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LOGIQ.AI announces LogFlow Observability Data pipeline as a Service (DPaaS)

LOGIQ.AI

LOGIQ.AI, a leading provider of data management, analytics, and observability solutions for IT, DevOps, and SecOps teams, has today launched LogFlow, an Observability Data Pipeline as a Service (DPaaS). LogFlow is an innovative paradigm in machine data management that enables enterprises to unleash the true potential of machine data by connecting it to SMEs on-demand. Global data creation and replication is growing at a CAGR of 23% ( IDC ), and 70% of organizations will shift focus to provide more context for data analytics ( Gartner ). New tooling is needed to optimize data volume and improve data quality. LogFlow solves these data challenges at both the core and the edge. Greg O'Reilly, Observability Consultant at Visibility Platforms, said, "LogFlow enables our customers to take a whole new approach to observability data; one that helps regain control and unblock vendor or cost limitation. We're opening up discussions between ITOps and Security teams for the first time with a unified solution that keeps data secure, compliant, manageable, and readily available to those who need it on the front lines." The Block and Drop problem Contemporary data pipelines suffer from ingest-egress mismatches. "Enterprises have unfortunately been sold "block" and "drop" as intelligent features to counter back pressure and upstream unavailability in data pipelines", said Ranjan Parthasarathy, Co-founder, CEO of LOGIQ.AI. "Block and drop is data loss in disguise. Imagine losing a vital signature in your log stream that points to impending ransomware starting to spread. Don't introduce new business risks by buying into block and drop." InstaStore LogFlow eliminates block and drop by storing 100% of streaming data in InstaStore, a storage innovation that enables object storage as primary storage. In InstaStore, data is fully indexed and searchable in real-time. LogFlow also stores its indexes in InstaStore, giving a genuinely scalable platform with cleanly decoupled storage and compute. LogFlow ingests data even when upstream targets are down. Due to its indexing capabilities, it provides fine-grained data replays. "InstaStore introduces a new paradigm for data agility that eliminates data loss and the need for storage tiering and data rehydration. Organizations can now unlock productivity, cost reduction, and compliance like never before.", said Jay Swamidass, Head of Sales - APAC and EMEA at LOGIQ.AI. Accelerating machine intelligence LogFlow's native support for open standards makes it easy to collect machine data from any source. Similar to network flows, LogFlow manages data with its flow-level routing table. "LogFlow filters unwanted data and detects security events in-flight. Users can route streams, control EPS and run fine grained data replays.", said Tito George, Co-founder of LOGIQ.AI. "InstaStore's indexing and columnar data layouts enable faster querying, unlike archive formats like gzip." Data routing isn't the real problem Open-source tools like Fluent Bit and Logstash can already route data between various sources and target systems and allow routing raw archives to object stores. The complex problems to solve are: 1) Controlling data volume and sprawl 2) Preventing data loss. 3) Ensuring data reusability with fine-grained control; and 4) Business continuity during upstream failures. Theodore Caroll, Head of Sales – Americas at LOGIQ.AI said, "There's no technical reason to accept anything less than 100% data availability. Your data is your only true fortress in responding to threats and adverse business events. Businesses need a system like LogFlow that ensures full data replay is continuously and infinitely available." LogFlow's log management and SIEM capabilities provide built-in insurance against upstream failures. Businesses can run it in parallel with their existing systems. If upstream systems become unavailable, LogFlow can continue to provide crucial forensics. Built for the enterprise LogFlow's built-in "Rule Packs" have over 2000 rules that filter, tag, extract, and rewrite data for popular customer environments and workloads. LogFlow's SIEM Rule Packs also allow security event detection and tagging. LOGIQ.AI's LogFlow brings complete control over observability data pipelines and delivers high-value, high-quality data to teams that need it in real-time, all the time. For the first time, organizations can fully control data collection, consolidation, retention, manipulation, and upstream data flow management. About LOGIQ.AI LOGIQ is the creator of the LOGIQ platform, a converged data analysis software that brings ingest, indexing, search, SQL, and streaming capabilities backed by any S3 compatible object-store. LOGIQ Log Insights is built on this converged architecture bringing scalability and simplicity to your IT operations analytics projects. The converged architecture enables rapid integration with AI platforms for gaining valuable business insights from your data. Contact Details LOGIQ.AI Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://logiq.ai/

December 02, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Digital Entertainment Asset and Bascule Inc. Launches the World's First NFT From Space

Digital Entertainment Asset Pte. Ltd

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 2 December 2021 - Digital Entertainment Asset Pte. Ltd (DEA), a global GameFi company and Bascule Inc., led by Representative Director Masayoshi Boku, have teamed up to launch 'The First Space Sunrise', an exclusive limited edition NFT (Non-fungible token) which features real-time photos from the International Space Station (ISS). The collaboration is the first-of-its-kind and marks the dawn of a new era in the rapidly growing NFT space. The partnership brings together Bascule's leading expertise in the space and entertainment business by tapping into "THE SPACE FRONTIER STUDIO KIBO (Hope)' which has been broadcasting an interactive live stream from the ISS since September 2021 as part of the J-SPARC joint project with The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Commenting on the launch, DEA CSO Kozo Yamada said "The narrative is one of the most important factors for a collectible NFT. I believe that NFTs will grow in global importance in 2022. With this NFT, collectors will get to witness a 'non-fungible' moment together by collecting the first images of the year from space. As someone who loves both space and NFTs this collection is an absolute must have." "THE FIRST SPACE SUNRISE 2022" will be the world's first NFT project to publish a collection of NFTs from space. This launch adds another first for the partnership after the duo hosted a countdown party on the ISS KIBO studio giving viewers a real-time view of the earth as they counted down into 2021. In 2022, the public will have an opportunity to go a step further and claim some of the world's first NFTs to be published from space. In total, 2022 NFT collections will be issued to mark the start of the new year. The photos will be the very first captured after midnight from 00:00 UTC/GMT, 1 January 2022 from the ISS, which orbits the earth every 90 minutes. 20.22% of proceeds will be donated to the International Astronomical Project for the purchase of a next generation ultra-large telescope to support space development projects around the world. OVERVIEW OF THE NFTS Two types of NFTs will be published on the ' The First Space Sunrise 2022' website. Titled 'The First Space Sunrise 2022' and 'Astro-Dogu 2022' each series will have a limited run of only 2,022 unique images that will be sequentially dropped in real-time for purchase on a first-come, first-serve basis. Website: https://thefirstspacesunrise2022.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSpaceSunrise (@TheSpaceSunrise) Discord: https://discord.gg/r8s5tyZDzH 1. THE FIRST SPACE SUNRISE 2022 Selling Price: 0.2022 ETH Number of NFTs: Limited to 2,022 images Each live image from 'The First Space Sunrise 2022' will be sold for 0.2022 ETH. Floating 400 kilometers over the earth at the dawn of the New Year, the International Space Station (ISS) will capture live images every three seconds as it orbits around the earth at a speed of 8 kilometers per second. Each image will be stamped with the longitude and latitude of the ISS prior to being generated and dropped in real time, capturing the world as it wakes to the dawn of a new year of promise and hope. 2. ASTRO-DOGU 2022 Selling Price: 0.101 ETH Number of NFTs: Limited to 2,022 images Astro-Dogu 2022 blends the creative genius of THE SPACE FRONTIER STUDIO KIBO with live images of the earth by overlaying each unique image with a randomized DOGU – the mascot of the KIBO space station. The generative NFT epitomizes the belief that everyone on earth can freely express themselves regardless of age, gender, nationality, or race. Each image in the series will be sold for 0.101 ETH, also on a first-come, first-serve basis. THE SPACE FRONTIER STUDIO KIBO Sharing his vision for the future of space-earth NFTs, Bascule Inc. Representative Director Masayoshi Boku said "I am confident that this NFT project will bring us closer to the future that Bascule wants to realize through the KIBO project. It is a future in which people from all over the world can participate in live events based in space, and human solidarity will transcend nations and cultures." He added "Holders of ' THE FIRST SPACE SUNRISE 2022' NFT have more than just a token, they are now part of a "crew" of friends who share the same vision. We are excited to be able to foster a community of space-faring friends around the world through NFT ownership!" Bascule Inc. aims to further connect space and earth by joining forces with various companies and artists to co-create a live space program titled '90-minute Trip Around the Earth' which is expected to launch in 2022. About Bascule Inc. Establishment: July 28, 2000 Representative Director: Masayoshi Boku Headquarters: 6F Azabu Kaisei Building, 1-8-10 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan Business description: Project Design Studio that creates future experiences through the power of technology and design. The studio has developed the world's first interactive studio connecting space and the Earth, THE SPACE FRONTIER STUDIO KIBO, and has created numerous projects that transcend the area of media, events, products, sports, education, mobility, urban development, and space development. Website: https://bascule.co.jp About Digital Entertainment Asset Pte. Ltd. DEA, which operates the NFT entertainment business, was established in Singapore in August 2018. On April 8, 2020, the company's proprietary crypto asset DEAPcoin was listed on OKEx. We are developing the browser games JobTribes, Puzzle x Job Tribes, Dozer Lucky Farmer beta version, and the NFT marketplace NFT Marketplace by DEP as businesses. In addition, DEA is aiming to create a world in which "enjoyment turns into income" by launching PlayMining, an NFT DeFi platform that utilizes blockchain technology. Currently, there are over 2,200,000 PlayMining ID registrants. Co-CEO: Naohito Yoshida, Shigeru Shiina Address: 7 Straits View,Marina One East Tower,#05-01,Singapore 018936 Established: August 2018 Business activities: NFT/NFT DeFi platform Operations Website: https://dea.sg/ About DEAPcoin( DEP) DEAPcoin is a proprietary utility token issued by DEA. It is available to use as a currency to buy NFT on the PlayMining Platform, an online digital entertainment platform where games and digital asset transactions are linked by blockchain technology. Each time a game is added to the platform, the number of NFT available for use in the game increases, allowing for the purchase of more valuable NFT with DEAPcoin. DEAPcoin is available on six different exchanges - OKEx, Bithumb Global, BITTREX GLOBAL, INDODAX, DigiFinex, and Bitrue. *DEAPcoin is not available for sale to residents of Japan. Website: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/deapcoin/ Contact Details Digital Entertainment Asset Pte Ltd Hideaki Kurihara kurihara@dea.sg Digital Entertainment Asset Pte Ltd Honami Soeda soeda@dea.sg

December 02, 2021 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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A world first: SmartFrame and Adobe-led CAI work in collaboration to validate image provenance and protect images from misuse online

SmartFrame Technologies

SmartFrame Technologies, the first-to-market image-streaming technology provider, today announced the world’s first test of end-to-end image authentication and protection in collaboration with the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). It’s estimated that over 2.5 billion images are either stolen or have their copyright infringed every day, which robs content creators of their livelihood and empowers those intent on spreading fake news and misinformation on social media platforms and elsewhere online. With trillions of digital photographs readily available online, no meaningful protection, and the proliferation of easy-to-use editing software, image theft, manipulation, and misrepresentation has become a very real threat to our society. That’s why SmartFrame has been working with the Adobe-led CAI to create a solution that combines robust image protection with provenance authentication, fit for a digital world that has become like the Wild West when it comes to image theft and misuse. Putting the technologies to the test The CAI is showcasing what the eventual future of trusted image capture for consumers will look like through use of a prototype device. This device uses Truepic’s groundbreaking native integration of hardware-secured photo capture, powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 865 5G Mobile Platform. The device was given to renowned photographer David Yarrow, who shot to fame with his iconic image of soccer player Diego Maradona holding aloft the World Cup in 1986, to test out the enhanced end-to-end image authentication and protection systems resulting from the collaboration between SmartFrame Technologies and the CAI. “The shoot was in Dinokeng Game Reserve with Kevin Richardson, who’s known as the lion whisperer,” says Cameron Yarrow, who was part of the production team on the shoot. The aim was to create a powerful portrait of a lion’s face. However, wild animals don’t always pose for photographs, so having Kevin on hand was key. By selecting ‘Secure Mode’ on the CAI-enabled device, the team could easily attach essential data to the image at the point of capture, proving the image’s origin. It’s also possible to add further details to this through the CAI function found within image-editing software, recording edits made in post-production. Such seamless integration meant the process of creating the image was exactly the same as what the team was already used to. The difference became apparent when publishing the image as a SmartFrame, as demonstrated in the link below. With a simple tap of the info icon in the top-left-hand corner of the SmartFrame, it’s possible to view the image’s attribution and history data, with the option of viewing further details on a dedicated verification page. The CAI data function combines seamlessly with SmartFrame’s interactive image-streaming interface. This new way to display images online supports high-quality images up to 100MP in resolution, and uses a wide range of immersive functions to present them in all their glory. These include a full-screen viewing mode, together with the ability to zoom in to explore the finest details, all without affecting page-loading times. More importantly, however, SmartFrames provide advanced security against image theft. Dragging and dropping is made impossible, while right-clicks and screenshots are met with image-obscuring copyright warnings. Furthermore, built-in captions ensure permanent attribution. This not only helps to prevent image piracy, but also raises awareness of copyright restrictions. Through the use of deterrent messages, users are reminded that the image they are viewing is subject to copyright and are instead encouraged to share it legally using the Embed and Share functions. By sharing images in this way, they will carry all the enhanced viewing and security features, together with permanent attribution and CAI provenance data outlined above, wherever they are embedded. This means publishers can benefit from increased engagement and dwell times, image owners can monitor and control their valuable assets, and users can enjoy an extra level of protection against disinformation, leading to a higher level of trust. This pioneering collaboration is taking sure steps towards a safer online environment. Rob Sewell, CEO of SmartFrame Technologies, comments: “This marks the beginning of a new era in image publishing, where users have greater transparency and photographers can once again ensure their art is being used in the way it was intended. By working together, we can create a digital world where it’s okay to believe what you see.’’ Read more about the test and see the first ever CAI-enabled SmartFrame here SmartFrame applications outside of image protection: SmartFrame offers numerous additional benefits, such as its in-image contextual and cookie-less advertising system. Content owners can capitalise on the interest in their images and get paid when these are viewed, while publishers can embed images on their sites and gain a share of the revenues from the display of these ads. Advertisers, meanwhile, can reach new and relevant audiences, with ads that are contextually targeted to the image content, webpage and location of the viewer, all within a highly viewable premium ad unit placement. About SmartFrame Founded in 2015, SmartFrame Technologies is a London-based software provider with an aim to redefine the digital image standard. Its SmartFrame platform allows content owners and brands to protect their assets and present them in the best possible way, while also allowing publishers to source and embed high-quality images, and for everyone involved to generate new revenue streams by way of in-image advertising. About Adobe Adobe is the global leader in digital media and digital marketing solutions. Our creative, marketing and document solutions empower everyone – from emerging artists to global brands – to bring digital creations to life and deliver immersive, compelling experiences to the right person at the right moment for the best results. In short, Adobe is everywhere, and we’re changing the world through digital experiences. About the CAI The Content Authenticity Initiative is a group working together to fight misinformation and add a layer of verifiable trust to all types of digital content, starting with photo and video, through provenance and attribution solutions. We’re creating a secure end-to-end system for digital content provenance through open-source development, cross-industry collaboration, and interoperability of tools. Additional image access information. To get images associated with the article follow link below: https://smartframe.io/blog/smartframe-and-cai-working-together-to-validate-provenance-and-improve-image-protection/ Contact Details SmartFrame Technologies Jill Kent +44 7760 470309 info@prsuperstar.co.uk

December 02, 2021 06:10 AM Eastern Standard Time

iTradeNetwork Features Blue Book Ratings and Scores in iTradeMarketplace

iTradeNetwork

As a recently established Blue Book Registered Developer, iTradeNetwork, the food and beverage industry’s largest network with over 8,000 food and beverage trading partners, is delivering real-time access to Blue Book Ratings and Scores through the iTradeMarketplace platform. Now iTradeMarketplace users who are also Blue Book Services subscribers can view a company’s Blue Book Rating and Blue Book Score within the iTradeMarketplace platform. This integration provides maximum efficiency for end-users to view critical Blue Book information before a business transaction. “As we worked with our produce customers to build the iTradeMarketplace features, we repeatedly heard the need to have quick, easy access to Blue Book Ratings and Scores. This integration delivers on that vital industry need,” said Nathan Romney, chief product officer of iTradeNetwork. “We welcome iTradeNetwork as a Blue Book Registered Developer,” said Mark Erickson, Senior Vice President of Blue Book Services. “Our mission is to provide Blue Book content where, when and how members need it. So, the arrangement with iTradeNetwork is a very good fit and provides a useful complement to the suite of content, analytics and tools now available via Blue Book Online Services.” A free 30-day trial of the data integration is available for iTradeMarketplace users who do not currently subscribe to Blue Book Services. About Blue Book Services, Inc. Since 1901, Blue Book Services, Inc. has been the leader in providing the domestic and international fresh produce and exempt transportation industries with timely, accurate and reliable credit and marketing information. Produce suppliers, buyers, brokers and transporters alike rely on Blue Book ratings, reports, and information to make safe, informed and profitable business decisions. Blue Book Service also includes a full range of dispute resolution services, including collections, mediations, and arbitrations. About iTradeNetwork iTradeNetwork, Inc. is the leading global provider of supply chain management solutions for the food and beverage industry. Built upon deep industry expertise, a rich data foundation and the industries’ most extensive trading partner network, iTradeNetwork’s collaborative solutions allow distributors, manufacturers, operators, retailers, suppliers and wholesalers of all sizes to reduce cost, grow revenue and strengthen trading partner relationships. Today, iTradeNetwork’s growing customer list includes more than 8,000 companies globally. For more information, visit: www.itradenetwork.com. Media, please note: Visual assets, including photos, are available. To interview ITN’s CEO Rhonda Bassett-Spiers or for other interview requests, please contact Robin Carr at (415) 971-3991 or itn@landispr.com. ### Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Robin Carr +1 415-971-3991 itn@landispr.com Blue Book Services, Inc. Jeff Lair +1 630-668-3500 jlair@bluebookservices.com Company Website https://www.itradenetwork.com/

December 01, 2021 07:51 AM Pacific Standard Time

VBOX ATSC 3.0 ANDROID TV GATEWAY

VBox Communications

Presenting at CES® 2022 – January 5-8, 2022 Venetian Expo/Eureka Park – Booth #61708 (TECH WEST) VBox Communications, an expert in live broadcast TV streaming and recording, announced the expansion of capabilities for its ATSC 3.0 Android TV Gateway —which now includes clear, seamless and high-quality streaming of live or recorded ATSC 3.0 broadcast signals to companion devices running Android TV OS. VBox Communications will be presenting at CES ® 2022 in the Venetian Expo/Eureka Park section of Tech West – Booth #61708, from January 5-8, 2022. VBox’s quad-tuner ATSC 3.0 Android Gateway enables any Android-compliant companion device with Dolby AC-4 decoding capabilities to receive, record and play ATSC 3.0 broadcast signals over any local network, including these notable enhancements: Streaming HEVC 4K video and Dolby AC-4 audio to companion devices Content recasting to multiple network-connected devices (e.g. mobile phones, tablets, PCs, and TV screens) DVR-recorded content access and viewing from any Android-compatible connected device Enhanced Electronic Service Guides (ESG) Advanced Emergency Alerts Broadcast applications testing environment. SDK provision to enable 3 rd -party development In addition, the company has also launched a testing kit that includes an ATSC 3.0 broadcast receiver device, accompanied by an SDK. “We invite broadcasters, service providers, application developers, and system integrators to participate in our new ATSC 3.0 Testbed program, designed to help evaluate the performance and test the latest developments in the ATSC 3.0 market,” said Jonathan Rind, VBox’s Marketing Director. VBox devices – including SDKs – are available for testing, evaluating and analyzing both linear ATSC 1.0 & 3.0 broadcast signals, as well as “beyond TV” ATSC 3.0 functionality, such as ESGs, advanced emergency alerting, broadcast apps, etc. The company has also a planned product for the evolving 5G Broadcast standard. More information about the ATSC 3.0 Android Gateway can be found at: https://vboxcomm.com/landing/landing-atsc3/ or by contacting VBox: marketing@vboxcomm.com. About VBox: VBox Communications (https://vboxcomm.com/) is an expert in Digital TV, offering products that deliver live TV broadcasts (e.g. DVB-T/T2, DVB-C, DVB-S/S2, ISDB-T/ATSC) to IP, combined with OTT video streaming services, for home and business use. VBox’s innovative, end-to-end firmware, software, and hardware solutions empower telcos, STB/streamer OEMs, and integrators to harness the benefits of converged live broadcast and IP- based TV – while helping grow revenues, streamlining communications and reducing costs. Contact Details VBox Communications Jonathan Rind +972 9-950-2821 jonathanr@vboxcomm.com Company Website https://vboxcomm.com/

December 01, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Avvir Launches Avvir Accelerate to Support AI-Backed Planning in the Construction Industry

Avvir

Avvir, a reality analysis company providing a system of record for buildings to the construction industry, today announced the launch of Avvir Accelerate. The new product is a software solution that offers planning and consulting services to help users at every stage of the project lifecycle, whether it’s from the early programming stage pre-RFP, the design development phase, or the pre-construction and construction phases. This service came to life because Avvir realized that gathering documentation, understanding design intent, federating trade-specific BIM models and translating that information into a comprehensive schedule and cost estimate is an uphill battle every project team faces. With Avvir Accelerate, customers get help streamlining their entire project with Avvir tools and best practices for finding, communicating, and acting on project information more efficiently, allowing them to gradually build up confidence and mastery to continue autonomously. In Q1 of this year, Avvir announced the close of its Series A fundraise. Since the raise, Avvir has utilized the funds to drive significant product upgrades and new capabilities, fundamentally enhancing the construction project management process. In addition to announcing Avvir Accelerate, the company launched several product upgrades aimed at creating a new level of analysis for the built world including; the addition of a 4D dashboard, updates to its robust 3D Viewer, and 4D/5D analysis that eliminates the need for weekly LiDAR scans. These product enhancements allow construction industry professionals to break down and effectively analyze a project’s progress and status through improved tracking and reporting capabilities, increasing accuracy, safety and timeliness for construction projects. “Our goal at Avvir is to create a turnkey solution for construction industry leaders that informs and supports the entire lifecycle of a project,” said Raffi Holzer, CEO and Co-founder of Avvir. “Everything that we accomplished this year is another step in that direction, allowing us to go far beyond providing only a point solution, and instead offer a full suite of tools needed to empower construction professionals with intelligent, data-driven job sites that enable them to reliably deliver on schedule, within budget and safely.” Without a unified data source to keep plans up-to-date and reflective of on-site activities, construction professionals can end up with an incomplete view of the project at hand, leading to mistakes, engineering flaws, and wasted resources. Avvir’s revolutionary platform enables complete knowledge of a project at any time by harnessing the power of reality capture data. Beta user Kevin Marren, Superintendent at AECOM, said, "I could move faster, giving updates to the project team on a weekly basis so they could proactively get ahead of predicted clashes that had to be addressed in the field." As 2021 comes to a close, Avvir is set to launch additional upgrades to its technology, including enhanced BIM integrations, updates to the user interface, and new machine learning progress analysis. These innovations are designed to provide automatic status updates across platforms and prioritize immediate tasks and actions. Looking ahead, Avvir will continue to augment its analytical technologies to increase prediction accuracy, decrease the time it takes to receive results, and accelerate the development of new analyses and features. About Avvir Avvir aims to transform the way human beings interact with the built world. Avvir’s reality analysis platform enables construction professionals to reduce costly rework by detecting mistakes and taking immediate action, transform their BIM into an official system of record, and take project insights to the next level with automated progress vs. schedule and earned value tracking. Avvir delivers the only hardware agnostic platform that not only provides critical insights but closes the loop by updating the BIM, allowing customers to focus on solving issues, not finding them. Contact Details North 6th Agency for Avvir Shayla Ridore +1 401-464-1772 avvir@n6a.com Company Website https://www.avvir.io/

December 01, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Neighborhood Sun and Astral Power Merge; Combined Organization Will Offer Expanded Community Solar Capabilities in a Larger Footprint

Neighborhood Sun

Neighborhood Sun, a community solar company making solar accessible to everyone through its advanced community solar software platform, Sun Engine (™), today announced a merger with Astral Power, a New York-based provider of access to locally produced clean energy. The combined company will operate as Neighborhood Sun with Astral Power’s leadership team joining Neighborhood Sun under CEO Gary Skulnik. Astral Power investors, including co-founder Wilson Chang, will join the board. The combined platform manages and has acquired more than 130 MWs of community solar and virtual net metered renewable energy projects and customers, enough to power more than 15,000 homes across the country. “This merger aligns the synergies of the two organizations and accelerates the deployment of our Sun Engine advanced software platform to new markets,” said Skulnik. “Solar developers and asset owners will benefit from the combined capabilities of the two organizations, including Neighborhood Sun’s powerful customer acquisition and management software platform and the high-quality sales management of Astral Power.” Joining forces with Astral Power, Neighborhood Sun significantly expands its customer base, enabling broader energy access to customers and communities throughout the U.S., including in New York, one of the largest community solar markets. “Our teams align on mission and our shared purpose of bringing solar to everyone,” said Astral Power president Thom Smith. “We are thrilled to combine our ability to successfully acquire customers with the management capabilities of Neighborhood Sun and the robust Sun Engine platform.” “Virtual net metered projects are one of the most compelling growth areas within distributed generation and one of the most efficient ways for lower income communities to benefit from renewable energy,” added Astral Power co-founder Wilson Chang. “I'm thrilled to be working with a mission-driven organization enabling VNM projects to operate at scale.” The newly merged company can also now provide higher customer value through scaling efficiencies, enabling it to bring clean energy to more households in new markets and positioning it for rapid expansion. “Neighborhood Sun has the resources and team now to significantly expand our role in the fast-growing community solar market,” continued Skulnik. Neighborhood Sun will continue to operate as a B-Corporation, meeting the highest environmental, community, governance and employee standards in the business. This year it was awarded a prestigious “Best for the World – Environment” award from the non-profit that certifies B Corporations. About Neighborhood Sun Neighborhood Sun is committed to bringing the promise of solar to everyone, not just the select few. The company is a national leader in expanding solar access to underserved communities to address energy equity. Through its SunEngine™ advanced software platform, it offers a flexible, secure and fully transparent platform for solar developers or asset owners, plus a simplified enrollment experience for customers. For more information, go to www.neighborhoodsun.solar About Astral Power Astral Power provides access to locally produced clean energy from solar farms to households and businesses at a lower cost than their utility. Learn how Astral Power helps customers save money and lower carbon emissions by visiting www.astralpower.com/ Contact Details Wilkinson + Associates Leah F Wilkinson +1 703-907-0010 leah@wilkinson.associates Company Website https://neighborhoodsun.solar

December 01, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Foresight to Present at Sidoti Micro Cap Virtual Conference

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd.

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq and TASE: FRSX), an innovator in automotive vision systems, today announced that management will virtually present at the Sidoti Micro Cap Conference on December 8, 2021. The virtual conference will include a live company presentation on December 8 th at 11:30am EST by Eli Yoresh, Foresight’s Chief Financial Officer and Doron Cohadier, Foresight’s Vice President of Business Development. The presentation can be accessed using this link here. Management will also be available for one-on-one meetings on December 8 th and 9 th. To schedule a meeting, contact your Sidoti representative or Miri Segal at msegal@ms-ir.com or Lou Teeluck at lteeluck@ms-ir.com. About Foresight Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq and TASE: FRSX) is a technology company developing smart multi-spectral vision software solutions and cellular-based applications. Through the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Foresight Automotive Ltd. and Eye-Net Mobile Ltd., Foresight develops both “in-line-of-sight” vision systems and “beyond-line-of-sight” accident-prevention solutions. Foresight’s vision solutions include modules of automatic calibration, sensor fusion and dense 3D point cloud that can be applied to diverse markets such as automotive, defense, autonomous vehicles and heavy industrial equipment. Eye-Net Mobile’s cellular-based solution suite provides real-time pre-collision alerts to enhance road safety and situational awareness for all road users in the urban mobility environment by incorporating cutting-edge AI technology and advanced analytics. For more information about Foresight and its wholly owned subsidiary, Foresight Automotive, visit www.foresightauto.com, follow @ForesightAuto1 on Twitter, or join Foresight Automotive on LinkedIn. Contact Details Investor Relations Contact: Miri Segal-Scharia, CEO, MS-IR LLC +1 917-607-8654 msegal@ms-ir.com Company Website https://www.foresightauto.com/

December 01, 2021 08:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

UK SMEs forge ahead with cautious optimism as post-pandemic business confidence grows

Stockwood Strategy

Despite lingering anxieties about the pandemic and a variety of economic and commercial issues, the majority of SMEs believe it is now imperative to begin building back from the crisis. They are ready to step up their business investment, with ambitious plans for recruitment, renewal of equipment and machinery, and both domestic and international expansion. Fintech business lender MarketFinance asked 2,000 SME owners across the UK about their outlook for 2022 and beyond, gauging their short and long-term plans for business investment and growth. MarketFinance has today released a comprehensive research report of its findings. Confidence Analysis of the survey results has shown that business confidence amongst SMEs is improving, with many firms now focused on recovery and growth. With pandemic disruptions now largely settled, half of SMEs (48%) expect their turnover to stabilise or to increase over the next 12 months. Similarly, 50% of SMEs expect demand for their products or services to stabilise or to increase over the next six months. MarketFinance’s research has found that the majority of SMEs (63%) expect their business to grow over the next three years Investment With survival mode no longer a necessity and cash flow pressures beginning to ease, the vast majority of SMEs (70%) now feel confident enough to increase business investment over the next 12 months. A quarter of SMEs plan to hire new staff, while 24% expect to purchase new equipment and machinery. When asked how they were factoring borrowing into their investment plans, 23% of SMEs said access to a broader range of borrowing options could enable them to increase investment even further. Borrowing The research findings demonstrate that borrowing will play a key role in recovery and growth with 62% of SMEs saying that prudent borrowing could help them fund growth. However, three quarters (71%) of SMEs do not believe traditional banking products are the most obvious and convenient way to borrow for investment. Despite this lack of alignment between current finance needs and the options available through traditional routes, more than a third of SMEs (37%) are looking to take on new borrowing facilities. Growth With confidence high and a sense of having moved beyond recovery and into a new stage of growth, many businesses are looking forward to seizing a host of opportunities in 2022. Almost all SMEs surveyed (81%) plan to invest in sustainability, while 30% say they are considering merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the year ahead – more than twice as many as those primarily focusing on organic growth (14%). Over a third of businesses (34%) say they already sell overseas, or have plans to begin doing so. That figure is highest amongst the largest businesses surveyed (turnover between £5m and £6.5m) but even amongst smaller enterprises significant numbers are focused on export. Anil Stocker, CEO at MarketFinance, commented: “ It’s clear that the business environment has shifted and SMEs are looking ahead with a quietly confident and cautiously optimistic view. UK businesses intend to ramp up growth through domestic and international expansion, digital transformation and even M&A activity. But as they reset their post-pandemic goals for a post-pandemic, they’ll need to be confident of their funding base. Given that so many SMEs are looking outside of traditional routes in their search for finance, we’re particularly proud to have been accredited by the British Business Bank as one of the few alternative providers under The Recovery Loan Scheme. Schemes like the RLS are a golden opportunity for SMEs looking to gear up for growth, providing easily accessible funding at a lower cost across a wide range of products. We expect to see a large number of SMEs taking advantage of the scheme over the next 6 months as their growth and expansion efforts gain momentum and they invest in ambitious plans for 2022 and beyond.” About MarketFinance MarketFinance is a fintech business lender which believes that SMEs are building the world. By making finance frictionless, they’re solving the cash flow issues getting in the way of progress. MarketFinance uses smart technology to deliver better access to faster, more affordable finance; with one-to-one help whenever businesses need it. Since 2011, MarketFinance has advanced over £2.6 billion worth of invoices and loans, enabling thousands of UK businesses to bridge today’s funding gaps and fuel tomorrow’s big ambitions. MarketFinance is an accredited Recover Loan Scheme lender and has a wide-reaching network of strategic partners including Barclays Bank UK PLC, Tide, Equals Group and Ebury. MarketFinance is backed by Barclays Bank UK PLC, Mouro Capital, Paul Forster (co-founder of Indeed.com) European venture capital fund Northzone (invested in Klarna, iZettle and Trustpilot), Viola Capital and private equity group MCI Capital (also invested in iZettle, Azimo and Gett). Further information visit: www.marketfinance.com Contact Details MarketFinance Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://marketfinance.com/

December 01, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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