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Amex Customers Facing Website and App Issues
On Monday, April 4, American Express customers were still facing disruption as problems with the card giant’s systems continued to limit access to its website and app.
“We are aware that technical difficulties are currently affecting our telephone services, certain online account services and certain American Express application services,” the company said in an announcement posted on its website. “We apologize for any inconvenience. We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.”
Read more: Amex Sees Payment Friction and Security Improvements in Revised 3DS2
According to Bloomberg, the issue was first reported on Friday and is preventing some cardholders from making payments, leading to a glut of customer calls, which has led to longer than normal wait times.
Tech blog Bleeping Computer writes that it ran several tests in which it saw the American Expess site and mobile app’s login screen prompting for a “one-time verification” code with each successful login attempt. , even if the user was logging in from the same device previously used to access the account.
Their report cites technologist Jacob Rothstein, who speculated that the problems could be linked to American Express’ “one sign-in for all accounts” feature that allows customers to access savings accounts and cards. credit from a single dashboard.
Meanwhile, cyber threat analyst Anis Haboubi wondered if recent attacks on Okta, Sitel and Globant by hacking group Lapsus$ could be behind the outage, as Sitel and Globant count Amex among their customers.
Learn more: Okta Hacker Lapsus Group’s Latest Target $
However, Bleeping Computer notes that there is no evidence of a hack here.
The hack of Okta – a digital authentication company – was reported last month, as part of a larger Lapsus$ campaign that also targeted Samsung, Ubisoft, Nvidia and Microsoft.
Okta said the hack could have compromised hundreds of customers, with the hackers posting what appeared to be internal company network screenshots.


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Results of a project funded by UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's has shown use of technology developed in Otago can save farmers in its supply chain about $19 million annually.
Yesterday, a delighted Greg Mirams, who founded Techion Group, said the findings were a "win-win" for all involved, while the involvement with the UK's second-largest supermarket chain would also put his animal parasite diagnostics company "on the map".
Techion Group and partners were awarded the research and development grant in 2014.
The project was to investigate drench resistance and the effectiveness of current parasite management programmes.
It focused on the adoption and use of Techion's FECPAK platform, which allowed for on-farm, or in-clinic parasite diagnostics to support effective parasite management.
Key findings from the project, which have just been released, showed the prevalence of drench resistance was greater than expected in the UK and New Zealand.
Undetected drench resistance cost Sainsbury's' lamb suppliers more than £10m ($19m) a year.
Using FECPAK meant some project farmers could reduce their drench use by 30 per cent-50 per cent without compromising animal performance.
Information enabled appropriate drench timing, improving animal performance/health and saving money.
Sainsbury's head of livestock Gavin Hodgson said the increasing threat of drench resistance, viability of the lamb sector and harsh climatic conditions across the UK and New Zealand, posed a significant threat to its farmers, which was why the project was embarked on.
The FEKPAK project combined "cutting edge" remote diagnostic technology and cloud computing to generate real-time data that informed producers of the level of parasite burden within their flock and how best to control it, he said.
Farmers in the project had already seen savings in terms of reduced drench usage, using more effective drench types and increased lamb output.
The technology meant farmers no longer needed to send samples from animals to a laboratory and wait for results before deciding how to treat their sheep.
The study demonstrated 37 per cent of New Zealand farmers involved in the project were using drenches which were ineffective because of previously undetected resistance.
The cost of that to each farm was estimated to be $74,974 per year in lost productivity, which equated to $19m across Sainsbury's total lamb supply chain.
Techion Group relocated to Invermay earlier this year to enable the company to upscale manufacturing and ramp the business up.
Yesterday, Mr Mirams said 2018 was shaping up to be the company's biggest year yet. It had been 25 years in the making and it was the realisation of a vision he knew was going to come.
He was introduced to a Sainsbury's staff member at the International Sheep Veterinary Congress in Rotorua in 2013 while explaining his work to some colleagues, and that was the beginning of the relationship.
He suggested Mr Mirams apply for a grant and being successful was "massive" for a small company like Techion.
It was a very difficult project to run but he was excited to come out of it and be able to say "this is what we achieved".

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Tesla Expands Into Power Storage Market
Elon Musk has never been one to shy away from a bold and disruptive strategy, from his startup of PayPal through SpaceX to Tesla Motors (NASDAQ:TSLA). With his recent announcement of Powerwall, Tesla's introduction into the commercial battery/power storage market, Musk is embarking on a strategy to make renewable energy a more mainstream technology.
Costs of solar panels have been coming down for some time to where they can begin to challenge coal and gas-fired plants on a cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis and solar infrastructure costs are also trending down significantly. The "missing piece" of the renewable energy picture is a reliable way to store the energy and balance out the demand issue — solar energy is only available during daylight hours and peak demand never matches up with peak generation. That makes most consumers of solar energy still reliant on the power grid.
Residential solar power is installed and wired into the grid, allowing the power company to regulate the flow based on need (and set up a suitable metering and billing method, as well). A large enough storage system could make homes fully independent of the grid. Powerwall is a first step in that direction.
Cheaper, But Still Costly
is based on the lithium-ion battery technology that currently powers Tesla vehicles, and it represents a significant improvement in the field. It’s relatively light (220 pounds) and thin (seven inches thick) and made to hang on an outside wall or on the wall of your garage. It will be available in a 10 kWh model for $3,500 and a 7 kWh model for $3,000. Powerwalls are "stackable", meaning that multiple batteries can be combined in a system to make a larger cumulative system.
Unfortunately, the above costs may be less than half of the total cost. To convert the stored DC battery power into the AC current that your home outlets require, you need a suitable power inverter, which is around the same price as the Powerwall itself. Include professional installation and the initial costs approach $10,000. Powerwalls are definitely not a DIY project.
Does the Powerwall make a suitable backup power system? Department of Energy data shows the average American home consumes around a constant 1,200 watts on average. Assuming perfect efficiency, a 10 kWh system could provide the needs of the home for a little over nine hours. That's a decent emergency backup, potentially capable of running a refrigerator, a freezer, and a few lights for a day or two with some conservation efforts.
However, it's a costly backup system. Remember, the battery is meant to be teamed up with a solar panel installation, which is going to run into tens of thousands of dollars by itself and will be wired into the power grid in most residential applications. (In many states, like California, significant tax credits can offset much of this cost.) Thus, unless your solar installation is large enough to keep you completely off-grid, there is little economic motivation to buy the battery. The battery system needs to hit a much greater capacity at a much lower cost to take hold in the average residential market.
The larger version, known as the Powerpack, uses scalable 100 kWh blocks — and Powerpacks are where the technology is likely to take off in the short term.
An Excellent Integrated Strategy
In essence, Musk's strategy is to integrate Powerwall/Powerpack technology on all levels, planting the seeds in the residential market while making money off the commercial market. Larger commercial and industrial users can use banks of Powerpacks and benefit from the economy of scale. They can get a decent payback period on their investment by going primarily solar and running their facilities in the evening off of the stored energy, or using their stored energy during peak demand hours to save money on the rates. Wal-Mart already has eleven installations in California, and Amazon and Target are also early Powerpack customers.
Utility companies represent another large market. Musk has said that Tesla has been in discussions with a major utility about a 250 megawatt-hour facility (250,000 kWh).
The Powerwall/Powerpack technology is a logical extension of Musk's other ventures. Musk is the CEO of Solar City (NASDAQ:SCTY), which has announced a plan to sell the 10 kWh Powerwall with an inverter for $7,140 installed or $5,000 installed as part of a nine-year lease (perhaps tempting residential customers with a complete installation package). Meanwhile, production of the Powerwalls will eventually move to the Tesla Gigafactory being constructed in Nevada. By 2020, it should be at full capacity, pumping out thousands of batteries for Tesla vehicles and Powerwall/Powerpack batteries.
Musk has high hopes for the technology, and Tesla expects the battery unit to bring in billions in annual revenue in the near term, according to a Bloomberg report. Environmental experts are bullish also. Friends of the Earth spokesman Alasdair Cameron said batteries like the Powerwall could become as common as central heating in the future.
While the battery technology is still beyond most residential applications, at least some who can afford the Powerwall will find it appealing enough to install it and give Tesla some data to work with for the next generation. Meanwhile, the Powerpack seems poised to take off. Given the regulatory pressures on utilities and successful installations with major retailers, Tesla seems well poised to be the first to take advantage of the economy of scale and squeeze potential competitors such as Sonnenbatterie.
The battery storage market is expected to top $5 billion per year by 2020. Expect Tesla to hold a major chunk of that market. It’s possible that a solid battery infrastructure will come to pass before the refueling infrastructure for the Tesla vehicles.
There's still a significant amount of risk with Tesla in both the battery and automobile markets, but Tesla seems like a decent long-term bet. Remember, it doesn't often pay to bet against Elon Musk.


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SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS: LinkedIn hires director of media sales to establish ad platform
Advertisers can sponsor the 'Answers'
section of the site
LinkedIn has hired a director of media sales to join its new European office in London, as part of a drive to increase the level of advertising it displays on site.
Henry Clifford-Jones has been tasked with driving media sales and establishing LinkedIn's advertising platform across the European market by building relationships with agencies, clients and third parties. In Europe, LinkedIn currently sells only a limited amount of display advertising, to brands including O2, COI, Dell and Microsoft
Comments Kevin Eyres, European MD of LinkedIn, "We want to ensure that LinkedIn remains the professional network of choice in Europe and focusing on media sales is an important part of this. Henry's years of experience in managing and leading rapid growth digital advertising businesses is invaluable to our ambitious growth plans."
It is not yet known whether LinkedIn is planning an overhaul of its current interface in order to accommodate ads on the site. However it is known that advertisers will have the opportunity to sponsor professional networking areas including the 'Answers' section of the site where users put questions to other professionals. The European team is also known to be looking at a number of ways of increasing group functionality in general, to make it easier for professionals to network with peers.
Clifford-Jones joins a growing base of employees at LinkedIn's European office, which was established in January in response to the professional network's rapidly growing presence in Europe. Since launching five years ago, it has signed up six million users in Europe (1.5 million of whom are based in the UK) without the use of any pro-active marketing. The network has also witnessed a particularly rapid global growth spurt in the past few months, taking its total number of users from around 15 million to around 22 million since last November.
Clifford-Jones was formerly general manager at web content specialist Vibrant Media.
For more social media information, visit our Social Media Marketing Knowledge Bank


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Not sure how much was lost at the tables in Vegas, but a lot was made in the expo aisles. There was a vast array of new products introduced. Look for the Feb. 21 Post-Show issue of The NEWSfor each and every one of those products. Also, check out our AHR Expo microsite for coverage of press conferences, innovation awards, and evening social gatherings.
AndThe NEWS will be planning on seeing everyone again next year when the show hits Chicago. Here is hoping two feet of snow does not join us there.


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Conference Highlights Stoller Product Performance on Crops Across the Globe
Stoller Group might have 14 wholly owned subsidiaries operating in more than 50 countries around the world, but the 46-year-old plant health product manufacturer works to speak with one voice. Weaving the “We Are Stoller” tagline through a series of presentations, the company held its 24th annual Stoller International Associates Conference where researchers and others shared their experiences with the company’s products.
Even a tornado warning and flooding in the Houston-based company couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the event, which began with a reception at the newly constructed headquarters building.
“Our goal is to spread knowledge, to share our knowledge,” said Dr. Robert Shortell, Vice President of Global Marketing for Stoller Group. “Maybe something done in Guatemala is something that you can use in your country today.”
And if the number of questions asked after most of the presentations was any indication, there’s a pretty good chance researchers and growers around the world are facing some similar issues.
In all, there were nearly 50 presentations ranging from “The Row Crop Challenges in Brazil” to “Innovation on Nematode Control,” and “Advances on Physiological Management for the Maturation Stage.” Presenters traveled from five continents (the company operates in six).
Most of the presentations detailed research on Stoller products and how those solutions affected various crops. And it wasn’t always about the company’s newest products. Dr. Albert Liptay, Director of Research, who works out of the company’s Texas office, provided the first presentation. Liptay explained how even though it has been around for quite a while, new research on AquaCal Plus helped answer questions about how it helped plants improve their water and mineral uptake in soil.
“It is something that has been used a long time, but we found out how it needs to be used,” Liptay says. “It’s breaking the yield barrier.”
While most of the presenters were Stoller employees, a few were growers or worked with company in other capacities. Denny Wildman, owner of Advanced Agriculture East talked about his experience using Stoller products on potatoes. During his presentation, Wildman emphasized a common thread that permeates the company’s approach to research — answering the question, “What if….”
Dr. Richard Johnson and Dr. Deise Paula da Silva, who work with USDA/ARS, Sugarcane Research Unit, Houma, LA, did just that when they explored the effect of cobalt on sugar cane.
“Cobalt seems to help plant deal with stress,” Johnson says. “We never see this. I’ve been doing sugarcane research close to 20 years.”
Most of the presentations were the results of field trials using various Stoller products. The event served to help growers, distributors, and the sales team to learn more about the company’s products.


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Microsoft has taken another big leap. After launching two flagship smartphones Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, the company is ready to take the gadget market by storm with its Surface Pro 4. To woo gadget lovers, the company even unveiled its much-awaited laptop, the Surface Book and both are now available at pre-order.
Surface Book features
Touted to run at a twice speed of MacBook Pro, Surface Book sports a 13.5-inchPixelSense display with 3000×2000 pixels resolution and 267ppi pixel density. Like Surface Pro 4, this too is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 4. The first laptop of the company also offers a choice of processors and users can either get an Intel Core i7 processor or Intel Core i5 processor. The company has also offered a choice of RAM, between 8GB and 16GB.
Surface Pro 4 features
Apart from the Surface Pen, that is bundled with both Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book, Microsoft Surface Pro boasts of a wide display measuring 12.3-inches along with 2736×1824 pixel, PixelTouch. As expected by users, the screen is well-protected by 0.4mm Corning Gorilla Glass 4. To ensure a hassle free performance, Microsoft has offered a choice of three different 6th generation Core processors of Intel, Core i5, Core i7 and Core M3. Storage is also not a problem with this device as its storing capacity starts from 128GB and can be extended up to 1TB. It also supports a high-speed RAM of 16GB. Yet, the basic model starts from 4GB. Claimed as sturdier, thinner, lighter and faster model, Surface Pro 4 also has impressive camera features with 8MP at the rear and 5MP at front.… Read the rest
Tech giant Google is all set to make a new investment in the field of communication by investing in Symphony Communication Services LLC, a messaging startup. Symphony offers a centralized platform to different individuals, corporate users and financial firms towards digital communications. Therefore, its collaboration with Google is expected to bring some significant developments in the world of communication.
Speculations are doing the rounds
According to the Wall Street Journal, Google has made a new round of investment for Symphony, which is now valued at $650 million. However, a source close to the deal told Reuters that talks between the two companies are in progress and they are yet to make a final decision on the terms.
While there is no confirmation from any of the companies involved so far, reports of the deal have already fueled up speculation. The service, which is backed by several banks along with the Goldman Sachs Group, is now touted to become a rival of Thomson Reuters Corp. and Bloomberg LP, as these are trusted sources for offering information and messaging services to investors, traders and bankers.
At present, Symphony’s services are available for small businesses as well as individuals for free while businesses which have more than 50 users need to shell out $15 per month for every user. … Read the rest
Apple TV and Google Chromecast will no longer be available on Amazon.com or its partner sites as the company has decided to ban the sale of these items for an indefinite period of time.
Although the decision may appear to be quite baffling, it is actually an initiative to boost the sale of Prime Instant video streaming service. While Google Chromecast and Apple TV have been discontinued, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox and Roku will be available on the portal, as these are compatible with the Prime Instant video service.
Amazon to sale Prime Instant video service compatible players
According to the reports, Amazon has decided to restrict their services only to those media players, which are compatible with Prime Instant video so that users can buy without any confusion. Prime Video services is now considered to be an integral part of 99 annual Prime loyalty membership of Amazon. Hence, the steps adopted by the company is not very surprising. Yet, some customers were disappointed for the sudden announcement. While Amazon has cleared their stance on Thursday, Apple and Google are yet to make any comment about this decision. Amazon.com Inc. is a major online retailer and on Thursday, their shares closed with a positive note, 1.7 percent or $8.83 to $520.72.… Read the rest
The much-awaited flagship smartphones of the year, Apple iPhone 6S Plus and Nexus 6P are out in the market. Being the flagship device of the company, both phones come with some groundbreaking features making it difficult for buyers to seal the right deal.
Comparing the specifications
The sleek iPhone 6S Plus comes with 6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29 inches dimensions and experts consider it to be a best buy for those interested in playing games, clicking pictures or recording videos on the phone. The high brightness, contrast, wide viewing angles and sRGB coverage on the 5.5-inch IPS LCD allow users to get complete detailing of images. Much hyped 3D Touch technology introduced in this phone also makes it a worthy buy.
While Apple’s slim and lightweight design has enchanted a large number of buyers, Nexus 6P with 6.27 x 3.06 x 0.29 inches dimensions is sure attract those looking for really pop colors. The extra detailing on the 5.7-inch WQHD AMOLED display gives splendid view of any image or video in the phone.
Even though both the phones have a wide screen, Google’s phone offer better camera features. iPhone 6S Plus boasts of a 12MP rear and 5MP front-facing camera while Nexus 6P comes with 12.3 MP rear camera along with 8MP camera at the front.
While iPhone 6s Plus enjoys a size advantage, Google Nexus 6P flaunts bigger size at a lighter weight. Both the phones have lots to offer, take your pick.
Apple launched the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus earlier this month. These phones carry on the legacy of last year’s releases–the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s. If we consider the broader features of the Apple iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, there’s only one thing common between the two. They are both available in Space Gray, Silver and Rose Gold colors. Released on the same day, both devices also have an aluminum body and run on the iOS 9.
That’s about where the similarities end. Lets take a look at what differentiates the models.
The iPhone 6s Plus has a larger size as it measures 6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29 inches, while the iPhone 6s is 5.44 x 2.64 x 0.27 inches. With a weight of 5.44 oz, the iPhone 6s is also lighter than the iPhone 6s Plus, which is heftier at 6.77oz.
While both phones offer similar display features, the iPhone 6s Plus has a larger screen size of 5.5 inches. The iPhone 6s has a 4.7-inch screen. They are also differ in terms of the screen resolution as the iPhone 6s has a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, which is lower compared a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels that the iPhone 6 Plus enjoys.
Users will experience a marked difference in the battery life of these phones. On 3G mode, the iPhone 6s is reported to support a battery life of 14 hours, while the iPhone 6s Plus boasts of a much higher battery life of 24 hours in the same mode.
It’s clear that the iPhone 6s Plus has many advantages over the iPhone 6s. Let the price difference also decide which phone you would like to pick. While the iPhone 6s comes at about $650, the iPhone 6s Plus comes at a price of $750.
Apple has launched the iPhone 6s as well as iPhone 6s Plus but like all other releases, these new smartphones did not get a worldwide release either. The company has selected 12 regions for its initial launch and users in India would be disappointed that they will not be one of the first ones to get it.
For now, users in USA, UK, Singapore, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Germany and Japan can get these phones via pre-order. France, China, Canada and Australia are also one of the first regions where the new Apple smartphones would be available from September 25.
Prices may vary
Though the release date for all 12 regions is the same, pricing varies from one region to other. In the USA, the 16GB iPhone 6s variant costs $649, 64GB variant costs $749 and 128GB variant costs $849. Prices of the iPhone 6s Plus start from $749 for the 16GB variant. In Canada, prices of the the iPhone 6s start from CAD 899 and 6s Plus starts from CAD 1029.
All regions have a varied price so it would be a good idea to check that while ordering.
India may get Diwali release
India provides a great market for Apple products but there is no launch date. However, it is anticipated that the company may launch the smartphones sometime in November, in time for the Diwali season. There is no update on the price of the smartphones in India.
In a recent event, the tech-giant Apple has made a series of launch, including two iPhones, iPad Pro, Apple TV and the iPad mini 4. Though the smartphones, iPad Pro and Apple TV got the maximum hype in the media coverage as well as in the event, many are interested to know about the launch of the iPad mini 4.
iPad mini 4 prices at a glance
The new seven inches tablet of the company, which boasts of interiors quite similar to that of iPad Air 2 has created much hype in the Indian market. However, the company has not made any announcement regarding its launch or price in India. Even though there is no official confirmation, NDTV Gadgets reported the price of iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi 16GB model to be around Rs. 28, 900. While the 64 GB variant is reportedly priced at Rs. 35,900 and 128 GB is priced at Rs. 42, 900. The reports also indicate that 16GB Wi-Fi cum cellular iPad mini 4 is priced at Rs. 38,900, 64GB at Rs, 45,900 with 128 GB at Rs. 52,900.
Though sources have revealed the prices of the models, there is no information regarding the release dates of the models. Therefore, people waiting for the launch of this new tab will have to wait for some more time. … Read the rest
The wait is finally over as Apple unveils its new smartphones, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus along with an iPad Pro as well as an all new Apple TV. While the new smartphones have brought in some fresh features like 3D force-sensitive touch and an array of new colors along with a better camera, it has failed to impress investors. They were expecting to see some groundbreaking features in the phone.
Apple iPad Pro and Apple TV fail to impress
The Apple iPad Pro, which is now paired with a stylus called “Pencil”, did not fetch positive responses from investors or Apple lovers. Many even criticized the company for adding the stylus because Steve Jobs never appreciated it.
Although Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed great hopes from the brand new Apple TV set-top box, this has also failed to impress investors. The new set-top box with voice control features is one of the most ambitious projects of the company and a negative reaction may affect the company adversely.
Apple fails to meet expectations?
The expectations with Apple releases are always high and it is often difficult for the company to meet the bar. Things could have been better if the smartphones introduced some innovative technologies other than just modification of the old device. However, the latest iPhone 6s has not made an impression so far.
Starcraft has enjoyed an unputdownable popularity among gamers and its availability on the browser is welcoming news. Ryuta “gloomyson”, a GitHub user, has successfully uploaded Starcraft’s original version on the browser, which means the game can now be played from any device and at any time.
Though this is a great news for gamers, it might not last too long as they have used the original game assets without Blizzard’s permission, reported The Next Web.
Playing Starcraft is easy now
Playing the game on your browser is simple as you do not need to free a lot of space on your device to install the game. All you need is a strong internet connection and updated graphics to enjoy the animations.
To enjoy the game, one needs updated hardware. The game is currently in demo mode but could be pulled down soon.
At the same time, cheat codes meant for the original game can be used on the browser as well, which means more fun for gamers.
However, there is still a doubt regarding the availability of the game on browser as Blizzard may lodge a legal case against Ryuta for using their assets illegally. … Read the rest
Uber Technologies is all set make another expansion in the coming days by entering another 100 cities in China in the coming year. The new announcement on Tuesday, is a clear indication of the fact that the company is doubling their previous goal they had s et three months ago, said Travis Kalanick, the Chief Executive of the U.S. ride-hailing service.
Uber claims 30-35 percent market share
According to the reports, presently China unit of the company, which functions in around 20 cities has raised $1.2 billion in the current fund-raising while Didi Kuaidi, the local rival of the company grossed $3 billion. Both the companies are giving tough competition to increase their hold in the market and Uber, which is new entrant in the field already has 30% to 35% of the market share.
During his speech, Kalanick even said that Uber has also adopted the new set of regulations that governs ride-hailing service in the country. Kalanick even highlighted the benefits of the relation between Chinese Internet search leader Baidu and Uber.
During his speech, Kalanick also focused on how their expansion to new Chinese cities can increase job scope or help in building better infrastructure and check pollution or congestion in the roads, which the government always aims at.… Read the rest


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Online library gives readers access to 1.5 million books
The Million Book Project, an international venture led by Carnegie Mellon University in the United States, Zhejiang University in China, the Indian Institute of Science in India and the Library at Alexandria in Egypt, has completed the digitization of more than 1.5 million books, which are now available online.
For the first time since the project was initiated in 2002, all of the books, which range from Mark Twain’s “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” to “The Analects of Confucius,” are available through a single Web portal of the Universal Library (www.ulib.org), said Gloriana St. Clair, Carnegie Mellon’s dean of libraries.
“Anyone who can get on the Internet now has access to a collection of books the size of a large university library,” said Raj Reddy, professor of computer science and robotics at Carnegie Mellon. “This project brings us closer to the ideal of the Universal Library: making all published works available to anyone, anytime, in any language. The economic barriers to the distribution of knowledge are falling,” said Reddy, who has spearheaded the Million Book Project.
Though Google, Microsoft and the Internet Archive all have launched major book digitization projects, the Million Book Project represents the world’s largest, university-based digital library of freely accessible books. At least half of its books are out of copyright, or were digitized with the permission of the copyright holders, so the complete texts are or eventually will be available free.
The collection includes a large number of rare and orphan books. More than 20 languages are represented among the 1.5 million books, a little more than 1 percent of all of the world’s books.
Many of the books, particularly those in Chinese and English, have been digitized — their text converted by optical character recognition methods into computer readable text. That allows these books to be searched and, eventually, reformatted for access by PDAs and other devices.
An outgrowth of Reddy’s Universal Library, the Million Book Project received $3.5 million in seed funding from the National Science Foundation and substantial in-kind contributions from hardware and software manufacturers. These funds were primarily used to purchase scanning equipment and for developing the scanning, digitization and cataloguing methods necessary for creating a large digital library.
The vast majority of the scanning, digitization and cataloguing has been performed at centers in China and India, where more than 1.1 million and 360,000 books have been scanned, respectively. The U.S., China and India provided $10 million each in cash and in-kind contributions to the project. More recently, the Library at Alexandria, Egypt, has joined the effort. Now, about 7,000 books are scanned daily by more than 1,000 workers worldwide.
“We greatly value the participation of Bibliotheca Alexandrina,” said Michael Shamos, a Carnegie Mellon computer science professor and copyright lawyer. “Scholars everywhere regret the destruction of the Alexandria Library at various points in history, and we’re willing to go to great lengths to see that no such destruction is ever possible in the future. Once books are on the Internet, they become immortal.”
Protecting and preserving texts is a major goal, said Pan Yunhe, the leader of the Million Book Project in China. “Paper gets old and brittle, so books soon become so delicate that no one can read them without damaging them,” said Yunhe, the former president of Zhejiang University who is now vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. “Artwork fades. But once we have digitized texts and illustrations, we can keep them in circulation indefinitely. And by storing them at multiple sites, we can minimize the risk that they be destroyed, as occurred in Alexandria.”
“This collection of books in multiple languages opens up unparalleled opportunities to bring Indian cultural material to everyone, and offers a huge range of possibilities in natural language research,” said N. Balakrishnan, associate director of the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, one of the partners in the project.
“Digital libraries constitute an essential part of the future of the developing world,” said Ismail Serageldin, director of Bibliotheca Alexandrina. ”This requires that we approach conditions governing copyright, digital archiving and scientific databases with a view to creating two-tier systems of access to information that would allow access to such data from developing countries for a nominal fee or for free.”
Though the long-term goal of the Universal Library is to make books, artwork and other published works available online for free, about half of the current collection remains under copyright. Until the permission of the copyright holders can be documented, or copyright laws are amended, only 10 percent or less of those books can be accessed at no cost.
The project has surpassed one million books, but the participants are looking to expand to all countries and eventually every language. At the Third Annual International Conference on Universal Digital Library, held at Carnegie Mellon Nov. 2-4, 2007, the partners in the Million Book Project agreed to continue scanning, to enlist more centers for the scanning of rare and unique materials, and to work on governmental solutions to the problem of books which are out of print but still in copyright.
Source: Carnegie Mellon University


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Saudi Arabia has introduced trading licenses that will will allow foreign entrepreneurs to set up a business within the Kingdom for the 1st time.
The initiative, announced Wednesday by several Saudi regulators, will enable select businesses to establish themselves within the King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). The KAEC is usually the globe’s first publicly listed city as well as was established by the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 2005.
“We believe the future of the (Saudi) economy is usually the knowledge economy, so we can’t do that will without entrepreneurs via all over the globe,” KAEC CEO Fahd Al-Rasheed told CNBC on Wednesday.
More than 11 licenses have been handed out to entrepreneurs in different sectors, Al-Rasheed said.
He added: “We’ve offered entrepreneurs incentives to come into Saudi Arabia so that will doesn’t only require regulatory approvals yet also access to market — we’re giving them free office space, free education for their children, anything that will they ask for.”
Al-Rasheed said the project aims to take advantage of technological advancements like driverless cars, a tech currently led by U.S. firms like Tesla as well as Google’s Waymo.


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Tires and rims were stolen off vehicles at two dealerships in Fairfield.
Police say both incidents happened over the weekend on Commerce Drive.
They say the first happened Saturday at Audi of Fairfield and the second happened Sunday at an Infiniti dealership. The general manager at the Infiniti dealership says the latter incident was caught on camera.
READ MORE: Connecticut Crime Stories
Officers say the tires and rims stolen from Infiniti were valued at $6,000. They are still determining the total value of the items stolen from the Audi dealership.


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One of the strictest food labeling laws in the world took effect in Chile this week as the country tries to combat one of the world’s worst epidemics of childhood obesity.
The law, which has been in the works since 2012, requires warning labels on the front of high-energy food with large amounts of sugar, sodium or saturated fat.
The measure also bans junk-food ads targeting children under 14 and bars the inclusion of toys that tempt parents onto buying candy and junk food for kids.
That means candy treats like Kinder Surprise eggs that contain toys will be taken off the shelves.
Before the law went into effect, McDonalds reduced fat and sugar its Happy Meal items so it can continue to include toys in “Cajita Feliz.”
The law also bans sale of those foods in schools, a provision that supporters say makes the law tougher than similar efforts around the world.
One half of Chilean children are overweight, and obesity is a factor in one out of every 11 deaths, according to the country’s health ministry.


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The Dow Jones Industrial Average this afternoon hit a new all-time high of 14,171.5 after Wal-Mart Stores raised its third-quarter profit expectations.
This is the second new all-time high for the Dow this week. On Tuesday, the blue chip index hit 14,167, but yesterday reversed most of that by falling more than 85 points. Today, after Wal-Mart's joyous revelation, the Dow has risen again.
Wal-Mart today predicted its third-quarter profit to be 66 cents to 69 cents a share, up from a previous estimate of up to 65 cents a share. The good news comes despite the company's lower-than-expected September same-store sales, which only rose 1.4%, 0.4% less than analysts expected. WMT execs blame the low numbers on unseasonably warm weather and consumers' tighter purse-strings. In response, the retail giant said it plans to lure holiday traffic by cutting prices on select toys 2 weeks earlier than it did last year.
WMT shareholders liked the good tidings, as the stock is currently trading at $47.08, up 3.27%. As a result, the Dow is hanging right around the 14,154 level, up more than 75 points.


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Experts Criticize Canada's Proposed Cannabis Edibles Regulations
Critics of Canada’s proposed cannabis edibles regulations say the rules would result in unappetizing and over-packaged products, according to media reports. When marijuana was legalized in Canada last year, initial regulations only allowed cannabis flower and oil to be sold. Since then, regulators have been creating rules for cannabis edibles, extracts, beverages, and topicals.
Health Canada released the draft regulations in December and has been accepting feedback during a consultation period that ended on Wednesday. The federal health agency expects to have the final version of regulations in place by October 17, the first anniversary of legalization.
But provisions in the draft regulations require that products not be appealing to children and prohibit packages from advertising dessert or confectionary flavors. They also must be shelf-stable and not “encourage overconsumption.” Although Health Canada has confirmed that ingredients such as chocolate and sugar will be allowed, edibles must not feature ingredients, shapes, colors, flavors, packaging, or labeling that would appeal to children. Jessika Villano, the owner of Buddha Barn dispensary in Vancouver, fears that the rules will mean tasty products won’t be permitted.
- Colorado’s New Marijuana Edibles Regulations Go into Effect In Octobermerryjane.com
- Experts: Canada must develop regulations on cannabis edibles, extracts quicklymjbizdaily.comJune 17, 2015
- HESA passes amendment to allow cannabis edibles, concentrates in C-45 - Lift Newsnews.lift.coOctober 3, 2017
- Are Cannabis Edibles Really A Threat To Society?cannabis.net


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KOLKATA: India’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a financing scheme for women fashion boutique owners.
Labelled ’boutique financing’, the scheme is designed to offer working capital expenses as well as term loan to boutique owners.
Chief General Manager of SBI (Bengal Circle) Sunil Srivastava said the bank has identified the growth potential of the segment.
He said the bank would give loans at concessional interest rates and the maximum loan to be made available would be Rs 50 lakh for a period of seven years. The owners would also get overdraft facilities, he added. —PTI


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What a few years ago sounded like science fiction or the whim of a few eccentrics, has now become reality. Vehicles leave the factory equipped with internet connection systems that allow their users to enjoy a safer and more efficient travel experience. The use and processing of the vast amount of data generated by that connectivity, known as big data, has now emerged as a great business opportunity for the automotive industry. According to a 2016 report by the consulting firm McKinsey, the use of data from connected cars could generate a $75 billion business by 2030.
Because of this, there are already many brands that use big data to improve their financial results. Thanks to this data they are able to get a better idea of their customers’ preferences, configuring their vehicles according to their specific requirements.
But what is big data and why is it so important?
When we talk about big data we are referring to “datasets or combinations of datasets whose size (volume), complexity (variability) and speed of growth (speed) makes it difficult to capture, manage, process or analyse using conventional technologies and tools,” as explained on Power Data. Handling such a large volume of information requires specific technology.
Big data makes it possible to create predictive models that can influence extraordinary events, such as predicting a tsunami, for example, as well as other everyday issues, such as knowing ahead of time where the biggest traffic jams will be.
Big data and the automotive industry
The automotive industry is no stranger to the use of big data. The abovementioned McKinsey study from 2016 revealed that consumers themselves were interested in activating data capabilities to make their travel experiences safer and more efficient, and that they were willing to pay for it. Hence the success of applications such as those that allow users to find parking, for example.
The most obvious use that automakers can make of big data is aimed at improving the manufacturing of their products. Knowing when a vehicle’s engine or electrical system fail helps them make the necessary changes to the assembly line to resolve the issue. According to a study by the German institute Fraunhofer IFA, it is estimated that this would allow companies to save between 10% and 20% in maintenance costs, as noted in an article published by Intelligent.
“Now the car lets us know when it is broken and what the causes of the failure are. These failures might even be prevented in the future, when the vehicle is connected to the manufacturer or the garage, with which users can make an appointment. This will be very useful to reduce accidents,” said Marcial Fernández, director of organization, systems and web environment at ICEA, a research association that collaborates with insurance companies, in an industry debate organized by El Mundo and the insurer Direct Seguros in 2017.
Thanks to big data and the feedback left by users on social networks, automotive companies will also find it easier to know what kind of finishes are the most popular, or what type of vehicle is the best-selling, so they can adapt their production on the basis of these variables.
Insurers also benefit from big data. By 2017, 44% of insurance companies had already implemented big data processes to their businesses. This information allows them to know more about how their customers drive, to better adapt their services. It also helps them reduce fraud. Lastly, it provides them with useful information to improve safety, such as data linked to natural disasters and weather conditions.
Advantages for drivers
It is not just automotive companies that can benefit from big data, but also drivers. Apps like Waze collect real-time data about traffic, accidents and other hazards that may arise on the roads thanks to massive collaboration between its users, known as crowdsourcing. Users help other users reach their destinations faster and more safely. This is also the basis of apps that help users find parking.
However, the privacy of users must be taken into account. Jaser Abdel-Kader, the Head of Business Development at Secmotic, argued, in an interview with the Concesur Group, that “the user must take into account that he/she assigns certain data in exchange for high value-added service. The really important thing is that the user is well informed of what data he or she is providing and to what purpose. In this sense, the new European Union Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) will provide citizens with a higher level of control over their personal data”.
On the way to autonomous car
If there is one thing that experts agree on, it is that big data is the mainstay of future autonomous driving. In fact, so-called smart cars are already part of our lives. Cars come equipped with the latest technology, which allows them to be connected to their environment and engage in better interactions to enjoy a more efficient and safe driving experience. “When all cars are connected to each other, no traffic lights will be needed,” said José Angel Alonso, KPMG’s senior manager, at the industry debate organised by El Mundo and Direct Seguros.
An example of this are Google’s and Tesla’s autonomous cars, although they still have a long way to go until they are fully safe and operational. In any case, European official bodies are already preparing legislation on autonomous vehicles. In Spain, the DGT is working on regulations governing the driving of this type of vehicle.


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WorldRemit Installs New CEO to Step Up its Mobile Payments Presence
We’ve heard quite a bit out of WorldRemit over the last few months, and much of it has been related to its rapid pace of growth. Recently, it dropped word our way about it’s latest growth move, hiring a new CEO in Breon Corcoran to help drive that growth and keep it moving along on the fast pace the company is no doubt getting used to.
Corcoran is no stranger to the top slot, having previously served as CEO of Paddy Power Betfair, an FTSE 100 company and, at last report, the world’s largest online gaming company thanks to its 100-country operations profile. Corcoran takes over for company founder and current CEO, Ismail Ahmed, who will become Executive Chairman instead.
Corcoran noted “Across the world, consumers are turning away from cash, towards digital payments solutions. With tailwinds like the global adoption of new technologies combined with growing remittance flows, there is enormous potential for WorldRemit’s global expansion and I look forward to leading the company through its next evolution.”
Corcoran’s assessment of the market isn’t half bad; WorldRemit’s expected revenues for 2018 are 95 million pounds sterling. That’s up about half again from last year’s 60.5 million figure, and shows a clear upward growth trajectory. The fact that WorldRemit has been expanding its customer base certainly doesn’t hurt either, as now, the company can offer 50 different countries the right to send money to anyone in one of 150 different countries.
Hopefully, Corcoran’s introduction will help drive the company into further growth. It’s certainly got some room; just look at the numbers. You can send money from 50 countries to 150 countries, so why not expand the “from” count? There’s like 100 countries here that could be involved in the action, chipping in on the processing fees. Sure, some of them might not be able to get in–there could be some laws preventing the paying out part in those regions–but getting any of them on the roster could be a winner.
Still, between Corcoran’s experience and WorldRemit’s already-expanding operations, it’s a safe bet it’s going to keep right on winning.


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Technology is definitely fast-moving. It is moving almost twice as fast each year, thanks to quick innovations, developments, and discoveries in several industries. When it comes to smartphones, the models come and go. The phone you just bought may be obsolete a year from today. That is why OEMs are working harder to introduce products that are at least a year advanced. From 18:9 aspect displays to dual cameras to the notch design, some companies are quick to pick up the trend.
Samsung is number one in implementing advanced technologies save for the notch. Huawei was the first to introduce the dual camera setup and made it popular but made it three cameras for the Pro variant. But really, it was HTC who launched the first dual cam phone. Vivo was the first to make the in-display fingerprint sensor commercially available, as well as, the slide-out camera.
As for Nokia, the company has followed the dual camera and notch trends. The idea of a triple camera setup is nothing new. There’s also the quad camera system where two cameras are found on each side. We heard of the five-camera setup as well–two selfie shooters and three rear cameras.
The Samsung Galaxy S10’s premium variant is believed to have such. The LG V40 is also rumored to be insane with five cameras. There’s also the Nokia 9 phone prototype sighted with five lenses.
The Nokia 9 phone could be the same phone here with a Penta-camera setup. The five-lenses camera system is expected to include Monochrome lens and probably telephoto and hybrid optical zoom lens.
HMD Global is said to combine all the lenses we already know. The dual camera is given but with the addition of another one. Dual selfie cameras should be interesting so we’ll see.
VIA: Right Brothers


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UK consumer price inflation fell to an annual 4.2% in December as energy and food prices slowed and the effects of last year’s VAT hike started to drop out of the comparison. This decline does not represent a favourable surprise, having been widely predicted for several months. (A 4.2% end-year headline rate was forecast here in the summer.)
CPI inflation has been above the 2% target in every December since 2005.
The Bank of England’s claim that CPI inflation will slow dramatically during 2012, ending the year below target, has, like its earlier optimistic forecasts, been accepted by the consensus – the median projection for the first quarter of 2013 is 1.9%, according to Consensus Economics. This, however, requires a significant decline in “core” price momentum and / or further weakness in global commodity prices. Neither is likely.
The first chart below shows one measure of core prices – the CPI excluding unprocessed food and energy incorporating an attempt to strip out recent VAT effects and adjusted for seasonal factors. The 12-month increase in this measure rose to a two-year high of 2.6% in December. Six-month momentum of smoothed prices was slightly lower at 2.5%, having been stable during the second half of 2011, showing no response to economic weakness.
The six-month momentum measure has remained at or above 2% since January 2008. Having failed to rachet lower in the wake of the “great recession”, it is unclear why it should suddenly drop now.
If core inflation remains resilient, forecasts of a sub-2% headline rate will depend on a big drag from food and energy prices. Food should have a favourable impact but energy and other industrial commodities tend to correlate with emerging-world economic activity, which is now reviving. The second chart shows the six-month change in the Journal of Commerce industrial commodity price index together with a leading indicator for the “E7” emerging economies. The leading indicator has recovered to a level historically consistent with rising raw material costs.
The third chart show an inflation forecast based on stability in core price momentum and energy prices coupled with a fall in unprocessed food price inflation to 1% by mid-2012. It also incorporates a 0.2 percentage point upward impact from university tuition fees from October. Headline CPI inflation is projected to finish 2012 at 2.6% having touched an interim low of 2.4% in August.
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OneNewsNow reports that a representative of the American Family Association was snubbed at a Target shareholders meeting Wednesday when he attempted to share the group’s concerns about the retail giant’s policy allowing transgender individuals to use the bathroom or fitting room of their choice.
AFA President Tim Wildmon said in an email to supporters last week that the group would be taking its message directly to the company’s board of directors and shareholders at the meeting in California. AFA is concerned that sexual predators may take advantage of Target’s new policy, putting women and children at risk.
AFA launched a petition calling for a boycott of Target, which has over 1.3 million signatures.
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OneNewsNow reported that AFA representative Abraham Hamilton III was clearly snubbed by officials of Target when he questioned the policy.
Hamilton said Target’s response to the concerns and boycott was, “We don’t care what you have to say. We don’t care what the American Family Association represents. We don’t care what those people who signed your petition represent. We are committed to the complete overhaul of American society as it pertains to sex.”
When he asked if Target had performed a cost-benefit analysis before implementing the controversial policy change, Hamilton said the company’s answer was, “No, we believe it’s the best thing for our company, so we’re going to do it.”
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Hamilton, who is the public policy analyst for AFA, stated that although shareholders with similar concerns were at the meeting, the corporation was unwilling to change the policy. As a result, Hamilton said the boycott will continue, with efforts to increase in the near future.
“Father’s Day is right around the corner … and even back-to-school efforts,” he told OneNewsNow. “So we plan to increase and expand our boycott effort because Target has put us in an unenviable position by saying, ‘We don’t care what you think’ — so we’re going to have to make them care what we think.”
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K Hospitality’s Karan Kapur on why QSRs are India’s next big thing
In an exclusive interview with YourStory, K Hospitality’s Karan Kapur traces the journey of one of the country’s largest hospitality groups and reveals what it takes to succeed in India’s hyper competitive F&B industry.
If you visit the new plush 080 Lounge at the Bengaluru airport or the Bikanervala or the KFC outlet on your way to Haridwar, you probably wouldn’t think that these places are related. However, they happen to have one thing in common. They are all managed byCorp.
Founded in 1972, K Hospitality operates 500-plus outlets in the hospitality, food services, and travel retail industry across the country. It is one of the leading players in the hospitality industry today and its operations are spread across bars, QSRs, cafes, food courts, banqueting, corporate food services, outdoor catering, and travel F&B outlets, among others.
In an exclusive interview, YourStory caught up with Karan Kapur, Executive Director of K Hospitality Corp, to trace the company’s journey, understand its business, and explore its recent foray into Africa.
Claiming to be one of India’s largest homegrown hospitality and food services corporations today, K Hospitality started its journey in a rather humble manner. JK Kapur, popularly known as JK, migrated from modern-day Pakistan to open India’s first live open-kitchen Indian restaurant – Copper Chimney in Mumbai’s Worli area.
Copper Chimney went on to become the first restaurant to hire a woman head chef in the country.
Almost half a century later, the hospitality company continues to lead the industry. Its popular brands include Copper Chimney, Bombay Brasserie, The Irish House, Cafeccino, Joshh, Curry Kitchen, and Blue Seas Banquets and Caterers, among others.
Its travel retail vertical Travel Food Services (TFS) operates high-end luxury lounges, reaching over 150 million travellers annually.
Today, JK’s grandsons Karan and Varun Kapur are leading K Hospitality from the forefront.
Both Karan and Varun joined the company in 2008. Initially, Karan was overseeing the banqueting and travel retail business. At present, he heads the restaurants, banqueting, and QSR business. At a group level, Karan is responsible for managing the supply chain and human resources departments while Varun oversees the travel retail business.
Evolution of the company
Once the Indian market started opening up in the 90s, more policies were introduced in the consumer space. “From a single brand, we started exploring and expanding to newer opportunities in the food and beverage (F&B) industry,” says Karan.
Later, that same decade, K Hospitality also entered the catering business. The banqueting and catering vertical, KAPCO, has its footprints across major Indian cities and abroad. Currently, it caters to over 3,500 functions annually across the wedding, corporate, and sports catering sectors. Additionally, it also launched another brand serving modern interpretations of Indian cuisine Bombay Brasserie in the 90s.
In the 2000s, with the evolution of shopping malls, K Hospitality entered the food court space with multiple brands. Its vertical Global Kitchens operates as the exclusive F&B partner for large-scale real estate assets, like malls, to set up and manage F&B offerings across local, national, and global brands.
Towards the end of the last decade, with the privatisation of airports, the company entered the space with QSRs in airports, later expanding the business to airport lounges and highways. Finally, the last leg of growth included setting up cafeterias at corporate offices.
Summing up, Karan says, “As India grew, we grew with it — in the F&B space.”
Today, K Hospitality has a workforce of over 6,000.
The food business
According to Tecnova Global, the Indian F&B industry accounts for around three percent of the country’s GDP. In fact, the industry is emerging as a high-profit sector, estimating a CAGR of 14.2 percent between 2020 and 2024, and is expected to reach $346.9 million by 2025.
K Hospitality has six major verticals — travel retail (consisting of food courts, cafes, QSRs across airports, railway stations, and highways), Joshh (QSRs), banqueting and catering, pubs (Irish House), malls (food courts, restaurants, cafes, etc.), and joint ventures for QSRs, among others. It has 20-plus in-house brands and franchises of multiple national and international brands.
Besides this, the company is heavily involved in the sports catering industry, having served the likes of the Indian Premier League, Indian Super League, and Pro Kabaddi League, among others.
“Currently we are the largest privately held F&B company in the country. Pre-COVID-19, we served 35 million customers…With markets reopening, business is bouncing back,” Karan says, adding, “Some businesses are going higher, in terms of sales numbers, from their pre-COVID-19 levels.”
He claims that the overall banqueting business has surpassed pre-pandemic numbers by 15 percent. Similarly, high-street brands (Bombay Brasserie, Copper Chimney, and Irish House) have seen a surge owing to frequent delivery and dining-in coming back.
“The Irish House saw an increase of 11 to 15 percent across different outlets from pre-pandemic sales numbers,” reveals Karan.
Speaking of brand placement, he adds that K Hospitality follows a blended strategy, based on city dynamics and rent while balancing a mix of malls and high-street locations. “When launching in a new city, we go for malls as they tend to be safer and a good location to start with,” he explains. The group operates each vertical as a separate business, managed by separate teams.
Majority of K Hospitality’s revenue comes from its travel F&B business, while revenue from the other verticals are evenly distributed. “We expect that mix to change dramatically in the next two years,” says Karan.
It is not surprising when he reveals that Mumbai and Delhi spend the most on eating out. Next comes Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. He also notes that their brands have been performing well in Pune as well.
Under its new business vertical, Fire Foods Africa, K Hospitality has also forayed into Africa in mid-2021 with exclusive franchise rights for Domino’s Pizza in Ghana.
Betting on QSRs
According to Karan, while the last 10 years has been about the travel F&B space for K Hospitality, the next decade will see the company focusing on its recently launched QSR brand Joshh.
Karan mentioned that India is lining up for a huge growth in the QSR space and summed up the trends that he believes will be responsible for this massive growth:
- Consumers' dependency on convenience. “QSRs provide high-quality food quickly and at a value for money,” he explains.
- As the GDP per capita increases, a larger base of consumers will come out and eat budget food.
- Development of backend and supply chain. He adds that a lot of investment in the supply chain and distribution front is enabling F&B companies to further grow.
- New catchments in the cities are providing more opportunities for the setting up of QSR outlets.
“In the last 20-years, MNC brands have scaled and grown — that has been the India story. We believe the next 20 years will be about Indian brands producing Indian products, for Indians,” says Karan. “With Joshh, we want to build that brand, not just with delivery but also with dine-in and cloud kitchens,” he adds.
Going forward, K Hospitality plans to take the number of brand outlets to 1,000 from the existing 500 outlets in the next five years. With respect to Joshh, Karan dreams of making it one of the country’s top five QSR brands.
Additionally, he reveals that K Hospitality is seeing great opportunities in growing F&B stops on highways and has been heavily investing in the same. “We have already got six highway stops (consisting of multiple domestic and international brands), and have another six lined up,” he adds.
Reports suggest that around 60 percent of new restaurants fail within the very first year of operations. In fact, around 80 percent shut shop before completing their fifth anniversary. The restaurant business is no way an easy business. So how can one ensure that they survive?
Karan says, “We have made enough mistakes to learn from them and implement those learnings into our business.” He says that in order to survive the ever-growing F&B industry, companies and brands should focus on consistency and their consumers. They should get as much feedback as possible, and keep working on them.
“Before you step into the F&B space, meet as many entrepreneurs as possible from the industry, it can be as challenging as it is exciting,” Karan says.
He adds that an entrepreneur in the F&B industry should focus on one format or cuisine and move to the next only after excelling at the first.
Last but not least, F&B entrepreneurs should invest enough time and energy in market research. “Oftentimes people create formats of what they as a consumer would like or enjoy, or what the media calls a trend. But it is only after visiting several restaurants, talking to enough chefs about what sells best, and speaking to consumers will one put one on the right foot to start,” says Karan.
Edited by Saheli Sen Gupta


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Valley gets covered in Super Bowl billboardsPosted: Updated:
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- We are a little less than 200 days away from the big game in Glendale and already signs of the impending Super Bowl have begun popping up all over the Valley.
No matter where you commute to work, odds are you will see one of the 15 new billboards that read, "It's Super Bowl Season."
Most of the football fans we talked to say it's never too early to start a marketing campaign of this magnitude.
"I think it's good for the economy," Daniel Sternberg said. "Trying to get the word out about the Super Bowl and get everything prepared."
"I think it's good for the community," John Cruz said. "Get people coming out there."
However, there are some who feel like the Super Bowl season can't come before the football season.
"I think it's ridiculous!" said Bob, a football fan. "I think it's too early. I mean come on, it’s still summer. I love football, but to start this buzz about the Super Bowl already, it’s a little too early."
But you might need 200 days of notice to save up for a pricey ticket.
"It's a little expensive," Cruz joked.
Just remember, you don't need a ticket to the game to enjoy all of the Super Bowl parties.


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Thousands of NSW Photo Card holders who live in the Penrith area can now download a digital version of their identification through the Service NSW app.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said that the Digital Driver Licence has been a resounding success and led to many customers requesting a Digital Photo Card.
“This is another example of the NSW Government bolstering the Service NSW app to put customers first and make life easier for people,” Mr Dominello said.
“With a Digital Photo Card, as long as you have your phone, you always have your ID with you. It’s hassle free and only takes minutes to download.”
The Digital Photo Card builds on the success of the Digital Driver Licence, which is now held by more than 2.4 million licence holders in NSW, representing 41 per cent of drivers. Close to 2000 new users are adopting the technology each day, earning it a 95 per cent customer approval rating.
There are more than 970,000 Digital Photo Card holders in NSW.
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the trial will test the functionality and effectiveness of the Digital Photo Card ahead of a state-wide roll out.
“The trial will allow Photo Card holders in the trial area to use their mobile device to enter licensed venues and transact with other businesses who check ID, such as hotels, major retailers, telcos, convenience stores, tobacco retailers and pharmacies,” Mr Ayres said.
“The Digital Photo Card is hosted securely on the Service NSW app, which is locked with a PIN. I encourage Penrith residents to give it a go and let us know what you think.”
When a customer is issued their Photo Card or updates their details, they simply refresh the app for real-time updates, without having to wait for a plastic card to arrive in the post.
The Digital Photo Card remains available offline if the card holder remains logged into the Service NSW app. The following postcodes are included in the trial – 2750, 2745, 2747, 2748, 2749, 2773.


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In a recent blog post, HP announced that ahead of the RetailEXPO 2019 in London, it has expanded its Android-based retail solutions to include the HP Engage One and the HP Engage Go Convertible, giving SMBs and larger retail and hospitality customers greater choice and flexibility to deliver more convenient and personalized customer experiences.
From 2016-2020 Android shipments are expected to grow at a CAGR of 21% in retail according to IHL MPOS Shipment Report. This is primarily driven by mobile POS and other use cases including self-service devices, back-office engagement devices, interactive in-aisle devices, and even as traditional POS devices. Android adoption is also driven by retailer’s mobile apps which seamlessly integrate with in-store Android technologies - for example, orders and promotions tied to in-store self-checkout.
Android is also a powerful OS for retail and hospitality business who want to expand and deploy use cases beyond traditional POS solution with mobility and immersive digital displays. They are looking for new ways to interact with consumers and provide an overall better experience that’s both tailored and seamless.
In July, the HP Engage One and HP Engage Go will be available to support Android in addition to Windows, and Linux, giving retailers and hospitality operators choice, flexibility, and an opportunity to increase engagement with consumers and deliver experiences that change the way consumers interact with a business and its products. Learn more about HP's Android-based retail solutions here.


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Investors that are interested in the electric vehicle (EV) space have a lot of different companies to choose from. Many of these stocks have performed well this year and continue to benefit from bullish momentum thanks to optimism surrounding the industry and environmental concerns. As these companies update and advance the technology that powers their eco-friendly vehicles, we will likely see an acceleration in their widespread adoption. People are clearly open to the change, as over 80% of prospective car buyers today want an EV.
With so many different EV stocks to choose from, it can be difficult to sort through them all and decide which companies are the real deal and which ones are benefitting from pure speculation. With that said, there’s one new EV company worth monitoring that will begin trading publicly via a SPAC merger later this month. Fisker Inc. could be a nice option for investors that are interested in up-and-coming companies in the sector and it has the potential to end up a big player in the industry in the coming years. Let’s take a deeper look at Fisker below and decide whether or not it’s worth adding to your portfolio.
The World’s Most Sustainable Vehicle
We know that there is plenty of competition in the EV industry and that it will take a lot to overthrow Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), but the truth is that there’s plenty of room for other companies to carve out their market share. Fisker is an interesting company as it was founded by renowned luxury car designer Henrik Fisker. He has designed some truly classic luxury automobiles including the BMW ZE, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and the BMW X5. Mr. Fisher has been hard at work on the Fisker Ocean, a luxury electric SUV that will launch in Q4 2022.
The Fisker Ocean has been dubbed the “world’s most sustainable vehicle” thanks to the fact that it is constructed with materials made from recycled, abandoned fishing nets & plastics from the ocean. It’s a battery-powered electric SUV that has a range of 250-300 miles per charge and comes with 4-wheel drive and high-performance dual motors. There’s also the intriguing option of a full-length solar roof that can potentially provide over 1,000 additional miles for free each year.
Fisker wants the Ocean to directly compete with Tesla’s Model X and Model Y vehicles as it features a slick design, optional solar roof, and strong battery performance. Also, the Fisker Ocean will retail for around $37,500, which is significantly less expensive than a Tesla Model X or Model Y. Although there’s still a long way to go until the Fisker Ocean launches, it’s clear that this is a company that should be on EV investors’ radars going forward.
Reverse Merger Closing Later this Month
We’ve seen a lot of positive buzz surrounding Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs), and Fisker could be the next one to take off. The company plans to complete a reverse merger deal with Spartan Energy Acquisition (NYSE:SPAQ) later this month on October 28th. After the merger is complete, Fisker will start trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker FSR.
The deal will provide $1 billion to Fisker Inc so that it can start production on its innovative electric vehicles starting with the Fisker Ocean. Back in July, Fisker provided investors with a projection of $13.2 billion in revenue and 225,000 deliveries by the year 2025. If the global EV market continues its rapid growth, those numbers are possible. However, there could be some bumps along the road to profitability for this company.
It’s worth noting that Fisker plans to outsource the manufacturing of its vehicles by partnering up with Volkswagen. This should help the company focus more on vehicle design, technology, and software while leaving the manufacturing up to one of the largest automobile makers in the world. However, no deal is on the table yet, which is something for investors to monitor.
Although this type of investment isn’t for everyone, there’s certainly potential here for Fisker going forward. Keep in mind that SPACs can be extremely volatile and speculative investments. Look at what has happened with Nikola Motors (NASDAQ:NKLA) and how it has affected the sentiment around SPACs for an instant reminder of how risky SPAC investing can be.
With that said, it wouldn’t be surprising to see shares of Spartan Energy rally into the merger date and perform well under Fisker’s new ticker. If you are willing to stomach the risk, consider adding shares now ahead of the reverse merger. More conservative investors that are interested in EV companies are likely better off waiting for more details about Fisker and how it is progressing with the production of the Fisker Ocean before opening a new position.
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7 Retail Stocks That Defied The Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck there was no reason to think a retailer, any retailer, would be able to come out alive. After all, the economy was looking at a month or more of shut-down and most retailers survive on a thread of profits. What most analysts failed to consider is the health of the economy going into the pandemic and what that meant for spending power.
The U.S. economy was on the brink of acceleration way back in February of 2020. It was a different time, employment was at its strongest in decades and the consumer was flush. Yes, the stimulus checks helped drive the trends I am alluding to but spending on Stay-at-Home, Home-Improvement, and Outdoor Living began well before those checks were mailed.
What we are about to show you is a group of stocks that were able to defy the pandemic. Some of them were perfectly positioned for the crisis and surfed it like the wave of profits it was. Some were able to adjust and come back fighting. Others circled the wagons and waited out the storm. In all cases, the businesses are supported by a healthy eCommerce presence and benefit from brand recognition, a combination that has digital sales up triple-digits from 2019. And some of them pay a good dividend too!
View the "7 Retail Stocks That Defied The Pandemic".


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ASUS’s entry into the Android tablet world was reportedly a success. The Eee Pad Transformer was fast, unique, and it was among the most popular Android tablets to launch last year. The Transformer was one of the first to feature a unique dock that transformed the device into a netbook. For months the Transformer was on back order, with sales far exceeding ASUS’s original estimates. Even though the tablet is now considered “last year’s technology,” there isn’t much holding it back, except one thing — Ice Cream Sandwich. The original Transformer is still running Google’s buggy and unexciting Android 3.2 Honeycomb operating system, but ASUS has taken to the company’s Facebook page and assured users an update is coming. Google is currently in the process approving the update, and it should hit tablets in mid-February.
If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.


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HALIFAX — Tourism Nova Scotia and Airbnb have partnered to promote safe and healthy tourism and experiences within the province.
As part of this partnership, Airbnb has developed a website dedicated to highlighting listings and Airbnb Experiences in Nova Scotia, as well as relevant information about hosting in the province. Additionally, Tourism Nova Scotia will have access to data about search and booking trends to help inform its marketing strategy and overall promotion of the destination. Tourism Nova Scotia will also share information with the local tourism industry about promoting experiences and accommodations through the Airbnb platform.
“This partnership with Airbnb will promote Nova Scotia experiences to an audience of motivated travellers. Now more than ever, it is crucial to market where people make travel decisions,” says Michele Saran, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Nova Scotia. “This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the many unique and authentic travel experiences available in every corner of Nova Scotia.”
This partnership is part of Airbnb’s work with governments and tourism agencies to support economic growth as destinations around the world seek to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. By working with destination-marketing organizations, non-profits and governments to support responsible and safe travel, the company aims to help communities harness these economic benefits for local citizens and small businesses.
“We’re proud to be partnering with Tourism Nova Scotia to help highlight the incredible scenery and wonderful places to which Atlantic Canadians can responsibly travel on a short or longer-term basis,” says Nathan Rotman, Airbnb’s Public Policy manager in Canada.


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Rumours started circulating a couple of weeks ago that the Victory Cafe in Toronto's Mirvish Village, popular with local beer enthusiasts', artists, and patio lovers, was undergoing an ownership change. The details of said rumours were sparse and there was no word from the Victory about a change.
Until Monday of this week when I received an email confirming the details, which indicated that friends, Maz and Neil Brereton, two very friendly faces at the pub and former co-owners, will no longer be involved with the Victory.
I've been told that it is a completely new owner and details about how this will affect the beer line-up, the beer events that the Victory are well known for, the food and the everyday operations - are unknown at this time. However, some breweries I spoke with are concerned with the possible direction the new ownership might take the longtime craft beer bar.
Hopefully the new owner has seen the value in what the Brereton's and Blake Smith have created and will leave the Victory Cafe, as we know it, intact; or build on their foundation.
All the best to Maz and Neil in their future endeavours, and a rounding 'Cheers' for their passion and commitment for showcasing cask ale, great beer and providing great times!


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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company is voluntarily recalling all Vuse Vibe power units due to a fire risk.
According to the Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC), the company received several complaints about malfunctioning batteries, which could cause the power unit to overheat and catch fire.
CPSC said the company has received 10 complaints related to the power units, and no injuries have been reported.
The company is recalling more than 2.6 million power units that have been sold nationwide. R.J. Reynolds is investigating the cause of the incidents.
Consumers who have purchased the product should stop using it and charging it. The company said consumers can call 1-800-369-8200 or visit their website for information on how to return the power units for a refund.
R.J. Reynolds said the Vuse Solo and Vuse Ciro products, which use different battery components, are not included in this recall.
Honda recalls more than 5,000 cars...
ATVs, knives, Paw Patrol toys recalled
Copyright 2018 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Other locations are close (permanently)
Thought to be the slowest McDonald’s in the world but it held on.
In 1995, the city adopted a ban on any “formula fast food” establishments coming in, but the four existing fast-food spots were grandfathered in and allowed to remain. Today those spots are occupied by McDonald’s, Subway, Mountain Mike’s and Domino’s.
Moammar discovers the secret of PG’s business areas south of Sinex and will help kill that too, undoubtedly.
“It attracts people from different walks of life and has the most diverse group of people because it’s affordable,” said Ammar, noting the many times he’s seen the restaurant packed with senior citizens in the morning having coffee. “Last week I must have seen 18 different groups of people in there ranging from children to teens to construction workers and seniors.”
Pacific Grove’s McDonald’s Closed
No drive up window and rent hikes push the affordable family burger chain to leave after winning the fight to build in P.G. back in 1974 when the town was more serving to residents.
While the building that the fast food restaurant is located in at 100 Country Club Gate was sold in January, 2014, the golden arches remained. But now, the building is up for lease and McDonald’s is departing America’s last hometown.
“Somebody bought the property where McDonald’s is and now they want to increase the rent but McDonald’s can’t afford it,” said Pacific Grove’s Chamber of Commerce President Moe Ammar.
McDonald’s Leaving Town
Crime is alive and well at Country Club Gate. Looks like one of them was stealing Sharpie pens.
One of them, police said, tried to spray an employee with pepper spray.
Employees watched them run into a residential area and kept in contact with police by cellphone, and four of the six were caught and arrested, investigators said.
They were Jamilah Lynn Barth, 26, of Boulder Creek; Kelly Lynn Loretz, 26, of Ben Lomond; Patrice Roxmary Hayes, 24, of Fremont; and Jasmine Robinlsa Magnuson, 23, of Watsonville, police said
Shoplifter Mob Hits Rite Aide
“This is a great piece of news,” said Moe Ammar, president of the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce. “People are still investing in commercial real estate.”
Ammar said he understands ROIC plans to operate and manage the center.
Moe, stay away from Forest Hill. I don’t want all the stores to turn to resale shops and overpriced restaurants.
Country Club Gate Center Sold
The Pebble Beach Health & Wellness Center.
The burglary occurred about 1 p.m. and managers told Action News said they don’t know how the burglar got into the center or who is responsible.
The burglar took purses, a laptop computer and cell phones, employees told Action News.
Mid Day Burglary At Country Club Gate
Let the hissy fits from the under stocked and overpriced boutique pet stores begin.
Pet Extreme has a web site with prices on everything, one feature we do not have from those boutiques.
Pet Extreme Opens, World Did Not End
Will be nice to have a store with low prices in town.
New Pet Extreme Opening Date – October 2
It this not what’s wrong with P.G. these days? Low volume specialty stores that contribute less in sales tax revenue think that they are entitled to some kind of protection by the city. That kind of thinking drives me out of town to shop.
Six small, locally owned P.G. pet businesses – Stone’s Pet Shop, Best Pets and Posh Pets, plus three grooming services – are leading a protest of the chain store they say could shut them down.
“They’re picking on the little kids on the playground,” says Stone’s co-owner Tom Radcliffe.
Radcliffe is upset Pet Extreme plans to open a store just a short sprint from Stone’s, into the 7,000-plus-square-foot space vacated by Hollywood Video in the Country Club Gate Center.
Pet Store Owners Growling At New Dog In Town


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The Quantum Conference was held on Monday, March 13, at The London Book Fair. This year’s conference focused on the consumer by looking at “how different audiences discover, purchase and interact with content.”
Dominique Raccah joined Nigel Newton, founder and CEO of Bloomsbury Publishing, and Jacks Thomas, director of The London Book Fair, for a conversation on the future of publishing and re-defining the role of publisher in that space.
The Bookseller, a book business magazine, ran this write-up of the panel:
Raccah hails publishing's 'golden age of opportunity'
Published March 14, 2017 by Natasha Onwuemezi
Publishers should make the most of the “golden age of opportunity” the industry is currently in, Dominique Raccah, publisher and c.e.o. of Sourcebooks has said, while urging publishers to use this opportunity to redefine their roles.
Speaking at the London Book Fair’s Quantum Conference yesterday (13th March) in conversation with Nigel Newton, c.e.o. and founder of Bloomsbury, and LBF director Jacks Thomas, Raccah advised new publishers to consider their strategy and what they bring to market in an age where books have to compete with film, music and TV for the consumer's time.
“We are watching the collapse of entertainment in terms of formats", she said. "In terms of your time, you now have immediately available to you at all times not only a book, but music, TV, film. [A smartphone] has all the entertainment I could possibly want for the rest of my life. It puts books into the same competitive frame as TV, film, and music. Music is priced at 99 cents a cut, film has a Netflix model. [These models] are changing the dynamics of the monetary exchange between us and our customers. If you want to start a publishing company today, you have to think about what your model can be to allow you to survive as the intermediary between the content creator and the consumer."
She added: "We're now in the golden age of opportunity. There was a time when the publishers had the right to exist because we owned the printing presses. There was an immediate role for publishers; today that role is less immediate, so now you get to define it."
To read the rest of the article, click here.
Welcome to the Sourcebooks Books and Buzz Blog!
Click a category below, search for a specific author, book, or topic.
Categories for each of our imprints are as follows:


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The newest ice cream flavors at Boardwalk Waffles & Ice Cream may chill you out rather than give you a sugar rush.
The waffle and ice cream sandwich shop recently debuted two CBD-infused ice cream flavors: Hempy Vanilla and Chocolate Brownie Blast. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis that has less than 0.3 percent THC and has become popular for its potentially relaxing and pain-relieving effects. Each serving of the fresh flavors has between 12 and 15 milligrams of CBD, as well as added terpines, another non-intoxicating cannabis compound that adds the "hempy" flavor.
As CBD becomes more readily available locally it’s making its way into the food-and-beverage industry, popping up in everything from coffee to frozen yogurt.
Boardwalk Waffles & Ice Cream owner Eric Moore has been researching the CBD-infused flavors for six months. He has used CBD products himself and wanted to infuse the ice cream that goes into his shop's waffle sandwiches with the beneficial additive. He was able to source the CBD product from Bluebird Botanicals in Colorado, but had problems finding an ice cream producer to fulfill his vision – some companies had questions about the legality of it and didn't want to take the risk.
It all came together when Moore found the Ice Cream Factory in Eldon, Missouri. Not only does the shop love to create new flavors, but Moore says their ice cream presents the perfect consistency. Aside from the two CBD-infused ice cream flavors, Boardwalk Waffles will slowly transition all of their ice cream to Ice Cream Factory flavors.
So far, the overwhelming response to the infused ice cream has been that they have a calming effect. "There's a relaxing vibe that comes from them," says Moore.
The two flavors are now available at Boardwalk Waffles' Maplewood, Missouri, location, but they've been a particularly big hit at the four festivals where they've been served. Moore says that Boardwalk sold two or three times as many CBD-infused flavors as non-infused flavors and people were coming back for seconds and thirds. "The stuff went gangbusters," he says.
The CBD-infused flavors aren't the only new developments at Boardwalk Waffles & Ice Cream: It's moving to a new location in Maplewood around Thanksgiving. The space is expected to seat 40 and Moore says it will slowly incorporate live music and a liquor license.
Boardwalk Waffles & Ice Cream is also getting its first food truck at the end of October. Moore says the most exciting part is that the company will be launching an app on which people can request the truck outside of different events – something no one else seems to be doing right now.
Moore also hopes to have a second food truck rolling by late spring. In the meantime, Boardwalk Waffles & Ice Cream is working on expanding catering and off-site event participation.
Boardwalk Waffles & Ice Cream, 7326B Manchester Road, Maplewood, Missouri, 314.449.1209, boardwalkwaffles.com


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- MediaTek Dimensity Chipset in Vivo Y72 5G
- 5000mAh battery and triple rear camera setup
- Vivo Y72 5G smartphone sale will start from March 31
Vivo has launched its new smartphone Vivo Y72 5G. The company has launched this phone in Thailand. Its price is about 23,400 rupees according to Indian rupees. The sale of this phone in Thailand will begin on March 31. The phone has features such as MediaTek Dimension Processor, Triple Rear Camera Setup and 5000mAh Battery. Let’s know about the features and specifications of Vivo Y72 5G in detail.
Vivo Y72 5G features and specifications
The phone has a 6.58-inch Full HD + IPS LCD display with 1080×2400 pixel resolution. In this phone with an aspect ratio of 20: 9, the company is offering a display with Waterdrop Notch design. This phone with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB internal storage has been given the Octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset as a processor.
For photography, this phone has a triple rear camera setup with LED flash. It has an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens with a 64-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel macro shooter. For selfies, the company is offering a 16-megapixel front camera in the phone.
Poco F3 and Poco X3 Pro launch with strong features, 120Hz refresh rate
This phone coming in graphite black and Dream Glow color options has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Talking about OS, the phone works on Android 11 based Funtouch OS 11.1. The phone has a 5000mAh battery which supports 18 Watt fast charging. For connectivity, this phone has all the standard options with a headphone jack.


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June 20, 2012 – Enterprise social software revenue grew by nearly 40 percent last year and, with increased use and expectations, gave little indication of slowing down soon, according to a new market assessment by IDC.
In its new competitive analysis, “Worldwide Enterprise Social Software 2011 Vendor Shares,” the research firm reviewed packaged software sales for social collaboration by users, inside and outside the enterprise firewall, by publicly held vendors from 2009 through February 2012.
Revenue for the enterprise social software market hit $767.4 million in 2011, almost doubling its totals since just 2009, IDC reported.
The recovering economy had some part in this increase, though IDC stated that this level of accelerated revenue shows that more businesses see the value of social software and are building out a social business strategy.
Along with continued expansive market growth, IDC forecasted an increased desire for integrated and embedded social software into all enterprise applications, especially in terms of decision support, ad hoc reports and the creation of in-house social networks. As this use grows, IDC stated it expects evolved features for analyzing social interaction data, as well as the use of software for measuring participation rates and levels of engagement by employees.
“As the use of social software increases, the operational dynamics of a business change. The ripple effect is a change in the nature of business relationships, and organizations will increasingly look to measure this impact,” wrote report authors and IDC researchers Michael Fauscette and Vanessa Thompson.
None of the top 15 enterprise social software vendors experienced less than 30 percent growth in 2011, from the previous year. Smaller vendors and startups comprised approximately 38 percent of the market share, notching a combined $289.4 million in 2011, or 23 percent growth from 2010 to 2011. Traditional software and networking providers, like Oracle and Cisco, were topped by smaller firms in terms of revenue in 2011, though both experienced more than 30-percent year-over-year growth with their nascent enterprise social offerings.
The top 10 enterprise social software vendors in 2011 in terms of revenue are ranked by IDC in terms of revenue (and percentage growth from 2010) below:
- IBM -- $105.4 million (75.1 percent)
- Jive Software -- $65.3 million (72.8 percent)
- Communispace -- $59.8 million (32.6 percent)
- Telligent -- $42.7 million (33 percent)
- Socialtext -- $34.5 million (33.2 percent)
- Mzinga -- $31.7 million (32.1 percent)
- Lithium -- $29.5 million (32.9 percent)
- Yammer -- $22.3 million (132.3 percent)
- NewsGator -- $18.5 million (54.2 percent)
- VMware -- $17.6 million (76 percent)
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|買盤||0.00 x 2900|
|賣出價||0.00 x 1200|
|今日波幅||30.88 - 31.85|
|52 週波幅||19.90 - 37.58|
|Beta 值 (5 年，每月)||1.25|
|市盈率 (最近 12 個月)||無|
|每股盈利 (最近 12 個月)||-3.86|
|業績公佈日||2023年5月02日 - 2023年5月08日|
David Risher, who will become Lyft's new CEO in mid-April, has spend the last 14 years leading a non-profit group.
Uber Technologies, Inc (NYSE: UBER) plans to expand Comfort Electric, the first all-electric rides offering, to 14 new markets across the U.S. & Canada to reduce its environmental impact and become a zero-emissions mobility platform. With Uber, Comfort Electric users can request a ride in a premium EV like a Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA), Volvo Car AB (OTC: VLVCY) Polestar, or Ford Motor Co (NYSE: F) Mustang Mach-E. Uber Green enables trips via hybrid and EVs, which costs the same as UberX. Also Read
A management shakeup at Lyft (LYFT) is reigniting the battle for the rideshare market. Lyft's cofounders, Logan Green and John Zimmer are set to step down from their day-to-day roles as CEO and president next month, taking the helm in their stead is former Amazon (AMZN) executive David Risher. In an interview with Yahoo Finance's Brian Sozzi and Rachelle Akuffo, Risher said the company's top priority is providing a great experience for its customers. To do this, Risher says Lyft has to get the basics right, which for riders means an on-time pickup, pricing in line with the competition and getting where they need to go. When asked about opportunities for cost cuts Risher said, "Efficiency is also in the air... I'm very, very comfortable with the idea that you can sort of get twice the team, you know, without twice the people." Key video moments: 00:00:27 David Risher's priorities for Lyft 00:01:45 Competition with Uber 00:06:40 The possibility of a Lyft sale Watch our full conversation with David Risher here.