Microsoft to Buy Embattled Activision Blizzard

After months of growing legal battles and losing some of its top talents, Activision Blizzard may be getting a much-needed break. Microsoft is sweeping in to acquire the game developer for a whopping USD$68.7 billion. The acquisition will make Microsoft the third biggest gaming company behind Tencent and Sony.

Activision Blizzard’s acquisition will give Microsoft access to IPs from Blizzard, Activision and King studios. This includes titles like Diablo, StarCraft, Warcraft and Overwatch in Blizzard’s portfolio; Candy Crush in King’s portfolio; and Call of Duty, Destiny and more in Activision’s portfolio. These game IPs are apparently making their way to XBOX’s GamePass sometime after the acquisition has been finalised.

Microsoft-Activision Blizzard Acquisition Header
Source: Activision Blizzard

While the acquisition may seem like a big win, it may not be in the best interest of gamers as we’ve already seen Microsoft use acquisitions to bolster its exclusive games catalogue. Most recently, the company acquired ZeniMax which owns popular game studio Bethesda. In the wake of that acquisition, Bethesda has already announced that the latest instalment of one of its most popular IPs, Elder Scrolls VI, will be exclusive to XBOX. While it’s still too early to say if games like Diablo and Overwatch will be exclusive to Microsoft, it is something that gamers should be wary of.

In addition to this, the acquisition of Activision Blizzard isn’t addressing the underlying issues which have been plaguing the company. In fact, in its announcement, Activision Blizzard has confirmed that embattled CEO, Bobby Kotik, will continue as the CEO for now. Activision Blizzard has had a tumultuous 2021 plagued with workplace issues that have come to light thanks to multiple lawsuits.

However, Microsoft’s new CEO of Gaming, Phil Spencer, mentions in his email to employees, “Microsoft is committed to our journey for inclusion in every aspect of gaming, among both employees and players. We deeply value individual studio cultures. We also believe that creative success and autonomy go hand-in-hand with treating every person with dignity and respect. We hold all teams, and all leaders, to this commitment.”. Hopefully, this holds true when it comes to dealing with their latest acquisition’s colourful state beyond the close of the acquisition. Beyond the acquisition, Activision Blizzard will be reporting to Phil Spencer which leaves many of the concerns raised by both gamers and Activision Blizzard’s developers at his doorstep.

XBOX Gaming OrgChart
Source: Activision Blizzard

That aside, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a huge development in the gaming industry as a whole. It could be the jolt the industry needed to push it forward to adapt to a newer approach to gaming experiences including VR. In fact, in their statements, Microsoft’s leadership has indicated that their vision of the now trending, “metaverse”, is one that is populated by creative content that can be consumed at any time.

Microsoft’s acquisition comes at a crucial point in the development of some of Activision Blizzard’s most anticipated titles including the much anticipated Diablo IV and Overwatch 2 and Diablo’s foray into mobile, Diablo Immortal. Having had such a tumultuous year, the games are in need of an infusion of quality leadership and talent.

The new acquisition is pending the approval of regulators and the shareholders of both companies. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is expected to close by the end of Microsoft’s fiscal year in June 2023.

Mohammed bin Rashid attends Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week opening ceremony at Expo 2020 Dubai


DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 19, 2022 — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today attended the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainability hosted by Masdar – Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company.

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The opening event was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum welcomed the leaders and experts meeting in the UAE to discuss issues related to sustainability and intensify collaborative efforts to find solutions for moving the world towards a more sustainable future.

Highlighting the importance of ADSW, the first global gathering of its kind after COP26, Sheikh Mohammed said, "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week lays a pathway for COP28 when the UAE will welcome the world in 2023. The continued success of ADSW, which every year sets the sustainability agenda for the year to come, fully reflects our nation’s leadership in the field of climate action. This year’s convening of ADSW as part of Expo 2020 Dubai provides an opportunity for the convergence of global expertise to stimulate constructive dialogue and push efforts towards implementing innovative solutions."

"The UAE, guided by the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was and continues to be one of the pioneering countries in the fields of climate action, energy transformation and the adoption of renewable energy as a solution for addressing environmental issues and their impact on people’s lives and the health of the planet. The UAE has continued to express this commitment by developing a group of the world’s largest and most innovative clean energy projects. These efforts culminated in the launch of the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, which reflects our commitment to create a future free of emissions," His Highness added.

The opening ceremony, held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo 2020 Dubai, was also attended by H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and a number of senior officials.

The opening ceremony began with the UAE National Anthem followed by a short film centred on international cooperation to confront global challenges, especially those related to climate change and sustainable development.

Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea, thanked the UAE for welcoming him to the country and inviting him to participate in the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. In his keynote speech, he said, "As the first event of its kind since COP26, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is a kick start to carbon neutrality this year, offering strength through unity. This event holds great significance with the UAE hosting COP28 in 2023 – a milestone for the country’s journey over the next 50 years. The UAE is a powerhouse of sustainable development for the Middle East and beyond, with pathways showing the way for the rest of the world."

He continued, "Last year, the UAE became the first one in the Middle East to commit to carbon neutrality by 2050. Korea too in 2020 declared its commitment to carbon neutrality. And the UAE and Korea both committed to cutting methane by 30 percent by 2030. The UAE and Korea, as special strategic partners, have been working together in the fields of construction, oil field development, national defence, agriculture, health, and much more. This demonstrates the robust relations between our two nations. For our sustainable future, Korea hopes to hold hands together with the UAE even more tightly. Now our two countries are working together to build an economy based on hydrogen – a potential new source of energy in the age of carbon neutrality."

In his keynote address, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chairman of Masdar, addressed the challenge of maintaining economic progress, while turning back the clock on emissions.

He said, "Finding the answers to these questions has been the mission of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the Zayed Sustainability Prize. A mission that builds on the UAE’s position as a pioneer in clean energy. When we began investing in the renewables space more than 15 years ago, our leadership had a theory of the future that has been proven right over time. Today, the UAE is home to the largest and lowest cost solar plants in the world. And globally the future of renewable energy is just as bright."

The objectives of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week are in line with the "Principles of the 50," the 10 principles that represent the UAE’s strategic path in a new era and reflect the country’s vision and determination to promote development efforts in various economic, political and social fields.

As one of the largest gatherings concerned with discussing sustainability issues, ADSW provides a global platform for cooperation, knowledge exchange, investment and innovation, as it attracts more than 45,000 participants annually representing more than 170 countries and hosts nearly 1,000 international companies.

Key ADSW dates include: January 15-16 – IRENA Assembly; January 17 – Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, ADSW Summit; January 17-19 – World Future Energy Summit, Innovate, Youth 4 Sustainability Hub; January 18-19 Atlantic Council Forums; January 18 WiSER Forum, Exclusive Panel Session with the President of COP26 and 27 and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber; January 19 – Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum.

Photos, Video and Press Release from the Opening Ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week can be found below.

VNR: https://www.apmultimedianewsroom.com/multimedia-newsroom/adsw-2022
Consumer ready video: https://www.apmultimedianewsroom.com/multimedia-newsroom/adsw-2022-opening-day
Images: http://www.apimages.com/Search?query=Abu+Dhabi+Sustainability+Week+Nazih&ss=10&st=kw&entitysearch=&toItem=18&orderBy=Newest&searchMediaType=allmedia

MOHAMMED BIN RASHID ATTENDS ABU DHABI SUSTAINABILITY WEEK OPENING CEREMONY AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI
MOHAMMED BIN RASHID ATTENDS ABU DHABI SUSTAINABILITY WEEK OPENING CEREMONY AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

 

 

Bigtincan is a Gold Medalist in the 2022 SoftwareReviews Sales Enablement Data Quadrant Buyers Guide Report


Ranked by Users for Vendor Capabilities and Product Features

WALTHAM, Mass., Jan. 18, 2022 — Bigtincan® (ASX:BTH), the global leader in sales enablement automation, today announced that it has been recognized as a gold medalist and leader in the 2022 Sales Enablement Data Quadrant report from SoftwareReviews, a division of IT research and consulting firm Info-Tech Research Group. The award is based on the collective knowledge of real users and placement is based on satisfaction with product features, vendor experience, capabilities, and emotional sentiment.

SoftwareReviews named Bigtincan a gold medalist as it received an 8.9 out of 10 composite score, which represents the complete and aggregated satisfaction score from end users. Quality of features, ease of customization and vendor support were amongst the strongest capabilities associated with Bigtincan, resulting in a 100% Plan to Renew reported by their users – outranking all other vendors in the report. Bigtincan secured the highest satisfaction scores in a variety of areas representing product features including:

  • Sales Collateral Management
  • Collaboration
  • Application Integration

Bigtincan also received a high Emotional Footprint score of +83, receiving top scores around innovation, product enhancements and importance to professional success. Additional Emotional Footprint Metrics in which Bigtincan ranked highly include:

  • Client’s interest first
  • Effective
  • Reliable

The Emotional Footprint makes the SoftwareReviews Data Quadrant unique as it is the inclusion of aggregated emotional response ratings in the areas of service, negotiation, product impact, conflict resolution, and strategy and innovation. This creates a powerful indicator of overall user feeling toward the vendor and its product from the software users’ point of view.

"In increasingly competitive markets, it’s essential for companies to equip their sales teams with tools that will give them an edge. Sales enablement tools provide robust capabilities that speed up salesperson onboarding, provide actionable coaching recommendations and allow sales staff to zero in on high-value actions and collateral that will allow them to close deals faster. Bigtincan provides an impressive array of capabilities across the sales lifecycle – from learning management tools to aid in skills development to a robust coaching engine targeted at building sales proficiencies in a highly scalable manner," said Ben Dickie, Research Lead at Info-Tech Research Group.

"We believe our positioning as a Leader in the 2022 Sales Enablement Data Quadrant report from SoftwareReviews confirms our belief that delivering a comprehensive sales enablement solution that meets the unique needs of sales and customer-facing teams covering the broadest set of use cases is vital to the success of our customers. Bigtincan sales enablement solutions allow our customers to be confident their teams are buyer-ready and deliver a first-class buying experience," said David Keane, CEO and Co-Founder of Bigtincan.

To access a complimentary copy of the report, please visit https://bit.ly/BigtincanGold.

About SoftwareReviews Data Quadrant Awards and Software Reports:

SoftwareReviews Data Quadrant Awards recognize outstanding vendors in the technology marketplace as evaluated by their users annually. Top vendors in a software category are eligible to receive Data Quadrant Gold Medals, provided their net-promoter scores meet the threshold for sufficiently high user satisfaction across four areas of evaluation: vendor capabilities, product features, likeliness to recommend, and vendor experience. In-depth product evaluation reports are available at http://www.softwarereviews.com.

About SoftwareReviews:

SoftwareReviews is a division of Info-Tech Research Group, a world-class IT research and consulting firm established in 1997. Backed by two decades of IT research and advisory experience, SoftwareReviews is a leading source of expertise and insight into the enterprise software landscape and client-vendor relationships. By collecting real data from IT and business professionals, the SoftwareReviews methodology produces the most detailed and authentic insights into the experience of evaluating and purchasing enterprise software.

About Bigtincan
Bigtincan is helping the world’s leading brands facilitate the buying experience of the future. Everything we offer is designed to be smart, flexible, and easily adapted to unique business processes with highly personalized experiences that people and brands love. We’re on a mission to help companies deliver branded buying experiences that are engaging, personalized, provide value and guide people to the best decisions with confidence. Innovative companies like Nike, Guess, Prudential, and Starwood Hotels trust Bigtincan to enable customer-facing teams to intelligently prepare, engage, measure and continually improve the buying experience for their customers. For more information about Bigtincan (ASX: BTH), visit: www.bigtincan.com or follow @bigtincan on Twitter.

Media Contact
Pam Dearen
Bigtincan
+1 (617) 981-7557
marketing@bigtincan.com

 

Picosun part of extensive quantum technology development project

HELSINKI, Jan. 18, 2022 — Picosun takes part as an industrial partner in QuTI, a recently launched extensive research project aiming to develop new components, manufacturing and testing solutions that are needed in quantum technology. Quantum technology has gained interest in a vast array of industries on a large scale. The remarkable performance improvements it offers enable for example powerful computing and benefits in communications, healthcare, sensors, imaging and measurement applications.

The QuTI project is coordinated by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and it has a total budget of around 10 million euros. Other industrial partners of the consortium include Bluefors, Afore, IQM, Rockley Photonics, CSC, Quantastica, Saab and Vexlum. The research partners are VTT, Aalto University and the University of Tampere.

"Quantum technology is a multidisciplinary and rapidly advancing field. The QuTI consortium provides an ideal starting point for strengthening the international competitiveness of Finnish technology and industry in this fast-growing field," says QuTI project’s coordinator, Research Professor Mika Prunnila from VTT.

"Quantum technology has already taken the step from research laboratories to commercial applications. We look forward in supporting this development trend even further and being part of creating a globally competitive industrial ecosystem in Finland around this technology," says Dr. Jani Kivioja, CTO of Picosun Group.

"Atomic Layer Deposition, or ALD, is the advanced thin film coating method for ultra-thin, highly uniform and conformal material layers that enables the digital solutions of today. It will also play a crucial role in future innovations and in the quantum computing, communication and sensing devices that will be developed in the QuTI project", continues Jussi Rautee, CEO of Picosun Group.

More information:
Jani Kivioja
CTO, Picosun Group
Tel: +358 46 922 8804
Email: info@picosun.com

www.picosun.com

Picosun provides the most advanced ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) thin film coating solutions for global industries. Picosun’s ALD solutions enable technological leap into the future, with turn-key production processes and unmatched, pioneering expertise in the field – dating back to the invention of the technology itself. Today, PICOSUN® ALD equipment are in daily manufacturing use in numerous leading industries around the world. Picosun is based in Finland, with subsidiaries in Germany, USA, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, China mainland and Taiwan, offices in India and France, and a world-wide sales and support network. Visit www.picosun.com.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/picosun-oy/r/picosun-part-of-extensive-quantum-technology-development-project,c3487329

The following files are available for download:

 

Electronic System Design Industry Logs 17% Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth in Q3 2021, ESD Alliance Reports


MILPITAS, Calif., Jan. 17, 2022 — Electronic System Design (ESD) industry revenue increased 17.1% year-over-year from $2,953.9 million to $3,458.1 million in Q3 2021, the ESD Alliance, a SEMI Technology Community, announced today in its latest Electronic Design Market Data (EDMD) report. The four-quarter moving average, which compares the most recent four quarters to the prior four, rose 16.1%.   

"The industry reported double-digit year-over-year revenue growth for Q3 2021," said Walden C. Rhines, Executive Sponsor of the SEMI Electronic Design Market Data report. "Geographically, all regions reported double-digit growth, with product categories CAE, Printed Circuit Board and Multi-Chip Module, SIP, and Services also showing double-digit growth."

The companies tracked in the EDMD report employed 51,182 people globally in Q3 2021, an 8.7% increase over the Q3 2020 headcount of 47,087 and up 2.4% compared to Q2 2021.

The quarterly EDMD report contains detailed revenue information with the following category and geographic breakdowns.

Revenue by Product and Application Category – Year-Over-Year Change

  • CAE revenue increased 13.7% to $1,054.7 million. The four-quarter CAE moving average increased 11.8%.
  • IC Physical Design and Verification revenue increased 0.7% to $612.6 million. The four-quarter moving average for the category rose 16%.
  • Printed Circuit Board and Multi-Chip Module (PCB and MCM) revenue increased 14.5% to $298.3 million. The four-quarter moving average for PCB and MCM increased 10.9%.
  • SIP revenue rose 30.6% to $1,373.3 million. The four-quarter SIP moving average grew 22.1%.
  • Services revenue increased 12.5% to $119.1 million. The four-quarter Services moving average increased 9.2%.

Revenue by Region – Year-Over-Year Change

  • The Americas, the largest reporting region by revenue, purchased $1,494.5 million of electronic system design products and services in Q3 2021, a 14.3% increase. The four-quarter moving average for the Americas rose 15.8%.
  • Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) revenue increased 22.6% to $451.7 million. The four-quarter moving average for EMEA grew 11.9%.
  • Japan revenue increased 11.8% to $259.8 million. The four-quarter moving average for Japan rose 3.3%.
  • Asia Pacific (APAC) revenue increased 19.7% to $1,252.1 million. The four-quarter moving average for APAC increased 21.3%.

About the EDMD Report
The ESD Alliance Electronic Design Market Data (formerly the Market Statistics Service) report presents EDA, SIP and services industry revenue data quarterly. Both public and private companies contribute data to the report available from SEMI. Each quarterly report is published approximately three months after quarter close. EDMD report data is segmented as follows:

  • Revenue by product category (CAE, IC Physical Design and Verification, Semiconductor IP, PCB/MCM Layout, and Services) including numerous detailed sub-categories
  • Revenue by geographic region (Americas, EMEA, Japan and APAC)
  • Total employment at participating companies

For information about SEMI market research reports, visit the SEMI Market Research Reports and Databases Catalog.

About the Electronic System Design Alliance
The Electronic System Design (ESD) Alliance, a SEMI Technology Community, is the central voice to communicate and promote the value of the semiconductor design ecosystem as a vital component of the global electronics industry. As an international association of companies providing goods and services throughout the semiconductor design ecosystem, it is a forum to address technical, marketing, economic and legislative issues affecting the entire industry. For more information about the ESD Alliance, visit http://esd-alliance.org.

About SEMI
SEMI® connects more than 2,400 member companies and 1.3 million professionals worldwide to advance the technology and business of electronics design and manufacturing. SEMI members are responsible for the innovations in materials, design, equipment, software, devices, and services that enable smarter, faster, more powerful, and more affordable electronic products. Electronic System Design Alliance (ESD Alliance), FlexTech, the Fab Owners Alliance (FOA), the MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG) and SOI Consortium are SEMI Strategic Technology Communities. Visit www.semi.org to learn more, contact one of our worldwide offices, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and Twitter.

The information supplied by the ESD Alliance is believed to be accurate and reliable, but the ESD Alliance assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contacts                                                                                
Paul Cohen
ESD Alliance
A SEMI Technology Community
978-769-2106             

Jack Taylor
Siemens EDA PR
Siemens Digital Industries Software
512-560-7143 

 

HGC ultra-low latency Eyeball-as-a-Service(TM) backs Kacific’s delivery of high-speed, reliable local broadband across Southeast Asia

HONG KONG, Jan. 17, 2022 — HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC), a fully-fledged ICT service provider and network operator with extensive global coverage, and Kacific Broadband Satellites Group (Kacific), a next-generation broadband satellite operator that provides affordable, high-speed broadband access to Asia Pacific, have collaborated to boost critical connectivity across emerging markets in the Philippines, providing high standards of connectivity service delivery and quality.

Working together, the two providers will offer faster, safer, and more reliable critical infrastructure benefiting the Philippines’ enterprise users as well as an array of industries including mining, government, banks, financial institutions, schools, health clinics, telemedicine, and remote healthcare which may enter the market for the first time.

With a population exceeding 110 million, the Philippines is rapidly digitizing with a high internet penetration expected to reach 82% by 2022.

Kacific’s geostationary Ka-band satellite, Kacific1, was launched in December 2019 to provide high-speed, reliable broadband connectivity to the underserved rural and suburban communities at prices and equipment that are affordable and easily accessible. Now, the operator is deploying innovation breakthroughs on the ground with a new line of high-performance and cost-effective broadband terminals.

HGC has been selected as a partner of choice to host Kacific’s IT infrastructure and critical business applications speeding up deployments and upgrades, as well as improving network latency and accelerating times to market-leading standards and upping security systems.

HGC will provide the international IP routes to Kacific that subsequently will use this to give internet access across remote, internet deprived areas through Satellite technology where there is a lack of fibre.

By utilizing HGC’s flagship ultra-low latency Eyeball-as-a-ServiceTM (EaaS) Solution, Kacific will be able to noticeably reduce latency times and further deploy innovation breakthroughs on the ground with a new line of high-performance and cost-effective broadband terminals.

HGC EaaS has been created to take into consideration regional routing and IP related services, bringing on route diversity that not only achieves ultra-low-latency times of less than 10 milliseconds* and a more robust bandwidth but also offers disaster redundancy preventing profit-hitting downtime.

Ravindran Mahalingam, HGC’s Senior Vice President, International Business, said: "The Philippines is undergoing a tremendous shift as its economy converts to digital, and the need for critical digital infrastructure has never been greater than right now. From enterprises to OTTs providing virtual banking, streaming services and more, this is a turning point in the faciliating business’ digitalization."

Cliff Tam, HGC’s  Senior Vice President, Global Data Strategy of International Business, said: "This project is not only remarkable from a technical standpoint from Earth to space and back, but it also has a tremendous philanthropist side to it because we are helping to connect the unconnected across swathes of Southeast Asia that are full of talent but that until now lacked the digital tools to shine."

"We look forward to continuing working with Kacific as well as all the enterprise/OTT users and other verticals to help them take the first step towards modernizing their operations."

Cyril Annarella, Chief Operations Officer at Kacific, said: "Our focus has always been to work in partnership with major international carriers and with strong local partners to complement our satellite assets and advance the global broadband infrastructure."

"HGC is highly regarded in Asia and the global markets, and is a well-known pioneer in the telecommunication arena. The skills and expertise HGC brings to this project allows us to continuously deliver a world class service to our markets and make a rapid and lasting difference to the people of Southeast Asia.

Contact us to learn more: ibmarketing@hgc-intl.com
HGC Eyeball-as-a-Service™ Solution:
 https://www.hgc-intl.com/products-and-services/ott-edge-solutions/edge-solution/

*HGC Eyeball-as-a-Service™ Peering Platform Internal Testing Result within the Philippines region.

About HGC

HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC) is a leading Hong Kong and international telecom operator and ICT solution provider. The company owns an extensive network and infrastructure in Hong Kong and overseas and provides various kinds of services. HGC has 23 overseas offices, with business over 5 continents. It provides telecom infrastructure service to other operators and serves as a service provider to corporate and households. The company provides full-fledged telecom, data centre services, ICT solutions and broadband services for local, overseas, corporate and mass markets. HGC owns and operates an extensive fibre-optic network, five cross-border telecom routes integrated into tier-one telecom operators in mainland China and connects with hundreds of world-class international telecom operators. HGC is one of Hong Kong’s largest Wi-Fi service providers, running over 29,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in Hong Kong. The company is committed to further investing and enriching its current infrastructure and, in parallel, adding on top the latest technologies and developing its infrastructure services and solutions. HGC is a portfolio company of I Squared Capital, an independent global infrastructure investment manager focusing on energy, utilities and transport in North America, Europe and selected fast-growing economies.

To learn more, please visit HGC’s website at: www.hgc.com.hk

About Kacific

Kacific Broadband Satellites is a next-generation broadband satellite operator, headquartered in Singapore. Kacific’s high-throughput Ka-band satellite, Kacific1, delivers affordable, high-speed broadband access to the Pacific and Southeast Asia, with a focus on underserved rural and suburban areas.

Kacific uses the latest multi-beam space communications and ground technology to provide quality service to businesses, governments, and communities. Kacific’s services foster greater internet usage, fueling economic growth and improvements in service delivery across covered regions.

Since the launch of the Kacific1 satellite in December 2019, Kacific’s operations have scaled rapidly across Asia Pacific. Kacific currently helps address a market of more than 100 million people in 25 countries around the Pacific and Southeast Asia who are unconnected or under-connected to the internet.

Kacific’s awards include Best Digital Inclusion (Pacific ICT Awards, 2019), Satellite Executive of the Year: Christian Patouraux (APSCC, 2019) and Better World Satellite Award (SSPI, 2018).

Nintex Named a Leader in the 2022 G2 Enterprise Grid Reports


Peer-to-peer review site, G2, ranks the Nintex Process Platform a leader in Digital Process Automation, No-Code Dev Platforms, Rapid App Development and Business Process Management

MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan. 17, 2022 — Nintex, the global standard for process intelligence and automation, announced today that the company’s powerful and easy-to-use process platform has ranked as a leader in multiple 2022 G2 Grid® Reports including Digital Process Automation (DPA), No-Code Development Platforms, Rapid App Development and Business Process Management (BPM).

 

"It is an honour to be named a leader in G2’s Grid Reports," said Nintex CEO Eric Johnson. "At Nintex, we have an unwavering commitment to offer organisations in every industry software solutions that make it possible to effectively map, automate and optimise their enterprise-wide business processes and workflows."

The G2 Grid processes aggregate information from customer reviews to score software technology offerings by market presence, sentiment and usability to identify the highest rated. Today more than 10,000 leading organisations in both the public and private sectors are accelerating digital transformation with Nintex.

Nintex customers have posted more than 1,000 reviews on G2 about how their organisations are leveraging Nintex Promapp®, Nintex Workflow, Nintex Forms, Nintex RPA, Nintex AssureSign and Nintex DocGen® for competitive advantages—saving time and money as well as providing modern digital experiences for their employees and customers.

Customers consistently rate Nintex capabilities high, citing the ability to:

  • Quickly turn manual business processes into digital workflows with Nintex automation
    • "If you’re looking to automate your company processes, Nintex is the best way to do it."
    • "Any manual business task can be brought to life with automation."
       
  • Save valuable time with Nintex software solutions
    • "Automating some of the more time-consuming tasks is freeing up time and energy to do other tasks."
    • "Nintex has allowed us to automate repetitive tasks in a few steps, saving us a lot of time."
       
  • Easily integrate systems with Nintex Xtensions® and connectors
    • "Nintex integrates excellently with well-known SaaS leaders on the market."
    • "[The platform provides the] ability to connect across multiple platforms without much trouble."
       
  • Drive usage and adoption given Nintex’s no-code to low-code tools
    • "The low-code approach allows anyone who is computer savvy to use it, and you don’t need to be a developer."
    • "The drag-and-drop actions are easy to learn and allow you to solve any problem without coding."
    • "[The Nintex Process Platform] is very user friendly, and it promotes citizen development."

Nintex has also received consistent recognition from G2 in the mid-market segment for the breadth and depth of its platform offerings.

To learn more about how organisations across every major industry are leveraging Nintex for process management and end-to-end automation, visit https://www.nintex.com/using-nintex/case-studies/.

Media Contact

Laetitia Smith 

Nintex 

laetitia.smith@nintex.com
cell: +64 21 154 71141 

About Nintex
Nintex is the global standard for process intelligence and automation. Today more than 10,000 public and private sector organisations across 90 countries turn to the Nintex Process Platform to accelerate progress on their digital transformation journeys by quickly and easily managing, automating and optimising business processes. Learn more by visiting www.nintex.com and experience how Nintex and its global partner network are shaping the future of Intelligent Process Automation (IPA).

Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Logo – https://techent.tv/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/nintex-named-a-leader-in-the-2022-g2-enterprise-grid-reports.jpg

 

Thousands of Music Lovers Join the HGC “Go Ahead, Performers!” Music Live

Riding on this huge success, more performers from around the world expected to join the campaign, encouraging youngsters to pursue their dreams

HONG KONG, Jan. 16, 2022 — HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC), a leading fixed-line operator and information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, announced the HGC "Go Ahead, Performers!" Music Live was successfully held virtually on 14 January. Various talented musicians and bands took part and delivered stellar performances, demonstrating an extraordinary start for the 2022 campaign.

Local singer Endy Chow
Local singer Endy Chow

In line with HGC’s belief in embracing a new era of diversity for Hong Kong through technology, the event confirmed the value of the branding campaign’s direction to inspire young people to be bold, pursue their dreams and let their uniqueness shine.  

To cope with the latest anti-epidemic measures and ensure the safety of the audience and staff, HGC "Go Ahead, Performers!" Music Live was an all virtual concert, however the performances were all highly enjoyable and just as memorable.

Local singer Endy Chow and the band ToNick were among the evening’s highlights, delighting fans with some of their most popular songs. Joining them for the virtual gig were The Black Sheepee, Wondergarl and Chonotenki who also delivered exciting performances and a vibrant positive energy.

Besides local performers and bands, HGC "Go Ahead, Performers!" Music Live also invited two street performers – Xiaohainan who always perform at Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Tyler Tseng from Tamsui, to perform virtually, sharing their unique music styles and initiating interaction opportunities with the online audience in Hong Kong.

Having set the scene for its upcoming campaign with the online concert, HGC is now even more dedicated to inspiring local youngsters to pursue their dreams, embrace new challenges, and strive for innovation. Support for young people and musicians is more important than ever and in the future, HGC will continue to organize thought-provoking events, inviting performers from around the world, such as London, Manila, Singapore and Bangkok, to cheer up young people and enable them to shine bright on stage.

About HGC Global Communications Limited

HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC) is a leading Hong Kong and international telecom operator and ICT solution provider. The company owns an extensive network and infrastructure in Hong Kong and overseas and provides various kinds of services. HGC has 23 overseas offices, with business over 5 continents. It provides telecom infrastructure service to other operators and serves as a service provider to corporate and households. The company provides full-fledged telecom, data centre services, ICT solutions and broadband services for local, overseas, corporate and mass markets. HGC owns and operates an extensive fibre-optic network, five cross-border telecom routes integrated into tier-one telecom operators in mainland China and connects with hundreds of world-class international telecom operators. HGC is one of Hong Kong’s largest Wi-Fi service providers, running over 29,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in Hong Kong. The company is committed to further investing and enriching its current infrastructure and, in parallel, adding on top the latest technologies and developing its infrastructure services and solutions. HGC is a portfolio company of I Squared Capital, an independent global infrastructure investment manager focusing on energy, utilities and transport in North America, Europe and selected fast-growing economies.

To learn more, please visit HGC’s website at: www.hgc.com.hk

 

CooTek Announces Receipt of NYSE Non-Compliance Letter

SHANGHAI, Jan. 15, 2022 — CooTek (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: CTK) ("CooTek" or the "Company"), a global mobile internet company, today announced that it has received a letter (the "Letter") from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") dated January 5, 2022 and further e-mail communication on the same date, notifying the Company that (i) it is below compliance standards due to the Company’s total market capitalization and stockholders’ equity, (ii) the due date for the Company to submit a business plan that demonstrates compliance is April 5, 2022 and (iii) the applicable cure period for the Company to regain compliance expires on July 5, 2023.

Pursuant to applicable NYSE continued listing standards, a company would be considered "below criteria" by the NYSE if its total market capitalization is less than US$50 million over a 30 trading-day period and its stockholders’ equity is less than US$50 million. A review of the current financial condition of the Company by the NYSE shows that, as of January 4, 2022, the Company’s 30 trading-day average market capitalization was approximately US$44.2 million and its last reported stockholders’ deficit as of June 30, 2021 was approximately US$(14) million. Accordingly, the Company is now subject to the procedures as set forth in Sections 801 and 802 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, and is required to respond within 90 days of the Letter with a business plan that demonstrates compliance with the continued listing standard within 18 months of receipt of the Letter. The business plan will be reviewed for final disposition by the Listings Operations Committee of the NYSE. The Company’s stockholders’ deficit as of September 30, 2021 was approximately US$(11) million.

To address this issue, CooTek intends to comply with the applicable procedures and is still considering its options to regain compliance.

About CooTek (Cayman) Inc.

CooTek is a mobile internet company with a global vision that offers content-rich mobile applications, focusing on three categories: online literature, scenario-based content apps and mobile games. CooTek’s mission is to empower everyone to enjoy relevant content seamlessly. CooTek’s user-centric and data-driven approach has enabled it to release appealing products to capture mobile internet users’ ever-evolving content needs and helps it rapidly attract targeted users.

For more information on CooTek, please visit https://ir.cootek.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident," "optimistic" and similar statements. CooTek may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about CooTek’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but not limited to the following: CooTek’s mission and strategies; future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; the expected growth of the mobile internet industry and mobile advertising industry; the expected growth of mobile advertising; expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of our products and services; competition in mobile application and advertising industry; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the industry and the development and impacts of COVID-19. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date of the press release, and CooTek does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor enquiries, please contact:

CooTek (Cayman) Inc.
Mr. Robert Yi Cui
Email: IR@cootek.com

ICA Investor Relations (Asia) Limited
Mr. Kevin Yang
Phone: +86-21-8028-6033
E-mail: cootek@icaasia.com

Abracon’s COO, Tony Roybal, Expands Role as President and Chief Operating Officer


AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 15, 2022 — Abracon, LLC (Abracon), an industry leader in passive components, is pleased to announce Tony Roybal’s position as the company’s newly appointed President and Chief Operating Officer. Roybal joined Abracon’s executive leadership team in October 2021 and will continue reporting to CEO, Mike Calabria. In his elevated role, Tony will lead the global sales, engineering, and marketing teams.

Tony Roybal, President and COO
Tony Roybal, President and COO

Roybal began his career in 1991 as a Sales Engineer at Hamilton Avnet before spending 25 years in various leadership positions at Motorola Semiconductor and onsemi. Most recently, as the former President of Avnet Americas for the past three and half years, Roybal spearheaded a strategic turnaround and propelled the business to deliver record results.

"Tony’s outstanding track record and leadership skills support his increased responsibility. His strategic outlook and execution are already taking shape and are playing a central role in our future growth plans," said Calabria.

"Since I joined Abracon, I’ve been impressed with the pace of innovation around new products and our commitment to supporting our customers and channel partners around the globe. I look forward to continuing to support the company’s success by focusing on growth initiatives to take the business to the next level," said Roybal.

About Abracon, LLC

Founded in 1992, Abracon, LLC is an industry leader in passive components, providing frequency control & timing devices, RF & antenna, and inductor & connectivity solutions through a global distribution network. Headquartered in Spicewood, Texas, Abracon has sales, engineering, and operations teams around the globe. With service, quality, and technical expertise at the company’s core, Abracon powers the AEL Crystals, Ecliptek, Fox, ILSI, and the ProAnt brands while enabling innovative, connected IoT solutions in markets spanning data communication, transportation, industrial, medical, aerospace, defense and beyond. Learn more at www.abracon.com.