Category: Machine Learning

MIL-OSI: Briarwood Chase Management increases holding in French AI firm Sidetrade as it accelerates in the US
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Sidetrade, the global leader in AI-powered Order-to-Cash applications, announces that Briarwood Chase Management has increased its stake in the listed company, now holding over 5% of capital since year end 2024.

Briarwood Chase Management, a prominent US-based investment firm, has surpassed the 5% ownership threshold in Sidetrade (Euronext Growth: ALBFR.PA). The decision to build its shareholding follows a comprehensive analysis of the SaaS leader’s economic model and a meeting at Sidetrade’s headquarters, solidifying the firm’s confidence in the CEO’s visionary leadership, its AI roadmap and market potential.

Robert Blatt, Managing Director of Briarwood Chase Management, said: “Our position in Sidetrade underscores our commitment to investing in exceptional businesses and management teams. Sidetrade’s strategic focus on and growth in North America, and exceptional margin potential align with our investment philosophy. In today’s economic environment, Sidetrade distinguishes itself as a robust and high-quality SaaS player, offering built-in growth, strong revenue predictability and recurring income. Furthermore, its status as a sought-after contender in a consolidating market highlights its significant medium-term potential. We are looking forward to being long-term partners to the business and management team.”

Sidetrade, recognized as a leader by top US technology research and consulting firms, is transforming the Order-to-Cash industry by simplifying the daily operations of financial leaders in large organizations to deliver immediate productivity improvements while securing and accelerating cash flow generation. This innovative approach sets new standards and redefines what’s possible in accounts receivable.

“We are very excited to have the trust of Briarwood Chase Management in our growth journey”, Olivier Novasque, CEO of Sidetrade, commented. “After two years of rapid expansion to build a critical foothold in the US, 2024 was a year of strategic consolidation, focusing on strengthening our foundations and fine-tuning our teams. With the US market showing exceptional momentum, we are reigniting investments in 2025 to seize this unparalleled opportunity and drive Sidetrade’s growth to the next level.”

The rapid rise of generative AI and the growing demand for efficiency are leading businesses to adopt cutting-edge technologies like Sidetrade’s. At the heart of Sidetrade’s innovation is Aimie, the most unique AI which – powered by the Sidetrade Data Lake – drives smart customer insights and delivers value for businesses worldwide.

Media relations @Sidetrade
Becca Parlby 00 44 7824 5055 84 bparlby@sidetrade.com

About Sidetrade (www.sidetrade.com)
Sidetrade (Euronext Growth: ALBFR.PA) provides a SaaS platform designed to revolutionize how cash flow is secured and accelerated. Leveraging its next-generation AI, nicknamed Aimie, Sidetrade analyzes $6.1 trillion worth of B2B payment transactions daily in its Cloud, thereby anticipating customer payment behavior and the attrition risk of more than 38 million buyers worldwide. Aimie recommends the best operational strategies, dematerializes and intelligently automates Order-to-Cash processes to enhance productivity, results and working capital across organizations.
Sidetrade has a global reach, with 400+ talented employees based in Europe, the United States and Canada, serving global businesses in more than 85 countries. Amongst them: Bidcorp, Biffa, Bunzl, Engie, Expedia, Inmarsat, KPMG, Lafarge, Manpower, Opentext, Page, Randstad, Saint-Gobain, Securitas, Sodexo, Tech Data, UGI, and Veolia.
Sidetrade is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, adhering to its principles-based approach to responsible business.

For further information, visit us at www.sidetrade.com and follow @Aimie on LinkedIn.
In the event of any discrepancy between the French and English versions of this press release, only the English version is to be taken into account.

Attachment
- Briarwood Chase increases holding in French AI firm Sidetrade as it accelerates in the US
The MIL Network –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: A small consultancy firm in Puerto Rico adopts AI — helping other businesses thrive

Source: Microsoft

Headline: A small consultancy firm in Puerto Rico adopts AI — helping other businesses thrive

Embracing technology to be competitive

Intelligent Economics’ platform runs on Azure App Service, a service for hosting web applications running on Microsoft’s cloud computing services. It also uses Power BI, a set of software services, apps and connectors that turn data into visuals and interactive insights.

The portal was first introduced in 2018 and has been adding new features and improvements continuously since then. A beta version of the AI bot was launched in November for clients to speed up their customized data searches and improve their overall experience.

The bot runs on Azure OpenAI Service with a GPT4 model. It uses Azure AI Foundry and Azure AI Search, a set of tools to build, ground and deploy machine learning models on Azure. Clients’ information and personal data remain anonymous, according to IE, but interactions with the bot are used to fine-tune the bot’s responses, tone and functionality.

The platform and the AI bot are fed with more than 1,000 economic indicators of from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, verified and regularly polished by IE’s economists — from per capita income and inflation data to retail sales and personal consumption aggregates. There is also data for the rest of the US and Latin American countries.

“The most important thing is that it is fed with our database … not from random data found on the internet,” said Chantal Benet, vice president and chief economist at Intelligent Economics.

Additionally, clients can opt to upload their own internal operating data, such as sales data and price tags, which is not shared with others. They can combine local public data with their own to develop business projections.

Monthly and yearly indicators are tracked by Vélez’s group of economists from sometimes scattered and hard to find government websites and public and private sources of economic data. And much of the data is broken down by municipality, providing an exceptionally in-depth view of the state of the local economy.

Clients say they have all the economic data they need to identify regional and local trends in a single place, available around the clock, easy to access and displayed in an enticing manner through customized dashboards and colorful charts.

This real-time access allows them to enhance the efficiency and productivity of daily work and corporate planning, ultimately making them more competitive in a challenging environment.

Vélez has also developed his own economic surveys — he offers an exclusive monthly consumer confidence index — and provides specific daily analysis explaining indicators and economic trends. As the portal is mostly focused on local data, that exclusive analysis gives it an edge over other global platforms of economic content.

The web platform and the AI bot are fed with more than 1,000 economic indicators from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, giving it an edge over other global data platforms. Photo by Brandon Cruz.

Navigating local economics

Thompson, who runs De la Cruz, one of the largest advertising and marketing firms in Puerto Rico with offices in Miami and Colombia, has been a client of Vélez since 2006. He used to receive the data by phone in marathon sessions. Sometimes he could not reach Vélez immediately when he needed him the most.

Now, he says, the platform is saving him a lot of time and headaches. For instance, the portal was instrumental for Thompson to obtain, quickly and easily, the necessary hard data to justify a planned acquisition in the Dominican Republic to his stakeholders and to secure the needed financing.

Sometimes IE’s platform even helps Thompson’s own clients. Recently, it was key to identifying potential new markets and opportunities for a multinational bank that had overhauled its leading team in Puerto Rico and was being advised by De la Cruz.

“Having everything in a single portal speeds up our entire work and analysis process,” Thompson said. “That’s super important for us.”

Tapping into trustworthy information quickly is particularly important in Puerto Rico. The island, a US territory of 3.2 million people, has been immersed in a complex economic downturn since the mid-2000s, according to the World Bank, which coupled with natural disasters and government crises has fueled an unprecedented wave of migration.

“The economic situation in Puerto Rico is atypical enough to always require a short-term outlook to determine your next steps,” says Benet.

Vélez started his career in the island’s government in the early 1990s, working as an economist at the municipality of San Juan. After more than a decade in public service, he founded his own consultancy firm investing his life savings.

From the start, the economist and his team sought ways to stand out from the crowd — in his case, his then four competitors. He now anticipates that digitalization can triple his sales in the next decade and enable him to reach 400 clients without necessarily increasing the current staff.

Benet says the firm is focused on further implementing and expanding their digital journey: “We always knew that technology was the future.”

Top image: Gustavo Vélez and Chantal Benet, president and vice-president of Intelligent Economics, at the consultancy firm’s headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo by Brandon Cruz.

MIL OSI Economics –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Hackers Ramp Up Efficiency, Speed, and Scale in 2024, Targeting Business of All Sizes
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

COLUMBIA, Md., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hackers are getting faster, craftier, and harder to spot. Today, Huntress, the cybersecurity company purpose-built to protect businesses of all sizes, exposes their playbook with the Huntress 2025 Cyber Threat Report, an extensive analysis of hacker activity that draws insights from over three million endpoints across thousands of organizations. The report reveals how threat actors adapted their tradecraft throughout 2024, using sophisticated tools and techniques across industries to maximize efficiency and profits.

In 2024, the gap between attack sophistication on large and smaller businesses nearly disappeared. Hackers took the methods and strategies tested on larger companies and applied them to organizations of every size. Advanced evasion techniques—once exclusive to advanced persistent threats—became the new normal, including endpoint detection and response (EDR) tampering, bring your own vulnerable driver (BYOVD) privilege escalations, and User Account Control (UAC) bypasses.

The takedown of major ransomware groups like LockBit and Dharma didn’t slow down attacks either—it opened the door for smaller, more agile groups and rebranded operations. Among them, Lynx—which shares many similarities with and is widely believed to be a rebranding of INC ransomware—RansomHub, a sub-group of LockBit, and Akira all ramped up their activity significantly compared to 2023.

Over the past year, Huntress tracked ransomware incidents from Lynx, Akira, and RansomHub, with incidents from these groups increasing by 7.9%, 11.6%, and 15.3%, respectively. By giving affiliates higher percentage payouts, often reaching 80–90% of the ransom, and pursuing a quantity-over-quality approach, the three collectively accounted for 54% of all ransomware incidents observed by Huntress in 2024. These groups used ‘smash-and-grab’ tactics, quickly deploying ransomware, demanding payment, and hitting their goals with swift and efficient network infiltration to minimize dwell time and evade detection. While the average time-to-ransom (TTR)—the time from initial access to ransomware deployment—was shy of 17 hours, Akira and RansomHub’s came in around six hours, with Lynx not far behind at seven hours.

“Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) groups like Lynx, Akira, and RansomHub have industrialized cybercrime, adopting a ‘quantity over quality’ approach to maximize profits. By providing affiliates with streamlined playbooks and toolkits, they’ve made launching attacks deceptively simple and incredibly lucrative,” said Greg Linares, Principal Threat Intelligence Analyst. “The rise of RaaS groups such as these has led to increased attacks on businesses of all sizes with sophisticated techniques, once reserved for attacks on large enterprises, now becoming commonplace.”

Key trends in the Huntress 2025 Cyber Threat Report include:
- Education, healthcare, and technology industries were top targets: Education was the most targeted industry by hackers in 2024, making up 21% of all attacks, followed by healthcare (17%) and technology (12%). Hackers used tactics like credential theft, abuse of remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools, and malicious updates disguised as legitimate software to infiltrate educational institutions. Education is often seen as an easy target due to a reliance on shared networks, outdated systems, and lower security budgets, combined with the wealth of sensitive data, like student records and research, that makes these institutions top targets. Beyond that, the potential to disrupt learning processes and administrative functions also puts schools and universities under intense pressure to resolve attacks quickly, often forcing them into ransom payments.
- Infostealers drove initial access and ransomware attacks: Infostealers accounted for nearly a quarter (24%) of all observed incidents, highlighting their role in harvesting credentials, financial data, and sensitive information. Even adware and other unwanted programs, once seen as harmless infections, now have infostealing features that take sensitive data, contributing to a rise in infostealer incidents. Threat actors like Initial Access Brokers (IABs) regularly use infostealers to sell access to businesses, grouping them based on what gets stolen and increasing prices based on the freshness of the data, type of data (like session tokens), and target. Some IABs cherry-pick high-value data to sell to ransomware groups, earning percentages of ransom payments as a finder’s fee.
- Hackers maximized efficiency with automation: The majority (87%) of attacks in 2024 were automated or helped by automated tools, with hackers using malware, scripts, and other automated methods to conduct widespread, low-effort campaigns efficiently. Once attackers got access, they moved to more focused hands-on-keyboard (HOK) activity, representing 13% of activity, where manual actions like lateral movement or domain enumeration were executed. HOK activity spiked in February, June, July, and November 2024, with activity most common between 12:00 UTC and 20:00 UTC—aligning with US East Coast business hours. This timing suggests attackers exploit normal business activity as a cover or need active devices and personnel for social engineering tactics.
- Phishing attacks grew more sophisticated: Phishing is still a key tool for initial access and reconnaissance, with attackers moving towards more sophisticated tactics like QR code phishing and Living Off Trusted Sites (LoTS). QR code phishing—where users are sent an email with a QR embedded that directs to a malicious site—accounted for 8.1% of phishing emails, while 7% involved LoTS, a tactic that abuses legitimate platforms to share malicious documents. These advanced techniques mark a shift toward more targeted and deceptive strategies designed to exploit trust and evade traditional email filters.
“Hacker tradecraft is evolving fast, with ransomware groups growing bolder, attacks becoming harder to detect, and phishing scams reaching new levels of sophistication,” added Jamie Levy, Director, Adversary Tactics. “To stay ahead, organizations need a well-rehearsed incident response plan, ongoing vulnerability assessments, timely patching, and security awareness training that actually sticks. Key controls like endpoint detection and response, network segmentation, and identity and access management are also critical to minimizing risk. With ransomware deployed within hours of initial access, taking proactive steps now is essential to minimizing the impact of a breach.”

Additional resources:
- Get your copy of the Huntress 2025 Cyber Threat Report for insights on ransomware strategies, hacker activity, common tools and techniques, and more.
- Register for the webinar, “Breaking Down The Huntress 2025 Threat Report” on March 3, 2025, for insights from our experts on the latest cyber trends, shady tactics, and tradecraft we exposed in the Huntress 2025 Cyber Threat Report.
- Learn how Huntress protects endpoints, identities, and more with managed detection, investigation, and response.
- Read the Huntress Blog to stay updated on the latest tradecraft and tips to protect your business.
About Huntress
Huntress is the enterprise-grade, people-powered cybersecurity solution for all businesses, not just the 1%. With fully owned technology developed by and for its industry-defining team of security analysts, engineers, and researchers, Huntress elevates underresourced tech teams whether they work within outsourced environments (OIS) or in-house IT and security teams (IIS).

The 24/7 industry-leading Huntress Security Operations Center (SOC) covers cyber threats for OIS and IIS through remediation with a false-positive rate of less than 1%. With a mission to break down barriers to enterprise-level security and always give back more than it takes, Huntress is often the first to respond to major hacks and threats while protecting its partners, and shares tradecraft analysis and threat advisories with the community as they happen.

As long as hackers keep hacking, Huntress keeps hunting. Join the hunt at www.huntress.com and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Huntress Contact:
Aaron Deal
press@huntresslabs.com

The MIL Network –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes Lex Wealth Management

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisors Carmen M. Lex Jr., CFP^®, RICP^®, and Chris Lex, CRPC^®, have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and custodial platforms. The brothers reported serving approximately $630 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and join LPL from Corebridge Financial, formerly Valic, a subsidiary of AIG.

Based in Marlton, N.J., Carmen and Chris have built a reputation for delivering tailored investment strategies and quality service since they teamed up in 2014. They specialize in financial planning, and both have significant experience in pension and social security analysis, including the intricacies of the Public School Employees’ Retirement System. The Lex brothers credit their grandmother and parents as inspiration for their financial journey.

“We had a lot of people who guided us to where we are today, especially our grandmother who taught us the importance of saving from a young age,” said Chris Lex. “That fueled our drive to help others with important financial decisions. We are committed to educating and empowering individuals and families to take control of their financial futures.”

Why they made the move to LPL Financial

After more than 15 years in the industry, Carmen and Chris realized their shared vision for delivering personalized, independent financial guidance. They decided to reshape their approach, prioritize independence and build a firm focused on providing tailored strategies and exceptional client service. This spurred their move to LPL and the creation of Lex Wealth Management.

“As we work with more clients in the distribution phases, we realized there are more personalized options available to us as independent advisors,” said Carmen. “By joining LPL Financial, we’ll benefit from innovative technology, strategic business resources, a comprehensive product selection and the support of an industry-leading wealth management firm. This move gives us everything we need to be better advisors and do right by our clients.”

Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development, said, “We extend a warm welcome to Carmen and Chris and congratulate them on the move to independence. With more freedom and flexibility, financial advisors who choose LPL are able to work more effectively, run thriving practices and create value for the evolving needs of their clients. We look forward to supporting Lex Wealth Management for years to come.”

Related

Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

About LPL Financial

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports nearly 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.7 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Lex Wealth Management and LPL are separate entities.

Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

*Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2024.

Media Contact:
Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com
(704) 996-1840

Tracking #690597

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: QuEra Computing Completes $230M Financing to Accelerate Development of Large-Scale Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computers
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuEra Computing, the leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, today announced it has successfully completed a financing of more than $230 million. The funds will be used to accelerate the development and production of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers, reinforcing the company’s position at the forefront of quantum innovation.

The investment comes from new investors, including Google (previously announced), SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Valor Equity Partners, and others. They join QuEra’s existing investors, including QVT Family Office, Safar Partners, and all other major existing investors, who all participated. Of the $230M, $60 million will be received in the near future upon satisfying a prerequisite funding condition, currently in progress. This financing validates the considerable technical breakthroughs achieved by QuEra in collaboration with Mikhail Lukin, Markus Greiner, and their teams at Harvard, as well as Vladan Vuletic and his team at MIT. This financing was also made possible by QuEra’s commercial progress with major customers such as AIST, as well as the new strategic partnerships the company has cultivated.

“This round represents a significant milestone for QuEra as we continue to deliver on our promise of scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing,” said Andy Ory, Interim CEO of QuEra. “Since our last funding round in 2023, we have achieved impressive scientific, technical, and commercial milestones, which have dramatically increased the value of our business. This new investment will fuel our next phase of growth, enabling us to deliver large-scale quantum solutions that address critical business challenges for our customers.”

“We believe quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize industries, and QuEra is at the forefront of making this technology accessible and transformative,” said Kentaro Matsui, Managing Partner of SoftBank Investment Advisers. “We are excited to support QuEra as it pioneers the next generation of computation, unlocking new possibilities in AI and beyond.”

“As early backers of QuEra, we are pleased to both significantly increase our investment and to welcome this new group of outstanding investors,” said Arthur Chu, QuEra board member and managing member of QVT. “We believe that this new capital will allow QuEra to extend its technological and commercial leadership in fault-tolerant quantum computing.”

Takuya Kitagawa, President of QuEra, says, “We are deeply grateful for the continued confidence of our existing investors and excited to welcome new strategic partners who believe in our team and share our long-term vision. Their support strongly advances our mission: to accelerate innovation by building scalable, useful, and fault-tolerant quantum computers.”

Ed Durkin, CFO of QuEra, added, “We are pleased to announce this very significant and successful financing. All our major existing investors have shown strong support by participating in this transaction, and we are thrilled to welcome such high-quality and knowledgeable new strategic and financial investors like Google and SoftBank Vision Fund, who share our long-term vision. This funding structure, coupled with our growing organic revenue stream, provides flexibility as we hit our development targets and scale production and provides the Company with a very long financial runway over the next several years.”

With this funding, QuEra will:
- Accelerate the development of fault-tolerant quantum computer technology.
- Rapidly expand its team of world-class scientists and engineers, with a focus on technical and scientific talent.
- Strengthening build and test capacity to scale up and meet growing demand for high-performance neutral-atom computers.
- Broaden its portfolio of application co-design, cloud, and on-premises engagements with global research organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and government programs.
QuEra’s continued momentum highlights the growing market demand for fault-tolerant quantum systems, which are poised to revolutionize industries such as finance, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and cybersecurity.

About QuEra
QuEra Computing is the leader in developing and productizing quantum computers using neutral atoms, widely recognized as a highly promising quantum computing modality. Based in Boston and built on pioneering research from Harvard University and MIT, QuEra operates the world’s largest publicly accessible quantum computer, available over a major public cloud and for on-premises delivery. QuEra is developing useful, scalable and fault-tolerant quantum computers to tackle classically intractable problems, becoming the partner of choice in the quantum field. Simply put, QuEra is the best way to quantum. For more information, visit us at quera.com and follow us on X or LinkedIn.

Media Contact
Merrill Freund
press@quera.com
+1-415-577-8637

The MIL Network –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: InStride Launches Capability Accelerators: Tailored Learning for Talent Development
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — InStride, a human capital management company providing workforce education solutions, today announced the launch of its Capability Accelerators. This solution, developed in partnership with some of America’s most innovative companies and leading academic institutions, delivers tailored, role-specific learning paths aligned with business strategy. By combining academic rigor with practical application, these cohort-based programs help top talent build skills that directly impact business performance.

“L&D leaders are searching for education programs that deliver real business outcomes that they can measure,” said Craig Maloney, CEO of InStride. “InStride’s Capability Accelerators are co-designed with employers and academic partners to take employees through cohort- and role-based learning that helps advance their careers as it ties directly to business strategy.”

Build skills, deliver results

InStride’s solution addresses critical skills gaps and workforce demands.
- Contextualized and role-specific academies: Customizable learning tracks built in collaboration with business leaders for specific roles, including first-line managers, manufacturing operations leaders, and early and mid-career healthcare leaders.
- Interactive, cohort-based learning: Learners collaborate in dynamic, applied scenarios while receiving personalized coaching and feedback delivered by real experts and enhanced by advanced AI tools, ensuring rapid skill application and measurable improvement.
- University content with real-world relevance: Programs blend rigorous academic insights with practical tools, equipping employees to tackle today’s challenges and drive innovation.
“InStride is transforming workforce education by building a bridge between rigorous learning and the real-world, corporate context, making these programs highly relevant and impactful,” said Jeff Schulz, VP of Professional Services at InStride. “By focusing on role-specific capabilities and contextualized learning, we’re empowering organizations to build stronger talent pipelines specific to their unique context and prepare future leaders for success.”

Early success stories

InStride’s Capability Accelerators are already making strides in reshaping leadership and talent development:
- Plant Management Accelerator: Created for a Fortune 500 global automotive technology company, this accelerator prepares aspiring plant leaders with skills in financial acumen, manufacturing innovation, and supply chain management, ensuring readiness for critical leadership roles.
- Healthcare Frontline Leadership Accelerators: Designed for a multi-state health system with 40,000 employees and aimed at high-potential individual contributors and first-line managers, these programs build critical patient-centered leadership capabilities, strengthening manager and team performance, and driving internal talent retention and growth.
These early examples illustrate how InStride’s customizable Capability Accelerators address businesses’ unique workforce challenges and strategic goals, offering an alternative to off-the-shelf leadership skill training.

Meeting today’s L&D challenges

The unique value of these programs lies in their ability to tackle the most common pain points faced by L&D leaders:
1. Relevance: Programs are contextualized to each organization’s industry and roles, ensuring practical application of skills.
2. Engagement: Cohort-based learning fosters collaboration and builds a culture of continuous education.
3. Results: The solution delivers measurable business outcomes, from improved employee retention to faster promotion rates.
Whether addressing leadership gaps, building manager capacity, developing AI fluency, or enhancing business acumen, InStride ensures that education investments translate into tangible impact for both employees and organizations.

Learn more about InStride’s Capability Accelerators.

About InStride
InStride is a human capital management company that helps organizations retain talent, upskill employees, and fill critical workforce roles through education programs. By breaking down barriers to learning, fostering career growth aligned with organizational goals, and simplifying program management, InStride delivers lasting impact. Partnering with forward-thinking companies like Labcorp, Adidas, and SSM Health, InStride drives meaningful social and business outcomes by providing access to life-changing education. Visit instride.com or follow InStride on LinkedIn for more information and up-to-date news.

Contact
Maryam Sohraby, Chief Marketing Officer, maryam.sohraby@instride.com, 908-461-0796

The MIL Network –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Italian Operator EOLO Selects Mavenir 5G SA Core for Europe’s First 5G Standalone mmWave FWA Network

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RICHARDSON, Texas, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider building the future of networks, has been selected by innovative telecommunications operator EOLO, Italy’s largest fixed wireless access (FWA) broadband provider, to supply the 5G SA Core for its groundbreaking Gbps fixed wireless access network. The deployment is among the world’s first 5G standalone FWA networks using mmWave and will deliver cost-effective ultrafast broadband internet access to areas across Italy not reached by fiber connectivity.

Mavenir’s 5G SA Core was selected by EOLO for its outstanding levels of flexibility and interoperability. The Mavenir solution will work alongside the User Plane Function (UPF) from 6Wind, marking an industry-first for interoperability and subsequent commercial deployment between Session Management Functions (SMF) and User Plane Functions (UPF) from two different vendors.

The Mavenir 5G SA Core will deliver both IP and Ethernet data units (IPDU and EPDU), which has never previously been achieved in a live environment.

Stefano Cantarelli, Executive Vice President at Mavenir, said: “This is one of the most exciting and innovative 5G FWA deployments in the world – it is pushing boundaries and using the very best 3GPP-based technologies available to deliver rural connectivity against all odds. EOLO has selected best-in-class partners for this project and Mavenir is proud to be a part of that team, bringing our 5G leadership and commitment to flexibility and agility.”

Guido Garrone, CEO at EOLO S.p.A., added: “Mavenir is an excellent team player. Their 5G Core is future-proofed, and the interoperability of their solution has enabled EOLO to choose the best partners for each element of this challenging and innovative new network. The infrastructures that we are building together will complement fiber coverage, playing a pivotal role in strengthening networks and driving the country’s future growth.”

Mavenir offers the industry’s only end-to-end cloud-native network software, with its AI-powered technology enabling energy savings, improved user experience, resource optimisation, enhanced security and fraud protection, and monetization. Its MAVcore^® functions are implemented as microservices running in containers, using open APIs to integrate with 3rd party platforms and observability frameworks. This allows CSPs such as EOLO to roll-out services faster, increase efficiency, and reduce downtime.

Mavenir’s full 5G portfolio will be displayed at the upcoming MWC Barcelona, March 3-6, in Hall 2, Stand 2H60. For more on Mavenir’s presence at the show visit  https://www.mavenir.com/mwc-2025/#request-a-meeting-mwc

About Mavenir:

Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir’s award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com

About EOLO:

EOLO is a national telecommunications operator, leader in ultra-broadband wireless (FWA) for residential and business markets. It ensures high-quality access to Ultra Broadband focusing on areas affected by digital divide. EOLO is a Benefit Corporation and the first Italian telecommunications company to achieve B Corp certification. It covers over 7,000 municipalities with more than 4,100 BTS (radio transmitters). EOLO connects 1.6 million people and 116,000 businesses, public administrations, and professionals. The company relies on a network of over 17,000 individuals, including collaborators, technical installers, and commercial partners across the territory.

More information about EOLO’s services is available at www.eolo.it

Mavenir PR Contact:
Emmanuela Spiteri
PR@mavenir.com

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: HERE Technologies unveils HERE WeGo Pro: a truck navigation app for safer, more efficient fleet operations
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- HERE WeGo Pro delivers precision navigation with multi-stop routing, real-time traffic and truck-specific road alerts
- Features include vehicle-specific routing configuration and predictive ETAs to enhance fleet efficiency for middle and “milk run” logistics
Las Vegas, NV – HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology company, today introduced HERE WeGo Pro, an advanced mobile application for truck navigation designed to address the growing demand for customizable mapping solutions that promote safer and more efficient driving.

Unveiled at the Manifest Supply Chain and Logistics Summit, HERE WeGo Pro offers commercial vehicle fleet operators with optimized, multi-stop routing that takes into account road restrictions and real-time traffic conditions. The HERE WeGo Pro application can also fill the gap for commercial vehicle OEMs lacking built-in navigation systems.

HERE WeGo Pro is tailored for fleet operators that rely on precision navigation and efficiency in middle mile and “milk-run logistics.” This includes Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) services; third-party logistics (3PL); operators of mid-size commercial vehicle fleets; and construction and heavy equipment logistics.

“HERE WeGo Pro offers a smart navigation solution built on high-precision map data, designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s fleet operators,” said Bart Coppelmans, Senior Director of Product Management at HERE Technologies. “It provides fleet operators with an application that delivers maps to drivers and advanced location services that stay up to date, helping them navigate efficiently, optimize multi-stop deliveries, and stay compliant with increasingly complex regulatory requirements.”

HERE WeGo Pro Key Features

Comprehensive Global Road Coverage

The HERE WeGo Pro application is built on the company’s enterprise-grade map data with truck-specific attributes, available in 75+ countries. Users to save their vehicle profiles, ensuring that routes are optimized based on truck-specific constraints, including height, weight, width, time-of-day restrictions and vehicle type. This level of precision enhances safety, improves compliance and prevents costly detours.

Predictive ETAs Based on Dynamic Conditions

HERE WeGo Pro delivers up-to-date estimated arrival times (ETAs) by factoring in real-time traffic, weather and historical data, helping fleet managers and customers plan deliveries with confidence. This eliminates reliance on outdated, static traffic pattern data, keeping deliveries on schedule.

Optimized Multi-Stop Tours

Designed for complex delivery schedules, the multi-stop feature of HERE WeGo Pro enables fleets to import tour plans for efficient routing that minimizes fuel consumption, reduces drive time and takes truck specific constraints into account.

Real-time Data Feedback, AI Assistance & Customizable Map Configurations

HERE WeGo Pro provides drivers with an intuitive and easy-to-use feature for reporting live road conditions and map updates to HERE. This feedback loop helps to improve data freshness and map accuracy.

Future versions of HERE WeGo Pro will include the recently launched HERE AI Assistant, along with features to establish site-specific rules and customized route preferences, enabling precise navigation tailored to their unique operational needs and for companies that want more control over the routing experience.

Commercial drivers and fleet operators will be able to leverage the HERE AI Assistant to optimize routes based on time or cost constraints and quickly adapt to changing road conditions for seamless and efficient operations. The ability to control the application with natural language through the HERE AI Assistant helps keep drivers focused on the road ahead for increased safety.

Built for Fleet Operators with Seamless Integrations

Fleet management companies and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) can seamlessly integrate the HERE WeGo Pro application into their operations for enhanced routing capabilities.

The application connects planning, routing and delivery analysis, offering fleets an end-to-end navigation and logistics solution. Additionally, HERE WeGo Pro integrates with the company’s suite of APIs, including HERE Tour Planning and HERE Tracking to provide a unified fleet management experience.

HERE WeGo Pro is an out-of-the-box navigation solution for fleets built on top of the HERE SDK. For those fleets who may choose to build their own navigation application using HERE’s suite of APIs, information about HERE Software Development Kit (SDK) for navigation can be found here.

Experience HERE WeGo Pro at Manifest 2025

Manifest 2025 attendees can explore how HERE WeGo Pro transforms fleet navigation by visiting Booth 822. To learn more about HERE WeGo Pro visit: https://www.here.com/products/wego-pro

About HERE

HERE has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for 40 years. Today, the HERE location platform is recognized as the most complete in the industry, powering location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe. From autonomous driving and seamless logistics to new mobility experiences, HERE allows its partners and customers to innovate while retaining control over their data and safeguarding privacy. Find out how HERE is moving the world forward at https://www.here.com.

Media Contacts

Jordan Stark

+1 312 316 4537

jordan.stark@here.com

Dr. Sebastian Kurme

+49 173 515 3549

sebastian.kurme@here.com

Camy Cheng

+65 9088 4127

Camy.cheng@here.com

Attachments

The MIL Network –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Future AGI launches world’s most accurate multimodal AI evaluation tool

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

San Francisco, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While enterprise AI adoption accelerates, 85% of AI projects fail to meet expectations due to accuracy and reliability challenges in tooling*. Current tools lack the depth to provide actionable insights, leaving teams with vague evaluations without identifying root causes or improvement strategies.

Today, Future AGI announces a $1.6M pre-seed funding round to scale its AI lifecycle management platform that enables enterprises to build and maintain high-performing AI applications with unprecedented accuracy. The funding round is co-led by Powerhouse Ventures and Snow Leopard Ventures, with participation from Angellist Quant Fund, Swadharma Source Ventures, Saka Ventures and a marquee group of 30+ industry stalwarts and angels.

Future AGI founders: Nikhil Pareek and Charu Gupta.

Current AI tooling falls short in several critical areas—ranging from generating high-quality synthetic data and providing granular error analysis to enabling effective feedback and optimization loops—leaving cross-functional teams of subject matter experts, data scientists, and software developers without clear pathways to improvement. Most evaluations remain manual and superficial, with developers often defaulting to guesswork or “vibe checks” rather than informed experimentation. This fragmented ecosystem, coupled with limited domain expertise in tooling usage, makes it exceedingly difficult to pinpoint where models fail, devise data-driven remediation strategies, and ultimately treat AI development with the same rigor as modern software engineering.

Building trustworthy high-performing AI applications is complex — requiring rapid iterations across models, prompts, and data while safeguarding against harmful outputs. Future AGI’s platform streamlines this entire lifecycle with rapid experimentation, deep multi-modal evaluations, real-time observability, and continuous improvement capabilities. The platform’s proprietary technology includes advanced evaluation systems for text and images, agent optimizers, and auto-annotation tools that can reduce AI product development time by up to 95%. Users can complete evaluations in minutes and automatically optimize their AI systems for production, eliminating manual overhead and ensuring consistent performance.

“AI is becoming the new software, but its widespread adoption faces a critical challenge – reliability and accuracy at scale,” said Nikhil Pareek, CEO of Future AGI. “Today’s AI systems are probabilistic and error-prone, with improvement cycles taking 6-8 months. We’re building the foundational layer that ensures AI systems are trustworthy and reliable in production. Our platform isn’t just about workflow automation – we’re creating the data layer that continuously monitors, evaluates, and improves AI systems across multimodal interactions.”
FutureAGI is making significant strides across various industries. A Series E sales-tech company leveraged FutureAGI’s LLM Experimentation Hub to achieve an impressive 99% accuracy in agentic pipeline, accelerating their processes 10 times faster than previous methods, compressing weeks of work into just hours. This transformation has drastically improved their capacity for delivering personalized customer interactions at scale.

In another case, an AI image generation company utilized FutureAGI’s platform to streamline its image generation pipeline, resulting in a remarkable 90% reduction in costs by decreasing reliance on human evaluators while maintaining 99% accuracy for catalog and marketing images. These examples highlight FutureAGI’s ability to optimize operations and drive substantial cost savings while enhancing performance.

The platform’s capabilities extend beyond pure software applications to hardware AI agents in robotics and autonomous vehicles, where accuracy requirements are even more stringent. Future AGI’s synthetic data generation and evaluation systems enable companies to simulate edge cases and validate AI models under various real-world conditions before deployment.

Future AGI was the genesis of Nikhil Pareek and Charu Gupta and was born out of founders’ frustration with the growing challenges in data collection, annotation, and training model readiness. Each iteration magnified these issues, and through conversations with fellow AI builders, they realized this problem was widespread. Nikhil Pareek is a former AI founder, with multiple patents and research papers, comes with experience ranging from building autonomous drones to tackling complex data science challenges for Fortune 50 companies. Charu Gupta is a veteran in revenue growth, having successfully navigated multiple startups from inception to achieving revenues of up to $100 million.

Future AGI team.

With a powerful team of 30 AI researchers and ML engineers—hailing from Microsoft, Amazon, and other top tech giants—alongside alumni from Ivy League and premier institutions, they bring deep expertise in AI innovation, published research, and patented technologies. Together, the team is tackling one of AI’s most formidable challenges—redefining accuracy and trust in AI at an unprecedented scale’

“The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, and one of the biggest challenges enterprises face today is ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their AI applications,” said Sri Peddu, General Partner at Powerhouse Ventures “Future AGI’s innovative approach to solving this critical problem through their comprehensive AI lifecycle management platform positions them uniquely in the market. We believe their solution will be instrumental in helping companies achieve the highest accuracy levels required for production-grade AI applications.”

“We believe great people build great companies, and we know from our data that Future AGI is one of the top early-stage startups for attracting the best job applicants on Wellfound (fka AngelList Talent)” said Abraham Othman, PhD, managing partner of the AngelList Early-Stage Quant Fund.

The timing for this challenge becomes especially critical as organizations transition from experimental AI implementations to business-critical applications, and as major players like Meta, Google, and Anthropic rapidly expand into multimodal AI — combining text, images, audio, and video. This evolution of AI has intensified market demand for solutions that can effectively manage the trustworthiness and reliability of AI products by ensuring accuracy.

Looking ahead, Future AGI will use the new funding to accelerate product development and grow its engineering and growth teams while strengthening its proprietary technology stack. The company has offices in the Bay Area and its R&D center in Bangalore, positioning it to serve the growing global demand for reliable AI solutions.

Ends
*Gartner, Gartner Business Insights, Strategies & Trends For Executives

Media images can be found here.

About Future AGI
Future AGI is a venture-backed AI infrastructure company founded by seasoned entrepreneurs with deep expertise in AI and business scaling. Led by a technical founder with multiple patents and an experienced business leader, the company is transforming how enterprises build and maintain high-quality AI products. Our platform dramatically reduces the time and effort needed to achieve reliable AI systems, enabling organizations to confidently deploy AI across their operations. With a growing roster of clients and POCs, Future AGI is positioned to become the foundation for trustworthy AI development.

Founded in 2024 and headquartered in the US with an R&D center in India, Future AGI’s proprietary technology includes advanced evaluation systems for text and images, auto-tuning prompt optimizers, and auto-annotation tools that can reduce AI product development time by up to 95%. The company serves a diverse client base ranging from late-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping them achieve and maintain 99% accuracy in their AI applications.

Powerhouse Ventures
Powerhouse Ventures (PV) is a Singapore-based early-stage Venture Capital firm with an investment focus on startups emerging from India and the United States. PV supports early-stage companies in high-growth sectors where technology is the driver. Currently, PV manages an active portfolio of 40+ companies spread across India, the United States, and Singapore and includes category-defining companies such as Whatfix, Slintel, Medibuddy, Quizizz, DailyRounds/Marrow, Sybill, etc.

Snow Leopard Ventures
Snow Leopard Ventures/Snow Leopard Global Capital Management is a global alternative asset manager investing largely proprietary capital with offices in Pune, India and New York, NY. The firm invests across multiple industries and across different stages, from pre-seed through pre-IPO.

AngelList Early Stage Quant Fund
The AngelList Early Stage Quant Fund is a data-driven investment fund that has raised $25 million to invest in over 100 early-stage startups in technology, data, and finance sectors, leveraging advanced analytics to enhance decision-making.

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Cangrade Includes New AI Products in its Women- and Minority-Owned Business Discount, Making Intelligent Talent Decisions Accessible to All

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WATERTOWN, Mass., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cangrade today announced a women- and minority-owned business discount for Jules—the company’s first AI Copilot created to help human resources (HR) professionals make more strategic talent decisions. The addition of Jules to this discount will further enhance businesses’ hiring and talent management decisions by leveraging the valuable data they already have.

Jules gathers intelligence from Cangrade’s talent assessment to answer important questions and uncover insights about everything from hiring and employee growth and development to personal motivators and strategies for improvement. By arming women- and minority-led businesses with powerful and accessible talent intelligence, personalized strategies, and performance predictions, Cangrade aims to even the playing field for those looking to hire and retain top talent.

In honor of Black and Women’s History Months, respectively, Jules is now included in the 35 percent discount on Cangrade’s hiring software. The discount represents the 35 percent of black business owners who are women, 35 percent of women who hold tech positions, the nearly $35,000 less that female entrepreneurs ask for compared to men, and the $35,000 less in startup capital that black entrepreneurs receive on average compared to white ones.

With the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives uncertain, one thing remains true: the ability to create better teams attracts better talent. Jules not only helps companies build better teams, but provides the intelligence to support them. Operating as an AI-powered I/O psychologist, Jules enables users to achieve success in areas from performance optimization and crafting the perfect offer letter, to navigating difficult conversations and motivating individuals.

“Over the last several years companies have followed the latest trends in DEI, creating initiatives with good intentions, but in reality were overly performative and ineffective,” said Gershon Goren, Founder and CEO, Cangrade. “We’re putting our money where our mouth is, providing valuable resources that measurably increase the accuracy of performance predictions and remove biases from the hiring process. The result is a stronger and more inclusive workforce.”

For eligible businesses, learn more about our women and minority-owned business discount here. For more information about Cangrade’s AI-powered, bias-free hiring and talent management solutions, visit www.cangrade.com.

About Cangrade
For HR leaders, Cangrade is the bias-free, AI-powered talent intelligence platform. By integrating data into talent acquisition and management processes, Cangrade enables businesses to make strategic and efficient decisions from initial screening through the entire employee lifecycle. Delivering 10x more accurate predictions of talent success and retention than traditional methods, the company’s Pre-Hire Assessment has helped organizations like Wayfair, FDNY, Lamar Advertising, and Applied Industrial Technologies make the right hiring decisions for over 10 million candidates and counting. For more information, visit www.cangrade.com.

Media Contact:
Gina Devine
Public Relations
press@cangrade.com

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Wesco To Double Number of Stores Using Mashgin AI-Powered Checkout

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After a highly successful initial deployment, Wesco convenience stores will expand its use of Mashgin’s AI-powered checkout technology to over 20 locations, Mashgin, the AI-powered checkout company, announced today.

Mashgin’s AI technology eliminates checkout lines, creating a more efficient and customer-friendly shopping experience for stores, particularly during peak transaction times. The kiosks use computer vision to instantly ring up items, without the need to scan barcodes. Customers simply place their items down and are ready to pay. The kiosk can identify multiple items simultaneously in seconds with nearly 100% accuracy.

During the Wesco pilot program, Mashgin kiosks accelerated nearly half a million transactions at over 10 Wesco locations with a median transaction time of 18.7 seconds. Customers at the Wesco stores were able to get back on the road quicker, and Wesco associates were able to attend to other tasks around the store faster.

“Our customers have quickly taken to love Mashgin’s machines – and we’ve loved working with them,” said Nancy Westgate-Sytsema, Co-President of Wesco. “Both the technology and the team are extremely responsive, exactly what we look for in a technology partner.”

Wesco’s expansion will benefit from Mashgin’s integration with Verifone’s Commander system, which seamlessly connects the AI checkout kiosks to key store systems for payment, loyalty, fuel, and more.

“Wesco is enhancing its already fantastic customer experience with this expanded adoption of Mashgin’s technology,” said Jack Hogan, SVP of Partnerships at Mashgin. “Convenience store customers are looking for a quick and efficient buying experience, and by leveraging computer vision technology, a vast database of retail items, and a dedicated support team, Mashgin enables this experience for Wesco and its customers. We’re looking forward to serving and helping expand Wesco’s retail capabilities.”

Mashgin kiosks are in place at over 4,000 locations globally, including over 3,000 convenience stores, 145 professional stadiums and arenas, 100 hospitals, and 50 airports.

Mashgin will continue to innovate checkout experiences by implementing advanced technologies that benefit retailers and their customers. To learn more, visit www.mashgin.com.

About Mashgin:

Mashgin is the world’s fastest checkout system, powered by AI and computer vision. By eliminating barcode scanning, Mashgin allows customers to simply place items on the tray, pay, and be on their way in under 10 seconds. With checkout speeds up to four times faster than traditional systems, Mashgin not only enhances customer satisfaction but also boosts revenue for retailers by reducing wait times and streamlining operations. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Mashgin is a privately held company backed by NEA, Matrix Partners, Susa Ventures, and Y Combinator. Follow Mashgin on LinkedIn or learn more about Mashgin at www.mashgin.com.

Press Contact:
Quinn Trask
104 West on behalf of Mashgin
Quinn.Trask@104west.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2e6a718a-551d-421d-973f-30cdf4f92c62

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Research from QphoX, Rigetti, and Qblox Demonstrating Optical Readout Technique for Superconducting Qubits Published in Nature Physics

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DELFT, The Netherlands and Berkeley, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QphoX B.V., a Dutch quantum technology startup that is developing leading frequency conversion systems for quantum applications, Rigetti Computing, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGTI), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, and Qblox, a leading innovator in quantum control stack development, today announced that their joint research demonstrating the ability to readout superconducting qubits with an optical transducer was published in Nature Physics.

Quantum computing has the potential to drive transformative breakthroughs in fields such as advanced material design, artificial intelligence, and drug discovery. Of the quantum computing modalities, superconducting qubits are a leading platform towards realizing a practical quantum computer given their fast gate speeds and ability to leverage existing semiconductor industry manufacturing techniques. However, fault-tolerant quantum computing will likely require 10,000 to a million physical qubits. The sheer amount of wiring, amplifiers and microwave components required to operate such large numbers of qubits far exceeds the capacity of modern-day dilution refrigerators, a core component of a superconducting quantum computing system, in terms of both space and passive heat load.

A potential solution to this problem may be to replace coaxial cables and other cryogenic components with optical fibers, which have a considerably smaller footprint and negligible thermal conductivity. The challenge lies in converting the microwave signals used to control qubits into infrared light that can be transmitted through fiber. This is where microwave-to-optical transduction comes into play, a field dedicated to the coherent conversion of microwave photons to optical photons. QphoX has developed transducers with piezo-optomechanical technology that are capable of performing this conversion, forming an interface between superconducting qubits and fiber-optics.

To demonstrate the potential of this technology, QphoX, Rigetti and Qblox connected a transducer to a superconducting qubit, with the goal of measuring its state using light transmitted through an optical fiber. The results of this collaborative effort have been published in Nature Physics. Remarkably, it was discovered that not only is the transducer capable of converting the signal that reads out the qubit, but that the qubit can also be sufficiently protected from decoherence introduced by thermal noise or stray optical photons from the transducer during operation.

“Microwave-to-optics transduction is a rapidly emerging technology with far-reaching implications for quantum computing. Our work demonstrates that transducers are now ready to interface with superconducting qubit technology. This is an exciting and crucial demonstration, with the potential for this technology being far reaching and potentially transformative for the development of quantum computers,” says Dr. Thierry van Thiel, lead author of the work and Lead Quantum Engineer at QphoX.

“Developing more efficient ways to design our systems is key as we work towards fault tolerance. This innovative, scalable approach to qubit signal processing is the result of our strong partnerships with QphoX and Qblox and showcases the value of having a modular technology stack. By allowing our partners to integrate their technology with ours, we are able to discover creative ways to solve long-standing engineering challenges,” says Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO.

“Realizing industrial-scale quantum computers comes with solving several critical bottlenecks. Many of these lie in the scalability of the readout and control of qubits. As Qblox is entirely focused on exactly this theme, we are proud to be part of this pivotal demonstration that shows that QphoX microwave-to-optical transducers are a solid route to scalable quantum computing. We look forward to the next steps with Rigetti and QphoX to scale up this technology,” says Dr. Niels Bultink, Qblox CEO.

About QphoX
QphoX is the leading developer of quantum transduction systems that enable quantum computers to network over optical frequencies. Leveraging decades of progress in photonic, MEMS and superconducting device nanofabrication, their single-photon interfaces bridge the gap between microwave, optical and telecom frequencies to provide essential quantum links between computation, state storage and networking. QphoX is based in Delft, the Netherlands. See https://www.qphox.eu/ for more information.

About Rigetti
Rigetti is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The Company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. In 2021, Rigetti began selling on-premises quantum computing systems with qubit counts between 24 and 84 qubits, supporting national laboratories and quantum computing centers. Rigetti’s 9-qubit Novera™ QPU was introduced in 2023 supporting a broader R&D community with a high-performance, on-premises QPU designed to plug into a customer’s existing cryogenic and control systems. The Company’s proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides high-performance integration with public and private clouds for practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The Company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Learn more at https://www.rigetti.com/.

About Qblox
Qblox is a leading provider of scalable and modular qubit control stacks. Qblox operates at the frontier of the quantum revolution in supporting academic and industrial labs worldwide. The Qblox control stack, known as the Cluster, combines key technologies for qubit control and readout and supports a wide variety of qubit technologies. Qblox has grown to 130+ employees and continues to innovate to enable the quantum industry. Learn more at https://www.qblox.com/.

Reference
T.C. van Thiel, M.J. Weaver, F. Berto, P. Duivestein, M. Lemang, K.L. Schuurman, M. Žemlička, F. Hijazi, A.C. Bernasconi, C. Ferrer, E. Cataldo, E. Lachman, M. Field, Y. Mohan, F.K. de Vries, C.C. Bultink, J.C. van Oven, J.Y. Mutus, R. Stockill, and S. Gröblacher, Optical readout of a superconducting qubit using a piezo-optomechanical transducer, Nature Physics, 11 February 2025.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-024-02742-3

QphoX Media Contact
Simon Gröblacher, CEO
press@qphox.eu

Rigetti Media Contact
Rebecca Malamud, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager
press@rigetti.com

Qblox Media Contact
Eva Flipse, Head of Marketing
eflipse@qblox.com

Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this communication may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company’s expectations with respect to its future success and performance, including expectations with respect to the ability to use an optical transducer to perform readout on the Company’s superconducting qubits; the potential with respect to quantum computing driving transformative breakthroughs in fields such as advanced material design, artificial intelligence, and drug discovery; the number of qubits necessary to reach fault tolerance; potential to replace coaxial cables and other cryogenic components with optical fibers; the ability to convert microwave signals used to control qubits into infrared light that can be transmitted through fiber; expectations of using optical transducers to protect a qubit from decoherence introduced by thermal noise or stray optical photons; readiness of interfacing optical transducers with semiconducting qubit technology; expectations with respect to scaling to create larger qubit systems without sacrificing gate performance using the Company’s modular chip architecture, including expectations with respect to the Company’s anticipated systems; expectations with respect to the Company’s partners and customers and the quantum computing plans and activities thereof; and expectations with respect to the anticipated stages of quantum technology maturation, including the Company’s ability to develop a quantum computer that is able to solve practical, operationally relevant problems significantly better, faster, or cheaper than a current classical solution and achieve quantum advantage on the anticipated timing or at all; expectations with respect to the quantum computing industry and related industries. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to achieve milestones, technological advancements, including with respect to its technology roadmap, help unlock quantum computing, and develop practical applications; the ability of the Company to obtain government contracts successfully and in a timely manner and the availability of government funding; the potential of quantum computing; the ability of the Company to expand its QPU sales and the Novera QPU Partnership Program; the success of the Company’s partnerships and collaborations; the Company’s ability to accelerate its development of multiple generations of quantum processors; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or others; the ability to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and attract and retain management and key employees; costs related to operating as a public company; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, or competitive factors; the Company’s estimates of expenses and profitability; the evolution of the markets in which the Company competes; the ability of the Company to implement its strategic initiatives, expansion plans and continue to innovate its existing services; the expected use of proceeds from the Company’s past and future financings or other capital; the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources; unfavorable conditions in the Company’s industry, the global economy or global supply chain, including financial and credit market fluctuations and uncertainty, rising inflation and interest rates, disruptions in banking systems, increased costs, international trade relations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare (such as the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions and the state of war between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and related threat of a larger conflict), and terrorist attacks; the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the continued listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Varonis at ViVE 2025: Reduce the PHI Blast Radius and Safely Enable AI With Automation

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MIAMI, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Varonis Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRNS), a leader in data security, today announced its upcoming participation at ViVE 2025, February 16 – 19 in Nashville, Tenn.

Today’s bad actors don’t break in — they log in. Varonis secures PHI by limiting an organization’s blast radius — all the damage an attacker can do with just one comprised identity — in SaaS, IaaS, and hybrid environments. By ensuring only the right users can access the data they need, Varonis helps organizations maintain compliance with evolving HIPAA regulations and protect against overexposure.

Varonis Highlights at ViVE 2025:

Meet Varonis in Person: Visit Varonis at Viosk #2825 inside the Cybersecurity Pavillion for 1:1 demos and giveaways. Learn how the Varonis Data Security Platform helps hospitals and healthcare systems secure sensitive patient data, automate compliance, and reduce ransomware risk.

Expert Session: “PHI-ght for Your Right to AI Party!” Varonis Field CTO Brian Vecci will shed light on the crucial need for healthcare organizations to gain visibility into AI use, data access, and PHI exposure. He’ll discuss how healthcare leaders can meet current requirements and adapt to future HIPAA changes.

Date: Tuesday, February 18 at 2 p.m. CT
Location: Cybersecurity Pavilion

Additional Resources

About Varonis
Varonis (Nasdaq: VRNS) is a leader in data security, fighting a different battle than conventional cybersecurity companies. Our cloud-native Data Security Platform continuously discovers and classifies critical data, removes exposures, and detects advanced threats with AI-powered automation.

Thousands of organizations worldwide trust Varonis to defend their data wherever it lives — across SaaS, IaaS, and hybrid cloud environments. Customers use Varonis to automate a wide range of security outcomes, including data security posture management (DSPM), data classification, data access governance (DAG), data detection and response (DDR), data loss prevention (DLP), and insider risk management.

Varonis protects data first, not last. Learn more at www.varonis.com.

Investor Relations Contact:
Tim Perz
Varonis Systems, Inc.
646-640-2112
investors@varonis.com

News Media Contact:
Rachel Hunt
Varonis Systems, Inc.
877-292-8767 (ext. 1598)
pr@varonis.com

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: AvePoint Launches the Next Generation of Elements to Modernize Managed Services for MSPs
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AvePoint (Nasdaq: AVPT), the global leader in data security, governance and resilience, today announced the launch of the next generation of AvePoint Elements to transform managed service providers’ (MSPs) client, cloud, and tenant management with an AI-enhanced platform for data security, IT management, and operational efficiency. Launching the next generation of AvePoint Elements underscores the Company’s continued investment in its channel business, which makes up over half of its annual recurring revenue (ARR), by equipping partners with new security-centric recurring revenue streams through a seamless, all-in-one platform.

“Our partners have a massive opportunity to unlock new recurring revenue streams through security, backup, workspace management and compliance services this year,” said Coby Liang, Head of EMEA, AvePoint. “Our Elements Platform empowers MSPs to deploy standardized security and compliance configurations consistently across multiple tenants, helping them efficiently manage increasing data volumes and complex environments, thus driving growth and capitalizing on the expanding cybersecurity market.”

According to Canalys, over 90% of cybersecurity solutions will be partner-delivered in 2025. MSPs using the next generation of AvePoint Elements can secure client data and build additional service offerings to rapidly tap into this opportunity without needing additional resources. Benefits include:
- Enhanced operational efficiency: Without a unified platform, MSPs face complex client management, slow onboarding and issue resolution, and a lack of integration for various tools. AvePoint Elements integrates with AvePoint’s award-winning compliance and data protection solutions and features seamless API integrations, enabling automation and remote management for efficient service delivery. Additionally, it provides centralized baseline management and workspace governance, ensuring consistency and efficient lifecycle management across customer tenants.
- Increased profitability: AvePoint Elements automates manual tasks and simplifies transactions between partners and their customers, empowering MSPs to focus on value-added services and lower their operational costs. With AvePoint’s multi-SaaS support, MSPs can serve customers across clouds from within one platform, driving their total addressable markets up with one vendor and providing more opportunities to offer security, backup and compliance services.
- Seamless scalability: The AvePoint Elements Platform offers centralized management for multi-tenant configurations so MSPs can deploy, track and enforce security and compliance across multiple tenants. Using automation to scale, this enables MSPs to increase total volume of data managed and secured and standardize their onboarding process for new customers.
- Advanced security and control: Without centralized policies, MSPs lack visibility, are at high risk of non-compliance and have inadequate threat protection. With proactive security monitoring and automated policy enforcement through AvePoint Elements, MSPs can ensure robust protection and premium data security to all customers from one platform.
“MSPs have significant revenue opportunities surrounding multi-cloud data security and workspace management, especially when they offer more than one solution to their customers within a managed service,” said Scott Sacket, Senior Vice President of Partner Strategy, AvePoint. “Through our private preview, partners have already seen a 40% increase in average revenue per user when they integrate more than two solutions into a managed service. On top of that, our private preview partners saw that time wasted on operations and infrastructure, which can take away from valuable service delivery and customer care, has already been reduced by 85%.”

To learn more about the next generation of AvePoint Elements, visit our website.

About AvePoint:

Securing the Future. AvePoint is a global leader in data security, governance, and resilience, and over 21,000 customers worldwide rely on our solutions to modernize the digital workplace across Microsoft, Google, Salesforce and other collaboration environments. AvePoint’s global channel partner program includes over 3,500 managed service providers, value added resellers and systems integrators, with our solutions available in more than 100 cloud marketplaces. To learn more, visit www.avepoint.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws including statements regarding the future performance of and market opportunities for AvePoint. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which AvePoint operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting AvePoint’s business and changes in AvePoint’s ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and ability to identify and realize additional opportunities, and the risk of downturns in the market and the technology industry. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of AvePoint’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Copies of these and other documents filed by AvePoint from time to time are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and AvePoint does not assume any obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. AvePoint does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this press release to the terms “AvePoint”, “the Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” refer to AvePoint, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Disclosure Information:

AvePoint uses the https://www.avepoint.com/ir website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

Investor Contact
AvePoint
Jamie Arestia
ir@avepoint.com
(551) 220-5654

Media Contact
AvePoint
Nicole Caci
pr@avepoint.com
(201) 201-8143

The MIL Network –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: ControlUp Launches ControlUp for Apps, Expands DEX Platform Support for SaaS and Web Applications
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ControlUp, at the forefront of Digital Employee Experience (DEX) management, today announced the launch of ControlUp for Apps, a new addition to its acclaimed ControlUp ONE DEX platform. ControlUp for Apps provides unparalleled real-time visibility and proactive management for SaaS and web applications, addressing critical visibility gaps that IT teams face in today’s era of hybrid and composite employee workspaces.

The use of SaaS applications is exploding, creating new security and management challenges. According to the 2024 Gartner^® Magic Quadrant™ for SaaS Management Platforms¹, “Through 2027, organizations that fail to centrally manage SaaS life cycles will remain five times more susceptible to a cyber incident or data loss due to incomplete visibility into SaaS usage and configuration.” And further, “Through 2027, organizations that fail to attain centralized visibility and coordinate SaaS life cycles will overspend on SaaS by at least 25% due to unused entitlements and unnecessary, overlapping tools.”

“ControlUp for Apps represents a pivotal advancement in how IT teams manage and optimize the performance of the SaaS and web applications employees increasingly rely on to get work done,” said Guy Weintraub, Vice President of Product, ControlUp. “Using our deep insights and exclusive issue resolution processes, ControlUp for Apps is uniquely positioned to transform the service desk’s approach to application management, without requiring dedicated domain training or expertise, making a significant impact on organizational security and productivity.”

Easy to use with fast time to value, ControlUp for Apps enables IT teams to quickly identify and resolve issues specific to employee experiences or broader systemic problems without the need for specialized SaaS expertise. This capability is crucial, given the increasing reliance on diverse and complex applications in enterprise environments. Key features for a range of use cases include:
- For the IT Service Desk: Enhanced service desk efficiency by integrating key performance metrics and errors into ControlUp ONE’s existing employee-centric views. It allows service desk teams to quickly pinpoint issues across the end user’s digital workplace, aiding in the rapid identification and remediation of root causes related to SaaS or web application issues. This improved troubleshooting capability ensures that end users can return to peak productivity without unnecessary delays or escalations.
- For IT Desktop Teams: Provides IT desktop teams with enhanced visibility into the digital workplace experience by monitoring SaaS and web applications in real time. This visibility is crucial for identifying and addressing blind spots that often cause delays and miscommunications among technology teams. With ControlUp for Apps, desktop teams gain the insights needed to preemptively address issues, without requiring domain-specific expertise or training, reducing the finger-pointing that can occur between technology owners.
- For IT Operations: Offers IT operations teams comprehensive health and usage insights for all monitored SaaS and web applications. The platform’s intuitive dashboards display detailed performance data, enabling proactive management of application health. This capability ensures that IT can maintain high levels of service continuity and application availability, which is critical for supporting the productivity of the modern workforce.
ControlUp for Apps integrates technology acquired from Avanite, a pioneer in user and browser management technology which became part of the ControlUp innovation engine in November 2023. ControlUp for Apps is tightly integrated into the ControlUp ONE platform and utilizes features such as custom reporting, alerting, and data export automation to enrich the existing SaaS and web application data that ControlUp already provides through features such as synthetic monitoring and Secure DX User Risk Analytics.

ControlUp for Apps is available now for physical endpoints as part of the ControlUp ONE platform. For more information, read this blog, join our upcoming webinar on February 19th, 11 A.M. ET, or start a free trial here.

About ControlUp
ControlUp eliminates digital workplace friction for both IT teams and employees, fostering a productive, high-performing work environment. By enhancing the digital experience across any environment with actionable, AI-driven insights and proactive remediation tools, ControlUp’s scalable Digital Employee Experience (DEX) platform reduces the cost and complexity of workspace management while boosting efficiency and delivering measurable ROI across the organization. Nearly 2,000 customers worldwide, including more than one-third of the Fortune 100, trust ControlUp. Learn more at https://www.controlup.com.

Press Contacts:
ControlUp PR
media@controlup.com

¹Gartner^® Magic Quadrant™ for SaaS Management Platforms, September 2024, by Tom Cipolla, Yolanda Harris, Jaswant Kalay, Dan Wilson, Ron Blair, Lina Al Dana. GARTNER and Magic Quadrant are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

The MIL Network –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Influence on Healthcare Market Expected to Generate Revenues of $610 Billion By 2034

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The growing adoption of the digital technologies in the healthcare sector owing to the growing need for reducing the healthcare costs and offer enhanced quality patient care services to the patients are the prominent factors that are boosting the growth of the global artificial intelligence in healthcare market. The surging prevalence of various chronic diseases and growing elderly population is resulting in the increased pool of patients at hospitals. The large volume of patient health data is generated every day, which is required to be stored and managed effectively. The growing demand for the personalized medicines and the necessity of maintaining digital health records are significantly driving the artificial intelligence in healthcare market. The novel technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning are now being integrated to the healthcare systems that will allow the health professionals in early identification of the diseases and offer enhanced care services to the patients. Moreover, the data analytics, deep learning technology, natural language processing (NPL), predictive analytics, and content analytics are supporting the healthcare professionals in early diagnosis and care services. A report from Precedence Research said that the global artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare market size accounted for USD 26.69 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach around USD 613.81 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 36.83% from 2024 to 2034. North America AI in healthcare market size reached USD 8.67 billion in 2023. Active A.I. companies active in the markets include: Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI), Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI), Talkspace (NASDAQ: TALK), SoundHound AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOUN).

The Precedence Research report added: “North America region was the highest market share holder in (recent years). North America is characterized by the increased inclination towards the advanced and latest digital technologies. The strong and developed healthcare, IT, and telecommunications infrastructure in North America has supported the growth of the artificial intelligence in healthcare market. Furthermore, the favorable government policies that encourage the adoption of the digital and novel technologies like artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector. North America has the presence of huge pool of patients. It is estimated that over half of the US population is suffering from one or more chronic diseases. This is resulting in increased volume of patients in hospitals. The health data of these patients needs to be stored and managed in digital form as per the government regulations. This is a major factor that propels the demand for the artificial intelligence in healthcare sector.”

Avant Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) and Ainnova Advance Toward FDA Clinical Trial with Selection of Top CRO – Avant Technologies, Inc. (“Avant” or the “Company”) and its partner, Ainnova Tech, Inc., (Ainnova), a leading healthcare technology company focused on revolutionizing early disease detection using artificial intelligence (AI), today announced the selection of Fortrea, a global provider of clinical development solutions to the life sciences industry, as the contract research organization (CRO) to conduct Ainnova’s upcoming clinical studies to seek approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Ainnova’s Vision AI platform.

Fortrea will assist Ainnova in requesting a pre-submission meeting with the FDA for guidance on the clinical testing needed for its Vision AI platform in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy. After a pre-submission meeting, Fortrea will then work with Ainnova on its FDA submission and a subsequent clinical study before concluding with an FDA 510(k) submission to obtain clearance from the FDA to market its Vision AI platform.

The upcoming clinical studies are significant to Avant and its shareholders because of the partnership formed by Avant and Ainnova to advance and commercialize Ainnova’s technology portfolio, including its Vision AI platform and its versatile retinal cameras. The joint venture formed by the two companies, Ai-nova Acquisition Corp. (AAC), has the licensing rights for this portfolio in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, so the success of Ainnova’s clinical studies with the FDA will be vital to marketing the technology portfolio in the United States.

Ainnova’s Chief Executive Officer, Vinicio Vargas, said of the selection, “We worked diligently to identify and select the right CRO to help us both engage the FDA and then conduct our clinical studies. Fortrea is an established and highly regarded full-service CRO with expertise in more than 20 therapeutic areas, and a CRO with an extensive portfolio of successfully completed clinical trials, including those involving both emerging and large biopharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostic companies.”

With Fortrea’s guidance, Ainnova expects to submit its pre-submission application in the coming weeks and expects to meet with the FDA for its pre-submission meeting in late March/early April 2025. Additionally, Ainnova will also interact with the FDA to devise a plan to obtain clearance for four algorithms it recently acquired the exclusive licensing rights to, which include early detection for cardiovascular risk, prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and chronic kidney disease. CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Avant Technologies at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-avai/

In other A.I. developments and happenings in the market recently include:

Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), a technology company leading the adoption of AI to advance precision medicine and patient care, recently announced it has completed its acquisition of Ambry Genetics, a recognized leader in genetic testing that aims to improve health by understanding the relationship between genetics and disease.

“This acquisition complements our strategy of leveraging diagnostics and data to drive innovation, further strengthening our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions to clinicians, patients, and life sciences companies,” said Eric Lefkofsky, Founder and CEO of Tempus. “We are excited to welcome Ambry to the Tempus team as we work together to improve patient outcomes and transform treatment journeys through the power of technology.”

BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI) has recently been awarded a contract by the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) to advance BigBear.ai’s Virtual Anticipation Network (VANE) prototype. This initiative will support the CDAO and Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) by leveraging custom AI models to better assess news media originating in countries that are potential foreign adversaries.

The prototype award is designed to improve CDAO’s ability to identify key trends and topics related to potential foreign adversarial areas of interest, enabling faster and more informed assessments of media data vital to national security. VANE was created to contrive clarity in multi-domain environments for military and government applications by aggregating and analyzing vast data points, enabling predictions of adversarial activity in complex situations.

“We are honored to continue our support in the modernization of our nation’s defense efforts. This award underscores the importance of leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to address complicated geopolitical challenges,” said Ryan Legge, President of National Security at BigBear.ai. “By advancing VANE within CDAO, we are arming our warfighters with sophisticated intelligence capabilities to leverage foreign insights critical to the safety of our Nation and those protecting it.”

Talkspace (NASDAQ: TALK) recently announced the launch of Insights, a new feature that enhances therapeutic care by helping Talkspace providers efficiently prepare for sessions and guide client care between sessions. The feature was developed and refined in partnership with Talkspace clinicians.

Before each session, providers can use Insights to synthesize data from each client’s care journey, a process that is typically manual — including changes in that client’s symptom acuity from evidence-based psychological assessments and key details from the most recent session — to generate a concise pre-session primer tailored to the therapist’s upcoming appointment. After the session, an update can be generated to reflect the discussion’s key points, highlight therapeutic progress, and note follow-ups for future sessions.

SoundHound AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOUN), a global leader in voice artificial intelligence, recently announced the launch of Brand Personalities, a groundbreaking feature for its SoundHound Chat AI Automotive voice assistant – making it the first in-vehicle assistant to offer distinct, customizable personas tailored to each automaker’s unique brand identity, designed to enhance both the user experience and brand loyalty for OEMs.

Brand Personalities enables car makers to control the entire personality of their voice assistant including response style, character and vivaciousness. Automotive partners can choose from pre-designed personas, create fully customized personalities tailored to their specific needs, or even introduce seasonal characters for campaigns. Due to SoundHound’s unique software architecture, multiple personas can be defined for specific sub-brands or model lines—allowing sports cars, family cars, and commercial vehicles to each have distinct personalities that reflect the unique needs of their customers.

About FN Media Group:
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DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM was compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Avant Technologies, Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

Contact Information:
Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

SOURCE: FN Media Group

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Primech AI Signs Three Pilot Program Agreements with Leading Singapore Cleaning Companies for HYTRON Cleaning Robot

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Primech AI Pte. Ltd. (“Primech AI”), a subsidiary of Primech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: PMEC), proudly announces the signing of three important pilot program agreements for its groundbreaking HYTRON AI-powered cleaning robots. These agreements with established Singapore-based cleaning companies, including a leading provider of facilities and industrial services operating across Singapore, China, and Malaysia, represent a major expansion of Primech AI’s market presence and a solid vote of confidence in its advanced AI technology.

These agreements involve deploying HYTRON units across various sectors, showcasing the versatility and efficiency of these AI-powered cleaning solutions. The HYTRON units are powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin Super, a state-of-the-art System-on-Module (SoM) designed for robust edge AI and robotics applications robots that will enhance hygiene standards and operational efficacy at several key facilities, reflecting growing industry confidence in robotic automation.

At the core of HYTRON’s navigation capabilities is a multi-sensor system consisting of (1) LIDAR for Mapping and Navigation, which enhances both precision and safety; (2) Ultrasonic Sensors for Proximity Detection to identify nearby objects and adjust its path accordingly, ensuring seamless movement through cluttered spaces without colliding with furniture or other obstacles; and (3) AI-powered Camera Sensors for Object Identification to recognize and classify bathroom objects, such as sinks, toilets, and mirrors. This ensures it applies the appropriate cleaning technique to each surface, enhancing its efficiency in commercial restroom cleaning.

Under the two-year pilot program agreements, these prominent cleaning companies will integrate HYTRON robots into their daily facility operations. This reflects the sector’s readiness to embrace innovative cleaning solutions that promise to revolutionize facility management through enhanced efficiency and reduced costs. This deployment is set to showcase the substantial benefits of integrating AI-powered automation into traditional cleaning processes.

Each pilot program agreement includes full support from Primech AI’s customer service framework, ensuring that HYTRON operates at peak efficiency and reliability. In addition, Primech AI will conduct staff training for the companies to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of the robots.

“Our three new esteemed partners for these pilot programs have a combined 75 years of facilities service and have worked on nearly 1,000 different commercial cleaning projects. Securing these leases is a strong endorsement of HYTRON’s capabilities and our Company’s direction,” stated Charles Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Primech AI. “We believe HYTRON is the future of cleaning and look forward to sharing updates with our shareholders about our continued development as the facility management industry reflects a continued shift and acceptance of robotic solutions.”

About Primech Holdings Limited
Headquartered in Singapore, Primech Holdings Limited is a leading provider of comprehensive technology-driven facilities services, predominantly serving both public and private sectors throughout Singapore. Primech Holdings offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the complex demands of its diverse clientele. Services include advanced general facility maintenance services, specialized cleaning solutions such as marble polishing and facade cleaning, meticulous stewarding services, and targeted cleaning services for offices and homes. Known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Primech Holdings integrates eco-friendly practices and smart technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This strategic approach positions Primech Holdings as a leader in the industry and a proactive contributor to advancing industry standards and practices in Singapore and beyond. For more information, visit www.primechholdings.com.

About Primech AI
Primech AI is a leading robotics company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in technology. With a team of passionate individuals and a commitment to collaboration, Primech AI is poised to revolutionize the robotics industry with groundbreaking solutions that make a meaningful impact on society. For more information, visit www.primech.ai.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing the acquisition, anticipated revenues, growth, and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

Company Contact:
Email: ir@primech.com.sg

Investor Relations Contact:
Matthew Abenante, IRC
President
Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
Tel: 347-947-2093
Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: New Forests adopts Intapp DealCloud to bolster capital raising

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Intapp (NASDAQ: INTA), a leading global provider of AI-powered solutions for professionals at advisory, capital markets, and legal firms, announces that New Forests has implemented Intapp DealCloud to modernize its investor relations and fundraising functions. New Forests is a global investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies with teams spanning the United States, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia. The firm manages a diversified portfolio of sustainable timber plantations and conservation areas, carbon and conservation finance projects, agriculture, timber processing, and infrastructure.

Leading strategic change
“With Intapp DealCloud, we are able to keep better track of our investors, and the entire fundraising process, to ensure we’re offering investors and prospective investors a more targeted and tailored approach to relationship management,” said Sarah Clawson, Global Head of Investor Relations at New Forests. “The AI capabilities within DealCloud will help streamline reporting, investor outreach, and follow ups.”

Modernizing investor relations
DealCloud provides New Forests’ investor relations teams with the insight they need to make important decisions and build long-term relationships with investors. It is a data-powered platform built for capital markets firms that centralizes critical proprietary and third-party data. Access to real-time data and analytics helps New Forests’ IR professionals cultivate existing and prospective investor relationships, build pipeline, organize investor events, and tailor thought leadership content.

Using Applied AI, DealCloud furthers the modernization of investor relations processes through every stage of the process. With AI assistance, IR professionals can analyze data quickly and accurately, and make more informed decisions based on real-time insights, market trends, and existing firm knowledge. DealCloud’s AI capabilities also help automate everyday workflows, identify and communicate with potential new investors, and ensure investor and fundraising activity is recorded for future reference.

Multiplying success with Intapp
“We’re excited to work with New Forests, a leading investment manager across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Africa and the United States,” said Rudy Saad, Global Head of Private Equity and Private Capital Markets at Intapp. “With Intapp DealCloud, their IR professionals are empowered with greater visibility into key investor interactions, more targeted business development campaigns, and ultimately better management of capital raising initiatives while automating more manual processes.”

About Intapp
Intapp software helps professionals unlock their teams’ knowledge, relationships, and operational insights to increase value for their firms. Using the power of Applied AI, we make firm and market intelligence easy to find, understand, and use. With Intapp’s portfolio of vertical SaaS solutions, professionals can apply their collective expertise to make smarter decisions, manage risk, and increase competitive advantage. The world’s top firms — across accounting, consulting, investment banking, legal, private capital, and real assets — trust Intapp’s industry-specific platform and solutions to modernize and drive new growth. For more information, visit intapp.com and LinkedIn.

About New Forests
New Forests is a global investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies, with A$11.6 billion in assets under management across more than 4.2 million hectares of investments. We manage a diversified portfolio of sustainable timber plantations and conservation areas, carbon and conservation finance projects, agriculture, timber processing and infrastructure. We aim to generate shared prosperity for our clients and the communities in which we operate and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future (as at 30 June 2024).

Headquartered in Sydney, New Forests is a Certified B Corp and operates in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Africa and the United States. www.newforests.com.

Intapp
Ali Robinson
Global Media Relations Director, Intapp
press@intapp.com

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Most Popular Cruise Ports, Published by Travel Planning App, Visited
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Visited app, a travel list app published by Arriving In High Heels Corporation, announces the publication of its Top 25 Most Visited cruise ports list, based on international travelers cruising. The app was developed to keep track of all countries visited, it has later expanded to include US states that users have been to and destinations and experiences while abroad. With over 175 travel lists to choose from, including famous ports, users can select places and activities that they have done or wish to do. By building their ultimate bucket list, they are able to plan their future trip with itinerary feature.

The top visited cruise ports list is based on over 2.45 international travelers, with the full list available in the app on iOS or Android stores. “It is not surprising that 5 cruise ports out of 25, are found in United States, as a lot of cruises heading to Caribbean and Latin America originate there. What is surprising is that Barcelona continues to top the list as the most visited cruise port,” said Anna Kayfitz, CEO of Arriving In High Heels.

For those that love Cruising, here are the top 10 most popular cruise ports as per Visited’s users:
1. Barcelona, Spain
2. Venice, Italy
3. Miami, USA
4. London, UK
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
6. New York, USA
7. Naples, Italy
8. Lisbon, Portugal
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
10. Cozumel, Mexico
To see the full list of popular cruise ports in United States and abroad, download the Visited app on iOS or Android.

About Visited Travel App

Visited is the ultimate travel bucket list app, is the app for those that love to travel both internationally and domestically. Some features of the app includes:
- Personalized map which an be looked at as by country, region or city
- Over 175 Travel lists, where users can select where they have been or want to go and what they like or want to do. Travel categories include places such as art museums, US National Parks or activities such as golf destinations, culinary experiences and wine regions.
- You can print your personal travel poster, which is a 16x20in country map with been, want and live colors.
- Trip itinerary feature lets you see the number of places and experiences you wish to visit and do by country. The rank helps decide where to next.
- Personal travel stats let’s you see how many countries you visited, what percentage of the world or country you have seen as well as they type of traveler you are.
The travel app is available in 30 languages and is available on iOS or Android and free to download.

To learn more about the Visited app and its latest feature update, please visit https://visitedapp.com/.

About Arriving In High Heels Corporation
Arriving In High Heels Corporation is a mobile app company with apps including Pay Off Debt, X-Walk and Visited, their most popular app. Visited Media publishes annual travel report, and provides customized travel research.

Contact:
Anna Kayfitz
anna@arrivinginhighheels.com

The MIL Network –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Hivello Token ($HVLO) now Live
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blockmate Ventures Inc (TSX.V: MATE) (OTCQB: MATEF) (FSE: 8MH1) (“Blockmate” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its majority-owned subsidiary, Hivello Holdings Ltd, has had its $HVLO token commence trading on leading exchanges, Gate.io and MEXC.

$HVLO’s token listing should unlock greater passive income functionality for its users and attract new ones. Ultimately, the token will enable more users to participate in blockchain mining, earn rewards, and leverage the token’s utility across the growing DePIN ecosystem.

This milestone marks a significant step in Hivello’s mission to revolutionize the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) space by enabling seamless participation in decentralized computing. By connecting unused computing resources to decentralized networks, Hivello users can earn rewards while strengthening the DePIN ecosystem.

With over fifteen thousand nodes already active in its beta application, Hivello is leading the DePIN aggregation space. The platform’s plug-and-play mining model removes the complexity of blockchain mining, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users.

Blockmate has not directly issued any tokens or received any proceeds from the token listing. The tokens are issued by the Swiss-based HVLO Association, under licence from Hivello Holdings Ltd.

Below is the press release from Hivello:

Hivello’s $HVLO Token Live on Gate.io and MEXC exchanges

London & Amsterdam, 11th February 2025 – Hivello, a DePIN aggregator that enables users to earn by monetising idle computer resources across multiple decentralised networks, has announced their Token Generation Event (TGE) is live, and the $HVLO token is officially trading. This marks a significant milestone in Hivello’s mission to redefine- and expand the DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) ecosystem.

Key Dates and times:
- Gate.io – 11 February 2025, 10 AM UTC
- MEXC – 11 February 2025, 10 AM UTC
- Raydium.io (Solana DEX) – 12 February 2025, 11AM UTC
The company requests that interested individuals visit Hivello’s official website www.hivello.com for all the latest information, including the Contract Address (CA) for the smart contract.

The $HVLO token is important in Hivello’s ecosystem, incentivizing users to contribute compute, storage, and networking resources to DePIN protocols. By listing on Gate.io and MEXC, two of the industry’s leading centralized exchanges, and Raydium, the largest decentralized exchange (DEX) on Solana, Hivello is ensuring deep liquidity and accessibility for a wide range of users.

Now that $HVLO is live on multiple exchanges, multiple benefits exist:
- Stake $HVLO via www.hivello.com for an APY of 88%.
- Expanding accessibility and benefits of $HVLO, enabling more users to participate in decentralized compute mining, earn rewards, and leverage the token’s utility across the growing DePIN ecosystem.
- Enhancing staking and governance functionalities for $HVLO holders, ensuring long-term engagement and sustainability.
- Expanding partnerships with DePIN protocols and AI compute networks, driving broader adoption of decentralized infrastructure.
- Scaling its network of decentralized node operators, making it easier for users worldwide to contribute to DePIN.
Hivello will be running an X Space event for people to tune in, details below:

For the latest updates on staking, rewards, and DePIN integrations, users are encouraged to follow Hivello’s official channels:

Domenic Carosa, Co-Founder & Chairman of Hivello, stated:

“Launching $HVLO and listing it on Gate.io, MEXC, and Raydium is a major achievement for Hivello and our growing community. These listings provide global accessibility, allowing more users to engage with decentralized compute and earn rewards through DePIN.”

About Gate.io

Founded in 2013, Gate.io is one of the top 5 cryptocurrency exchanges globally by real trading volume, providing secure, reliable, transparent, and authentic digital asset trading services to over 20 million users. For more information, visit www.gate.io.

About MEXC
Established in 2018, MEXC serves more than 30 million users in more than 170 countries. MEXC has an extensive range of popular tokens and airdrop options. Their platform provides safe and effective access to digital assets, catering to both novice traders and seasoned investors. MEXC places an emphasis on innovation and simplicity, which increases the accessibility and profitability of token trading.

About Hivello
Hivello is a DePIN aggregator that enables users to earn by monetising idle computer resources across multiple decentralised networks. The Swiss-based HVLO Association will issue the $HVLO token under license from Hivello Holdings Ltd.
For more information about Hivello and to stay updated on its developments, visit www.hivello.com

About Blockmate Ventures Inc.
Blockmate Ventures is a venture creator focussing on building fast-growing technology businesses relating to cutting-edge sectors such as blockchain, AI and renewable energy. Working with prospective founders, projects in incubation can benefit from the Blockmate ecosystem that offers tech, services, integrations and advice to accelerate the incubation of projects towards monetization. Recent projects include Hivello (download the free passive income app at www.hivello.com) and Sunified, digitising solar energy.

The leadership team at Blockmate Ventures have successfully founded successful tech companies from the Dotcom era through to the social media era. Learn more about being a Blockmate at: www.blockmate.com.

Blockmate welcomes investors to join the Company’s mailing list for the latest updates and industry research by subscribing at https://www.blockmate.com/subscribe.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Justin Rosenberg, CEO
Blockmate Ventures Inc
justin@blockmate.com
(+1-580-262-6130)

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on the assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Raindrop disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The MIL Network –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Legal fight against AI-generated child pornography is complicated – a legal scholar explains why, and how the law could catch up

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Wayne Unger, Assistant Professor of Law, Quinnipiac University

Child pornography laws may be clear, but AI makes enforcement more difficult. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

The city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was shaken by revelations in December 2023 that two local teenage boys shared hundreds of nude images of girls in their community over a private chat on the social chat platform Discord. Witnesses said the photos easily could have been mistaken for real ones, but they were fake. The boys had used an artificial intelligence tool to superimpose real photos of girls’ faces onto sexually explicit images.

With troves of real photos available on social media platforms, and AI tools becoming more accessible across the web, similar incidents have played out across the country, from California to Texas and Wisconsin. A recent survey by the Center for Democracy and Technology, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit, found that 15% of students and 11% of teachers knew of at least one deepfake that depicted someone associated with their school in a sexually explicit or intimate manner.

The Supreme Court has implicitly concluded that computer-generated pornographic images that are based on images of real children are illegal. The use of generative AI technologies to make deepfake pornographic images of minors almost certainly falls under the scope of that ruling. As a legal scholar who studies the intersection of constitutional law and emerging technologies, I see an emerging challenge to the status quo: AI-generated images that are fully fake but indistinguishable from real photos.

Policing child sexual abuse material

While the internet’s architecture has always made it difficult to control what is shared online, there are a few kinds of content that most regulatory authorities across the globe agree should be censored. Child pornography is at the top of that list.

For decades, law enforcement agencies have worked with major tech companies to identify and remove this kind of material from the web, and to prosecute those who create or circulate it. But the advent of generative artificial intelligence and easy-to-access tools like the ones used in the Pennsylvania case present a vexing new challenge for such efforts.

In the legal field, child pornography is generally referred to as child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, because the term better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the children involved. In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled that child pornography is not protected under the First Amendment because safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of a minor is a compelling government interest that justifies laws that prohibit child sexual abuse material.

That case, New York v. Ferber, effectively allowed the federal government and all 50 states to criminalize traditional child sexual abuse material. But a subsequent case, Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition from 2002, might complicate efforts to criminalize AI-generated child sexual abuse material. In that case, the court struck down a law that prohibited computer-generated child pornography, effectively rendering it legal.

The government’s interest in protecting the physical and psychological well-being of children, the court found, was not implicated when such obscene material is computer generated. “Virtual child pornography is not ‘intrinsically related’ to the sexual abuse of children,” the court wrote.

States move to criminalize AI-generated CSAM

According to the child advocacy organization Enough Abuse, 37 states have criminalized AI-generated or AI-modified CSAM, either by amending existing child sexual abuse material laws or enacting new ones. More than half of those 37 states enacted new laws or amended their existing ones within the past year.

California, for example, enacted Assembly Bill 1831 on Sept. 29, 2024, which amended its penal code to prohibit the creation, sale, possession and distribution of any “digitally altered or artificial-intelligence-generated matter” that depicts a person under 18 engaging in or simulating sexual conduct.

Deepfake child pornography is a growing problem.

While some of these state laws target the use of photos of real people to generate these deep fakes, others go further, defining child sexual abuse material as “any image of a person who appears to be a minor under 18 involved in sexual activity,” according to Enough Abuse. Laws like these that encompass images produced without depictions of real minors might run counter to the Supreme Court’s Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition ruling.

Real vs. fake, and telling the difference

Perhaps the most important part of the Ashcroft decision for emerging issues around AI-generated child sexual abuse material was part of the statute that the Supreme Court did not strike down. That provision of the law prohibited “more common and lower tech means of creating virtual (child sexual abuse material), known as computer morphing,” which involves taking pictures of real minors and morphing them into sexually explicit depictions.

The court’s decision stated that these digitally altered sexually explicit depictions of minors “implicate the interests of real children and are in that sense closer to the images in Ferber.” The decision referenced the 1982 case, New York v. Ferber, in which the Supreme Court upheld a New York criminal statute that prohibited persons from knowingly promoting sexual performances by children under the age of 16.

The court’s decisions in Ferber and Ashcroft could be used to argue that any AI-generated sexually explicit image of real minors should not be protected as free speech given the psychological harms inflicted on the real minors. But that argument has yet to be made before the court. The court’s ruling in Ashcroft may permit AI-generated sexually explicit images of fake minors.

But Justice Clarence Thomas, who concurred in Ashcroft, cautioned that “if technological advances thwart prosecution of ‘unlawful speech,’ the Government may well have a compelling interest in barring or otherwise regulating some narrow category of ‘lawful speech’ in order to enforce effectively laws against pornography made through the abuse of real children.”

With the recent significant advances in AI, it can be difficult if not impossible for law enforcement officials to distinguish between images of real and fake children. It’s possible that we’ve reached the point where computer-generated child sexual abuse material will need to be banned so that federal and state governments can effectively enforce laws aimed at protecting real children – the point that Thomas warned about over 20 years ago.

If so, easy access to generative AI tools is likely to force the courts to grapple with the issue.

Wayne Unger does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Legal fight against AI-generated child pornography is complicated – a legal scholar explains why, and how the law could catch up – https://theconversation.com/legal-fight-against-ai-generated-child-pornography-is-complicated-a-legal-scholar-explains-why-and-how-the-law-could-catch-up-247980

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Turbo Energy Welcomes International Business Executive Julian Groves to Board of Directors
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VALENCIA, Spain, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Turbo Energy, S.A. (NASDAQ:TURB) (“Turbo Energy” or the “Company”), a global provider of leading-edge, AI-optimized solar energy storage technologies and solutions, today announced the appointment of Julian Groves to the Company’s Board of Directors, which was approved by the Company’s shareholders on December 18, 2024 at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.

Turbo Energy Welcomes Julian Groves to Board of Directors

Groves brings Turbo Energy extensive experience in commercial strategy, geographic market expansion, worldwide product distribution and logistics, capital formation, private equity investments and corporate governance, as well as nearly three decades of experience leading business-to-business, direct-to-consumer, retail, wholesale and ecommerce initiatives for numerous iconic global brands in both the public and private sectors.

Since February 2019, Groves has served as Chief Operating Officer and executive member of the Board of MGO Global, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed company engaged in global commercialization of digitally-native lifestyle brands that have included both legendary soccer icon Leo Messi’s apparel brand, Messi Brand, and Stand Flagpoles. In this role, he has helped MGO raise tens of millions in pre-IPO, IPO and follow-on financings and is currently working to complete MGO’s business combination with one of the world’s leading commercial and pool management businesses serving the crude oil and refined petroleum tanker market in a transaction expected to be valued at more than $300 million.

Previously, Groves served as CEO of EC2M Holdings, a lifestyle brand-building company which owned and operated London Persona, a growing men’s lifestyle brand launched as a direct-to-consumer shopping experience for men seeking season-to-season high-end wardrobes. EC2M also represented the lifestyle brand Trickers throughout North America and Canada, charged with developing and managing the brand’s B2B channel. Other former senior executive posts have included Sales Director, EMEA of J Brand Europe, a premium, American denim clothing company in which Fast Retailing acquired an 80% stake for $290 million in 2012. As General Manager, EMEA of True Religion, Julian had full profit and loss (P&L) responsibility for the region, overseeing corporate operations in Switzerland and managing full P&L responsibility for the growing, fashion-forward denim brand.

In August 2007, Julian was recruited by GUESS Europe to serve as Country Manager of the casual lifestyle brand’s operations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Under his proven leadership, GUESS Europe opened 32 concessions and 22 retail shops, including GUESS’ Central London flagship store. Earlier in his distinguished career, he was General Manager, UK and Ireland, for Groupe Zannier International from September 2004 through 2007; United Kingdom Sales Director for Burberry from September 2001 through 2004; and United Kingdom Sales Manager for LVMH Kenzo Homme UK Ltd. from November 1997 through August 2001.

Commenting on Groves’ appointment to the Board Enrique Selva, Chairman of the Board of Turbo Energy, stated, “I am delighted to welcome Julian to Turbo Energy’s Board and believe that his deep understanding of business strategy and global market penetration will have a significant impact on Turbo Energy’s planned expansion initiatives – with particular emphasis on commercialization of our SUNBOX Home solar energy storage technologies in the United States. He represents an outstanding addition to our Board and his unique and proven skillset is expected to greatly complement and enhance the overall strength and depth of capabilities of our leadership.”

About Turbo Energy, S.A.

Founded in 2013, Turbo Energy is a globally recognized pioneer of proprietary solar energy storage technologies and solutions managed through Artificial Intelligence. Turbo Energy’s elegant all-in-one and scalable, modular energy storage systems empower residential, commercial and industrial users expanding across Europe, North America and South America to materially reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, helping to lower electricity costs, provide peak shaving and uninterruptible power supply and realize a more sustainable, energy-efficient future. A testament to the Company’s commitment to innovation and industry disruption, Turbo Energy’s introduction of its flagship SUNBOX represents one of the world’s first high performance, competitively priced, all-in-one home solar energy storage systems, which also incorporates patented EV charging capability and powerful AI processes to optimize solar energy management. Turbo Energy is a proud subsidiary of publicly traded Umbrella Global Energy, S.A., a vertically integrated, global collective of solar energy-focused companies. For more information, please visit www.turbo-e.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the business of the Company, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control, including the risks described in our registration statements and annual report under the heading “Risk Factors” as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Turbo Energy, S.A. specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information, please contact:
At Turbo Energy, S.A.
Dodi Handy, Director of Communications
Phone: 407-960-4636
Email: dodihandy@turbo-e.com

Attachment
- Julian Groves
The MIL Network –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Moderne Secures $30M to Drive Billions in Enterprise Code Modernization Savings – Based on Its Innovative Tech Used by AWS, Microsoft, and Broadcom AI Assistants

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MIAMI, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Moderne, the automated code refactoring and analysis company, announced it has closed $30 million in Series B funding led by Acrew Capital with participation from Morgan Stanley, Amex Ventures, and TIAA Ventures, as well as all previous investors Allstate, Intel Capital, Mango Capital and True Ventures. The funding is further validation that Moderne is emerging as the only company driving mass-scale code modernization and tech debt remediation critical to the progress and success of enterprises and hyperscalers.

In the last two years, billions of dollars have been invested in AI-powered coding assistants to help developers write new software. However, these tools can fail to address the millions of applications and billions of lines of existing code that companies have developed over the last three decades that must be constantly updated, maintained and secured.

Moderne is the only company with a proven platform designed to analyze and transform large codebases efficiently and cost-effectively. The technology, developed for a fraction of the cost of the new crop of AI-powered coding assistants, stems from the OpenRewrite open-source project Moderne CEO and co-founder Jonathan Schneider developed at Netflix. OpenRewrite has become the de facto standard for code migration and maintenance, and it has been integrated into a number of developer tools from the world’s largest software companies, including AWS’s Amazon Q, Broadcom’s App Advisor, and Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot.

“The challenge of addressing technical debt impacts nearly every company, but it’s mission-critical for enterprises managing massive, complex codebases,” said Mark Kraynak, Founding Partner at Acrew Capital. “Moderne’s technology is purpose-built for this scale, plus it complements and improves this new generation of AI for code. Moderne has redefined what success in code modernization looks like—delivering proven results for some of the largest and most sophisticated enterprises.”

The breakthrough innovation powering Moderne is its one-of-a-kind Lossless Semantic Tree (LST) data model for code that enables a new level of insights into a codebase beyond what is visible in the typical ‘code as text’ representation. The Moderne Platform can work across multiple LST files at once to analyze and transform codebases quickly and accurately. When combined with agentic experiences, like Moderne’s new Mod Agent, developers can work even more efficiently to understand and evolve large codebases.

“Moderne alone produces the data that is going to drive the next decade of code modernization. This data covers everything the compiler knows about the code multiplied by tens of thousands of repositories at each customer,” said Schneider. “Moderne is already driving large-scale application modernization savings for our customers over and over again—and we’re only scratching the surface of what can be done.”

With a team of language engineering and software development experts, Moderne grew its customer base by 250% in 2024, attracting many Fortune 500 companies, including Allstate, Choice Hotels, and Walmart. In fact, five top North American banks are Moderne customers. The company will use the new funding to extend its commitment to providing ideal customer experiences and rapid time to value with Moderne.

Additional Investor Quotes:

Amex Ventures: “Moderne’s technology and open-source community can help enterprises move their valuable software forward with higher accuracy and reliability,” said Kevin Weber, Managing Director at Amex Ventures. “The company helps ensure efficient and cost-effective modernization.”

TIAA Ventures: “It’s crucial that financial institutions are agile and adaptive in today’s advanced digital age. Moderne offers an impressive at-scale approach that can revolutionize code modernization, helping to streamline, improve, and secure the software that’s driving some of the biggest industries. This investment can streamline and improve services for TIAA retirement clients, and we look forward to working with the Moderne team,” said Thompson Barro, Senior Director at TIAA Ventures.

About Moderne
Moderne automates mass-scale code modernization that’s critical to the progress and success of enterprise companies today—making a difference in minutes, not months. Moderne is based in Miami, and its investors include Acrew Capital, Intel Capital, True Ventures, Mango Capital, Allstate Strategic Ventures, Morgan Stanley, Amex Ventures, and TIAA Ventures, among other investors and advisors. To learn more visit www.moderne.ai

Contact: merrill@freundpr.com

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Schellman Appoints Preeya Voss as Chief Revenue Officer

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Schellman, a leading provider of attestation and compliance services and a top 50 CPA firm, is proud to announce the appointment of Preeya Voss as its new Chief Revenue Officer. Voss brings nearly two decades of experience in SaaS and services revenue leadership, with a proven track record of driving transformative growth across diverse industries and customer segments.

Voss has spent her entire career in GTM, spanning a variety of industries and customer segments. She joins Schellman from her most recent role as Senior Vice President of Sales at Ellucian, the global market leader in EdTech for higher education. She was responsible for the company’s enterprise cross-selling strategy, including overseeing revenue growth for both SaaS subscriptions and professional services.

“As we double down on our investment in sales and go-to-market strategies in 2025, having the right leadership is critical,” said Avani Desai, CEO of Schellman. “Preeya brings not only a wealth of experience in driving revenue and scaling organizations but also a unique ability to inspire teams and foster lasting client relationships. Her strategic mindset and passion for innovation will help us take our growth to the next level while staying true to our core values of excellence and client service.”

In her role as Chief Revenue Officer, Voss will oversee all revenue-generating initiatives, including client acquisition, strategic partnerships, and go-to-market strategies. Her focus will be on enhancing Schellman’s growth trajectory by aligning sales, marketing, and customer success efforts to deliver exceptional value and outcomes for clients. Based in Denver, Colorado, Voss is an advocate for mentorship and is deeply committed to empowering early-career talent and women in customer-facing roles.

“I’m honored to join Schellman as Chief Revenue Officer during such a pivotal time in the company’s history,” said Voss. “My mission is to amplify Schellman’s legacy of excellence by driving innovation, forging deeper client partnerships, and unlocking new market opportunities. With Schellman’s unparalleled suite of services—from SOC reports to the latest AI-related assessments to expanded sustainability services—we will continue to empower our clients to build trust with their customers in an increasingly complex compliance landscape.”

Voss’ appointment underscores Schellman’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its leadership team with exceptional top-tier talent. This announcement follows a series of strategic advances in Q4 of 2024, including receiving ISO 42001 and ISO 14001 accreditation and furthering its mission to be a leader in compliance and attestation services.

To learn more about Schellman’s services and how they can help your organization, visit the website.

About Schellman
“Schellman” is the brand name under which Schellman & Company, LLC and Schellman Compliance, LLC provide professional services. Schellman stands as a leading global provider of attestation, compliance, and certification services. Operating under two distinct entities, Schellman & Company, LLC (a top 50 firm) and Schellman Compliance, LLC (a globally accredited compliance assessment firm which is not a licensed CPA firm). The services provided by the Schellman entities include acting as a CPA firm (Schellman & Company, LLC Florida license number AD62941) as a leading provider of SOC reports, an ISO Certification Body, a PCI Qualified Security Assessor Company, a HITRUST assessor, a FedRAMP 3PAO, being among the pioneering CMMC Authorized C3PAOs, as well as offering international certification services including TISAX and HDS.

Renowned for its professionals’ expertise combined with practical experience, Schellman delivers superior client service while upholding steadfast independence. The company’s approach fosters successful, long-term relationships, enabling clients to achieve multiple compliance objectives through a single trusted third-party assessor. For further information about the services provided, please visit schellman.com.

Contact
V2 Communications
schellman@v2comms.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/099b8006-8be0-4e69-91a0-788fb889fc7d

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Thrive Appoints Ben Reich as Chief Financial Officer

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider for cybersecurity, Cloud, and IT managed services, today announced Ben Reich has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer. Reich will bring his strategic expertise in growing businesses organically and through acquisition as Thrive continues to experience rapid growth to meet the complex needs of the industries the company serves.

With a proven track record of building finance, operations, and HR teams while successfully managing P&L and capital budgets, Reich brings a wealth of expertise in financial and M&A strategy to Thrive. Reich most recently held the title of Chief Financial Officer at Opti9 Tech, a leading hybrid cloud solutions provider, where he provided critical financial guidance to the executive team and stakeholders, and drove the M&A strategy by modeling potential acquisition targets, conducting due diligence, and evaluating synergies. Prior to Opti9 Tech, Reich served as Vice President, Finance at ATSG, completing the integration of four acquisitions and driving $100M in commitment from external investment groups.

“We have grown into one of the leading global technology outsourcing firms, and to support our momentum, we need leaders who will help us execute our growth and expansion objectives,” said Bill McLaughlin, CEO of Thrive. “Ben’s proven track record and deep understanding of driving M&A strategy and business growth will be indispensable as we continue to scale to deliver the best solutions for our customers.”

The appointment of Reich comes at an exciting time of growth for Thrive, having recently elevated Bill McLaughlin to the CEO role. The company also received a strategic investment from Berkshire Partners and Court Square Capital Partners to unlock further growth. Along with this, Thrive continues to expand geographically, most recently acquiring Michigan-based Safety Net and North Carolina-based The Longleaf Network.

“Tapping into financial strategies that lead to business growth and bring real impact to organizations is what I’m most enthusiastic about,” said Reich. “Thrive’s growth trajectory and aggressive M&A goals are why I am here. I look forward to working with Bill and the rest of the Thrive team to start executing against them and continue to scale the company to ensure future success.”

If you’re interested in learning more about open positions at Thrive, visit the careers page.

About Thrive 
Thrive delivers global technology outsourcing for cybersecurity, Cloud, networking, and other complex IT requirements. Thrive’s NextGen platform enables customers to increase business efficiencies through standardization, scalability, and automation, delivering oversized technology returns on investment (ROI). They accomplish this with advisory services, vCISO, vCIO, consulting, project implementation, solution architects, and a best-in-class subscription-based technology platform. Thrive delivers exceptional high-touch service through its POD approach of subject matter experts and global 24x7x365 SOC, NOC, and centralized services teams. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn. 

Contacts 
Amanda Maguire 
thrive@v2comms.com  

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Silver Tiger Metals to Present at the Metals and Mining Growth Virtual Investor Conference February 13th

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silver Tiger Metals Inc. (TSXV:SLVR)(OTCQX:SLVTF) based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, focused on Developing Production at the El Tigre Silver Mining District in Sonora Mexico, today announced that Glenn Jessome President & CEO, will present live at the Metals and Mining Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on February 13^th, 2025

DATE: February 13^th
TIME: 1:00pm EST
LINK: https://bit.ly/3Ex4Xxc
Available for 1×1 meetings: February 12^th / 13^th

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

About Silver Tiger and the El Tigre Historic Mine District

Silver Tiger Metals Inc. is a Canadian company whose management has more than 27 years’ experience discovering, financing, and building large hydrothermal gold and silver mines in Mexico. Silver Tiger’s 100% owned 28,414 hectare Historic El Tigre Mining District is located in Sonora, Mexico. Principled environmental, social and governance practices are core priorities at Silver Tiger.

Silver Tiger commenced work on its El Tigre Project in 2017. El Tigre intends to build an open pit and underground mine. Silver Tiger has drilled over 150,000 meters at the El Tigre Project, with 119,000 meters completed since 2020. Silver Tiger has completed several MREs, a maiden MRE in 2017 and MRE updates in 2023 and 2024. The PEA for the El Tigre open pit was released in November 2023.

The October 2024 PFS for the El Tigre open pit delivered robust economics. The PFS projects an After-Tax NPV of US$222 million at a 5% discount rate, an After-Tax IRR of 40.0%, and a payback period of 2.0 years. This open pit operation is expected to have a 10-year mine life. The El Tigre project delivers a life of mine undiscounted After-Tax Cash Flow of US$318 million, with initial capital costs of $86.8 million (including $9.3 million in contingency). Operating cash costs are projected at $973/oz AuEq and $12/oz AgEq, with AISC at $1,214/oz AuEq and $14/oz AgEq. The economics of the Project have been evaluated based on a discounted $26/oz silver price and gold price of $2,150/oz.

Silver Tiger is now drilling from underground drill pads, focusing on the high-grade silver Veins, Sulphide and Shale Zones. A PEA for the permitted underground mineral resource is expected to be released in the first half of 2025.

About Virtual Investor Conferences^®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:
Silver Tiger Metals Inc.
Devin Devarennes
VP Investor Relations
902-233-3656
Devin@silvertigermetals.com

Virtual Investor Conferences
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores Section 232 Tariffs
Source: The White House
COUNTERING TRADE PRACTICES THAT UNDERMINE NATIONAL SECURITY: Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump signed proclamations to close existing loopholes and exemptions to restore a true 25% tariff on steel and elevate the tariff to 25% on aluminum.
- President Trump is taking action to protect America’s critical steel and aluminum industries, which have been harmed by unfair trade practices and global excess capacity.
- President Trump is reinstating the full 25% tariff on steel imports and increasing tariffs on aluminum imports to 25%.
  
  Key reforms include eliminating all alternative agreements, applying strict “melted and poured” standards, expanding tariffs to include key downstream products, terminating all general approved exclusions, and cracking down on tariff misclassification and duty evasion schemes.
- The countries of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the European Union, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom had received exemptions, which prevented the tariffs from being effective.
  
  By granting exemptions to certain countries, the United States inadvertently created loopholes that were exploited by China and others with excess steel and aluminum capacity, undermining the purpose of these exemptions.
- The President is exercising his authority under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to adjust imports of steel and aluminum to protect our national security.
  
  This statute provides the President with authority to adjust imports being brought into the United States in quantities or under circumstances that threaten to impair national security.
  
  In March 2018, President Trump invoked authority under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. § 1862) to impose 25% tariffs on steel imports and 10% tariffs on aluminum. These measures were remarkably effective in supporting recovery and reinvestment in the American steel industry and saved the domestic primary aluminum industry from total collapse. But exemptions and loopholes have permitted evasion of the tariffs and weakened the effectiveness of the program.
  
  The reinvigorated Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum will support the program’s original objective of revitalizing the domestic steel and aluminum industries and achieving sustainable capacity utilization of at least 80%.
RESTORING FAIRNESS TO STEEL AND ALUMINUM MARKETS: President Trump is taking action to end unfair trade practices and the global dumping of steel and aluminum.
- Foreign nations have been flooding the United States market with cheap steel and aluminum, often subsidized by their governments.
- A report from the first Trump Administration found that steel import levels and global excess were weakening our domestic economy and threatening to impair national security.
  
  The report found that excess production and capacity, particularly in China, has been a major factor in the decline of domestic aluminum production.
- While the domestic steel industry briefly achieved 80% utilization in 2021, subsequent trade pressure following the COVID-19 pandemic has depressed domestic production. In 2022 and 2023, capacity utilization fell to 77.3% and 75.3%, respectively. High import volumes from sources exempt from Section 232 tariffs are a major factor in depressing domestic production volumes.
- For aluminum, there was an increase in the capacity utilization rate between 2017 and 2019, from 40% to 61% during that period. But since 2019, the aluminum capacity utilization has once again seen a steady decline, falling from 61% to 55% between 2019 and 2023.
- The United States does not want to be in a position where it would be unable to meet demand for national defense and critical infrastructure in a national emergency.
STRENGTHENING AMERICA’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: President Trump’s decision to close existing loopholes and exemptions will strengthen United States’ steel and aluminum industries.
- In his first term, President Trump imposed Section 232 tariffs to protect the American steel and aluminum industries from unfair foreign competition.
- The steel tariffs that President Trump implemented led to thousands of jobs gained and higher wages in the metals industry.
  
  These tariffs were hailed as a “boon” for Minnesota’s iron ore industry, with state officials crediting tariffs for bolstering the local economy.
  
  Steel and aluminum imports drastically decreased under President Trump, falling by nearly a third from 2016 to 2020.
  
  The tariffs led to a wave in investment across the United States, with more than $10 billion committed to build new mills.
- It was recently announced that Hyundai Steel is actively considering building a steel plant in the United States.
- U.S. steelmakers, including the American Iron and Steel Institute and the Steel Manufacturers Association, have praised President Trump’s America First trade policy.
TARIFFS WORK: Studies have repeatedly shown that contrary to public rhetoric, tariffs can be an effective tool for achieving economic and strategic objectives.
- A 2024 study on the effects of President Trump’s tariffs in his first Administration found that they “strengthened the U.S. economy,” and “led to significant reshoring” in industries like manufacturing and steel production.
- A 2023 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission that analyzed the effects of Section 232 and 301 tariffs on more than $300 billion of U.S. imports found that the tariffs reduced imports from China, effectively stimulated more U.S. production of the tariffed goods, with very minor effects on prices.
- According to the Economic Policy Institute, the tariffs implemented by President Trump during his first Administration “clearly show[ed] no correlation with inflation” and only had a temporary effect on overall price levels.
- An analysis from the Atlantic Council found that “tariffs would create new incentives for US consumers to buy US-made products.”
- Former Biden Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen affirmed last year that tariffs do not raise prices: “I don’t believe that American consumers will see any meaningful increase in the prices that they face.”
A 2024 economic analysis found that a global tariff of 10% would grow the economy by $728 billion, create 2.8 million jobs, and increase real household incomes by 5.7%.
MIL OSI USA News –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Check Point and Wiz Enter Strategic Partnership to Deliver End-to-End Cloud Security
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a pioneer and global leader of cyber security solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with leading cloud security provider Wiz to address the growing challenges enterprises face securing hybrid cloud environments. This collaboration bridges the longstanding gap between cloud network security and Cloud Native Application Protection (CNAPP) through a deep technological integration and strategic business alliance, delivering an industry-leading unified, holistic security solution.

“This partnership between the parties was formalized in order to create a new security paradigm—combining Check Point’s cloud network security expertise with Wiz’s CNAPP leadership to deliver comprehensive protection across hybrid mesh environments,” said Nadav Zafrir, Chief Executive Officer at Check Point. “Together, we are transforming how organizations manage risk, enabling teams to collaborate with greater efficiency and control.”

Today’s enterprises operate in complex environments where network and cloud security often function in silos, creating critical visibility and control gaps. Cloud network security teams lack context about cloud-specific risks, while cloud security teams struggle to understand how cloud network security controls protect assets. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies, misconfigurations, and increased cyber risks.

“Bringing together Wiz’s leading CNAPP technology and Check Point’s expertise in cloud network security enhances visibility and prioritizes risks more effectively,” said Assaf Rappaport, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Wiz. “Our partnership is aimed to ensure that companies can seamlessly protect their network and cloud environments with an integrated, industry-leading solution while continuing to democratize cloud security.”

The partnership between Check Point and Wiz addresses these issues head-on offering customers:
- Unified Security Insights: Check Point’s cloud network security controls integrated within Wiz’s CNAPP risk platform, enabling cloud security teams to automatically prevent attacks access real-time network-driven insights for smarter risk prioritization
- Enhanced Risk Context: Wiz’s advanced risk analysis feeds integrate directly into Check Point’s platform, providing network security teams with actionable recommendations to optimize security coverage and configurations
- Prioritization of Unsecured Assets: Cloud security teams are empowered to identify and address unsecured assets more effectively, leveraging network security data to guide decision-making
- Optimized Security Operations: Network security teams benefit from tailored recommendations generated by Wiz’s platform, enhancing operational efficiency across hybrid environments
The mutually beneficial partnership includes joint integration and the assisted migration of Check Point’s CNAPP customers to Wiz. Check Point expects to reallocate resources and make further investments across its cloud security business, including cloud network security, web application firewall (WAF), generative AI (GenAI), and other key cloud technologies.

This collaboration underscores both companies’ long-term commitment to driving security innovation and addressing the most pressing cloud security challenges faced by modern enterprises.

Follow Check Point Software via:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies
X (Formerly known as Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw
Blog: https://blog.checkpoint.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal

About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider protecting over 100,000 organizations worldwide. Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform, with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter, faster response times. The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies consisting of Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace, Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud, Check Point Quantum to secure the network, and Check Point Infinity Core Services for collaborative security operations and services.

About Wiz
Wiz secures everything organizations build and run in the cloud. Founded in 2020, Wiz is the fastest-growing software company in the world. Wiz enables hundreds of organizations worldwide, including over 45 percent of the Fortune 100, to rapidly identify and remove critical risks in cloud environments. Its customers include Salesforce, Slack, Mars, BMW, Avery Dennison, Priceline, Cushman & Wakefield, DocuSign, Plaid, and Agoda, among others. Wiz is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia, Index Ventures, Lightspeed, Insight Partners, Cyberstarts, Thrive Capital, Greylock, Wellington, Salesforce, Blackstone, Advent, Greenoaks and Aglaé. Visit https://www.wiz.io for more information.

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding our strategic partnership with Wiz to address the growing challenges enterprise face securing hybrid environments future growth, the creation of a new security paradigm, the reallocation of resources, the making of further investments across our Cloud Security business and the ability of our partnership with Wiz to seamlessly protect companies’ network and cloud environments. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results or events in the future are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Check Point as of the date hereof, and Check Point disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

The MIL Network –
February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: SensoRy AI and OCFA deploy AI-driven early wildfire detection system in City of Irvine Open Space Preserve

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a unified effort to address the growing threat of wildfires in Southern California, Ryan Honary, founder of SensoRy AI, has partnered with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and the City of Irvine to deploy his award-winning AI-driven wildfire detection system in the Irvine Open Space Preserve.

SensoRy AI’s platform combines a wireless mesh sensor network with artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect wildfires at their earliest stages, providing firefighters with instant notifications and real-time updates on predicted growth speed and direction. Designed to be low-cost and scalable, the solution is ideal for high-risk areas.

“Early detection is one of our greatest weapons in what has become a year-round fire season, empowering crews to more safely and effectively execute the robust and rapid initial attack required to keep wildfires small,” said OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy. “For several years now, we have partnered with Ryan and SensoRy AI. We are proud and grateful that his technology has the potential to provide our firefighters with real-time data that expedites resource allocation, improves firefighting strategy, and enhances our mission to protect life and property.”

The initial installation focuses on high-risk zones within the Irvine Open Space Preserve, which is a part of nearly 40,000 acres of interconnected open space owned by the City of Irvine, OC Parks, and California State Parks that functions as a key ecological corridor connecting open space in Orange County to the Cleveland National Forest. The deployment comes after several successful pilots carried out with the support of Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) at their native seed farm and OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with and supported Ryan in the development and testing of SensoRy AI’s technology,” said Dr. Nathan Gregory, Senior Vice President and Chief Programs Officer at IRC. “Utilizing innovative tools to assist with protecting open spaces and communities from wildfire is essential, and this technology will help us do that.”

So far this year, wildfires have burned over 57,000 acres in California, killing nearly 30 people and causing an estimated $255 billion in economic losses. By merging OCFA’s operational expertise with SensoRy AI’s advanced detection technology, the deployment represents a significant step forward in protecting lives, property and ecosystems from the devastating effects of these disasters.

“Since 2020, my goal has been to create technology that gives first responders the early warning they need to respond to wildfires faster and more effectively,” said Ryan Honary. “The support I’ve received from experts like Chief Fennessy and Dr. Gregory has been invaluable as I’ve worked to turn what started as a science project into a real-world solution that can save lives.”

About SensoRy AI

SensoRy AI, founded by Ryan Honary, is a company dedicated to developing AI-powered solutions for environmental hazard detection. The company’s mission is to provide cutting-edge technology that enables communities and emergency responders to stay ahead of environmental disasters, from wildfires to other critical threats. SensoRy AI’s early detection system is just one of its innovative solutions aimed at protecting lives and property. Learn more at sensoryai.com

About Orange County Fire Authority

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is a regional fire service agency that serves 23 cities in Orange County and all unincorporated areas. OCFA operates from 78 fire stations, providing fire protection and emergency medical services to nearly 2 million residents. The agency is committed to safeguarding lives and property through a combination of fire prevention, education, and effective emergency response.

About Irvine Ranch Conservancy

Irvine Ranch Conservancy is a non-profit organization whose mission is to restore, protect, and enhance the ecological health of urban wildlands in a way that fosters compatible human behaviors and inspires connections and partnerships. These lands include the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks — over 40,000 acres of precious open space in Orange County that have been recognized for their biological and geological significance. IRC actively manages these critically important areas in partnership with the City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach, OC Parks, and numerous other community partners.

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Duck Creek Technologies Partners with Worldpay to Enhance Payments Solutions

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, today announced a strategic partnership with Worldpay^®, a global industry leader in payments technology and solutions.

Worldpay’s global payments capabilities embedded in Duck Creek Payments, provide carriers with a seamless, end-to-end payment management platform tailored specifically to the insurance industry. The addition of Worldpay’s payments capabilities fortifies Duck Creek’s ability to serve carriers worldwide with its payments platform while ensuring scalability and future-proofing through continued technology investments.

“Selecting the right payments processing partner is pivotal to delivering an exceptional experience for our customers,” said Allan Lacoste, Chief Payments Officer at Duck Creek Technologies. “Worldpay aligns perfectly with our mission to provide insurance carriers with secure, efficient, and flexible payment solutions. Through this partnership, Duck Creek Payments becomes even more robust, eliminating the need for costly, bespoke integrations while embedding industry-leading payment processing capabilities directly into Duck Creek’s core technology.”

This partnership also reflects Duck Creek’s commitment to expanding its Marketplace, where strategic payment partnerships empower carriers to access a comprehensive suite of innovative payment solutions tailored to their unique needs. Worldpay’s technology is a critical, component of the Duck Creek Payments solution, emphasizing its role within the company’s ecosystem.

“By joining forces with Duck Creek, we are realizing our shared goal of modernizing payment solutions for the insurance industry,” said Jason Pavona, General Manager of North America at Worldpay. “The integration of our advanced payment technologies into Duck Creek Payments gives insurance carriers the tools they need to reduce complexity, deliver a better customer journey, and navigate an increasingly dynamic marketplace.”

Duck Creek Payments delivers unparalleled value, ensuring carriers benefit from a seamless, future-ready payments experience that integrates effortlessly into existing core systems. Additionally, insurers can process easier, more cost-effective payments and provide customers with increased payment flexibility, including Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options.

About Worldpay
Worldpay is an industry leading payments technology and solutions company with unique capabilities to power omni-commerce across the globe. Our processing solutions allow businesses of all sizes to take, make and manage payments in-person and online from anywhere in the world. Annually, we process over 50 billion transactions across 146 countries and 135 currencies. We help our customers become more efficient, more secure and more successful. To learn more, visit worldpay.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and or Facebook.

About Duck Creek Technologies 
Duck Creek Technologies is the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.

Media Contacts: 

Duck Creek:
Marianne Dempsey/Tara Stred 
duckcreek@threeringsinc.com 

Worldpay:
Siobhan Acha Derrington
Director of Public Relations
media@worldpay.com

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025