25% on the Zen Laboratory DIY Jumbo Slime Kit for Kids
    • From October 26 to November 19, Prime members can save 10% or more on select unique products from small brands on Amazon Launchpad like: Mobile Pixels Duex Portable Monitor for Laptops and Scentered Travel Essentials Aromatherapy Balm gift set

    Entertainment: Amazon Music, Audible, Books & Prime Video

    • Amazon Music: Beginning October 23, new Amazon Music Unlimited customers can get three months of the premium streaming tier free, to enjoy unlimited access to more than 60 million songs, ad-free and a wide selection of popular podcasts.
    • Amazon Music: Beginning October 29, current Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers can upgrade to the Family Plan free for three months, with access for up to six accounts.
    • Audible: Between November 1 and December 31, new members save nearly 40% on the first six months of an Audible Plus membership at just $4.95 per month. Membership includes unlimited access to more than 10 thousand Audible Originals, audiobooks and podcasts.
    • Books: Deals on select multi-genre books and ebooks throughout the season
    • Prime Video: This holiday season, Prime Video will offer up to 50% off select popular Halloween, family and holiday movies to rent or buy. Deals will roll out over the next few months, so be sure to check www.amazon.com/pmd for updates.

    Amazon Gift Cards

    • Starting today, customers using Amazon Reload to replenish their Amazon Gift Card balance for the first time will receive a $10 bonus with their reload of $100 or more. Offer available through December 31.
    • Starting October 26, first-time Amazon Gift Card shoppers will receive a $15 promotional credit with the purchase of $50 or more in Amazon Gift Cards. Offer available through December 20. The promotional credit expires on February 6, 2021. Other restrictions apply.

    Amazon Credit Cards:

    • Now through December 22, with an eligible Prime membership, customers who apply and are approved for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card will instantly receive a $100 Gift Card. Prime Cardmembers earn 5% back at Whole Foods Market and Amazon.com. Additionally, starting November 1 through December 22, customers without a Prime membership can apply for the Amazon Rewards Visa Card and receive a $60 Gift Card upon approval, in addition to earning 3% back at Whole Foods Market and Amazon.com as a cardmember. Restrictions apply. Visit amazon.com/visa for details.

    Automotive, Tools and Lawn & Garden

    • Save 50% on tire installation
    • Save up to 25% on Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro concentrated planting mix
    • Save 25% on Castrol GTX Conventional motor oil
    • Save 20% on Select Tonno Pro Tonneau covers
    • Save up to 20% on select Streamlight flashlights
    • Save on select DEWALT cordless drills and tools
    • Save up to 30% on select SKIL tools
    • Save up to 15% off on select ZGrills Pellet Grills & Smokers
    • Save up to 15% on Shintenchi 4 piece wicker rattan outdoor patio furniture set
    • Save on select Renogy monocrystalline solar panels

    Sports & Outdoors

    • Save up to 20% on Select Coleman Tents & Gear
    • Save up to 20% on select CamelBak kids water bottles
    • Save up to 25% on select Sawyer Products water filters
    • Save up to 30% on select Stanley drinkware
    • Save up to 28% on select Segway scooters and kids bikes
    • Save up to 30% on select Stiga table tennis rackets and Zume badminton set
    • Save up to 30% on select Legendary Whitetails apparel
    • Save up to 30% on select Osprey Outdoor Packs

    Pets

    • Save 20% on Catit Creamy cat treats
    • Save on Petsafe electronic dog toys
    • Save on The Honest Kitchen human grade pet treats
    • Save on Friends Forever donut pet beds

    Whole Foods Market:

    • Both in-store and online, Prime members can receive discounts on customer favorites including 35% off Bare Bones broths and 35% off all packaged teas, available now through October 27.
    • Available now through October 20, customers can get 20% off pumpkins and gourds – excluding squash.
  • CFO: End Of Pandemic Is Not A Threat To Zoom

    CFO: End Of Pandemic Is Not A Threat To Zoom

    “Zoom is now integrated into all aspects of our lives,” says Zoom CFO Kelly Steckelberg. “We look forward to the day that the pandemic is over and we can resume more normal activities and yet I don’t think that in itself is a threat to Zoom. People have grown accustomed to it. Working from home is not a fad. We are all really adjusting to this new way of life and are integrating Zoom into all aspects.”

    Kelly Steckelberg, CFO of Zoom Video Communications, discusses the company’s massive growth over the last quarter and says that an end to the pandemic is not a threat to Zoom:

    Working From Home Is Not A Fad

    We indicated coming into the quarter that we really expected strong growth in Q2. We saw that across all geographies and all industries. International grew over 600 percent year over year. We saw strong performance in industries like education and nonprofits. We also had our largest Zoom Phone deal to-date signed in Q2. There was really strong performance across all aspects of our business.

    What we saw from the retention perspective is that working from home is not a fad. People are really adjusting to this new way of life. They’re integrating Zoom into all aspects. We saw strong retention not only in our enterprise but in customers with fewer than ten employees as well. As we’ve continued to focus on leveraging both the public cloud as well as our own co-located data centers that’s why we saw improvement in the gross margins. We are going to continue to optimize across all of those metrics as we focus on the rest of the year.

    Hired Over 500 Employees In Q2

    We have worked very tirelessly. Our entire Zoom team is doing everything we can to continue to support not only our existing customers but to ensure that every customer who has a need for Zoom has access to it. We have focused quickly on scaling up our employee base. We have hired over 500 employees in Q2. That’s the largest growth we’ve had to date. We are also working from home like many of our customers are and really supporting our employees to ensure that we can meet the needs of the customer. We are leveraging great partners like AWS and Oracle as we need to in order to ensure that we have the capacity to continue to support our customers along the way.

    We continue to look for opportunities to invest to grow the top-line (while free cash flow rose by 2,000 percent year over year). We had record operating margins in the quarter at 41.7 percent. We expect those to come down for the rest of the year as we are focusing on investing in more salespeople to meet the demand and more engineers to continue to innovate and build our platform. Of course, we are always looking for opportunities with M&A, technology, or teams that can really augment our platform or our team to continue to drive that top-line growth.

    Video Is The Future Of Communications

    We really believe that video is the future of communications. With that, we want our Zoom customers to be able to use the Zoom platform with other best of breed products in platforms that they choose. We have integrations with many products out there and that’s great. We want our customers to be able to use the products that they know and love and have them work together seamlessly.

    What we’ve heard from our customers is that while everyone is really longing for the day that we get to go back to a more normal life before COVID that in many ways they are loving the flexibility that this has brought to them. They get to wake up with their children, have a full day of work and then have dinner with their family at the end of the day.

    End Of Pandemic Is Not A Threat To Zoom

    I really believe that Zoom is now integrated into all aspects of our lives. We look forward to the day that the pandemic is over and we can resume more normal activities and yet I don’t think that in itself is a threat to Zoom. We have grown accustomed to it. We have seen so many additional use cases. If you think about Formula One having these great premium experiences leveraging Zoom now in bringing clients into the paddock.

    There is a company in Singapore using it to do virtual tours. They did half of their new properties that came to sale in Q2 they showed them virtually and sold them this way. We are starting to see more and more ways that people are making more efficient and more effective. This way of communicating and working is here to stay.

    Zoom CFO Kelly Steckelberg: End Of Pandemic Is Not A Threat To Zoom
  • Businesses Being Reimagined In A World That Is Now Entirely Digital

    Businesses Being Reimagined In A World That Is Now Entirely Digital

    “There’s a real recognition that digitization and transformation are not doing what you used to do in the physical world,” says Publicis Sapient CEO Nigel Vaz. “Digitizing that and translating that is essentially the journey of going from being a caterpillar to a butterfly. Real transformation. How do you reimagine yourself in the context of a world that now is entirely digital? Customers are thinking very actively about how they actually create products and services that essentially create value for customers entirely digitally.”

    Nigel Vaz, CEO of Publicis Sapient, discusses how the current pandemic has forced organizations to reimagine their businesses digitally. Nigel works closely with clients such as McDonald’s, Nationwide, and Unilever to deliver transformative experiences and business models:

    https://youtu.be/VOKcTLcxHXw
    Businesses Being Reimagined In A World That Is Now Entirely Digital

    Digitization Has Become Existential For Business

    I think Digital has always been important for business. Now more than ever what’s becoming very clear is this has gone from being something that’s important to something that’s existential. How do you support customers to make orders entirely online when your stores are closed? How do you create mashups with other partners to be able to facilitate deliveries when your own deliveries don’t suffice? How do you try to create experiences online through self-service that minimize the impact of people calling your call centers? 

    All of these things are things clients are facing on a regular basis. Most CEOs I’m in conversation with are acknowledging the fact that this has now got to be a priority, that they have to be ready more so than they’ve ever thought before.

    3 Key Things Happening With the Transformation

    There are three things happening here in terms of transformation. The first is the change in human behavior where I think there’s a recognizable shift now. We’re seeing significant accounts of over-70s, for example, ordering from retail and ramping that up. We’re seeing a big shift in institutions like schools and educational institutions, which historically had not thought about transformation as particularly applicable to them. 

    We’re also seeing a shift in industries like leisure looking at creating virtual experiences since physical experiences are essentially restricted and people can’t use them. The human behavior shift is translating to big investments in technology and technology platforms that enable this. 

    Businesses Being Reimagined In A World That Is Now Entirely Digital

    Then lastly, new business models. There’s a real recognition that digitization and transformation are not doing what you used to do in the physical world. Digitizing that and translating that is essentially the journey of going from being a caterpillar to a butterfly. Real transformation. How do you reimagine yourself in the context of a world that now is entirely digital?

    Customers are thinking very actively about how they actually create products and services that essentially create value for customers entirely digitally. There are plenty of examples in this from telemedicine and from the educational space with new courses coming online which can scale faster than traditional courses limited by a classroom and a professor.

    COVID-19 Is Forcing Businesses To Change
  • ViacomCBS Sells CNET for $500 Million

    ViacomCBS Sells CNET for $500 Million

    ViacomCBS has sold legendary tech news site CNET to South Carolina based Red Ventures LLC. The company announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CNET Media Group from ViacomCBS for $500 million. Red Ventures purchased Bankrate in 2017 for $1.24 billion and Healthline Media for an undisclosed amount last year. Red Ventures CEO Ric Elias told WSJ that CNET’s value is due to the fact that digital technology has spread to many sectors of American business.

    Technology news leader CNET paved the way for CNET Media Group, a portfolio of digital media brands that advise consumers across leading consumer tech, business tech, gaming, and entertainment. Their brands include ZDNet, Gamespot,  TVGuide, Metacritic, Chowhound and several others.

    “Red Ventures believes in the power of premium content from trusted brands that help people make better life decisions,” said Ric Elias, Red Ventures CEO and Co-Founder. “Over the last 25 years CNET Media Group has built a dynamic portfolio of brands with well-earned authority on such topics as consumer tech and gaming that play an increasingly important role in people’s lives. Red Ventures is eager to invest in CNET Media Group’s growth with more personalized consumer experiences that will reinvigorate CNET Media Group’s brands and unlock unprecedented opportunity for all.”

    “I am incredibly excited about CNET Media Group’s future. I believe that the combination of Red Ventures customer experience platform and CNET Media Group’s rich content and deep editorial expertise greatly benefits both our audiences and our partners,” said Mark Larkin, Executive Vice President and GM of CNET Media Group. “Red Ventures shares our vision and is committed to realizing the full potential of our portfolio of world-class brands.”

    Red Ventures was formed in 2000 as a performance marketing startup and has since grown to include more than 100 digital brands with more than 3,000 employees across 10 US cities, the UK and Brazil. It has two sides to its business – one is a sophisticated, partner-centric platform for performance marketing, and the other is a robust, consumer-centric platform for digital brands. Red Ventures’ existing brands operate in the Home Services, Health, Finance, Travel, Education, and Entertainment verticals. The acquisition of the CNET Media Group accelerates Red Ventures’ entry into new verticals, including Consumer Tech and Gaming.

    “Every aspect of our lives – from our homes to our jobs, our income, and our well-being is impacted by the technology around us, so the content we consume and the brands we choose are highly personal,” said Marc McCollum, President of Red Ventures’ Media & Technology group. “Adding CNET Media Group to our portfolio will further advance our mission to help people make some of the most important decisions of their lives. It will be a win for our teams, for our businesses, and most of all, for visitors and fans of the CNET Media Group’s brands.”

  • T-Mobile Launches $10.7 Billion Project 10Million to Help Remote Learning

    T-Mobile Launches $10.7 Billion Project 10Million to Help Remote Learning

    T-Mobile has announced the launch of Project 10Million, a $10.7 billion initiative to help deliver internet connectivity to underserved children.

    Since the pandemic swept the globe, children across the country have been relying on remote schooling to keep up with their classes. Unfortunately, poor internet access is a major impediment to children being able to safely learn at home. Even before the pandemic, a ‘homework gap’ impacted some 9 million children, where poor internet access made it difficult or impossible to complete after-school assignments.

    Now that the ‘homework gap’ is turning into a full-fledged ‘schoolwork gap,’ T-Mobile is expanding Project 10Million. Schools districts can apply the value of the program to data plans, including a 100GB per month plan, or one that is fully unlimited. The Initiative includes free wireless hotspots and at-cost tablets and laptops.

    “Education is the great leveler, but without internet access, kids will be left behind. T-Mobile has a big goal – to deliver connectivity to every child who needs it across the U.S. Starting now with our historic Project 10Million commitment, we’re going to help open A LOT of doors to opportunity that might have previously been closed,” said T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert. “This issue is even more critical as the COVID-19 pandemic has completely shifted learning for many from the classroom to online. Big issues need big solutions, and that’s exactly why we’re not just launching but significantly enhancing Project 10Million and giving flexibility to educators so they can best address the unique needs of their students with plans that offer more data. As the supercharged Un-carrier, we now have the resources and network capacity to deliver reliable connectivity to students across the U.S. — and to tackle the critical homework gap and the schoolwork gap head-on!”

  • PayPal CEO: Across Every Industry, We’re Seeing a Surge Towards a Digital-First Strategy

    PayPal CEO: Across Every Industry, We’re Seeing a Surge Towards a Digital-First Strategy

    “It was a strong quarter for us certainly across almost every metric,” says PayPal CEO Dan Schulman. “What’s happened is the world has accelerated from physical to digital across almost every industry. If you look at health care it’s all about telemedicine right now. If you look at education it’s about remote learning. If you look at the retail industry it is now about online almost over offline or physical locations in store. If you look at the restaurant business you really can’t be in business.”

    Schulman says that it is imperative for businesses to move toward a digital-first strategy. “If all you’re doing is trying to serve customers at your location given social distancing and the number of people coming out (you won’t survive),” he said. “You have to be about takeout and delivery. Across every industry, we’re seeing this surge towards a digital-first strategy. All of the tools and products and services that we offer are probably more relevant and important across multiple industries than they’ve ever been before.”

    PayPal CEO: Across Every Industry, We’re Seeing a Surge Towards a Digital-First Strategy
  • How The Pandemic Impacts The Job Market Of The Future

    How The Pandemic Impacts The Job Market Of The Future

    The pandemic has had a deleterious effect on the economy, our daily lives, our careers, and our schools. Parents are having to choose between working and taking care of their kids’ educational needs, while companies have had to make serious adjustments to keep business rolling. Everyone is basically in a holding pattern, but one of the ticking time bombs that has largely gone unnoticed is the high school and college aged students who are about to graduate into one of the most difficult job markets in history.

    The Challenges Of College In A Pandemic

    Many colleges shut down temporarily at the outset of the pandemic, but some tried to bring students back into unsafe conditions. Liberty University was one such institution, and it’s now facing lawsuits that allege the schools put students’ health and safety at risk as a pretext to continue to collect fees and tuition for fewer services. 

    Other colleges and universities have moved their courses online, which presents a whole other set of challenges. Students lack the in-person interactions they need to build a network and learn to work together on a team. It does have the benefit of preparing students for remote work, but there will be challenges in integrating these students into the workforce if steps aren’t taken to ensure they are getting at least a baseline college experience.

    Undergraduate students often find that their classes and organizations help them build a network upon which they can build their careers later. Without such a network to leverage, career building is going to be a challenge.

    What’s more, without those building blocks and that basic universal college experience, workplaces may struggle to integrate recent grads into new roles.

    Careers, Workplaces, And The Economy

    Right now we are living in what is arguably the worst economic downturn since The Great Depression. The United States has officially been in a recession since June, and it’s not showing any signs of turning around.

    Students who are graduating into this environment are going to have a difficult time finding work, which is ultimately going to slow the economic recovery even more. As older generations begin to retire in a few years there will be fewer low to intermediate level job candidates to move up the ladder and push middle level candidates into those vacant leadership positions. 

    In short, this pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn are going to be playing out in our economy for decades to come.

    Supporting Students To Turn The Economy Around

    It’s difficult to imagine hiring right now, but that will be crucial to ensuring today’s students are able to become tomorrow’s business leaders. Now is the time for education and training, and most importantly for supporting graduates who stuck it out and made the most of a bad situation, as they are the ones who faced a pandemic with an antifragile mindset.

    It’s going to take time and effort to recover fully from this economic crisis, but the time to start taking action is now. Learn more about the challenges of college during coronavirus and how to support students from the infographic below.

  • Windows 10X Single-Screen In 2021, Dual-Screen In 2022

    Windows 10X Single-Screen In 2021, Dual-Screen In 2022

    Windows users excited about the upcoming Windows 10X will have to wait until the sprint of 2021 for a single-screen rollout, with dual-screen support debuting a year later.

    Windows 10X is the latest update to Windows that ditches legacy code, focuses on a simpler interface, modular design and is built to support multi-screen devices. As the pandemic has taken its toll, however, Microsoft diverted resources to more pressing issues, delaying the Windows 10X release.

    According to ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley, Microsoft’s plans are beginning to take shape.

    “I’m hearing Microsoft’s latest plan calls for 10X to debut on single-screen devices designed primarily for businesses (especially firstline workers) and education in the spring of 2021,” writes Foley. “And in the spring of 2022, Microsoft is aiming to roll out 10X for additional single screen and dual-screen devices, my contacts say.”

    Another significant change is that the initial release will likely not support running Win32 apps in containers, as was originally planned. Instead, this feature will be pushed back to the 2022 release at the earliest.

  • Verizon Hits the Ground Running With Zoom Competitor BlueJeans

    Verizon Hits the Ground Running With Zoom Competitor BlueJeans

    Verizon has announced a slew of new features for BlueJeans, its videoconferencing Zoom competitor.

    Verizon announced a deal to purchase BlueJeans in April, as the coronavirus pandemic was gaining momentum. Zoom had established itself as the go-to option for remote work and education, as well as for individuals to stay in touch with friends and family. Verizon saw an opportunity to snap up one of Zoom’s competitors in the hopes of combining BlueJeans with the company’s Verizon Business offerings.

    Verizon has now announced some major new features for BlueJeans, as well as significant partner integrations. The platform now integrates with Salesforce, using hands-free lead tracking to capture attendee data. BlueJeans can also use Splash to help streamline event promotions, as well as follow-ups. Similarly, BlueJeans can use TicketSocket for event monetization.

    Even more significant, BlueJeans has increased the size limit of virtual events, supporting up to 150 presenters and 50,000 attendees. The platform previously only supported 15,000 attendees. In addition, BlueJeans will support seamless integration with YouTube Live. While the platform already supported Facebook Live, adding YouTube Live will greatly increase the potential reach of a live event. Similarly, better support for Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) in BlueJeans Events will make it easier to stream to additional social media platforms.

    “When COVID hit, the video industry was ready,” said David Maldow, Founder, Let’s Do Video. “Changes in culture and technology were already driving organizations to embrace live streaming prior to the pandemic, but now that traditionally in-person events are being forced to go virtual, we’re really seeing the benefits of platforms like BlueJeans Events. With these latest updates, BlueJeans continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible when it comes to hosting large-scale, interactive experiences online that exceed audience expectations while providing moderators peace of mind.”

    It seems Verizon is moving full-speed-ahead with BlueJeans, and this will make hosting events post-pandemic a little easier.

  • 2U CEO: This Is A Paradigm-Shifting Moment For Higher Ed

    2U CEO: This Is A Paradigm-Shifting Moment For Higher Ed

    “This is a paradigm-shifting moment for higher ed,” says 2U CEO Chip Paucek. “You have to be intentional about it. You can do something that’s great, that students love, that’s totally engaging, and that also creates the right long-term outcome for the student. But you have to flip the classroom. Then when you go to class you’re in a really robust discussion with your fellow classmates, with your instructor, you are learning at a deeper level.”

    Chip Paucek, co-founder and CEO of 2U, discusses how the pandemic has led to a paradigm shift to engaging high-quality online learning for higher education:

    The Whole Flipped Classroom Notion Is Key To Our Success

    We started the company twelve years ago. We’ve been doing this much longer than what most schools have done online learning. I would say doing online learning well is not only possible it’s very obvious. Not only does it not have to be worse than campus instruction, something the President just said, it actually could be better. I think we’ve proven it over 12 years. You have to be intentional about it. When you do you can do something that’s great, that students love, that’s totally engaging, and that also creates the right long-term outcome for the student. But you have to flip the classroom. 

    You have to actually give students high-quality content for them to consume on their own time. A single 2U course has more video content than a season of Game of Thrones. Then when you go to class you’re in a really robust discussion with your fellow classmates, with your instructor, learning at a deeper level. That whole flipped classroom notion has been key to our success. We just passed 225,000 students so we’re doing this at a scale that most people haven’t. We hit 800,000 live classes inception to date. 

    The Great Institutions Have Embraced Online Learning

    We build a comprehensive program for a university partner that incorporates high-quality video content, interactive content, and a lot of readings. Books are still really good by the way. When you get the student from the interactive lesson into their live class it’s not just 90 minutes having somebody talk to you. You’re actually fully engaged from a pedagogy standpoint. You need to engage students. Then it’s not just when class ends you have to support students and bring them together in a way that is very possible online. 

    We did a survey with Gallup that showed 92 percent of our students said they would do it all over again. Honestly, this isn’t new. I feel like we’re all sitting here talking about it as if we all just discovered the internet. I started the company 12 years ago and you can really do something great if you just put your will towards it. We’ve got great schools from all over the world including Yale, Harvard, Syracuse, and Berkeley. They’re great institutions that have embraced it and are doing it really really well. 

    We Just Experienced A Forced Wave Of Remote Instruction

    What we all just experienced in the spring was sort of a forced wave of remote instruction that wasn’t very good but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be great. You really can do something great right if you put your mind to it. It takes real resources and that’s one of the things we’re advising our schools is to invest in high-quality online and really do something great for your students on a go-forward basis.

    It’s not easy to do this. I feel like the schools are in a real bind. None of us expected the NBA to have to cancel all of its games. Nobody’s been through this before. I feel like people that are continually dinging higher-ed forget that this is the single best path of social mobility on the planet. I got a Pell Grant to attend George Washington and it completely changed my life. So it’s not easy but it can be done. 

    This Is A Paradigm-Shifting Moment For Higher Ed

    Take our Simmons University arrangement which we announced a couple of months ago, we’re bringing them fully online for the fall, every single course, all 300 courses, and then offering that program to the world in a fully online version that’ll be at about 50 percent of the campus price. 

    Also, take our Amherst relationship. Amherst College we just announced last week is going online. Think about the prestige of that great liberal arts institution going online. This is a paradigm-shifting moment for higher ed. There is no doubt. You’re going to need to do it if you’re a university president or a provost. We’ve spoken to more university presidents and provost’s in the last four months than we had in our previous 12 years.

    2U CEO Chip Paucek: This Is A Paradigm-Shifting Moment For Higher Ed
  • Tech In Medicine: Telehealth And Telemedicine

    Tech In Medicine: Telehealth And Telemedicine

    Technological advances of recent years have made the pandemic much more tolerable than pandemics of the past. We have access to each other via multiple digital platforms, from social media to video chatting. We have access to news through the internet and social media so we know what’s going on in the world, good and bad. We have access to whatever supplies we need to shelter at home, from a new couch all the way down to basic needs like food. Everything we need or want is available at the touch of a button, including medical care.

    Telehealth and telemedicine have really been bridging the gap throughout the duration of the pandemic. There are subtle differences between the two, though. Telemedicine is specifically the practice of medicine through remote means, such as when you have a video conference with your doctor to discuss whether a new medication is working.

    Telehealth encompasses telemedicine but also encompasses several other types of practices, as well. When medical providers meet to discuss latest techniques or a patient diagnosis virtually, that is a function of telehealth.

    When a hospital does patient outreach and education virtually, such as a parenting class via video meeting, that is also a function of telehealth.

    Telehealth covers all the virtual aspects of healthcare that are taking place now more than ever in an effort to keep vulnerable patients safe and extend access to healthcare to those who aren’t able or comfortable with going to the doctor’s office in person.

    These electronic breakthroughs are not without risk, though. Regulations have been relaxed during this time of pandemic to make it easier for patients to receive medical care through any means possible, including unsecured video conferencing. The downside here is that patient personal information can be accessed when it is sent over unsecured channels, but right now the need to keep patient access flowing outweighs the need for privacy.

    Medical providers also have reservations about this type of healthcare in the long term because of concerns about accuracy and privacy.

    But for now, telehealth and telemedicine are popular options. As more medical providers equip themselves with the specialized equipment and apps to provide higher quality remote medical care, people who have mobility issues, are immunocompromised, or those who live in rural or remote areas will begin to have greater access to healthcare.

    Technology for remote healthcare is improving rapidly, too. Telemedicine carts feature all kinds of instruments that can be used by a qualified medical technician to take readings that a doctor or specialist far away can use to accurately assess what a patient needs. This technology is likely to revolutionize access to medical care across the world.

    Patients want access to remote options for medical visits, especially when those visits are routine. Technological advances are making receiving medical care remotely safer, more accurate, and more secure than ever. As providers and hospital groups adopt this technology more patients will have access. Learn more about the differences between telehealth and telemedicine from the infographic below.

  • Java Ransomware Spotted In The Wild

    Java Ransomware Spotted In The Wild

    A Java-based ransomware that targets the software market and education sectors has been spotted in the wild by Blackberry.

    The BlackBerry Research and Intelligence Team, working with KPMG’s UK Cyber Response Services, recently discovered the ransomware, dubbed “Tycoon.” The ransomware is written in Java and has been in the wild since at least December 2019.

    According to the researchers, “it is deployed in the form of a Trojanized Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and leverages an obscure Java image format to fly under the radar.”

    Once a computer has been infiltrated, the software encrypts files using an AES-256 algorithm. To make matters worse, the ransomware overwrites deleted files in each encryption path, ensuring they cannot be recovered without the decryption key.

    There are two spots of good news, however. First, it does not appear that the ransomware is widespread, leading the researchers to believe “the malware may be highly targeted.”

    Even better, it appears the hackers used the same encryption key repeatedly. As a result, some have had success using a deception key purchased by one of the other victims.

    “Because of the use of asymmetric RSA algorithm to encrypt the securely generated AES keys, the file decryption requires obtaining the attacker’s private RSA key,” the researchers write. “Factoring a 1024-bit RSA key, although theoretically possible, has not been achieved yet and would require extraordinary computational power.

    “However, one of the victims seeking help on the BleepingComputer forum posted a private RSA key presumably coming from a decryptor the victim purchased from the attackers. This key has proven to be successful in decryption of some of the files affected by the earliest version of Tycoon ransomware that added the .redrum extension to the encrypted files.”

    Unfortunately, later versions of the malware use “.grinch” and “.thanos” as the file extensions, and the reused key does not work on those files.

  • Digital Transformation Is More Important Than Ever, Says VMware CEO

    Digital Transformation Is More Important Than Ever, Says VMware CEO

    “In this environment, digital transformation is more important than ever,” says VMware CEO Pat Gelsinger. “If you think of it only a few percentages of employees worked from home before this (pandemic). Now it’s 97 percent. Given the length and challenges that people faced this doesn’t go away.”

    Pat Gelsinger, CEO of VMware, discusses how the pandemic has accelerated digital transformation and dramatically increased the work from home trend for enterprise companies:

    Digital Transformation Is More Important Than Ever

    In this environment, digital transformation is more important than ever. If you think of it only a few percentages of employees worked from home before this (pandemic). Now it’s 97 percent. Given the length and challenges that people faced this doesn’t go away. We are going to be here for the next two years where the majority of workforces, a substantial portion, are going to be work from home distributed workforce.

    In the face of that IT and technology are more important not less. Sometimes it takes a decade to make a week of progress and sometimes a week gives you a decade of progress. All of a sudden, education, healthcare, and work from home are making huge steps forward. That’s what gives us the view that long-term tech is going to be stronger and software and cloud will be stronger yet than the overall economic environment.

    Work From Home Is The New Normal

    For VMWare, we were 20 percent work from home. I expect as we continue in this environment we will end up in at 50 to 60 percent over time. I don’t think we are atypical. We’re doubling and tripling the amount of work from home. When you think about that distributed workforce, essentially you go from 100 or 200 sites depending on the size of your company to 10,000 or 20,000 sites.

    When you think about every home becoming a new worksite they need to be managed, connected, and productive. They need to be secure. They need good quality and bandwidth. Then they need capacity. That’s where VMWare cloud comes in. That’s our business continuity focus for the future.

    We don’t see ourselves as atypical here. This is the new normal. We’re excited to see these transformations happening across the industry and we’re making good progress with customers around the globe.

    Every CIO Is Adjusting Their Priorities

    We used to generate new projects with POC’s and being face to face with customers. The salesmen always liked to shoulder up with the potential customer. We have to make adjustments. Every CIO is also adjusting their priorities due to this radical shift of a distributed workforce and the new demands that are being placed on them.

    Digital Transformation Is More Important Than Ever, Says VMWare CEO Pat Gelsinger
  • Microsoft AI Virtual Summit Scheduled For June 2

    Microsoft AI Virtual Summit Scheduled For June 2

    Microsoft has announced a virtual AI summit with company executives and industry leaders, scheduled for June 2.

    Artificial intelligence has become one of the most important developing technologies, with companies large and small looking to make their mark. AI is seen as one of the pivotal pieces necessary for a number of industries to take shape, or to evolve to the next level. Multiple companies are working on AI-powered, self-driving vehicles that can make the kind of life-and-death decisions human drivers have been making for decades.

    In day-to-day businesses, AI is playing an increasingly important role in online moderation, search interpretation, content curation, supply chains and much more. AI is taking steps toward content creation and learning to display empathy and personality. In recent months, AI has even played a significant role in combatting the coronavirus pandemic, helping authorities monitor citizens and enforce social distancing.

    With AI playing such an important role in so many industries, Microsoft’s summit will focus on discussing how companies can navigate the challenges that come with developing AI.

    “Join Microsoft and industry leaders for a summit dedicated to thinking big about the critical role of artificial intelligence to help us navigate through these unprecedented times,” reads the announcement. “Every day, AI is proving its value in addressing massive change, disruption and unpredictability as well as enabling business continuity, greater agility and efficiencies. And there’s never been a better time to put AI into action in your organization. We’ll share timely and relevant examples of how customers are using AI to respond and recover from recent challenges and move forward with game-changing solutions to pressing business, government, education, civic, social and health issues.

    “This interactive gathering brings together prominent leaders to discuss the extraordinary possibilities of AI and practical steps to drive lasting impact.”

    Interested parties are encouraged to register for the summit now.