Category: Lifestyle

Spirent’s annual 5G Report shows rollouts accelerating and Service Assurance rapidly gathering pace

HOLMDEL, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #5G—Spirent Communications plc (LSE:SPT), the leading provider of test and assurance solutions for next-generation devices and networks, today released its third annual 5G outlook report, based on analysis and takeaways from over 800 new global 5G engagements in 2021. The “5G 2022: Market Drivers, Insights & Considerations” report provides insights from across the 5G ecosystem on the current status of 5G, revealing geographic trends, technology advancements and revenue-generating use cases. The report is available here www.spirent.com/assets/the-spirent-2022-5g-report.

“Spirent has embarked on 1,800 5G engagements to date. In 2021 we saw service provider engagements increase by more than 50% year-on-year as customers race to make 5G a reality,” said Spirent’s Head of Market Strategy, Steve Douglas. “Market competition intensified, and the impact of the pandemic accelerated business automation plans. As a result, service providers established early partnerships with public cloud providers, and almost half of service provider activity focused on service assurance and service experience, including competitive benchmarking.

“It’s clear that the cloud-native and continuous testing automation strategy Spirent is able to offer is proving highly desirable to service providers, enabling us to become a critical 5G partner. By moving test labs and testing activity into the Cloud, operators are able to accelerate their software and innovation lifecycles from months, or even years, to just a matter of weeks.”

The report draws on Spirent’s work with service providers, network equipment manufacturers, governments, device makers and cloud players worldwide. It provides an update on the developments along the journey to global 5G. Key findings from the report include:

• Geographic Trends – Spirent’s 5G business in the Americas grew by more than 40% in 2021, with a focus on service assurance, standalone (SA) core, cloud testing and service experience. The EMEA market saw more than 60% growth in engagements, after pandemic-induced delays in 2020. Attention centered on the 5G core and automation. With China taking the lead in the APAC region, network coverage, densification and subscriber growth continued to drive demand for multi-speed transport network and device testing.
• Revenue-Generating Use Cases – Operators are evaluating key areas where they can mine meaningful revenues. These include Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), mobile multi-player gaming, augmented and virtual reality, security surveillance, content delivery networks, 5G speed boosters and 5G multi-view experiences.
• 5G Core and Cloud – Spirent is engaged with more than 40 unique operators worldwide, including multi-country providers. There have been at least 19 small commercial SA launches to date, with more than 90 trials and vendor selection processes underway. And where there’s core, there’s cloud. Core and cloud combined now represent more than one-third of Spirent’s 5G work.
• Private 5G Networks – Spirent estimates that the number of private LTE or 5G networks will explode from around 3,000 today to more than 14,000 in just a few years. The growth will be driven by trends including enterprise digitalization strategies advanced by 5G and Wi-Fi 6 convergence, capitalizing on breakthrough technologies across IoT, big data analytics and intelligent automation.
• 6G Vision – The industry is beginning to coalesce around key ambitions. Chief among them is the combination of physical, digital, and biological worlds into metaverse-like realms where holographic, tactile feedback and physiological sensations can be transmitted. Remote operation of industrial machinery and virtual teleportation represent the earliest conceptions of possibilities.

Spirent’s “5G 2022: Market Drivers, Insights & Consideration” is available for download at https://www.spirent.com/assets/the-spirent-2022-5g-report.

About Spirent

Spirent Communications plc. (LSE: SPT) is the leading global provider of automated test and assurance solutions for networks, cybersecurity, and positioning. The company provides innovative products, services and managed solutions that address the test, assurance and automation challenges of a new generation of technologies, including 5G, SD-WAN, cloud, autonomous vehicles and beyond. From the lab to the real world, Spirent helps companies deliver on their promise to their customers of a new generation of connected devices and technologies. For more information, please visit www.spirent.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Contacts

MEDIA:

Americas:

Sherri Walkenhorst

Connect Marketing

T: +1-801-373-7888

sherriw@connectmarketing.com

Asia Pacific:
Janet Peng

Spirent Communications

T: +86 (10) 823 30055 (x160)

janet.peng@spirent.com

EMEA:
Anne Harding

The Message Machine

T: +44-7887-682943

anne@themessagemachine.com

LAKEWOOD, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #fintech–Global Rewards, a leading financial technology company serving businesses of all sizes, is pleased to announce a newly-formed partnership with The Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:TBBK) and its subsidiary The Bancorp Bank. This collaboration allows Global Rewards to continue its mission to simplify corporate disbursement and employee spend and comes at a time when businesses are striving for more automation and better controls over their spending practices. By working with The Bancorp, clients of Global Rewards will have real time visibility into their spending activity, thereby strengthening the overall financial wellness of their business.

“Global Rewards has proven itself adept at providing compelling solutions for the business needs of its customers,” said Matt Carberry, Managing Director, Head of Partner Strategy, The Bancorp. “We are excited to support the growth of this organization as it continues its work of providing advantaged corporate payments.”

The Bancorp provides tailored solutions through its Fintech Solutions division and has become a top issuer of prepaid cards meeting a wide range of business needs. The company accounts for over $300 billion combined annual payments processing volume and over 150 million active cardholder accounts in U.S. distribution.

“At Global Rewards, we are committed to building an innovative platform that works towards solving industry specific needs. Ensuring that our banking partner can support the level of growth we continue to see, is key to our success. We look forward to our partnership with The Bancorp as we continue to innovate and build out the future of corporate spend,” said Isaac Itzkowitz, Founder and CEO of Global Rewards.

About Global Rewards

Global Rewards LLC, headquartered in NJ provides payment and technology services to businesses of all sizes to meet their unique payment methods, and spend patterns. Our solution encompasses all levels of a corporate entities’ spending, from their Corporate and T&E cards, to their AP spend solutions, bundling them all into an efficient and automated platform. With businesses continuously vying for better spend controls, our platform offers our clients real time visibility into managing and controlling their spend, ultimately benefiting their bottom line. For more information about Global Rewards, please visit https://globalrewardsusa.com

About The Bancorp

The Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: TBBK), headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, through its subsidiary, The Bancorp Bank, provides non-bank financial companies with the people, processes, and technology to meet their unique banking needs. Through its Fintech Solutions, Institutional Banking, Commercial Lending, and Real Estate Bridge Lending businesses, The Bancorp provides partner-focused solutions paired with cutting-edge technology for companies that range from entrepreneurial startups to Fortune 500 companies. With over 20 years of experience, The Bancorp has become a leader in the financial services industry, earning recognition as the #1 issuer of prepaid cards in the U.S., a nationwide provider of bridge financing for real estate capital improvement plans, an SBA National Preferred Lender, a leading provider of securities-backed lines of credit, with one of the few bank-owned commercial vehicle leasing groups. By its company-wide commitment to excellence, The Bancorp has also been ranked as one of the 100 Fastest-Growing Companies by Fortune, a Top 50 Employer by Equal Opportunity Magazine, and was selected to be included in the S&P Small Cap 600. For more about The Bancorp, visit https://thebancorp.com/.

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws (the “forward-looking statements”), within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance or results, since it involves risks and uncertainties. There is no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Some of the factors on which the forward-looking statements are premised include (but are not limited to) the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the completion of the private placement, the receipt of the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange, and the lack of material changes to general economic, market and business conditions. The CSE has not approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release, and the CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts

Media Relations
Zev Werner, Director of Marketing

Global Rewards

(732) 279-4192

zwerner@globalrewardsusa.com

Media Relations
Rachel Weiss, VP Communications Manager

The Bancorp

(302) 385-5410

rweiss@thebancorp.com

Investor Relations
Andres Viroslav, Director of Investor Relations

The Bancorp

(215) 861-7990

aviroslav@thebancorp.com

NICE announces CXone compatibility with the Chrome OS ecosystem

HOBOKEN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #CXone—NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) today announced the expansion of its partnership with Google and the optimization of CXone, the world’s #1 cloud native customer experience platform, for Chrome OS. Joining Google’s Chrome Enterprise Recommended program, CXone, NICE’s secure, scalable and rapidly deployable platform, now meets the technical bar set by Google to be considered as an optimized solution for devices across the Chrome OS ecosystem for use in contact centers.

Organizations using Chrome OS devices can now tap into CXone, the premier CX platform, and benefit from efficient work-from-anywhere capabilities to ensure extraordinary agent and customer experiences. Chrome OS users can leverage CXone’s enterprise-grade platform with its unified suite of CX applications including AI-powered conversational self-service, knowledge management, AI-powered omnichannel contact routing (ACD), Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Predictive Dialer, Workforce Engagement, CX Analytics, and more. Both NICE CXone and Chrome OS comprise of the efficient, flexible and scalable infrastructure necessary to power a remote workforce that can be onboarded rapidly and efficiently and serve customers across conventional and digital channels from any place and at any time.

Paul Jarman, CEO, NICE CXone, commented, “This expansion of our partnership with Google reaffirms NICE’s commitment to bringing exceptional, next-gen, digitally fluent experiences to organizations and their agents on an operating system of their choice. With CXone, organizations on Chrome have a platform that’s proven to be mission-critical in supporting millions of interactions for both trusted global brands as well as small and medium businesses. We’re proud to be an enabler for innovation that drives CX to new heights of excellence in the Chrome OS ecosystem.”

Thomas Riedl, Director of Product for Chrome OS Enterprise and Education, said, “We are dedicated to bringing the best experience for contact center agents and IT administrators to Chrome OS, and in that spirit are excited to welcome NICE CXone to our Chrome Enterprise Recommended ecosystem.”

Chrome OS is a cloud-first, easy-to-manage operating system that can secure and optimize contact centers while supporting remote agents. Additionally, the Chrome OS team recently launched the contact center solution track for the Chrome Enterprise Recommended program. Learn more about Chrome Enterprise Recommended here.

NICE CXone has been recognized as a leader by top analyst firms including Gartner in its Magic Quadrant for Contact Center as a Service and Magic Quadrant for Workforce Engagement Management. Ventana Research also acknowledged NICE as the Overall Exemplary Leader in its 2022 Value Index for Agent Management as well as a leader in Contact Center in the Cloud Value Index.

About NICE

With NICE (Nasdaq: NICE), it’s never been easier for organizations of all sizes around the globe to create extraordinary customer experiences while meeting key business metrics. Featuring the world’s #1 cloud native customer experience platform, CXone, NICE is a worldwide leader in AI-powered self-service and agent-assisted CX software for the contact center – and beyond. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, partner with NICE to transform – and elevate – every customer interaction. www.nice.com

Trademark Note: NICE and the NICE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NICE Ltd. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners. For a full list of NICE’s marks, please see: www.nice.com/nice-trademarks.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, including the statements by Mr. Jarman, are based on the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of NICE Ltd. (the “Company”). In some cases, such forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “project,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results or performance of the Company to differ materially from those described herein, including but not limited to the impact of changes in economic and business conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; competition; successful execution of the Company’s growth strategy; success and growth of the Company’s cloud Software-as-a-Service business; changes in technology and market requirements; decline in demand for the Company’s products; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; difficulties or delays in absorbing and integrating acquired operations, products, technologies and personnel; loss of market share; an inability to maintain certain marketing and distribution arrangements; the Company’s dependency on third-party cloud computing platform providers, hosting facilities and service partners;, cyber security attacks or other security breaches against the Company; the effect of newly enacted or modified laws, regulation or standards on the Company and our products and various other factors and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, refer to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise them, except as required by law.

Contacts

Corporate Media Contact
Christopher Irwin-Dudek, +1 201 561 4442, ET, chris.irwin-dudek@nice.com

Investors
Marty Cohen, +1 551 256 5354, ET, ir@nice.com
Omri Arens, +972 3 763 0127, CET, ir@nice.com

Ceramics and industrial operations expert brings over 20 years of international experience in construction materials and building products manufacturing and sustainability

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #CO2—Solidia Technologies® today named construction materials industry entrepreneur and manufacturing leader Fred Dunand as vice president of Engineering. Dunand brings to Solidia over 20 years of international experience in ceramics design, project management, plant construction, engineering, and the manufacture of low-carbon concrete products.

“Ceramics are in my blood,” said Dunand. “I embrace innovation daily, and I am passionately committed to advancing excellence, efficiency, sustainability, and workplace safety. I am excited to join a team whose goal is to fundamentally disrupt and modernize the building materials industry.”

Starting in France in the ceramics industry, Dunand’s career has taken him to four countries and 13 states, most recently to Mississippi as an entrepreneur pushing the green envelope with the production of highly specialized products for the concrete masonry industry. Launched in 2017, Saturn Materials’ product line used a high content of fly ash, a by-product of coal-fired power plants, achieving a nearly 70% reduction in the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint while meeting ASTM standards. The ecologically friendly manufacturing process only expelled water vapor and reduced energy consumption compared to traditional concrete production.

Previously, as director of operations and special project manager at CalStar Products, Dunand helped prove the market suitability of a new technology platform and strengthened the manufacturing organization, increasing flexibility in the production model. He also previously coordinated a variety of production units as a site superintendent for projects at Keyria, Inc. (formerly Ceric Inc.), including on-site coordination of a new production unit making bricks, pavers, and blocks with 100% fly ash for Calstar, and commissioning the handling equipment, dryers, and kiln and training operators at a General Shale Brick plant, as well as plant construction and equipment installations at a Brampton Brick plant and another General Shale Brick plant – all with 100 million annual production capacities.

“Fred Dunand is a natural leader and consummate innovator intimately familiar with concrete manufacturing operations,” said Solidia interim CEO Russell Hill. “We are thrilled to have him on our team to facilitate workplace excellence, help expand our business with new production capacity, and to help advance the commercial viability of our technologies based on his vast industry experience and history delivering improved efficiency, safety, and sustainability in materials manufacturing operations.”

Dunand studied at the Ceramics Collège in Vierzon, France, and was educated as a materials specialist at the Lycée Dorian in Paris. In addition to English, he speaks and writes in French, Italian, Spanish, and some Czech. He is an active member of the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), a mentor at the Mississippi State Architectural School, and active in many local business and charitable organization in the Columbus, Miss. area.

About Solidia Technologies

Based in Piscataway, N.J. (USA), Solidia Technologies® is a leading provider of decarbonization technologies and sustainable solutions to the construction and building materials industries. Investors include Imperative Ventures, Zero Carbon Partners, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Prelude Ventures, PIVA Capital, John Doerr, BP, OGCI Climate Investments, Bill Joy, Kleiner Perkins, BASF Venture Capital, LafargeHolcim, Total Carbon Neutrality Ventures, Air Liquide Venture Capital (ALIAD), and other private investors. Recognition includes: Fast Company 2021 World Changing Idea; Solar Impulse 1000 Efficient Solution; Global Cleantech 100; Inc.’s Top Start-Up to Watch 2020; Best Place to Work in NJ; BP Advancing Low Carbon accreditation; ERA Grand Challenge finalist; Sustainia 100; NJBiz Business of the Year; and R&D Top 100. Follow Solidia on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Contacts

Ellen Yui, YUI+Company, Inc.

o: 301-270-8571, m: 301-332-4135

ellenyui@yuico.com

PayTile Pioneers the Use of Geo-Location to Offer Quick, Cashless Payments to Users

Cross River continues to power leading financial services innovators, ensuring seamless, safe and secure transactions

FORT LEE, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Cross River Bank (“Cross River”), a technology-driven financial services organization that provides core infrastructure and embedded financial solutions, today announced that it will be powering PayTile, a fintech company that offers location-based payments through their app. PayTile is one of the first ever peer-to-peer (P2P) payment platforms that uses geo-location to facilitate safe and private financial transactions between users without sharing users’ personal information. Through this new partnership, Cross River will provide PayTile with core banking infrastructure and leading payments capabilities.

In an increasingly cashless world, PayTile’s P2P product protects users’ personal information during a digital transaction. The PayTile app can be used as a payment method in scenarios where using physical cash would be preferred (tipping the valet, buying furniture via Facebook Marketplace, or shopping at the farmers market). The experience is similar to the iPhone’s “AirDrop” functionality–users can send money to people nearby without the hassle of exchanging either party’s username, legal name, email or phone number with the recipient.

PayTile is simultaneously launching Money Drop, their proprietary technology that takes the app beyond just P2P payments. Without any hardware, PayTile can digitally place cash or other digital goods at an exact location for users to pick up and redeem. PayTile’s business partners plan to use Money Drop to draw a physical crowd via incentives, whether that’s to sell discounted tickets at a stadium or to offer coupons to celebrate the opening of a brick-and-mortar establishment.

“Anu and the team at PayTile are revolutionizing peer-to-peer payments,” said Gilles Gade, Founder, President and CEO of Cross River. “By partnering with innovative companies like PayTile, Cross River creates real time solutions to empower consumers and their finances.”

“PayTile’s mission is to make digital payments as private as cash and as safe as a card,” says Anu Vora, CEO of PayTile. “While traditional P2P apps exist to pay the people you already know, PayTile exists to safely pay people you don’t know.”

Cross River’s technology is enabling the delivery of innovative financial solutions to millions of consumers and businesses across the globe. Its full-stack infrastructure enables the fastest growing fintechs to innovate and scale, all while maintaining a focus on regulatory compliance and consumer protection. As Cross River becomes PayTile’s first and exclusive banking partner, PayTile customers will use Cross River’s digital infrastructure and payments capabilities, like ACH, to fund their PayTile wallets, and Push-to-Card to replace cash and move funds digitally. Consumers will be able to send and receive money through mobile wallets powered by Cross River.

About Cross River

Cross River is a fast-growing financial services organization that merges the forward-thinking offerings of a technology company with the established expertise and traditional services of a bank. Since its founding in 2008, Cross River has developed strategic partnerships with leading technology companies, marketplace lenders and payment providers, while maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance and consumer protection. Cross River provides a highly secure, API-based banking platform and comprehensive suite of products encompassing lending, payments, risk management and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) offerings to deliver responsible financial solutions that empower businesses and consumers anytime, anywhere. Cross River Bank is a New Jersey state-chartered FDIC insured bank. For more information, please visit Cross River’s website at www.crossriver.com or Twitter @crossriverbank.

About PayTile

PayTile is an innovative approach to digitally replace cash. PayTile’s geo-location based payments platform is built for people who care about their privacy. The app intuitively facilitates sending and receiving money without asking for usernames, building a social network for transaction history, or requiring any personal information to be shared between users at all. For businesses, PayTile offers the ability to build gamified experiences via Money Drop (digital goods dropped at exact locations without any physical hardware), so companies can reward loyal customers who show up, strengthen customer engagement, and bring new consumers through their door. PayTile is funded by Candid Ventures, a venture studio that backs moonshot ideas led by underrepresented founders. PayTile is available for download on all mobile devices. Learn more at paytile.com.

Contacts

Media Contact
Cross River

Michelle Chung

mchung@crossriver.com

Growth investment will accelerate enhancements in client success approach and acquisitions

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #ITconsulting—Bluewave Technology Group (“Bluewave”), an innovative, high-growth technology advisory and lifecycle management company, today announced an initial capital raise of $75 million led by Columbia Capital. Bluewave has accelerated its growth with five acquisitions completed over the past five months and is now one of the largest technology advisory businesses in the U.S., serving over 1,000 customers. Bluewave will leverage this strategic investment to support its rapid growth strategy, fostering organic and inorganic growth as it continues to ramp its team, invest in systems, and expand its service offering.

“We are proud to partner with Columbia Capital who understands the opportunity and growth potential for Bluewave. To date, we have completed several acquisitions to expand and bolster our service offering to our clients. With this investment, we’re continuing to move our business forward to provide a comprehensive set of solutions to meet clients’ needs,” said Seth Penland, CEO of Bluewave. “By adding the right people, technologies, and expertise, we’re creating a collective genius that provides our clients with peace-of-mind that they are in the best hands with Bluewave.”

Columbia Capital is a sector-focused investment firm with investments in enterprise IT, digital infrastructure, and mobility for over 30 years. This investment will accelerate Bluewave’s pursuit to create the industry leader in technology lifecycle management and accelerate its inorganic growth plans.

“As remote working environments, AI, and enterprise security requirements drive changes in IT and communications solutions, Bluewave has swiftly become a market leader in the technology advisory services market sector,” said Evan DeCorte, partner at Columbia Capital. “We couldn’t be more excited to back the Bluewave team as they continue to scale the business.”

Bluewave was purpose-built to help clients optimize their technology infrastructure, providing an efficient path to manage the entire lifecycle from purchasing through technology expense management (“TEM”) with four key services practices: Technology Evaluation, Strategic Sourcing, Expense Management, and Operations Support. Bluewave’s expertise encompasses legacy, existing, and emerging technology platforms.

“Most technology brokerages and agencies are only capable of delivering a limited number of the services clients need to truly operate and grow their businesses,” said Wayne Dietrich, COO of Bluewave. “We bring together experts from across technology and vertical disciplines and forge partnerships with proven cloud, network, security, and collaboration service providers to provide the best solutions for the entire technology lifecycle.”

ABOUT BLUEWAVE TECHNOLOGY GROUP

Bluewave Technology Group (Bluewave) is a premier technology advisory and lifecycle management company with a comprehensive approach to optimizing clients’ ability to grow revenue, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Bluewave streamlines the technology buying and management process for businesses of all sizes across the United States with four key services: Technology Evaluation, Strategic Sourcing, Expense Management, and Operations Support. Specializing in modernizing the IT and telecom infrastructure, Bluewave partners with proven cloud, network, security, and collaboration service providers to develop the best solution while maximizing the clients’ technology investment. Learn more at www.bluewave.net

ABOUT COLUMBIA CAPITAL

Founded in 1989, Columbia has raised over $5 billion in fund commitments and invested in over 170 companies in the digital infrastructure and IT services sectors. For more information, go to https://www.colcap.com/

Contacts

Ashley Schulte

press@bluewave.net

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Majesco, a global leader of cloud insurance software solutions for insurance business transformation, today announced the availability of a new joint thought leadership report from Deloitte and Majesco which highlights overarching trends within billing and payments and how it is impacting decisions, opportunities, and growth. The report leverages recent market research and executive roundtable discussions from insurance industry executives in late 2021 to answer some tough questions for those trying to navigate a billing and payment environment that is increasingly under pressure to adapt.

The rapid digital transformation across industries is pulling insurance into the fast lane with billing and payments at the forefront. Mary Meeker’s data indicates that over 60% of transactions are digital in nature, ranging from mobile payments, messenger apps and contactless payments through online commerce sites and buy buttons. In recent Majesco customer research, Gen Z and Millennials are leading the way in use of digital payment apps with strong growth in use Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, company apps, digital wallets like Zelle and Venmo, and Bitcoin. This means that insurers must have a wider range of payment options available for customers to avoid putting customer experiences at risk.

With today’s heightened customer demands as well as exciting new products and services and non-insurance offerings, new billing and payment methods are vital. New channel opportunities and new digital ways of interacting with customers are transforming the role of billing. Billing and payment options are key customer engagement tools. Their flexibility and usability are foundational aspects of the new digital experience.

“In an era where everything is connected and customer demands are at an all-time high, understanding changing customer expectations and requirements is critical,” says Denise Garth, Chief Strategy Officer at Majesco. “An engaging experience needs to be personalized, relevant and holistic, but to accomplish this, insurers must invest in robust digital and functional capabilities with advanced data and analytics. By leveraging the latest technologies, insurers can offer new payment methods, billing and plans and access to real-time billing, so they can meet rapidly shifting customer expectations, stay ahead of the competition and capture new markets while growing existing markets.”

Once considered to be financial, back-office functions, billing and payments are now at the center of the digital and customer relationship as well as innovative, new products and services. Billing has become a key component in any growth and innovation strategy. A redesigned billing experience can anchor an insurer’s future success and survival. Unfortunately, most billing systems are not prepared to meet higher challenges of service expectations and ultimately customer success. But to remain competitive and take advantage of growing market opportunities, insurers cannot hesitate. They must rethink the billing and payments foundation before the gap becomes insurmountable.

“Defy permanence while designing your billing operating models, technology capabilities, and related commercial agreements,” says Ajay Radhakrishnan, Managing Director, Deloitte. “Place greater value on flexibility, agility, and speed to market, thus creating the room for the adoption of digital capabilities/engagement models that continue to proliferate in the marketplace.”

Learn more by downloading the Insurance Billing and Payments: From Back Office Calculators to Channel Growth Accelerators report by emailing info@majesco.com.

About Majesco

Majesco is the leading software partner to both the P&C and L&A insurance markets to modernize, optimize and innovate their businesses at speed and scale. Over 330 insurers, from greenfields, start-ups and MGAs to the largest insurers, reinsurers and brokers use Majesco’s next generation SaaS platform solutions of core, data, and analytics, digital, distribution, absence management and a rich ecosystem marketplace of established and InsurTech partners to build the future of insurance.

Our technology, expertise and leadership help insurers innovate and connect to build the future of their business. With over 825 successful implementations and over 65% of our customers on Cloud with Majesco platform solutions, together we have an amazing track record of innovation and real-world results. For more details on Majesco, please visit www.majesco.com.

Contacts

Laura Tillotson

Director, Marketing Communications and Creative Services

+ 201 230 0752

Laura.Tillotson@majesco.com

Penthouse sold for $5.7 million

NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) — #jerseycityrealestate–Strategic Capital, the real estate investment and development platform of China Construction America, is pleased to announce the closing of a 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom penthouse with an 800 sq. ft. terrace at 75 Park Lane for $5.7 million, which sets a record for the highest priced condo sale on New Jersey’s Gold Coast.

75 Park Lane, the luxurious high-rise condominium in Jersey City’s idyllic Newport neighborhood, offers the rare opportunity to live in a Manhattan-caliber high-rise tower with panoramic city and river views and resort-like five-star amenities. 75 Park Lane is part of the larger Park and Shore development, which comprises two exquisite residential buildings with a total of 429 condominiums.

Designed by the critically-acclaimed architecture and interior design firm Woods Bagot, the ultra-luxurious 37-story 75 Park Lane offers 358 residences that range in size from studios to three-bedroom homes, as well as spectacular penthouses. Every residence boasts masterfully conceived layouts and modern yet timeless interiors including wide-plank oak floors and oversized windows. The elegantly designed open-plan chef’s kitchens feature Madreperola Quartzite waterfall islands and countertops, state-of-the-art Bosch appliances and custom-crafted walnut millwork trimmed in satin nickel.

75 Park Lane enjoys a collection of best-in-class amenities designed to provide the ultimate recreational, social and fitness experiences. The luxurious shared spaces include an indoor heated swimming pool, wine-tasting lounge with private dining room, putting green, children’s play area, co-working lounge, game room, multi-purpose entertainment room, gracious porte cochère entrance and Sky Lounge complete with a chef’s table, terrace and stunning views of the New York City skyline.

About Strategic Capital

Established in 1985, China Construction America (CCA) is a subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd. (CSCEC), one of the world’s largest investment and construction groups listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange. CSCEC was ranked 13th among Fortune Global 500 companies and has been No. 1 on ENR’s Global Contractors list for six years in a row.

CCA is headquartered in Jersey City, NJ, and operates mainly in the US East Coast and Gulf Coast states, the Caribbean and Latin American countries. CCA owns four business divisions covering building construction, infrastructure, and real estate development. It acquired one of New York City’s most prominent builder Plaza Construction from the Fisher family in 2014. As an accomplished contractor and real estate developer, CCA stays laser-focused on achieving operational and managerial excellence since its inception.

Strategic Capital is the real estate investment and development platform of CCA. It develops, owns and operates mixed types of properties in New York, New Jersey and Texas. Targeting growing markets with high barriers to entry and limited supply, its current portfolio features best-in-class commercial and residential assets across the risk spectrum from opportunistic to core.

Additional details: https://parkandshore.com/park-lane

Contacts

Darren Bettencourt, Media Liaison, darren@bettencourtcreative.com, 310-270-6483

NEPTUNE CITY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $CENT–Nylabone, an iconic brand in the Central Garden & Pet portfolio (Nasdaq: CENT) (Nasdaq: CENTA), has created a limited-edition Power Chew toy with a camouflage-inspired design in honor of the upcoming MGM film DOG starring Channing Tatum and co-directed by Tatum and Reid Carolin, and will donate a portion of sales to long-time partner American Humane and its Pups4Patriots™ program, which unites dogs needing homes with military veterans suffering from mental or physical trauma.

DOG is a buddy comedy that follows the misadventures of two former Army Rangers paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Army Ranger Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois dog) buckle into a 1984 Ford Bronco and race down the Pacific Coast in hopes of making it to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time. Along the way, they’ll drive each other completely crazy, break a small handful of laws, narrowly evade death, and learn to let down their guards in order to have a fighting chance of finding happiness. DOG will be released in theaters on February 18, 2022.

“It is always an honor to support American Humane’s Pups4Patriots program and its mission to bring military veterans and shelter dogs together—creating special life-long bonds,” said Glen S. Axelrod, President and CEO of Nylabone Products. “Through our limited-edition chew toy for DOG, we are thrilled to embrace this fun and meaningful opportunity to help show our deep appreciation for American Humane and all the wonderful work they do.”

Nylabone’s specially made Power Chew toy features a military-style camouflage design and comes in a classic Souper shape. Featuring delicious chicken flavor throughout, this USA-made chew toy will keep extreme chewers happy and busy. It is recommended for dogs over 50 pounds and available for purchase at select retailers.

Through the Pups4Patriots™ program, American Humane works to save lives on both ends of the leash. This organization rescues surrendered shelter dogs and trains them as life-saving service dogs for military veterans struggling with the invisible wounds of war, such as PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

“America’s veterans served us—and now it’s time for us to serve them,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “American Humane has been first to serve with the U.S. military for more than a century, and we are proud to support all veterans, both two-legged and four-legged, through our Pups4Patriots program and military working dog reunifications. We are so appreciative of Nylabone’s support, in honor of DOG the movie, that will help us continue to save lives both on and off the battlefield.”

Nylabone’s contribution supports Central Garden & Pet’s Impact strategy, which is dedicated to making positive changes through philanthropic work, focusing on community health, employee well-being, and sustainability.

About Nylabone

Nylabone, the leader in safe, healthy chewing since 1955, crafts the highest-quality chew toys, tastiest chew treats, exciting play toys, and most innovative dental solutions in the world. A family-founded company, Nylabone has a history of helping pet parents take the best possible care of their dogs. They are committed to developing world-class solutions for destructive chewing, separation anxiety, dental health, and more, helping dogs live fuller, happier lives. Recommended by veterinarians, Nylabone® products encourage a positive relationship between humans and their furry best friends. To put it simply, Nylabone Chews Best™! For more information, visit www.nylabone.com. Nylabone is a subsidiary of California-based Central Garden & Pet Company and has been the leader in responsible animal care for over 60 years.

About Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2021 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Pennington, Nylabone, Kaytee, Amdro and Aqueon, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central Garden & Pet is based in Walnut Creek, California and has over 7,000 employees across North America and Europe. For additional information about Central, please visit www.central.com.

About American Humane

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Metro Goldwyn Mayer:

Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content across all platforms. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content as well as the premium pay television network EPIX, which is available throughout the U.S. via cable, satellite, telco, and digital distributors. In addition, MGM has investments in numerous other television channels, digital platforms, interactive ventures, and is producing premium short-form content for distribution. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

Contacts

Liz Nunan

(925) 878-9465

lnunan@central.com

Agreement will provide a dedicated base for AdvantEdge aircraft owners in New York City and provide enhanced pre-flight experience for Jet Edge program members.

LOS ANGELES — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of Fixed Base Operations (FBOs), and Jet Edge International, a leader in full-service global private aviation, have signed an agreement to occupy Signature’s East facility at Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey. The New York City area base will grant Jet Edge charter program members, aircraft owners, and its fleet access to dedicated hangar and maintenance space at one of the world’s busiest private aviation airports.

A re-envisioned FBO interior is part of a long-term agreement for a 44,000 sq. ft. portion of Signature Teterboro East’s Hangar 202, as well as associated office and workshop space. The introduction of the New York area base will enhance Jet Edge’s offerings in one of the most significant business aviation markets worldwide, guaranteeing consistency and privacy for passengers embarking via one of its private aircraft, in addition to providing benefits for Jet Edge AdvantEdge plane owners.

“We are delighted to welcome Jet Edge to its new home at Signature Teterboro East,” expressed Virasb Vahidi, Chief Revenue Officer of Signature Aviation. “Signature is focused on offering exceptional experiences and essential support services to business and private aviation customers. Our large-scale infrastructure footprint is a key enabler of travel and our expertise in private aviation handling and real estate is a catalyst for driving mutual value with our partners. We look forward to working with Jet Edge in one of our key geographic markets.”

Bill Papariella, CEO of Jet Edge, adds “The New York metropolitan area has been the largest market trailing 3 years for Jet Edge and compliments our already established Signature facility in Los Angeles. New York will be a strategic focus for Jet Edge in 2022 and beyond. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Signature to provide our clients coast to coast access to a dedicated facilities at Teterboro and Van Nuys.”

Jet Edge anticipates occupying its new leasehold in Q4 2022. For more information, please visit www.signatureaviation.com

About Signature Aviation

Signature Aviation is one of the world’s preeminent global aviation companies offering exceptional experiences and essential support services to business and private aviation customers. The company’s large-scale infrastructure footprint enables travel and is a critical global economic driver. Signature operates an industry-leading network of private aviation terminals, with over 200 locations covering key destinations in 27 countries across five continents. The United States is the company’s largest market with operations at 38 of the top 50 busiest airports. The company also offers over 11 million square feet of multi-use office and hangar real estate, providing unique network-wide benefits and advantages to customers who base their aircraft at a Signature location. For more information, please visit www.signatureaviation.com

About Jet Edge

Jet Edge is a leader in full-service global private aviation. As an integrated super-midsize and large cabin management operator and maintenance provider, Jet Edge services aircraft owners and charter flyers with a world-class operational platform. Jet Edge extends individual clients and corporations 365-day-a-year access to one of the most well-appointed aircraft fleets in the world. Backed by unparalleled award-winning safety programs and overseen by a leadership team with wide-ranging experience in commercial and private aviation operations and management, Jet Edge delivers excellence in aircraft management, charter management, on-demand charter, aircraft sales, and maintenance. More information can be found at www.flyjetedge.com.

Contacts

For Jet Edge

Dan Weikel

dweikel@ibpmedia.com
Jet Edge Imagery

Matthew Carroll

Signature Aviation

+1 240 388 6208

matthew.carroll@signatureflight.com