T-Mobile has boldly announced the launch of its new 5G technology, which is expected to transform the world of connectivity completely. The revolutionary 3.3Gbps speeds of T-Mobile’s 5G network will change how we interact with our mobile devices. Carrier aggregation, a method that combines four separate 5G channels into one for capable devices, is responsible for this ground-breaking success. In this piece, we’ll investigate what T-Mobile’s super-fast 5G network can do and what that means for the future of wireless communication.

Outpacing the much-touted mmWave 5G offered by Verizon and AT&T

T-Mobile’s 5G network is so fast that it can outpace the much-touted mmWave 5G offered by Verizon and AT&T. While mmWave 5G download speeds can get as high as 1.6Gbps, its range is short, and things like trees and buildings easily disrupt it. On the other hand, T-Mobile has improved connection speeds and reliability with its carrier aggregation technology. T-Mobile’s 5G network will provide users with ultra-low latency and speeds of up to 3.3Gbps.

Carrier aggregation is what makes T-Mobile’s 5G network so fast.

T-Mobile provides industry-first speeds and performance by combining four independent 5G channels. T-Mobile uses four channels, consisting of two 2.5GHz channels, a 600MHz channel, and repurposed 1,900MHz spectrum from the decommissioned 3G networks of T-Mobile and Sprint.

T-Mobile has already launched parts of its ultrafast 5G network, with plans to roll it out across the country in the coming weeks. The company’s dedication to nationwide coverage guarantees that people in every part of the country can soon take advantage of this innovative technology. T-Mobile’s nationwide availability will undoubtedly revolutionize our ability to connect and communicate, but the specific locations of the rollout are currently unknown.

Is your device 5G-ready?

Users will need a device that is 5G-ready to take advantage of T-Mobile’s aggregated channels and experience the ultrafast speeds of the network. T-Mobile’s carrier aggregation technology currently only works with the most recent Samsung Galaxy S23 phones, which feature the same Qualcomm Snapdragon X70 modem as the OnePlus 11 5G. Thanks to the increasing number of compatible devices, users can anticipate a future where ultra-fast connections are the norm.

T-Mobile may have pioneered the practical application of carrier aggregation, but its rivals are closing the gap quickly. AT&T and Verizon are also implementing network improvements. Verizon has tested download speeds of up to 4.3Gbps and upload speeds of over a gigabit, while AT&T has already aggregated two upload channels. With each major carrier competing to offer their customers the fastest and most reliable connectivity, the race for innovation in the 5G space is heating up.

5G network offers the benefit of being able to function independently

T-Mobile’s ultrafast 5G network offers the benefit of functioning independently. T-Mobile has been the first to market with ground-breaking innovations like carrier aggregation because it is the only service provider with a dedicated 5G network. Regarding connectivity, T-Mobile is dedicated to being on the cutting edge, as President of Technology Ulf Ewaldsson explains. T-Mobile is in a prime position to revolutionize how we connect and communicate thanks to its state-of-the-art network infrastructure.

Here is the beginning of a new era in wireless connectivity

The launch of T-Mobile’s 5G network marks the beginning of a new era in wireless connectivity. Thanks to the company’s lightning-fast speeds and ubiquitous coverage, T-Mobile’s users are free to discover whatever they want. T-Mobile’s ultrafast 5G network will revolutionize our everyday lives in countless ways, from lag-free video streaming and immersive gaming to greater workplace productivity and efficiency. T-Mobile has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and the company has only gotten stronger over time.

T-Mobile is a significant innovation in the telecommunications industry

In conclusion, T-Mobile’s ultrafast 5G network, fueled by carrier aggregation, is a significant innovation in the telecommunications industry. T-Mobile’s 3.3Gbps speeds are revolutionizing the internet experience. This innovative technology is being rolled out on a regional basis, with eventual nationwide availability. Users can anticipate a future where ultra-fast connections are the norm thanks to the increasing number of compatible devices. T-Mobile is ahead of the competition in the connectivity market thanks to the company’s dedication to innovation and its independent 5G network. T-Mobile is a pioneer in this new era of connectivity, ushering in a world of endless possibilities.

First reported on The Verge

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes T-Mobile’s 5G network so revolutionary?

T-Mobile’s 5G network stands out for its exceptional speed and reliability. With download speeds of up to 3.3Gbps, it surpasses the mmWave 5G offered by competitors like Verizon and AT&T, providing users with ultra-low latency and seamless connectivity.

2. How does T-Mobile achieve such high speeds on its 5G network?

T-Mobile’s success in achieving such fast speeds is attributed to its innovative use of carrier aggregation technology. T-Mobile provides industry-first speeds and performance by combining four independent 5G channels, including 2.5GHz, 600MHz, and repurposed 1,900MHz spectrum.

3. When will T-Mobile’s ultrafast 5G network be available nationwide?

T-Mobile has already launched parts of its ultrafast 5G network, with plans to expand it across the country in the coming weeks. The company’s commitment to nationwide coverage ensures that users in every part of the country will soon benefit from this cutting-edge technology.

4. What devices are compatible with T-Mobile’s carrier aggregation technology?

T-Mobile’s carrier aggregation technology currently works with the most recent Samsung Galaxy S23 phones, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon X70 modem. As more devices become 5G-ready, users can expect even greater compatibility with T-Mobile’s ultrafast network.

5. How does T-Mobile’s 5G network compare to competitors like AT&T and Verizon?

T-Mobile’s 5G network has set new standards with its carrier aggregation technology, but its competitors are also making strides to enhance their networks. Verizon has tested download speeds of up to 4.3Gbps, and AT&T has already implemented aggregation for two upload channels. The fierce competition in the 5G space drives continuous innovation and improvement.

6. What sets T-Mobile apart in the 5G connectivity market?

T-Mobile’s dedication to being at the forefront of technological innovation sets it apart from competitors. As the only service provider with its own dedicated 5G network, T-Mobile has pioneered ground-breaking innovations like carrier aggregation, giving its users the benefit of being on the cutting edge of connectivity.

7. How will T-Mobile’s ultrafast 5G network impact users?

T-Mobile’s ultrafast 5G network will revolutionize how users interact with their mobile devices. With lightning-fast speeds and ubiquitous coverage, users can expect seamless experiences in lag-free video streaming, immersive gaming, and increased workplace productivity and efficiency.

8. What does the launch of T-Mobile’s 5G network signify for the future of wireless communication?

T-Mobile’s launch of its ultrafast 5G network marks the beginning of a new era in wireless connectivity. The technology’s nationwide availability and ever-expanding device compatibility indicate a future where ultra-fast connections become the norm, offering users a world of endless possibilities in communication and connectivity. T-Mobile’s continuous dedication to innovation suggests that the company will remain at the forefront of shaping the future of wireless communication.

Featured Image Credit: Mika Baumeister; Unsplash; Thank you!

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The space-based internet startup, Astranis, has been making waves in the tech industry with its innovative approach to providing internet connectivity. However, a recent setback involving their first commercial internet satellite has forced the company to shift gears and implement Plan B. In this article, we will delve into the details of Astranis’ journey, the challenges they faced, and how they are working towards overcoming them.

Founded in San Francisco, Astranis has been disrupting the satellite industry with its cost-effective and efficient approach to internet connectivity. Traditional satellite manufacturers typically face exorbitant costs, primarily due to the size and fuel requirements of their satellites. Astranis, on the other hand, has been able to build smaller, more flexible satellites that are quicker to manufacture and launch. This alternative approach has not only reduced costs but also increased the company’s agility in responding to challenges.

Astranis’ first commercial internet satellite, Arcturus, was launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy in May. The dedicated satellite was designed to provide continuous internet coverage to Alaska, where connectivity has been a persistent issue. Initially, the satellite performed nominally, delivering promising results. However, a sudden malfunction with the solar array drive assembly, responsible for rotating the solar arrays towards the sun, led to a loss of power generation. This setback jeopardized the mission of providing internet connectivity to Alaska.

To mitigate the impact of Arcturus’ malfunction, Astranis swiftly devised Plan B. They unveiled a previously undisclosed satellite called “UtilitySat,” which will serve as an on-orbit backup for Arcturus. UtilitySat, weighing around 400 kilograms and of similar size to Arcturus, will be launched as part of a batch of four satellites on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission later this year. While UtilitySat will not entirely compensate for the lost coverage, it represents Astranis’ commitment to finding alternative solutions and ensuring the continuity of their mission.

Astranis CEO, John Gedmark, remains optimistic about the company’s ability to overcome the challenges they have encountered. While the Alaska satellite replacement is expected in early 2025, Astranis is actively working towards resolving the issues with Arcturus and restoring its functionality. The team is dedicated to delivering on their promise of providing reliable internet connectivity to remote areas and underserved communities.

The recent news of hardware issues with Viasat’s ViaSat-3 satellite highlights the advantages of Astranis’ approach. Unlike traditional satellite manufacturers, Astranis’ smaller and more flexible satellites offer increased resiliency. While a malfunction in a geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite typically results in significant financial losses, Astranis’ cost-effective satellites minimize the impact of such setbacks. This resilience allows the company to adapt and recover quicker, ensuring the mission’s continuity.

Astranis has positioned itself as an industry leader in space-based internet connectivity. Their commitment to innovation, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability has attracted attention from investors and industry experts alike. As the demand for reliable internet connectivity continues to grow, Astranis is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The challenges faced by Astranis serve as valuable lessons for the satellite industry as a whole. The traditional approach, with its high costs and lengthy development timelines, may be unsustainable in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Astranis’ success lies in its ability to leverage advancements in technology, streamlining manufacturing processes, and embracing a more agile mindset. These lessons can inspire other companies to explore alternative approaches and drive innovation in the satellite industry.

In summary, Astranis’ journey has been marked by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to bridging the digital divide. While the malfunction of their first commercial internet satellite presented a significant setback, the company quickly adapted and implemented a backup plan. Astranis’ ability to overcome challenges, coupled with their cost-effective satellite designs, positions them as a formidable player in the satellite industry. As they continue to push the boundaries of space-based internet connectivity, Astranis is poised to shape the future of global connectivity.

First reported on TechCrunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Astranis’ approach to providing internet connectivity?

Astranis disrupts the satellite industry with a cost-effective and efficient approach. They build smaller, more flexible satellites that reduce costs and increase agility in responding to challenges.

Q. What was the setback faced by Astranis with their first commercial internet satellite, Arcturus?

Arcturus experienced a malfunction with the solar array drive assembly, leading to a loss of power generation and jeopardizing the mission of providing internet connectivity to Alaska.

Q. How did Astranis respond to the setback with Arcturus?

Astranis swiftly implemented Plan B by unveiling “UtilitySat,” an on-orbit backup for Arcturus. While it won’t entirely compensate for the lost coverage, UtilitySat represents their commitment to finding alternative solutions.

Q. When is UtilitySat expected to be launched, and what are Astranis’ plans for resolving the issues with Arcturus?

UtilitySat will be launched later this year as part of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission. Astranis is actively working towards resolving the issues with Arcturus and expects the Alaska satellite replacement in early 2025.

Q. How does Astranis’ approach offer advantages over traditional satellite manufacturers like Viasat?

Astranis’ smaller and more flexible satellites offer increased resiliency. Their cost-effective designs minimize the impact of setbacks, making them more adaptable and quicker to recover from hardware issues.

Q. What makes Astranis an industry leader in space-based internet connectivity?

Astranis’ commitment to innovation, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability has attracted attention from investors and experts in the satellite industry, positioning them as a formidable player in the field.

Q. What lessons can other companies in the satellite industry learn from Astranis’ journey?

Astranis’ success lies in leveraging advancements in technology, streamlining manufacturing processes, and embracing an agile mindset. Other companies can explore alternative approaches and drive innovation in the industry.

Q. How does Astranis’ commitment to bridging the digital divide contribute to their mission?

Astranis is dedicated to providing reliable internet connectivity to remote areas and underserved communities. By offering cost-effective and efficient solutions, they aim to bring internet access to regions that have traditionally faced connectivity challenges.

Q. What role does Astranis’ approach play in meeting the growing demand for reliable internet connectivity?

As the demand for internet connectivity continues to grow, Astranis’ approach of building smaller, more agile satellites allows them to respond quickly to market needs. This positions them to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global connectivity market.

Q. What are some potential future applications of Astranis’ innovative satellite technology beyond internet connectivity?

Apart from internet connectivity, Astranis’ technology has the potential for various applications, such as satellite-based communications, remote sensing, weather monitoring, and even space exploration. Their cost-effective and adaptable satellites open up possibilities for a wide range of uses in the space industry.

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

The post Astranis: Overcoming Challenges in Space-based Internet Connectivity appeared first on ReadWrite.

In a bold move to revolutionize internet connectivity, Amazon is investing $120 million to build a cutting-edge facility for its Project Kuiper satellites in Florida. This state-of-the-art building will serve as a launchpad for over 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites, aiming to connect the globe to the internet. With its ambitious plan, Amazon is poised to make a significant impact in the satellite industry, competing with the likes of SpaceX’s Starlink. This article delves into the details of Amazon’s Project Kuiper, exploring its goals, challenges, and potential impact on the future of internet connectivity.

Project Kuiper is Amazon’s ambitious endeavor to provide internet connectivity to underserved areas worldwide. Through the deployment of a vast constellation of satellites, Amazon aims to bridge the digital divide and bring high-speed internet access to remote locations. With over 4,000 satellites already deployed, SpaceX’s Starlink has made significant progress in this area. However, Amazon is determined to catch up and establish itself as a major player in the satellite internet space.

To realize the goals of Project Kuiper, Amazon is constructing a 100,000-square-foot facility at Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center. This prime location, once home to NASA’s Space Shuttle missions, provides Amazon with an ideal base for satellite preparation and integration. The facility will also feature a 100-foot-tall bay, enabling seamless collaboration with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and the United Launch Alliance (ULA) for rocket integration.

Steve Metayer, Amazon’s vice president of Kuiper production operations, states that construction is expected to be completed by the end of next year, with satellite processing commencing in early 2025. This impressive facility will play a crucial role in supporting Amazon’s timeline for full-scale production launches and early customer pilots.

While Amazon’s commitment to Project Kuiper is commendable, the journey has not been without its challenges. Technical difficulties and an explosion during testing have delayed the launch of the project’s two prototype satellites. Originally scheduled for a May launch on ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket, the setback has pushed the launch to late 2023. Despite these setbacks, Amazon remains steadfast in its commitment to the project, with plans to start satellite production at its facility in Kirkland, Washington, by the end of this year.

Amazon faces stiff competition from SpaceX’s Starlink, which has already deployed a vast constellation of over 4,000 satellites and is currently providing internet service to more than 1.5 million people globally. However, Amazon recognizes the importance of collaboration in the satellite industry. SpaceX’s rockets have become the preferred choice for satellite launch companies and government agencies. Amazon may ultimately need SpaceX’s success to propel its own ambitions forward.

With the new facility in Florida and ongoing satellite production in Washington, Amazon is gearing up for production launches and early customer pilots. In line with their ambitious timeline, Amazon plans to initiate these activities in 2024. By harnessing the power of Project Kuiper, Amazon aims to provide reliable and high-speed internet access to individuals, communities, and businesses around the world.

The success of Project Kuiper has far-reaching implications for internet connectivity. By leveraging satellite technology, Amazon aims to expand internet access to remote and underserved areas, empowering individuals and fostering economic growth. Reliable internet connectivity has become an essential aspect of modern life, enabling access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Through Project Kuiper, Amazon is poised to bridge the digital divide and empower millions of people globally.

Satellite internet connectivity offers several advantages over traditional terrestrial networks. It is particularly beneficial for remote and rural areas with limited infrastructure. By eliminating the need for extensive ground-based infrastructure, satellite internet can quickly and cost-effectively provide internet access to areas where laying cables or building cell towers is challenging.

Moreover, satellite internet is not limited to specific geographical regions, making it an ideal solution for connecting isolated communities and regions that are difficult to reach via traditional means. This technology has the potential to unlock opportunities for education, telemedicine, e-commerce, and much more, even in the most remote corners of the globe.

In summary, Amazon’s Project Kuiper is set to revolutionize internet connectivity by deploying a vast constellation of satellites. Through the construction of a state-of-the-art facility in Florida, Amazon is gearing up for full-scale production launches and early customer pilots. While facing competition from SpaceX’s Starlink, Amazon remains determined to bridge the digital divide and connect the globe to high-speed internet. The success of Project Kuiper has the potential to transform lives, empower communities, and propel economic growth in even the most remote areas. As the world eagerly awaits the launch of Amazon’s satellites, the future of internet connectivity looks brighter than ever before.

First reported on The Verge

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Amazon’s Project Kuiper?

Project Kuiper is Amazon’s ambitious initiative to provide internet connectivity to underserved areas worldwide by deploying a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites.

Q. How many satellites will Project Kuiper deploy?

Amazon plans to launch over 3,200 satellites for Project Kuiper.

Q. Where is Amazon building its facility for Project Kuiper?

Amazon is constructing a 100,000-square-foot facility at Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Q. When is the facility expected to be completed, and when will satellite processing begin?

The facility is expected to be completed by the end of next year, with satellite processing commencing in early 2025.

Q. What challenges has Amazon faced with Project Kuiper?

Amazon has faced technical difficulties and delays, including an explosion during testing, which pushed back the launch of prototype satellites from May to late 2023.

Q. Who is the main competitor for Project Kuiper in the satellite internet space?

SpaceX’s Starlink is the main competitor for Project Kuiper, with over 4,000 satellites already deployed and providing internet service to millions of people.

Q. How does satellite internet benefit remote and underserved areas?

Satellite internet can quickly and cost-effectively provide internet access to areas with limited infrastructure, making it ideal for remote and rural regions. It eliminates the need for extensive ground-based infrastructure.

Q. What are the advantages of satellite internet over traditional terrestrial networks?

Satellite internet is not limited to specific geographical regions, making it an ideal solution for connecting isolated communities and regions that are difficult to reach via traditional means.

Q. What is the potential impact of Project Kuiper on internet connectivity?

Project Kuiper has the potential to bridge the digital divide, empowering individuals and fostering economic growth by providing reliable and high-speed internet access globally. It can unlock opportunities for education, healthcare, e-commerce, and more.

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

The post Amazon’s Project Kuiper: How It Will Bring High-Speed Internet to Everyone appeared first on ReadWrite.

The realm of artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in generating text and graphics from simple instructions in recent years. However, the next frontier in AI technology appears to be audio. As we witness the rise of music creation based on word prompts, AI language tutors, and voice simulators, companies like Voice.ai are leading the way in voice-altering technology. Recently, speech.ai, the parent company of Voice.ai, announced that it has secured a $6 million investment to propel its voice-changing technology into new markets.

Voice.ai has experienced remarkable growth, largely driven by word-of-mouth marketing. The company’s Discord channel has amassed over 120,000 subscribers, attracting a diverse range of users, including gamers, content producers, vloggers, and enthusiasts of popular apps. Voice.ai offers users the ability to create new voices or choose from an extensive library of pre-created voices contributed by other users. These tools are available as applications for Mac, PC, Android, and iOS, enabling users to utilize the voices for recordings or live sessions in real-time.

See also: Voice.ai’s Real-Time Voice Changer Technology Attracts $6 Million in Funding

With the infusion of fresh capital, Voice.ai plans to expand its technical team and develop additional software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interfaces (APIs) for platforms like Unreal, Meta, and Unity. The company also aims to broaden its language support and explore new applications for voice, including singing. Given the existing waitlists for its services due to high demand, Voice.ai may allocate some of the funds to enhance server capacity.

In the competitive landscape of speech-to-voice and voice-to-speech services, Voice.ai stands as a formidable player. Notable participants in this space include Snap, which acquired an AI voice assistant for contact centers, and Spotify, which purchased Sonantic for its AI speech platform technology. Other companies like Sanas, Murf, and Acapela are active in accent modification and synthetic speech creation. Voice.ai differentiates itself by positioning as a consumer-oriented AI speech modification tool, as opposed to solutions primarily aimed at businesses. By making speech AI technology accessible and affordable to the general public, Voice.ai aims to democratize its usage.

What sets Voice.ai apart is its unique approach to voice alteration. The company places strong emphasis on preserving key aspects of a speaker’s speech, such as emotion, timing, and emphasis. This distinguishes Voice.ai from other firms that merely replicate voices or offer costly voice-to-voice services to production studios. By changing the voice’s tone, Voice.ai produces entirely original output in real-time, appealing to individuals seeking to enhance their audio quality and amplify their online presence.

Currently, Voice.ai boasts a user base consisting of 70% men and 30% women. However, the company anticipates attracting new user groups, including individuals who use avatars matching their voices, those seeking privacy protection, transgender individuals desiring voices that align with their identities, and those experimenting with entirely new online personas.

The recent fundraising efforts led by Mucker Capital and M13 indicate investors’ optimism about the future of Voice.ai. Mucker Capital, renowned for its successful mobile ad firm AdMob, sees Voice.ai as a catalyst for transforming the AI developer community, drawing parallels to AdMob’s influence on mobile app developers. The M13 team, led by former Digital Ocean COO Karl Alomar, is committed to encouraging developers to embrace and integrate Voice.ai’s technologies.

Voice.ai is spearheading the voice AI revolution, empowering individuals to shape their online sound. The company’s user-friendly and cost-effective solutions are democratizing speech AI technology, opening up new possibilities for consumers, developers, and the broader AI industry. Voice.ai offers a distinctive and easily accessible platform for individual expression and creative exploration in the online space by preserving the essential components of a user’s speech while altering the voice.

As Voice.ai continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to revolutionize the way people interact with audio content. With its recent investment, the company is well-positioned to expand its reach, enhance its technology, and cater to the diverse needs of its expanding user base. By democratizing speech AI technology, Voice.ai is paving the way for a future where individuals have greater control over their online presence and can express themselves in new and exciting ways.

First Reported on TechCrunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Voice.ai?

A: Voice.ai is a company at the forefront of AI technology, specializing in voice-altering solutions. Its platform allows users to modify and conceal their voices in real-time, offering a range of customizable options.

Q: How does Voice.ai’s voice-altering technology work?

A: Voice.ai’s technology focuses on preserving key aspects of a speaker’s speech, such as emotion, timing, and emphasis, while changing the voice’s tone. Unlike other companies that replicate voices or provide costly voice-to-voice services, Voice.ai generates wholly original output in real-time.

Q: What are the applications of Voice.ai’s voice-altering technology?

A: Voice.ai’s technology has various applications. It caters to gamers, content producers, vloggers, and users of popular platforms. Users can create new voices or choose from a library of pre-created voices for recordings or live sessions, enhancing their audio quality and online presence.

Q: What platforms are supported by Voice.ai’s tools?

A: Voice.ai’s tools are available as applications for Mac, PC, Android, and iOS, ensuring accessibility across different operating systems and devices.

Q: How has Voice.ai gained popularity?

A: Voice.ai’s growth has largely been driven by word-of-mouth marketing. It has amassed over 120,000 subscribers on its Discord channel, attracting a diverse user base and gaining traction among gamers, content creators, and users of various popular apps.

Q: What are Voice.ai’s plans with the recent $6 million investment?

A: With the infusion of fresh capital, Voice.ai aims to expand its technical staff and develop additional software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interfaces (APIs) for platforms like Meta, Unreal, and Unity. The company also plans to expand language support, explore new voice applications such as singing, and potentially allocate funds to expand server capacity to meet demand.

Q: How does Voice.ai differentiate itself from other speech-to-voice and voice-to-speech services?

A: Voice.ai differentiates itself by focusing on providing a consumer-oriented AI speech modification tool. It emphasizes affordability and accessibility, making speech AI technology available to the general public. Unlike other solutions, Voice.ai prioritizes preserving important speech characteristics while altering the voice’s tone.

Q: Who are the competitors of Voice.ai in the voice-altering market?

A: Voice.ai faces competition from various companies in the speech-to-voice and voice-to-speech market. Notable competitors include Snap, which acquired an AI voice assistant for contact centers, and Spotify, which purchased Sonantic for AI speech platform technology. Other active players in accent modification and synthetic speech creation include Sanas, Murf, and Acapela.

Q: What is the user demographic of Voice.ai?

A: Currently, Voice.ai’s user base comprises 70% men and 30% women. However, the company expects to attract new user groups, such as individuals using avatars matching their voices, those seeking privacy protection, transgender individuals looking for voices aligning with their identities, and individuals exploring new online personas.

Q: What is the significance of Voice.ai’s recent fundraising efforts?

A: The recent $6 million investment in Voice.ai, led by Mucker Capital and M13, demonstrates investors’ confidence in the company’s future. Mucker Capital, known for its successful mobile ad firm AdMob, sees Voice.ai as a catalyst for transforming the AI developer community, much like AdMob influenced mobile app developers. The M13 team, led by former Digital Ocean COO Karl Alomar, aims to encouragedevelopers to adopt and integrate Voice.ai’s technologies.

Q: How does Voice.ai contribute to the AI industry as a whole?

A: Voice.ai is contributing to the AI industry by democratizing speech AI technology. Its user-friendly and cost-effective solutions make AI accessible to the general public, opening up new opportunities for consumers, developers, and the broader AI industry. Voice.ai’s innovative approach to voice alteration and its commitment to preserving important speech aspects set it apart and have the potential to reshape how people interact with audio content online.

Q: What can we expect from Voice.ai in the future?

A: As Voice.ai continues to grow and evolve, we can expect the company to expand its reach, enhance its technology, and explore new applications for voice-altering technology. With its recent investment, Voice.ai is well-positioned to further innovate and cater to the evolving needs of its user base. The company’s commitment to individual expression and creative exploration in the online space suggests that it will continue to empower users to shape their online sound and push the boundaries of voice AI technology.

The post Voice AI Splits Away From Enterprise-Focused Text-to-Speech appeared first on ReadWrite.

Members of a community share a set of views. They think the same way about at least one thing, whether that’s politics, a football team, a cause, or a favorite choice of toothpaste. A community has at least one thought, issue, feeling, concern, or a goal in common.

But having and maintaining only one thing is a pretty weak link to bond members of a community together. Communities are stronger when they share not just views but experiences. People who share a political view come together at rallies. Football fans bond when they cheer on their team together. Campaigners make friends at demonstrations and marches. The shared bonding experiences are the types of connection we want to encourage in ourselves and others.

For online communities, the issues are deeper and harder to understand and identify.

Online, the community members take part in group activities alone. They read and comment on posts in their own time and in isolation. The individuals don’t get to meet, let alone interact with other community members to share an experience.

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Live video has changed the online experience.

Now available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and a host of other platforms is live video that ensures members of a community can share the same experience at the same time.

The “group and fan-base” might be sitting in different places, but they’re all looking at the same event simultaneously. The viewers can even interact with the broadcaster and with each other. It’s the closest that an online community comes to sharing a common experience.

There are lots of different ways for communities to make use of these live videos, but three options stand out the best.

Interview an Expert

One great connection is a live interview with an expert. Your live interview is like running a talk show — and there are even tools that allow you to interview someone in a different location. The organizer of a community for people who like Harry Potter, for example, could interview the author of popular Harry Potter fanfiction. As audience members watch, they can use the comment stream to ask questions and talk to each other.

The chat shows up on the right side of the live streaming — everyone sees it and can make comments. The live stream then becomes more than an interview. Right there in real-time, the interview turns into a live discussion that’s closer to a book reading than a television show. Because the interview with an expert is interactive — it’s even more valued as a personal shared experience.

Instructional Videos

Interviews require a little preparation. You have to find someone willing to talk and answer questions and arrange a time that suits you, them, and your audience. Finding a bookable timeframe is not a big challenge, but it will require collaboration. Hop on a good Calendar site and coordinate with everyone for a higher participation rate.

Live instructional videos don’t require the co-operation of others, though they will demand some thought. You’ll need to plan what you’re going to show, and have the ability to walk people through the steps of what you are saying without getting confused or losing your place.

The result, though, will be the sharing of information with people who value that information. Triangle Nursery, for example, is a flower and event business in the UK. The company broadcasts regular live videos that show people, keen on flower arrangements, how to make cool bouquets.

You can see from the comments in the videos how well the comments are received, and how classy the interviewers respond. The vid shows how to conduct a great forum for live interaction. The National Quilters Circle does something similar, bringing together hobbyists to learn and interact with each online.

Live Events

The third kind of live video is probably the most popular. One of the most common broadcasts on Facebook Live comes from churches that use the feature to bring congregations to their places of worship.

But a church certainly isn’t the only event that community organizers can use to cement relationships between members of an online community. Even industry events, such as car shows, can use live broadcasts to show people who can’t attend what they’re missing and let them communicate with the people who are there.

I’ve seen significant use of live vid for business teammate connections. There have been some great book groups on Facebook and elsewhere for individuals with all kinds of differing tastes from Business and Self-Help to Sci-Fi. Find one that fits what you are looking for. At this time of the COVID-19 issues — many teachers and schools are using this same live-stream format or instructional videos to stay in touch with their students.

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Firms as big as Apple have been live-streaming their events for years but live video takes that reach even further by enabling interaction. The organizer of an art fair, for example, can alert members of an art community that they’ll be broadcasting from the event live.

During the show, the organizers can walk the booths and interview the exhibitors. Inviting viewers to ask questions as they watch the walk-through is the icing on the cake. Exhibitors themselves could broadcast their own videos.

Art Sherpa, who teaches acrylic painting, teamed up with Pix Brix at the New York Toy Fair to talk about the company’s new construction toys. You can see how the live audience interaction adds a new degree of depth to what would otherwise be a typical marketing pitch.

Online communities have always had weaker bonds than real-life communities. Live video has helped to make those bonds much stronger.

The post How to Build Your Community with Live Video appeared first on ReadWrite.

A Mastermind is a peer-to-peer mentoring group used to help members solve their problems and improve their lives. We have all read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. The central concept is to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who have what you’d like to create if you haven’t. Masterminds allow you to gain new experiences and perspectives, growing your life and business.

Mastermind groups have exploded in popularity in recent years. If you’re not in a Mastermind, the world will pass you by. The world is changing rapidly and surrounding yourself with other industry leaders is essential to staying ahead or catching up.

Being part of a group that thinks alike and different will make you better. They will also challenge your thinking. Most of these communities are exclusive and invite-only. If you qualify, consider yourself one of the fortunate ones. It is up to the participant to show up and receive value within all these groups.

Check out more masterminds on Coursera.

Why join a specific mastermind and which group to join can be complicated?

I am in a few different masterminds for different reasons. One is a business and speaker mastermind, another is a spiritual mastermind, and another focuses on marketing and sales strategies. 

You can join masterminds for every industry, entrepreneur, or business leader.

A few years ago, I was at a mastermind dinner for one of the groups below. One of the members was debating whether he would rejoin for $25,000 for year two. One of our fellow members asked why he would not rejoin. He responded that he didn’t feel he had received $25,000 in value or even a fraction of the $250,000 the program guaranteed. 

This member shared how he thinks about receiving value in these communities upon further discussion. It isn’t on the mastermind leader or the group to provide the value. It is on the participant to receive the value. He shared his thinking: how on day number 1 of a year-long program can I receive $25,000 or $250,000 in value in my life or business. The rest of the year and days in meetings are a bonus for accomplishing this. This thinking forever changed how I show up and receive value from these groups. Masterminds have led to millions of dollars of opportunities, friendships, and business collaborations. 

Being a member of many masterminds over the years, I want to outline the top 22 to join during 2022 to make it the best year of your life and business. 

1. YPO

Young Presidents Organization (YPO) is one of the oldest, most respected, and most prominent masterminds globally. The group was founded in 1950 by Ray Hickok. It connects 30,000 CEOs globally. Admission is invite-only and with business standards like 50 full-time employees and revenue over 13 million. Members connect in-person and online over the course of the year. Events often include speakers like Richard Branson, Steve Wozniak, and heads of state. Money’s no issue for members, but the annual fee is reasonable. So if you’re offered an invitation, don’t let the opportunity pass.

• Website ypo.org
• Investment: $10,000 plus Annually

2. Genius Creators Collective

Genius Creators Collective is an exclusive community of young creators focused on connecting and becoming empowered in building the future. The members (Genius Creators) include entrepreneurs, musicians, athletes, actors, executives, investors, and artists born during and after 1985. They host events at luxurious properties around the world. The community also meets twice a month online. Genius Creators Collective was created on the premise that young leaders crave a place to connect, learn, grow, and flourish collectively. The founders run investment companies and use the community to determine and support their investments. The community is startup founder and finance centric with influencers building all industries. 

• Website:  GeniusCreators.org 
• Investment: $11,000 Annually

3. Selfless Givers Mastermind

An invite-only mastermind that includes multiple best-selling authors, YPO members, hall of fame speakers changing the future. Membership costs $55,000 per year and consists of an epic trip to a remote location. Last year they rented a 90-foot yacht off-coast of Cabo. The group has launched members to number 1 on the WSJ list three times during 2020. They know how to market and create businesses changing the world from real estate to startups to consulting firms. 

• Website: SelflessGivers.com
• Investment: $55,000 Annually

4. Connected Geniuses

Sacred invite-only masterminds very few people have heard of. Members include the COO of a public company, investors, speakers, and business owners. Membership is capped at 22 members and includes an annual trip. We had no idea of the cost, yet we talked with one member who said it’s a place where he can be vulnerable and learn arm and arm with his brothers.

• Website: ConnectedGeniuses.com
• Investment: Undisclosed

5. The Lifestyle Investor Mastermind

Justin Donald’s Mastermind is a 12-month program that’s perfect for anyone looking to go beyond his book, courses, podcasts, and connect with top investors. The Lifestyle Investor Mastermind gives you the space for building your confidence, skills, network, and portfolio — all in one spot. The tax strategies of high net-worth individuals gain more than pay for the investment in this mastermind. Members get preferred rates to invest alongside Justin in his deals. They meet annually in-person and monthly online. So if you want to work less and have your money create a new lifestyle, this is the mastermind to join.

• Website: justindonald.com/mastermind
• Investment: $50,000 Annually

6. Mastermind Talks

A veteran entrepreneur, Gaignard is the founder of a top-rated business podcast on iTunes and runs one of the world’s most exclusive events for entrepreneurs through Mastermind Talks. His invite-only event brings together brilliant minds. His work has been featured by influential publications like Forbes, Life Hacker, and Business Insider.

Since 2013, more than 19,000 entrepreneurs have applied to MMT from across the globe. With our community capped at 150 members annually, MMT is one of the most exclusive entrepreneur groups in the world.

• Website: mmt.community
• Investment: $15,000 Annually

7. Genius Network

I alleged War Room was pre-Illuminati, but that’s before I researched ‘Genius Network.’ Joe Polish’s group connects members to educational content, a digital network, and colossal annual events where Tony Robbins, Peter Diamandis, and Richard Branson speak. Pricing is either 25K or 100K annually. By most accounts, it’s the premium mastermind option. 

Genius Network is recommended for the most experienced masterminders. It is best to join knowing how to network, create partnerships, and market your business. Learn to walk before sprinting a marathon and joining Genius Network.

• Website: GeniusNetwork.com
• Investment: $25,000 or $100,000 Annually

8. The Human Gathering

The Human Gathering is a community created under the belief that nothing is impossible through the right community. Together, it is possible to gather the power to change the world. The focus is to leave behind a legacy carved into the history of humanity. Members include executives from public companies, entertainment, music, and diplomats. 

• Website: humangathering.com
• Investment: $5,000 Annually

9. EO

EO is perhaps the most well-known mastermind brand. Over 13,000 entrepreneurs are members globally. Each meets the standard of running a business over at least $1 million in revenue. Meetings are in-person at local chapters with discussions covering business, life, and balancing the two. 

If you meet its requirements, EO is very reasonable. The membership cost is minimal compared to other groups. The network is international, with members near every major city you can travel to. It has reigned as the 800-pound gorilla of masterminds since 1987 for good reasons.

• Website: eonetwork.org
• Investment: $9,500 Annually

10. Live for Livin 

Olenka Cullinan’s mastermind is a perfect place where driven executive women go to recharge, find balance, elevate their business and gain their time back. This combination of 1-1 work and peer connection Mastermind model helps executive women create life on their own terms while scaling and maintaining success. Cullinan has more than ten years of experience as an executive coach. As a result, she understands the main struggles women entrepreneurs deal with daily. This is the foundation for why she created Live for Livin. It’s a vetted group of very driven women running six to eight-figure organizations around the globe.

• Website: liveforlivin.com
• Investment: $9,500

11. Titans Mastermind

The Titans Mastermind is a business and personal growth. It is run by Brian Kurtz, one of the best direct response marketers in history. His group meets multiple times her year in-person and on zoom. So if you want to turn your company into a marketing machine, this is the group for you. 

Brian has worked with all the great marketers in history. These marketers are regular attendants and speakers at his events. In addition, this legend has mailed over 1.5 billion pieces of mail and shares his secrets with the group.

• Website: briankurtz.net/mastermind
• Investment: $20,000

12. War Room

War Room is where the top entrepreneurs, marketers, and game-changers meet to share strategies. Hall of Famers include Sara Blakely of Spanx, a Shark Tank Judge, and a former Pepsi VP. Executives share written templates, checklists, and systems on a private social network. War Room’s goal is to “double your business every year.” 

This mastermind tier is recommended for the experienced. Try out informal groups first to see if you do well in them. The payoff only justifies itself if you’re already good at networking, forming partnerships, and, generally, playing extraverted business.

• Website: warroommastermind.com
• Investment: $30,000 Annually

13. Elite365 (Itzler’s Mastermind)

Jesse Itzler created this mastermind to help members prioritize their lives over their work. Members discover that who they are matters more than what they do. Its main objective is to inspire people to build their life resumes, give them tools to do so, and experiences to create. Jesse is also a serial entrepreneur who has sold businesses to Warren Buffett, Coca-Cola, and iFit. He is also an ultra-endurance athlete who once hired David Goggins to live and train him for 30 days.

• Website: jesseitzler.com/elite-365/
• Investment: $25,000 Annually 

14. Strategic Coach

Strategic Coach is an organization run by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. Coach is the recognized leader worldwide in entrepreneurial coaching. For over 30 years, Coach has worked with more than 20,000 successful business owners from around the globe to help them achieve faster growth, greater profits, and an exceptional quality of life. In addition, Strategic Coach offers business coaching workshop programs designed to step up progress and accelerate your business and personal life results. The global community of successful entrepreneurs, highly experienced coaches, an arsenal of proprietary tools, and deep-dive strategy sessions are the cornerstones of member success.

• Website: strategiccoach.com
• Investment: $25,000

15. Tony Robbins Platinum Partnership

Platinum Partnership provides the unprecedented opportunity to network and learn from Tony and master teachers. Limited to an exclusive group of serious players worldwide. Membership involves traveling to some of the most spectacular destinations on earth. An annual commitment, The Platinum Partnership is an opportunity to receive a personalized level of coaching from the Robbins organization. In addition, members can attend Tony Robbins live events whenever they want, as often as they’d like, anywhere in the world.

• Website: tonyrobbins.com/platinum-partnership
• Investment: $85,000

16. World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.

It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is independent, impartial, and not tied to any special interests. The Forum strives in all its efforts to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance. Moral and intellectual integrity is at the heart of everything it does.

• Website: weforum.org
• Investment: $62,000-$620,000 Annually
  

17. Blue Collar Mastermind

This is the mastermind designed for contractors. Meetings educate business owners on how to position companies as elite. Content focuses on increasing sales, marketing, and increasing the profitability of all contractors. In addition, the founder’s experiences as a contractor coach and sales strategist give this Mastermind a unique perspective for the contractor’s industry.

• Website: Bluecollarmastermind.com
• Investment: $30,000

18. Aubrey Marcus Fit for Service

Fit For Service is a curated fellowship with some of the world’s top coaches and experts, specifically designed to help you become physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, romantically, and spiritually fit. To use this to be in service for the good of all. Everyone who enters this program will leave more equipped to tackle life’s challenges with absolute confidence. This is not a mastermind, this is a transformational experience. It doesn’t matter where members are starting from, all have a lion inside, just waiting to emerge with a roar that says, “I am done playing small, I am done hiding my voice, I am done being the good girl, or the good boy. I would rather live one day as a lion than a thousand days pretending to be less than who I truly am.”

• Website: aubreymarcus.com/pages/fit-for-service-academy
• Investment: $30,000 Annually

19. The Conscious Leader Mastermind – Gerard Adams

The world-class network will power up and accelerate your path to financial fulfillment, global influence, and joyful spiritual growth. A full-stack, exclusive experience for 33 selective individuals… and you’re one of the lucky 33.

You’ve built your business. You have success. Now what? This Conscious Leader Mastermind is an exclusive high-level group for established entrepreneurs and high performers who are ready for their next level of self-mastery alongside a world-class network of leaders.

• Website: mastermind.leaderscreateleaders.com/
• Investment: $30,000 for 6 months

20. Elevate Club

The Elevate Club is a peer-to-peer learning community built around building capacity in four key areas—spiritual, intellectual, physical and emotional capacity—to help members reach full potential in their personal and professional lives. Elevate Club members include over 100 CEOs, entrepreneurs, executives and thought leaders from the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, India and Guatemala. Members meet regularly for keynotes/seminars, participate in on-demand online courses, and have experience sharing discussions in a private online community. The group is led by Robert Glazer, a serial entrepreneur, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author and creator of Friday Forward, an inspirational newsletter read by over 300,000 leaders each week.

• Website: elevate-club.com
• Investment: $497 Annually

21. Dan Martell

Are you in the early stages of building your SaaS startup?

You’ll learn the “3 P’s of Growth” in the Growth Accelerator—product, positioning, and promotion. You’ll learn how to build compelling software, position it attractively to the right market, and promote it in a way that creates traction so you can scale your way to $10K/MRR in record time. Scale your software company. Optimize their revenue engines and build escape velocity in their business.

• Website: danmartell.com
• Investment: $125,000 Annually

22. Women in Tech

Women in Tech is an international non-profit organization to close the gender gap and help women embrace technology. They promote girls’ and women’s empowerment worldwide, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 5b: harnessing technologies. It is a global movement with chapters in 6 continents, counting over 70.000 members.

The aim is to educate, equip and empower women and girls with the necessary skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed in STEM career fields.

• Website: Women-in-tech.org
• Investment: Starting at $995 Annually

Being part of a group of people who think alike and have the same interests and ambitions will make you better at what you do. Not only will these masterminds challenge, but they will also support your wildest dreams.

Despite their exclusive, private status and investments, these groups have proven to be very effective in helping entrepreneurs to uplevel their lives and businesses.

Check out more masterminds on Coursera.

Let us know which groups you join or are already a member of. I look forward to seeing you at one of these masterminds this year.

The post The 22 Top Masterminds to Join in 2022 appeared first on ReadWrite.

One of the key drivers behind businesses’ success is communication. It is a given that companies must communicate with their customers to make sales and pique the interest of their target market. However, how they communicate internally also has a significant impact on a company’s success. Here is why your business needs custom internal communication.

Improving productivity in the workplace.

Many leading companies have decided to have custom team communication apps, and it’s given them a competitive advantage. There are many different packaged, online communication tools that function as platforms for team communication. Through direct chat, file sharing, and other project collaboration features, these tools improve productivity in the workplace.

With all the packaged tools available on the market, businesses can easily find solutions for their communication needs. While most messenger applications cover the necessities of quick communication between employees, a challenge that companies face is that these tools may not offer more in-depth features like saved conversation histories or cross-platform usability, to name a few.

The essentials of business communication tools

Starting conversations with colleagues using email and anxiously waiting for a response is a thing of the past. These days, the majority of businesses have effective internal communication channels in place which employees can use to communicate in real-time using text, audio, or video chat.

While conversing in real-time from different corners of the office building (or the world) is still very impressive, just chatting over a messenger isn’t enough. Whether your business runs on-site or virtually, companies of all sizes rely on streamlined communication to keep moving forward.

A remote-work culture, making it more critical than ever to ensure that all employee conversations are consistent, timely, productive, and easy to manage.

With an abundance of information being passed around in the workplace, manually managing and keeping this information updated is virtually impossible. There are countless options for packaged communication tools floating around in the digital realm of software and applications, and finding one to install is as simple as typing it into Google’s search engine. However, choosing the one that best suits your company is where it gets tough.

Widely used digital communication platforms, such as Slack and Asana, are well known for helping companies improve their workflow processes with project management and private or group real-time messaging tools. But are these really the best employee communication solutions out there, and do they fully meet your company’s needs?

The challenges of using packaged communication tools.

Packaged communication tools offer straightforward solutions to a company’s basic messaging and project management needs. Most solutions available are mobile-device friendly and include features for collaboration, such as chat or video. These tools help teams stay updated with tasks and discussions even when on-the-go.

• Often, packaged tools have pricing plans and features.

While many communication solutions have their platforms available for download at no cost, it may be that a free trial only lasts for a fixed period.

Some features that are most useful to employees can become disabled until businesses make the inevitable upgrade to a paid plan. As with every existing tiered subscription pricing model, the concept remains the same: the more you pay, the more features you get to use, and the better off your employees will be

• Here’s the thing with paid software solutions.

When looking at paid plans for software solutions, the lower-priced options may offer full collaboration tools, push notifications, and security. What businesses would fundamentally be missing out on with this seemingly inexpensive subscription are integrations with other applications and personalization.

When you’re trying to set up a real-time messaging, simple file-sharing environment for your employees, these things may not seem as important at first. As you go along, the ability to integrate your communication tool with other software or platforms will help you save time and streamline your workflow.

• Packaged communication tools usually have the necessary integrations.
  

Namely with cloud-based file storage and synchronization, customer data, analytics, or project management software. However, the integrations they offer may not go as far as some of the products your team already uses. Not having the required options leaves teams with two decisions:

1. Sign up for new software that can easily be integrated with the tool.
2. Upgrade your subscription and speak to customer support about manually adding your existing software to their integrations.

Both options can be time-consuming as you would have to either ditch your existing software and migrate all your data to a new platform or have to wait for your feature request to be completed.

Integrations and personalization only scratch the surface.

What about making sure that your company’s communication is secure and protected? When subscribing to readily available communication app solutions, your company has zero control over the safekeeping of information or data being passed between team members, as this is hosted on the app’s server.

Not only do companies miss out on exclusive, encrypted security, but the lack of flexibility means that you wouldn’t be able to add new features or customize the look of your app when needed.

The key takeaway.

The key takeaway from this is that the available “off-the-rack” communication tools for businesses may provide swift solutions for the time being. Still, they can be extremely costly, and submitting tickets and fixing bugs are very likely to be an inconvenience rather than a comfort.

These software solutions are also businesses looking to grow and stay afloat, and that means they’ll have a growing number of other customers using their tools. That being said, when you have an issue that needs solving, working on fixing individual cases from their side may dig into the time that your own business relies on to get things moving.

Why custom employee communication solutions are better.

A fully customized communication app gives businesses more than your average messaging service that promotes user-friendly, secure, real-time collaboration among employees. When companies choose custom solutions, they are tailor-made to their specific needs and do not just provide a round-up of what businesses generally need.

Apart from having maximum clarity in your voice, video, and group chats, a personalized messaging application can boost employee morale, as well as keep all conversations organized.

By having effective internal communication channels in place, teams can share rich or multimedia content to conveniently express ideas, discuss how best to prioritize their tasks, and throw in some humor to build rapport and celebrate milestones together. It’s like improving efficiency and togetherness, but better.

Businesses can work smarter and improve the way they engage with their teams – all while keeping the important stuff centralized.

Another winning point is that custom communication solutions have over the off-the-rack basics is that businesses that choose this option get to own their source code.

This implies that the company dictates which type of features their communication app will have, and all internal collaboration and conversations are safely encrypted on their servers.

Take Scopic for example.

As a communication-centric company, Scopic saw that there was a need and opportunity in building a customized messaging app to fully meet the company’s communication needs. With that vision in mind, we combined the best features from leading communication tools and built our very own internal chat application called Kreo.

Kreo was built from the ground up. Fast-forward to today, and not only is the company in full control of the features the chat platform offers, but we also have control over the source code. When a company has control over the source code, it helps ensure the security of all internal communications.

Thinking long-term, building our own internal communication tool also helps us save costs by not having to pay for additional features or integrations we may not use that readily available solutions offer.

Working with a software company to build a personalized communication application for your business is also more cost-effective in the long run. You won’t have to worry about renewing monthly or annual subscriptions, and there won’t be a need to pay for extra features. You can also say goodbye to those pesky email newsletters urging you to upgrade your plan.

What to look for in a custom communication tool.

You are more likely to have an idea of what you are specifically looking for when you choose a custom solution that is a building block. Using a building block means that all the core functions of a communication tool are built-in before you start adding more specific features.

• Minimalistic, scalable architecture that can handle virtually unlimited traffic
• The ability to filter through and search for messages
• The ability to store cached data
• Audio, video and group real-time messages between users and user-servers
• Push-notification service
• Brand or business personalization features
• Ownership of source code and exclusive security
• White-labeling

The essentials of business communication tools and how packaged options offer efficient project management and team collaboration are essential. Custom-made solutions are tailor-made to fit business needs across different industries.

A personalized chat and collaboration experience can make all the difference when it comes to improving the way teams work together. These chats are scalable, and customizable giving businesses the security and flexibility they need to add more features and integrations as they grow.

Every company is unique, and when it comes to choosing a communication solution. When you use an internal chat and project management option that is fully customizable — it will meet the needs of your team and your business.

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In a survey last year, three out of four workers worldwide said they considered flexible working to be “the new normal,” according to the 2019 Global Workspace Survey. Since then, remote work has spiked. Tailoring your strategy in 2020 will be a key factor in ensuring business success and achieving, or at least continuing to progress towards, your business goals in 2020. Fix your strategy to win in the remote workplace.

A strategy that moves the needle on business objectives doesn’t need to be tied to an office space. It often checks off three important boxes that can be completed near or far: prioritizing employee experience, tracking progress in real-time to know when to revise, and finding new ways to collaborate when setting and executing strategy.

Prioritizing Employee Experience

With the workforce at home, employee experience might seem like an afterthought — out of sight, out of mind — however, neglecting to prioritize employee experience would be a major blow to strategy execution. After all, as leaders carve out a way to make sure strategy is implemented effectively, it’s important to remember that execution is performed by, well, actual people.

Business goal-setting lives in the world of paradox.

Goal setting needs to be both ambitious but realistic, visionary yet concrete. It is essential that this balance surfaces in your overall strategy along with specific and actionable plans that help to execute your strategy throughout your organization.

One way to ensure this is to slice company goals down into smaller, measurable fragments. With measurable fragments, employees, and relevant larger groups (departments and teams) are more likely to stay the course even as they’re located remotely.

Specificity and quantifiability allow easier progress tracking and improve motivation, resulting in a great employee experience across all levels and teams.

Focusing on transparent actions and cross-level communications.

Transparent communication is naturally, one of the best solutions for ensuring people in your organization feel heard. Transparency propels motivation, alignment and engagement while helping your team to better understand each other and achievement (or lack thereof) of respective goals.

Transparency helps to highlight individual progress or times when an employee might need help, particularly when it is effectively integrated with communication tools, automated dashboards, and executive reporting.

Tracking Progress In Real-Time to Know When to Revise

While breaking down goals and outlining how to achieve them in your organization is a key foundation to a successful strategy, oftentimes leaders will “set and forget” goals — a sometimes fatal mistake for a blossoming business.

Furthermore, in a distributed workforce regular checkpoints become essential for keeping projects on track, but if the goals aren’t at the forefront of day-to-day actions, execution can become unproductive or stray off course.

For some teams with established communications systems, the leader’s whereabouts are nonessential to the success of the team.

Track productivity and aligning remote workers around unifying goals and targets in real-time is an effective way to promote strong leadership and delegate clear tasks amongst team members. It is critical to identify immediately when your strategy isn’t resonating with the people responsible for executing it.

You will likely see this in a post-quarterly review, but what if you could see it on a daily basis (or even in real-time whenever you needed it)? Think of the impact that might have on redirected strategy or execution gone wrong.

There are many new tools designed to automate the work that teams are doing — after all, automation is a top priority for many businesses as they seek to improve processes and expand. Some of these are one-off tools, but there are options available that allow you to automate and integrate with many existing tools that your workers already use (ex. Slack, Jira, Microsoft Teams).

Using seamless integration ensures that everything your employees do to progress toward company goals is automatically recorded in real-time and compiled into a simple and visual dashboard.

Tracking progress automatically is the best way to ensure maximum productivity. Automation can help scale activity tracking to an enterprise-level while also providing fascinating data insights into a remote worker’s performance—and the performance of the company as a whole.

Using data to inform performance (and, conversely, performance to inform data) highlights the human issues that sometimes lie behind organizational problems. It equips an organization to change and improve and its employees to be productive team members and contributors to the company’s cause.

Finding New Ways to Collaborate When Setting and Executing Strategy

Two of the biggest challenges in collaboration that may confront remote workforces are a feeling of disconnect to the organization’s goals and priorities as well as a general lack of visibility into workloads, progress, teams, and management.

These are common challenges for teams meeting face-to-face as well, and they go hand-in-hand when inhibiting teams from being productive and collaborating properly.

Shifting to a remote workforce completely changes the context in which teams work together, and it can make tasks and projects more difficult to accomplish. One solution to this disconnect is relying on management software to increase transparency within and across teams in an organization.

Use data and communication throughout an organization via a goal management platform.

Companies can encourage and illuminate ways for all employees to be productive team members who are all making a difference to the organization’s overarching goals. Technology like this can also help organizations make sure every teammate is aware of their responsibilities, and more importantly accountable for them so that everyone in the organization is contributing – which is a big part of being collaborative.

In short, aligning employees against a shared set of objectives and then using data to provide a centralized, transparent tracker for each goal is a highly effective way to promote collaboration across functions, geographies and roles.

Pivoting your strategy to win in the remote workplace doesn’t take much effort.

Take a few simple shifts that can transform the execution of a strategic vision and lead to business wins down the road. Prioritizing employee experience and how employees carry through overarching yearly strategies.

The manner and frequency in which you monitor progress when it comes to meeting goals; and actively finding new ways to collaborate from afar when setting and executing your strategy all play a key role in determining its success and should be evaluated on a regular basis.

Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadio; Pexels

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The way companies work is rapidly changing. On average, companies use over 1,000 tools to run their business, and although plenty of informational tools are designed to help workplaces succeed, none of that matters if the tools are not easy to navigate.

It’s critical to effectively gather, organize, and share information to improve the knowledge base of the entire team, promote transparency, and drive performance.

As more digital natives and remote workers contribute to the workforce, they expect information-sharing to be accessible and free-flowing. Collaboration tools like Slack help companies and employees adapt to and drive change by facilitating efficient information flow so that people work the way they want to.

Recent research by Kelton Global for Slack surveyed more than 1,400 U.S. knowledge workers (500 of whom are Slack users) and found that only 31% of workers are “extremely satisfied” with their current work communication tools. Unsurprisingly, 76% of respondents said they hope to have more communication tools available to them in the future.

Further, the study found that Slack users are more likely than non-users to say they are satisfied at work (47% vs. 37%). One key reason may be the sheer number of uses for Slack in the workplace: file sharing, integrations with favorite tools like Salesforce, Jira, and Google Drive, and real-time decision-making with team members, no matter where they work.

Slack believes that the best work happens when information flows freely and is easily accessible, which builds trust among teams.

Slack tries to make the tools in such a way that allows the information to flow around the team freely. If you are a Slack user, you have noticed that the information comes out of the memo-style email chains and makes everything appear conversational.

This platform then becomes a place to collaborate on projects or receive company updates. It can become a hub for company culture if you don’t have someone monitoring your team. Seemingly minor features like custom emoji, social channels, and team rituals create camaraderie and connection that may be hard to convey through email or static documents. Keep the slave-drivers off the channel so your team will use this platform in the way it was designed — for work — yes — but for human connection, as well.

How can you make collaboration tools like Slack work faster, harder and smarter for your team?

Below are six customizable Slack features you can tailor for your organization to ensure every member of your team has to access to the information they need to do great work.

Channels are the core of Slack.

A channel is a designated place for messaging, tools, and files for a given topic. Pulling conversations into channels of your Slack workspace is the first step in bringing order to the chaos, and they are where most of your team’s communications and daily work take place.

Channels can be organized around anything, and you can create as many as you need. At any time, a team member can create or join a channel to rally around a project or event, and then archive it once it’s done. When team members have a collaborative space to ask questions, identify challenges, and make decisions, progress can happen that much faster.

This kind of transparency is also an asset for executives and other cross-functional team members on the lookout for insights and information, such as what’s working well or what processes need refinement.  

Channels further break down barriers in organizations, whether geographical or informational.

In channels, the right people are included in the conversation, relevant information is in one place, and new team members can get up to speed quickly and easily. With public channels, you’re able to open the conversation across departments and staff to openly communicate and collaborate on special projects.

Anything posted in a public channel is browsable and searchable by all members within the workspace. Are you working through some sensitive content? You can create a private channel that won’t be searchable or browsable by the entire workspace, and instead only accessible to specific team members.

Channels can be created, prioritized and archived at any time, by team, project, location — whatever is needed — even shared securely with outside vendors.

Threads let you respond directly to a message in a channel, keeping the replies, files, and images organized neatly in a single conversation

By using Threads, you can manage the noise in a given channel. Threaded replies and their data stay connected to the original message, and only those who have contributed to or are following the thread will be notified. Thread was a top-requested feature, and after months of internal testing, it became a favorite with all other Slack users. Sometimes the thread feature is used for a more in-depth discussion around specific topics – “going down the rabbit hole” as you may say – without clogging the rest of the channel.

Threads allow users to clearly tie your thoughts and feedback to a specific message or file; encourage open discussion without distracting others; and organize conversations and preserve meaningful context. Threads are most frequently used in busy channels with hundreds of members, where it is more courteous to contain extended discussions in Threads instead of the central channel conversations.

Apps + bots integrate with all the latest apps and services you use every day.

Pipe in Twitter feeds by installing Twitter via Slack’s App Directory to keep up with the latest trending news or use AirTable to track and see when content is in progress or completed. Apps can help your team stay productive and motivated. It all flows into the stream of conversation so everyone can see it—or act on it—inside of Slack.

For the Slackbot side of the app, you can use a direct message or be on a channel with your teammates. This Slackbot can be used to help find answers to your questions about Slack, to add customized automatic responses, or to access personal reminders and tasks. You can also customize bots to best suit your team needs. Custom bots can send DMs, can be mentioned by users, post messaging or upload files, and they can be invited to channels (or kicked out).

Calls — sometimes you just want to hear someone’s voice or get some face time

It’s simple to connect with a teammate (or up to 15 people on a paid plan) on a voice or video call on Slack. Make a voice call, join by video, share your screen, and more. You can also use make voice and video calls with integrations like Google Hangouts and Zoom.

Emoji is a fun way to convey a broad range of emotions efficiently.

Whether using them to review and approve workflows or personalize and add context to digital conversations, emoji express ideas efficiently in a way that words sometimes can’t. As Christina Janzer, Slack’s Director of Research and Analytics said, “Think about the difference between responding to someone with ‘That’s fine.’ versus ‘That’s fine ?.’” Emoji are not only fun and light-hearted, but efficient. Whether your team has 10 or 100 members, emoji reactions limit the need for written replies, reducing the total number of messages sent.

Search messages, files, and more are easily searchable in this app and indexing is automatic.

With filters, you can refine your search results by people, channels, messages, and dates, or add modifiers to get more specific. Search to get context on a past project, find a previously approved file, or to help new hires get up to speed.

All messages in public channels and file uploads become indexed and searchable once inside Slack, giving your teams access to the collective knowledge of the company. Unlike email, you don’t need to remember who sent what, when, or exactly what the thread was called. The more you work in Slack, the smarter Slack’s search becomes, making it easier for you to find exactly what you’re looking for.

For companies looking to stay competitive and keep employees engaged, information management is essential for productivity and success.

It’s essential for leaders to facilitate effective collaboration, and I believe that in the next five to 10 years, most organizations will use some kind of collaboration hub to drive the future of work. Understanding how collaboration tools can help your business communicate more effectively is an enormously important part of keeping your team morale high — and getting the job done.

Try Out Productivity Tools We Are Using

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The Internet of Things (IoT) depicts the growing ecosystem of online everything, linked objects that share our reality — and the coming trends.

The Internet of Things trend is here to stay. It is definitely not the willow-the-wisp that some had predicted years ago.

The business internet developed to include great opportunities with phones, office devices like printers and scanners, and industrial gear.

The internet of “things” is a movement driving the increasing digitization and datafication of society in many new and fascinating ways.

These interconnected objects enable self-driving automobiles, autonomous industrial robots, and remote medical equipment that diagnose patients and perform surgery.

The average number of connected IoT devices per U.S. household is 22, with about 13.1 billion connected devices right now and about 75 billion expected by 2025.

So, let’s look at some of the most probable drivers and advancements coming 2023:

Healthcare IoT

Given the global events of the last few years, it’s no surprise that healthcare has been one of the most active IoT development sectors throughout 2022. Healthcare is a wide use case, including everything from public cameras to fitness bands and trackers to the rise of telemedicine and remote treatment. Most of us have some type of exercise activity on our watches  and TV’s, and that’s just a beginning.

Medical equipment is routinely linked through devices nowadays. Defibrillators, oxygen pumps, and insulin drips can be monitored simultaneously and adjusted remotely. The data collected is stored in private files for future reference by the doctors and patients.

Healthcare

The Internet of Things (IoT) devices enable doctors to obtain patient data without the risk of bringing big groups of potentially contagious individuals together.

Doctors helping out with enabled devices goes way beyond a pandemic response. The speciality devices enable clinicians to examine, diagnose, and treat greater numbers of patients. They also extend healthcare into areas where physical access to doctors or hospitals is difficult and previously impossible.

Security

As the Internet of Things continues to grow it give a greater scope to hackers and trolls — that is the price we pay for its convenience. There were 1.5 billion devices hacked on IoT devices in the first half of 2022, according to security analysts, and this trend is likely to continue in 2023.

Because IoT devices are not as secure as conventional data storage devices like PCs or cell phones — they give multiple entry points to our networks.

Another danger vector is that IoT is made up of “things” that may be lost or stolen. This truth necessitates an extra layer of security to defend against unauthorized users gaining physical control of IoT equipment.

Many things are changing throughout the industry as manufacturers and others work to remove gadgets with default passwords and users are becoming more aware of security hazards and are taking greater precautions.

One security hazard method is to “hijack” a devices’ computational power, which may then be used to construct botnets that attack other systems or just mine cryptocurrency. These bonet groups of internet-connected devices each run several bots.

Some of these attacks can be managed through using command and control software.

By collecting data on network traffic and use, connected gadgets help algorithms detect and avoid cyber threats. We are all getting better at security — but then — we know the black-hat-hackers will just get better too.

IoT Edge

Edge computing and IoT go together. Simply expressed, IoT Edge implies designing devices with onboard analytics so that processing occurs as near as feasible to the data source.

Basically, “dumb” sensors like cameras or microphones capture data before the data goes to the cloud. Next is processing and the Edge gadgets employ smart sensors such as computer vision cameras and natural language processing microphones.

The obvious benefit is faster processing, and lowering data sent to the cloud and back reduces network congestion.

Here is a fact that many device users don’t clearly understand — especially older device users. If a gadget is collecting personal data, users may be certain that the gadget can access the information it holds without a person having to hand over their device to anybody else.

But our devices have the ability to offer greater computing power in smaller, more power-efficient devices and is an important motivator for business growth — as are improved battery and user interface designs.

Edge computing will continue to loom large next year and well into the future. More entrepreneurs are seeking hybrid cloud ecosystems as these systems are crucial for consumer IoT services.

IoT in Industry

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has tremendous ramifications for how we create items, deliver services, sell to clients, and maintain all of these items and systems. Even smaller businesses are beginning to have smart production and logistics facilities available to them at reasonable prices — all thanks to the increasing availability of robotic and AI service platforms.

By incorporating IoT computerization into business models, firms may acquire a statistics-driven insight into their activity and processes and be able to obtain unprecedented growth.

Mobile devices continue to explode. It is amazing how mobile devices can be used for communication, entertainment, training, equipment maintenance, and process simulation — all carried out from a hand-held mobile device. And, really, mobile uses are ubiquitous.

In manufacturing, IoT technology is used to monitor machine performance and forecast faults, allowing for more efficient replacement and repair of damaged equipment. IoT solutions also includes developing additive manufacturing processes like 3D printing, which allows for more customization and personalization while reducing waste.

IoT for Resilient Business

Following the enormous disruption that came to all businesses as a result of the COVID-virus-attack — it’s clear that building more resilient and disaster-resistant organizations should be high on the agenda for everyone.

There will likely be broad changes that will affect cyber security. Home and remote work created new hazards for business that we have seen a lot of in 2022 — and data breaches have became quite common. Market action and competition and the economy will always be wild cards.

Monitoring supply chain flow constantly enhances efficiency and savings and most businesses have witnessed that the global supply chain is in upheaval right now. Real-time analysis is crucial especially for companies just starting out. In addition to their suppliers, customer demands have increased in every sector.

IoT monitoring of records, employee hours, and duties increases efficiency and makes analyses of staff turnover more compelling. Monitoring also helps business plan for shortages. After that, IoT technologies that help organizations forecast and respond to disruption will continue to be a key source of innovation through 2023 and beyond.

Featured Image Credit: Henri Mathieusaintlaurent; Pexels; Thank you!

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It’s no secret that digital transformation is top-of-mind across enterprises, but many organizations have neglected to upgrade their connectivity solutions. This isn’t a surprise, as billions have been spent promoting 5G solutions. Still, enterprises have been slow to adopt the technology, in part because of its complicated on-prem infrastructure, which is very expensive to both implement and maintain.

Private wireless solutions that utilize the power of the edge can provide businesses with digital transformation needs. The solutions include secure, reliable connectivity, cutting through the unnecessary complexities of traditional solutions, and reducing reliance on legacy carriers.

What’s more, private wireless solutions are far more cost-effective and quick to implement — especially when deployed using APIs — than those of the major cellular service providers, giving enterprises the flexibility to build and expand their networks as needed.

Enterprise Private Wireless

With significant performance, security, and cost-saving benefits, enterprise private wireless has the ability to make an immense impact on a wide variety of industries such as healthcare, education, smart cities, and even across the supply chain in warehousing and manufacturing.

Read on as I highlight each of these industries’ connectivity-related pain points, as well as the unique value propositions that enterprise private wireless can deliver for key enterprise segments.

Private Wireless in Healthcare

Healthcare facilities grow organically over time, leading to a labyrinth of buildings and campuses that are unfriendly to the unlicensed spectrum provided by traditional Wi-Fi.

Effective communication is the lifeblood of timely and efficient care. As we know, the use cases that the healthcare community relies upon span patient, physician, and even machine-to-machine. This makes dependable network connectivity harder and harder to maintain, especially as more mission-critical use cases and device types get added to already-strained Wi-Fi networks.

Furthermore, a lack of high-performance network connectivity makes it difficult to accurately track patients, personnel, and equipment in emergency situations.

Advancement in Healthcare Tech

Given the advancement in healthcare technology and protocols, hospitals are proving to be early adopters in the emergence of operational technology that brings together a tapestry of users and use cases that drive better outcomes for patients and more efficient delivery for practitioners.

Enhanced Operation Through Sensors and Mobile Devices

Sensors and other mobile devices throughout a facility improve efficiencies and enhance operations, but this class of new simplified endpoints needs access to higher performance connectivity.

The time-sensitive nature of these communications also requires a robust and dependable network to work efficiently. Furthermore, new technology implementations can leave networks more susceptible to breaches if not thoroughly secured, and healthcare facilities are rife with valuable information for potential hackers.

Patient privacy, especially, must be carefully guarded in order to continuously comply with strict HIPAA regulations. Private enterprise cellular solutions can deliver all of the above and more.

Consider Edge-Based Private Cellular Solutions

Edge-based private cellular solutions deliver reliable, secure communications across facilities to improve critical care experiences and ensure regulatory compliance — all while integrating with existing IT network governance.

The edge allows for stronger, more mobile network connections than those provided by traditional Wi-Fi offerings, ensuring equipment and systems spread out across the facility stay online at all times.

Private wireless networks also enhance security measures related to connectivity, helping to keep unauthorized eyes off of patients’ private information even when implementing new technologies.

With private wireless solutions powered by the edge, healthcare providers can administer crucial services and maintain patient privacy without needlessly worrying about the resilience of the enterprise connectivity platform.

Private Wireless in Education

Universities, K-12, and related organizations continue to have difficulty ensuring reliable coverage and network performance across their campuses. With hard-to-reach locations both inside and outside campus buildings, issues stemming from traditional Wi-Fi technology are rampant, as it fails to provide the mobility needed across widespread areas.

Furthermore, on nearly every educational campus, there are places where Radio Frequency (RF) blind spots and interference cut connectivity completely.

Stable Connectivity Ensure Safety

Stable connectivity infrastructure is required to ensure the safety of students and personnel — no matter where they are on the property. With carrier-class private wireless solutions, educational institutions can ensure their security, surveillance, and access control systems are working around the clock to maintain strict safety measures.

Schools can even utilize their networks to send out targeted communications to students, staff, and the community at large, including class notifications, campus weather alerts, schedule changes, and more. Additionally, edge-based solutions enable IT teams, to implement new localized and experimental applications in a much faster, more cost-effective way.

As educational institutions seek to upgrade their networks to keep up with an increasingly digital society, they should also look into what federal grants their organizations may be eligible for when it comes to connectivity.

Multiple federal programs exist today dedicated to providing billions of dollars to get campus communities better connected and help close the digital divide.

Private Wireless in Smart Cities

The more technology has evolved, the more businesses, consumers, and entire communities demand. However, legacy service providers cannot execute and deliver quickly enough to keep up with continued evolution and demand. The 5G ecosystem is too complicated, too hard to program, and too expensive to implement and maintain. This is especially true when it comes to covering entire cities.

“Smart cities” are becoming increasingly common as technology continues to infiltrate more and more of our lives, but much of America’s infrastructure is in need of investment, improvement, and intelligence. As such, the next generation of connectivity and computing implemented at a wide-scale municipal level will need to be used to help support reimagined roads, utilities, public transportation systems, and much more.

Digital Transformation of This Magnitude Should Move to the Edge

Simply put, cities looking to supercharge their digital transformation initiatives need to move to the edge. By implementing edge-based private wireless solutions, smart cities can enable stronger, safer connectivity across their communities. Complexity and costs associated with the implementation and maintenance of traditional mobile networks will be enhanced.

Smart traffic lights, low latency utility monitoring, real-time transit information, and accessible computing resources are just a few examples of the types of public benefits edge-based private wireless can enable.

Ultimately, the edge guarantees fast and reliable low-latency responses for the applications that require them most, creating more secure, more productive municipalities overall.

Private Wireless in the Supply Chain

The global supply chain has been under immense pressure for a while now due to a series of devastating worldwide events, and increasing investment in various supply chain technologies.

For instance, on the manufacturing and warehousing facility floors, humans and robots are working closer than ever as crucial elements of highly complex workflows optimized for the digital world. This means strong, reliable connectivity has never been as important in these spaces as it is today.

By ensuring connections remain firmly intact at all times, private wireless solutions powered by the edge can help ensure the safety of all supply chain personnel and equipment. It will help to drive continuous supply chain productivity. Additionally, cellular-class private network mobility substantially eclipses that of traditional Wi-Fi offerings, also enabling easy portability of the network.

What About Device Security With Private Mobile Networks?

As it pertains to device security — private mobile networks are able to secure all devices on the manufacturing and warehousing floors just as well, or even better, than a traditional cellular network can. Standard enterprise security mechanisms also natively apply, providing unparalleled defense against any would-be hackers.

When supply chain players look to deploy private mobile networks, it’s important for them to do thorough research to land on a solution that provides the maximum benefit for the lowest cost and the quickest deployment time.

A number of existing options require costly, time-consuming equipment and software implementation–but not all. Modern solutions that utilize easy-to-use APIs simplify the implementation and operation of a network, providing manufacturers and warehousers with the secure mobile connectivity they require to keep business running smoothly and safely today and beyond.

Last Words

As described throughout this article, private cellular solutions powered by the edge can greatly boost performance and security across the enterprise in key industries like healthcare, education, smart cities, and warehousing and manufacturing.

Offerings from traditional providers are expensive and often require long lead times plus mounds of equipment to implement.

Private wireless solutions powered by flexible, programmable APIs allow enterprises across industries to host, orchestrate, and customize mobile and Industry 4.0 applications at the Edge–as-a-Service.

This allows enterprises to time investments and enable enterprise connectivity capabilities to meet the diverse needs of use cases and users with a highly secure, reliable, and cost-effective long-term enterprise communications platform.

Featured Image Credit: Conny Schneider; Unsplash; Provided by the Author; Thank you!

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Over the past few years, professionals in a wide range of industries have been forced to get used to virtual conference attendance. You may not get the same feel from a virtual conference as an in-person one. However, these digital events are extremely valuable — if you know how to milk them for all they’re worth.

So what’s the best way to get the most out of a virtual conference?

The Modern State of Virtual Conferences

Virtual conferences have understandably risen in popularity. The obvious factor here is the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced businesses worldwide to operate remotely, even if they were previously used to doing business exclusively in person.

But we also need to understand that videoconferencing technology has evolved considerably in the past few years, making it much more efficient and accessible to the general population. As a result, people came to understand the advantages of which conferences began to embrace them.

Today, many organizations are now hosting both virtual and in-person conferences. However, in-person conferences will never become obsolete since some people will always have traditional values that favor face-to-face communication.

But a growing number of professionals actively prefer virtual conferences for many reasons — and that groundswell of demand is likely going to perpetuate virtual conferences indefinitely.

The Advantages of Virtual Conferences

Virtual conferences have a number of advantages over their in-person counterparts. These include:

1. Cost savings.

Virtual conferences have the potential to save money for everyone involved. Conference hosts don’t have to spend money on a gigantic venue, and attendees don’t have to spend money on travel or local accommodations. Of course, there are still several costs involved with hosting a conference, and you’ll likely still have to pay to attend a virtual conference, but these costs are minimal compared to the alternative.

2. Travel avoidance.

Some professionals dread going to conferences simply because they don’t like traveling. The pain of waiting in line at the airport, haggling with hotel staff, and finding parking at the conference can wear on you, making conference attendance a painful experience. But with a virtual conference, you can literally attend wearing pajamas in your living room.

3. Attendance flexibility.

Traditional conferences require you to completely rearrange your schedule in order to attend. You have to block off at least several hours of your time, and usually, multiple days, to make sure you have a chance to attend the workshop you’re looking forward to. But with a virtual conference, you have much more flexibility in when and how you attend. As long as you have a device with an internet connection, you can join; that means you don’t have to sacrifice any of your other priorities just for the sake of attending.

4. Environmental control.

Many professionals love being comfortable in their own environment, and if you’re attending a virtual conference, you get to retain complete control. You can wear whatever you want, sit on your favorite pieces of furniture, and fine-tune the thermostat to set the perfect temperature. However, you’ll be at the mercy of event organizers at a traditional conference.

5. Minimal work disruptions.

Attending conferences sometimes means setting your work aside temporarily, taking a pseudo vacation, and leaving your tasks to pile up while you’re away. But when attending a virtual conference, you won’t have to make such a drastic change period; in fact, you can probably knock out some of your work, answer emails, and attend other meetings while the conference is playing out in front of you. Virtual conferences are therefore much less disruptive.

Getting the Most Out of a Virtual Conference

What steps can you take to get more value from a virtual conference?

Do some prep work.

Always do your prep work before attending. When attending a traditional conference, you’ll have to research the venue, local companies, accommodations, and more; you’ll be forced to understand the environment before you step in. But it’s easy to underestimate just how valuable it is to do prep work for a virtual conference. Better understanding the people speaking, the sequence of events, and the ultimate goals of the conference will help you get the most out of it.

Set goals.

What does it mean to “get the most out of a conference,” anyway? This is a vague phrase for a reason; it’s because everyone attending a conference will have a different set of goals. There are no right or wrong goals here. What’s important is that you’re aware of your goals and that you’re motivated to achieve them. Make sure you clarify your expectations and your objectives before you attend.

Dress well.

Just because the event is happening in the digital space doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress up. It’s possible to wear pajamas or sweatpants, especially if you’re not going to be on camera, but dressing up will help you take the event more seriously. If you are on camera, it will leave a much better impression on the people you meet.

Prepare the technology.

Hours before the conference starts, take a moment to prepare your technology. Make sure your computer or mobile device is working properly, download the software necessary to stream the content and run a quick test to ensure everything is working as expected. This way, you won’t be scrambling at the last minute trying to figure out why you cannot connect. This is also an excellent opportunity to conduct a brief cybersecurity assessment, reducing your vulnerabilities and keeping your company secure.

Hang out before and after the main event.

Virtual conferences, like traditional conferences, usually have some time before and after the event for professionals to hang out and get to know each other. Take advantage of this time if you have it. No matter what your industry is, networking and meeting like-minded professionals can be valuable.

Get active on social media.

Post about your attendance on social media. It’s a great way to boost the visibility of the event, connect with other people attending, and find out about other things happening at this event.

Prioritize the most critical seminars.

Look for the seminars and workshops most likely valuable to you and make them your top priority.

Avoid multitasking.

Because virtual conferences can be streamed passively, it’s tempting to multitask while the video and audio are running. But multitasking isn’t particularly effective; it can work against you. So instead, focus your attention on the event as much as possible.

Mute your mic.

This is a good practice for any sort of virtual meeting: mute your mic when you’re not speaking. Hopefully, speakers will have the good sense to mute everyone else when they’re talking to the audience. Still, it doesn’t hurt to have an added layer of security to preserve the integrity of the audio stream.

Provide feedback.

Make it a point to provide feedback to the organizers after the event. Event organizers typically take feedback seriously and will be willing to work your suggestions into the next iteration of this conference.

Document your best takeaways.

When the event is over, document some of your best takeaways, take notes, and organize them into a coherent document that spells out everything you took away from this event.

Follow Up

Whether you’re interested in generating leads or just making better connections with professionals in your industry, it’s essential to follow up with the people you meet during the conference. This doesn’t have to take long, nor does it have to be an intensive exchange; all that matters is that you remain top of mind.

Every virtual conference is going to be set up uniquely. Therefore, you may not get the total value from these strategies in every virtual conference you attend. However, if you have the mentality that you’re trying to maximize the value from a given conference, you can adjust your approach to fit the conditions. Then, with practice, you’ll become a much better conference attendee.

Image Credit: Pexels; Thank you!

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The (AIoT) “artificial Internet of Things,” a technology ecosystem, emerged during the pandemic. Then the Smart Home was developed.

The AIoT combines connected things (the IoT), and artificial intelligence (the AI) used within these things.

These past 12 months have been challenging. The pandemic caused havoc around the globe, and people now realize that Covid-19 is here for good.

We now accept this fact and look for ways to adapt our lives and interactions with the world. To ensure that people live safe, productive, and happy lives, governments, industries, and businesses constantly change the status quo.

People have had to make changes in how and where they work. Over the past year, working from home has become the norm. Businesses may continue to permit employees to perform remotely as long as the employees remain productive. Working from home has led to a renewed emphasis on the importance of work and our homes’ value. Discussions around tech-enabled smart homes are now more timely than ever.

Smart homes and all the technology involved are still a very young industry. Last year, research determined the obstacles preventing the AIoT from becoming a reality. Electronic engineers identified significant market-level as well as device-level issues in that research. Then, researchers did the same study a year later to see how things had improved. The headline? What headline? There were no results reported.

AI has security concerns due to its dependence on data. The more information a device needs, the more brilliant it is. Engineers have discovered that local processing of data can resolve privacy concerns. Homes can keep their data in their walls without sharing it with third parties in the cloud. Merely reducing third-party cookies reduces the risk of data leakage.

Smart Home

A smart home can be used to store data so a distant cybercriminal wouldn’t have to become a common burglar to steal it. Although it is unlikely that this will happen, device manufacturers must make sure that the data processing on their devices is secure.

You can have significantly better safety when it comes to data and decision-making by using various security features at the device level, such as secure key storage, accelerated encryption, and actual random number generation.

Engineers felt that connectivity was a significant barrier to AI deployment. However, only 27% of industry professionals consider connectivity to be a substantial obstacle to technology, and 38% expressed concerns about the technology’s ability to overcome latency issues. For example, in-home healthcare monitoring can’t afford to be hampered by poor connectivity when it comes to making decisions about potentially life-changing circumstances like heart attacks. However, the use of on-device processing makes network latency irrelevant.

If the industry wants to develop applications that don’t suffer from latency, it should shift to on-device computing. Product makers can now execute some AIoT chips in nanoseconds allowing products to think quickly and make decisions with precision.

AIoT

Engineers also highlighted the problem of scaling last year. Engineers know that the number of connected devices keeps increasing, putting more strain on cloud infrastructure. About 25% of engineers believe that scaling is a barrier to edge technology’s success in 2020. However, experts are beginning to recognize the IoT’s deep-rooted scalability advantages.

The cloud is no longer a factor in processing at the edge, negating any potential scaling and growth issues. Today, less than one-fifth of engineers think cloud infrastructure can hold back edge Ai.

The good news? The electronics industry doesn’t have to do anything to ensure the IoT’s scalability. One of the leading technical obstacles to the IoT’s expansion is the need for cloud processing to handle billions more devices and petabytes in the future — which has now been eliminated.

Increase power capability, decrease power consumption 

The market for AIoT has grown over the last year. It’s also made progress on a technical level. The on-device processing capabilities of AI have improved while decreasing the power required and the expenditure. Chip owners can now adapt the chips to the various needs of the AIoT at an affordable price point.

How can engineers make the transition to using AIoT chips as a realistic option for product makers?

The development environment is a crucial consideration. New chip architectures often mean immature and untested proprietary programming platforms that engineers must learn and become familiar with.

Engineers should instead look for venues that can afford using industry-standard methods that they are familiar with. Industry-standard methods include full programmability and runtime environments such as FreeRTOS, TensorFlow Lite, and C. Engineers can quickly program chips using friendly platforms without learning new languages, tools, or techniques.

It is essential to have a single programming environment that can handle all the computing requirements of an IoT system. Computing requirement capability will always be the key to enabling the design speed necessary to bring in fast, secure AI at home in the new post-covid era.

Image Credit: Kindel Media; Pexels; Thank you!

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The History of Akamai

While teaching at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in early 1995, the World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee anticipated the congestion that would eventually follow as more people had access to computers and the Internet.He challenged his MIT colleagues to invent an advanced method for delivering content like images and video. A team began developing mathematical algorithms that could “intelligently route and replicate content over a large network of distributed servers” located geographically closer to end users. The result was Akamai, which many companies across the globe now rely on to distribute content.

If Berners-Lee and his MIT colleagues who founded Akamai proved the edge does not need 5G, but 5G needs the edge. Here’s why: As carriers and network operators continue to build out public and private 5G networks and deploy millions of sensors that will connect wirelessly with IoT devices, the edge will be essential in enabling these networks of people and devices to share data quicker and communicate in real time. It will also be essential for enabling the next generation of consumer and enterprise applications and services. These are largely edge native.

Developed at a lower cost and faster to deploy, these edge-native applications depend on edge computing architecture to ensure mobile, high-speed performance and low latency, as well as privacy and security. That’s especially important for enterprises when considering the millions of employees who are working from home during this global pandemic. IDC predicts that by 2022 more than 40 percent of enterprises’ cloud deployments will include edge computing.

Using The Edge

According to Marketing Dive, smartphone cellular data consumption surged 75% in March 2020 from March 2019 as a result of people using their mobile devices during lockdowns for social media, video conferencing and streaming. In fact, video content accounted for more than 70% of mobile data traffic. WIRED reported that among the world’s 2.5 billion active gamers and e-sports professionals, a majority are now playing from a mobile device. With that tremendous demand for cloud storage and bandwidth expected to increase, edge has become even more significant to the connectivity conversation.

The use cases are compelling across every industry, from smart cities, smart homes and connected vehicles to telemedicine and industrial IoT, where real-time monitoring of assets at the edge can reduce operating costs, risks to workers and downtime. Cities across the globe are currently in experimental stages or have already deployed millions of sensors to collect data for improving traffic flow, pedestrian safety, the environment and overall quality of life. By uploading information to a nearby data center rather than a centralized one located hundreds of miles away, city leaders are armed with the kind of real-time insights that drive better, more cost-effective decision making.

At its core, the design, deployment and management of an IoT solution depends on the edge, which prioritizes the “first mile” rather than the last mile. In the world of Internet connectivity, bridging the last mile usually means linking the cable from the curb to the customer premises. This makes a final connection to send data and contents from the central server to the edge. In the world of IoT, however, that logic must be reversed. IoT starts with the edge and the data generated at the edge. The data is only valuable when it can be consumed by an enterprise or consumer closer to where it’s created.

Particularly from a privacy and security perspective, edge computing will be essential for 5G as COVID ushers in not only the reality of more distributed teams and organizations but also consumer demands for enhanced digital experiences.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the edge will enable 5G to deliver on its promise to open new doors and experiences, particularly for people that otherwise would not have access to such experiences. CES® 2021 is a great example. There is no irony lost in the fact that the global stage for innovation was set in a virtual environment this year. In an opening segment from Verizon’s CEO, attendees learned just how fast the future is approaching.

In fact, it’s closer than we think because of the global pandemic and technologies invented to support a connected world. Getting those technologies, including sensors, devices, cell towers and local data centers to communicate in real time is the challenge. With edge technology, the solution is closer than we think.

The post The Future of Digital Communication: Why 5G Needs the Edge appeared first on ReadWrite.

Over the past year, content publishers have changed how they promote their content. Given the longevity of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to rage on in many countries, these changes are becoming permanent. In addition, advertiser demand for video impressions has always outstripped supply. So, it’s only continuing to grow as consumers use streaming video technology in large numbers.

This holds especially true for connected television (CTV), and more of those impressions have been made available programmatically. The pandemic has supercharged consumer behavior: for example, according to eMarketer, CTV ad spend will experience its greatest growth in years in 2021, jumping 40.1% to $11.36 billion in the US. What’s more, almost 60% of CTV inventory will be bought programmatically in 2021.

60% of CTV Inventory Will Be Bought Programmatically

Thanks to increased uptake during the pandemic, CTV-based content is becoming as popular with boomers as it is with younger generations. In addition, CTV viewers tend to be younger and more affluent, with 86% of Millennials and Generation Z watching CTV regularly. As a result, more channels are appearing, and new apps are appearing, making it a good time for video publishers and producers to move into CTV.

You Cannot Have Your Cake and Eat It

The rise of CTV and the opportunity it offers should be taken into context with the decline in 3rd party cookies. In January of last year, Google announced that it would be phasing out its support for Chrome-based third-party cookies within two years. And where this internet giant goes, the rest of the industry must follow – whether it wants to or not. This has been compounded by the increase in data privacy legislation in many parts of the world, like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation.

The demise of third-party cookies — a challenge

The demise of third-party cookies represents a significant challenge for advertisers who have been able to run tailor-made content for their targeted audience based on information collected by cookies. CTV-based ads, which target consumers via their televisions rather than their computers, offer a substitute, allowing advertisers to still collect actionable information to base their campaigns on, like viewing preferences, without compromising the viewer’s data privacy.

An Astronaut, a Doctor, or a Vlogger: Who Are CTV Content Owners?

CTV’s rise was preceded by the explosion in vlogging and other forms of video content published on sites like YouTube. Ask elementary school kids about what they want to be when they grow up. One of the most common responses might be ‘influencer,’ focusing on having their own video channel or joining a channel aggregator.

As the social media savvy discovered how to turn video platform sites into a lucrative opportunity, the same innovators will find that CTV offers a similarly promising environment.

A channel focused on kids’ entertainment content with 25 million subscribers on YouTube, Ryan’s World acted as a pioneer by joining Roku in 2019. The big guns of the industry, represented by CTV platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Fire, are creating their own market space.

The space works by giving access to individual content creators while also offering special services like live sports streaming. Many already produce their own films and TV series, while also hosting channels focused on travel, health & beauty, cooking, gaming – the list goes on.

How do you compare YouTube and CTV?

It may be inappropriate to compare YouTube and CTV as ecosystems in general. But still, according to VlogBox research, there’re publishers from animation and vlogging verticals that report CPM reaching $8 on CTV channels.

Advertising models

In addition, CTV offers a number of different advertising models for content creators to choose from, including subscription video on demand (SVOD), transactional video on demand (TVOD), and advertising-based video on demand (AVOD). These give content creators and businesses more operational flexibility.

Gaming Verticals

Gaming as a vertical has also shown a great breakthrough in terms of the development of the advertising environment. According to Samsung Ads, gamers spend approximately 2 hrs playing daily in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain. With watching advanced TV, gaming verticals cover over 80% — which means the audience is barely reachable on traditional TV.

This is why connected TV seems to be a promising field, from advanced targeting, home page advertising, to precise analytics and new formats.

Breaking into SPO and DPO

Successful content creation cannot succeed without a strategy that will help it become successful, which is why it’s important to understand supply path optimization/demand path optimization (SPO/DPO).

SPO refers to how impressions are gathered to enable creators to identify what single supply-side platform (SSPs) or demand-side platforms (DSPs) they should be focusing on. DPOs, on the other hand, show how impressions are bought rather than sold.

The former highlights the ad tech vendors that are selling, the latter the vendors that are actually bidding on ads.

SSPs were the original model, representing a single platform publisher would work with, and DSPs then emerged to facilitate multiple ad exchange and data exchange accounts. However, overhead costs caused DSPs to become more expensive, so they focused back on SPO to determine SSP access to their data, in turn causing SSPs to focus back on DPO.

As SPO/DPO is predicated on bidding, the slightest change in price can make all the difference. However, only 20% of industry players have an SPO/DPO strategy. By focusing on quality rather than quantity, looking for unique demand, and experimenting, marketers can build their own innovative approach.

The same companies often own DSPs and their own exchange, they have an interest in limiting control on bids.

So make sure you’re working on SPO in a way you can control. Also, consider broadening the number of SSPs and DSPs you look at, as a number of publishers may not make their full catalog available.

In other words, it pays to shop around. Finally, remember that each organization has its own key metrics, so consider in your strategy whether you want to focus on reach, cost, win rate, etc.

While SPO/DPO are mirrored terms working similarly to one another while retaining their individual character, they are growing closer. As a result, according to some experts, the industry can continue to use SPO/DPO as it has done, or instead, focus on setting up a collective approach.

This would include creating an infrastructure that would allow advertisers and publishers to easily connect, target, and transact in one overarching structure, creating a hybrid system that publishers and advertisers alike would benefit from. The potential merging of SPO and DPO represents an opportunity for creators and advertisers alike to achieve what they want in tandem, rather than working in parallel.

Remember, as of 2021, over 50% of American adults regularly watch content streamed via CTV platforms for an average of two hours per session, across three devices.

That is over 150 million pairs of eyes watching your content or being targeted by your ads. This market is only continuing to grow, even among generations that are less associated with technological uptake. The market’s trajectory is only heading upwards, so to all the budding vloggers, animation studios, movie resellers, and edutainment content creators out there.

Image Credit: august de richelieu; pexels; thank you!

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An important part of honing our skills as business professionals is becoming better at meeting new people and building real relationships. The more we invest in practicing engaging with others effectively — the more natural our ability to build relationships, becomes. We then look forward to the process of building relationships and find genuine happiness in the process. Our opportunity set in life is a function of both what we know and who we know. And although we meet people everywhere we go, conferences afford a unique opportunity to change the “who we know” forever.

Timeless Tips for Connecting and Building Relationships at Conferences

We attend many events to acquire knowledge while fostering new connections. And because we’re all there for the same reason — to learn about new things and establish new relationships. We realize that these relationships could develop into long-term friendships or potential business partnerships.

Attending events

Attending events is the type of gathering that affords us the opportunity to make contacts easier. Although many conferences have gone virtual or been postponed due to the pandemic, it is more important than ever to attend these events now — and to build connections successfully.

Attending events now will entail both adapting to the “new normal” of socially distanced networking, in the short term, and preparing for an enthusiastic return to many new additional in-person networking in the long term.

Benefits of the connections

We don’t always see the real benefit of the connections we make at conferences right away. They must first be nurtured into meaningful relationships, and to do this successfully; we need a plan. Such relationships are gradually built through purposeful, patient, and authentic follow-up. An effective follow-up depends on the information you gather and the energy you invest to represent best who you are.

Authentic follow-ups

Authentic follow-up can help you stand out from the crowd because the “crowd” typically defaults to the easiest and sadly, least effective means of building relationships.

After you meet someone at a conference, one of two things happens: (1) You never hear from that person again, or (2) you receive a generic email or LinkedIn message saying something to the effect of, “It was nice meeting you at the conference. Let’s stay in touch,” perhaps with a link to a website.

If you have ever been guilty of either of these (as I have), establishing an action plan for new contacts will help you avoid repeating this common mistake. And the first step is preparation.

Set your specific goal before the conference

Before attending a conference, set some specific goals for yourself concerning the types of contacts you would like to make. Create a follow-up plan (before you go) for how you may be able to work with or help both the qualified contacts you meet and the less-than-ideal ones.

Remember that even though a person may not be an ideal contact for you, they may know someone else who is.

Furthermore, the most helpful and mutually beneficial relationships you establish might not be immediately obvious. You may need to have several meetings or conversations with an individual to discover your shared foundation of interest and opportunity.

For example, my colleague Sameer Somal at Blue Ocean Global Technology once met the head of sales for a financial services firm he introduced to others — but Sameer assumed that the new contact was not likely to work with our company directly. However, much later the new contact learned how Blue Ocean assists organizations in building a digital presence that supports sustainable sales growth.

The new contact connected back with Sameer and with the owner of his firm. The new contact included a strong written recommendation for hiring Blue Ocean Global Technology to create and implement a plan for better allocating their marketing, sales, and technology resources. Win-win for all of us.

Getting the most out of connecting, networking and building your relationships at your next conference or event.

1. Focus on Connecting.

   During your initial conversations with people, really focus on them. When you give people your full attention, you make them feel important, and that may be the greatest gift of all between two human beings. Also, when people feel they’re truly being heard, they will talk more easily about themselves, their jobs, their passions, and their business.

   Face them directly to avoid being distracted by the activity around you and lean toward them slightly. Take care not to invade their personal space. If you’re in a crowded hallway or other noisy location, suggest moving to another area, perhaps an alcove or a quieter corner of the room so that you can engage with fewer distractions.

   And when you meet someone new and they are speaking — resist the urge to look around to see who else is in the room or what else is going on. Just don’t — looking around indirectly tells the person you don’t really care about what they’re saying and can create an unfavorable first impression (about you) that might be difficult to recover from.

Alex Jenkins, Relationship Director and Investment Specialist at Avantis Investors, make a conscious effort to avoid the topic of business when he meets someone for the first time. If the other person chooses to discuss professional interests or work matters, Alex will join in, but he never proactively steers the conversation in that direction.

By avoiding direct mention of business, Alex shows that he is interested in who that person is rather than simply what they do.

Paying close attention to your new contacts will help you learn what is important to them at that moment or in their life in general. Besides sharing potentially valuable business information, they might mention their favorite sports team, reference a movie they enjoy or disclose something personal about a loved one.

Focusing on your new acquaintance builds trust. Treat these individuals as though they’re the source of the most satisfying business relationship you’ll ever have because they just might be.

2. Record Important Details.

   Be prepared to gather details beyond a person’s basic contact information, and either take notes during your conversations or jot down your primary takeaways immediately after speaking with them.

   Consider using the note feature on your phone or a small notebook that fits in your pocket so that the information is all in one place. At the very least, make notes on the back of the business cards you collect or use a recorder app on your smartphone.

   Don’t expect to simply remember details. No matter how fascinating a conversation may be, we are bound to start forgetting key bits of information as soon as the next exciting conversation begins. Always take a few minutes to process and document some of the critical points from your initial conversation with a new contact.

3. Listen to Learn.

   When someone shares information with you about themselves, respond by acknowledging it with a related comment or question. Don’t just move on to the next topic you have in mind.

   Providing others with positive feedback builds rapport, which in turn leads to trust. And the information you gather might prove useful in follow-up conversations.

   Let’s say the individual mentions a new product launch for their business. You could ask them how they feel about the product or how it’s different from the business’s other offerings. Your response could be as simple as, “Thank you for sharing. Tell me more about that.” Their replies will help you understand what is most important to them, and knowing what’s important to them is a cornerstone in building your relationship.

“When you remember a specific part of someone’s story that they told you and relay it back to them in a question such as, ‘How did your big pitch go last week?’ in a follow-up email, people will want to grow the relationship,” says John Livesay, author of Better Selling Through Storytelling.

4. Define Your Relationship.

   Consider why each new contact is interested in speaking with you.

   Ask them what type of person they’re hoping to meet at the conference. Perhaps you are that person. But if not, offer to introduce them to someone in your network who might be a good match. Ideally, this will engage what’s known as the Law of Reciprocity, meaning they will feel somewhat obligated to return the favor.

   You’ve now expanded your reach at the conference. (Conversely, this may also help you identify “takers,” those with little or no interest in genuinely helping you, no matter how much you help them.)

   If appropriate, exchange business phone numbers so you can quickly contact each other if and when you encounter another person they should meet, and vice versa.

5. Learn Their Preferences.

   Ask each new person you meet how they wish to be contacted. Some might be swamped with email and would prefer a phone call. Others may favor a quick text message to arrange a time for a call or meeting. Your goal is to connect with them simultaneously and in a fashion that would make them most receptive to you.

   Respecting their wishes demonstrates your desire to cultivate an authentic relationship with them—at their convenience—and can highlight how you are different.

6. Focus on Qualified Contacts.

   Go for quality over quantity. Returning from a conference with hundreds of new contacts doesn’t necessarily make you a winner. The value lies in the number of qualified contacts you make. Interact and invest time with as many people as you will realistically be able to follow up with later.

   I used to follow up with everyone in the same way, and that was exhausting. Seek out individuals who seem most qualified to do business with you directly or who might be instrumental in facilitating another relationship that could be beneficial.

   Work your usual business qualifying questions into your conversations. Who knows? You might be speaking with an ideal, potential, client who presents a need your business can resolve and can generate new business sooner rather than later.

“The most qualified relationships are those in which you enter into with an open mind, wanting to learn from others. As successful philanthropists often say, the act of volunteering is selfish because it makes us feel good. As such, connecting with people should also be about what you can gain from them. What you receive from others is of more value than what you could possibly exude.” —Marie Beane, Director of IBM Worldwide Storage.

7. Schedule Your Follow-up.

   Effectively following up with people takes time, so before you even leave for a conference, schedule opportunities in your calendar during the week immediately after your event, in which to reach out to your new contacts.

   Otherwise, you risk falling back into your regular routine and neglecting or postponing this important step in the relationship-building process. Those generic messages I mentioned earlier are often the result of not setting aside the necessary time to follow up.

   Although mediocre businesspeople will follow up poorly and feel satisfied that they at least did something — that’s not how truly successful business professionals operate.

When carefully managed, your initial contacts with people at conferences can sow the seeds for fruitful business relationships in the future.

Recognize that strong connections aren’t built in just a few minutes or even a day, though, so your follow-up plan is key.

To set the stage for success, empower yourself with valuable information by being attentive to details, incorporating those details into your subsequent communications, and seeking to nurture positive associations for everyone involved.

Internal Post Image Credit: provided by the author; thank you!

Top Image Credit: antonio jamal roberson; pexels; thank you!

The post Seven Timeless Tips for Connecting and Building Relationships at Conferences appeared first on ReadWrite.

The Internet is an integral part of our lives – some of us are probably more dependent on it than we would like to be. Fortunately, the market offers plenty of ways to access the Internet anywhere — either through a travel modem, a satellite dish, or a free public hotspot. Of course, these options are not really interchangeable, with each occupying its own niche. Below is a close look at the popular ways of getting online, along with highlights of their strengths and weaknesses.

How to Get Internet Anywhere in the World?

Strictly speaking, the only way to get online from anywhere is through a satellite Internet connection. The satellite method has been a media darling for the last few years thanks to the still ongoing Starlink project. However, satellite Internet providers have actually been on the market for quite some time now.

The biggest advantage of this option is availability. With satellites, there’s no need for laying trunk lines or having a massive tower — all you need is the sky above (so yes, it often doesn’t work in a cave — at least without an antenna). A satellite makes it a perfect match for remote areas and regions with underdeveloped communication infrastructure.

Unfortunately, the sky is not exactly an industry-grade data transfer medium and will create interference by simply acting like nature. Various forms of precipitation and other weather conditions can deteriorate the quality of the satellite signal.

And the drawbacks do not end there. Getting a satellite signal, let alone sending data yourself, requires much larger equipment than a portable WiFi device — think a sizeable dish plus a satellite modem. In other words, this is by no means an easy portable solution.

WiFi Everywhere You Go: Public Hotspots

A more realistic way of getting wireless Internet anywhere is by connecting to an available WiFi hotspot. Such hotspots come in two varieties — free WiFi provided by various amenities and services that offer connection for a fee.

The former is a familiar option that can be found at your local Starbucks or in the airport. However, while it is free, it rarely works at decent speeds sufficient only for simple activities like messaging and checking mail. More importantly, to get a secure Internet connection from a cafe, you are expected to know how to stay safe on public WiFi. Even with all the precautions, you’ll still be better off using a travel modem for sensitive operations like online banking.

The second option is somewhat more intricate. Recently, several startups came up with the idea of a service that lets users rent unused Internet bandwidth. This is actually a clever idea that, theoretically, should benefit everyone. Unfortunately, it is still in its infancy, so the coverage is quite scarce. Cost-efficiency is also far from optimal – sometimes, the Internet comes at a higher price than simply using your own WiFi anywhere device. In other words, it is a promising direction to look into but not a reliable method as of now.

Hotspot for Laptop: Mobile Tethering

It may not have occurred to you, but you are already carrying around a pocket WiFi — your phone. You can turn it into a WiFi hotspot for your laptop or any other device that works with the wireless network protocol by using mobile tethering. This can be especially handy if you can’t accomplish the task through the phone directly — for example, when you have software on your PC that you need to communicate with a server.

Modern phones also support several simultaneous connections, so you can share the Internet with several friends or co-workers.

Keep in mind, however, that it comes at a cost. For starters, it requires a working mobile connection, so it’s not exactly an international pocket WiFi. Even with no roaming involved, the total bandwidth of such a connection will be limited by your data plan.

On top of that, mobile tethering is taxing for the device, so be ready for a drained battery after prolonged use. In other words, it is a handy backup plan but not a particularly universal one.

Devices to Get Internet Anywhere: Mobile Modems

Perhaps the most versatile and convenient solution for going online from anywhere is a portable WiFi device. In broad terms, it is a middle ground between a satellite modem and a tethered connection. A modern travel modem is a lightweight, energy-efficient device that supports multiple connections, works with several data plans, and may come with integrated security measures like a built-in VPN.

Of course, it is still limited by its data plan’s bandwidth and connection speed. However, a dedicated travel WiFi device will probably offer several options to choose from. It will also not work without cellular coverage, which may be an issue for sparsely populated areas. Otherwise, when it comes to using WiFi internationally, it strikes a balance between convenience and reliability.

Wrapping Up

There is no shortage of ways to get online nowadays, with new creative options emerging nearly every year. Some are suitable for casual browsing, while others require industry-grade equipment. It is totally reasonable to expect that in the near future, we will have services that are more secure, convenient, affordable, and powerful than anything we have now.

However, even today, it is possible to choose the one that suits you perfectly — you just need to know what you are looking for.

The post Four Ways to Get Online from Anywhere appeared first on ReadWrite.

Collaborating with a remote team is challenging, but the right tools and strategies can streamline the communication process.

The two main challenges facing remote teams are major time zone differences and lack of in-person collaboration. Online collaboration is effective, but time zone differences make it hard to connect in real-time.

For instance, when a team member in India needs to connect with a team member in the United States, there’s a time difference of nearly 12 hours (give or take, depending on specific time zones). For these two team members to connect, one will need to get up extra early and the other will need to stay up late.

The other big challenge with large differences in time zones is that productivity will always lag behind by 12 to 24 hours. This lag time makes it difficult to meet strict client deadlines and can put projects behind schedule.

If your organization has a remote team, whether your employees are spread out across the states or the world, the following tools will help you maintain efficient online collaboration and communication to ensure you deliver on time.

1. A company intranet

A company intranet is like a private internet for your entire team that can only be accessed by your team members. It can be implemented locally in the office with your own set of servers and networking equipment, or it can be hosted in the cloud.

With an intranet hosted in the cloud, your team can access it from anywhere and you avoid maintenance and upgrade fees. If your team is 100% remote and you don’t have an office, your intranet will need to be hosted in the cloud.

According to Happeo, cloud collaboration makes remote teams successful through tools like video conferencing applications, intranets, and document repositories. A company intranet can provide easy access to all of a team’s collaboration tools.

Intranet security

The privacy and security of an intranet is unparalleled even by the most highly secured software application you can install on your company website. For instance, installing proprietary collaboration software on a subdomain on your company’s website isn’t as secure as you think. Even when your team members use secure login credentials, your web server could get hacked on the back-end, compromising your sensitive data.

On the other hand, a hosted intranet is separate from your company website. With a reputable service provider, the servers used to host your company intranet are locked down with the tightest security. When you intranet isn’t hosted on your website’s domain name, hackers won’t know where to look for it.

2. A navigable, online self-help portal

An online self-help portal will make your employees self-sufficient and empower your team to find answers on their own. Usually, a self-help portal is hosted on a company intranet.

What information does a self-help portal contain?

A self-help portal can contain an infinite amount of knowledge regarding company policies and procedures, and even links to files. Essentially, any kind of information your employees might need, including answers to questions customers might ask, should be housed in a self-help portal.

Employees can use a self-help portal to immediately look up answers to questions posed by clients, customers, and other team members. This accessibility reduces the amount of time it would take to contact a manager or supervisor to find the answer.

A self-help portal can be created by using FAQ software or by hiring a development company to create a proprietary application just for your team. Either way, it works just like a website with a main menu, links for navigation, and a search function.

The key to using an online self-help portal is to make it user-friendly and continually update and add to the information as processes change and your company evolves.

3. A well-designed training program

Every remote team is supported by a well-designed training program. How you onboard your remote employees matters, and how they’re trained will set the tone for how they’ll perform.

Well-trained team members communicate and collaborate more efficiently than team members who work according to their own standards. It’s important to create a training program that can be implemented consistently by any and all of your trainers.

With remote teams, it’s especially important to train your team over an extended period of time rather than give them a manual to read and call it a day. Training manuals serve a purpose, but they shouldn’t take the place of actual training.

How you train your remote team depends on your industry. For instance, if you’re a marketing firm, your training program should include providing constructive feedback after each client interaction, after work is submitted, and throughout the entire process for at least one full project. This will give your team the feedback they need to align with company standards every step of the way.

4. A unified task management platform

Nothing disrupts remote teams like having tasks managed in multiple applications. This can be a tricky situation to get a grip on because all of your remote employees will probably have preferences for the software they like to use for managing tasks. To maintain good collaboration, you’ll need to require all team members to use the same application.

You might have a task management application that you prefer, but stay open to using other platforms recommended by your team. They might know about a platform that is superior to what you’ve always used.

5. Communications training

Ongoing communications training is one of the best ways to keep a remote team on track and should be an irreplaceable part of your company’s communication strategy. Everyone talks about great communication, but few can demonstrate what that looks like. For instance, communication is more than sharing information with another team member. Communication skills involve knowing how and when to deliver a message along with being able to have a productive dialogue with others, especially when there’s a disagreement.

Traditionally, organizations have sent employees to weekend communications training programs, but today it’s easy to take those same courses online. Find an organization that specializes in teaching communication for team collaboration and start requiring your remote employees to complete the courses of your choice.

6. Top-of-the-line computers

It’s difficult to work in the tech industry on older computers running deprecated browser versions because the machine can’t handle an operating system upgrade. Sure, you can find laptops on eBay for a couple hundred bucks, but you’re not doing your company any favors that way.

If your remote employees depend on current technology to get the job done, buy them the right equipment. You don’t need to spend $5,000 per person on new MacBook Pros, but you do need to consider a person’s work before buying them a machine.

7. World clock applications

The simplicity of a world clock application can’t be underestimated. Your remote team needs to know what time it is around the world where other team members and clients are located. This will help keep them on track to deliver tasks on time. For example, if someone from India sets a deadline for Tuesday, a team member in the U.S. can submit the task on Tuesday and yet it’s already Wednesday in India.

World clocks with a little forethought will help team members across different time zones set and meet deadlines smoothly.

Remote collaboration can be exceptionally efficient

Despite team members living in different parts of the world, remote collaboration can be exceptionally efficient – even more efficient than an in-house team.

The problem in-house teams face most is wasted time. It’s a drag having to get ready for work, commute to the office, and then sit at a desk all day. Remote teams are surprisingly more efficient because the freedom helps team members tailor their work to a schedule that works best for their lifestyle. Without the commute, they have more time and energy to devote to getting the job done.

The post 7 Tools That Support Remote Team Collaboration and Communication appeared first on ReadWrite.

We are in unprecedented times in business because of COVID-19 — and extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. All of the world’s problems, at present, have forced the tech industry to rapidly pivot to develop products and services to match business virtual needs. Virtual everything is at the forefront of everyone’s mind — and virtual selling will keep business and the economy moving. Here are the top sales tools for virtual selling.

Top Sales Tools for Virtual Selling

1. Prezi Video 

It’s time to say goodbye to screen-share. Sales pitch presentations are no longer happening in person, but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice the face-to-face connection for virtual selling.

Prezi Video is a sales tool that lets you interact with your on-screen content like a newscaster or weather-person as you present on live or recorded video. Prezi Video allows sales professionals to have a presence within their visual content while maintaining eye contact with their audience. Many professionals don’t understand the eye-contact as essential to help establish the human connection and facilitate the two-way conversation — but Prezi Video gets that eye-contact is essential for effective sales pitches.

Through Prezi Video, you can visualize data, share case studies, and showcase products as you engage and build rapport with potential customers on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, Google Meet, and most video conferencing platforms. Sales pros can also use Prezi Video to record engaging and memorable prospecting videos to share via email or social channels. Nifty.

2. Owler

News monitoring tools like Owler can ensure you stay on top of industry updates, announcements, and events without the added effort. With Owler, you can create a customized news feed for competitor news – the platform allows users to filter in the most relevant information, provides complete company profiles, and generates automatic insights.

Owler Daily Snapshots feature is akin to having your very own theSkimm tailored for your business. If you were looking for a sign to graduate from Google Alerts, this is it.

3. Khoros

Community management can feel like a whirlwind at times with the sheer volume of conversations happening at any given moment. Khoros turns cacophony into a streamlined dialogue by simplifying social media listening with automatic insights and providing a clean interface to ease community management.

Customer acquisition and engagement doesn’t have to be dizzying if you have the right sales tools.

4. Regie
Many sales tools offer endless optionality and functionality. While that might be nice for expansive enterprises, most companies drown in the product. It’s like attempting to mow your lawn with a helicopter; it’s technically possible, but you’re probably wasting your time (and money).

Regie is a sales engagement tool with guardrails. This tool takes your marketing list (or buyer persona) and turns it into qualified sales meetings. Regie streamlines your workflow and focuses on the most important leading indicators — sales meetings and qualified opportunities.

Regie automates repetitive sales operations tasks and offers timely recommendations on your sales and prospecting strategy. Regie is different not because of the endless things it can do, but because of what it won’t do — waste your time.

5. Salesforce

As its name suggests, Salesforce is a powerful sales tool. This multifaceted customer relationship management platform helps with everything from task management to customer service, employee performance management, and tracking. You can customize Salesforce to your needs using the sleuth of add-ons and build your own sales toolkit.

6. RankTools

RankTools is essential for any sales team who relies on SEO and moving into 2021, that will be just about everyone as digital marketing has become more important than ever. RankTools offers a variety of different products that help with reporting and analysis and is pretty much a one-stop-shop for all your SEO needs.

The RankTools SEO Tool package fully analyzes your website to ensure you’re implementing all the necessary practices for the best SEO optimization, and you can even track your competitors’ websites to see what you’re up against. It doesn’t just show where you’re lacking but informs you of the steps you need to take to improve.

7. Lucidchart

Strategy is anything but a linear process, which is why visualization tools like Lucidchart deserve a place in your toolkit for virtual selling. With Lucidchart, you can collaborate on free-form diagrams for optimal whiteboarding with your team.

The highly customizable interface allows users to organize, visualize, structure, brainstorm, and plan without devolving into chaos. Ditch the post-its and multi-page word documents — you deserve better.

8. AeroLeads

Any B2B business knows how tedious manually digging for leads can be and how time-consuming it is to keep databases up to date. AeroLeads scouts contact information and stores it in an easy-on-the-eyes interface while checking in on your existing contacts for outdated information. Use this tool to simplify your contact research and keep your data current and organized.

9. CircleBack

We’ve all had that moment of endless scrolling through email threads looking for that one person whose name we vaguely recall. Can you count how many business cards you’ve lost or accidentally thrown in the trash? With CircleBack, you won’t ever have to spend another minute of your time digging.

CircleBack pulls contact information from the depths of your conversations (whether they be email exchanges or text messages) and compiles them into a single neatly organized address book. You can scan contact cards for safekeeping in an instant, automatically delete duplicates, and trust this tool to save contact information from all your interactions so you can stay productive.

Conclusion

Having great connectivity with your customers and understanding your customers persona has always been a hallmark of good sales in business — and never so more than now. Find sales tools that will catapult your sales in the new year — it all begins with a finely-tuned virtual sales tool at present.

Top Image Credit: nataliya vaitkevich; pexels

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Knowledgeable, informed employees build successful companies. The question is, how can you get that knowledge out of employees’ heads and distributed to the wider team?

One way to do so is with a corporate wiki. Wikis have existed for a while, but only recently have companies adopted them for internal knowledge-sharing. But wikis don’t build themselves; on teams that aren’t willing to invest time in them, they may create more confusion.

The alternative is doing it the old-fashioned way: Employees ask each other questions as they come up. But that method pulls people away from their work and, when an employee leaves, may result in lost knowledge. 

Is a corporate wiki right for your business? Find out by asking yourself these questions:

1. How much does the organization of knowledge matter?

Some companies simply have more knowledge to organize than others. A lawn care company, for example, might not need much more than a customer address book and accounting documents. 

Contrast that with a law firm. Misplacing an affidavit or pre-trial document could be disastrous to a client’s case. Across a few dozen clients, there might be a warehouse’s worth of documents to organize. 

Corporate wikis are easily organized and searchable. Because they’re accessible by the entire team, employees can update and recategorize old pages. And because corporate wikis are digital and cloud-hosted, there’s no risk of information getting lost. 

2. What tools must be synced?  

The typical enterprise uses 91 marketing cloud services, not to mention those associated with other departments. On teams that use a lot of tools, integrations are critical. 

Does your company use Slack for communication? Do you have important documents stored on Google Drive? Does your sales team live in Salesforce?

Many corporate wikis integrate with all those tools and more. When in doubt, ask: A provider may be willing to develop a new integration if it would help them close a sale. 

3. How important is collaboration?

Three in four employees believe collaboration and teamwork are important in the workplace. With that said, some roles and teams are more self-guided than others.

A freelance writer may only need to communicate with one editor about his or her work. But on a highly collaborative team, knowledge must be shared freely. Otherwise, operations may grind to a halt. 

Remote work has made collaboration even more challenging and critical. Employees in different locations are much more likely to miscommunicate than those sitting next to each other. 

Corporate wikis facilitate collaboration from anywhere. Teams using them can discuss, collaborate, and communicate no matter how far they are apart. 

4. Is oversight important?

Because everyone can share and edit the content within them, corporate wikis require oversight. Some contributions may be more professional or accurate than others, creating inconsistencies. 

Before implementing a corporate wiki, it’s important to appoint an internal content manager. This person may also be in charge of external content, like a content marketer, or be a subject-matter expert. 

The biggest benefit — and the biggest pitfall — of a corporate wiki is its collaborative nature. Ask the manager you appoint to set some ground rules: In what situations should a page be revised? In what situations should it be left alone? How can workers know whether they’re qualified to make changes?

5. How tech-savvy is the team?

Corporate wikis are digital tools. Teams with members who struggle to navigate software might want to think twice before investing in a corporate wiki. 

While wikis are easy to set up, they do come with a learning curve. Different team members learn at different speeds and in different ways. 

To ensure employees know how to use a corporate wiki, you’ll need to set up a corporate training session.  Check your training budget and your team members’ schedules. Both in terms of time and money, make sure you can accommodate at least two training sessions. 

If your employees have tech skills but sometimes struggle with motivation, you might also need to budget for incentives. Use small awards, like “Most pages created” or “Most valuable contribution,” paired with gift cards to encourage corporate wiki use. 

6. What proportion of knowledge is sensitive? 

Remember, corporate wikis are searchable. Before investing in one, ask yourself how much of your company’s knowledge is sensitive information. You might not want your customers’ credit card numbers searchable by the entire company, for example.

Some corporate wikis employ a practice known as “data masking.” Any information that fits a certain mold is automatically stripped or obfuscated before being uploaded with this process. Data masking is ideal for financial, healthcare, and business strategy details you need to keep private.

The bottom line is, you get out of a corporate wiki what you put in. If you’re willing to curate content as a team and invest in training, it’s a great choice for managing your company’s knowledge.

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