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As consumers invest hours and hours of searching for the best deals on holiday gifts for their loved ones, black business owners are asking consumers to invest that same time and money with them.
'Buying black,' said black business owners, is an investment not just for the businesses, but the entire black community.
“Black business owners have their ear to the street. They pour into the communities in which they reside,” Eldredge E. Washington, co-founder of Spendefy, told NBC News. “They play a role in building the communities in which they reside. By supporting them the way we do, we help to empower them.”
Washington and his friend Antwon Davis, created Spendefy two years ago to help small black businesses achieve success by providing them with resources needed to be successful.
A lack of resources, said Washington, is at the core of what plagues most communities today, especially the black community.
“Nationwide there are more than 2.6 million black-owned businesses,” Davis told NBC News. “But eight out of 10 fail within the first year and a half because of a lack of exposure, a lack of capital, and a lack of business acumen.”
Dubbing it "the Yelp for black businesses," Davis said Spendefy provides small black businesses with much needed exposure.
“Consumers seek products and services regularly, but these businesses do not have the bandwidth or the time available to figure out how to compete as technology changes every single day," he said.
Using the site is simple. All one has to do is log in, search their area, and find the black-owned businesses near them. Businesses can be found by searching location, keyword(s), or category.
“Money can last longer within our community,” he told NBC News via email. “Which then can be used for further progression not only of businesses, but income in households to use towards higher education and skills training.”
Through Black Market Exchange, Patrick attempts to educate people of color, especially millennials, on best practices of investing. Because most black businesses are not publicly traded companies, he said the best means of supporting them is by being consumers.
“When shopping at black businesses, we should look at our acts of frequenting them as investing with the return being the further progression of people in our community,” he said, “As well as a means for them to feed their families and provide their children with more opportunities.”
Jay Bobo and Latesha Williams, owners of Cards for All People told NBC News that the business they receive has direct impact; whether it’s Grandma Pat, their attorney Kwame, or the cast and crew of their upcoming game show Black Card Revoked.
“We hire local students and especially grandmothers to join our fulfillment team to help meet the demand of our consumers,” Williams said via email. “Grandmothers are mature and hard-working. These elders are the backbone of the community — supporting them supports entire families. We’re fostering opportunities and growth for future generations.”
When supporting black businesses, Davis and Washington suggest that consumers should research the business's socially conscious practices.
“We have seen some who are focused on hiring those who have been incarcerated, or focused on creating opportunities for youth in urban communities,” Davis said. “There are all of these smaller businesses doing more than providing quality services and products. They are doing good and representing a level of social responsibility in our community.”
According to Davis and Washington, most black-owned businesses are clustered near major metropolitan cities. New York is number one with 200,000 black-owned businesses in or around New York City. Chicago is second and Atlanta is third with 80,000. The southeast region has the largest percentage of black-owned businesses overall due to its black population numbers, they add.
The holidays are a peak time of year for Cards for All People, said Bobo and Williams. According to Tristan Walker, CEO and founder of Walker & Company Brands, the company that produces Bevel, the holidays are always a major focus for them.
“Our products make thoughtful gifts, whether you’re after something for your dad or boyfriend and, now, your wife or mom,” he told NBC News. “This holiday season is the first time our women’s line is available for purchase online.”
However, Washington said, consumers should not limit their support of black businesses to just the holiday season and '"Buying Black' should be something you do 365 days of the year.'”
“If we want to see change in our community, you have to make an effort, go out of our way, and find these businesses,” he said, adding that consumers will discover some of the "dopest businesses in America."
Patrick challenges customers to patronize at least one black business a month for a year.
“And see how it changes your outlook on black-owned businesses as well as fosters new relationships,” he said. “I’ve been using the same tax preparer for the past three years. It’s helped us not only grow a professional relationship, but also a personal friendship.”


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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Web Marketing Today. Practical Ecommerce acquired Web Marketing Today in 2012. In 2016, we merged the two sites, leaving Practical Ecommerce as the successor.
Consumers have been relying on the Internet to find businesses and products in their local areas for years. They use social media, review websites, and mobile search to conduct research before making their purchases in local stores. Consumer shopping habits are always evolving. In fact, consumers adopt new technologies much faster than businesses, large or small.
Local businesses may look at online marketing as too complicated to tackle. This complexity has been created by multiple marketing and advertising channels. Each seems to change every few months while new ones are being added. The environment is dynamic and fluid.
Local businesses are faced with the reality of this change. Expecting change, adapting to the change, and adopting these new ideas sooner rather than later will give you the competitive edge in the local marketplace.
Shopping Habits Changing
It is much easier to ignore the reality of data and facts when that information takes us into an area of the unknown or what might be uncomfortable. Most of the time this type of information requires a change to our business and perhaps requires us to invest back into the company.
Google, comScore, and BrightLocal have separately surveyed over 10,000 consumers, to study their local shopping habits. The findings of the surveys are below.
Recently Google partnered with Ipsos MediaCT and Purchased® on a research study of roughly 5,000 U.S. smartphone users. The study was designed to better understand consumer local search behavior. The summary of the study showed three major findings:
- 4 in 5 consumers use search engines to find local information;
- 50 percent of consumers visited a store within a day of making a smartphone search;
- 4 in 5 consumers want ads customized to their immediate surroundings.
comScore — joined by Neustar Localeze and 15miles (two marketing firms) — studied local search habits of nearly 5,000 U.S. adults in December 2013. The study, which gathered data on consumer behaviors and attitudes toward local search and content discovery across platforms and devices, validated how consumers are seeking local businesses, products, and services.
- The top three types of local searches were: (a) 41 percent were looking for addresses, (b) 36 percent were looking for products and services, and (c) 30 percent were looking for phone numbers of local businesses with their mobile devices.
- 78 percent of local searches resulted in a offline purchase.
- Top three business categories of search were restaurants, retail shops, and services.
Consumers making their buying decisions based on ratings and reviews from other consumers has been growing over the past few years. The most recent study on this topic by BrightLocal in June 2013 found that local business reviews are read by 85 percent of consumers. Moreover, the study found that more than 60 percent read between two and six online reviews before they form an opinion on the business.
Online marketing is critical for the success of local business of any size. It does not always show fast results. Patience is often necessary. The good news is all activity online can be measured to determine the level of success.
Hyperlocal Internet advertising can be valuable to reach local consumers. I’ve addressed that topic here previously, at “Use Hyperlocal Advertising to Reach Nearby Consumers.”
The studies cited above confirm that local search is important to consumers. Businesses should therefore ensure that they are highly visible in local search engines and on social media and consumer review sites.

domain: news


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Dr Agarwal's raises $136 mn from TPG Growth, Temasek; ADV Partners exits
Dr Agarwal’s Health Care Ltd has raised Rs 1050 crore (around $136 million) from new investor TPG Growth and existing ......
TPG platform to acquire infertility treatment chain Nova
Asia Healthcare Holdings, a single-speciality healthcare investment platform of private equity firm TPG Growth, said it will acquire clinics chain ......
Recommended for you


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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Like I'm So Sure, Purse Snatching Is On The Rise At Malls
A rise in purse snatchings at malls and grocery stores in the Santa Clarita Valley has prompted a warning to shoppers, according to KTLA. With the recent increase in grabby hands, women are being asked to pay extra attention.
Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's deputies said that at least four incidents have been reported recently in which purses or wallets have been taken while shopping. The majority of the incidents are at large chain grocery stores and department stores.
Shoppers are warned to keep their eyes on their belongings and should never leave their bags unattended.


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Shindigz party poll reveals consumers in the mood for a party
South Whitley, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/05/2006 --Although American consumers are beset with what seems to be never-ending amounts of bad news ranging from high gas prices to terrorism fears to concerns of a slowing economy, a recent poll of American consumers by Shindigz.com shows consumers are ready to escape from the day to day and throw more parties.
In one of its well-known “party polls”,Shindigz asked American consumers if they planned on throwing more parties, less parties or about the same amount as last year in the coming months. Over 56% of consumers responded that they plan on throwing more parties with 36% responding that they would be hosting the same number of parties. Only 14% said they would have fewer parties in the coming months.
“I think it is a sign of the times,” said Shep Moyle, Chairman of Shindigz.com. “The American consumer is looking today for an escape from the daily grind and the news of the day. Gathering together with friends is a way to connect and celebrate our relationships” Moyle said.
Shindigz is a leading on-line and direct marketing company specializing in parties, birthdays and special events serving all 50 states and 55 countries overseas. Shindigz offers over 38,000 items and over 4,000 items just for Halloween.
Moyle says Shindigz sees Halloween shaping up this year to surpass even last years records. Shindigz will be conducting its “party poll” for Halloween customers this year as well asking such questions as “who would you rather be for Halloween—George Bush or Hilary Clinton”?
For more information about Shindigz party polls visit www.Shindigz.com.


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Weetabix to be sold to US company Post Holdings
China's Bright Food Group agrees to sell the iconic brand to American business Post Holdings for £1.4bn.
Tuesday 18 April 2017 10:58, UK
British cereal maker Weetabix is to be sold to a US company, it has been confirmed.
A spokesman for Bright Food Group, a Chinese company, said it has agreed to sell the iconic brand to Post Holdings for £1.4bn.
Bright has owned Weetabix since 2012, when it took over from Lion Capital.
Shanghai-based Bright spokesman Pan Jianjun said: "This is a part of our internationalisation strategy.
"Selling assets enables us to better expand. Going forward Bright will stick to our overseas push."
Earlier this month, Sky's City Editor Mark Kleinman reported that Post Holdings, America's third-largest cereal producer, was trying to clinch the takeover of Weetabix, a royal warrant holding food company that makes some of Britain's most popular breakfast products.
Weetabix is minority owned by Baring Private Equity Asia, reflecting the company's efforts to build a strong presence in China and other markets in the Far East.
The British brand has made efforts to broaden its business amid declining sales in the breakfast cereal segment of the food market.
It has had mixed success since launching a range of drink and cereal bar products in recent years, although it insists that its geographical diversification has paid off.
In the UK, Weetabix is the second-largest cereal maker behind the US food company Kellogg's.
In recent months, it has been hit by the weakness of sterling, and like many food producers has raised prices as a consequence.
Weetabix has also faced a period of employee unrest, although it announced a £30m investment in two UK manufacturing sites in January.
George Salmon, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said it was not surprising that one of the UK's largest cereal brands remained in foreign ownership, due to the pound's weakness.
He added: "UK-listed Associated British Foods was rumoured to have been interested in a deal, but any domestic buyers would have had to overcome the headwind of the pound's reduced buying power.
"In contrast, the dollar's recent strength has helped the successful bidder, US consumer group Post Holdings."
Weetabix has not commented on the sale.


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10 Exaggerated Signs Disney Parks Are Getting Way Too Expensive
The Disney theme parks have always been expensive places, designed to suck as much money out of exasperated parents’ wallets as possible. Whoever called it “The Happiest Place on Earth” must have been referring to the people who own Disney stock. At least …
What Are the Germiest Surfaces in Hotel Rooms? You May Be Surprised
You’ve probably seen those reports about how germy hotel beds can be. But a new study shows something else in a room is likely to be far more contaminated.


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The MSN Butterfly Begins to Break Free
By SAUL HANSELL
Published: July 19, 2004
At an October 2002 gala to introduce Microsoft's MSN 8 Internet service, Bill Gates showed a video of himself wearing a butterfly costume and handing out software for the service.
His point was that after seven years of floundering in the Internet access market, Microsoft would do whatever it took to beat its longtime rival America Online. That included pouring $500 million into MSN to match AOL's most popular features and another $300 million into marketing, featuring MSN's butterfly mascot and a concert highlighted by rocker Lenny Kravitz singing ''Fly Away.''
But all that flew away was the better part of a billion dollars. Microsoft's share of the Internet access market has declined steadily since.
In the years since the start of what was first called the Microsoft Network, Mr. Gates has tried dozens of different business models, from Internet access to Web sites to monthly software subscriptions. They all had one thing in common: they lost money.
Over the last year, however, MSN has finally started to see some profits. The unit began making money last fall and is expected to post an operating profit of about $200 million for the fiscal year that ended June 30, compared with a loss of about $531 million last year.
The reason has little to do with any of Microsoft's more ambitious Internet strategies. Instead, it was one of the businesses that it had put on the back burner -- Internet advertising -- that really started to take off.
Even without a lot of new investment, MSN's Web site has long been the third most popular destination on the Internet, bringing together its Hotmail e-mail service, the MSNBC news operation and a variety of other channels. Recently, it has worked to repair a frayed relationship with Madison Avenue, putting the company in a good position to gain as the ad market rebounded. Over the last year, MSN has ranked second in online advertising revenue, behind Yahoo and ahead of the longtime leader AOL, a unit of Time Warner.
Mary Meeker, the Morgan Stanley Internet analyst, said that MSN's revival was an indicator of the company's trademark doggedness.
''They began their attack on AOL 10 years ago,'' she said. ''Since then they have lost billions, and now they are making money. It gives me a real sense of just how patient they are.'' Now basking in its newfound profitability, MSN is again on the offensive, competing with Yahoo, the Internet portal, even more than with AOL. It has a three-prong strategy: continue to cash in on the advertising market, sell software services for people who have broadband Internet access from cable or phone companies, and build a better Web search engine. MSN, which uses Yahoo's search technology, is trying to develop search technology to take on Google. It hopes to introduce that technology by the end of the year.
As investors consider Google's public stock offering, some worry that Microsoft will be able to squeeze out the plucky search company just as it pushed aside Netscape in the Internet browser market. After all, it plans to include links to its new search service on the Windows desktop and in many other products and services.
Yet that same considerable Windows advantage led many observers to predict that Microsoft would cause more trouble than it actually did for AOL and Yahoo. It turned out that most Internet users were willing to skip past the default services offered by Windows in favor of brands they preferred.
''There was a concern that Microsoft would always win because they owned the desktop,'' said David Card, the research director of Jupiter Research. ''If the desktop is so important, then Microsoft should have beaten AOL, but they didn't.''
One drag on MSN over the years, said several people who worked there, is that Microsoft has been conflicted about whether to treat the Internet as a media business or a form of software. It is not a simple either-or proposition because so much of the Internet is a hybrid -- free software paid for by advertising.
''One thing that amazed me is that the organization changed annually,'' said Merrill Brown, the former editor in chief of MSNBC. ''They seize upon a good idea, and throw lots of resources at it until it's time to move to the next idea or acquisition.''
Microsoft certainly has had some successes on the Internet, including Hotmail, MSNBC (a joint venture with General Electric), the Slate opinion journal and Expedia, the online travel agency it sold to InterActiveCorp.
But there have been at least as many failures, ranging from Mungo Park, an adventure travel site, to the CarPoint automobile buying service, to the controversial Hailstorm system for connecting information from different Web sites.
But Microsoft's biggest online failure has been its Internet access business. It lost several billion dollars over the years by paying people $400 rebates to sign three-year contracts for MSN dial-up accounts, according to Internet industry executives. Those customers have quit the service in droves as their commitments expire.
By contrast, AOL's Internet access business has been hugely profitable, even amid turmoil from its merger with Time Warner and the decline in the dial-up, or narrowband, market.


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The Saltzman family that founded Dis-Chem Pharmacies have sold properties and shares in the group worth about R15 billion last week.
The group said on Friday that an independent professional expert had found its R478.6 million purchase of Columbia Falls, a property company that houses the group’s Midrand distribution centre and head office, from a trust controlled by the Saltzman’s, was fair.
This sale followed hard on the heels of the sale last week by founder Ivan Saltzman of 50 million shares in Dis-Chem for about R1.42bn, while his son, Saul Satzman, also sold 3 million shares for R87.9m.
Dis-Chem is a leading retail pharmacy group in South Africa that was co-founded in 1978 by pharmacists husband and wife Ivan and Lynette Saltzman. The company was listed on the JSE in 2016, shortly after opening its 100th store. It has a market cap of R25.9bn and the share closed 1.5% higher at R30.45 on Friday.
In the meantime, Coronation Asset Management has since become the largest shareholder in Dis-Chem, with a 29.8% stake. Last November, the Public Investment Corporation increased its interest in the pharmaceutical group to 10.02% from 9.85%.
Dis-Chem said on Friday the properties it purchased from The Directors Adventures Trust, currently earns a monthly rental from the group. Dis-Chem (and related entities) pays about R3.7m per month in rent, equating to R47m annually. BDO Corporate Finance (BDO) was the appointed independent professional expert on the property sale.
The Directors Adventures Trust comprises Saltzman family members who control 35.75% of the shares of the group, and Dis-Chem directors Stan Goetsch, Brian Epstein and Kevin Sterling. Saltzman family members control 78% of the shares of the trust.
Dis-Chem’s revenue rose 9.4% to R17.9bn in the six months to end August, or just more than 10% when excluding the effect of Covid-19 vaccines in the prior period.
But headline earnings fell about 17% to just under R500m, with margins under pressure in personal care and beauty as the retailer picked up its promotional activity.
The independent valuation had valued the land and buildings in the related party transaction at R650.22m.
Last year Dis-Chem said it was looking to a new era as it announced that Ivan Saltzman would step down as CEO at the end of June, 2023 and Rui Morais was appointed as CEO in July 2023.
Ivan Saltzman in 2022 was in the public spotlight after a controversial memo on the hiring of white applicants at Dis-Chem was leaked in 2022, leading the pharmacy to face a major backlash and cost it millions in lost revenue.
The controversial memo, written by Saltzman in October 2022 said that Dis-Chem would not appoint or promote any white person within the group.
Social media speculation on x goes wild
General TD (@shakazulubrnrv3) posted, “Saltzman’s have cashed out ~R1.5bn worth of stock. Dis-C0hem did a BEE transaction in 2021, anchored by RBH. BEE deals are basically like call options. The deal had a strike price of R26.05, only exercisable after Aug 2024. At the current share price, it’s in the money.” ...“ I wonder what the RBH (Royal Bafokeng Holdings) BEE consortium thinks of this.”
General TD was referring to Dis-Chem’s R2.3bn black economic empowerment deal in 2021, in which it sold a 10% stake to a group of black investors, including RBH.
Ndzavi Derrick .CBA (@NdzaviDerrick) posted, “The Founder and outgoing CEO of Dis-Chem, Ivan Saltzman, sold R1. 4bn of shares, while his son Saul sold R87. 9m of shares. This reduces the Saltzman family's stake in the business to 29.31% from 35.12%.”
Ntsika Mzananda (@NtsikaAMzananda) posted, “I think this could be them moving funds into a new or other business business. Obviously that's to add another stream of serious income. That also could mean they want to soften the blow if things go south at Dis-Chem.”


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Johnny Depp has thanked Rihanna for featuring him in her Savage X Fenty fashion show despite backlash.
The Pirates of the Caribbean actor shared a promo clip of his appearance in the singer's Savage X Fenty Vol. 4 fashion show on Instagram and thanked the Umbrella hitmaker for featuring him.
"Thank you @badgalriri #SAVAGEFENTYSHOW Vol.4 Out Now @primevideo," he wrote in the caption.
Depp appears as a featured guest in the show, and during his sequence, he sports the lingerie brand's loungewear while walking through a misty forest to Outkast's So Fresh, So Clean.
The 59-year-old has become a controversial figure in recent years thanks to high-profile court cases relating to allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-wife Amber Heard.
Reports of his appearance were met with backlash on social media and have proved quite divisive. Paris Hilton showed her support by posting a fire emoji in the comments of his promo post, while Years & Years singer Olly Alexander, who has worked with Savage X Fenty in the past, told his fans he wouldn't wear the line anymore.
In June, a jury found Heard liable for defaming Depp in her 2018 Washington Post op-ed about domestic violence and he was awarded $10 million (£8.5 million) in damages. The Aquaman actress won one of her countersuit claims and was awarded $2 million. Heard is appealing the verdict and Depp is appealing the $2 million (£1.7 million) payout.
The fashion show isn't Depp's first public appearance since the ruling. In August, he was involved in the MTV Video Music Awards - his face was digitally superimposed into the helmet of a moonperson dangling above the stage. The camera cut to him around commercial breaks and he made jokes about his lack of work.
The Savage X Fenty Vol. 4 show is streaming on Prime Video now.


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Apple Can’t Add Galaxy S4 to Samsung Patent LawsuitJoel Rosenblatt
Apple Inc. lost its bid in a lawsuit to add Samsung Electronics Co.’s Galaxy S4 smartphone to a list of products it alleges to infringe its patents.
The decision yesterday by U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul S. Grewal is part of a second patent case in San Jose, California, between the companies covering technology in newer smartphones, including Apple’s iPhone 5 and Samsung’s Galaxy S III.
Adding another product to the case is a “tax on the court’s resources,” Grewal said in the ruling. “Each time these parties appear in the courtroom, they consume considerable amounts of the court’s time and energy, which takes time way from other parties who also require and are entitled to the court’s attention.”
In an earlier case, a jury awarded Cupertino, California-based Apple $1.05 billion in damages, finding Suwon, South Korea-based Samsung infringed six of the iPhone maker’s mobile-device patents. U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh, correcting what she said was the jury’s error, lowered the damages total to $639.4 million and ordered a new damages trial in November for some of the products at issue in that case.
Josh Krevitt, a lawyer for Apple, told Grewal that excluding the Galaxy S4 “would require Apple to file a new lawsuit” because the Samsung products covered by the case will be out of date by trial next year.
Kristin Huguet, an Apple spokeswoman, declined to comment on the ruling.
The earlier case is Apple Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., 11-cv-1846, and the second case is Apple Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co., 12-cv-630, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Jose).


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News & Insights
After learning what their futures may hold, firms across the country have responded to the Budget with mixed emotions.
The Chancellor’s economic plan aimed to tackle the challenges the pandemic presented to employers and employees alike, with a particular focus on saving jobs.
The extension of the furlough scheme till the end of September is arguably the highlight, as closed businesses will still receive support keep on staff who aren’t able to work; part of Sunak’s promise to “protect jobs and livelihoods”.
Businesses in the hospitality industry have generally welcomed the announcement.
Kate Nicholls, head of the UK Hospitality lobby group, gave an overview of the Budget, summarising how “the Chancellor has listened to our concerns of the hospitality sector…it looks like crucial support will help businesses at a critical time”.
The group had previously advocated for an extension of the 5% VAT rate for hospitality firms and the business rates holiday, both of which were confirmed.
Additionally, Rob Pitcher, CEO of Revolution Bars, felt the Budget would allow his company to “regain a financial position from which it can develop and thrive” after being permitted to open nearly a third of all venues from 12th April in accordance with the government’s roadmap.
However, a prevalent issue not touched upon in the Budget was the possible extension of the commercial tenant’s eviction moratorium.
The moratorium, a responsibility of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, has prevented commercial landlords from evicting their tenants regardless of whether they are in a position to pay rent. It was previously extended in December 2020 and is due to expire at the end of March.
Neil Randall of Anytime Fitness UK has highlighted this issue and warned that its conclusion will be a serious worry for affected businesses: “a notably disappointing omission was the lack of support around relationships between commercial tenants and landlords, with spiralling rents arrears being the most significant debts that leisure operators are having to navigate”.
Some further criticism of the Budget focused around the end of the business rates holiday for specific sectors. From June, one-third of business rates will be due from retail, hospitality and leisure businesses occupying commercial property.
Most notably, Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, which is parent to brands such as House of Fraser, Sports Direct and Jack Wills, has issued a response to the Budget announcement. Ashley has advised that many of their numerous retail locations will be forced to close after being hit with business rates once again.
Other industry leaders have also stated that many businesses will struggle to contribute to the furlough scheme as they begin to operate again. From July, employers will be expected to pay 10% towards the hours their staff don’t work, increasing to 20% in August and September before the support measure’s cessation.
Whilst the Budget has provided the assurance of business survival for many, it appears there are still a number of issues for the government to tackle to ensure a smooth re-opening of the economy.


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Logistics upgrade needed to support China's e-commerce boom
In the wake of Alibaba's US listing plan, companies see huge potential in helping the mainland's weak warehouses reach world-class standards
Alibaba's plans for a giant initial public offering in New York highlight vast potential for e-commerce in China - and the weak link the logistics industry must fix if explosive growth projections are to be reached.
The ageing warehouses that supply goods to customers across the world's second-largest economy are already creaking under the strain, lacking the automation and state-of-the-art technology that has fuelled the rise in the United States and Europe of Amazon.com
By 2020, China's e-commerce sector will be larger than those of the US, Britain, Japan, Germany and France combined, consultancy KPMG said in a recent report.
To cope with the China surge, as much as US$2.5 trillion may need to be invested in buying land and constructing warehouses alone over the next decade and a half, according to one builder.
That is drawing the attention of global private equity firms such as Blackstone and Carlyle as they seek to benefit from an anticipated investment boom.
"Over the next 15 to 20 years, the real cost of building warehouses is going to be staggering," said Jeff Schwarz, co-founder of Global Logistic Properties, the biggest foreign builder of logistics facilities in China.
With each new facility the size of several large sports stadiums, that translates to about 2.4 billion square metres of new warehouses - an area close to two-thirds of the total land mass of Taiwan.
And Global Logistic estimates the US$2.5 trillion needed over the next 15 years will still only increase per capita fully automated modern warehouse space to just a third of that in the US.
Alibaba controls 80 per cent of all online retail in China, and its logistics partners delivered five billion packages last year from deals struck on its internet marketplaces.
While transport infrastructure has kept pace so far with Alibaba's rise, warehousing is a key to the supply chain across the e-commerce industry that logistics specialists say is in serious need of a makeover: Boston has more modern warehouses than the whole of China, says Stuart Ross, head of Industrial at property consultancy firm JLL China.
Less than 20 per cent of China's warehouses are categorised as modern, with fully computerised tracking systems and the latest in retail technology, according to Global Logistic and other warehouse builders.
Many facilities serving Alibaba and its peers are in areas that are tough for trucks to access. They often lack raised loading bays to let packages simply roll off conveyor belts into the back of trucks: instead, trucks are loaded and unloaded by manual labour.
That is a headache that can cut into profits for e-commerce firms. Despite China's wages being much lower than in the US, it can cost more than twice as much to transport goods in China, Global Logistic said.
Improving the logistics of China's warehouses has been prioritised by none other than Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma Yun. Last year, Alibaba announced a plan to lead a consortium to invest US$16 billion in the first phase of building a national logistics business, a unit of Alibaba to be chaired by Ma.
Beijing has also made a modern supply chain a priority as it looks to build a consumer-driven economy.
Since the beginning of last year, about US$22 billion has been earmarked by buyout firms, including Blackstone and Carlyle, and private companies to buy land and build new warehouses in China.


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Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial in Spain is reinforcing its presence in Catalan through the acquisition of the independent publisher La Campana.
Over 40 student organisations in the US have urged the Department of Justice to block the proposed merger of publishers Cengage and McGraw-Hill.
Shareholders have filed two lawsuits against Barnes & Noble in a legal row over the sale as the book retailer insists the complaints "lack merit". ... Read more
Penguin Random House US has finalised the deal to buy the US book-publishing assets of F+W Books.
Pearson has rolled out a new fully digital test for Egypt’s schools as part of a project helping to reform the country’s exam system.... Read more
Amazon is facing a European Commission anti-trust investigation into how it uses sensitive data from independent retailers who sell on its marketplace.
The German book industry reported cumulated sales growth of 2.3 percent for the first six months of 2019 despite two sharp declines in March and... Read more
The Association of American Publishers (AAP) is calling on US authorities to more closely regulate dominant online firms such as Amazon, warning they risk causing... Read more
Berlin-based logistics service provider Zeitfracht has stepped in to secure the future of bankrupt KNV, Germany’s largest wholesaler and distributor.
The owner of New York's Book Culture bookshops says the business's four stores are in danger of closing unless they receive help from the city. ... Read more
Audiobook streaming service BookBeat has launched in 24 new European markets, making the service available in 28 countries overall.
Donald Trump’s threat to slap a 25% tariff on goods, including books, imported from China could drive shops and publishers out of business, leading US... Read more
Man Booker shortlisted author Chigozie Obioma, author and curator Irenosen Okojie, author Bernadine Evaristo and award-winning poet Raymond Antrobus are among the writers on the line-up... Read more
In the first financial quarter of 2019 revenues from US publishers increased 6.7% to $2.5bn (£2bn), with growth in all categories apart from e-books and... Read more
Joseph Conrad had “racist ideas” and National Geographic magazine is guilty of “generalisations” about Africa, said the United Arab Emirates’ Sheikha Bodour al Qasimi, at... Read more
9 Apr @ 6.00pm
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Issue No 5880
Friday, April 3 2020
Back issuesavailable here


text: The U.S. pork industry achieved its 16th consecutive record-setting year of exports in 2007, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). "Exports are a key component to strengthening the future of the U.S. pork industry," said Tim Bierman, a pork producer from Larrabee, Iowaand a member of the Pork Checkoff Trade Committee. "Producers should be proud that one of every four pounds of pork traded today originates from the U.S." Overall, pork exports increased 3 percent in volume over 2006, surpassing 1.3 million metric tons, nearly 2.9 billion pounds. The value of those exports jumped 10 percent over 2006, exceeding $3.15 billion. Pork muscle cut exports also increased 3 percent in volume and 10 percent in value while pork variety meat exports increased 5 percent in volume and 14 percent in value. Japanremains the top destination for U.S. Pork, accounting for 36 percent of value of all U.S. pork exports. Japan imported 358,582 metric tons, more than 790 million pounds, of pork in 2007, a 6 percent increase over the prior year. Those imports were valued at $1.152 billion, an 11 percent jump over 2006. "Pork Checkoff funded educational events and promotions help traders and consumers in Japan see firsthand the commitment and dedication the U.S. industry has for the Japanese market," said Greh Hanes, USMEF Japan director. "Also, U.S. Pork is perceived as the highest quality product available." Mexicoremains the No. 2 destination for U.S. Pork despite a 22 percent decline in imports in 2007. Pork exports to Mexico in 2007 totaled 276,388 metric tons, more than 609 million pounds. China/Hong Kong was the largest growth market for U.S. pork exports, jumping 91 percent to 169,160 metric tons, nearly 373 million pounds, valued at almost $271 million. Exports to China/Hong Kong surpassed exports to Canada in volume 148,576 metric tons or 327.5 million pounds, but Canada remains the No. 3 market in value of pork exports at $491.58 million, a 12 percent jump over 2006. Pork exports to Russia doubled in 2006, and continued to grow in 2007, setting a new record with a 21 percent hike to 99,876 metric tons, 220.2 million pounds, valued at nearly $207 million, a 26 percent increase in value over the prior year. The weak U.S. dollar, combined with high Brazilian pork prices, gave the United States a competitive advantage in the Russian market, enabling U.S. exports to exceed the 49,000 metric ton, 108 million pounds, quota for U.S. pork imports. Among other key export markets for U.S. pork: South Korea dipped 9 percent to 99,852 metric tons, 220.1 million pounds, but value was essentially unchanged at $231 million. Australia and New Zealand increased 22 percent to 37,452 metric tons, 82.5 million pounds, valued at $99.863 million, a 33 percent increase over 2006. Australia's Productivity Commission will release its final report in March, following the preliminary decision which did not recommend safeguard action against Denmark, Canada and the United States. Central and South America also increased 22 percent to 33,119 metric tons, 73 million pounds, valued at $70.9 million. The largest markets were Honduras, 17 percent increase to 11,484 metric tons or 25 million pounds; Guatemala, 21 percent increase to 6,092 metric tons or 13.4 million pounds; and Colombia, 21 percent increase to 5,183 metric tons or 11.4 million pounds. U.S. pork exports will continue to benefit from Free Trade Agreements with all three of these countries. Pork exports to the European Union (EU) increased 55 percent to 19,722 metric tons, nearly 43.5 million pounds, with a 70 percent increase in value to $57.8 million. France was the new growth market and the United Kingdom and the Netherlands were the other top destinations. Exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also increased 62 percent to 15,672 metric tons, 34.5 million pounds, valued at $30.5 million. The Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore were the largest markets. The Dominican Republic increased 39 percent to 5,746 metric tons, 12.6 million pounds, valued at $10.8 million while exports to the Caribbean excluding Cuba and the Dominican Republic, fell 12 percent to 14,934 metric tons, 32.9 million pounds. Exports to Taiwan fell 37 percent to 15,974 metric tons, 35.2 million pounds, due primarily to market access issues. "By working together, the Pork Checkoff and USMEF are accomplishing goals that we couldn't do on our own," said Bierman. The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public.Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold.The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management.For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-PORK or check the Internet at www.pork.org.


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Shares of electric vehicle (EV) stocks are witnessing significant gains in pre-market trading on Friday. Luxury EV maker Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: LCID) saw a rise of 0.76%, battery researcher QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE: QS) increased by 1.39%, and electric van, truck, and SUV start-up Canoo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOEV) soared by 6.69% by 07:27 a.m. ET.
Bank of America Report Highlights Decline in Tesla’s Dominance
The catalyst behind this surge can be attributed to a recent report released by Bank of America. The report predicts a significant decline in Tesla’s dominance in the U.S. electric vehicle market. Tesla’s market share, which reached an impressive 78% in 2018, has been steadily decreasing to 62% last year and 54% earlier this year.
According to CNBC, Bank of America projects that by 2026, less than 1 in 5 electric vehicles sold in the U.S. will be branded with Tesla’s nameplate, accounting for only 18% of the market.
While this may seem like positive news for competitors such as Lucid, Canoo, and QuantumScape, as they produce EVs that directly compete with Tesla or provide components for rival companies, it may not be as promising as it appears for investors today.
Bank of America’s report suggests that the focus of EV manufacturing will shift not only away from Tesla but also from “newer entrants” in the car market, which likely includes companies like Lucid and Canoo. Currently, alongside Tesla, these newer entrants hold approximately 65% of the EV sales in the U.S. However, Bank of America anticipates their combined market share to decline to just 30% by 2026.
Ford and General Motors Poised for Growth in the EV Market
This raises the question of who will benefit from the market share lost by these companies. The answer seems clear: Automotive giants such as Ford Motor Company (F) and General Motors (GM), who were slower to enter the EV race, will see their market share grow as they transition from producing combustion engine vehicles to electric ones.
Bank of America predicts that Ford and GM will each hold a 14% market share within the next three years, a significant increase from their current combined market share of less than 13%. Other major players like Stellantis, VW, Volvo, Toyota, and Hyundai will make up the remaining 70% market share, as per the banker’s analysis.
Profitability Concerns for Lucid, Canoo, and QuantumScape
Nevertheless, there is still some hope for newer entrants like Lucid, Canoo, and QuantumScape. If 30% of the market remains open for them in 2026, with Tesla occupying only 18% of that segment, there is a potential 12% market share available for other players to compete for.
However, even if Lucid and Canoo secure their positions within this segment, profitability is not guaranteed. S&P Global Market Intelligence estimates suggest that in 2026, Lucid will continue to incur losses, while Canoo may achieve its first profitable year. In contrast, Ford and GM are projected to generate net incomes of $6.2 billion and $9.7 billion, respectively.


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LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Anglo-Dutch media group Reed Elsevier ruk ENL, -0.42% REL, -1.71% Thursday reported 5 percent rise in revenues and an 8 percent rise in adjusted pretax profit and adjusted earnings per share, at constant exchange rates. At reported exchange rates, total revenues were 4,812 million pounds or 7,074 million euros, compared to 4,925 million pounds and 7,141 million euros a year ago, 2 percent lower lower than a year ago when expressed in sterling and 1 percent lower when expressed in euros, reflecting an adverse impact of currency translation on the company's US businesses. Adjusted earnings per share rose 2 percent in sterling and 3 percent in euros at reported exchange rates, Reed said.
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Victoria VR (VR), a blockchain-based virtual reality metaverse, made headlines on Friday with a 24% surge in its token value. The project teased an upcoming app release on the new Apple Vision Pro headset, capturing the attention of investors.
Victoria VR: A Virtual Reality Metaverse
Victoria VR is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that boasts realistic graphics, a digital real estate marketplace, and non-fungible token (NFT) trading. Powered by the 3D creation tool Unreal Engine, the project aims to provide an immersive virtual reality experience.
Apple Vision Pro and VR Token’s Surge
The surge in VR token’s value coincided with the release of the Apple Vision Pro, the tech giant’s first 3D camera. The headset offers immersive viewing for games, shows, and movies, aligning with Victoria VR’s focus on virtual reality.
VR Token’s Market Performance
Despite the recent surge, VR token remains nearly 94% below its all-time high of $0.616, set in December 2021. However, the token’s performance over the past seven days has been impressive, with a 66% increase in value.
Bitget Exchange Listing
Adding to the positive momentum, the Seychelles-based crypto exchange giant Bitget listed VR in its innovation zone on Friday morning, providing increased accessibility to the token for traders.
The article emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, or digital assets. It also clarifies that FastPayCrypto does not provide investment advice and is not an investment advisor.


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It is hard to understand how “conference reports” from Congress on pending legislation can have fallen from 200 per year to just 11 over the past three decades. Secret Bill Writing On the Rise [Washington Post]. But it indicates, sadly, that laws in America are increasingly being made in back rooms, not […]
A J.D. degree is not worth what it once was as the legal industry wrestles with unprecedented business changes.
Posted via web from glenn’s posterous
There has been much discussion recently about the movie industry’s efforts to maintain its product release “windows,” so that theatrical performances precede pay-per-view, followed by DVD sales, pay TV (HBO, etc.) and finally advertiser-supported television. My view is that these folks are shooting themselves in the foot, because DVD sales actually declined in 2009 for […]


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Last fall, Eater reported about the forthcoming upscale Westwood restaurant Fellow. And while the doors won’t officially open for lunch for another six weeks, the restaurant has launched a delivery-only service as of this week.
With chef credits from The Churchill, and Cliff’s Edge, Michael Bryant is putting the final touches on the very Californian menu, which includes a dashi-poached king salmon, and a buttermilk and pickle-brined fried chicken sandwich. Partner Wil Figueroa, owner of Now Boarding, designed the bar program, while Fellow overall is the brainchild of Philip Camino and Terry Tolba, known best for their work together at The Hudson and The Churchill. Camino is also a partner at Stout Burgers and Beers, and Earthbar.
As of this week, Fellow is using delivery services like Postmates and ChowNow, among others, to bring an early version of its menu to consumers. That means diners won’t be able to stop in and actually see the space, but they will be able to taste what’s happening with the restaurant weeks in advance. It’s a novel approach to an opening, and allows Fellow to join the ranks of delivery service-only restaurants, at least for a little while.
Recently, LA restaurant veteran Eric Greenspan launched a delivery-only Mexican-Asian concept called Chino after closing most of his restaurants across the city. Greenspan cites lower costs and flexibility as an incentive to run a delivery-only model. Mama Lee Vegan is a plant-based Asian fusion restaurant that only delivers to West Hollywood, Culver City, Beverly Hills, and Mid-Wilshire, while Wow Bao uses a delivery-only service for Downtown. Check to see if delivery is available for Fellow, which is limited to certain parts of Los Angeles.


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Payments: contactless charitable cases
Charities large and small are waking up to the need to embrace contactless payments. Banking Technology looks at the drivers, challenges and opportunities.
On the streets of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, rough sleepers have been provided with winter coats incorporating contactless payments technology. In the London Boroughs of Hackney and Islington, people experiencing homelessness have been given portable terminals. In the Natural History Museum in London, a contactless terminal under the iconic blue whale skeleton in the main foyer has proved a success.
These are all pilot projects but there is no doubt that the charity and not-for-profit sector is now rushing towards contactless payments, for good reason. As people carry ever less cash, particularly in metropolitan areas, so many charities have seen a steep reduction in donations. While there are undoubtedly other factors as well, consumers have become comfortable with contactless in an extremely short space of time and studies have shown that many would now favour this method for charitable giving.
A survey of 2028 UK adults carried out for Barclaycard in January 2017 by YouGov concluded that charities could be missing out on more than £80 million in donations each year by only accepting cash donations. Around 42% of respondents said they carried less cash now than three years earlier.
Andrew O’Brien, co-founder and CEO at specialist fundraising technology company, GoodBox, points to the drop in charitable giving in the UK in the last ten years from 0.75% of GDP to less than half a per cent. “You can assess the reasons but I’d strongly argue that it is not because things are getting any better, there are now more homeless people than the population of Newcastle,” he says.
As well as a reaction to the demise of cash, the contactless approach provides reassurance for the donor. In the Dutch example, run by the Helping Hearts charity, the integrated patch in the winter jacket enables people to transfer one euro per tap using the NFC technology. After the donation, donors receive a payment notification in their bank account, with a personal thank you from the homeless person.
The homeless person can only spend the money in the account through an official homeless shelter, for a meal, a bath or a place to sleep. They can also choose to save the money and spend it on bigger goals, such as training courses, or might choose to keep it per se, to start to build some savings. This controlled spending model addresses the concern donors may have about how their money will be spent.
The approach also brings recipients into the financial services sector, from which they are often excluded. For instance, the UK’s long-standing Big Issue magazine, which empowers homeless people but has seen a steep decline in sales in the last few years, is also trialing contactless and the proportion of the cover price that goes to the seller will credit a bank account.
In fact, an individual Big Issue seller was ahead of the charity. In 2016, Simon Mott, a former London Underground driver who had been selling The Big Issue outside South Kensington tube station for the previous five years, invested £59 in a card reader from Swedish firm iZettle so that he could take card payments using his smartphone after seeing a steep decline in the number of people carrying loose change.
The route being taken in Hackney and Islington by charity, TAP London, has the same reassurance but with a different approach. “We first wanted to take contactless and use it in an applied way to create a new model,” says co-founder, Katie Whitlock. Having trialed NFC terminals with volunteers over the summer, the charity has been piloting them with homeless people.
She explains that donations go to local charities, such as the Islington Foodbank – “the localness went down really well” – as well as providing the homeless street funders with the London Living Wage (it is hoped in future to also gain sponsors for the wages).
In addition, TAP plans to provide training and speakers to allow the fundraisers to build up skills in sales so that they can move into employment. “We wanted to put the generosity of Londoners to good use in a way that’s safe, quick and easy,” says Whitlock. To date, its devices have been set at £3 per tap; donors are given “thank you” cards with artwork from local artists. While London-based so far, she feels the model is perfectly applicable beyond here.
Sophie Green, recently recruited by the UK’s Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) from American Express as head of customer offer, believes there is the need to give potential donors the easiest way to donate. While contactless might still be less relevant in some countries, in the UK and other developed nations, it is becoming critical, she believes.
At the same time, she points out that while “contactless is a great facility to help end-causes”, it is just one component. There are also the implications for payments of regulations, particularly PSD2, she points out, plus other forms of funding, particularly crowdfunding, and other potentially relevant technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.
Set up in 2016, GoodBox looked at the challenge from the charity perspective, says O’Brien. It saw the need for one point of contact, the ability to purchase and rent devices, and to have consolidated analytics and affordable hardware that would suit different needs. At the higher end, it envisages large charities with networks of thousands of units, so its platform has remote monitoring, including alerts if a device goes offline.
On the donor side, GoodBox identified the power of story-telling, along the lines of TV adverts, says O’Brien, so there is the ability to conveying video and still imagery or messages on its devices.
There might also be a need to quickly change messages, such as in the event of a disaster, so new messages can be uploaded by charities to the central cloud-based portal and pushed out to all devices.
Where an organisation such as a church or supermarket supports multiple charities, there can be revolving displays and donations can be allocated to each.
“Technology-based solutions should be user-led,” says Hugh Goulbourne, senior associate at advisory business, The Social Innovation Partnership (TSIP). This includes the commissioning organisation as well as the actual user. It should be about how to make a difference to the person who needs it the most, he says, not about, for instance, reducing the cost of delivery.
“We are quite confident that this is the type of innovation that’s needed. But however we set up the giving experience, there has to be the same sort of safety and confidence between the recipient and the giver.”
One project TSIP is advising on is to bring the Helping Hearts contactless patched coats from the Netherlands to the UK, initially in London, Manchester and Liverpool.
The established payment heavyweights are also active. In particular, Barclaycard carried out a pilot in Q4 2016 with nine national charities and two museums. The Barclaycard donation boxes comprised a small card reader; a branded, hand-held box specific to each charity; and an accompanying payment acceptance app, connected to the reader via Bluetooth. Partners were brand design agency, Sprout, payment gateway provider, Payworks, and mobile payments specialist, Miura Systems.
Barclaycard has stated that the launch of a full charity box offering is planned for early 2018 as part of its mobile point-of-sale “Barclaycard Anywhere” range.
GoodBox emphasises the benefits of being a fundraising payments specialist and one-stop shop. It claims to be “actively engaged” with 180 charities, 40 museums, 15 hospitals and a number of banks in the UK, and with interest from at least seven other countries.
It has three devices, comprising a handheld GoodBox mini, which is contactless and chip and PIN-enabled; a larger unit with 7” LCD screen; and the standalone GoodBox Pro terminal. Chip and PIN-enablement allows donations above the maximum limit for contactless.
Sourced from China, GoodBox was careful about the supply chain for its devices. “We walked the floor of all the factories we’re using,” says O’Brien. It is now crowdfunding, ahead of the launch of its next version of devices in March 2018.
Donors can specify the amount they want to give or can choose a pre-set amount. GoodBox co-founder and COO, Francesca Hodgson, says, “a lot of times, because it is so convenient, people are happy to select the pre-set amount”. So far, a pre-set amount of £5 has been well received, she says, but points out that the pilots have mostly been in London to date so this might vary elsewhere.
GoodBox estimates that to date there has been an increase of around 24% in donations via contactless cards versus cash. For a museum, for instance, this means an average return on investment of one week; for a mobile device, it claims it is closer to nine hours. “The customer uplift more than justifies the cost,” says O’Brien.
CAF’s Green believes the technology can be applicable to most sized charities and it might be the smaller ones that are quickest off the mark. “To some degree, the beauty of digital transactions is that things are scalable, and smaller charities can often be more creative, it is a huge opportunity for them.”
TSIP’s Goulbourne describes contactless as bringing the charity and not-for-profit sector “up-to-date, especially for a demographic of under 35”, although points out that ever more people generally are “used to one or two touch payments”.
However, he emphasises that the solutions need to be cost-effective. For the Big Issue model, for instance, the cut taken by the payment company has to come out of the seller and/or the charity’s income. Ultimately someone pays somewhere along the line but in the pilots to date, it doesn’t look difficult to make the business case.
This article is also featured in the December 2017/January 2018 issue of the Banking Technology magazine. Click here to read the digital edition – it is free!


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Stockton University Panel Reveals New Insights on Economic Benefits of Cannabis in New Jersey
Students, corporate leaders from legal industry examined the future of legal cannabis and impacts on New Jersey state economy
GALLOWAY, N.J. – Representatives from the Stockton University chapter of Students Organizing for Marijuana Research and Transparency (SMART), Weedmaps, the Compassionate Care Foundation and the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association held a public forum about the benefits of legalizing cannabis in New Jersey on Monday evening at Stockton University. The panel of experts featured a diverse array of professionals from the industry, including:
- Jenna Miscioascio, President of SMART at Stockton University
- Kelli Hykes, Director of Government Relations for Weedmaps
- Tim Weigand, Dispensary and Facilities Manager for Compassionate Care Foundation
- Kelley Crosson, Vice President of the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association
- Renato Paoli, Assistant Grower for Compassionate Care Foundation
The panelists discussed prospective benefits to the state including jobs, tax revenue and increased capital investment that legal cannabis would bring.
“There are certain skills that will be beneficial in this industry. While the industry will take a while to develop in New Jersey, the opportunity and potential for growth is enormous. We have the skills ready to go in New Jersey and the state can be a real leader,” said Bridget Hill Zayat, the Stockton University Adjunct Professor who moderated the event.
Additionally, the discussion covered social justice initiatives and providing opportunities to communities most affected by the war on drugs.
“[Social justice and the war on drugs] have always been a concern, and I hope one day that cannabis is part of the conversation in that it shouldn’t be referred to as a drug – it’s a medicine, and it has the power to help many people struggling with illnesses,” said Tim Weigand, Dispensary and Facilities Manager for the Compassionate Care Foundation.
Panelists also gave insight to students interested in starting a career in the industry. To accommodate growing student interest in recent years, Stockton University became one of the first schools in the country to offer classes in cannabis studies in 2018.
“I want my fellow students to know that there are jobs in this industry for everyone. You can be an environmental science major, or you can study marketing or accounting, and contribute to the cannabis industry,” said Jenna Miscioascio, Stockton University sophomore and President of SMART. “As a hospitality major, I think there is tremendous opportunity in this industry to help revive Atlantic City as well.”
When asked what skills students should develop to be successful in the industry Kelli Hykes, Director of Government Relations for Weedmaps, encouraged activism and political engagement. “We still have to get this package of cannabis reform bills voted on and develop the rules and regulations before anyone can work in the adult use market,” Hykes said. “Call your legislators now and tell them why legalization is important. And then continue to engage with them so they can improve the laws and rules based on the advice of experts like you working in the industry.”
The Stockton Student Marijuana Alliance for Research and Transparency (SMART) is comprised of three main goals, education, research, and career development. The organization strives to educate students about Cannabis as well its components, THC and CBD, while collecting data from the university population to ideally use to power SMART research initiatives.
Weedmaps is the cloud platform powering the cannabis industry, running the full stack from application infrastructure to end user devices. Weedmaps technology hosts a community where businesses and consumers can search and discover cannabis products, become educated on all things cannabis, review cannabis businesses and connect with other like-minded users.
The New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing the legalization of cannabis. Its mission is to promote sensible policy, responsible growth and development of New Jersey’s cannabis industry. The NJCIA is the industry leader for all sectors including biotechnology, cultivation, manufacturing, retail, finance, security, industrial hemp, and consulting services.
The Compassionate Care Foundation is a New Jersey dispensary run by a team of counselors and growers dedicated to cultivating a high-grade, quality medication. The Foundation strives to provide pharmaceutical cannabis to patients in a safe, comfortable, and private environment.


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If you were thinking Qualcomm is merely producing chips for smartphones, you need to keep this piece of news. Up until now, we were no different from you. We also never thought that the company would have a separate line of chips for other devices, such as laptops. But this latest news opened our eyes when the company announced the new Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3.
At the recent Snapdragon Technology Summit in Kona, Hawaii, Qualcomm introduced some chipsets for a line of smart devices. Two of them include the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 and the Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3. Both offer better performance than their predecessors.
Talking about the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3, it’s the first 5nm chipset for Windows PCs. It offers up to 85% faster CPU performance and 60% faster GPU performance than its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2.
This chipset has eight cores. Four of them come from Kryo, while the other four come from Cortex-A78. This chip also gets over 29 TOPS and offers three times better AI performance than its predecessor.
There are some drawbacks as well. One of the major ones is the missing of an integrated 5G modem. The reason for the company not using this technology could be the increased cost, which isn’t very suitable for laptop users.
During a session, Miguel Nunes, vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc said:
Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 builds on the technology that has transformed the PC industry, delivering premium experiences with breakthrough performance per watt, immersive camera and audio with enhanced AI-acceleration, lightning-fast 5G connectivity, and chip-to-cloud security in thin, fanless systems.
Courtesy of XDA Developers
Research Snipers is currently covering all technology news including Google, Apple, Android, Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung News, and More. Research Snipers has decade of experience in breaking technology news, covering latest trends in tech news, and recent developments.


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Library expo to showcase new databases, research toolsBy Kirstin Carroll | 09/18/2017 9:16pm
What: The Second Annual Library Expo will give company representatives the opportunity to demonstrate new databases.
Who: Any member of the University of Alabama community is welcome to attend and learn more about new products that can help them in the future.
When: Wednesday, Sept.20, noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Ferguson Center Commons
Why: The Second Annual Library Expo will demonstrate how to use new products, such as databases, by different company representatives as well as library representatives from UA.
“We’re constantly adding more and more research products that can be used by students and faculty,” Michael Pearce, head of Gorgas Information Services, said. “This event creates awareness amongst the student body and faculty about resources that can be used in the future.”
With the expo happening in the Ferguson Center, members of the University can learn something new and meet new people.
There will be over 20 tables at the expo, with companies from all over the country. Some of the vendors include, Alabama Digital Humanities Center, representatives from branch libraries here on campus, the Women and Gender Resource Center, Samford Media Center, Mango Languages, Simply Analytics, and many more.
There will be free snacks, prizes, and other fun giveaways provided by some of the vendors.


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Telecom unveils Premier League viewing deal
Telecom has negotiated a 15 per cent discount for its broadband customers to watch English Premier League games online, the company has announced.
New customers on "mid-range" broadband plans will be able to watch a season of football, normally costing $150, for free, and existing customers can also go into a draw for 1000 free passes.
The promotion, struck through a deal with English Premier League rights holder Coliseum, is less generous than some forecasts.
One analyst had speculated Telecom might offer viewing free to all customers on more pricey broadband plans.
However, Telecom has also sweetened the deal by upgrading its 50 gigabytes broadband plans to 80Gb plans at no extra cost.
Xero boss Rod Drury fears for the future of small internet providers now Telecom has stepped into the sports content market.
Drury said the partnership between Telecom and Coliseum might encourage the take-up of ultrafast broadband, but the bundling of content and broadband came at a risk to competition.
"That vertical integration has just moved up a series in the stack, that is the issue. Now the market swings back to the 'big boys'. How do the small internet providers play now? That's the risk," he said.
Telecommunications Users Association chief executive Paul Brislen said his concern would be "if we ended up in a world of 'walled gardens' where in order to get the football I have to be with Telecom, and to watch the rugby I have to be with Vodafone".
The Premier League pact will put Telecom, which has about half of the retail broadband market, in closer competition to Sky Television, whose pay-television service is in about half of homes.
Sky TV shares edged down 2 cents to $5.38 during lunchtime trading, reversing early morning gains achieved in a gently rising market.


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How will home retailers' shopping experience evolve with COVID-19?
Updated: Jun 16, 2020
Traditionally, consumers preferred to go into stores prior to making a big investment on a purchase, such as a couch. Amidst COVID-19, home retailers will have to rethink how they showcase their products and how they can ensure safety of employees and guests.
Home retailers will have to require workers to wear masks and gloves while encouraging guests to do the same, along with a potential for disposable covers that can be thrown away after each use- a cost that comes with the dynamic brick-and-mortar environment.
Some retailers are considering investing more in digital, and less in physical locations for the time being, until more clear trends can be established. This might take the form of some more innovative interactive experiences, like virtual home design consultations.
Several retailers have slowly begun to reopen physical stores, along with encouraging virtual/in-person appointments and shopping online.
Crate & Barrel has seen 50% of their sales come from online, and expect this shift of consumer spending to continue after the pandemic.


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Mobile payments company Fortumo and mobile operator Telenor have extended their direct carrier billing partnership to Hungary and Bulgaria.
Working together since 2013, Fortumo and Telenor have previously launched direct carrier billing in Malaysia, Thailand and Pakistan.
The move will enable over six subscribers of Telenor in the two markets to make payments in app stores, inside games and with digital merchants by charging payments to their mobile phone bill.
Fortumo chief business officer Gerri Kodres said: “Fortumo is proud to continue our ongoing good partnership with Telenor and launch our payment platform in Hungary and Bulgaria. The world’s largest streaming services, app stores, social and gaming companies have plugged into Fortumo’s platform to collect revenue from users who do not have credit card, or find it inconvenient to use card payments online.”
Fortumo’s carrier billing platform is used by app stores (Google Play), digital media providers (Spotify, Sony, HOOQ, Gaana) and gaming companies (EA Mobile, Gameloft, Kinguin, Rovio).
To enable carrier billing for these merchants, Fortumo has partnered with more than 350 mobile operators across the world.


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Listen To This Post
Juice Champs Owner Richard Totimeh can’t wait to open the business’s first brick-and-mortar location later this year.
The 1,000 square foot juice bar will be located in the Shiloh Square Shopping Center, at 3895 Cherokee St, in suite 622.
“We launched the website in Jan. and I was looking on Facebook one day and saw this retail store available. It was a good commercial space and we didn’t have to build out for the restaurant,” Totimeh said. “I felt with our vision and demographic we’d be for the perfect area.”
Juice Champs has juices, shots and other packages available to order throughout the Atlanta-area.
“There’s become good recognition for the brand and customers ask me all the time if I have a physical location,” Totimeh explained.
He hopes to open the brick-and-mortar location in June or July.
The connection to juice is very personal for Totimeh, who experienced serious health issues a few years ago and because of different lifestyle changes, including adding juice to his diet, he was able to recover.
He hopes to open a second location in the city of Atlanta if the spot in the Shiloh Square Shopping Center is successful.


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Apple’s Macs are more expensive to buy than PCs but IBM says they come with less problems according to RESCUECOM’s Annual 2017 Computer Reliability Report.
“Every Mac we buy is in fact continuing to make and save IBM money,” says Fletcher Previn, vice president of Workplace as a Service at IBM.
Apple’s high reliability may be due to the durability of its components, providing a lower computer repair rate, and the complimentary tech support that comes with most products. The annual RESCUECOM 2017 Computer Reliability Report shows that Apple is leading the pack for computer reliability, while continuing to hold a large U.S. market share.
Samsung remains high for reliability, receiving little impact from the exploding Galaxy smartphones debacle, according to RESCUECom, a computer repair and tech support company. Lenovo products take the number four spot for computer reliability.
In the last quarter of 2016, Microsoft launched the Surface Studio, touting that the Surface Studio is a “new class of device that transforms from a workstation into a powerful digital canvas, unlocking a more natural and immersive way to create on the thinnest LCD monitor ever built.” According to RESCUECOM’s CEO David Milman:”Historically Fixing the Surface tablets has been a nightmare for customers, Microsoft has made them “Not Serviceable” in many cases, causing the LCD to break during the process of opening them.”
Toshiba’s RESCUECOM computer reliability score is the lowest in the recorded history of any manufacturers in the RESCUECOM Computer Reliability Report. Their market share dropped to less than 1%, which may be due to the 2015 accounting scandal or just poor computer reliability.


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The Democratic National Convention kicked off last night, and while there were plenty of memorable moments, one of the biggest items to come out of the evening is the necklace worn by former first lady Michelle Obama.
While the former FLOTUS spoke eloquently—and straightforwardly—in her message to viewers, it was perhaps her accessory that spoke the loudest. A necklace from ByChari, a Black-owned jewelry business out of Los Angeles, displayed one simple word: vote.
Never mind that the silhouette of the necklace is perfectly on-trend: It is. Its four letters sit along the chain in a style that’s often seen in personalized name necklaces that have been popular lately, and it’s a style that plays well with others. But its message, most of all, is its biggest selling point.
To those either not attuned to or not interested in the fashion and jewelry worlds—which many consumers are very interested in—it might seem inane that a necklace would make headlines on the first night of the DNC. But it would be foolish to dismiss such an accessory, particularly one that sends such a powerful message through its diminutive stature.
“Vote your heart out,” says part of the necklace’s description on the designer’s website. And vote one must. The jewelry industry has been vocal and active in tackling some of our country’s biggest issues—actions that have spoken loudly, especially during these times—but to vote is the loudest, most substantial act one can take. It is a privilege not to be wasted or underestimated.
This piece will likely sell out. Michelle Obama has been a tastemaker since her days in the White House, but this goes far beyond that. The necklace is produced on demand, but it’s uncertain how an inevitable surplus of demand will affect its production. Have your pick of 14k yellow, white, or rose gold, in letters small or large, with diamonds or without. The prices start at $295 and top out at $1,260, the top price for a diamond version in a 20″ length. The options are suited to any style and fit many budgets, which makes it a compelling purchase for those wanting to embody this simple, beautiful message.
The style is long-lasting, and not simply for the current election. To vote is to speak, and that will exist for as long as we have the right to do so.
ByChari was established in 2012 by designer Chari Cuthbert, and now employs a team of women to help consumers wear their hearts and souls through simple, beautiful jewelry. Each piece is handmade sustainably in Los Angeles.
Top: Vote necklace in 14k yellow gold, 16″, $295; ByChariFollow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine


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Playfish EA Selects the Nanigans Ad Engine Platform to Manage and Optimize its Facebook® Advertising Campaigns
Playfish, an Electronic Arts Inc. Studio (NASDAQ: ERTS) and a leading creator of social games (#2 in the Social Game category, according to AppData), has selected Nanigans, Inc as its exclusive Facebook® advertising technology partner. Playfish and over 200 other leading companies use the Nanigans Ad Engine platform to boost ROI through real-time bidding and optimizing advertising spend for players who actually generate revenue.
Playfish has licensed the Nanigans Ad Engine platform to efficiently advertise across its entire portfolio of social games. Playfish will have first access to new features on the Ad Engine platform, and will use it to further strengthen its strategic marketing advantage. Playfish has already used the Nanigans Ad Engine platform on games such as Madden NFL Superstars, MONOPOLY Millionaires and Restaurant City.
“We purpose-built our platform to automate as much of campaign management as possible, and at the same time, optimize for downstream conversion, particularly revenue and ROI,” said Ric Calvillo, CEO of Nanigans.
“With the Nanigans platform we can run much more sophisticated campaigns and optimize for high profitability, not just low cost per install,” said CJ Prober, VP Publishing and Product Management, at Playfish. “While Playfish welcomes all players equally, partnering with Nanigans enables us to find our most enthusiastic and biggest spending fans.”
The Nanigans Ad Engine gives Playfish and EA the intelligence and automation that they’re seeking and allows them to bid on an ROI basis in real-time. It frees advertising campaign managers from time-intensive manual bid and budget management, while giving them powerful analytical tools for finding the most profitable ad creative and targeting.
NANIGANS AD ENGINE
The Ad Engine is a software platform that integrates with the Facebook® Ads API to deliver precise targeting, multivariate testing and improved ROI. Its real-time bidding algorithms optimize for downstream value and actions such as installs, tutorial completions, virality and purchases. Nanigans offers the Ad Engine in a range of service and pricing models – from a pure platform software license to a fully managed pay-for-performance service.
Established in 2007 and acquired by EA in 2009, Playfish is the world’s #2 publisher of social games on Facebook® with popular titles like Pet Society™, Restaurant City, FIFA Superstars, Madden NFL Superstars and MONOPOLY Millionaires.
“As a social gaming pioneer, Playfish helped shape the face of the Facebook® platform through original titles and classic EA franchises such as Pet Society, FIFA Superstars and MONOPOLY Millionaires,” says CJ Prober, Vice President of Publishing and Product Management for Playfish. “Playfish is looking forward to continuing our tradition of innovation and quality by leveraging the Nanigans Ad Engine Platform.”
In recent years EA has aggressively expanded its digital business interests in numerous gaming channels, fostering growth in the social network gaming sector with Playfish. Since 2007, more than 350 million Playfish games have been installed by millions of players around the world on social platforms such as Facebook® and others.
Nanigans is the only real-time bidding platform for the Facebook ads marketplace that optimizes for downstream actions and lifetime customer value. Nanigans’ Ad Engine enables marketers to automate the labor-intensive process of delivering social ads at scale and overcome the challenges involved in optimizing for ROI. One of the first Official Facebook Ads API Partners, Nanigans drives billions of social ad impressions each month for over 200 companies including Bonobos, CrowdStar, EA, Gilt Groupe, PopCap Games and RockYou. To learn more, visit www.nanigans.com.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA Mobile™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
Since 2007, Playfish has led the social gaming industry in innovation and creativity with award-winning, category-defining games designed for friends to play together. The company is changing the way people play games by creating more social and connected experiences. To date, more than 350 million Playfish games have been installed and played by millions of people worldwide. Playfish games are amongst the most acclaimed and popular online, including Pet Society, Restaurant City, Monopoly Millionaires, FIFA Superstars and Madden NFL Superstars. Playfish has development studios in London, San Francisco, Beijing, Tokyo, Montreal, and Tromso, Norway, and is owned by Electronic Arts.


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NEW YORK (
CHANGE IN RATINGS
downgraded to hold at TheStreet Ratings.
upgraded to buy at TheStreet Ratings.
downgraded at UBS to Neutral from Buy, UBS said. $5 price target. Guided 2Q volumes continue to underwhelm.
downgraded at Argus from Buy to Hold, Argus said. Could take the company a year to bounce back from the loss of RIMM's sales.
downgraded at Piper from Overweight to Neutral, Piper Jaffray said. Valuation call, based on a $53 price target.
upgraded at Stifel from Hold to Buy, Stifel Nicolaus said. $21 price target. Selloff has created an attractive buying opportunity.
upgraded at BofA/Merrill from Underperform to Neutral, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch said. $36 price target. Valuation call, as the stock has sold off 25% since earnings.
downgraded at BofA/Merrill to Neutral from Buy, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch said. Company is facing near-term growth concerns. $50 price target.
rated new Neutral at Citigroup. $46 price target. Travel media leader, but fairly valued.
upgraded at UBS to Buy from Neutral, UBS said. $26 price target. Shares offer an attractive risk/reward profile.
STOCK COMMENTS / EPS CHANGES
numbers reduced at Credit Suisse.Shares of ALSN now seen reaching $24, according to Credit Suisse. Estimates also cut, given macro uncertainty. Neutral rating.
numbers lowered at Jefferies. Shares of ATU now seen reaching $33, Jefferies said. Estimates also lowered on weaker Europe. Buy rating.
numbers lowered at Jefferies.Shares of B now seen reaching $23, Jefferies said. Estimates also lowered on weaker Europe. Hold rating.
added to Conviction Buy List at Goldman. The stock is down 16% since April, even though the company has a solid product cycle. $64 price target.
numbers raised at UBS.Shares of CCL now seen reaching $39, UBS said. Estimates also increased on more attractive fuel costs. Buy rating.
added to Focus List at Canaccord Genuity. Winding down RIMM business will not have a sizable impact on profitability. Buy rating and new $10.25 price target.
estimates, target reduced at Credit Suisse through 2014, Credit Suisse said. Company is leveraged to slower macro growth. Outperform rating and new $136 price target.
estimates cut at Guggenheim through 2013, Guggenheim said. Recent fleet status suggested potentially lower utilization rates. Buy rating and $77 price target.
estimates, target raised at Credit Suisse. Shares of IHS now seen reaching $113, according to Credit Suisse. Estimates also increased, given the company's new guidance. Outperform rating.
numbers cut at Citigroup.Shares of JBL now seen reaching $21, Citigroup said. Estimates also lowered on disappointing outlooks from major customers. Neutral rating.
estimates cut at Credit Suisse through 2013, Credit Suisse said. Expect lower memory pricing. Outperform rating and $12 price target.
numbers raised at Jefferies.Shares of ORCL now seen reaching $32, Jefferies said. Estimates also raised on lower forecast tax rate. Hold rating.
Oracle estimates increased at Citigroup through 2014, Citigroup said. Guidance looks reasonable given macro and currency backdrop. Buy rating and $34 price target.
estimates, target lowered at Credit Suisse. Shares of PCAR now seen reaching $47, according to Credit Suisse. Estimates also cut, given reduced domestic truck orders. Neutral rating.
added to Conviction Buy List at Goldman. PKI was placed on the Conviction Buy list, Goldman Sachs said. Company is expanding margins and offers growth at an attractive price. $34 price target.
numbers lowered at Jefferies.Shares of TIBX now seen reaching $36, Jefferies said. Estimates also lowered on slower EMEA demand. Buy rating.
added to Conviction Buy List at Goldman. Company offers the highest growth in the generics space. $87 price target.
estimates, target reduced at BofA/Merrill. Shares of ZNGA now seen reaching $7, according to Bank of America/Merrill Lynch. Estimates also cut, given slower sales growth. Neutral rating.
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Gengetone kingpins Exray and Mejja’s latest collabo dubbed ‘Pesa Ndogo’, is a song that is not like any other on the Kenyan entertainment scene.
After thrilling hundreds of thousands of Kenyans, ‘Pesa Ndogo’ is now rocking Gengetone fans as far as the United States of America (USA).
This comes after fans revealed that ‘Pesa Ndogo’ is booming in Florida, USA, where people are endlessly streaming it on the internet, while others are watching the video on various TV stations that air Kenyan music.
SheldonYegon, one of the fans in America who are already hooked to the ‘Pesa Ndogo’ vibe said thus after streaming the video on YouTube; “Everyone here in Florida is in love with this song. Kudos my people.”
Well, the overwhelming love that fans are treating ‘Pesa Ndogo’ to can also be seen in the thousands of people who have streamed the video, whereby it has so far garnered over 479K YouTube views and still counting.
Make your weekend a memorable one by vibing to ‘Pesa Ndogo’ nonstop as you enjoy your chillaxing moments; just tap the link above.


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Donald Trump’s Mexican immigrant comments are costing him about US$50 million, according to the news website The Wrap.
NBC, Univision, Televisa, Serta, and now Macy’s have ended their business arrangements with Trump.
After his controversial comments on Mexican immigrants, the business tycoon has lost money every day.
For a man worth a self-reported US$8.7 billion, those losses may seem like nothing. But this could be just the beginning of the storm, and Trump’s net worth is already overstated by US$5.6 billion, according to Forbes.
Although it is virtually impossible to determine the exact amount of money these businesses meant to Trump, The Wrap made an estimate based on sales volume calculations, brand value and other elements.
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KARACHI: The Cloth Merchants Association has expressed deep concerns over the seizure of six trucks containing imported fabric during a raid conducted by FBR Directorate General of Customs Intelligence & Investigation Karachi and Pakistan Rangers near Allahwala Market, Lucknow Plaza.
As per details, the association termed the raid “illegal” and alleged that the customs intelligence was misusing powers by breaking the locks in order to seize the duty paid imported fabric.
The association further alleged that the law enforcing agencies have also tortured the members of association and harassed the people.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Cloth Merchants Association also staged protest against the unfair attitude and demanded the clearance of the confiscated consignments of imported fabric.
On contrary, FBR Customs Intelligence and Investigation Additional Director Nadeem Ahsan while talking to Customs Today said that if the fabric importers have any reservations over the seizure of consignments, they can just present the legal import documents of the fabric consignments confiscated by the directorate and clear their seized items.
Nadeem Ahsan further said that the fate of the case would be decided by the end of this current week, adding that the director has clear directives to decide case on legal grounds.
Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) In charge Haji Muhammad Aslam while denying the allegations leveled by the Cloth Merchants Association said that the ASO had search warrant when more than 200 people tried to attack ASO team during raid and injured two personnel of customs.
He further informed this scribe that the seized fabric was imported from India, Korea and China, adding that the import of fabric from India has already banned in Import Policy Order (IPO).
The sources informed this scribe that the seized imported fabric was estimated value around Rs 40 million.


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Compaq will move its highest-end Tandem Himalaya servers to the Digital Alpha chip in 2001 in a move designed to reassure large enterprise users of the systems.
The announcement marries two technology families acquired by Compaq in the past year: Tandem Computers' Himalaya S series servers used by financial institutions and telephone carriers, which were designed to keep working if components fail; and Digital's 64-bit Alpha processor line.
Compaq officials said the move is intended to allay concerns users may have about the future of the Mips Technologies processor now powering the Himalaya servers. The Mips processor, once used by several computer makers, is a leading chip architecture for consumer appliances and video games. Silicon Graphics retains a majority stake in Mips.
No changes required
Pauline Nist, vice president and general manager at the Tandem division of Compaq, said Compaq and Tandem are assuring Himalaya users considering migration plans that upgrading to Alpha-based servers won't require changes.
Tandem migrated its Himalaya users from its proprietary RISC chip to Mips in 1991.
That migration was smooth because Tandem provided a way for its users to keep their current applications running.
It worked so well, according to Nist, that about 60 per cent of Tandem's users are still running their original application code.
"We are going to commit to doing the same thing this time around," Nist said.
Himalaya with Alpha will have all the same features, Nist said. The company's three-year time frame for release is based on the fact that the next-generation EV7 Alpha chip isn't slated for release until 2000.