Jensen Huang, NVIDIA’s President and CEO, is slated to deliver the keynote again at ACM SIGGRAPH, the premier conference for computer graphics and interactive techniques, this year. For those who have never seen a Jensen Huang keynote, you’re in for a treat because this year promises to be far more interesting. His talk will likely cover a huge change in the creation of the industrial metaverse which is that the Pixar technology Universal Scene Description (USD), which creates objects in the metaverse, is becoming a standard, OpenUSD, and the formation of the Alliance for Open Universal Scene Description (AOUSD) is the organization established to manage the standard.  

Let’s talk about why having a standard for metaverse items is important and what you’re likely to see in Huang’s keynote at SIGGRAPH on August 8^th.  

The critical need for OpenUSD

A critical part of making the metaverse useful is to be able to create elements that can be universally placed in any metaverse instance. Without these universal elements, anyone building a metaverse instance would have to create everything from scratch. This would mean difficult-to-manage variances between the growing number of metaverse instances and tools. A chair should have the same attributes whether it is used in Google’s metaverse, Meta’s metaverse, or in NVIDIA’s Omniverse (NVIDIA’s version of a metaverse). 

Creating a standard that forces each instance to use the same elements should not only make the results far more accurate, but they should also reduce the costs related to creating the metaverse instance and maintaining it. You can then rely on repositories of already-created elements to build out your metaverse instances without having to create every element from scratch. This would save massive amounts of time and money that would otherwise be wasted reinventing the wheel for each instance. 

OpenUSD is just such a standard and it evolved from some incredible work out of Pixar. It should dramatically increase the speed that metaverse instances can be created and allow for far higher similarities between instances. This could reduce, if not eliminate, the kind of unfortunate errors that likely would result from metaverse elements that should be the same but weren’t.  

The AOUSD creation of a standard governing body is supported by Pixar (of course), NVIDIA, Adobe, Apple, and Autodesk, with others expected to join shortly. The eventual result will be billions of common objects that can be used like building blocks to create ever more realistic and accurate metaverse models for simulation, entertainment, and analysis. 

NVIDIA at SIGGRAPH 2023

While OpenUSD and AOUSD will be a major portion of Huang’s keynote, I expect he will also focus on updates to NVIDIA’s Omniverse product and those who are using it. Of particular interest will be any update on Earth 2, the mammoth metaverse project that is eventually expected to simulate the weather and environmental aspects of our planet to better predict, mitigate, and alert us to climate events. 

I expect he will also cover where these tools are being successfully used, what the benefits of using them have been, and to highlight some interesting Omniverse implementations at more factories, office buildings, and even on huge reconstruction efforts that will be needed in Ukraine. In fact, Ukraine might make an interesting test case for just how far metaverse planning could go to create a better and more defensible urban structure than pre-war planning had created. 

At SIGGRAPH, there will be discussions on metaverse conferencing, metaverse educational tools, and on advances in telepresence. I expect Huang will talk about some if not all of these as well. Other areas to look for, given the ongoing actors and writers strike, is how this technology can be used to create TV shows and movies, and how to blend AI to help creators more quickly and less expensively create monetized content. 

Some of the more interesting, advanced topics include communicating with real-time digital humans (ever wanted to really chat with an NPC?), and how this technology could revolutionize disparate industries like real estate and healthcare. They will even cover advances in self-driving cars and robotics at the event, a topic that Huang has previously loved to talk about given NVIDIA’s impressive work in that space.

Wrapping up:

While SIGGRAPH starts on Sunday, August 6^th, the major event to see is Jensen Huang’s keynote on August 8th in which the past, present, and much of the future of the metaverse will be discussed. Critical to that future is the formation of AOUSD and the more universal use of OpenUSD standards as the world pivots to the concept of a metaverse and successful tools like NVIDIA’s Omniverse begin to reach their full potential. 

SIGGRAPH looks to be a fascinating show this year and Huang’s keynote is a do-not-miss event if you want to see the future of the metaverse and how it will increasingly impact your life and business. 

Source: TG Daily – NVIDIA at SIGGRAPH: Big Changes Are in Store

In today’s fast-paced world, taking care of our health has become more critical than ever. As medical costs continue to rise, having a reliable and comprehensive health insurance plan has become a necessity. Private medical insurance, also known as health insurance, offers a way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from unexpected healthcare expenses. With numerous providers vying for our attention, finding the best private medical insurance can be overwhelming. Fear not, as we dive into top health insurance reviews to help you make an informed decision.

Why Private Medical Insurance?

Private medical insurance provides an opportunity to access a range of healthcare services and treatments privately. Unlike public healthcare systems, where waiting times can be long, private medical insurance ensures quicker access to consultations, treatments, and procedures, allowing you to take control of your health promptly.

Key Benefits of Private Medical Insurance:

• Prompt Access to Healthcare: One of the primary advantages of private medical insurance is the expedited access to medical specialists, cutting down on waiting times and reducing the risk of complications.
• Extensive Medical Cover: Private health insurance often covers a wide array of medical services, including hospital stays, surgeries, consultations, and prescription medications.
• Choice of Hospitals and Specialists: With private medical insurance, you have the liberty to choose the hospital and specialist of your preference, ensuring personalized and top-notch medical care.
• Added Services: Some insurers provide additional perks like access to wellness programs, mental health support, and preventive screenings, promoting overall well-being.
• Peace of Mind: Having private medical insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that you are financially protected in the event of a medical emergency.

Top Health Insurance Reviews:

To help you find the best private medical insurance, we have meticulously researched and compiled reviews of some renowned providers. These insurers have consistently excelled in terms of coverage, customer service, and overall value:

• HealthFirst Insurance:

HealthFirst Insurance has garnered widespread acclaim for its comprehensive coverage and competitive premiums. With a vast network of healthcare providers, HealthFirst ensures access to top-tier medical facilities and specialists. Their customer-centric approach and efficient claims process make them a top choice for individuals and families alike.

• WellSure Medical Coverage:

WellSure stands out for its focus on preventive care and wellness initiatives. They offer a range of health and wellness programs, making it easier for policyholders to adopt a healthier lifestyle. With its emphasis on mental health support and holistic well-being, WellSure is an attractive option for those looking for comprehensive coverage.

• MediGuard Health Plans:

MediGuard Health Plans have earned a stellar reputation for their outstanding customer service and flexible coverage options. They offer tailored plans that cater to individual needs, ensuring that you pay only for the coverage you require. Their hassle-free claims process and transparency have won the hearts of many satisfied customers.

• SecureCare Medical Insurance:

SecureCare is known for its all-encompassing policies that go beyond standard medical coverage. They offer additional benefits such as dental and vision care, making them a popular choice for those seeking comprehensive health insurance under one roof.

• PrimeHealth Assurance:

PrimeHealth Assurance has established itself as a reliable insurance provider with a focus on affordability and quality coverage. They offer a variety of plans tailored to different budgets, ensuring that everyone can find a suitable option without compromising on essential healthcare needs.

Choosing the Right Private Medical Insurance:

While the aforementioned insurers have earned accolades for their services, it is essential to choose the right private medical insurance that aligns with your unique requirements. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

• Coverage and Benefits: Review the coverage details of each plan carefully to ensure it meets your specific medical needs. Look for additional benefits like maternity coverage, mental health support, and preventive care programs.
• Network of Providers: Check whether your preferred doctors, hospitals, and healthcare facilities are within the insurer’s network. This ensures smooth access to the medical services you prefer.
• Premiums and Deductibles: Compare premiums and deductibles across different plans to find the most cost-effective option that offers adequate coverage.
• Claim Process: Investigate the ease and efficiency of the insurer’s claim process. A simple and straightforward claims process can save you time and frustration during an already challenging situation.
• Customer Service: Read reviews and feedback from existing customers to gauge the insurer’s customer service quality. Responsive and helpful customer support can make a significant difference in your overall experience.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, private medical insurance is a valuable investment in your health and well-being. With prompt access to quality healthcare, extensive coverage options, and added benefits, it offers peace of mind and financial security during uncertain times.

When choosing the best private medical insurance, consider your unique healthcare needs, budget, and preferences. The top health insurance reviews we’ve provided can serve as a starting point for your research but don’t forget to explore other options that may suit you better.

Remember, your health is your most valuable asset, and investing in a comprehensive private medical insurance plan can safeguard both your physical well-being and your financial future. So take the time to review your options, ask questions, and select a plan that aligns perfectly with your needs. With the right private medical insurance, you can rest assured that you and your loved ones are in good hands, no matter what life throws your way.

Source: TG Daily – The Best Private Medical Insurance: Top Health Insurance Reviews

Generative AI has hit the world like a storm. Right now, it’s focused in either user tools like what Microsoft has supplied, or customer interactions and general operational assistance like IBM’s watsonx. It is certainly good that both of those companies are focused on using this to enhance us rather than replace us (the actor and writer strike comes to mind). Since I agree that enhancement should be the purpose of these tools, I’ll focus on implementations that make us better, not those that make us obsolete.  

Let’s get to it.

Remote employee onboarding

Human resources (HR) units have a serious problem that began back in the 1970s when HR stopped being about providing an alternative to unions by creating better places to work. Instead, they became compliance organizations concerned with keeping the company from being sued. Sadly, for me, that happened right after I got my middle degree in manpower management, a skill set focused on what HR was supposed to be because it made that degree obsolete. 

But the pandemic changed a lot of things. With unions once again regaining a foothold, there’s a need for HR to not only return to making their companies a better place to work but to deal with the unique needs of remote employees without having to force them back into the office has become pronounced. 

Generative AI could be effectively used to better onboard all employees, but it would be particularly useful for remote workers who are complaining they feel disconnected from their firms. They simply don’t have the contacts, relationships, or face time they need to feel a part of the company, and onsite employees don’t seem to have the time or inclination to engage with them. 

Generative AI could be used to not only create a pervasive voice interface for these employees but also to supply an always-available, always-listening assistant that can help them navigate the new firm. And it can do even more. That ‘more’ includes being a relationship service that helps people meet other remote or local co-workers and help them form connections, alert management if an employee is struggling so they can be given timely help, and generally focus on the care and wellbeing of the employee. This could reduce the turnover and unionization problems that firms are dealing with now.  

CEO assistant

As I write this, Elon Musk has done something else that is incredibly foolish. He changed the name of Twitter to X, which is already trademarked by both Microsoft and Facebook. It is not going well. 

CEOs tend to surround themselves with people who agree with them. They don’t want to hear unwelcome news, yet avoiding a mistake is vastly less expensive than making one. I trained to be a CEO at IBM and learned enough to realize that I never wanted that job. New CEOs are seldom aware of their risks, are poorly mentored, and often make avoidable mistakes. 

Yet they cannot really confide in anyone due to insider trading risks, staff envy (everyone wants to be the CEO’s confidant), not knowing who to trust, and generally suffering from a bit too much ego. An AI trained to be a CEO and dedicated to a chief executive could be the confidant that a CEO, particularly a new CEO, could be open with. It could (hopefully) help that CEO avoid mistakes that often kill the companies they manage, or at least walk them through their alternative choices to better choose the best one. 

One person in a position of power can make or break a company, and while it would be expensive given how much these folks are paid, it would be a terrific way to assure the CEO investment. 

Company spokesperson 

People do not interact with companies. Not really. They interact with employees, yet the employees they interact with seldom learn about the customer. When used in advertising, spokespeople are problematic, too, because they are human, and humans make mistakes. Now I said that I was not going to talk about replacing people, but the job of a company media spokesperson is unfilled today. 

Even brands like McDonald’s and Jack in The Box have dropped their human representatives because they were just too problematic. You may recall that Dell used a kid in their ads until that kid had a drug problem years ago. 

And this role is not good for the person enacting it, either, as they are always on stage or must be on their best behavior constantly, which has turned out to be impossible for humans. So, this is a role that companies shouldn’t try to fill with people but would be perfect for an AI that can scale while a person can’t. An AI can answer the phone or make calls, remember the details of everyone it communicates with, and never get angry or upset, making it a perfect representative of a company brand.  

Initial crisis response

People tend to panic when something big, bad, and unexpected happens. They need a calming influence that can help them make rapid decisions to mitigate the damage. Yet when a crisis hits, everyone is so busy running around they don’t have time to stop and think about what the best decisions should be. Crisis plans are forgotten, particularly if the people who wrote them are no longer with the company, and people are put at risk by conflicting directives, bad decisions, and people that act without forethought. 

Generative AI does not panic, it can be triggered by an event, and it can provide near-instant relevant vocal guidance on what to do. Take the example of an active shooter tied into the building security system. AI can direct people away from the danger rather than a typical evacuation which may have people running towards a shooter. 

Building on products like BlackBerry’s AtHoc, AI could do a far better job of keeping employees safe and assuring that whatever can be done to protect both the site and the people in and around it is done. It can step in for missing or lost critical information and decision-making resources and better assure the outcome for almost any unplanned event by aggregating the information from similar events both at the company and all over the world. 

Freedom

As with most of you, I have been watching the writers’ and actors’ unions go on strike partially because of fears generative AI will take their jobs. But were they to use generative AI, these creatives could form smaller companies and move around the studios to make their own content and better control their own destinies. I used to be an actor. You rarely get the roles you really want, writers’ scripts (even good ones) often go unpurchased, and the result is that much of the creativity that industry could use is lost. With the generative AI tools out there now, you can create ever more professional-looking content with fewer people, leaving the truly creative people the freedom to forge their own path away from the studios and their convoluted, biased staffing and creative process.  

For people who want to follow their dream, generative AI will increasingly supply a way to explore their muse, seek out new opportunities and go where they only dreamed of going before. Why be a part of someone else’s dream when you have the potential to make your dream real? Generative AI doesn’t have to be a threat. It can be an enabler so that the project you imagine can become real whether it is just a proof of concept, pilot, or a complete movie. These tools could change the lives of those that use them and give artists the freedom to dream, create and produce content like never before and give the rest of us access to a level of content diversity never seen in the world before or since. 

Wrapping up:

Generative AI is a potential game-changer. To be most effective, it needs to focus on where it is needed most, like remote employee onboarding, CEO aid (Elon Musk really needs this), company spokesperson, crisis response, and supplying the freedom for creators to truly create. 

Perhaps focusing AI on helping those that most need it is the path that we should be on. Here’s hoping some of you find your own path with this amazing technology. 

Source: TG Daily – Five Areas Where Generative AI Could Make a Real Difference

One of the newest players in storage, including enterprise solutions, is Lenovo. It’s been making inroads into the market because of several unique advantages, including local manufacturing of products, one of the strongest defenses against ransomware, and an impressively broad portfolio of solutions that were partially refreshed this month. 

Let’s talk about Lenovo and storage this week and why it’s important to the enterprise ecosystem.

Manufacturing advantage

Lenovo builds products for Asia in Asia and products for the West in the West. This approach addresses the very real concern that the West and East have with regard to each other’s data, which is that some hostile government has put a back door into the product and may be using it to illicitly access foreign information.

There have been issues with products in the past and efforts by both the East and the West to use systems to spy on each other, making the concerns Lenovo addresses a big deal, especially when it comes to government or military contracts. While others may work to assure and provide build oversight, Lenovo’s placement of manufacturing in areas that are trusted is an extra step that helps make its solutions more attractive to those concerned about illicit foreign government data access. 

Ransomware Defense

Ransomware remains a huge problem for the industry. It costs millions of dollars in lost data, government sanctions related to the data loss, and lost business resulting from downtime and the related loss of customer trust. Lenovo’s products generally come with a ransomware defense. It looks at unusual behavior and then moves aggressively to protect the data using a number of forms, including locking out access, rapid backups when under threat, and regular immutable backups that assure that should your data be compromised and destroyed, the amount of lost data will be relatively small so that it doesn’t materially impact operations.  

Back when I worked at IBM Storage, there was a running joke about how everyone was competing on how fast backups could be done when it was recovery time that was the more critical path. Lenovo has focused on minimizing recovery time and impact which has endeared it to global enterprise storage buyers. 

Broad Portfolio

Not everyone is created equal, yet having a bunch of assorted products, particularly storage products, from different vendors massively increases the aggravation of managing the site. When possible, you want the fewest number of active vendors because, when a problem emerges, the more vendors you have, the more likely you will get into a finger-pointing contest where each argues the other’s product was the problem. 

From Lenovo’s new DM3010 solid state storage solution to its ThinkSystem DM Arrays to the ThinkAgile SXM Azure stack hub solutions all announced this week, Lenovo has one of the broadest product line portfolios in the market. When possible, IT buyers tend to like “one throat to choke” so they don’t find themselves mediating between vendors in order to get a critical fix. Since storage tends to be mission-critical, any time you can reduce complexity and speed recovery while better-assuring uptime, it is a good day.  And Lenovo, whose enterprise chops came out of purchasing both its PC and server businesses from IBM, has assuring uptime in its DNA thanks to that IBM infusion. 

Wrapping up:

While Lenovo is new to large-scale storage compared to the decades that its peers have been in this business, Lenovo benefits from the purchase of IBM assets which extends its knowledge far beyond what its time in the market would indicate. Lenovo is favored where concerns about manufacturing and ransomware are pronounced and appears to be able to provide the extensive storage lines required by enterprise buyers that has allowed it to grow into what is usually a staid market where the players rarely change. 

This makes Lenovo uniquely attractive to buyers who are focused on the aspects of this market that Lenovo is best at, and that is a large number of potential customers given how quickly Lenovo is growing into the market. 

Source: TG Daily – Why Lenovo Is Winning in Storage

There is a lot of concern about tech companies getting bigger, but it makes no sense to cripple a US tech company in a competitive market particularly if the beneficiary of such an action would likely be a non-US company or if the result would be the failure of another US Company. This was one of several FTC cases in recent years, another was the Qualcomm case (which they lost on appeal), where the FTC seemed to be out of touch with the needs of the Nation and was seemingly operating on the policy that US tech companies needed to be punished without any consideration for how much damage such punishment would do to the nation.  

Let’s look at this recent Activision/Bizzard effort and suggest that the FTC needs to have a far deeper understanding of the competitive dynamics in a market before acting against any company’s best interests let alone a company like Microsoft which is critical to assuring US dominance in tech.   

Gaming Competitive Landscape

If Microsoft was massively dominant with their Xbox gaming system and were they abusing this dominance against other US gaming vendors, the FTC would have had grounds to block this merger, but neither is the case. While Microsoft’s reputation back in the 1990s was one of a company abusing monopoly power, they have changed out virtually all their senior managers and board members since then and are currently poster children for good behavior, interoperability, Open Source, and they even aggressively support Linux.  

Currently, and it appears the courts agree, there isn’t any real evidence that Microsoft is behaving badly. In addition, they aren’t dominant in gaming. They have the only US gaming platform and compete against two platforms out of Japan Nintendo and Sony PlayStation with PlayStation arguably the most powerful of the three.   

And the entire segment is under threat from Smartphone gaming and the potential for a VR gaming effort from Apple which will again challenge Sony much like they did with the iPod years back. Apple is a US vendor but currently not a major gaming player but they aren’t being restricted by Microsoft, more by their own software store practices which have led to litigation about Apple’s alleged misbehavior where Apple appears to have prevailed. 

So other than just wanting to make sure Microsoft got no bigger (and getting bigger isn’t currently illegal) the FTC didn’t appear to have a case.  

Saving Activision/Blizzard

What made the FTC action particularly disturbing was that Activision/Blizzard was in deep trouble and needed a significant change in operational management or it was likely to go under resulting in both substantial US job loss and an overall weakening of the US’s technology leadership in gaming.  The company has strong titles, is storied, and is worth saving for its position in the gaming market and as a large US employer.

While Microsoft has often struggled with non-software companies like NOKIA, they tend to do far better with software companies having acquired and integrated many of them over the years. In addition, Microsoft’s culture was once in deep trouble as well and they, under Satya Nadella, largely turned that culture around suggesting they have the internal skills to fix Activision/Blizzard, and the company desperately needed fixing. The gaming industry in general has been highlighted as problematic ever since Gamergate highlighted practices that should have long been unacceptable to any industry but have clearly not been discontinued timely at Activision/Blizzard. It is my belief that had this merger not been approved that Activision/Blizzard would have likely failed making the likely outcome of the FTC’s success significant damage to the US tech market positions.  

The FTC action didn’t make sense for competition, it didn’t make sense for the acquired company, and were it successful, it would only damage the US’s competitive position without any apparent upside other than being able to say “we took down another US tech company” which shouldn’t be the goal for a US regulatory body. 

Wrapping Up:

I’m not arguing that large Tech companies don’t need to be regulated, we’ve certainly seen the massive unintended consequences of giving Social Media companies too little oversight, and clearly, Microsoft did mis-act in the past and needed to be brought to heal. However, just looking for opportunities to block US interests shouldn’t be what drives regulatory bodies like FTC, it should be protecting US citizen interests and preserving competition which is where they shine. 

But I think the FTC’s leadership wanted to show they were being hard on big companies with this and the Qualcomm action without fully researching the related market and making the logical determination that their actions would have a positive impact on the US and thus again lost their way. Where regulatory bodies go wrong is when they are driven not by the needs of the people they protect or the countries they operate in, but by political imperatives to show they are doing something regardless of what is done.  

In this instance, the FTC in their rush to punish someone mistakenly went after this Microsoft deal and the courts ruled, again, as they did in the Qualcomm case, that they were out of line. I expect this will continue to happen, until and unless the FTC focuses back on protecting the US and US Citizens rather than trying to look like they are only focused on trying to punish big companies from wanting to get bigger (which, again, isn’t illegal yet). In this case, the merger was good for Microsoft, good for Activision/Blizzard, and by increasing Microsoft’s competitive gaming posture against two Japanese companies, good for the US. The FTC needs to pick its targets more carefully.

Source: TG Daily – Microsoft Cleared To Buy Activision/Blizzard: Why The FTC Block Made No Sense

If you are looking to market your online business and you recognise the fact that you may need to outsource these requirements to a third-party SEO agency, you are likely feeling a little overwhelmed. How can you tell if an SEO agency is legitimate or if you are in danger of being scammed by them? And similarly, how can you know for sure if an SEO agency knows what they are doing or if they are ill-prepared to help you achieve your long-term goals?

In this article, we’re going to share some tips to help you make the right decision when investing in an SEO agency. Follow these tips and you’ll have no trouble avoiding the inequitable.

1. Study their online presence

The first step in determining whether an SEO agency is legit or not is to study its online presence. Type their brand name into Google and see what kind of information comes up.

If you find next to nothing online about them, then they are not worth your time or money. Similarly, if it comes up with negative reviews and horror stories from other businesses who have been scammed by them in the past then run a mile.

On the other hand, if you find their website, a GMB profile, lots of socials, and a wealth of other information then it is clear that they are a real and well-established agency.

You could always take to LinkedIn and type their brand name into the search bar to see what you can find. If you find a number of professionals who work for them, a thriving business page, and multiple posts from other professionals engaging with them then take that as a good sign.

2. Look for social proof

Next, you want to see what other people are saying about your prospective SEO agency. Don’t take their word for it; instead, look for feedback and reviews from real-life people who have engaged with their services.

If you find an overwhelming number of five-star reviews, then it is usually a very good sign that they are doing something right.

If they don’t have many reviews at all – or if their average is rather low, then move along and find an agency worthy of your time and money.

3. Ask for case studies and client testimonials

Any legit SEO agency worth their salt will have a number of client success stories to share with you. If they don’t, then at the very least they should have client testimonials from recognised brands who have experienced success in doing business with them.

If a prospective SEO agency refuses to offer both, then look elsewhere. Unless you can view their previous successes, how can you know for certain that they are legitimate?

You shouldn’t have to hire an SEO agency on blind faith alone. There are tons of well-established agencies out there who will be more than happy to provide you with proof of their performance.

4. Press them with some difficult questions

A highly effective way of separating the wheat from the chaff is by asking difficult questions. Here are some examples:

• What is your approach to delivering superior results? Which strategies do you use?
• How will you adapt your strategies to suit my niche?
• What metrics do you use to measure success?
• How long until we can expect results?
• What is your approach to link-building?
• Which tools do you use?
• How do you report on progress?
• What do you need from us in order to be effective?

These are just a handful of the questions that you can ask, however, you’ll learn a lot about a prospective SEO agency by the way they respond to you.

If they come back with very vague responses or seem to try and dodge many of the questions, then run a mile. These are all very reasonable questions to ask and the best SEO agencies will gladly answer them in detail.

5. If you get a bad gut feeling

It might sound silly, but the ultimate deciding factor when choosing an SEO agency should come down to your gut feeling. Yes, do all of the necessary research and press them with difficult questions. However, if you get a bad gut feeling about an agency and you really do not feel too good about them then trust your intuition.

In reality, you should feel excited when moving forward with a new SEO agency. If you don’t feel excited by the prospect, then it is usually a pretty good sign that something is off.

Conclusion: Be unforgiving

We are talking about the future of your business. When you invest in the right digital marketing services, it can be transformative for your business. However, waste your money with the wrong people and it can be devastating.

Save yourself the heartache, take your time, do your due diligence, trust your gut, and you’ll be well on your way to long-term success. 

Source: TG Daily – How Can You Tell If An SEO Agency Is Legitimate Or If You Are In Danger Of Being Scammed?

This week, NVIDIA had another design win with its self-driving cars, this time with XPENG’s new G6 coup (they are already in the G9 EV). I’ve been watching reviews of some of China’s latest electric cars. While initially many were of such poor quality they’d never sell anyplace else, some of the latest cars are arguably better than Teslas. While they may lag in performance, they seem to provide a greater luxury experience and more fun at a far lower price than a Tesla, and Tesla is the world’s gold standard when it comes to electric vehicles (or it was). And with NVIDIA’s technology, this is how self-driving should work.

But when it comes to self-driving, Tesla has really hurt the market by presenting its Level 2+ system (basically enhanced cruise control) as self-driving and naming it Autopilot, which resulted in an impressive number of deaths and scared consumers away from the technology. Consumer Reports was not amused.

But Tesla isn’t the only one scaring consumers. The self-driving taxis in places like San Francisco continue to act up publicly and scare people away from the technology just a few years (almost months) before it will be available in a workable form.  

Let’s talk about self-driving, why you should want it, and what still needs to be done.  

NVIDIA Orin and self-driving benefits

NVIDIA Orin is currently the best technology for self-driving cars. What makes it the best is not only its hardware that benefits from NVIDIA’s nearly two-decade focus on AI which has catapulted it to one of the most valuable technology companies in the world, but also NVIDIA’s Drive Sim powered by Omniverse. This simulation platform allows it to train its driving AI in hours to a level that would be equivalent to putting cars on the road for years because the training happens at machine speeds that are significantly faster than real-time.     

Things I’ve gotten hooked on on YouTube are the bad driver videos. I try to see the problem that causes the accident with enough time to avoid it. Watching those videos likely saved my life when, the other day, I was entering an intersection on a green light only to have a semi run the red light going around 60. Regardless of how heavy my electric Jaguar is, the semi would have crushed me if I hadn’t developed a habit of looking for this kind of mistake and being ready to brake. 

Why you should want self-driving

Often, the threat on the video comes from a direction where I either can’t see (back, or blind-side) or where I’m not looking. Even parking lot accidents often occur because you are not looking at where the threat is coming from: pedestrian, a car backing out the same time you are, a car driving too fast in a parking lot, or just being distracted at the wrong time. One time I started backing up while looking at the car’s radio expecting it to be a reverse camera because that is what I’d been doing for years (luckily, I didn’t hit anyone).  

It is in situations like these that self-driving technology could literally save your life. These systems use a variety of sensors to look all around the car and can use vehicle-to-vehicle technology to see things outside of the range of these various sensors.  And if you want to drive yourself, you can as the car will drop down into something called Guardian Angel mode where the AI will take control of the vehicle if it sees a potential accident you haven’t seen.  

This capability will save countless lives. People with kids and/or pets on board, those too addicted to social media or texting, or those that are impaired are all catastrophic accidents waiting to happen. Self-driving technology should be able to mitigate most of that exposure.  

One little distraction and a fun Sunday drive can turn into a catastrophic event where people are permanently crippled or killed. I would personally pay a lot to never have to deal with such an event.  

Wrapping up: What still needs to be done.

Self-driving cars that aren’t self-driving will emerge as the biggest threats. AIs can talk to each other, they don’t drive impaired, and they can help each other avoid accidents. But humans can get road rage when they think they’ve been disrespected, or drive under the influence, and often drive distracted. No matter how good an AI is, it can’t overcome physics. If your car stops to avoid an accident, there is a good chance the human-driven car behind you will not stop in time and you’ll still become a statistic. 

So, what still needs to be done is to begin getting people excited about this technology so that it quickly propagates to all the cars around us as well as our own. The life this technology saves may very well be ours. We need to build demand for self-driving cars because if folks don’t want it, we will remain at risk of losing what is most valuable to us: the lives of our loved ones. I don’t know about you, but I’m rather attached to my life and would rather not lose it, either.  

Source: TG Daily – NVIDIA and the Big Unaddressed Problem with Self-Driving Cars

In today’s fast-paced world, ensuring the safety of our homes and loved ones has become paramount. Traditional security measures are no longer enough to deter modern-day threats. That’s where intelligent security systems like Ajax come into play. This piece will explore the significance of security systems and delve into a comprehensive review of the Ajax security system, a cutting-edge solution that takes home protection to the next level.

The Importance of Security Systems

Securing your home is not just about preventing burglaries but peace of mind. With the rise in criminal activities, having a reliable security system is crucial. Here are a few key reasons why security systems matter:

• Deterrence: Visible security systems are a powerful deterrent, dissuading potential intruders from targeting your property. Burglars are likely to move on to easier targets when they see security cameras and sensors.
• Prompt Emergency Response: Modern security systems are equipped with features that promptly alert homeowners and authorities in case of a breach. Early detection and swift response can prevent significant losses and damage.
• Remote Monitoring: With smart security systems, you can now monitor your home from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or computer. Remote access allows you to monitor your property, receive real-time notifications, and take appropriate action when necessary.

Ajax Security System Overview

Ajax is a state-of-the-art wireless security system combining cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features. It has gained recognition due to its reliability, effectiveness, and ease of use. Let’s explore some key aspects of the Ajax security system:

• Wireless and Easy Installation: Ajax is a wireless system that eliminates the need for complex wiring during installation. The devices can be easily mounted and connected using the intuitive mobile application by professional installers making the system work seamlessly.
• Advanced Motion Detection: Ajax employs advanced motion sensors that can accurately detect human presence while effectively filtering out false alarms caused by pets or environmental factors. This ensures you receive only relevant alerts, saving you from unnecessary anxiety.
• Comprehensive Sensor Range: The Ajax security system offers a wide range of sensors, including door/window sensors, glass break detectors, smoke detectors, and flood detectors. These sensors work seamlessly together to provide comprehensive coverage for your home.
• Intelligent Notifications: Through the Ajax mobile app, you receive intelligent notifications that include real-time images and videos of the triggered event. This enables you to assess the situation quickly and take appropriate action.
• Integration and Automation: Ajax integrates seamlessly with other smart home devices, allowing you to create an interconnected ecosystem. You can automate tasks such as turning on lights when motion is detected or locking doors remotely, enhancing security and convenience.

What to look for in a security system

Now that we have discussed the features of the Ajax security system, here are some compelling reasons why it stands out among its competitors and what is preferable for a convenient system to include:

• Ajax is renowned for its outstanding reliability. Because of the system’s usage of Jeweller technology, devices can communicate securely and reliably even in difficult situations.
• Ajax places a strong priority on preserving user privacy and data security. You can feel secure knowing that the system upholds the most significant security standards and encrypts all data being exchanged between devices.
• User-Friendly Interface: The user-friendly interface of the Ajax mobile app makes it simple for homeowners to explore and manage their security systems. You can arm or disarm the system with just a few clicks, see live feeds, and change settings.

Conclusion

A reliable security system is essential to safeguard our homes and those we care about. Visible security measures and quick emergency response capabilities are essential for deterring possible intruders and minimising significant losses in light of increased criminal activity. Intelligent notifications and remote monitoring provide us peace of mind and enable us to respond appropriately when required. Reliability, privacy, and user-friendliness should be considered when choosing a security system to ensure sufficient home safety.

Source: TG Daily – Protect Your Home with Ajax Security System: The Future of Smart Security

Back when we started talking about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), most tech firms kind of treated it like a joke, promising to plant trees for every sale, then often not even doing that.  Things have changed dramatically over the last couple of decades. There isn’t a tech company I cover that doesn’t take ESG efforts seriously. Now tech firms are fighting to see who can do ESG better. 

This is particularly difficult for truly international firms like Lenovo because, in a few countries where Lenovo operates, ESG efforts like diversity and inclusion are more the exception than the rule, and the kind of government support that exists in more developed nations may not be available in the emerging economies that Lenovo also operates in. So, Lenovo’s degree of difficulty when it comes to making real progress appears to me to be higher than its peers.  

Against that higher degree of difficulty, Lenovo is making impressive progress. Let’s talk about some of what it has accomplished. 

Who is Lenovo?

Lenovo is one of the few truly multi-national companies with leadership hired from and residing all over the world.  Annual revenue is in the $60B to $70B range, and the company is ranked 171^st in the Fortune Global 500. Current employment is close to 80K people, and the firm covers 180 international markets. After the acquisition of the IBM PC company, Lenovo became the world’s largest PC company, and after the acquisition of IBM’s X86 server business, it became one of the most powerful infrastructure companies in the world, as well.  

To my knowledge, Lenovo is the only firm that has successfully bridged west and east and is one of the better resources to use when trying to understand east/west dynamics in terms of trade and business operations. It is relatively unique in a world with strong global resources and the ability to work through regional conflicts. 

Lenovo ESG

Lenovo has made impressive progress in this area over the last several years. Highlights include a 3X increase in renewable energy generation since FY 2-18/19 and having its 2030 and 2050 targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. Lenovo has upped its philanthropic efforts, growing them to $30M and impacting communities all over the world to the tune of 16M people benefitting from these efforts. Its supply chain has advanced as well and now is ranked #8 in Gartner’s Top 25 Global Supply Chains report. 

On the staffing side, Lenovo has made significant progress on diversity. Women make up 37% of the overall workforce, and 28% of tech positions are held by women. Lenovo has been recognized in the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality index as a result.  

On recycling, Lenovo has also been aggressive with impressive moves towards “closed loop” recycling. It reports nearly 300 separate products that were built using recycled parts.  

Lenovo’s philanthropy efforts, as noted, were up to $30M last year with a focus on empowering underrepresented communities and helping them get access to STEM education so they can work themselves out of poverty. 

Lenovo’s employees are heavily involved and volunteer for programs like “Love on Month of Service”. They increased the number of beneficiaries for this effort by 49%+, and the number of hours volunteered by over 20% while the number of volunteers grew by 2.5%. 

Wrapping up: Lenovo is serious about ESG

If you take nothing else away from this, take away that Lenovo is serious about its ESG efforts which are substantial and trending to be segment-leading. Lenovo’s unique geographic spread creates unique headwinds, but it’s effectively working to overcome them to become one of the most aggressive ESG execution companies on the planet.  

Lenovo, like most of its peers, is stepping up strongly to mitigate the potential damage being done to the environment by tech companies and helping to set the ESG bar ever higher. Let’s hope Lenovo’s example will create competitive motivation for its peers to advance their own game.   

One thing is sure: Lenovo is serious about ESG.  

Source: TG Daily – Lenovo’s ESG Progress: One Step at a Time

Negligence—the word alone carries weight, evoking images of accidents, injuries, and unanticipated repercussions. Negligence can have a significant financial impact on businesses, particularly when personal injury claims are involved.

Running a business is a delicate balancing act with profitability, growth, and success at the forefront. But when the unexpected happens—a slip and fall, a workplace accident, or a product malfunction—business owners are forced to concentrate on the financial storm that ensues. The price tag of negligence extends beyond the initial expenses of medical care and property damage.

Calculating the Tangible Costs

When it comes to personal injury claims, the financial impact on businesses goes well beyond medical costs. Tangible costs such as medical bills, rehabilitation, and property damage quickly pile up. These debts deplete resources and inhibit business growth.

However, that is not the only financial impact that businesses must consider. The consequences of lost wages can significantly impact cash flow for the injured party and any employed parties involved in the incident. The cost of negligence also includes things like short-term or long-term disability payments, required equipment or modifications, and legal expenses.

The Intangible Factors

Businesses must also deal with intangible factors in the aftermath of a personal injury incident. Non-economic damages like physical and emotional pain and suffering, and long-term emotional distress can be significant factors in determining compensation. 

It is essential to recognize the emotional toll the incident has taken on both the victim and the company. Emotional distress and trauma endured by those involved can impact their productivity, teamwork, and morale. These intangible factors also have a significant impact on the overall health of a business.

The Ripple Effects

Negligence in personal injury cases can have a chain reaction of consequences that reverberate throughout an organization. Lawsuits and court battles are time-consuming and expensive, wrecking the business’s assets and reputation. Loss of goodwill can lead to lower sales, fewer new business opportunities, and difficulties attracting and retaining top talent. This can temporarily or even permanently disrupt operations. Production bottlenecks, longer downtime, and increased administrative work can exacerbate financial losses.

Mitigating the Financial Impact

The financial impact of negligence in business-related personal injury claims can be significant, but there are proactive measures businesses can take to mitigate the risks. Comprehensive safety protocols, thorough employee training, and regular risk assessments are critical steps to reducing the likelihood of accidents and subsequent personal injury claims.

Maintaining adequate insurance coverage is also essential. Businesses can shield themselves from the cost of personal injury claims with the aid of general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and product liability coverage. Working with insurance professionals to ensure sufficient coverage based on the nature of the business and potential hazards is a wise investment.

Resilient and Responsible Business Practices

The price tag of negligence in business-related personal injury claims is complex and multifaceted. Beyond the tangible costs of medical care and property damage, businesses must consider intangible factors contributing to the overall financial toll. 

When a personal injury occurs due to negligence, the impact can be felt throughout an entire business, causing a ripple effect that affects everyone involved. Reputation damage, loss of customer trust, decreased sales, and business interruption are just a few consequences that can exacerbate the financial burden.

Businesses can protect themselves from the financial impact of negligence by prioritizing safety, implementing preventative measures, and obtaining appropriate insurance. A resilient and responsible business prioritizes protecting its customers, staff, and brand and maintaining business continuity.

Take proactive steps today to protect your business from the consequences of negligence before an accident occurs. You may visit our website to arm yourself with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the complexities of personal injury claims and protect your bottom line. Your company and its stakeholders deserve peace of mind.

Source: TG Daily – Unveiling the Price Tag: Assessing the Financial Impact of Negligence in Business-Related Personal Injury Claims

HP released their annual climate change report back on June 20^th and some of the findings are concerning. Morning Consult did the report, and it covers India, Mexico, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the US. One of the most concerning results in this report is that 91% of parents have concerns about the climate crisis, and 53% say that it makes having more children impractical. A whopping 64% of these parents are also choosing products that come from companies they believe are sustainable, but 84% are also concerned about the rise in the cost of living and that personal environmental practices take up a lot (maybe too much?) time.  

HP uses this report to help prioritize its own climate efforts and generally leads its class of companies regarding their sustainability efforts. While most of this comes from their printer division which admittedly has the greatest opportunities for sustainability actions due to the nature of paper and ink cartridges, still the company continues to step up to the leadership position in their class.  

Let’s talk about climate change and focus on HP’s efforts to make a difference this week. 

HP’s Sustainability Goals and Progress

HP wants to be number one when it comes to sustainability and has set aggressive goals in three areas where executive management believes the company can make the biggest difference. These three areas are – Climate Action, Human Rights, and Digital Equity.  

Against these goals, HP reports that it has reduced its carbon footprint by 18% since 2019 with a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. They have already reduced single-use plastic packaging by 55% showing impressive progress since 2018. Given paper contributes to deforestation, they have counteracted deforestation by 32% related to HP’s products so far toward their goal of 100%. (At a prior meeting I’d suggested they even look into Hemp paper instead of wood to accelerate this effort, as hemp is far more renewable than wood is but it is more expensive to make, a problem that HP might be able to correct). 

In addition, HP has accelerated digital equity for more than 21 million people on a path to reach 150 by 20130. And they remain committed to building a pipeline of diverse talent with 46% of the new U.S. hires coming from racial or ethnic minorities.  

It is interesting to note that HP’s sustainability efforts have a foundation in their founders Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard who believed there always is a better way, a smarter way, a more responsible way to do business and that reducing harm is part of that better approach to business.  (I should note they still maintain the founders’ old offices, untouched, at their corporate headquarters. I’ve seen the offices and they feel like the founders just left for a short while and will return shortly; it is kind of surreal.)

This culture of doing more carries forward to their current CEO Enrique Lores who I’ve come to know is a caring, focused, and even-tempered CEO (something that is far more unusual than you’d think) and just a pleasant guy to talk to.  

HP’s Most Sustainable Products

Like every tech company, there are products that set the bar in sustainability in HP’s portfolio. They include the HP Dragonfly and Elite 1000 Series PCs that contain 90% recycled magnesium, 5% ocean-borne plastics, and the use of used cooking oil to help lower CO2 emissions. In addition, their packaging is 100% sustainably sourced.  With printers, the Color LaserJet Managed MFP E877 series of printers stand out as EPEAT Gold certified and they consume 17% less energy than their predecessors. In addition, they are built using 16% recycled plastics, and their supplies use 60% recycled plastics. And with 3D printing, they have made massive inroads in their ability to render body parts in 3D and create personal prosthetics for those that have lost a limb. One interesting product is they have a HP D100 Single-Cell Dispenser which is used for medical research.  

Wrapping Up:

Kids learn from parents and if parents, as this report delineates, are making major decisions (including not to have more kids) these decisions will impact how kids grow up to view the world. These results suggest that the next generations will be far more focused on climate change, sustainability will have an even greater impact on their decisions ranging from what to buy to where to work, and that we are likely looking at even more aggressive climate actions from them in the future.  

In the end, HP is doing its part, here is hoping everyone else follows their lead as we strive to make a better, cleaner, more inclusive, and diverse planet.  

Source: TG Daily – HP’s Climate Report: Impact Of Global Warming Causing Parents To Not Have Kids

Robinhood will offer customers a 1% match on its traditional or Roth IRAs, the company said Tuesday. 

Users can start investing on deposits of up to $1,000 before contributions settle into their accounts. 

Prospective customers can apply to be waitlisted for Robinhood Retirement starting Tuesday and can expect to receive access on a rolling basis in the coming weeks, but full availability on the offering is set to begin in January.

Robinhood to pay a 1% ‘match’ on customer contributions to retail individual retirement accounts

The retail brokerage will match 1% of each dollar saved in its individual retirement accounts. Experts think it’s a way to get attention in a crowded market.

Continue reading on CNBC

Robinhood Pivots From Day Trading With New Offering As Millennials, Gen Z Age Out – Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:HOOD)

Robinhood Markets Inc (NASDAQ: HOOD), the trading app that helped revolutionize and democratize finance, introduced a new product Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know. 

Continue reading on Benzinga

Will Robinhood be the biggest IPO on global markets in 2021?

Continue reading on The Motley Fool Australia

Source: TG Daily – Robinhood Offers 1% Retirement Match to Users of Its Mobile App

Data observability is a critical factor in achieving sustainability goals. This concept has been around for some time and is gaining more attention recently as companies strive to become more efficient and cost-effective. By monitoring, understanding, and analyzing data in real-time, the experts at Databand.ai believe organizations can adapt quickly to changing circumstances, prevent errors, and find solutions faster.

The Basics Of Data Observability

Data observability is the ability to monitor and analyze data across various sources, looking for patterns and trends to inform decisions about an organization’s operations. It helps to identify areas of improvement and where resources should be allocated for maximum efficiency. 

One of the most important aspects of data observability is the ability to monitor data from various sources. By collecting data from multiple sources, organizations can get a complete view of what is happening within the business. This allows them to identify patterns and trends that may not be visible when looking at data from a single source. Additionally, monitoring data from multiple sources can help identify issues that may not be apparent when looking at information from a limited perspective.

Gain Insight On Customer Behavior

Data observability can also help organizations gain insights into customer behavior and preferences. By looking at data from different sources, businesses can better understand what customers are interested in and what they want. Additionally, data observability can help identify trends in customer behavior. This information improves customer service and creates products that people want to buy.

Organizations can also learn how customers interact with their products or services.  By studying data from sources such as social media, the company can understand how customers respond to their offerings. This understanding can be used to improve customer engagement and ultimately increase sales.

Predict Future Trends

Observing data can also help an organization stay ahead of the curve by providing insight into emerging trends. By analyzing data from multiple sources, businesses can get an idea of where the market is going and what changes will likely occur soon. This information can help inform decisions about investments, new business initiatives, and product launches, helping to ensure that the organization remains competitive in a changing marketplace.

One example of how data observability can help identify emerging trends is by looking at data from social media. By studying data from sources such as social media, the company can understand how customers respond to their offerings. This understanding can be used to improve customer engagement and ultimately increase sales. Additionally, data observability can help predict future trends by providing insights into changing customer behavior.

Enhance Operations Efficiency

Data observability can also help organizations enhance operational efficiency. Businesses can identify areas where resources and processes need to be optimized by analyzing data from multiple sources. This may include streamlining production processes, improving customer service delivery, or identifying new products or services that customers are interested in. As a result, the organization can reduce costs and increase profitability.

Data observability can also help organizations identify potential risks and opportunities. Businesses can detect emerging issues that may impact the organization’s operations by analyzing data from different sources. Proactively responding to these issues can help reduce losses and ensure the company remains competitive in the market. Additionally, data observability can provide insights into market trends, allowing organizations to make informed decisions and capitalize on opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Data observability can be an invaluable tool for businesses that want to maximize efficiency, gain insights into customer behavior, predict future trends, and enhance operational efficiency. By leveraging observability with Databand.ai, companies can become more agile and stay ahead of the competition in a rapidly changing market. With access to insights from multiple sources, companies can respond quickly to changing customer needs, identify emerging trends, and optimize their operations for maximum profitability. In short, data observability can help businesses remain competitive and thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.   

Written by Adam Eaton                                  

Source: TG Daily – Why Data Observability Is Critical For Sustainability

Ukrainian embassies and consulates in countries across Europe have received blood-soaked packages with “animal eyes” in them in the aftermath of the explosion of an apparent letter bomb at Ukraine’s embassy in Madrid, according to Ukraine’s foreign affairs ministry.

“The packages contained animal eyes,” Oleg Nikolenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a Facebook post on Friday.

In a later Facebook post, Nikolenko said that the Embassy of Ukraine in Madrid, Spain, also got a blood-stained package “like those previously received by other Ukrainian diplomatic institutions.”

Source: TG Daily – Ukrainian Embassies in Europe Have Been Receiving Bloodstained Packages With Animal Eyes

For a lot of us, ARM is on a deathwatch largely because of the failed acquisition attempt by NVIDIA. This failed attempt made us aware of ARM’s underlying financial issues that drove it to sue Qualcomm in what appears to be an ill-advised attempt to force Qualcomm to pay more for something that isn’t even successful yet. This desperation and apparent path to ARM’s obsolescence is driving resources to RISC V at what looks like an increasing rate and creating doubt about ARM’s future, making a successful IPO all but impossible to execute. Even if the IPO is executed, the money would flow to the current owner of the firm, not ARM, leaving it with new owners who may not appreciate they invested in a firm on a path to failure. In short, not only is ARM likely to lose its case against Qualcomm, but the litigation is hurting both entities, potentially terminally for ARM because Qualcomm could switch to RISC V if ARM fails.  

One of the common questions that analysts are asked is, “how would you fix ARM?” I used to run a field turn-around team at IBM, and I’ve been thinking about this for several weeks now. 

Here is my shot at the answer.

Identify the Problem

First, fully flesh out why ARM is so cash-starved. It looks like it is because the firm’s parent has a huge cash problem which is leaving ARM in desperate need of revenue. I think this is what drove the ill-advised decision to sue Qualcomm. It may also be that Apple was paying more and their “most-favored nation’s clause” will, when Qualcomm’s price is disclosed in an internal review, result in ARM getting even less revenue.

But these are the problems from an outside observer perspective. The causes could also include poor expense management, inadequate vendor collections and bad contract practices. That list isn’t inclusive, but an internal review should identify the full extent of the problems, something that will be needed in order to craft an equally comprehensive solution.

Second, depending on what is found, craft a solution to address the cost side of the problem. In other words, reduce the bleeding by eliminating unneeded costs like offices (most employees appear to be working from home) and unnecessary travel (it wasn’t uncommon for me to find employees abusing travel policies). 

Third, and in parallel to the item above, create a small skunk works team and send them off-site with solid instructions and a three-month delivery date to propose ways for ARM to utilize its assets, IP and human, to profitably generate more revenue. Recall that AWS, which has been surprisingly successful, spun off an effort to turn IT from a cost to a profit center for Amazon, something that up until then was thought to be impossible. 

The team will need members from all the line organizations in the firm, participants from Finance, and someone that knows ARM as an expert on how the company operates on it. It would also be wise to include an operational industry expert from one of ARM’s larger clients (like an ex-Qualcomm employee). 

The goal would be to craft a business plan for some additional way to generate profitable revenue using ARM’s existing resources or an alternative that would leverage ARM’s existing customers as a sales channel but create a new and distinct subsidiary for the company. These two things aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive.

Fourth, review the plan created by the skunk works team and, if it is viable, execute against milestones. It might be interesting to have, in parallel to the internal team above, an outside team of subject matter experts creating a similar report from an entirely different perspective. This might identify additional opportunities or help refine the above generation recommendation.  

But now it is about executing, and this would require making sure the leadership of the company understands the direction the firm must now go to accomplish the tasks that the above teams identified.

Wrapping Up:

Fixing ARM is a growing concern for those that license, build, sell or use ARM technology. Since the NVIDIA failed merger, the company appears to have lost its way. But much like when a person is sick, the first step is to assure an accurate diagnosis before you craft and execute a cure. The relatively easy part of the cure for ARM is looking for and eliminating financial waste and fully fleshing out the cause of the operational cash shortfall driving the firm’s desperation. Desperate people make questionable decisions. Desperate firms make bad decisions. Remember DeLorean? 

Increasing revenue is far harder and it generally requires you create a skunk works team so that ideas aren’t prematurely killed because they violate some company tradition or fear of change. And finally, when a path is identified, assure leadership is adequate (both in breadth and depth) to execute the plan. Major efforts like this tend to have a high failure rate not because the idea was bad, but because the folks executing it were trying to learn on the job at great expense to the outcome.  Remember that, in the late 1990s, Apple was on a 12 month death watch and running out of cash but was still in far better shape than ARM is now. Steve Jobs, with a lot of help, cut costs first, then found the iPod as a path that eventually led Apple to its present rank as the most profitable company in the world.

Source: TG Daily – Fixing ARM

Whether it be for business or for personal use, it is important that we ensure the smooth user experience and functionalities of the tracking software or app when purchasing a GPS tracker. Difficult-to-use tracking software can be cumbersome to manage, and it makes tracking harder even though you have your tracker installed properly. In this article, we are going to look at some of the defining features of tracking software that you can use as a benchmark for filtering your buying options and easily finding out the precise location data of whatever or whomever you are tracking. 

An introduction of GPS tracking software

There are several GPS trackers in the market today. Some are better than others at tracking, and some offer more features too. While checking out the software or app for such trackers, here are some important factors to look for.

It must be intuitive to use. GPS tracking software needs to be user-friendly and must offer an intuitive experience for a smooth and seamless flow. In an emergency, the last thing you want to do is scrape through various menus and click random buttons to get to the exact feature you need. The major features must be easy to access and easy to find. 

Another important function that you need to look for while trying out GPS tracking software that comes with a tracker is its connectivity. Even though it also depends on the tracker device, the server, the architecture of the app/software, its response time, live updating of the data, etc., all apps up to make the flawless tracking experience. If any of this fails, the tracking becomes inaccurate, and you won’t be able to locate the tracker in real-time. 

Accessibility of the tracking software is yet another major factor that you need to consider while buying a GPS tracker. It means whether you must download it from the Google Play store/Apple store or if you must download it from another website and go through the hassle of installing it indirectly on your phone. The same goes for laptops and computers too. The best-case scenario is a web portal that you can access using a login id and password that ensures protection and accessibility no matter where you are. If you have a stable internet connection, you can easily log on to the tracking app and find out the location of your tracker. 

Feature to look for in your GPS tracking app

Once you are sure about the accessibility and usability of your tracking app/software, it’s then time to check out the features. Your tracking software must have certain features other than basic location tracking for it to be truly functional. 

Dashboards that allow you to access insights about travel history and other relevant info are very useful while using a GPS tracker. For instance, dashboards that give you information about the amount of time your tracker was moving and how long it was stationary allow you to calculate how much time it was moving. This is very useful when tracking vehicles. Similarly, a real-time speed chart can help you ensure the person carrying your tracker is safe. This is useful to ensure your kids are safe when you send them to school on the school bus. You can easily know if the school bus is speeding over the limit or not. 

Another useful feature is real-time alters. Push notifications for mobile apps and email alerts are crucial in getting quick updates when there is anything wrong so you can take immediate action. If the tracker with your child or an asset suddenly leaves the home premises in the middle of the day without any probable cause, you can quickly reach out to emergency service or check up on them to make sure they are safe. Delay in such alerts means you lose valuable time finding them, which can complicate the situation. 

There are numerous benefits of using GPS tracking software. However, it is important to check the features and the pricing of the software before you buy one. GPS tracking software is available in a wide range. Some of them might have advanced features, while others might have simple features. Ultimately, it all comes down to what you need and the features that you want. Therefore, you need to choose the tracking software that will suit your needs. If you are looking for the best GPS tracker, you need to ensure these features and properties in the GPS tracking software or application we discussed above.

Written by Barbara McGee

Source: TG Daily – How to assess the tracking software while buying a GPS tracker