#Network Roll-out Services Market

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Sympathy for the spammer

Catch me in Miami! I'll be at Books and Books in Coral Gables on Jan 22 at 8PM.

In any scam, any con, any hustle, the big winners are the people who supply the scammers – not the scammers themselves. The kids selling dope on the corner are making less than minimum wage, while the respectable crime-bosses who own the labs clean up. Desperate "retail investors" who buy shitcoins from Superbowl ads get skinned, while the MBA bros who issue the coins make millions (in real dollars, not crypto).

It's ever been thus. The California gold rush was a con, and nearly everyone who went west went broke. Famously, the only reliable way to cash out on the gold rush was to sell "picks and shovels" to the credulous, doomed and desperate. That's how Leland Stanford made his fortune, which he funneled into eugenics programs (and founding a university):

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/malcolm-harris/palo-alto/9780316592031/

That means that the people who try to con you are almost always getting conned themselves. Think of Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) scams. My forthcoming novel The Bezzle opens with a baroque and improbable fast-food Ponzi in the town of Avalon on the island of Catalina, founded by the chicle monopolist William Wrigley Jr:

http://thebezzle.org

Wrigley found fast food declasse and banned it from the island, a rule that persists to this day. In The Bezzle, the forensic detective Martin Hench uncovers The Fry Guys, an MLM that flash-freezes contraband burgers and fries smuggled on-island from the mainland and sells them to islanders though an "affiliate marketing" scheme that is really about recruiting other affiliate markets to sell under you. As with every MLM, the value of the burgers and fries sold is dwarfed by the gigantic edifice of finance fraud built around it, with "points" being bought and sold for real cash, which is snaffled up and sucked out of the island by a greedy mainlander who is behind the scheme.

A "bezzle" is John Kenneth Galbraith's term for "the magic interval when a confidence trickster knows he has the money he has appropriated but the victim does not yet understand that he has lost it." In every scam, there's a period where everyone feels richer – but only the scammers are actually cleaning up. The wealth of the marks is illusory, but the longer the scammer can preserve the illusion, the more real money the marks will pump into the system.

MLMs are particularly ugly, because they target people who are shut out of economic opportunity – women, people of color, working people. These people necessarily rely on social ties for survival, looking after each others' kids, loaning each other money they can't afford, sharing what little they have when others have nothing.

It's this social cohesion that MLMs weaponize. Crypto "entrepreneurs" are encouraged to suck in their friends and family by telling them that they're "building Black wealth." Working women are exhorted to suck in their bffs by appealing to their sisterhood and the chance for "women to lift each other up."

The "sales people" trying to get you to buy crypto or leggings or supplements are engaged in predatory conduct that will make you financially and socially worse off, wrecking their communities' finances and shattering the mutual aid survival networks they rely on. But they're not getting rich on this – they're also being scammed:

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4686468

This really hit home for me in the mid-2000s, when I was still editing Boing Boing. We had a submission form where our readers could submit links for us to look at for inclusion on the blog, and it was overwhelmed by spam. We'd add all kinds of antispam to it, and still, we'd get floods of hundreds or even thousands of spam submissions to it.

One night, I was lying in my bed in London and watching these spams roll in. They were all for small businesses in the rustbelt, handyman services, lawn-care, odd jobs, that kind of thing. They were 10 million miles from the kind of thing we'd ever post about on Boing Boing. They were coming in so thickly that I literally couldn't finish downloading my email – the POP session was dropping before I could get all the mail in the spool. I had to ssh into my mail server and delete them by hand. It was maddening.

Frustrated and furious, I started calling the phone numbers associated with these small businesses, demanding an explanation. I assumed that they'd hired some kind of sleazy marketing service and I wanted to know who it was so I could give them a piece of my mind.

But what I discovered when I got through was much weirder. These people had all been laid off from factories that were shuttering due to globalization. As part of their termination packages, their bosses had offered them "retraining" via "courses" in founding their own businesses.

The "courses" were the precursors to the current era's rise-and-grind hustle-culture scams (again, the only people getting rich from that stuff are the people selling the courses – the "students" finish the course poorer). They promised these laid-off workers, who'd given their lives to their former employers before being discarded, that they just needed to pull themselves up by their own boostraps:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/10/declaration-of-interdependence/#solidarity-forever

After all, we had the internet now! There were so many new opportunities to be your own boss! The course came with a dreadful build-your-own-website service, complete with an overpriced domain sales portal, and a single form for submitting your new business to "thousands of search engines."

This was nearly 20 years ago, but even then, there was really only one search engine that mattered: Google. The "thousands of search engines" the scammers promised to submit these desperate peoples' websites to were just submission forms for directories, indexes, blogs, and mailing lists. The number of directories, indexes, blogs and mailing lists that would publish their submissions was either "zero" or "nearly zero." There was certainly no possibility that anyone at Boing Boing would ever press the wrong key and accidentally write a 500-word blog post about a leaf-raking service in a collapsing deindustrialized exurb in Kentucky or Ohio.

The people who were drowning me in spam weren't the scammers – they were the scammees.

But that's only half the story. Years later, I discovered how our submission form was getting included in this get-rich-quick's mass-submission system. It was a MLM! Coders in the former Soviet Union were getting work via darknet websites that promised them relative pittances for every submission form they reverse-engineered and submitted. The smart coders didn't crack the forms directly – they recruited other, less business-savvy coders to do that for them, and then often as not, ripped them off.

The scam economy runs on this kind of indirection, where scammees are turned into scammers, who flood useful and productive and nice spaces with useless dross that doesn't even make them any money. Take the submission queue at Clarkesworld, the great online science fiction magazine, which famously had to close after it was flooded with thousands of junk submission "written" by LLMs:

https://www.npr.org/2023/02/24/1159286436/ai-chatbot-chatgpt-magazine-clarkesworld-artificial-intelligence

There was a zero percent chance that Neil Clarke would accidentally accept one of these submissions. They were uniformly terrible. The people submitting these "stories" weren't frustrated sf writers who'd discovered a "life hack" that let them turn out more brilliant prose at scale.

They were scammers who'd been scammed into thinking that AIs were the key to a life of passive income, a 4-Hour Work-Week powered by an AI-based self-licking ice-cream cone:

https://pod.link/1651876897/episode/995c8a778ede17d2d7cff393e5203157

This is absolutely classic passive-income brainworms thinking. "I have a bot that can turn out plausible sentences. I will locate places where sentences can be exchanged for money, aim my bot at it, sit back, and count my winnings." It's MBA logic on meth: find a thing people pay for, then, without bothering to understand why they pay for that thing, find a way to generate something like it at scale and bombard them with it.

Con artists start by conning themselves, with the idea that "you can't con an honest man." But the factor that predicts whether someone is connable isn't their honesty – it's their desperation. The kid selling drugs on the corner, the mom desperately DMing her high-school friends to sell them leggings, the cousin who insists that you get in on their shitcoin – they're all doing it because the system is rigged against them, and getting worse every day.

These people reason – correctly – that all the people getting really rich are scamming. If Amazon can make $38b/year selling "ads" that push worse products that cost more to the top of their search results, why should the mere fact that an "opportunity" is obviously predatory and fraudulent disqualify it?

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/29/aethelred-the-unready/#not-one-penny-for-tribute

The quest for passive income is really the quest for a "greater fool," the economist's term for the person who relieves you of the useless crap you just overpaid for. It rots the mind, atomizes communities, shatters solidarity and breeds cynicism:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/24/passive-income/#swiss-cheese-security

The rise and rise of botshit cannot be separated from this phenomenon. The botshit in our search-results, our social media feeds, and our in-boxes isn't making money for the enshittifiers who send it – rather, they are being hustled by someone who's selling them the "picks and shovels" for the AI gold rush:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/03/botshit-generative-ai-imminent-threat-democracy

That's the true cost of all the automation-driven unemployment criti-hype: while we're nowhere near a place where bots can steal your job, we're certainly at the point where your boss can be suckered into firing you and replacing you with a bot that fails at doing your job:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/11/robots-stole-my-jerb/#computer-says-no

The manic "entrepreneurs" who've been stampeded into panic by the (correct) perception that the economy is a game of musical chairs where the number of chairs is decreasing at breakneck speed are easy marks for the Leland Stanfords of AI, who are creating generational wealth for themselves by promising that their bots will automate away all the tedious work that goes into creating value. Expect a lot more Amazon Marketplace products called "I'm sorry, I cannot fulfil this request as it goes against OpenAI use policy":

https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/12/24036156/openai-policy-amazon-ai-listings

No one's going to buy these products, but the AI picks-and-shovels people will still reap a fortune from the attempt. And because history repeats itself, these newly minted billionaires are continuing Leland Stanford's love affair with eugenics:

https://www.truthdig.com/dig-series/eugenics/

The fact that AI spam doesn't pay is important to the fortunes of AI companies. Most high-value AI applications are very risk-intolerant (self-driving cars, radiology analysis, etc). An AI tool might help a human perform these tasks more accurately – by warning them of things that they've missed – but that's not how AI will turn a profit. There's no market for AI that makes your workers cost more but makes them better at their jobs:

https://locusmag.com/2023/12/commentary-cory-doctorow-what-kind-of-bubble-is-ai/

Plenty of people think that spam might be the elusive high-value, low-risk AI application. But that's just not true. The point of AI spam is to get clicks from people who are looking for better content. It's SEO. No one reads 2000 words of algorithm-pleasing LLM garbage over an omelette recipe and then subscribes to that site's feed.

And the omelette recipe generates pennies for the spammer that posted it. They are doing massive volume in order to make those pennies into dollars. You don't make money by posting one spam. If every spammer had to pay the actual recovery costs (energy, chillers, capital amortization, wages) for their query, every AI spam would lose (lots of) money.

Hustle culture and passive income are about turning other peoples' dollars into your dimes. It is a negative-sum activity, a net drain on society. Behind every seemingly successful "passive income" is a con artist who's getting rich by promising – but not delivering – that elusive passive income, and then blaming the victims for not hustling hard enough:

https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2023/12/blueprint-trouble

I'm Kickstarting the audiobook for The Bezzle, the sequel to Red Team Blues, narrated by @wilwheaton! You can pre-order the audiobook and ebook, DRM free, as well as the hardcover, signed or unsigned. There's also bundles with Red Team Blues in ebook, audio or paperback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/15/passive-income-brainworms/#four-hour-work-week

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[zot3-flopped]

Reading that article from the sunday times and just gagging:

"Upstairs, in a corner room, was where she asked for three books to be read and five songs to be played to her every night",

"According to family friends they drove a Chevrolet Suburban — an SUV fit for the secret service — sent Christmas cards showing their impressive holidays and brought their daughter’s pony to school for show and tell.",

"The family would also give teachers the keys to their holiday home as a thank-you present.",

"They had a hot tub on the patio, a jetty with a boat from which they waterskiied and two jet skis. They were also members of the sailing club.",

"“When Taylor was young, the family came over for dinner and the kids were all swimming,” Hand says. “They [Swift’s parents] asked me if I had the Disney channel and I said no. There was some country singer on that was Taylor’s idol — and so they got up and they left.”,

"Her father, Scott, now 72, grew up nearby. He was a financial adviser at the investment firm Merrill Lynch. Swift’s mother, Andrea, now 66, was a marketing executive born into a wealthy family who grew up between Singapore and Houston, Texas. Andrea’s father was the president of a construction company, her mother an opera singer.",

"A third-generation banker and former radio salesman, he updated them on which songs she had cut (I am told he spent $10,000 on building her a recording studio at their home); which singles were coming out next (by the age of 15, Taylor had a record deal with a company in which Scott had bought a 3 per cent stake); where she was touring (he had bought Cher’s former tour bus for her); and the awards for which she needed votes.",

"During the long, hot summer days Swift would walk through town, her guitar slung across her back, much to the judgment of the local girls.",

"Swift gave out wallet-sized photos of herself as Sandy to the kids in the years below her at school",

"Her notebook, he claims, was filled with pages of her own autograph.",

"Many, however, thought she was “a bit of a brat”, from the moneyed side of town and modelling clothes for Abercrombie & Fitch. At 16, Swift bought a Lexus SC430 convertible, the car driven by Regina George, the meanest girl in Mean Girls.",

"Swift made an entrance when she first arrived at Hendersonville High School, says a former classmate, telling people she was going to be a star. “We kind of rolled our eyes because, being in Nashville, we hear that a lot,” she says. “It was just such a strong statement for someone of that age.”

Underdog who??? Tbh it's not just TS being obnoxious, rich, spoiled brat flaunting her wealth left and right, it's her entire immediate family.

“There were times when, in middle school and junior high, I didn’t have a lot of friends,” she told the Great American Country network in 2008." damn, I wonder why. /s

Classic nepo baby.

[eaglesnick]

Private Sector Good, Public Sector Bad?

The reigning ideological economic theory within the Conservative Party is, and has been ever since Margaret Thatcher came to power, that “markets know best”

This was made abundantly clear when Kwasi Kwateng, the Chancellor of Liz Truss’s short-lived government, dismissed anything resembling a “planned economy”. Rather, growth and economic success depended on:

“…the power of our treasured free-market economy to leverage private capital and unleash Britain’s unique entrepreneurial spirit to grow new industries." (The Conversation: 13/04/22)

The key words here are “to leverage private capital”. What this means in ordinary speech is to encourage private investors to participate financially in “projects that benefit the economy, society or the environment”.  This has resulted in private investors running (and in many cases, owning) most of our public utilities and services. But rather than “benefit the economy, society and environment" these private investors have devastated it.

Over the next few blogs I intend to look at various British/English public utilities and services and to see how they have fared under the private sector.  First up are the railways.

Britain’s railways are organised within a mishmash of private and public ownership, and has been described as “broken" and no longer fit for purpose.

“The UK's train network is not only one of the worst in Europe, it is also one of the most expensive.” (euronews: 20/05/21

This is no surprise given its complex and chaotic structure.   The railway tracks and rail network are owned and operated by Network Rail, which is a “non-departmental public body of the Department for Transport, (DFT) with no shareholders"

 Non-departmental public bodies are a strange entity. They are national or regional bodies that work independently of government, are not staffed by civil servants, and yet are still accountable to government ministers. It is the Secretary of State for Transport who sets the strategic direction of the railways, allocating funding, and it is the secretary of state  who has to approve major investments in the railway system.

The companies that operate the trains are privately owned and are either awarded franchises from the DFT, or they are “open access” operators that provide passenger services on a particular route or network, but with no exclusive rights enjoyed by franchise holders.

To complicate matters further, the actual trains, passenger carriages and railway wagons, known collectively as “rolling stock”, are owned by the rolling stock leasing companies” (ROSCOs) who lease out their stock to the privately owned rail operating companies.

Freight train operators are totally separate from passenger trains, have no contracts with government but do need permission from Network Rail to run their services.

For year 2022/23 the railways received £11.9bn of government funding and Network Rail has secured £27.5 bn of government funding over the next five years. In short, we the taxpayer invest heavily in our rail network which the private passenger, rolling stock and freight companies use to make a profit.

A 2019 report by the TUC found that:

“Rail firms have paid over £1bn to shareholders in the last 6 years.” (TUC: 02/01/2019)

In 2022 Avanti West Coast received a taxpayer subsidy of £343m, despite having the worst punctuality record amongst train operators and paying out £12m to its shareholders. Avanti West Coast is owned by First Group, who also own Great Western Railway and South Western Railway. Great Western paid out the largest dividend in 2021/22, £33m, while South Western paid out  £13m. 

More recently:

“UK rail operator Govia awards $79m in dividends amid UK rail dissatisfaction.” (Railway Technology: 08/01/24)

Govia is largely foreign owned, the three largest shareholder companies being Australian, Spanish and French. In 2022 it was fined £23m “over financial irregularities" having failed to return £25m in taxpayer funding. Why on earth any government would want to go on subsidising such a company is beyond understanding, especially as the Transport Minister at the time said the company had:

“…committed an appalling breach of trust...behaviour was simply unacceptable and this penalty sends a clear message that the government, and taxpayers, will not stand for it." (BBC News: 17/03/22)

Clearly the minister (Grant Shapps) didn’t mean what he said as Govia is still operating trains two years later and still courting controversy

Turning to the train-leasing companies, we find:

“Profits of UK’s private train-leasing firms treble in a year. More than £400m paid in dividends in 2022-23 while rest of railway faced cuts and salary freezes.” (Guardian: 18/02/24)

These companies saw their profit margins rise to 41%, a profit that we as taxpayers and passengers pay for. It is estimated that "taxpayers are now effectively paying the £3.1bn spent last year on leasing trains.” To actually run a passenger rail service yet not own a single locomotive or passenger carriage is bazaar to say the very least.

Finding overall profit figures for freight train operators is a little more difficult but Colas Rail UK’s revenue in 2022 was £15,529m, up 17% on the previous year, an operating profit of £460m.

 Overall, taxpayer subsidies to the rail industry run at £6bn per year. However, these massive subsidies have not led to lower fares, an end to over-crowed trains, or an efficient service. According to TaxPayers Alliance 02/01/23) "rail subsidies cost taxpayers £1300 each by March 2023.” Meanwhile the private companies that operate the highly fragmented and disjointed system continue to reap profits and pay out dividends.

Maybe this would not be so bad if the British taxpayer subsidised dividend payouts went to British owned companies, but this is far from the case:

“According to the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, 70% of Britain’s railways are now under foreign ownership to some degree.” (CityA.M.: 11/01/17)

The figure of 70% foreign ownership is disputed, not least because some companies have gone bust since 2017, with five lines now being effectively run by the government as “operators of last resort.”  As the 1993 Railways Act forbids the UK state from running the railways these lines are likely to be franchised out to private firms in the future.

“…many foreign state-owned enterprises of the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Hong Kong now run rail franchises in the UK." (The Standard: 11/05/23)

While other countries have no philosophical problem with running railways for the benefit of their citizens, and clearly have no qualms about investing state money in foreign ventures, the Conservative Party is ideologically opposed to state intervention in running UK public services and is vehemently opposed to setting up a UK sovereign wealth fund.

In summary, successive Tory governments have continued to pay taxpayers money into the coffers of private enterprise regardless of how efficient, honest or effective these firms are at providing an essential public service. Clearly, where the railways are concerned, they are not run to “benefit the economy, society and environment" but for the benefit and interests of private investors, in the mistaken Tory belief that private enterprise is always better than public stewardship despite evidence to the contrary.  

[digitalglobalcompass]

Discover Ecuador: A Traveller's Dream Come True

In a world of fast-paced cities, demanding routines, and incessant digital distractions, the significance of travel is immeasurable. It's an opportunity to escape the routine, discover other cultures, sample unique foods, and take in breath-taking scenery. Journeying revitalises the spirit, expands viewpoints, and produces lifelong memories.

Ecuador is a hidden gem that is just waiting to be found if it's your next travel destination. Located in the centre of South America, this small but diversified nation provides an unmatched combination of vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking natural features. Ecuador has enough to offer everyone, from the verdant beaches of the Pacific coast to the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains and the lush Amazon rainforest.

Now, let's delve into some of the best places to visit in Ecuador

Galápagos Islands

A sanctuary for wildlife aficionados and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Galápagos Islands present a rare chance to see a wide variety of exotic species up close. The islands are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, sea lions, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas. Hiking, diving, and snorkelling are all abundant, letting tourists fully experience this natural paradise.

Quito

Ecuador's capital city is a mesmerising fusion of vibrant plazas, busy markets, and colonial grandeur. Discover the UNESCO Cultural Heritage site, Old Town, with its intricate churches and quaint cobblestone alleyways. Don't pass up the opportunity to ride the second-highest cable car in the world, the Teleférico, for expansive views of the city.

The Amazon Rainforest

Venture into the heart of one of the planet's most biodiverse ecosystems, the Amazon rainforest, on an unforgettable experience. As you make your way through the maze-like network of rivers and thick jungle, you'll come across pristine nature, rich ecosystems, and indigenous settlements. Experience unusual animals, such as birds, monkeys, and elusive big cats, and learn about the rich cultural legacy of the Amazonian tribes.

Cotopaxi National Park

A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Cotopaxi National Park is home to the magnificent Cotopaxi volcano, the highest active volcano in the world. Trek across difficult terrain while taking in breathtaking views of rolling grasslands and snow-capped peaks. Adventurers can ride horses through the park and see the spectacular grandeur of the Andean highlands, or they can attempt to peak Cotopaxi.

Now, why should you choose Digital Global Compass company for your travel trip to Ecuador?

With Digital Global Compass, travelling is smooth and hassle-free, and every part of your trip is meticulously planned and carried out. Digital Global Compass alleviates travel stress by emphasising price, safety, and security so you can fully enjoy Ecuador's beauties without worrying about the details.

To guarantee that your trip surpasses your expectations, Digital Global Compass goes above and above with professionally designed itineraries, informed guides, and dependable transportation. Personalised service catered to your requirements and preferences is offered by Digital Global Compass, whether you're going on a family holiday, a romantic retreat, or a solo excursion.

Why then wait? Utilise Digital Global Compass to begin organising your ideal trip to Ecuador and set out on an incredible journey.

In Conclusion

Travellers seeking to take in the splendour of the natural world, the depth of cultural diversity, and the excitement of adventure will find Ecuador to be an excellent location. There is something for everyone to enjoy, whether you choose to explore the Amazon rainforest, cruise through Quito's historic alleys, or explore the Galápagos Islands.

Additionally, Digital Global Compass is the ideal travel companion to ensure a worry-free and seamless vacation. They prioritise quality, value, and individualised care so you can unwind and savour every second of your journey across Ecuador.

Why then wait? Prepare for an incredible experience in one of the world's most stunning nations by packing your baggage and using Digital Global Compass to plan your travel.

[beardedmrbean]

Many of Tuesday morning's papers carry the surprising news, announced by national rail carrier VR late on Monday evening, that all long-distance train traffic will be cancelled on Tuesday due to "safety reasons".

Tampere-based Aamulehti carries an STT article to report that damage was observed on the wheels of some rolling stock on Sunday, leading VR to begin carrying out a wider inspection of the track network.

According to VR on Tuesday, overnight inspections pinponted the defects, described as bumps, in the track.

"This decision [to shut down traffic] was made for safety reasons. We are working non-stop together with the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency so that the fault can be located and traffic can be safely re-started as soon as possible," Aamulehti quotes VR's long-distance transport director Piia Tyynilä as stating in a company press release.

The statement adds that VR will provide further updates on Tuesday as to when rail traffic will return to normal.

The company also said that political strike by rail workers, which halted traffic nationwide on Monday, also caused delays to the inspection process.

Finland's highly-educated underclass

Helsingin Sanomat reports the findings of a University of Jyväskylä doctoral thesis, which is titled The Working Underclass: Highly educated migrants on the fringes of the Finnish labour market.

Kenyan student Quivine Ndomo's journey towards her doctoral research began in 2016 when she discovered that three of her compatriots, all with university qualifications, could only secure jobs in Finland as cleaners or newspaper couriers, according to the paper.

Her research argues that immigrants in Finland, especially those coming from African countries, are an "underclass" in the Nordic country and that prospective employers use the Finnish language as an excuse not to hire them.

"It should be made clear to those who come here that if you want to stay and work here, study Finnish. And the studies should include several mandatory Finnish courses," Ndomo tells HS.

Ndomo herself faces the very challenges she writes about in her thesis, noting that she was recently passed over for a position she considered herself perfectly qualified for, as her Finnish language skills were not up-to-par.

This experience has led Ndomo to consider her own future in the country.

"I love Finland, but I am ambitious and I will go where I can continue my career," she tells the paper.

Strikes hit daycare centres

As Finland's "superweek" of political strikes enters its second day on Tuesday, tabloid Iltalehti carries a handy day-by-day guide to how the walkouts will impact everyday life.

Tuesday will see daycare centres and other early child education services close their doors in several towns and cities across the country, and they will not open again until Thursday.

Iltalehti lists the affected areas: Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Joensuu, Pori, Rovaniemi, Kauniainen, Mustasaari and Vaasa.

The strike affects both private and public sector daycare centres.

Some companies operating in the food sector, such as bakeries and food processing plants, may also be closed on Tuesday, IL notes.

[blowhorn39]

2023 Wrapped: Here Are Top 10 Logistics Trends That Defined The Year

2023 has been a year of new beginnings for the Indian logistics industry. It is the year logistics companies bounced back from the post-pandemic slump and set out to recover from their losses. The year also witnessed a steady growth in eCommerce, with the spotlight on quick commerce and last mile logistics. The later part of 2023 saw the government extending generous support to digital commerce and logistics, through initiatives like Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and National Logistics Policy (NLP).

Looking back, we can confidently assert that 2023 has been a good year for India’s logistics sector. From the increased focus on supply chain sustainability to extensive experimentation with drone deliveries, here are the top trends that defined logistics this year.

1. Greener transportation and supply chain

The amount of greenhouse gases generated by India’s transportation sector has nearly tripled since the 1990s, accounting for over 14% of our total energy emissions. The problem is quite severe if we take into account the massive carbon footprint left by India’s booming supply chain.

In 2022, there was a rise in awareness around cleaner and greener logistics practices, with a nudge on electrifying India’s cargo transportation. Logistics and transportation startups unveiled their fleet of electric (EV) and clean energy vehicles. At Blowhorn, we converted 30% of our fleet to clean fuels and took the pledge of running 100% of our fleet on clean energy by 2025.

In addition, other green practices like solar-powered warehousing, eco-friendly packaging and paperless invoicing were also adopted widely.

2. Third party logistics

The concept of third-party logistics (3PL) took off in India only a few years back. In 2022, India’s 3PL market reached a staggering $58.4 Bn in valuation, with a projected annual growth of 7.42%.By 2027, the market is estimated to reach more than $83.53 Bn.

The 3PL market is primarily driven by manufacturing, FMCG, retail and eCommerce sectors — all of which experienced commendable growth this year. Keeping in mind the needs of the modern Indian entrepreneur, 3PL service providers are also improving their operational speed with the incorporation of technology.

In the coming days, development of infrastructures like logistics parks, dedicated freight corridors, free trade warehousing zones, and container freight stations are expected to improve the efficiency of the Indian 3PL market.

3. Higher investment in technology

With higher investment technology seeping into eCommerce, retail, education, hospitality, finance, and all other sectors, why should logistics be left behind? With increasing market demand for superfast delivery, Indian logistics startups invested more on modern technology to boost their operations.

Experts believe that India is headed towards a technological revolution in logistics. Tech like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT) are optimally benefitting the supply chain in terms of seamless management, improved route planning, warehouse automation, digital payments and much more.

At Blowhorn, we are already speeding up our deliveries with AI-powered route optimization software. Our automated warehouse management system helps in seamless handling of stored inventory and order dispatch, while we offer a real-time tracking system for all our orders. We have also adopted novel technologies like geo-fencing to reduce the menace of fake delivery attempts.

4. LaaS (Logistics as a Service)

We are well-acquainted with Software as a Service (SaaS) companies. This year saw the emergence of companies following a similar model in fulfillment, offering Logistics as a Service (LaaS). Ideally, this presents a plug and play model for your business’s logistics needs, which you can avail via a simple integration with your 3PL partner.

Blowhorn has set the ball rolling for LaaS in India, offering end-to-end logistics solutions with warehousing, transportation and hyperlocal delivery.

5. Greater supply chain transparency

With rising consumer concerns, logistics stakeholders worked towards improving supply chain visibility and transparency in 2023. Companies are striving to become more transparent with regards to the sustainability of their supply chains. Globally, 2023 saw more companies offering insights on their labor practices, job creation, sourcing methods and compliance with regulatory requirements — in a bid to enhance their brand image among the conscious modern consumer.

6. Blockchain in last mile logistics

While AI is helping to improve speed and efficiency, blockchain has been deemed as a viable solution for more transparency and visibility in last mile logistics. In India and abroad, companies have started incorporating blockchain to optimize the last mile deliveries. The technology has found best use in high value inventory tracking, secure invoicing and payments, fraud detection, improved supply chain transparency, dispute resolution and creating a fair freight marketplace.

With the launch of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) by the Indian government, there is hope that we will witness further adoption of blockchain in the digital commerce and logistics space. In fact, ONDC itself is a blockchain-based protocol which aims to create a fair and transparent marketplace for small and medium-sized businesses across India. With Blowhorn being one of the early participants of ONDC, we too are waiting and watching the best use case for blockchain in our fulfillment services in the near future to help our customers.

7. Micro-fulfillment > Traditional Warehousing

2022 saw a rise in demand for same day delivery, which is quite difficult to fulfill if your inventory is stocked in a warehouse far away from the customer's location. The longer the delivery distance, the more the delivery time — a simple thumb rule to keep in mind.

This is why top in 2023 opted for micro ecommerce-fulfillment centers or micro-warehouses. The concept of micro-warehousing follows a just-in-time inventory management approach, with goods never staying here for more than a day. The limited inventory is stocked in a network of collocated storehouses at high-demand pincodes. Not only does the process help in reducing a brand’s capital spend on inventory, but it also improves efficiency and decreases resource wastage.

Much before the pandemic, we launched India’s first micro-warehouses or micro-fulfillment centers as an experiment in 2018. Now we maintain an expansive network of micro-warehouses across 28 cities of India. Read this article to find out why more eCommerce startups are choosing micro-fulfillment in 2023-24.

8. Automation in shipping

When it comes to automation in shipping, the process works on a predefined pathway involving packaging, warehousing, material handling and security. In India, the adoption of automation in logistics and shipping has been steadily increasing since the pandemic.

In 2023, 3PL fulfillment companies like Blowhorn incorporated automated solutions to boost efficiency by** reducing overhead costs** and time, streamlining the supply chain and minimizing the chances of manual errors.

9. Extensive focus on hyperlocal logistics

2023 saw a high growth in the hyperlocal space with the emergence of newer players in the quick commerce sector. Meanwhile, eCommerce giants and existing logistics players focused more on faster deliveries to not miss out on their customer needs.

Improved internet penetration led to the growth of fast fulfillment in suburbs and rural belts, thus creating a need for hyperlocal elements like dark stores, micro-ecommerce fulfillment centers along with local delivery jobs.

At Blowhorn, we have developed a platform-agnostic technology to be able to integrate with a wide range of businesses ranging from D2C, marketplaces and omni channel players. Our hyperlocal strategy is defined by AI-based dynamic route planning, real-time order clubbing, automated warehousing, blockchain and even drone deliveries. We are aiming to build a sustainable hyperlocal delivery system to tackle small profit margins, high overhead costs and ever-evolving consumer expectations.

10. Experimentation with Drone Deliveries

Delivery by drones is not new. The idea has been widely explored by logistics providers across India but is yet to be adopted at scale. The idea of mapping a three-dimensional delivery route via drones holds immense potential and has excited the Indian government authorities as well. Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, has stated the administration’s objective to turn India into a major drone hub by 2030.

Leading logistics players like Blowhorn and others are already chalking out the blueprint to make drone delivery an everyday reality. Gartner predicts that by 2026, more than one million drones will be carrying out retail deliveries, up from 20,000 today. Last year, the Indian government also released the draft of The Drone Rules, 2021, aiming to liberalize drone delivery while fulfilling the safety regulations. Autonomous last-mile delivery via these mini flying machines will significantly determine the growth trajectory of Indian logistics in the upcoming future.

[hasufin]

Yup, that all tracks.

And yeah.. I recall when Crumbl nerfed their website. Like, you could order cookies online for pickup. Then they rolled out their app and you couldn't order cookies for pickup on the website anymore. You could order delivery (and the site exposed the home addresses of everyone in your area who had used that service, thanks guys) or you could download the app.

I hadn't really thought about the whole ecosystem of code libraries, but damn that both makes perfect sense and is also 100% terrifying.

Yet, you know something? This kinda makes me think of the collapse of the online ad market in the early 00s. For a while you could make a decent income on "having a vaguely popular website and selling banner ad space" but then it disappeared to be replaced with the current automated auction networks. Which are terrible, but also the value of the ads themselves is nowhere near what it was, in spite of having orders of magnitude more eyeballs.

And I think eventually someone will realize that having petabytes of uncurated numbers doesn't actually translate to having more money. Information is monetizable - but really only good information is worth money, and the stuff they're doing right now is basically running a trawler through the Great Garbage Spot and calling it sushi.

keep seeing Temu ads on here so just to share cause idk if people are widely aware

[makemywebsite1]

Web Hosting Uptime: The Hidden SEO Factor

As an established healthcare provider, you are improving people’s lives and constantly making an effort to put smiles on their faces. Your website is a backbone that keeps patients and other providers coming back to you.

Days pass by until you see an unexpected fall in website visitors. Why? Your website is not available 24/7. This happens when the website runs into server or security issues. This is why making your website available all the time is the key. Besides attracting your leads, web uptime favours search engine rankings well.

For this reason, this blog covers web uptime, how downtime occurs in the first place, and how to find a professional offering both web hosting and SEO in Melbourne.

The Impact of Uptime on SEO

A web uptime is a percentage of time a website is online. The higher uptime percentage indicates that your website is up and running smoothly. This puts your website impression positive and reduces bounce rates.

Even search engine crawlers constantly search for reliable and operational sites every time. So, a good web uptime rate will significantly make your website on top SEO rankings. That is when having a website hosting provider is crucial to make your website visible across all servers.

However, a website may fail to run all of a sudden. While minor difficulties like slow page load times, broken links, or plugin errors can happen at your end. Major problems like server failures and security attacks can turn down a website completely, leading to a downtime.

How Downtime Occurs?

Now, let’s move to some more details of why each of these errors happen, their impact on user experience and SEO ranking, and the need for professional SEO in Melbourne.

Server Failures:

Hardware server issues on a website can be a significant mess. This can happen due to incorrect instalments and physical malfunctions, impacting website presence on the server.

Traffic Overloads:

An unexpected rise in web traffic can be a serious threat to the website efficiency, too. This can happen when a website runs too many marketing campaigns or viral content to attract a crowd from all locations. Some website servers, particularly the ones on shared hosting, can fail to handle unnecessary traffic and can crash over time.

Network Issues:

Network problems are another cause behind the downtime. If issues arise in the Domain Name System (DNS), it can make users unable to find your website. As a result, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) disrupts the server connection. Finding SEO services in Geelong to get more understanding is helpful.

Security Attacks:

Often, phishing attacks, security bugs, malware, or other cyber attacks can crash a server, leading to a complete downtime.

How SEO Services Can Reduce Website’s Downtime

While it is true that downtime can impact website rankings negatively, it is possible to minimise the consequences in the first place.

●      Offers Reliable Web Hosting:

Choose a web hosting provider who can provide web uptime guarantee and scalability. Also, get advice on server management. Providers also have various plans that offer resources on the server to fix unexpected traffic or hardware failures.

●      Monitors Your Website:

Many agencies offering SEO services in Geelong are equipped with web monitoring tools that directly reduce downtime incidents. With these tools help, SEO experts also get direct alerts whenever a system experiences more than usual downtime. This also allows them to monitor page speed and server response times to avoid future problems.

●      Manages Technical Problems:

SEO experts also roll out solutions to major technical issues arising out of plugin compatibility or coding errors.

●      Prevents Data Loss:

SEO experts regularly review the website and implement backup to access any data loss in the future. They ensure that the website returns to normal even if a server crash seems to be a big problem.

●      Manages Scheduled Downtime:

Experts providing SEO services in Geelong assist with scheduling maintenance or updates during off-peak hours, minimising disruptions to users and search engines. Additionally, they recommend clear communication channels like website announcements, emails, and social media posts, to help website owners inform users about any upcoming downtime.

Final Words

We hope you found this blog useful. It is clear that website downtime can happen only when we fail to choose a reliable web hosting provider. This is why choosing a web design agency that offers good uptime and SEO services are the key to staying ahead.

We have explored everything about uptime, its impact on user experience and SEO, causes of downtime, and how experts in SEO in Melbourne or Geelong can reduce any possibilities of website shutdown.

[cioarabmagazine]

Exploring the Latest Trends in Technology and Innovation: AI, 5G, Blockchain & More

The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging at an astonishing pace. From artificial intelligence (AI) to blockchain, these innovations are not only reshaping industries but also transforming our daily lives. Staying updated with the latest trends in technology and innovation is essential for businesses and individuals looking to stay competitive in the modern world.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning One of the most prominent trends in technology today is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These technologies have already begun revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail. AI systems are becoming increasingly adept at performing tasks that were once thought to require human intelligence, such as diagnosing diseases, predicting stock market trends, and providing personalized customer experiences.

Machine learning, a subset of AI, allows systems to improve their performance over time by analyzing large sets of data. This enables businesses to make more informed decisions, automate repetitive tasks, and offer better products and services to customers. In the coming years, we can expect AI and ML to play an even greater role in everything from self-driving cars to intelligent virtual assistants.

5G Technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) The roll-out of 5G technology is another key development in the world of innovation. 5G promises faster internet speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections, enabling a wide range of new applications. This next-generation network will empower technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), where everyday objects such as refrigerators, cars, and wearables are connected to the internet.

The integration of 5G with IoT devices will allow for smarter cities, homes, and industries. For example, connected sensors in smart cities can monitor traffic flow, air quality, and energy consumption in real time, leading to more efficient urban planning and improved public services. In industries like manufacturing and agriculture, IoT devices can optimize operations, reduce waste, and improve productivity.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies Blockchain technology continues to make waves across industries, particularly in finance. By offering secure, decentralized digital ledgers, blockchain is revolutionizing the way businesses handle transactions. Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, are one of the most well-known applications of blockchain, offering an alternative to traditional currencies and banking systems.

Beyond finance, blockchain is also being explored for use in supply chain management, healthcare, and voting systems. The transparency and security provided by blockchain have the potential to eliminate fraud, streamline processes, and enhance trust in various industries.

Conclusion The latest trends in technology and innovation are changing the way we live and work. From AI and machine learning to 5G and blockchain, these advancements are opening up exciting possibilities. As these technologies continue to develop, it is clear that the future will be defined by intelligent systems, interconnected devices, and decentralized solutions. Keeping an eye on these trends will be crucial for staying ahead in an increasingly tech-driven world.

[dayppx-1]

USDT Supply Expansion Continues as DAYPPX Tracks New Trends in the Stablecoin Market

Amid the recent turbulence in the cryptocurrency market, DAYPPX, a professional and trusted digital asset exchange, has been closely monitoring industry developments and market shifts. One of the most significant events in recent weeks has been the large-scale minting of Tether (USDT) stablecoins, which has captured widespread attention. According to data from Arkham Intelligence, since November 8, 2024, Tether has minted $2 billion USDT on the Ethereum blockchain and an additional $1 billion USDT on the Tron network through consecutive transactions, totaling $3 billion in newly issued USDT. This move has sparked extensive discussion across the market and introduced new challenges and opportunities for exchanges like DAYPPX in terms of operational strategies and business planning.

Technological Innovation and Service Optimization to Address the USDT Minting Surge  

In response to the market fluctuations caused by the large-scale issuance of USDT, DAYPPX has leveraged its robust technological foundation and exceptional service capabilities to actively adapt to these changes. Recognizing that technological stability and innovation are the cornerstones of safeguarding user assets and ensuring smooth trading in the cryptocurrency space, DAYPPX has continuously optimized its underlying technical architecture. By enhancing the processing power and security of its trading system, the platform ensures that users can enjoy a stable and efficient trading experience during periods of increased USDT issuance.  

At the same time, DAYPPX has intensified its investment in market dynamics and risk assessment. With a professional market analysis team, the platform tracks the minting of USDT and its market impact in real-time, providing users with timely and accurate market insights and investment advice. Additionally, DAYPPX has rolled out a series of user education and service upgrades to help users better understand the logic behind USDT issuance and its influence on the cryptocurrency market, thereby improving their investment decision-making capabilities.  

Seizing Market Opportunities and Exploring Business Innovation  

While the large-scale minting of USDT may trigger short-term market volatility, it also presents long-term growth opportunities for cryptocurrency exchanges like DAYPPX. On one hand, as the stablecoin market continues to expand, DAYPPX can further develop its stablecoin trading and exchange services, offering users a more diverse range of financial solutions. On the other hand, DAYPPX can capitalize on its deep expertise in blockchain technology and crypto finance to explore new business models and product innovations. For instance, the platform could introduce stablecoin-based financial products to meet the growing financial needs of its users.  

Every market fluctuation serves as a test of the strength and capabilities of an exchange. Through continuous technological optimization, service enhancement, and seizing market opportunities, DAYPPX not only stands out amidst fierce competition but also sets new trends in the crypto finance sector, creating greater value for its users.

[industrynewsupdates]

5g Services Market: Key Players and Competitive Landscape

The global 5G services market size is estimated to reach USD 2,208.25 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 59.4% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. 

The rapidly rising demand for ultra-reliable and low-latency data networks capable of providing enhanced mobile connectivity is estimated to boost the market growth over the forecast period. The potential adoption of 5G services for remote patient monitoring and remote surgery applications is also anticipated to propel market growth from 2022 to 2030. The 5G wireless technology is expected to completely transform the transportation and logistics industry by providing seamless Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) connectivity.

As such, the need to ensure strong, seamless, and uninterrupted connectivity with autonomous vehicles is estimated to drive the adoption of 5G services. Furthermore, robust deployment of 5G network infrastructure is estimated to improve the operational efficiencies in several IoT use cases, including smart homes, smart cities, and industry 4.0. Hence, the rising need for high bandwidth to provide reliable communication to IoT devices is expected to elevate the overall market growth over the forecast period. In some countries, such as the U.S., China, and Japan, the trend of monitoring energy systems of buildings remotely is rising gradually. This is expected to open new opportunities for rolling out 5G services over the forecast period.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the 5g Services Market

5G Services Market Report Highlights

• The enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) communication type segment is anticipated to hold the largest market share by 2030.This growth is credited to the rising focus of key market players on rolling out high-speed and low-latency data networks for residential and commercial applications, such as video conferencing, virtual meeting, Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR) gaming

• The consumer segment is expected to register the highest CAGR due to the increasing commercialization of the 5G services for consumer applications across various countries, including the U.S., China, Japan, Germany, and South Korea.

• The manufacturing segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to the growing need for seamless connectivity to drive industrial devices including robots and actuators

• The U.S. is anticipated to dominate the North America regional market from 2023 to 2030 owing to the rising demand for higher data speeds for several end-use applications including M2M communications, energy & utility management, and smart mobility management

• Market incumbents are focusing on mergers and acquisitions for delivering 5G services to strengthen their presence and expand their product portfolios

• However, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the governments across key countries have postponed the auction for 5G spectrums. This may hamper the market growth over the forecast period

Browse through Grand View Research's Next Generation Technologies Industry Research Reports.

• The global IoT in utilities market size was estimated at USD 47.53 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% from 2024 to 2030.

• The global robotic platform market size was estimated at USD 9.97 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2024 to 2030.

5G Services Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global 5G services market on the basis of communication type, vertical, and region:

5G Services Communication Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020 - 2030)

• FWA

• eMBB

• uRLLC

• mMTC

5G Services Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020 - 2030)

• Consumer

• Enterprises

o Manufacturing

o Public Safety

o Healthcare & Social Work

o Media & Entertainment

o Energy & Utility

o IT & Telecom

o Transportation & Logistics

o Aerosapce & Defense

o BFSI

o Government

o Retail

o Mining

o Oil & Gas

o Agriculture

o Construction

o Real Estate

5G Services Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020 - 2030)

• North America

o U.S.

o Canada

• Europe

o U.K.

o Germany

o France

o Russia

o Italy

o Spain

• Asia Pacific

o China

o India

o Japan

o South Korea

• Latin America

o Brazil

o Mexico

• Middle East & Africa (MEA)

Order a free sample PDF of the 5g Services Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[ameliasmith0501]

SEO for Small Businesses: A Starter Guide for Business Owners

Want your local business to grow insanely popular? SEO techniques can help you reach your targeted customer making your business grow faster! If you are not acquainted with the concept of SEO for Business Owners, here’s your Beginner’s Guide to know the basics about Search Engine Optimization and its impact on local businesses.

What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Put in simple words, SEO is a marketing strategy that helps you rank better on non- paid or organic Search Engine results. It may involve a targeted set of keywords and linking elements to get noticed on the web and help drive traffic to your site. SEO is a complex and a layered discipline, and is an indispensable tool for the growth of your business.

How SEO can affect your website/ business?

“Did you know that more than 90% of the searches of a specific keyword get traffic clicks on just the first three results of the search engine page?”

Search Engines were once constructed to operate on themselves and give you smart results based on the keywords you insert in the search tab of a search engine. But, with the rise in competition, there has been a tug of war between rivals of a particular forte. SEO can affect your website in the following ways:

Improvement in Rankings — The optimum range of keywords, links, site structure and linking patterns throughout your website, greatly affects the user experience of your site, which in turn has a direct impact on the site’s rankings.

Increasing presence in local community — If you have a local business, then using topic specific content can amplify your presence in the online world much faster than off topic site contents or while seeking a global presence. Small business seeking help from the best Digital Marketing Services should consider elements such as the budget, speed to deliver results, competition for ads and rival competitors before they opt for paid and professional digital marketing services.

Digital Marketing Agency Carnegie Predicta Digital helps deliver the best and the quickest organic visibility through SEOs at the lowest cost.

Referrals — Integrating your SEO contents with social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, empowers you a greater ability to find a better ranking on the search engine list. The more content you share, the more people get aware about you, which ensure greater sales in the pipeline.

Customer Engagement — Did a customer like your services/ product(s)? How will they contact and know more about you by sitting in another corner of the city? SEO is highly beneficial to keep an interactive and an on-going customer relationship. Rolling out latest gossips about your business, sharing promotional deals and knowledgeable content about your forte would benefit your business in endless number of ways.

How you can ensure a search engine success?

Useful, appealing and plagiarism free content are the key factors for a SEO success. Google’s recent ranking Google algorithm Fred Update (March 8, 2017) have proven that the world of SEO is dynamic and once again reinforces the need of high quality content. Besides Google’s Machine Learning set up, you should also understand and use human brains to evaluate and analyse what your customers are actually looking for. You may use link analysis algorithms to embed high quality linking patterns to your website so as to rank better in the search engine and get your business noticed. Using the right set of inbound links and anchor texts that directs hundreds of links to a particular keyword can also ensure a faster search engine success.

To sum up, the factors to be kept in mind for a search engine success: Page Titles, Description Meta Tags, URL Structure, Site Navigation, Creating Quality, Content, Anchor Texts, Heading Tags, Image Optimization, Website Promotion, Analytics, Credibility (Portfolios, Reviews, Case Studies and Testimonials) and more.

Stick to Google’s Webmaster Guidelines or Quality Guidelines to help Google find you faster and help your site get indexed.

Read and discover more about SEO For Small Businesses.

[cryptogirl2024]

OKX Introduces Instant SGD Transactions in Collaboration with DBS

OKX has rolled out instant Singapore dollar (SGD) deposits and withdrawals for its Singapore-based users, partnering with DBS, the country’s largest bank. The new feature leverages Singapore’s PayNow and FAST payment networks, streamlining access to funds.

This development follows OKX's subsidiary securing a payments license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore in September, enabling it to offer digital payment tokens and cross-border money transfer services. Evy Theunis, DBS’s head of digital assets, highlighted the bank’s commitment to fostering a responsible digital asset ecosystem.

OKX’s Strategic Expansion

OKX’s push in Singapore coincides with its recent launch of a licensed cryptocurrency exchange in the UAE under Dubai's VARA framework. These moves align with Singapore's ambitions to solidify its position as a cryptocurrency hub in Asia.

Market Reaction and Token Performance

Despite these advancements, OKX’s native token, OKB, has dipped 2.5% in the last 24 hours, trading at $44.44. However, it has gained 9.3% over the past month, reflecting broader market bullishness.

OKX’s expansions in regulated markets showcase its commitment to compliance and growth in crypto-friendly regions.

[ttsw-01-tata]

Explore Tata’s Best at the True Sai Tata Showroom in Salem: Nexon, Punch, and More

If you’re in the market for a new car, especially in Salem, let me tell you—there’s no better place to start than the True Sai Tata Showroom. As someone who knows the thrill of driving a brand-new car out of the dealership, I understand the excitement of finding the perfect match. With models like the rugged Tata Nexon and the stylish yet robust Tata Punch, True Sai Tata in Salem has an impressive lineup that caters to various needs and preferences. Let me walk you through why a visit to this Tata showroom in Salem could be your best decision yet!

1. The Tata Punch: Compact, Bold, and Ready to Roll

Have you been considering a compact car that doesn’t skimp on style or capability? The Tata Punch might be your answer. This model is all about making a statement while delivering performance you can rely on. The Punch is a unique blend of SUV-like toughness in a small, maneuverable package, which makes it ideal for navigating Salem’s city streets and open roads. I personally love how it feels spacious inside despite its compact exterior. For anyone interested in knowing the Tata Punch on-road price in Salem, True Sai Tata Showroom can provide all the details, including any offers or financing options that might make it even easier to drive this beauty home.

2. The Tata Nexon: Safety, Style, and SUV Excellence

If you’re after an SUV that combines a strong build with a refined look, the Tata Nexon should be on your radar. Known for its impressive safety features and smooth drive, the Nexon has earned high marks in India’s automotive scene. True Sai Tata’s Salem showroom showcases the Nexon’s latest models, which come packed with features like touchscreen infotainment, automatic climate control, and a choice of powerful yet fuel-efficient engines. Whether it’s for a long family trip or your daily commute, this SUV feels like it’s ready for anything. I was amazed at the quality of the interiors, which really make it feel like a luxury experience without the luxury price. Curious about the Tata Nexon on-road price in Salem? True Sai Tata can help with transparent pricing and flexible finance plans to suit your budget.

3. Why True Sai Tata Showroom in Salem Stands Out

Choosing the right dealership can make a world of difference in your car-buying journey. True Sai Tata’s showroom in Salem is a gem in the Tata network, known for its warm and welcoming service. Here, the staff are not only knowledgeable but genuinely interested in helping you make the best decision. I felt a genuine sense of comfort knowing that they truly listen to what you need and work hard to find the best fit. It’s also great to see a showroom that stays up-to-date with the latest Tata models and offers plenty of test-drive opportunities. Whether you want to experience the agility of the Punch or the rugged charm of the Nexon firsthand, this showroom ensures you’ll have all the information to make an informed choice.

Click Here Schedule A Test Drive

Book Your Favorite TATA Car Today!!!

4. Additional Services and Financing Options

At True Sai Tata in Salem, they go beyond just selling cars—they offer a complete support system. From easy loan approvals and financing options to extended warranties and maintenance plans, you’re set for a worry-free experience. For a new car buyer, I know it can feel overwhelming, but their friendly team will walk you through each step. They offer packages tailored to meet different needs and budgets, so whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for an upgrade, they’ve got you covered. You’ll find everything you need to get on the road without hassle.

5. Why Now Is the Best Time to Buy

If you’re still on the fence, now might be the best time to check out the Tata showroom in Salem. With the popularity of models like the Punch and Nexon, the showroom often brings in exciting offers and seasonal discounts. There’s something about the thrill of being among the first to drive Tata’s latest models—who doesn’t love that new-car feeling? And with the competitive Tata Punch on-road price in Salem and Tata Nexon on-road price in Salem, it’s a fantastic time to explore your options and maybe even take one for a spin.

Wrapping Up

So, if you’re ready to explore, I’d recommend dropping by the True Sai Tata dealership in Salem. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to the stylish Tata Punch, the rugged Tata Nexon, or another fantastic model in their lineup. The team there will make sure you find the perfect car that matches your needs and budget. A visit to this showroom could be the first step toward hitting the road in a car that’s uniquely yours, backed by the trusted Tata name.

Visit TSW Tata in Salem today to explore the latest Tata models, take advantage of the best deals, and drive home your dream car!

[frameoutlook]

How Are Telecoms Saving Millions on Network Operations and IT? These AI Use Cases Show You the Way

A recent study by McKinsey found that AI-driven automation in telecom operations could lead to a 25-30 % reduction in operational costs. This includes automating network planning, IT processes, and support functions, allowing companies to operate more efficiently and quickly. These improvements are becoming critical as telecom operators face growing pressure to roll out new technologies like 5G, maintain network performance, and reduce downtime. 

In this article, we'll look at how Gen AI is transforming two major areas in the telecom industry: optimizing network operations and speeding up IT processes through automation. By using AI-powered solutions, telecom companies can improve network planning, accelerate software development, and reduce technical debt, positioning themselves for future success in a competitive market. 

This move toward AI-driven operations goes beyond just improving efficiency—it's about reshaping how telecom operators manage their entire IT systems, enabling faster service delivery, lowering costs, and boosting customer satisfaction. 

Network Operations Optimization

Telecom networks are growing more complex with the rollout of technologies like 5G and IoT, making efficient network management a critical priority. Gen AI offers telecom companies new ways to optimize network operations, improve capital efficiency, and reduce operational costs. One of the most impactful areas where Gen AI is being deployed is in network mapping and planning, where it can analyze unstructured data, streamline maintenance schedules, and optimize network resource allocation. 

Network Mapping and Planning with Gen AI

Traditional network management relies heavily on manual processes and structured data analysis, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. Gen AI, however, can process unstructured data such as supplier contracts, technical reports, and network component specifications to provide a comprehensive view of a network’s infrastructure. 

For instance, a European telecom operator used Gen AI to automate its network mapping processes, reducing the time required for network audits and assessments by 40%. By leveraging AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of unstructured data, the operator was able to more accurately assess compatibility between network components, predict maintenance needs, and identify areas where operational planning could be improved. This level of insight is vital for preventing costly network outages and ensuring optimal performance during peak usage times.

Read More: https://www.frameoutlook.com/cxo-viewpoint/how-are-telecoms-saving-millions-on-network-operations-and-it-these-ai-use-cases-show-you-the-way-nid-671.html

[bytmm]

004

266 Days and Counting

I’ll never forget the day I was laid off: Valentine’s Day 2024. The first job I truly loved. It was the first time I felt my ideas, my talent, and my ability to tell stories were seen. After three and a half years, just like that, it was over.

As I type this, I still feel that pit in my stomach—the emptiness of the Zoom call, the dryness in my mouth, the flood of emotions: rage, sadness, confusion. It still feels fresh, and yet, time has moved on.

How do I keep going? I asked myself as days turned into weeks, then months. I picked up a few gigs—freelancing here, freelancing there. But with each unanswered email, LinkedIn message, and job application, the dread grew.

I just want to work.

Is that such an outrageous request? I want to roll up my sleeves, dive into a deck, build a strategy, or write some copy. Maybe getting into advertising was a silly idea when I was 20, but I wanted a career that felt alive.

Every day feels the same: early gym sessions, applying for jobs, trying to network, sending out more applications, emails, taking walks. Searching for joy in between. I read, I watch sports, I cook—all while watching my savings dwindle.

I look for other jobs—retail, food service, anything—but nothing comes.

With the recent election, a new dread sets in. I’m scared because I know the reality of what’s coming.

Recently, I opened up on LinkedIn, reaching out for anyone, someone, to help. I just want to work.

I want a job.

For those of you hiring, I understand you’re busy. You don’t have to respond. But if you can, please reply to emails or LinkedIn messages—even a simple “no” is better than limbo.

If you’re navigating this job market too, know you’re not alone. We’re in this together. I wish you all the best of luck as we keep going.