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Gaining a competitive edge in a hyper-competitive market, Kakao Page and Kakao M resolve to merge the two companies into a new entity called KAKAO ENTERTAINMENT.
The Board of Directors of both companies announced that the creation of the Korean entertainment giant is expected to complete on March 1, 2021 and marks the first ever large-scale merger between subsidiaries of Kakao Corp., the technology conglomerate behind Korea’s most popular messaging app Kakao Talk.
“The merger of Kakao Page and Kakao M is that of a strategic alliance to build a foundation to compete in the global entertainment industry,” Kakao Page commented. “By combining the two companies’ business acumen, capabilities and value chain, we aim to disrupt the global entertainment industry.”
The launch of KAKAO ENTERTAINMENT is set to generate over KRW 1 trillion in annual revenue and signals the company’s pursuit to create synergies between combined assets and diversify its business through strategic partnerships to produce blockbuster media franchises that can captivate global audiences. Kakao Page will support the foundation of KAKAO ENTERTAINMENT by offering a global platform network and a specialized value chain optimized to produce original contents while Kakao M will provide expertise in creating music, TV series, films, performances, along with a portfolio of Korea’s top creative talent.
“The decision to merge our expertise in contents and digital platforms was made so we can compete in the hyper-competitive global entertainment sector in earnest. Together we can accelerate and evolve into a global player,” Kakao M added.


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New York Attorney General Leticia James has disclosed that a new cybersecurity law passed the state legislature.
‘Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act’ (SHIELD Act) widens the scope of what a data breach is and puts further responsibilities on companies that collect personal data.
“Consumers deserve the peace of mind that their private information is secure. That’s why my office has been working hard this session to modernize our outdated laws governing data breaches.” said Attorney General Letitia James.
“This bill is an important step forward providing greater protection for consumer’s private information and holding companies accountable for securing that data.”
The new law defines a data breach as information that an unauthorized person gains “access” to not simply what someone may have “acquired”.
Its aim is to keep up to speed with the ever changing use and distribution of private information whilst also strengthening consumer safeguarding in the case of a data breach.
State Senator Kevin Thomas commented: “It is critical that our laws keep pace with the rapidly changing world of technology.
“I am proud to announce the passage of the SHIELD Act today, as it will allow for increased accountability and diligence in regards to consumer privacy. Now more than ever, it is important that businesses protect the private information of the consumers they serve.”
The SHIELD act will stretch across: biometric information, email addresses, and corresponding passwords or security questions and answers.
The legislation also requires a company to comply if they have any information belonging to a New York resident.
“It is our responsibility to protect the privacy of New Yorkers,” explained assembly member Michael DenDekker.
“This bill will ensure that businesses across the state dutifully guard consumer data and will enable the Attorney General’s Office to take the appropriate measures quickly and effectively in case of a breach. With the passing of the SHIELD Act, consumers’ private information will be more secure than ever.”
The bill will now go to Governor Andrew Cuomo for his consideration.

domain: news


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Chennai, September 17, 2021 – De Beers Forevermark launches its latest jewellery collection. Forevermark Avaanti™ embodies a spirit of possibility, inspiring the wearer to realise their power and make a lasting stat
Chennai, Aug 27: கூ நுண் வலைப்பதிவு, தமிழ் மக்களிடையே வரவேற்பை பெற்றுள்ளது. முக்கிய பிரமுகர்கள், சினிமா பிரபலங்கள், அரசியல் துறையை சேர்ந்தவர்கள் தொடர்ந்து இணைந்து வருகின்ற்னர். 90களின் சினிமா உலகிலும், தமிழக அரசியலிலும் தனக்கான அடையாளத்தை உருவாக்கி, தமிழக மக்கள் வீடுகளில் ஒருவராக கருதப்படும் விஜயகாந்தின் பிறந்தநாளை ’கூ’ தமிழ் பயனர்கள் இன்று ஒன்றுகூடி கொண்டாடி வருகின்றனர்.அவர் பிறந்த நாள் அன்று காலை முதல் ‘கூ’ ஆப்பில் #CaptainVijaykanth எனும் ஹேஷ்டேக் முதல் இடத்தில் ட்ரெண்டிங்கில் இருந்துவருகிறது.
Chennai, August 26, 2021: Fortis Hospital Vadapalani and Cinthol Health Plus, the health soap brand from Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) have joined hands for a post-vaccine sensitization programme. The objective is to create awareness around post-vaccine precautions, do’s and don’ts while encouraging citizens to keep following hygiene norms even after the vaccination is done. The week-long pilot of this programme has already started at Fortis Hospital, Vadapalani (Chennai), where a post-vaccine kit will be given free of cost to those getting vaccinated at the hospital.
Chennai, 26th August 2021 – De Beers, the world’s leading diamond company has made several exciting and significant announcements at its 10th annual forum held over the last three days. The announcements include – the De Beers Forevermark rebrand, the launch of the Forevermark Avaanti collection, the new Code of Origin programme and new partnership with National Geographic. Hosting a hybrid virtual and in person event, the diamond brand reached out to over 8 lakhs partners, diamantaires, manufacturers and patrons.
Chennai: A study by Knight Frank India called ‘India Buyer Survey 2021- Living in the times of Covid19’ reveals that over 77% of respondents from Chennai expected the value of their primary residence to increase in the next 12 months.
“En Chennai Young Chennai” is an initiative to celebrate the energetic minds and tireless hands of young Chennaites who come together during turbulent times faced by Chennai during the last decade and a little more. These young Chennaites have contributed to the smooth functioning of our communities whenever they faced natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, covid etc., and never forgot to raise their voice for their rights such as Jallikattu or any other social cause that impact the society.
Chennai, August 17, 2021: En Chennai Young Chennai (#Youngchennai) is an initiative to celebrate the spirit of Chennai’s Youth on Chennai day. Spirited youngsters who came together without any expectations to make Chennai city better and safer. Young Chennai is neither defined by its heritage nor historical significance. The true spirit of young Chennai is about Camaraderie and Co-opting for the benefit of society and its common cause.
Chennai, August 17, 2021: Neuberg Diagnostics, India’s fourth-largest diagnostic lab chain, today announced that it has partnered with ace cricketer, MS Dhoni, for creating awareness about Neuberg’s health and wellness campaign and conveying its efforts towards empowering every citizen with better and affordable healthcare.
En Chennai Young Chennai initiative is the brainchild of the Marketing Consulting start-up – @The Idea Factory / @TIF. @TIF is known for its Innovative Marketing Strategies for Brands and content marketing initiatives. Brand Blitz has joined hands to present this tribute to Chennai #ECYC. Brand Blitz has made a mark to reach the leadership position in event management space.
There has been a five times year-on-year increase in the number of ‘acute onset comitant esotropia’, a sudden and unexpected outbreak of ‘squint eye’ cases, among children in the city in the past two years. Equally alarming is the 100% myopia progression and 25% increase in the onset of myopia every year in the past two years, according to Dr. Manjula Jayakumar, Senior Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Chennai.


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The “blobs” have returned, finally. Next to, Google decided to completely change the design of the Android native emoji pack , for something more bland and with less personality than those who have been with us for years. As expected, the response from users of the Google mobile platform was not exactly positive.
And today, in full, Google has decided to fulfill our wishes, reviving the “blobs” through the Gboard keyboard , so that everyone can use what were once the favorite emojis of thousands of Android users.
The ‘blobs’ return to Gboard in the form of stickers
Although, technically, the “blobs” had not disappeared yet – they are available through Google Allo for months – many missed this pack of emojis native to Android that was used in the Google mobile platform from Android 4.4 KitKat , until his disappearance in Oreo.
To use them now on Gboard, you just have to download the new sticker pack called “The blobs are back” what, just like, is available to everyone from today, both through the Google keyboard, and in the Android Messages application. The pack in question is made up of 26 different animated emojis, including some of the most famous in this collection as,or
Probably this package of animated images will not fill the gap left by the “blobs” after its disappearance at the end of 2017. Still, many will appreciate that Google has decided to offer us again the possibility of those who have been, undoubtedly and without choice to debate, the best emojis in the history of Android. I said.


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‘The New Easy Wear Edit’ campaign created by JWT Melbourne, extends across TVCs, Digital Media, Social Media, Content, Influencer support, plus Instore POS and VM and launches this week
Australian department store Harris Scarfe has unveiled a major new apparel range called ‘The New Easy Wear Edit’, with its first multi-platform campaign kicking off this week to support the launch.
Developed by J. Walter Thompson Melbourne, ‘The New Easy Wear Edit’ campaign aims to position the retailer as a destination for apparel among its 40+ target audience, with upbeat executions across multiple TVCs, digital and social activity and significant in-store branding.
Michael Godwin, JWT Managing Director said: “This is one of the first campaigns we’ve developed working with Jo and Elizabeth from the Girl agency, with which JWT has recently formed an alliance. It highlights a key reason why the alliance makes so much sense in enabling us to provide clients like Harris Scarfe with access to true Fashion category experts in Elizabeth and Jo. We’re really proud of the work and are confident it’ll play an important role in the success of this exciting new range.”
Simon Burrett, GM Marketing Harris Scarfe said: “The New Easy Wear Edit’ range has been curated with our customer firmly in mind, offering a great quality range of fashion classics for men and women. These customers have a strong sense of their own style. We wanted this sense of self-confidence to come through in the work and we are thrilled with the campaign.”


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Following the release of Eagle to the roster back in June, the content just keeps coming for Iron Galaxy’s Killer Instinct, as the “Ultimates Monster Pack” will be arriving on August 22nd, bearing the iconic finishers for Aganos, Mira, Hisako, Glacius and Sabrewulf. It will be free for all players. As was the case with the last batch, Ultra-Combo.com will be releasing and highlighting one Ultimate each week, as a countdown to the pack’s official release. Today we’ve got the first two Ultimates revealed for this pack, for Aganos and Mira.
First up, the rocky warrior rolls over his foes, encases them in a prison of Chunks, and proceeds to bowl them over with his enormous frame, reducing his enemy to a mere pile of rubble. Meanwhile, the vampiric Mira begins by slicing her opponent’s throat, before nailing them in the back, and finally sucking their blood from their necks off-camera, complete with a slurping sound effect.
You can see videos of both Ultimates below, and don’t forget to check back over the next three weeks for Hisako’s, Glacius’, and Saberwulf’s.
What do you think of the two Ultimates revealed so far? Are you looking forward to the three yet to come in the upcoming pack? Let us know in the comments section.
Killer Instinct is now available for Xbox One and Windows 10. A Steam version was announced at CEO 2017, with release details forthcoming later this year.


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Company: Utz Snacks
Introduced: May 2021
Suggested Retail Price: $7.99
Product Snapshot: The Utz Brand, makers of potato chips, pretzels and cheese balls, is pleased to introduce their newest innovation, Utz Twisterz Seasoned Mini Pretzels. These crunchy, mini-twist pretzels come with big & bold flavors including Zesty Cheddar and Tangy Mustard.
With consumer demand driving flavored pretzels sales to almost +30 percent over the past 52 weeks, according to IRI, the Utz Kitchen Specialists have created a new and unique mini-twist pretzel and seasoned them with Zesty Cheddar and Tangy Mustard. Available in a convenient 21 oz barrel, which seals in freshness.
As a category leader in pretzels and the number one provider of convenient sized pretzel barrels, Utz’s new Twisterz Seasoned Mini Pretzels join the recently introduced Utz Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Bites. Utz continues to innovate and bring incremental consumer excitement to the pretzel category.
“Utz continues to generate strong growth through innovation, acquisition and geographic growth,” said Dylan Lissette, CEO, Utz Brands, Inc. “And, as a leader in pretzels and pretzel barrel sales, we see these new Utz Twisterz Seasoned Mini Pretzels as a further extension of our pretzel capabilities. Twisterz, not unlike our new Utz Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Bites, are sure to delight brand fans and make new ones too!”
The new Utz Twisterz Seasoned Mini Pretzels are hitting the market June 7, 2021, and will be sold in leading retailers across the U.S. as well as online at the Utz Online Store. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using @UtzSnacks, and tell us which you prefer, Zesty Cheddar or Tangy Mustard!


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Comic retailers are "cautiously ecstatic", according to a new report.
ICv2's Internal Correspondence #80 claims that retailers are excited by the continual growth of comics sales month-on-month over the last year.
They remain wary due to the unpredictable cycles of growth and collapse that have troubled the industry over the past decades.
The stability of the market over the last 12 months has been attributed to various factors including the strength of DC Comics' New 52 relaunch and Before Watchmen project, Marvel Comics' Avengers Vs. X-Men, Image Comics' increasingly growing lineup and the newly revived Valiant Comics.
A series of blockbuster comic book tie-ins including The Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight Rises and the record-breaking Avengers movie are also thought to have lured lapsed and new fans into stores.


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Date: Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 06:59
Category: iPhone, News
This could prove useful.
Per The Unofficial Apple Weblog and The Verge, wireless carrier AT&T has indicated that all iPhone subscribers will be able to use FaceTime via a cellular connection by the end of 2013, as stated below:
“For video chat apps that come pre-loaded on devices, we currently give all OS and device makers the ability for those apps to work over cellular for our customers who are on Mobile Share or Tiered plans. Apple, Samsung and BlackBerry have chosen to enable this for their pre-loaded video chat apps. And by mid-June, we’ll have enabled those apps over cellular for our unlimited plan customers who have LTE devices from those three manufacturers. Throughout the second half of this year, we plan to enable pre-loaded video chat apps over cellular for all our customers, regardless of data plan or device; that work is expected to be complete by year end. Today, all of our customers can use any mobile video chat app that they download from the internet, such as Skype.”
AT&T was initially reluctant to enable FaceTime over cellular connection due to bandwidth concerns.
This past January, AT&T announced that it was enabling FaceTime over cellular to subscribers of its tiered data plans. Now, with its most recent announcement, iPhone users on AT&T who have grandfathered-in unlimited data plans will also be able to FaceTime to their hearts content.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.


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The FAANG stocks have gotten their groove back.
However, as the busy holiday season approaches, macro headwinds, labor shortages and supply chain constraints pose major threats to the stocks.
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Netflix, which has recently led the group, could have a secret weapon to counter this, according to Craig Johnson, chief market technician at Piper Sandler. He said the company can avoid the potential supply chain disruptions far better than the rest.
"I keep hearing about how much of a disaster it's going to be for the holiday season," Johnson told CNBC's "Trading Nation" on Friday. "If you can't get those holiday gifts put together, perhaps maybe a subscription to Netflix is something that could be given."
The charts also suggest more upside for Netflix, Johnson said, following its lengthy stretch of consolidation.
"Based upon what I'm seeing with the charts, I can actually see about 18% upside here on this breakout," he said.
In the same "Trading Nation" interview, Chad Morganlander, portfolio manager at Washington Crossing Advisors, picked Apple as the top name in the FAANG bucket. He said its shift from a per-unit sales revenue model to a subscription model gives the company a more reliable outlook.
"Our viewpoint is that, [over] three to five years, you should be owning this," he said. "In that period of time, you could be buying this company and have less volatility than the S&P 500."
Morganlander is wary of the overall FAANG landscape, however, noting it is overvalued.
"Being that they are very high-quality companies, we would certainly look towards them, but they may not be in the short run the types of names that you'd like to participate in if you are to be a trader," he said.


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Moonshot Brands, the e-commerce aggregator focused on scaling stand-out Amazon and DTC brands globally, announced at the Prosper Show that they have closed their latest round of funding led by specialist financial services investor Anthemis. Existing investors, including YC Continuity and Garage Capital, also participated in the funding round.
A portion of this financing was used to acquire select assets from a failing aggregator, including scooter brand La Scoota and fitness brand WOD Nation. Moonshot is now positioned to grow to over $100M in TTM by the end of 2022.
Moonshot has staked out a position as the leading boutique aggregator focused on an omnichannel approach, scaling brands across marketplaces, DTC, and on store shelves. In contrast to its peers, who are building increasingly generic and impersonal organizations, Moonshot continues to prize its high-touch, founder-and senior management-led approach to brand development and growth. This continues to position Moonshot as the partner of choice for the world’s greatest entrepreneurs who want to continue scaling their brands in multiple channels internationally.
Moonshot is already home to some of Amazon’s most successful and beloved brands, and remains committed to using technology and big data to build-out specific verticals that drive cost efficiencies, revenue growth, and other operational and acquisition-related advantages. For example, the recent acquisition of La Scoota is the perfect complement to Moonshot’s flagship mobility and action sports brand, Magneto Boards. Moonshot has developed specializations within multiple verticals and is expanding into those that have the most attractive operational and long-term market dynamics.
“In our first year, we’ve achieved an unbelievable amount with a small, tech-driven, and highly experienced team focused on execution. This has allowed us to move quickly as we acquire, operate, and grow solid brands for sale by distressed aggregators,” said CJ Isakow, co-founder.
“Our personal involvement in every deal, as well as the caliber of our growth and operational teams, has been a point of huge differentiation for us. This has attracted outstanding entrepreneurs and brands to join the Moonshot family,” added Allan Fisch, co-founder.
Derek Saito and Chris Yee, the founders of consumer brands The Cocktail Box Co. and Brew Your Bucha shared, “We chose Moonshot Brands because we believe in our brands’ potential but had hit a ceiling. We also wanted to continue developing our skills and careers through partnering with Moonshot. Today our products are available on Amazon in Japan, Europe, Canada, and the USA, as well as retailers like REI and gift stores throughout North America. We’re also trusted by companies like Google and Facebook for employee engagement.”
Vica Manos, Partner at Anthemis, concluded, “In an enormous addressable market, the Moonshot team stood out to us as seasoned operators with a clear vision of the Megabrand for the digital age. Moonshot leverages data science to reimagine the quintessential retail experience through authentic collaboration with entrepreneurs building strong brands. From supply chain management and logistics efficiencies at the back end, to empowering a tailored, differentiated product offering delivered through laser-focused distribution, Moonshot allows brands to service super-niche needs, while achieving mass-scale efficiencies.”


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Duck Creek Quarry in Howard Ready to Keep Swimmers Cool This Summer
It's just before noon and swimmers like Izzy Gannon start to fill up the Duck Creek Quarry. All eager to hang out on the ... “It's a natural facility and what more bang for your buck can you get as a local government,” Farr said. Farr says the quarry ...
Denver sets new tourism record: 32 million visitors, $6.5 billion in revenue last year
Shopping and entertainment also accounted for major draws, according to survey respondents, with the 16th Street Mall, Cherry Creek neighborhood ... the effect is neutral to positive,” said Jayne Buck, senior vice president for Visit Denver.
$1 deals: Inside the resale shop where you can get clothes for just a buck today
For over 18 years, ICM has been providing for those who hit a bump in the road in the Clear Creek and Friendswood areas by collecting donations and reselling them for pennies on the dollar. You can find anything from household goods, furniture, and ...
Boones Creek and musical heritage make perfect fit
The cover charge is just a buck, while snacks and drinks are sold for nominal amounts. The Oakland Avenue location is just a temporary spot — it’s south of Boones Creek, anyway. It can only hold a fraction of the artifacts and heirlooms the ...
Fifteen more children removed from families in Tennant Creek area following rape of toddler
But Ms Lambley rejected that, saying the buck stopped at the top. "This is being played out on a national stage, you've got the Prime Minister who's being held to account this week for not turning up to Tennant Creek and not taking responsibility ...


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Nextbit's Robin is ready to leave the nest. There aren't many in the flock.
The San Francisco startup, which captivated Kickstarter last year by promising a phone that taps the cloud for massive amounts of storage, will open its online store in the coming days.
Chief Design Officer Scott Croyle warns that the early supply will be limited.
"There will be maybe 3,000 to 6,000 phones available," he said in an interview Wednesday. In comparison, Apple sold 13 million iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Pluses in their first three days.
The launch of the online store and the Robin marks the culmination of an unorthodox journey for a phone maker. Rather than go through a carrier, which is how most people shop for handsets, or even set up an online store, Nextbit tested the waters by asking for commitments through Kickstarter and nearly tripled its goal of raising $500,000.
Nextbit isn't the typical unknown startup. Co-founders Tom Moss and Mike Chan were part of Google's original Android team. Croyle was behind the critically acclaimed HTC One phone.
Nextbit plans to ship the first batch of Robin phones to early Kickstarter backers on Tuesday. The online site that will sell the phone to the public is scheduled to open two days later, at 7 a.m. PT Thursday. In addition to the phone, the site will offer three kinds of cases, as well as screen protectors and custom power cables. (The Robin uses a new USB Type-C port, rather than the more common Micro-USB cable.)
The company blames the limited initial supply on the Chinese New Year holiday, celebrated in the second week of February. If the phone sells out, the company said it will provide updates on when the next batch will arrive.
Robin is among a new crop of affordable phones packing competitive components. At $399, it offers an alternative to the far more expensive iPhone 6S or Samsung Galaxy S6, which start at $650. Robin's standout feature is the ability to access the cloud for 100 gigabytes of storage beyond the internal 32GB provided.
Nextbit, meanwhile, is one of a growing number of companies looking to build a relationship with you by selling its phones without a carrier middleman. Companies, including Chinese handset makers ZTE, have set up websites to sell their phones directly to consumers, and even Motorola, a unit of Lenovo, has opted to sell its flagship phone online.
"Going direct-to-consumer allows us to have that authentic conversation," Croyle said.
The business model also allows Nextbit to shave costs associated with working with a carrier, such as Verizon or AT&T, including promotional expenses and the resources needed to get through their testing processes. Those savings are partly why the Robin phone is priced below other flagship phones.
Nextbit has no plans to sell Robin through the carriers, Croyle said. The company is in talks to get its phone listed on e-commerce sites. The startup is also looking into placing kiosks within retail stores and plans to spread the word at the South by Southwest show next month in Austin, Texas, to drum up awareness.
Given its low cost structure, Nextbit only needs to sell "hundreds of thousands" of phones to break even, Croyle said. The company hasn't released how many phones it has sold through Kickstarter.
"We should be profitable by the end of the year," Croyle said.
Correction, 8:40 a.m. PT: The store's launch date has been fixed.


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Pyxis Consulting, a provider of technology solutions for the investment management industry, has announced the release of new personal digital assistant software for mutual fund and annuity wholesalers.
Called mWholesaler, the software provides sales data on a BlackBerry, PocketPC or Palm. According to Pyxis, there has been significant customer demand for immediate wireless access, as sales reps are often away from their desks. "The integrated wireless capabilities of the Blackberry fit well with wholesalers need for timely access to sales, producer and e-mail data in the field," according to a release from the firm.
"The BlackBerry has been adopted by a number of our investment management clients due to its always-on access to e-mail," said Tod Christy, managing director of Pyxis Consulting. "mWholesaler goes well beyond e-mail to allow wholesalers to view firm, branch and rep sales data and contact history; track sales calls and view daily sales reports. The immediate access to this critical information makes the BlackBerry a valuable extension of our clients CRM [customer relationship management] systems."


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BH Paints is making it easier for customers to select the best brushes, rollers and associated paint tools for a project, through the introduction of a new line of applicators and accessories via an exclusive partnership with Dynamic Paint Products Inc.
Harris Paints is making it easier for customers to select the best brushes, rollers and associated paint tools for a project, through the introduction of a new line of applicators and accessories via an exclusive partnership with Dynamic Paint Products Inc.
Parliamentary Representative for the Vieille Case Constituency Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit has applauded Harris paints Dominica Ltd for its contribution toward the Vieille Case Roman Catholic Church renovation project.
"Prizes for 40 Years" is the theme of the Harris Paints Christmas Promotion which celebrates the Company's 40th anniversary in a big way with its customers.
40 years after starting out as a small manufacturing entity in Barbados, the now-regional paint company is asking its customers to paint their way to prizes and will be giving away a wide range of prizes across the Caribbean between now and December 31st.
"We don't sell paint, we sell colour!" This statement recently made by Chief Executive Officer of Harris Paints Ian Kenyon, sums up just how he feels about the company dubbed "The Caribbean Champions of Colour," which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, having started as a small manufacturing operation in Barbados.
On September 15th 1972, a small paint company commenced operations by repackaging ready made product in a hardware bond at the corner of Victoria and Middle Streets in Bridgetown, Barbados. Now, 40 years later, Harris Paints operates in five (5) factories across the Caribbean in Barbados, Guyana, St. Lucia, Dominica and Jamaica, employing over 200 persons around the region and retailing its products in 15 countries.
The management and staff of Harris Paints St. Lucia Limited have much to celebrate as the organization recently passed its recertification of ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System with absolutely no findings. This emphasises the company's commitment to providing quality products and services and helping to make the industry more efficient and effective.
Harris Paints' most recent award winning performance in the Barbados National Initiative for Service Excellence (NISE) awards has emphasised the company's status as a regional leader in customer service excellence and commitment. The Caribbean Champions of Colour earned four of the five top prizes for Customer Service including the Prime Minister's Award, to be the toast of the evening at the recent NISE Gala awards event held at the Hilton Barbados.
Harris Paints Barbados (2003) Ltd. has been a Green Business with Green Business Barbados since September 2010 and has played a crucial role in the development of the programme over the years. In 2012, Harris Paints broke a new record within the programme becoming the first business to achieve Tier two (2) of the Footprint Rating System.
Colour is the essence of life. It enriches beauty and spawns creativity; and at Harris, their paints present a world of colours to explore. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary this coming September, Harris Paints Limited continues to satisfy the needs of its customers through product evolutions and the guarantee of a high standard of service.
BARBADOS needs 100 per cent of its employees in 100 per cent of its companies to get engaged, get involved and get competitive. These words of advice came from Chairman of Harris Paints, Ralph Johnson, while delivering remarks at the Hilton Barbados Resort on Friday night.


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NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — The first commercial pot shops in Massachusetts sold more than $2.2 million worth of marijuana products during the first five days they were open for business.
That's according to figures released on Tuesday by the Cannabis Control Commission.
The commission released the figures without comment.
The store openings were not without a hitch as some Leicester residents complained about traffic jams and other problems during a town hall meeting Monday.
Additional Massachusetts stores are expected to open in the coming months.


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Toyota says will recall 242,000 hybrids for brake design flaw
Toyota Motor Corp is recalling about 242,000 gas-electric hybrid vehicles worldwide, including the bestselling Prius model, due to a brake design flaw, the automaker said on Wednesday.
Toyota is recalling the Prius produced between March and October 2009, and the Lexus HS 250h made between June and October 2009, spokeswoman Shino Yamada said.
The recalled vehicles could experience greater stopping distances when braking because of a mechanical design flaw in a brake part, Yamada said.
That part, the brake pressure accumulator, could crack with fatigue and release nitrogen gas into the brake fluid, she said, adding that no accidents, injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of the defect.
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Toyota is recalling 113,550 Prius vehicles in Japan. In the United States, it is recalling 81,570 Prius cars and 5,030 of the HS 250h, Yamada said.
The company will exchange the faulty part with a new one, which will take around three hours, she said.
In 2010, Toyota, an leader in gas-electric hybrid technology, recalled 433,000 hybrid vehicles including the Prius and HS 250h because of a braking software glitch.
In a gas-electric hybrid vehicle, a battery captures energy from the brakes to supplement the combustion engine, boosting overall mileage, particularly in stop-go city traffic.
As of end March, the company had sold about 5.1 million hybrid vehicles globally, including 3.6 million Prius vehicles, since it went on sale in December 1997.


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(Reuters) – Wells Fargo & Co (WFC.N) said on Tuesday that will launch new bank accounts to limit overdraft fees for customers.
One bank account will charge a $5 monthly fee, exclude checks, and limit spending to the amount available within the account. Customers who want to be able to write checks can opt for an account that limits overdraft fees to one per month for a $10 monthly fee.
The new accounts are expected to launch early next year.
Other Wells Fargo deposit accounts give customers the option to avoid a monthly fee so long as their account meets certain requirements like having a direct deposit or making a number of purchases per month.
Overdraft fees have drawn scrutiny from regulators and politicians for years since they are typically only paid by customers with the least money. In 2009 the Federal Reserve issued a rule that prevented banks from charging overdraft fees on ATM and one-time debit card transactions unless the customer opted into overdraft protection. The rule did not apple to recurring payments like subscriptions and auto-pay.
Since the beginning of 2020 Wells Fargo has received dozens of complaints related to overdraft fees, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau database.
Wells Fargo has taken a number of measures to help customers avoid overdraft fees. In 2017 the bank started provided real-time balance alerts to customers whenever their account fall to zero or less, stopped charging fees on accounts that were overdrawn by less than $5, and introduced a overdraft rewind feature that refunded fees charged when a covering direct deposit was received the next day. The moves have been a drag on fee income for the bank.


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CHESTERFIELD, MO/August 7, 2017 (STLRealEstate.News) The Chesterfield Mall hasn’t had an easy last few years. Like most American malls, it’s hanging on for dear life. This week, the Chesterfield Malls’ lender finalized foreclosure on the shopping center, and the struggling property that remains open will soon be placed up for sale – again.
City officials met with an executive of mall owner C-III Capital Partners at the end of June to discuss plans to place the mall up for sale after 90-days. They predicted it will likely be turned into a mixed-use property after it’s sold, said Libbey Malberg-Tucker, Chesterfield’s economic development director.
Prior to the new ownership announcement, Chesterfield Mall was placed in receivership in August after C-III sued the mall’s previous owner CBL & Associations Properties, alleging CBL defaulted on repayment of a $140 million loan. Following that, the foreclosure became official on June 27, 2017, making C-III the new owner until the real estate investment company with offices in New York and Texas could sell the property. Fast-forwarding to right now, experts are predicting that they are likely going to sell the property.
“They will ultimately sell it,” Tucker reported to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “They plan to put it out to market for one month with a call for offers.” A spokesman for C-III decline to comment on the deal at this time.
Though it’s fairly uncertain at this time what the mall’s future holds, Tucker stated that I’s highly unlikely to remain an enclosed shopping center. “We know it can’t remain all retail, and we’re open to it becoming a mixed-use development. Whether that’s office, hotel, living space, all of those things we’d embrace,” said Tucker.
Tucker went onto state that Chesterfield would consider some incentives for a redevelopment of the property, including a Transportation Development District. No requests or suggestions have been submitted to city officials at this time.


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Hiking the minimum wage for gig workers will cut their earnings to $0
On Sunday morning, I appeared on Fox and Friends to discuss a New York judge’s decision to temporarily block a planned city-ordered pay hike for food delivery workers.
The New York Daily News reports that:
Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub sued the city this week in a bid to halt the hike, which would require companies to pay delivery workers at least $17.96 per hour or an equivalent rate per delivery.
Food delivery workers currently earn around $11 per hour on average. The city’s minimum wage is $15.
The workers have historically been treated as independent contractors, not company employees, depriving them of a minimum wage.
I explained that the cost of this measure will have to be borne by someone, the question is simply who?
The business can pass the cost onto consumers in the form of higher prices. Alternatively, the business could swallow it in the form of lower profits, but businesses like DoorDash and Grubhub are notoriously unprofitable so it is much more likely that they will simply cease providing the service.
Grubhub and DoorDash do have the option of passing the cost onto the providers of the food, the sorts of mom and pop delis and pizzerias that New York is famous for, but all that does is pass the decision on to them: do they hike the prices they charge their customers or do they swallow it in the shape of lower profits? Once again, it is quite likely that these businesses – which already operate on famously low profit margins – will simply stop providing the service altogether. That is what Uber threatened to do during the last legislative session when Minnesota’s House and Senate passed a bill so loopy that even Governor Walz vetoed it.
The New York Daily News quoted the commissioner of the Consumer and Worker Protection Department, Vilda Vera Mayuga, as saying that she was “extremely disappointed that the apps are delaying the implementation of the minimum pay rate.”
“These apps currently pay workers far below the minimum wage, and this pay rate would help lift thousands of working New Yorkers and their families out of poverty,” she added.
How would one of these drivers be lifted out of poverty if the service ceases and their wage drops from $11 an hour to $0 an hour? That, after all, is the true minimum wage.


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An unlikely partnership could be a major boon for this charging station company…
On Tuesday, Volvo ADR announced it was teaming up with Starbucks to test electric-vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
Through the agreement, Volvo will construct fast-charging stations at roughly 15 Starbucks locations.
The stations will be installed every 100 miles between Denver and Seattle.
And while they won’t be operational until the end of the year, once they’re installed, they’ll offer Volvo owners discounted rates – or free access altogether.
This could be a boon for Volvo, as it may entice consumers to buy its vehicles in the instance the pilot program goes well.
It could also benefit Starbucks through an increase in customer visitations during daily commutes.
However, it may ultimately end up being a massive tailwind for the company behind the charging-station technology…
Even though they’re under Volvo’s brand name, ChargePoint Holdings (CHPT) is the supplier and operator of the stations.
It’s also the biggest independent EV charging station operator in more than 14 countries. So, ChargePoint not only manages charging networks, but also develops the underlying technology used by major brands like Volvo.
This means anytime a company installs one of its stations, ChargePoint is the one that ultimately monitors, and maintains the charging hubs through a subscription service.
And given the fact that it’s still new to the publicly-traded market, the company’s share value is still cheap at $18.01 per share.
This means that as companies such as Volvo continue to adopt its technology and services, its stock could surge significantly higher.
It could even receive a further boost from the broader market, as the U.S. and other countries intend to spend billions to ramp up EV infrastructure in the years ahead.
After the tech bubble popped in 2000, there were some amazing bargains available…
You could get Amazon for just $6!
I believe this time is no different.
With the recent tech sell-off, there are some incredible companies trading at discounts we’ll never likely see again in our lifetimes.
And I believe I have the name of the #1 bargain right now.
This is a tiny Silicon Valley company that’s using AI to do something incredible.


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Firms enthusiastic about hiring as optimism rises
IRISH businesses are more optimistic about the economy than they were a year ago, an international survey has found.
They're also more confident about investing more in their business and taking on new staff, according to the Grant Thornton International Business Report for 2013.
The study, surveying 44 countries, showed that 36pc of Irish bosses are optimistic about the country's economic prospects, above the EU average of 27pc. Ireland is the fifth most optimistic out of the 10 eurozone countries.
Grant Thornton Partner Patrick Burke said that Irish businesses were now leaner and more efficient than previously.
"The improving outlook is particularly welcome, but we have a long way to go before we could describe the Irish economy as returning to robust growth," Mr Burke said.
"It continues to be a two-speed recovery, with the export sector showing growth, but the domestic economy remaining weak."
Other key findings of the survey include:
• 38pc of Irish businesses remain slightly or very pessimistic about the economic outlook this year, while 36pc were slightly or very optimistic
• 92pc expect employment to increase or remain the same.
• 54pc of Irish businesses expect profit growth this year, compared with 30pc in 2012.


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These stories were sponsored by Colorado Outdoors as part of a series of features examining economic trends in the outdoor industry in 2020 and 2021.
In pursuit of a more rewarding lifestyle, the workforce is increasingly spreading out to rural areas. Many outdoor manufacturers are following suit and trading the big cities for the great wide open.
As outdoor brands look to reshore production, they’re finding mountain towns and rural communities are not only great places to test gear, they can also support tech-fueled manufacturing operations.
A holy grail for economic developers and the subject of academic research for more than a century, manufacturing clusters drive the global economy. On the Western Slope of Colorado, there’s an opportunity to foster a cluster around the manufacturing of outdoor gear.
Colorado Outdoors is transforming an overlooked stretch along the Uncompahgre River in Montrose into a mixed-use manufacturing hub. Makers of everything from fishing gear to tents will feel right at home.


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Blockchain is a key disruptor in industries as diverse as finance, retail, healthcare, and politics. The latter certainly introduces intriguing possibilities into the social fabric. In 2018, Boston start-up Voatz launched a blockchain-based voting platform to address concerns about voting irregularities. To date, more than 70,000 voters have already used Voatz to vote in state, municipal, and union elections. The platform’s blockchain technology ensures tamper-proof record keeping and auditing. As blockchain technologies evolve, so do expectations regarding their continued viability. One man, however, has leveraged the bottleneck of data storage and computing to create new solutions.
DxChain- distributed storage and computing network
Allan Zhang has always been ambitious, where technology is concerned. In 2018, the former security engineer for Palo Alto Networks launched DxChain, a distributed storage and computing network. It is essentially a decentralized Big Data and machine learning network that has revolutionized data security in the cloud. Under the previous blockchain model, the largest Internet giants owned Big Data: Amazon, Google, and Facebook. With Zhang’s DxChain, data in all its forms come under individual ownership. It’s a powerful new shift in the blockchain paradigm.
On its face, DxChain utilizes “Chains-on-chain” architecture to facilitate data trading. It consists of an immutable master chain and two side chains for storage and computation. The side chains not only add to the capabilities of the master chain, they also come equipped with their own security framework. This means that a security breach on the main chain will not affect the side chains. While the master chain handles transactions (such as master contracts), the side chains address scalability and latency issues.
At its heart, DxChain is a data trading platform that combines with Hadoop to deliver stable, secure, and decentralized storage for both individuals and organizations. Essentially, DxChain dismantles the Big Tech monopoly on data and allows everyone to trade data securely over the cloud.
The technological innovations in DxChain are extensive in nature. Zhang and his team of engineers designed DxChain to include side chains for delivering storage, privacy, and computational capabilities.
- The master blockchain utilizes an Ethereum-compatible data framework of hash-connected blocks. In blockchain, special hashing algorithms create hashes, which are fixed-length digital signatures for blocks. At their heart, hashes contribute extensively to data security.
- Meanwhile, the computing side chain is predicated on the verification game algorithm and Provable Data Computation (PDC) consensus mechanism. At its heart, verification game utilizes recursive checking to ensure that computational procedures are performed correctly, while Provable Data Computation (PDC) allows users to remotely ascertain the authenticity of data stored at untrusted sources.
- For its part, the data storage side chain is based on the Proof of Spacetime (PoSt) and Provable Data Possession(PDP) consensus mechanism. PoST facilitates faster transaction speeds, improved privacy protections, and increased transparency.
- Immutable encrypted data protects user data and prevents costly breaches.
- DxChain has the potentiality of powering smart cities. In a smart city, smart contracts oversee the daily operations of temperature, air quality, and security sensors. The platform also enables data buyers to develop machine learning algorithms to detect device failures and order maintenance checks.
- In the healthcare industry, the value chain is impeded by Big Data and privacy concerns. Providers must wade through copious sets of patient health records, lab reports, and wearable technology data to deliver accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. DxChain addresses both data and security concerns by encrypting data collected through mobile apps, smart devices, and fitness trackers and storing them securely. Data can also be shared across devices, which facilitates cross-functional collaboration between healthcare providers. Additionally, the platform’s machine learning capabilities allow healthcare developers to develop unique algorithms to remotely monitor the health of patients.
Essentially, DxChain’s decentralized platform reduces data storage and traffic management costs, which may, in turn, lower healthcare premiums for patients.
DxChain has the potentiality of transforming how data is stored, managed, and traded in the cloud. Beneficiaries of its platform include:
- Small and medium-sized AI companies, which can leverage DxChain to create unique big data and machine learning platforms at lower costs.
- Proprietorships and organizations of various sizes, which can obtain data at competitive prices in a secure data transaction market.
Essentially, everyone can obtain the kind of high-quality data that is currently monopolized by enterprise organizations.
At its heart, DxChain eliminates the challenges of the present blockchain network:
- the monopolization of profits by powerful organizations from the sale of valuable data
- privacy concerns of industries that must comply with regulatory requirements
- expensive costs associated with data storage services
As can be seen, Zhang’s DxChain is a game changer in blockchain technology. If you’re curious about how new blockchain technologies can transform your healthcare ecosystem, contact us. Together, we can transform your value chain organically, effortlessly, and intrinsically.


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INDIANAPOLIS - A historic vote in Congress could affect the way Hoosiers pay for purchases online.
The U.S. Senate voted Monday afternoon 70-24 to require online businesses to collect sales taxes on nearly all purchases.
It's a decision that could mean hundreds of millions of dollars for Indiana.
This bill would not impact Amazon.com, which has already agreed to start paying the tax in January, but other online giants that sell to Hoosiers, eBay and Overstock.com, are fighting it strongly.
Indiana Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, said the state could realize an additional $150 million to $180 million in taxes, enough to offset the repeal of the inheritance tax.
And he said it would help so-called brick-and-mortar businesses located here.
"It gives them a level playing field. So, hopefully, it's a benefit to them, and they can get more business and maybe even have more employees here in Indiana," Kenley said.
Indiana taxpayers are currently required to pay the sales tax when online retailers don't collect it, but almost nobody does.
Retail Council President Grant Monahan called that Use Tax horribly inefficient, and said it's far more efficient to collect it at the point of sale, which this bill would require.
But the bill is stirring up opposition by the Tea Party, which views it as a tax increase that would hurt small businesses that start out online.
"So much of the Internet is put out by folks, middle-class folks, who are running businesses out of their garage," said Tea Party activist David Blank. "They're selling things online. And this is a tax that's going to hurt them specifically."
The proposed federal law requires states that want to collect the tax to adhere to a simplified system for the online businesses to remit their payments, but Indiana is one of 24 states that have already done that.
So if the federal bill becomes law, Indiana won't have to do anything but wait for the money to start rolling in.
Before it becomes law, it must still pass the House and be signed by President Obama.
Follow Norman Cox on Twitter: @normancox6


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And once again there is a new release date announced set for August! It seems like August is a great month for a lot of horror fans.
STASIS is a 2D point-and-click game from a top-down perspective that all about solving the mystery about the abandoned spaceship that the player finds himself stranded in. STATIS is a game that got successfully crowdfunded back in November 2013 on kickstarter, around the same time there was Alpha version available for download to get a big tease about what's the game is about. You can still find that, here. But we personally wouldn't recommend playing the Alpha, as the release date of STATIS is really close! Keep reading for more information.
There has been a lot of time passed since the Alpha and the game has been improved a lot, and we can see this in the launch trailer that the STATIS developers (The Brotherhood) released just over an hour ago.
We have come a lot way from the Alpha, the trailer and we can see in the trailer that STATIS has had some big improvements in the Lightning system. Together with the trailer, The Brotherhood also announced the release date, the date is set at 31 August 2015 and will be available on Steam and GOG for Windows and Mac for $19.99.
Pre-Orders are possible on their order page.
Are you excited for STATIS? Discuss on our game page on ScaredToPlay or in the comment section below!


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Fiserv Inc. reported better-than-expected sales growth during the second quarter as it continued to sign new banking, credit union and card services clients and said it is making good progress on its $22 billion acquisition of First Data, which is set to close on Monday.
Fiserv, a Brookfield, Wisconsin-based financial services and payments technology provider, announced the blockbuster acquisition in January, under which it would acquire the merchant services and payments processing firm.
Fiserv CEO Jeffrey Yabuki told analysts Thursday that the companies have received all the necessary regulatory approvals without conditions. He said the companies are working on incremental growth opportunities in the bank merchant, credit solutions, biller services, network and international areas.
He said the combined company may exceed its expected revenue synergy target of $500 million and the companies have made good progress on cost synergies. He said he merged companies should add 20% accretion to adjusted earnings per share over the first 12 months of the deal.
"We're thrilled to be on the precipice of closing this transaction and moving forward together," Yabuki told analysts. "We're even more convinced that this transformative combination will extend leadership and value for clients, create important opportunities for associates and deliver above market returns for shareholders for many years to come."
Regarding the earnings results, adjusted earnings per share rose 9% to 82 cents a share in the quarter, compared with 75 cents in the year-ago quarter.
Revenue rose 6% to $1.51 billion during the second quarter, including a 10% gain in the payments segment and 2% gain in the financial segment.
Fiserv said it still expects to report internal revenue growth in the range of 4.5% to 5% for the year and adjusted earnings-per-share of $3.39 to $3.52, which represents a growth rate of 10% to 14%.
"We're pleased with our financial performance in the second quarter against our most difficult comparison of the year," Yabuki told analysts. "We delivered better than anticipated results in the quarter and the first half and are well on our way to meet our full year of financial targets."
The company said Mobiliti ASP subscribers rose 16% to about 9 million, as consumers continued to embrace digital banking. Mobility business clients rose 20% during the quarter. Mobility allows users to access digital banking across a range of platforms, including smartphones and tablets.
The company said P2P transactions, including Popmoney and Zelle, were up 100% during the quarter. Zelle allows bank consumers to transfer funds and pay bills directly from their accounts.
Following a question from analysts, Yabuki said the company is seeing an uptick in demand for contactless or dual-interface cards. He mentioned having contactless in places like the New York City subway is helpful and that the company, which issues about 100 million cards per year, expects to see an uptick in 2020 and 2021. He added that Fiserv works closely with prepaid and that a number of those providers are issuing EMV cards, and expects to see a number of them jump straight to contactless.
Cover photo: iStock
David Jones is a veteran business and technology journalist, with three decades of experience writing about business travel, real estate and technology.
Since 2015 he covered a range of technology stories for the ECT News Network, which includes the E-Commerce Times, TechNewsWorld, LinuxInsider and CRM Buyer, writing about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, open source computing and privacy issues among others,. He recently covered FinTech issues for PYMNTS.com.
He worked as a staff writer for Bloomberg Business News and an online reporter for Crain’s New York Business. He has written for numerous media organizations, including Reuters, The New York Times, The Real Deal, Continental, City Limits and The Nation.
He was previously awarded the George Washington Williams Fellowship for Journalists of Color by the Independent Press Association.


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- Take Action
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Quick Overview ▼
We were first introduced to Food & Water Watch during an effort to maintain local control of the publicly owned water system in our area. We have continued to support the efforts of FWW as they lobby for the best interests of the people of this planet.
Press Releases: WorldPress Releases Found: 49
July 3, 2014
Press release: Fifty organizations sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry calling on the U.S. government to maintain respect for the government of El Salvador’s procurement of seeds for a successful food security program.
October 3, 2013
Press Release: The United States District Court for the District of Columbia granted R-CALF USA, Food & Water Watch, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and Western Organization of Resource Councils motion to intervene and defend Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) from a lawsuit filed by the international meatpacking industry.
August 30, 2013
Statement from Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter Washington, D.C.—“It’s common practice for government agencies to release information they hope to sneak past consumers on Friday afternoons before a holiday weekend. So it’s not surprising that this afternoon the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) gave the green light to certain chicken […]
August 26, 2013
Press Release: Four groups representing, farmers and ranchers, rural communities and consumers filed court papers on Friday, Aug. 23, to defend mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) from a spurious lawsuit filed by the meatpacking industry.
July 9, 2013
Press Release: A coalition of farm, rural and consumer organizations delivered a letter to the members of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States urging them to recommend that the Obama administration reject the proposed Shuanghui International Holdings, Ltd. acquisition of Smithfield Foods.
July 2, 2013
Media Statement: We’re calling on Secretary Vilsack to start the process to revoke the equivalency status of Australia’s privatized inspection system AEMIS. The latest import rejections for visible fecal and ingesta contamination point to a failed system.
January 2, 2013
Despite Food Safety Problems, Australia’s Privatized Meat Inspection Deemed “Equivalent” to U.S. by USDA
Press Release: Today the consumer advocacy group Food & Water Watch called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to review its decision to allow the newly privatized meat inspection system of Australia to be considered equivalent to U.S. inspection. In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the group pointed to repeated discoveries of meat imported from Australia that was contaminated with fecal material and digestive tract contents.
August 30, 2012
Press Release: Food & Water Watch, along with pet food safety advocates Mollie Morrissette and Susan Thixton, delivered a letter to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to demand that the FDA take stronger actions to prevent further pet illnesses and to inform consumers of the safety issues related to these products. In addition, Food & Water Watch will drop off a petition signed by nearly 18,000 consumers to the FDA on Friday, Aug. 31.
August 28, 2012
Press Release: Just days after the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board refused to investigate Iowa Regent Bruce Rastetter for conflict of interest violations, newly released documents reveal that he attempted to use a partnership with Iowa State University (ISU) to get U.S. government funding to establish his controversial agribusiness project in Tanzania.
Working with ISU faculty, Rastetter’s company AgriSol applied in 2011 for more than $7 million in taxpayer dollars as part of an international food aid program run by the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA).
August 24, 2012
Media Statement: Since 2007, thousands of American dogs have fallen ill or died after eating jerky treats made in China. In the past of couple days, it has come to light that Chinese government officials overseeing the factories that make the questionable treats refused to allow U.S. inspectors to collect samples for independent analysis.
While this lack of cooperation shows an unfortunate disregard for health and safety on behalf of the Chinese government, it’s the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who has shirked its responsibility to keep U.S. citizens and their pets safe and it’s the FDA who must step up and block these potentially deadly treats from harming more animals.


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Link Pacific Logistics held a webinar entitled “Economic and Logistics Business Prospects in 2021” on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. To find out about the condition of the Economy and Logistics Sector in 2021, PT Link Pasipik Indonusa invited Expert Staff for Connectivity, Service Development, and Natural Resources, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Edi Pambudi and Chairman of the Indonesian Supply Chain Setijadi as speakers.
2021 is an opportunity for Indonesia’s economic recovery because trading partner countries have started to recover. Edi Pambudi said that various economic indicators continued to show an improving trend.
Retail sales in February (2021) have started to improve, confidence from the production side is already at an optimistic level and total investment is increasing. Edi Pambudi added that the KUR (People’s Business Credit) distribution program, especially for production activities, continued to increase, almost reaching the target. In addition, sales of motorized vehicles, which are commonly used as indicators of people’s purchasing power, have increased.
Consumer purchasing power has improved as optimism has recovered, as reflected in a Bank Indonesia survey, namely: Consumer Confidence Index (IKK), Current Economic Condition Index (IKE) and Expectation Index for Economic Conditions (IEK). Ideally, if the index is above 100, this indicates consumer optimism. The IKK January 2021 was still at the pessimistic level (84.9) when the pandemic in Indonesia was at its peak, as was the IKE (63). However, the public sees a recovery that will occur, this can be seen from the IEK which has reached an optimistic level (106.7).
Edi Pambudi also estimated that the cycle of economic growth in Indonesia will reach its peak in the second and third quarters because of the National Religious Holidays (HBKN) or Eid. Various strategies will be taken by the government to accelerate economic recovery, especially vaccinations will be encouraged to reach the community immediately. The prediction of Indonesia’s economic recovery in 2021 itself, conveyed by Chairman of Indonesia’s Supply Chain Setijadi, shows optimism. Quoting various media, Indonesia’s economy in 2021 will grow in the range of 4.5% -5.3%.
Freight transportation by sea tends to be stable, especially for domestic routes. Air and rail transport received a significant impact during the pandemic, but have been gradually improving with the implementation of health protocols and relaxed mobility.
Setijadi conveyed in the second session, that the imbalance of economic growth in various regions has an impact on the logistics sector. Java Island still dominates economic growth with a rate of 59%, followed by Sumatra Island.
The uneven trade balance between regions causes complexity of routes and increases the burden of logistics costs. The trading and transportation margins are increasing, but the additional stages in the supply chain will result in higher freight costs. Even though trade increases, it will not be efficient if the logistics burden is still high.
Edi Pambudi stated that the transformation from the traditional sector to the modern sector requires a better national logistics system. To do this, smooth connectivity from producers to consumers is required. Producers send their goods to distribution centers so that consumers who order will get goods faster and at lower costs.
Currently, the transformation of the national logistics system is underway with the formation of various kinds of platforms to make this sector more efficient. However, these platforms have not been integrated as a whole. Edi Pambudi said there was a need to build a digital corridor between related business actors in order to more quickly distribute information, data, and proof of agreement as well as to distribute them. This integration must ensure every business actor’s platform flexibility control remains in their hands while making sure these platforms are compatible.
In the closing session, Chairman of Indonesian Supply Chain Setijadi said the role of logistics service providers is needed to consolidate at the collection and delivery stages of commodities, including in facilitating the implementation of cold chains. Setijadi also encouraged logistics service providers to continue to develop their services and business models. In order to be more competitive, companies with basic services need to continue to transform into third-party logistics providers (3PL), lead logistics providers (LLP), and lead logistics manager (LLM).
The Moderador in this webinar who is the Commissioner for Link Pacific Logistics Subagiyo said that synergy and collaboration from all parties is needed to foster an improving business climate. So that exports can grow and have contributions for Indonesia’s economic growth ahead of Indonesia Maju in 2045.
About Link Pacific Logistics
Link Pacific Logistics is a total logistics provider under PT Link Pasipik Indonusa which has been established since 2006. During its 15 years of existence, Link Pacific Logistics service scoop has covered Sea Freight both export, import, LCL and FCL; Air Freight Export and Import; SOC (Shipper Owned Containers) services from Jakarta-Semarang-Surabaya to Singapore and from Singapore to Jakarta-Semarang-Surabaya; Domestic Projects, Trucking, Sea and Air Export Import Custom Clearance, Warehousing, PPJK, Dangerous Cargo, and Ecommerce China-Jakarta.
With branch offices spread across major port cities in Indonesia, as well as in Cikarang, Bandung, Soekarno Hatta Airport and Malaysia, Link Pacific Logistics is a solution for all logistical needs for all national, regional and international customers.


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Sport’s traditional model of the exclusive territory-by-territory sale of media rights is not one that fits esports, according to a leading executive from Riot Games, the esports event organiser and video game developer.
Alban Dechelotte, Riot Games’ European head of esports sponsorship and business development, said that selling rights from country to country to different broadcasters and streaming platforms would leave fans “not knowing where to go” to watch coverage.
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A partnership led by Peter and Anthony Malkin has agreed to pay $9.5 million for the land underneath 122 W. 34th St.
The parcel purchased is underneath a four-story building at 122 W. 34th, which is totally attached and dependent on mechanicals from the office building next door at 112 W. 34th St.
The former Woolworth store at No. 122 currently hosts a Footlocker retail outlet with its offices above.
With 90,000 feet of showroom and offices, Aeropostale is the largest tenant in No. 112, which is getting a $60 million makeover that will now include stretching its new curtain wall facade over No. 122.
Massey Knakal repped the seller, a partnership of the Carr and Miccolino families.
Prudential supplied 100 percent financing on the purchase, said Anthony Malkin, whose company Wien & Malkin structured the transaction for their associated W&H Properties portfolio building.
Cuba’s Café, which is part of the Chelsea Dining Group, is coming to Hell’s Kitchen at a 900 foot space at 688 Tenth Ave., between 48th and 49th streets.
“It will be a high-style Cuban diner,” said Aaron Gavios of Square Foot Realty, who repped the tenant and whose partner, Howard Aaron, worked for the building owner.
Just two years ago, Gavios said rents on Tenth were $40 a foot and now corners are fetching $150.
“The corridor is changing overnight with a lot of luxury apartments and condominiums,” he said.
The Westchester and Fairfield counties markets are still space constrained, with rents holding and some concessions easing – though not all.
More than a dozen tenants are looking for around 100,000 feet, but half of them will likely renew.
“Where people can postpone a decision, they will,” said Jim Fagen of Cushman & Wakefield at a briefing yesterday in Greenwich, Conn.
Brokers quietly told us the 180,000 foot building that Royal Bank of Scotland will vacate when its new digs in Stamford are finished is now in contract to Heritage Realty Services for around $200 million, or north of $1,000 a foot.
With two atriums and three “pods” that have three floors each of 20,000 feet, the building is expected to lease up quickly as a multi-tenanted building.
Direct Class A rents in Greenwich average at $58.19, but can top $100 a foot.
Staubach handled the marketing of the sale.
George Constantin, president and CEO of Heritage, cited his confidentially agreement and declined to discuss the purchase.
But Constantin told us that his company is now bringing to market the former Comp USA space just south of Lord & Taylor at 420 Fifth Ave. in Manhattan.
The 74,000 feet of retail stretches “corner to corner” and has an asking rent over $150 a foot.
“A lot of foreign retailers are interested,” Constantin added.


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Concertgoers first create an account using their mobile phone, an email address and credit card--and ShopText gives them a unique PIN for future transactions. Once they spot a Knitting Factory concert listing, fans purchase tickets by texting the event's unique show code to the number 467467 (GO-SHOP), using the PIN for payment.
While users can go online to set up the account, both companies were adamant about making the registration process simple and accessible via mobile phone. "The consumer never has to go online," said Steve Roberts, CEO, ShopText. "We built our mobile commerce platform under the belief that if you can text, you can shop."
KFE said it partnered with New York-based ShopText because the mobile commerce and promotions company had implemented successful print and OOH-based text messaging campaigns for brands such as Johnson and Johnson and Lucky magazine.
"There are a lot of very ambitious strategies for delivering mobile commerce," said Jared Hoffman, CEO, KFE. "But given the current limits to mobile Web technology in the U.S., it had to be a simple solution that everyone could use right now, and ShopText provided that."
While KFE touts this as the "first ticketing-by-text opportunity" for concertgoers in America, ShopText has implemented a similar program for the Broadway musical "Grey Gardens." Both companies point to future implications of this specific mobile technology for both the entertainment and marketing industries.
ShopText, for example, is seeking to broaden text-to-purchase campaigns globally for clients such as P&G, while KFE sees the mobile commerce platform as a way to both foster the concertgoer community and make it accessible to marketers. The company plans to roll out the text-to-purchase option for its venues in Idaho and Washington by the end of third-quarter 2007. Hoffman adds: "We have a very desirable consumer demographic, and using the ShopText platform can help drive a response-based marketing program very effectively."


text: A new video chat device will be introduced soon to us by Facebook in May this year. This device is named “Portal”. Facebook decided to keep the price at $499. Portal will be able to connect your Facebook account recognizing your face with its advance facial recognition camera. According to Cheddar, Facebook will sell Portal through pop-up stores and online.


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By Tyler Trosper / December 1st, 2017
Bandai Namco released a new video showing off the destructive power of Kid Buu in Dragon Ball FighterZ.
Dragon Ball FighterZ is being developed by Arc System Works, best known for their Guilty Gear and BlazBlue fighting games. Bandai Namco will release the game in the Americas on January 26th, 2018 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. A CollectorZ Edition is available for pre-order, which includes a 7 inch Goku statue, steelbook case, three art boards, and a collector’s box. Pre-ordering a physical copy of the game also grants you access to SSGSS Goku and SSGSS Vegeta along with two lobby avatars.
Arc System WorksBandai NamcoDragon BallDragon Ball FighterZDragon Ball ZPCPlayStation 4SteamXbox One


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Featured in trucks
A hardy umbrella plant made this rusty pickup truck its home
A miracle without Miracle-Gro.
Will supply chain issues affect the books you want? Depends on what you’re reading.
We have some tips if you're looking for a page-turner this holiday season.
Electric garbage trucks are the quiet, clean titans of waste collection
Using a battery-powered garbage truck to collect trash in a city like New York is not a stinky idea.
5 things you have to know about the new USPS trucks
The steering wheel will still be on the right-hand side.
GM wants its cars to be fully electric by 2035. Here’s what that could mean for auto emissions.
It’s an aspirational target, but it’s also a sign that automakers can change their ways.
The 2022 GMC electric Hummer looks a lot different than you might expect
With 1,000 horsepower and a 350-mile range, this electric pickup looks impressive on paper.
The Ford Bronco is back and ready to take on the Jeep Wrangler in new ways
It can go off-road or you can take off the doors and cruise.
Tesla’s Cybertruck is the latest lofty promise in the world of electric pickups
Consider your options before you put down your deposit on Cybertruck.
Look inside the coolest engines at the New York Auto Show
Gratuitous photos from the show floor.
The coolest cars—and trucks—from the 2018 LA auto show
A new Jeep pickup, a redesigned Porsche, and more showed up in LA.


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By RTT News,
January 22, 2014, 02:35:00 AM EDT
(RTTNews.com) - Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML Holding NV ( ASML ) Wednesday reported higher profit for the fourth quarter, supported by a significant increase in sales. Further, the company backed its first-half 2014 sales expectation and added that it plans to increase the dividend by 15 percent.
Chief Executive Officer Peter Wennink said, ''The fourth quarter showed our operational capability to respond to strong demand. Combined with an increased contribution from services and options, this resulted in record quarterly sales.''
ASML said its quarterly business was supported by continuing momentum in the Logic segment with customers starting to add capacity at the 20 nanometer node, driven by the mobile applications market.
Net income on an IFRS basis for the quarter increased to 506.7 million euros ($686.7 million) from 320.8 million euros in the prior year.
On a U.S. GAAP basis, net profit jumped to 481.1 million euros from 297.7 million euros.
Total net sales climbed to 1.848 billion euros from 1.023 billion euros. Net system sales surged 88 percent to 1.441 billion euros, while Net service and field option sales jumped 59 percent to 407.1 million euros.
During the quarter, the company sold 56 litho systems, compared to 34 last year. Net bookings climbed to 1.449 billion euros from 667 million euros.
Looking ahead to the first quarter, ASML expects net sales of around 1.4 billion euros and a gross margin of around 42 percent.
ASML said the memory segment continues to pick up in light of tight mobile DRAM capacity. Additionally, NAND memory bit demand is on a steady growth path with a stable market outlook. Citing these, ASML reiterated its first-half 2014 sales expectation of around 3 billion euros, excluding EUV.
Further, ASML plans to increase the dividend by 15 percent to 0.61 euros per share from 0.53 euros per share last year.
The stock settled at 63.10 euros on Tuesday.
For comments and feedback: contact firstname.lastname@example.org


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Token Ring vendor Madge Networks has launched an ambitious venture torsonal fortune. move from being purely a product provider to predominantly a service provider within three to four years. Founder,...
Apple gets hardware launches out of the way ahead of expected TV and news subscription service launches on 25 March
Tens of people inconvenienced in MySpace blunder
Attacks on Bank of Mexico occurred in April 2018 with cash withdrawn from several banks across Mexico
WorldPay: Sold by RBS for £2bn in 2010; scooped up by Fidelity National Information Services nine years later


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A new Chinese restaurant is set to emerge from the former China Max space in the Convoy Pointe Plaza Shopping Center by Spring 2024. Specializing in dim sum, seafood, and other Cantonese specialties, China Max was one of the first Chinese restaurants in the area, serving San Diego from 1983 until April 2020, when it was destroyed in a fire that caused an estimated $4.5 million in damages.
Although owner Cindy Woo initially intended to rebuild and reopen the restaurant, she and her husband ultimately sold the business to a team of owners that includes one of the proprietors of the recently-opened Kanpai BBQ & Shabu and nearby Cantonese restaurant Taste of Hong Kong, where a chef and several staff members from China Max are currently working.
The team tells Eater that they’re in the process of looking for a chef to lead the new Chinese restaurant’s kitchen. Its food focus is still developing, but options include Szechuan cuisine, a noodle house, or dim sum and a Cantonese menu similar to China Max.
Other neighboring businesses in the strip mall were also shuttered by the 2020 fire including YiFang Fruit Tea and Tasty Pot, a Taiwanese hot pot restaurant that still has branches in Mira Mesa and Oceanside. The franchise owners who run Tasty Pot in Mira Mesa tell Eater that they may reopen an outpost in the Convoy District center once repairs are complete but there’s no word yet if YiFang Fruit Tea will return as well.


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The company has also stated that it plans on dropping the NDA when the Beta releases on August 27. “We’ve been working on Dual Universe for over four years, and after completing the foundation for all main gameplay pillars, we’re presenting a solid idea of what this unique game offers to players, and a fully playable game for Beta.” said Novaquark CEO Jean-Christophe Baillie. “This is a huge milestone for us, as it is the culmination of so much hard work from the developers and a direct result of the community’s commitment to improve the game. I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved.”
Novaquark has opted for a subscription model once the Beta goes live. Players looking to experience Dual Universe will have several pricing options available at that time. The company has positioned the game to be accessible, so that players don’t have to shelve out too much per year. Subscriptions begin at $6.99/month, with three options available at launch (with more to come later on). The longer your subscription, the more you save annually, with the 12-month option including two free months in the price.
Players can expect this pricing model to carry on after the game’s launch in 2021. Alpha backers will receive access to the Beta for free, but should hurry because Alpha packs will soon stop being sold on the company’s website.
Since good things always come in threes, Novaquark has also released the game’s stunning opening cinematic, which depicts the story of Earth’s inhabitants traveling to the far reaches of the universe to recreate society in a strange new land after Earth’s destruction at the hand of a neutron star.
Watch the Opening Cinematic Trailer Here:
The excitement is ramping up as the Beta launches on August 27. Sci-fi fans who enjoyed today’s trailer can jump into Dual Universe right now for $60 USD / €60. Check out the game’s website for more information or to purchase your pledge pack. Dual Universe’s Beta launch is expected to release this summer, with the full game arriving in 2021.
Be sure to join the MMOSWorld community Discord: https://discord.gg/D8MYHkG


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Posted by Mark J. Miller on June 1, 2012 03:07 PM
The “I Love NY” advertising campaign in the mid-‘70s was one of the most memorable of all time and certainly ranks up there at the top as far as tourism promotions go. But it’s been more than three decades now and the logo (by ad legend Milt Glaser, who reinterpreted it for JetBlue), tagline and accompanying song are pretty well lodged into the collective cultural consciousness.
So whatcha gonna do? Change it up, natch. New York State has taken the heart (but not the love) out of the logo for its "Follow Your Heart" summer campaign and replaced it with user-submitted symbols and images of things to do around the state.
The goal is to have visitors not just think (or visit) the Big Apple — a smart move for a place branding campaign that is so often mistaken as an image campaign for New York City instead of New York State.
The heart has been replaced by such items as a beach ball, pizza slice, the tragedy and comedy masks. The TV commercials to go with the effort showcase people’s sketches of what they love about New York in the spot where the heart once was, and some of them “come to life,” such as the horse and jockey morphing into a race at Saratoga Springs.
According to the Huffington Post, the $5 million ad campaign aims to reclaim the positioning, and notes “New York ranks third in size of tourist economies behind Florida and California” and will welcome an estimated 51 million visitors this year, accounting for $34 billion in revenue.
“This campaign reinvents one of our state's greatest assets... which is known the world over as one of the most successful advertising symbols ever,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo. “There is no state that has anything over on the state of New York.”
Not everyone's convinced — the Queens Courier, for one, calls it "heartless." Your thoughts?


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Millions of drivers can join the Octopus Electric Vehicles revolution - in UK and US
- Octopus Electric Vehicles launches ‘ultimate’ EV package
- Package combines a new EV with smartest charging solution
- Electric Vehicle disruptor sets up in US with concierge service offering
- Customers will save money and help balance the grid thanks to innovative smart tariffs and tech
London, 6 July 2022 - Octopus Electric Vehicles has launched an all-you-need EV package that provides drivers with the car, charger and tariff - and is bringing it to the US too.
The Electric Vehicle disruptor - part of the Octopus Energy Group - has opened up its electric car offering to millions of new drivers in the UK and the States, where it is setting up a second country base.
The new personal electric vehicle (EV) package follows the success of Octopus Electric Vehicles’ salary sacrifice scheme, to which 1,500 businesses have signed up in the last 15 months.
It will guide customers through the whole experience, drawing on the service that has seen Octopus Electric Vehicles receive a five-star Trustpilot rating* - the best in the industry.
EV experts will help drivers pick the right car, answer any questions and guide them through the entire process. The Octopus team has also pre-ordered popular EVs to help drivers beat lead times.
In the UK, customers’ monthly bills cover the car, tyres, servicing, repair and breakdown assistance from The AA - everything they need to take to the road.
The offer also includes the smartest, greenest and cheapest home charging solution, combining Octopus’s innovative Intelligent Octopus tariff and a free Ohme Home Pro charger.
Drivers will receive 5,000 free miles on the tariff or, if they don’t have access to home charging, 5,000 free miles on Octopus’s public charging network, Electric Juice Network, with access to 250,000 chargers across Europe.
Intelligent Octopus is the UK’s first 100% flexible charging tariff, using Octopus’s energy flexibility platform - KrakenFlex - to optimise charging every day.
The green energy tariff has a low-cost window of 6 hours, during which the green electrons cost just 7.5p / kWh - between 23:30-05:30.
Intelligent Octopus is available for the first time today for all EVs with the Ohme Home Pro smart charger, which seamlessly works with KrakenFlex to optimise the charging to keep costs low and help balance the energy grid at the same time.
Over the course of a three-year lease period, an average driver on Intelligent Octopus with 5,000 free miles will save £3,775 on fuel costs compared to an equivalent petrol car.
The launch of Octopus Electric Vehicles US comes one year after Octopus Energy US landed in Houston to provide affordable, renewable energy to Texan homes.
Since then, its customer base has grown tenfold while the team has launched programs to reward customers who conserve energy and balance the grid when demand is high.
Fiona Howarth, CEO of Octopus Electric Vehicles, commented: “Demand for electric cars is soaring - driven by over 65 amazing cars from 28 manufacturers, low running costs and convenient charging at home and work. We’ve seen that they’re looking for experts that can offer the full EV package to guide them through their journey. With more EV models entering the market every month, and innovative tariffs like Intelligent Octopus making charging your car as easy as your phone, we only expect the transition to accelerate.
“We’re thrilled to be able to open up our ultimate EV package to millions of new customers both in the UK and the US. Our roads are transforming and we plan to lead from the front, making it easy for drivers to make the switch.”
David Watson, CEO of Ohme, commented: “We are delighted to be the only approved smart home charger for Octopus Electric Vehicles with this exciting new offering for future EV drivers.
“This new package makes it easy for motorists to make the switch to electric in a way that’s simple and hassle-free. With the car, Ohme Home Pro smart charger, EV energy tariff and 5000 miles of free charging all rolled into a single bundle, it’s a one-stop shop for drivers to make the switch to an electric vehicle.”
Octopus Electric Vehicles was launched in 2018 with a simple mission; to make it easy for drivers to switch to clean, electric transport. The business sits within the wider Octopus Energy Group, which is expanding rapidly having received $900m in funding over the last year, giving it a valuation of $5bn.
Notes to editors:
0204 5308 369
About Octopus Electric Vehicles
Octopus Electric Vehicles, part of the Octopus Energy Group, was launched in 2018 to make it easy for drivers to make that switch to clean, electric transport. With over 65 electric cars now available from 28 different brands, Octopus Electric Vehicles’ team provides everything drivers need to take the road in a new EV.
Offering an all-in-one service, Octopus lease the cars, install charge points, provide specialist EV energy tariffs, and offer access to over 250,000 public charge points across Europe via the Electric Juice Network. All with a 5* rating on Trustpilot.
Octopus Electric Vehicles also specialises in salary sacrifice schemes - an employee benefit that makes driving a brand new electric car cheaper than the petrol or diesel equivalent through tax savings. Placing customer experience first, Octopus Electric Vehicles has designed the scheme to be simple for an employer to set up and run, and support them at every step. Drivers typically save 30% or more every month on the cost of their EV; and at zero-cost for an employer to set up, it’s great for their team, their hiring and retention, and for their sustainability goals.
More information can be found at www.octopusev.com
Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!×Close window


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Apple co-founder Steve Jobs caused a stir this month by publishing Thoughts on Music, a 1,900-word essay on digital rights management (DRM). Apparently he's against it, and so are we, says Jack Schofield.
Jack Schofield: Back in March, Colin Dowse wrote to Ask Jack in some alarm about his financial prospects. Like many people with small businesses, he was fairly dependent on Google search results, and Google had removed his UK site from its indexes. It hadn't just fallen down the rankings, it had been delisted.


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14. San Francisco has banned fur sales.
San Francisco became the largest city in the US to totally prohibit fur sales. The ban took effect on January 1, 2019. By the way, the former fur sellers are allowed to sell their current inventory until January 1, 2020.
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Selects Wipro, Collabera as vendors; total IT sourcing from India about $1 billion.
US-based retailer Walmart, also the largest company in the world, has increased its information technology (IT) sourcing strategy from India by setting up a dedicated group here (in Gurgaon). Called Remote Services Management, the group is headed by Micky Singh who was earlier the CIO of Walmart India and responsible for setting up complete IT solution to Bharti-Walmart, covering all facets of the retail joint venture.
According to highly-placed sources, Remote Services Management will be part of Walmart’s Information Systems Division (ISD), the in-house IT arm of the company. This is for the first time Walmart’s ISD has set up an arm outside the US.
With this, the company wants to identify a number of Indian IT partners based on their areas of strength, rather than giving a huge IT contract to any single company. As part of the strategy, Walmart has also awarded contracts to two more Indian IT services firms, Wipro and Collabera (a privately-held IT services company) to develop specific tools and application, and provide services around that. The contracts are estimated to be over $200 million for multi-year periods. Walmart has already awarded IT contracts to Infosys, Cognizant and UST Global for sourcing specific services and applications for Walmart globally.
With the selection of more vendors, Walmart’s total IT sourcing from India is estimated to be in the range of $800 million-1 billion. To a specific query from Business Standard, Walmart said the numbers were speculative and not based on fact.
The company, however, said it had relationships with a number of partners and it did not want to comment on the nature of those business relationships. “As a global company, Walmart will make investments in technology to benefit the operations here and elsewhere in the world. We will need worldwide resources, and our work with suppliers in India will help us continue to grow our business and create jobs around the world,” the company spokesperson said in an email reply.
A Wipro spokesperson said the company did not want to comment on market speculations. Collabera, too, echoed this.
It is understood that Wipro will be responsible for application development and infrastructure outsourcing for Walmart stores globally. Besides, the company has also established a large helpdesk as part of its BPO practice. On the other hand, Collabera will develop collaborative tools for specific retail applications.
According to industry sources, in his new role Micky Singh will be responsible for identifying Indian IT partners. For example, the Thiruvananthapuram-based UST Global is responsible for specific testing of its retail applications because of its inherent strengths in software testing.
Walmart typically prefers to develop its retail applications in-house. However, the company gradually started buying packaged retail applications from leading software vendors like Oracle, HP and SAP only towards the end of 2007.