CultureAI launched a new risk solution. This monitors employee usage of generative AI solutions and flags for potential privacy, compliance or corporate intellectual property breaches. Everlaw added several new generative AI features to its legal tech AI suite. Finnish start-up NoofLab launched a new tool that will enable those seeking real estate to analyse options for office space locations.
NetSuite announced NetSuite 2024R1, the first major release of the year for its ERP platform. commercetools launched commercetools Foundry. Balance, the digital payment platform, has launched its new suite of products spanning the B2B transaction lifecycle. Newgen Software announced that two Guidewire Cloud-validated accelerators are now available on the Guidewire Marketplace.
SAP published a strong set of full-year and fourth-quarter results with Christian Klein, CEO, announcing a transformation in 2024. Rootstock announced a new Implementation Certification for partners. Monta, the Danish-headquartered EV Charging platform with operations across Europe, has raised an additional €80 million in a Series B funding round.
Nuvei, the Canadian fintech company, formed a partnership with Adobe to provide customers access to their payment technology. Manhattan Associates and Shopify have announced a partnership to help retailers build world-class unified omnichannel shopping experiences.
Valley View Casino and Hotel has deepened its investment with Infor. It will implement Infor Dynamic Enterprise Performance Management and update its Infor CloudSuite Hospitality solution. Agiloft has announced that Epicor has selected its Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) platform. This will transform its contract-driven processes across its global operations. GoCardless announced the extension of its relationship with Comic Relief until 2026.
GoTo announced the appointment of Tony Haller as its new Global Head of IT Partner. Zilliant announced the appointment of two executives: Adi Kavaler as Chief Technology Officer and Claude Sammoury as SVP of Partnerships and Alliances.
Research last week included the 2024 Technology Trends Report from O’Reilly. This report looked at what courses were most selected in 2023. A study by CommerceNext revealed that 42% of online retailers plan technology investments in 2024. Aircall published The Voice of SMBs 2024 Report. This report looks at the optimism, challenges and solutions for SMB businesses in 2024
ASUS
ASUS made a series of product announcements last week. The company also entered into a strategic partnership with Quividi. Quividi is a pioneer and leader in AI and computer vision (CV) based real-time audience measurement platforms for the digital signage and retail industries. The partnership will see Quividi’s advanced audience measurement solutions integrated into the range of ASUS NUCs and ASUS IoT Tinker Board-based digital signage solutions.
Casper Lee, EMEA Regional Head for ASUS AIoT, said, “As ASUS takes the helm in producing NUC devices, this partnership with Quividi reinforces our dedication to providing customers with best-in-class technology solutions for the digital signage and retail industries. The compatibility of Quividi’s solution with our NUCs and Tinker Board ensures businesses can leverage real-time audience insights seamlessly across our diverse platforms.”
ASUS also launched a series of Ruggedised Laptops at BETT 2023. The new BR1204 laptops are targeted at the K12 education market. It also unveiled the CR and CZ Chromebook series (CR1204, CR1104, CZ1204, CZ1104). The series will bring unparalleled versatility and mobility to hybrid-learning environments.
ASUS Republic of Gamers made the ROG Falchion RX Low Profile gaming keyboard available. Recently launched at CES, this keyboard is ultrathin and has a multifunction button and touch panel as well as arrow keys.
Infor
To support the recently released Infor portal, the company has made several new courses available on the Infor-U campus (login required), they include:
- Infor OS: Foundation for Multi-Tenant – Part 1
- Infor OS: Foundation for Multi-Tenant – Part 2
- Infor OS: Foundation Differences for Multi-Tenant
- Infor OS: Advanced Data Lake
- Infor OS: Configuring ION Connect
- Infor OS: Configuring and Administering the API Gateway
- Infor OS: Using Advanced Monitors and Workflows
Infor also announced that Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health have selected the Infor Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management application. This will help meet the goals of its digital transformation program, One Person One Record (OPOR). The organisation will introduce a new clinical information system. Nova Scotia Health will also use key Infor applications to modernize and unify disparate patient accounting and billing systems.
Scott McKenna, Chief Information Officer of Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health, commented, “During our selection process, Infor demonstrated its understanding of the vision and strategic direction of One Person One Record and how billing systems are part of the overall transformation. This technology will consolidate and streamline client and patient billing, payments, and follow-up for cases such as out-of-country patients or uninsured patients.”
Infosys
Research by the Infosys Knowledge Institute (IKI) has revealed that businesses in APAC are expected to triple spending on generative AI to US$3.4 billion in 2024. This is three times the existing total and $140% higher than in 2023. China leads the region, with investment expected to grow by more than 160% to US$2.1 billion. With Australia and New Zealand growth close behind. While Australia lags Europe and North America in current investment (as a proportion of GDP), the money it does spend, it spends more effectively.
Research highlights the obstacles to adoption are similar to those elsewhere. They include data privacy, data usability, ethics and bias, as well as a talent shortage. Andrew Groth, Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific, Infosys, said, “Generative AI is clearly a transformative technology. Although company leaders across APAC have been more cautious than companies in the rest of the world, they are set to outpace firms in other regions.
“Additionally, they are already delivering more value from their spending on generative AI. To continue to make the most of this technology and to become AI-first organisations, they should focus on talent development and making AI more accessible through a platform ecosystem.”
At the Australian Open, Infosys advanced its AI footprint. It rolled out generative AI technologies for fan engagement, player performance, and digital content creation. Infosys and AO are also leveraging a digital skilling platform to build future leaders in Australia. Infosys is leveraging its AI-first set of service solutions, with Infosys Topaz, to evolve the AO experience. To accelerate Tennis Australia’s AI journey, Infosys Topaz is delivering the large language models and cognitive core.
Makip
Union Tokyo is now using Makip’s Unisize (Japanese site) size recommendation engine for apparel. The eCommerce store sells a variety of brands as well, and its line, “UNION ORIGINAL”, begun in 2017.
Newgen Software
Newgen Software has partnered with Finastra, a leading provider of financial software applications. Using the low-code platform, Finastra will enhance its loan origination solutions further and integrate lending solutions with Finastra’s LaserPro. The API-driven integration will streamline the creation of loan documents, covering various consumer collaterals.
It will also automate data mapping tasks, improving data mapping while ensuring data validation before data transfer. The solution integrates with core banking and third-party systems, helping banks adhere to compliance requirements, such as Reg B, Reg O, CRA, HMDA, 1071, etc.
Cheryl Anderson, Director Product Management at Finastra, said, “Finastra’s customers expect more agility, innovation, integration, and security than ever before. We deliver software that enables our clients to upgrade their existing systems gradually through open interfaces. Our LaserPro platform is an industry-leading, compliant loan documentation system for use across commercial, consumer, and mortgage portfolios.
“In our endeavour to constantly offer better choices and cutting-edge technologies to our customers, we’re pleased to announce this integration of our LaserPro platform with Newgen’s Loan Origination System.”
Anand Raman, EVP & COO of Newgen Software Inc., commented, “Newgen’s Lending Solution, built on a low code platform, transforms the loan origination journey for financial institutions. The solution seamlessly connects all stakeholders, ensuring a smooth user experience with one-time data entry. With robust integration into core banking and document preparation systems, this collaboration with Finastra marks a pivotal partnership. It will empower LaserPro customers with advanced API-based integration, accelerating their financial processes for enhanced efficiency.”
Planisware
Planisware UK announced that it had selected the oldest homelessness charity in Manchester, Lifeshare, for 2024. Employees of Planisware will actively participate in supporting Lifeshare by attending volunteer days and donating essential items such as sleeping bags and hand warmers. It also hopes to raise awareness of the digital inclusion project, which focuses on donating refurbished goods such as mobile phones so that service users can attend appointments, communicate for a job interview, and access advice and information online.
Abby, Digital & Marketing Manager at Lifeshare, said, “2024 marks Lifeshare’s 40th year of operations and demand is higher than ever. Partnerships with caring businesses in our community help to continue the operations of our vital support, which included 15,000+ hot meals in 2023.”
Rimini Street
Rimini Street celebrated ten years of operations in Japan and opened a new and expanded office in Tokyo. Seth Ravin, President and CEO of Rimini Street, commented, “From our first and still highly enthused client to now hundreds across Japan from nearly every industry, including respected brand names whose history goes back to a century in the region, we are deeply grateful for the trust placed in Rimini Street.
As we were from day one to now, 10 years in the making, our dedication to delivering extraordinary remains as strong as ever. Our vision to become the most respected, most trusted IT partner, and our enduring success in Japan reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and our people.”
Zoho
Zoho announced a revenue growth of 43% and 29% increase in partner network in the UAE in 2023. This growth has been marked by a significant upmarket shift, with an increasing number of mid-and-large enterprises shifting to Zoho’s comprehensive and value-driven solutions.
Customers in the region include Al Rostmani Group, Al Shirawi, IFFCO, CAFU, Masafi, Consulate General of India- Dubai, Sharaf DG, MAF Carrefour, and Jashanmal.
Hyther Nizam, President of Zoho MEA, commented, “The UAE’s vibrant business scene and its pioneering approach to digital transformation perfectly align with Zoho’s mission to empower enterprises. We are thrilled to see more leading homegrown companies across diverse sectors leverage our comprehensive solutions to streamline operations, optimise costs, and achieve sustained growth. This fertile ground has allowed Zoho to thrive and contribute to the UAE’s continued digital evolution.”
In Nigeria, Bloocloud Tek Consult Nigeria announced a significant strategic partnership with Zoho Corporation. Bloocloud becomes an authorised partner of Zoho. Dr. Israel Atoe, the Managing Director and Lead Solution Architect of Bloocloud, stated, “This collaboration enables us to offer specialised business management solutions to both large enterprises and SMEs.”
