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digitalsolutionsfortelecos · 1 year ago

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How Do VAS Platforms Revolutionize CSP Operations?

Distinguishing your organization from the competition is a key aspect of business operations. Telcos can no longer distinguish themselves purely via infrastructure and operations. Given the strong competition, CSPs must differentiate themselves in order to attract new consumers, maintain existing customers, and generate novel revenue sources. Providing value-added services is a great approach to do this. CSPs must adopt VAS consolidation platforms in order to fulfill their consumers' changing needs. A unified VAS platform plays a crucial role in enhancing VAS operations for service providers. It acts as a centralized system that integrates and manages multiple VAS offerings, enabling streamlined operations and improved service delivery.

A VAS consolidation platform plays a crucial role in enhancing VAS operations for service providers. It acts as a centralized system that integrates and manages multiple VAS offerings, enabling streamlined operations and improved service delivery.

How Do VAS Platforms Augment Efficiency for CSPs?

VAS platforms for CSPs play a crucial role in augmenting efficiency for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) in several ways. Here are some key ways how VAS platforms can enhance efficiency:

Improved customer experience

CSPs may use VAS platforms to provide individualized and targeted services to their clients. CSPs may understand individual preferences and deliver personalized services by leveraging customer data and analytics. This individualized strategy boosts customer satisfaction, lowers churn rates, and boosts overall operational efficiency.

New VAS services can be deployed more quickly

In a centralized environment provided by a unified VAS platform, services may be delivered considerably more quickly. If other VAS services that can function on a consolidated platform are added in the future, they may be launched in much less time.

Monetization and revenue generation

VAS consolidation platforms enable CSPs to monetize their services in ways other than traditional offers. CSPs can expand their service offering and establish additional revenue streams by permitting collaborations with third-party service providers. VAS systems make it easier to integrate and manage these agreements, increasing revenue generating potential and overall efficiency.

Scalability and flexibility

VAS platforms for CSPs are built to handle a high volume of transactions while also allowing for scalability. Without large infrastructure expenditures, CSPs may rapidly scale up or down their services based on demand. The platforms enable CSPs to optimize resource allocation and enhance overall efficiency by allowing them to respond to changing business requirements and consumer expectations.

Lynx - One of the Best VAS platforms for CSPs

Lynx is the unified VAS consolidation platform from 6D technologies. This comprehensive solution combines multiple VAS enabler applications into a single, highly optimized system. This integrated stack seamlessly integrates with the core network and IT applications of Communication Service Providers (CSPs), offering real-time traffic management, charging and billing, customer care, reporting, and operations management functionalities. By leveraging a Service Creation Environment (SCE) and a secure, standards-based framework, Lynx enables CSPs to tap into their network resources and drive service innovation.

The platform, built on Network Function Virtualization (NFV) technology, is specifically designed to handle large-scale deployments. It helps CSPs achieve significant cost reductions in terms of capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX). It also helps in streamlining operations and maintenance activities. Moreover, Lynx greatly enhances the speed at which CSPs can bring new services to market by providing lightweight APIs that expose various capabilities. It efficiently consolidates all CSP messaging enabler applications, ensuring that the essential functional and non-functional requirements of each application are met, with each application maintaining its own logical instance.

VAS consolidation platforms enhance efficiency for CSPs by consolidating services, facilitating rapid deployment, providing scalability and flexibility, automating tasks, offering data analytics, enabling revenue generation, and enhancing customer experience. It is vital for CSPs to deploy a unified VAS platform to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve the agility and competitiveness in the market. Lynx is the unified VAS consolidation platform from 6D technologies. This comprehensive solution combines multiple VAS enabler applications into a single, highly optimized system. To learn more about this VAS consolidation platform, please visit https://www.6dtechnologies.com/products-solutions/vas-consolidation

#unified VAS platform #VAS consolidation platforms

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jtargaryen18 · 5 years ago

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The Shape of My Heart

Chapter 30

Warnings: Violence, Threesome, Smut, Angst, Explicit Sexual Content, Jealousy, Polyamory, Blow Jobs, Oral Sex, Double Penetration, Anal Sex, Voyeurism, Stucky, Spanking

A/N: One of my resolutions in 2020 is to finish this story. It’s on AO3 but I thought I’d bring it here to pull me back into it. I’ll be posting new chapters when I get to that point on both platforms.

This is not a dark fic and there’s an OC instead of a reader.

I do not consent to have my work hosted on any third party app or site. If you are seeing this fanfiction anywhere but archiveofourown, tumblr or fanfiction.net, it has been reposted without my permission.

~~~

While Bucky had been so happy when Tony had consolidated their apartments and he'd moved in with his Steve and his Chris. Having them next to him at night kept the nightmare visions from his past at bay mostly. In their arms, he found rest, peace.

His past was currently the least of his problems.

He and Steve had gotten up at dawn as they normally did, leaving a sleeping Chris in the center of their bed. Steve usually had to drag him away because she looked so beautiful, so soft laying there tangled in the sheets that he just wanted to crawl back into bed with her. He wanted to wrap himself around her until she began to stir and then wake her completely up the most sensual way he knew how.

Now she looked so tired. The shadows beneath her eyes weren't getting better. Normally at night, she went between being Bucky's little spoon to wrapping herself around Steve when he stretched out on his back. Now when she came to bed, normally only an hour or two before their run, their girl was so exhausted she didn't move in her sleep – and not in a good way.

"You okay?" Steve asked, rubbing the back of his neck as he stopped behind him.

"I'm okay," Bucky didn't like the sad note in his own voice.

Steve blew out a sigh but didn't say anything. His blue eyes were clouded by his own worries when his gaze met Bucky's.

"You ready?" Steve asked.

It had been like that for days. As usual, they went for their run, barely talking until Sam came up and got them both going as only Sam could. Sam tactfully found ways to bring up Chris without asking how she was. He'd even offered to talk to her as a counselor, as he had for the VA, if they ever wanted or needed him to.

Bucky was giving it some thought.

Steve cared too but Bucky was concerned about him for different reasons. Reasons he was guessing Steve wasn't sharing with him or Chris. There was a mission coming up soon and though Bucky didn't know many of the details yet, he assumed they'd all be going. Only he had no plans whatsoever to leave Chris there without one of them so long as Ross was still milling around. Ross had been conspicuously absent from the compound since Siberia, but Bucky knew it was only a matter of time before he came around again.

Chris had survived his attempt to get rid of her. She knew Ross was responsible for what happened to her and for the lives of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents he'd cost. But they couldn't just go after him, guns blazing.

Taking down Ross, because of the station he'd attained, required having stone-cold proof that he had been the one responsible. And he'd covered his tracks very well. Tony, Nat, and Fury all three had been working behind the scenes trying to find anything to implicate Ross in the entire affair but so far hadn't had any luck.

That left things in a mess.

Steve didn't say much but Bucky knew it was eating at him. More than a couple of times at the lockers or when Steve thought he was alone, he'd ask FRIDAY for a status on Chris. Making sure he knew where and how she was. When they were all together Steve acted as he normally did. Bucky knew he was hoping with time, Chris would snap out of the melancholy that had taken hold of her after the kidnapping.

Chris would stop work when they made it back each day and they all had dinner together. Steve had been teaching her little things about cooking which brought Chris out of herself for short periods of time, so he kept it up. Then they'd watch TV together.

Intimacy was unpredictable now. To the point that he and Steve would often grab a shower together before dinner, getting each other off quickly so they'd be ready for however the evening went, so they could be patient with their girl and not frustrated. If Chris initiated things, they went from there, giving her whatever she wanted and needed. A couple of times she'd told them she had work left to do for Tony and retreated to her cave. He and Steve had ended up making out, heading for the bedroom with the understanding that Chris could join in any time. They always wanted her. And she did eventually follow them back, but just as an observer, gently kissing Bucky and holding him as Steve solidly fucked him.

Most of the time, she went back to bed with them to watch TV and sometime after they'd fallen asleep, she'd get back up, go back to her cave and stay there for hours.

And that was the part that scared Bucky. Chris could be doing anything in there and he wouldn't know. Chris was right up there with Stark when it came to technology. She was formidable enough that when the identity the FBI had established for her was compromised, some of the most powerful deviants in the world were after her. As far as he was concerned, Chris was capable of a lot.

He knew she was after Ross and his ultimate fear was that she would do something that would result in them losing her.

"Cap, Tony and Fury are asking for you," Sam came and got them as they walked back to the compound from their run.

Steve's expression told him that he knew what the meeting was about, and it wasn't good. "I'll catch up," Steve told him.

Bucky nodded. He could go to the gym. But he decided then and there he was going back up to their place instead, maybe sleep in a little while with Chris because that was what his heart wanted.

Heading straight for the bathroom to shower when he got there, he was startled to find Chris there, sitting on the edge of the tub, sobbing.

"Baby?"

He'd startled her, she wasn't expecting to see him, and he pulled her into his arms as he joined her there. She felt cold, sitting there in one of Steve's shirts and her panties. An open box of feminine products was tipped over in the floor between her and the toilet and he realized what was going on.

Smoothing his hands up and down her back, he pressed kisses into her hair. "Does it hurt?" he whispered. "I can get you something for the pain."

Chris didn't answer just held onto him tighter.

"I need to clean up," he whispered. "How about I take you back to bed, get a shower, and I'll come get back in bed with you. Would that be okay?"

Her head tipped up at that, the hope in her gray eyes had his heart squeezing in his chest. Chris nodded.

Bucky had her situated in bed with a glass of water and some of the painkillers she had left from Dr. Cho. He showered and was back with the efficiency of a SWAT team, pulling her against him and letting her get comfortable as he stretched out.

"Feeling better?" he whispered as she laid her head on his chest.

"The cramps are really bad." She sniffled. "It's my first cycle since…"

It hadn't occurred to him until then that it had been about six weeks since the kidnapping and the miscarriage.

"Helen said she'd work with me on something for… birth control… I need to call her I guess but…"

The tone of her voice and the way she lightly trembled against him had him thinking.

"Is that what you want, Chris?"

Lifting her head, her gaze met with his. "What do you mean?"

Someone in their apartment needed to talk about it. She and Steve never did.

"Do you want to go back on birth control? Or did you want to…"

The misery he read in her eyes broke his heart a little. With his flesh hand, he brushed her hair back from her face and waited for her to form an answer.

Bucky shook his head. She was just like Steve. She wanted something but was so afraid of inconveniencing anyone else, like she wasn't allowed to want something for herself. Sometimes they both drove him crazy.

Bucky tipped up her chin when she tried to look away. "Chris, do you want a baby?"

She hadn't expected him to ask that. He could tell.

And that's when the tears returned. "I don't know," she whispered miserably.

Sitting up with her, Bucky pulled her onto his lap, letting her cry it out and wishing with everything he had he could take the pain for her.

When she finally pulled back to gaze up at him, he watched her struggle with whatever she was trying to say.

"Bucky, I think… I do want one… a baby but…"

Was it wrong that his heart was flying at those words? Having a child that was theirs was something he could envision, something he was starting to really hope for.

"But?" he prompted gently.

"What if… I guess it would wise to resolve everything with… with Ross first," she reasoned slowly.

Bucky nodded thinking that statement could be taken one of two ways. Either she meant she was afraid of being pregnant and taking a chance that Ross could get his hands on her again.

Or she meant she couldn't be pregnant because of what she might be planning to do with Ross and the consequences from that…

Surely, Chris wasn't thinking that way.

"He won't ever get near you again, doll, I promise," Bucky tried to assure her. "If you want a baby, we'll have one. Stevie and I? We'll take care of you. Ross will never be anywhere near you or him. Or her."

Chris smiled through her tears at his words and shook her head. "It's not that," she whispered.

"It's not what?" Bucky wanted to know.

Chris shook her head, dropped her gaze. He cupped her cheek with his hand, guided her to look at him again.

"Chris, promise me you're not planning anything," he pleaded. "Promise me you're not going to try and move on Ross by yourself. Please. Baby, I can't –"

Chris pulled away from him, he let her and she jumped out of the bed. She ran one hand over her face, the other pressed to her abdomen as the fast movement had hurt her.

"Bucky," she said through her tears. "I love you. I love Steve. But I can't promise you that I'm going to sit on the sidelines and let everyone fight my battles for me."

He was off the bed and in front of her in the next beat.

"Chris," he lightly gripped her shoulders, "that's exactly what needs to happen when it comes to Ross."

Chris glared up at him. "Why? You think I can't take him on?"

Bucky shook his head, afraid of how determined she was. "No, I'm all too afraid that you can, baby. But Ross is in a position of power. He's not some thug you've fucked with in some other country for the FBI. It's going to take time and the right approach to bring him down. I know you can do it. But it would kill me and Steve to see you hurt or killed or locked away because of that asshole."

The anger faded from her expression as she considered his words.

"Not only that," he went on calmly. "When's the last time you slept more than three or four hours, huh? You don't sleep. You don't eat much. You never leave the apartment even though Ross hasn't been here since before…"

Her gaze dropped, she nodded.

"Let this go, doll," he begged her. "Let us deal with it. We'll get him for you. Steve's as set on exposing the bastard for what he is as you are. You know that. You could get back into doing all the techie stuff you and Stark do. We could have a baby if you wanted. We're all together now, let's enjoy this."

Chris sank down onto the edge of the bed, swiping away tears. Bucky knelt in front of her, not willing to end the conversation until he felt she understood where he was coming from. And he was confident he could help her understand. She wasn't quite as stubborn as Steve…

"And if Ross hurts any of you?" Chris said through her tears.

Bucky shook his head. "Not going to happen, doll baby."

"You can't promise that." She was right. "And I… What? Am I supposed to just let you, you two, the Avengers, just… this is all I am now?"

At that moment, Bucky understood more. Chris was missing being a valuable FBI agent, a member of a team, who could take care of herself. He got that.

"Chris, for now, yes, I'm asking you to trust us. To lean on us. I think sometimes you forget that the reason you are here is on us. Maybe it's our fault and we should handle Ross for you. I know that's what's in Steve's head."

Her gaze narrowed on him. "That's what's eating Steve? He thinks all of this is your fault? The two of you?"

Bucky shook his head. "No. In his mind, it's his fault."

"Seriously?" Chris shook her head. "I should have known. Jesus, we're a mess right now, huh?"

"We don't have to be, doll."

With that, he scooped her up because she was shivering, and situated her back in the bed with him next to her.

"Just think about what I said, okay?" Bucky pressed a kiss to her lips. "Let's get a couple more hours of sleep. You could use it. I'll stick around today."

Chris gazed up at him, running a hand through his hair. "I look that bad, huh?"

"You look beautiful, doll baby. But you need to sleep. For me?"

Snuggling up to him, she was asleep in minutes as he caught up on the news.

She'd left Bucky with a lot to think about and he wasn't able to go back to sleep after all. He just stayed and watched over her.

***

Steve wasn't in the best mood after Tony and Natasha's latest attempt at getting anything on Ross turned up empty. A mission was coming soon, not involving Ross, but he was going to have to make a decision he didn't like when the time came. They really needed all hands on deck for it, the situation was likely to be that bad. He knew Bucky would refuse to go and leave Chris alone. And he agreed with that. He didn't want her to be there without one of them either. But he really needed Bucky too.

After weeks of Chris recovering from the kidnapping and assault, Steve had been about to lose hope that things would turn around and get back to something like normal.

After HYDRA had been revealed inside S.H.I.E.L.D, he'd found Bucky back but for the longest time, he didn't really have Bucky back. Not until Chris came along.

Chris not only gave his first love back to him, but she'd loved him too, just as he'd asked her to try and do. And they'd all been happy for a time.

Until Ross had literally plucked her out of their lives to punish him. Ross had given her to an animal and Steve was only grateful that things hadn't been worse. It had been bad enough that he'd beaten her so badly, caused her to lose a child. The depression she'd slid into since concerned him.

The one thing it had done was bring out every protective instinct Bucky had and that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. He was so focused on Chris and her well-being that he almost seemed, at times, the Bucky Barnes that he'd known in childhood, the one who'd saved his scrawny ass on several occasions.

A few days ago, Buck had disappeared from the gym, and he found him back in their apartment, in bed with their girl and unapologetic. Steve hadn't said anything. He was grateful he'd held his tongue because, since that morning, things had been a little better. He couldn't put his finger on how. Chris was spending less time in her cave. She even worked in her office next to Tony's the day before and he was half-hoping she'd do so again today.

Steve had almost been jealous of how stuck together she'd been with Bucky since that morning, their quiet conversations seemed to fade when he got close. But just last night, he was stretched out on the couch watching a football game. Chris came and just stretched out in front of him, curling up like a cat and falling asleep against his chest. Any jealousy he might have had disappeared after that. He just needed to know she needed him too. She did.

He'd just wrapped his hands up and was heading up to the gym to go a few rounds with the punching bag. It'd always been a way he could let off steam which lately was getting to be pretty often.

Steve was surprised when he reached the gym to see Natasha sparring with Chris.

They hadn't noticed him, at least he didn't think Chris had anyway, and he just watched. Chris wasn't bad at all. If she could put on a little weight, she'd do better he mentally noted. She was outmatched by Nat who was throwing her around aggressively, but it seemed to be what Chris was looking for. And Chris was patient as Natasha would stop and explain a sequence of moves to her and correct her technique.

He didn't realize he'd headed in the direction until Nat looked up, smirking at him. "Hey, Rogers. Come to supervise?"

Steve shook his head. "No. You're doing just fine. Keep doing what you're doing, and I'll spar with her."

Nat's brows shot up, but she didn't argue.

Chris stood panting and gazing up at him with a look that he took to mean really? He could hear her say it in his head and he grinned.

"Hey, Sweetheart," he told her, throwing off the boxing gloves, pulling off the tape job. "Is that okay with you?"

She hesitated but slowly those gray eyes lifted to meet his and she nodded.

Together he and Nat put her through a pretty rigorous session. She'd impressed him with her patience and her eagerness to learn. Her demeanor appealed to the teacher in him, had him going over techniques and moves right along with Nat.

"I've got to go," Nat said reaching down to check her phone at the edge of the mat. "Tony," she added meaningfully.

Steve hoped with everything in him that they had something.

"You want to keep going?" he asked as they watched Nat dash out.

Chris grinned. "For a little while, yeah."

Steve focused on helping her use her size to her advantage and she was an eager student. They went a few rounds until he noticed she was tiring, not hitting with the same power.

He helped her up, smiling at her. "You feel okay?"

Chris nodded. "Yeah, this was good. I need to get back into running, training. I'd like to do this more."

"You feel like Nat and I helped you?"

Chris nodded, grinned. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me, Sweetheart," he told her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and steering her towards the dressing rooms. "We can do this every day I'm in the compound if you want to."

"So you're going to improve my fighting skills and teach me to cook?" He loved the bit of mischief in her big gray eyes at that. "Buck might start getting jealous."

"I wish," Steve told her with a wink. "He'll catch on to this soon enough and then he's going to tell you how to cheat when you spar with me."

She laughed at that. He'd really missed that sound.

"He could beat you?"

"Yes," Steve told her honestly. "He beat the hell out of me on one of the helicarriers when the Triskelion fell."

"I'll bet you weren't trying to fight him," Chris said as they walked.

She wasn't wrong.

"Buck's been beating my ass and saving it since we were kids," he explained. "Yeah, he could probably beat me most days."

Chris blew out an exhale. "I forget. Once upon a time, I guess you weren't a lot bigger than I am, huh?"

He stopped, his gaze moving over her. "I was your height. I maybe had ten pounds on you."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"So that's how you're able to tell me how to go up against someone like you are now?"

"Pretty much."

"I want to get better at this," Chris said with feeling.

Steve nodded. "Maybe one day you won't have to hide anymore. You can get back out there. I know I'd feel better with you trained by us."

Chris grinned at him bashfully. "I'll never be Avenger level but… I don't know what's in my future as far as a career. I do miss the Bureau but life here is pretty good too. Nothing like thinking you're going to lose everything or die to make you take a good look at what you have. I have quite a bit, Steve. I'm grateful. For you, for Bucky. For Tony and everyone here. You should know that."

His heart was flying at her words. She thought she could be happy here? She was grateful for all of them? Steve wanted it to be true so bad.

"What?" she asked him, her gaze searching his. "You look… skeptical."

Steve dropped his head. "You mean all that?"

"Why would I say it if I didn't?"

"Because you don't want me to worry?"

"Granted, but… I do mean it, Steve. I've been doing a lot of thinking and…"

"Talking to Bucky about it," Steve threw in.

"See? I knew you were jealous of that," she told him, concern clouding her pretty face. "I just… I don't know how to…"

Steve took her face in his hand, made her focus on him. "Just say it, Chris. Put us both out of our misery here. Whatever it is, you can tell me."

"It's not that I could tell Bucky and not you," Chris began. "That's what he said but you and I lately… You've been worried about me and I've been worried about you, and I still am. I know what you're doing and that you're going after him. And I understand, and I love you for it. But I'm so afraid that something will happen to you because of this, Steve. With everything you've been through… I'm not worth this."

He pressed a finger to her lips. "You are to me. You are to Bucky. I don't think you understand just what having you in our lives has meant. I won't do anything to jeopardize that. I promise."

Chris blew out an exhale, stepping into his arms. He held her against his beating heart.

"Was that it?" Steve whispered. "Was that what you were worried about all this time?"

"Part of it."

He tried to pull back from her, but she held on tight, not moving her head from where it was pressed against his chest. She wasn't looking up at him.

Steve didn't know what else to do but wrap his arms around her again, smoothing his hands up and down her back.

Clint walked up the hall, nodded to him in greeting, but kept walking as they stood just outside the dressing rooms.

"What else, Sweetheart? Tell me," he said gently.

Even with his enhanced hearing, he barely heard her.

"Iwanttohaveababy."

Steve's heart sped up. Did she just say what he thought she said?

He couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. Bucky knew, and Steve knew just how happy he had to be about it. How had Bucky been able to keep that from him?

Steve had a couple of concerns like his and Bucky's line of work and the fact that he'd always imagined being married before he had kids. There were a few things to talk about, iron out.

But their girl wanted a baby…

"What was that?" Steve pried himself away enough to capture her chin and tip it up, so she'd look at him.

The color that flooded her face only had his smile widening.

"Steve," she said so quietly, "I want to have a baby."

He gazed down at her for a beat, everything that had been preying on his mind dissipating.

"Then let's do it, Sweetheart."

Steve fought back his own tears as he watched relief and happiness take over her expression.

"Really?"

"Really." Steve pulled her back into his arms, holding her close and not giving a damn who was walking up and down the hall by them right now. Her heart pounded as hard and fast as his did and for a moment, he was able to let so many things go.

He'd deal with the situation with Ross tomorrow. He wasn't going anywhere.

"I love you," she muttered against his chest.

"I love you." Steve pressed a kiss into her hair. "You working in the office today?"

"Yes," she told him.

"Then Buck and I will swing by and get you after work and we'll go have dinner," he told her. "Celebrate. Sound okay?"

Sam's whistle was low as he walked by in time to see Chris pull Steve down to her for a kiss that was equal parts passion and love.

@what-is-your-plan-today @jennmurawski13 @what-is-your-plan-today @badassbaker @caffiend-queen @disneylovingal @jeremyrennerfanxxxx123

#Stucky x oc #Steve Rogers x oc #Steve Rogers #Captain America #Bucky Barnes x OC #Bucky Barnes #The Winter Soldier #Avengers #MCU

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thefastmode · 3 years ago

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Ooredoo Palestine Deploys Telenity’s VAS Consolidation Platform https://bit.ly/3ssXSEp

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nisa7trainings · 3 years ago

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#ibmqradarsiemtraining #ibmqradarsiemonlinetraining #ibmqradarsiemonlinecourse #ibmqradarsiemcourse #ibmqradarsiemtutorial #ibmqradarsiemjobs #ibmqradarsiemcertification #ibmqradarsiemcorporatecourse #ibmqradarsiemexams #ibmqradarsiemexperts

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abe-garver-blog · 3 years ago

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Private Equity 101 for MSPs: New Platforms vs. Add-Ons

Over the past 18 months Abe Garver (FOCUS’ MSP Team Leader) has catapulted eight (8) MSPs into “New Platforms” for private equity groups (PEGs). Six (6) of the 8 run on ConnectWise’s RMM/PSA and two (2) of the 8 run on Datto’s Autotask RMM/PSA software

New Platform investments are the life blood of private equity, as they are viewed as the starting point for more acquisitions in the future. Conversely a strategic “Add-On” is designed to complement an existing platform business.

For New Platforms, PEGs have historically viewed each transaction as stand-alone. There are no synergies to consider, there is only a transaction with an investment rationale on how to grow the business and generate a targeted return. That rationale is the driver behind the deal, and it defines how the PEG will create value through things like capital infusions, operating partners and even future add-on acquisitions.

However, because of the limited supply of New Platform MSP assets (e.g. in the $2.5MM-$5.0MM EBITDA range), PEGs that want a New Platform are turning to M&A advisors like FOCUS’ MSP Team to find Merger of Equal targets to combine.

Combinations like Domain Computer Services and Tier One are especially appealing to PEGs when there is a:

1. Cultural 'fit'

2. Geographic 'fit'

3. Strategic 'fit' (e.g. cross-selling opportunities)

4. Financial 'fit' (e.g. pro-forma EBITDA of $2.5MM to $5.0MM)

5. Low integration risk (e.g. similar 'tech' stacks)

6. Leadership gap being filled

7. Inactive shareholder being taken out, and

8. Reduction of customer concentration

Interestingly Mr. Garver states that 4 of the 7 MSPs he advised in 2020 would not have been offered a New Platform investment had it not been for their use of M&A with IT Nation peers.

In Mr. Garver's opinion the trend is gaining momentum as 88% (7 of 8) MSPs he is advising on New Platform transactions in 2021 are also employing M&A with peers to increase their MSP’s marketability and valuation.

For Add-On acquisitions, PEGs frequently lean more on the expertise of its relevant portfolio company's management to determine the fit, synergies and strategic benefits of a transaction.

However Mr. Garver cautions that, ”On the buy side private equity groups show up for important first calls with their portfolio companies. This is especially important when offers involve rolling equity.”

For New Platforms without a strong track record of M&A, it is a disaster when PEGs won’t provide adequate support which I also experienced last year advising a New Platform on the buy side.

I advised Network Support Co. in its sale to Logically which is PE-backed by Riverside. Riverside did an incredibly efficient job of supporting Logically assess fit, synergies and strategic benefits of the transaction.

When talking to a PEG, try to understand what their investment case is. Why are they interested in your MSP? Are they planning to consolidate it with a Platform? What is their plan for helping the MSP grow?

For New Platforms, key questions PEGs focus on include:

1. How attractive is our industry from a total addressable market and compound average growth perspective (link)?

2. Does the target MSP have multiple avenues of growth?

3. How can we, as a financial sponsor, add value?

4. What is the path to generating an acceptable risk-adjusted return?

Mike McInerney, Director at Prospect Partners adds:

5. How many new customers / how much new business has the company added over time? In other words, what’s the pace of growth?

6. How does customer retention look?

7. Normalized cost structure – additions/subtractions to the existing P&L?

8. For add-ons, how do we integrate the businesses?

On the other hand, PEGs buying a MSP as an Add-On are much more focused on the strategic and financial benefits of adding an acquisition to an existing portfolio company. The strategic side is more clearly defined because the add-on is serving a more specific purpose (e.g. geographic expansion, new products, complementary customer base, economies of scale, etc.). Thus, the Add-On can be narrower in focus and growth potential.

For Add-On acquisitions, PEGs ask questions such as:

1. How does this acquisition support the platform company?

2. Does this make the two businesses more valuable together than separate and what are the tangible synergies?

3. How will this increase the overall return to investors and is this an acceptable return on capital?

MSP owners need to be aware of these differences in perspectives because they have a significant impact on how PEGs will view your business and what they are willing to pay. If you're an Add-on, you probably offer the PEG some synergies. If you are a New Platform, you probably need to prove your growth story more.

Where can you start?

1. Join a Peer Group (IT Nation Evolve Peer Groups by ConnectWise)

2. Email FOCUS’ MSP Team Leader, Abe Garver, or one of his references about their experience.

Abe Garver

Managing Director & MSP Team Leader

8065 Leesburg Pike, Suite 750

Vienna, VA 22182

Cell 646.620.6317 | Connect on LinkedIn

[email protected] | www.focusbankers.com/msp

Washington DC Metro | Atlanta | Los Angeles Metro |

#MSP #private equity #platform acquisition #add-on acquistion #abe garver #FOCUS Investment Banking MSP Team

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dailybuglenow · 4 years ago

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WEDNESDAY, 8 JULY 2024. EDITED BY J. JONAH JAMESON.

AMERICA’S FIRST FAMILY LEADS THE WAY!

Although responses to the newly created S.315, aka the Underage Superhuman Welfare Act have been decidedly mixed the first superheroes have finally stepped out in support. Fantastic Four members Dr. Reed Richards and Dr. Susan Storm-Richards announced that they not only believe in Kamala’s Law but have also registered their own children, Franklin Richards ( 16 ) and Valeria Richards ( 14 ) with Mister Fantastic set to sponsor Valeria while the Invisible Woman will register Franklin. This announcement may come as a surprise to some but analysts predicated it weeks ago due to the Fantastic Four’s history. Child Protective Services were called a few years back, according to government records, as it was believed that children could not be raised in a healthy and safe environment if superheroics are in the mix. It was ultimately decided that the Richard’s were fit to maintain custody of their children. Their current support of the Act shows a continued devotion to making the world a safe place for young heroes.

Psychologist and government agent Dr. Valerie Cooper pointed out that S.315 was not put in place to discourage underaged superheroes, only disruptive behavior. “During formative years it’s important for there to be structure and consistency. S.315 requires underage heroes to enter partnerships with established adult heroes who can provide advice and guidance.” By that definition it should be easy for people to take extra precautions to protect their children and set them up for success. Upon turning twenty-one sponsored heroes are able to become mentors themselves, therefore creating a positive cycle that shows sponsorship is not censorship.

“We want the world for our children,” the Invisible Woman said in a Fantastic Four press conference. “But we also remember the fear and struggle that can come with harnessing metahuman abilities. Our son has fantastical powers and with proper guidance we know he can do fantastic things. That’s why we support Kamala’s Law; it fosters potential. We’ve always been champions of positive change and hopefully, through this, a little bit more is passed onto our children.”

With the Fantastic Four now behind the Underage Superhuman Welfare Act more heroes are expected to step forward. So far none of Osborn’s American Avengers have been listed as potential sponsors but they are expected to be soon. Hero teams such as the Champions and the family of minors the Power Pack are expected to sign up for sponsorship soon or will face repercussions. As more and more time passes it seems as if President Osborn’s America may be here to stay. If the Fantastic Four leads the way we may very well end up in a world with supervised heroics. Hopefully this goes better than the last time.

— Christine Everhart, Daily Bugle News Senior Reporter

ROBBING THE C.R.A.D.L.E.: A CONTAINMENT OUTBREAK

Over the last three months the Child Hero Reconnaissance and Disruption Law Enforcement ( C.R.A.D.L.E. ) division of the government have rolled out raids and warranted visits to bring in underaged superheroes. As it stands, being a superhero under the age of twenty-one is not illegal as long as said hero has a government approved sponsor. The government has deigned Central VA Correctional Unit 13 in Virginia as the official C.R.A.D.L.E. Correctional Facility. “The goal is not long term residency,” C.R.AD.L.E. Captain Carolina Washington said in a statement after the announcement. “They’re not inmates. It’s a correctional facility in name but the point is to have a consolidated place to keep heroes safe while we process each case. After they comply they’re welcome to go home and continue making a positive difference.”

On May 25th C.R.A.D.L.E received an anonymous tip that the New Avengers would be having a meeting at the New Avengers Compound in Upstate New York. This tip came shortly after the Bugle received word that high school senior Peter Parker of Queens, NY was actually the masked hero known as Spider-man. Whether or not Parker was the reason C.R.A.D.L.E. was called to the Compound is unknown, but he was confirmed to be present. Please see our article by reporter Melita Garner on page 3 for more of Spider-man’s story. C.R.A.D.L.E. Captain Carolina Washington led the strike alongside America’s Avenger team-member Star, who was there to oversee the situation. Upon arriving they received pushback from Katherine Pryde ( Red Queen ), Sam Wilson ( Captain America ) and Carol Danvers ( Captain Marvel ) the operatives were able to take seven underaged heroes into custody. Parker managed to evade arrest alongside Illyana Rasputina ( Magik ) and Nathan Summers ( Cable ). The addition of the May 25th raid brought the total of arrested minors to seventeen total in the Correctional Facility.

Surprisingly, among those taken into custody was Xandra Neramani, daughter of the deceased Shi’ar Empress Lilandra Neramani and famed mutant leader and humanitarian Charles Xavier. The arrival of the Shi’ar in March revealed that the galactic empire had chosen to allow a fifteen year old to act as their Majestrix due to her Neramani royal blood. She has been supported by Shi’ar Grand Council and former Majestrix Kallark ( Gladiator ). The Shi’ar are known for complicated family relationships, and it was her Aunt turned guardian Cal’syee Neramani ( Deathbird ) who handled the incident. Empress Neramani’s action as a minor on American soil conflict with her diplomatic status, but she was released the following morning to Deathbird’s care and the elder Shi’ar made reassurances that the Empire took no offense and that Empress Neramani’s position is an understandably delicate one. Xandra is the only arrested minor to be released and the rest were booked that night.

On June 15th there was a disturbance at the Correctional Facility when a group disguised as guards broke in. Security cameras have positively identified them as Avenger’s Hawkeye ( Barton ), Hawkeye ( Bishop ), Spider-man ( Parker ) and Spider-Woman ( Drew ). Also present were mutants Angel ( Worthington III ), Cable ( Summers ), Cyclops ( Summers ), Gambit ( LeBeau ), Hellion ( Keller ), Kid Omega ( Quire ), Illyana Rasputina ( Magik ) and Polaris ( Lorna Dane ).

No guards were killed during the break-in and injuries were minor. They managed to break into special holdings and free seven minors. Some of these youth were deemed a danger to themselves and others. Take for example, eighteen year old Lana Baumgartner, aka Bombshell. Baumgartner and her mother, Lori, were booked a decade back for robbery and the eight year old was sent to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Maximum Security Facility for Mutants. A child criminal with mutant terrorist charges, Baumgartner was deemed a victim of poor parental influence and given a parole that meant she was prohibited from using her abilities until the age of twenty-one. The revelation that she has been working with the Champions means she has broken her parole and is legally required to stay at the Facilities until she can be tried again. Cases like this show why C.R.A.D.L.E. is important. Some kids are caught up in things bigger than themselves but others make conscious decisions to do wrong and need to be held accountable.

C.R.A.D.L.E. is currently working to reprehend those who escaped. Jurisdiction remains complicated in mutant cases due to the fact that while they now claim Krakoa citizenship most were born in the States and operate here. The same goes for Terrigen fueled Nuhumans, but like Krakoa’s Quiet Council the Inhumans Queen Amaquelin has remained firm that her people - who are also Americans - should be allowed to live freely as both.

If you see an underaged superhero, please call the C.R.A.D.L.E. Hotline to report them. A list of sponsored heroes is available on C.R.A.D.L.E.’s webpage along with information on those who have warrants out for them. Like the government has said, this is for the good of underaged heroes. You’re helping both them and the country you live in.

— Sally Floyd, Daily Bugle News Senior Reporter

THE CABAL THAT ISN’T A CABAL AT ALL, OR, POWER PLAYS

Cabal, noun: a secret political clique or faction. Normally, the point of a cabal would be to stay true to its definition and remain out of the public eye but news broke back in late April that President Norman Osborn was assembling his own with an impressive array of world leaders in a new sign of unity and development. Shortly after the leak Oscorp’s new spokeswoman Lily Hollister confirmed that the Cabal was real and would function similar to the now defunct multiversal Illuminati of heroes that had consisted of heroes such as Doctor Strange, Namor, Black Bolt and others. According to Hollister, the Cabal was never meant to be secret but treaties and alliances had yet to be secured.

Now made public, the ‘Cabal’ name has stuck but the group is being touted as a sign of unity and progress. Representatives hail from across the galaxy and are compromised of groups that normally would not be seen working together. Of course, there’s been a fair amount of discourse stemming from the proximity and relationship that each member has with the leader of their populous. I was provided information on each member from Ms. Hollister with permission to reprint it here.

Representing Latveria is world leader Victor Von Doom ( Doctor Doom ). Doom is the current leader of Latveria but used to be at odds with the Fantastic Four. His participation on the Cabal is one of the least surprising. Representing the United States is Dr. Valerie Cooper, Special Assistant to the President's National Security Adviser. Dr. Cooper has been instrumental on setting up S.315 and overseeing President Osborn’s new programs and initiative. Part of Dr. Cooper’s platform, however, is the danger of mutants and how superhumans can be harmful to the country, which leads some to be uneasy about having her as a representative.

Representing Asgardia is Loki Laufayson, the adopted brother of Avenger Thor Odinson. Laufayson is infamous for attempting to take over New York through the force of the Chitauri during The Battle of New York in 2012. Although apparently redeemed, there were rumors that he was murdered by Thanos in 2018. Laufayson’s blatant disregard for human life and safety is not something most want to associate the United States with. Laufayson is also acting as a diplomat for Asgardia, but he was not appointed by their King nor does she support him. The only statement that the Valkyrie would make is that “he is a snake, both literally and figuratively.” Because of this it would appear that Laufayson’s words hold no power in the country is supposed to be representing.

In a similar position is the representative of New Attilan, Maximus Boltagon. Boltagon is the brother of former King Black Bolt and is known for his madness and attempts to seize the Inhuman throne. When Black Bolt and his wife, Medusalith Amaquelin, stepped away from the throne it was Amaquelin’s sister Crystalia Amaquelin who took over as Queen, effectively passing Maximus over. This comes across as another power play by Boltagon to claim the Inhuman throne. Queen Amaquelin emphasized the fact that the Inhumans have a Royal Diplomatic Party and Boltagon’s participation on the Cabal is not reflective of their stance. Queen Amaquelin’s cousin isn’t the only Cabal threat to rule over the Inhuman people though.

Representing the Kree Nation is Ronan the Accuser. Queen Amaquelin made waves with her brief marriage to Pietro Maximoff, twin of the New Avenger Wanda Maximoff, and their daughter marked the first and only mutant-Inhuman born ( the inhomosuperior ). Maximus Boltagon announced recently after Amaquelin’s blowback on his Cabal participation that, “My darling cousin is, to put it simply, upset and distempered. She feels insecure about her position but with the stress of running our nation - which has nearly been run into the ground - it seemed fitting that I slip into the Cabal’s shoes. Of course, I know there is the additional possibility that she is unable to look outside of her own past emotions and consider her people due to the participation of Ronan. Oh, yes. That’s right. It’s not commonly known but Crystal and Ronan did wed once upon a time. While it did to work out in the traditional sense it was never annulled and likely the reason why she fails to live up to her duties.” A royal representative did not deny the claims that Queen Amaquelin and Ronan had wed but said it was for the sake of alliances and had no continued contact, nor did his presence impact the Queen’s ability to rule. Maximus, who has been admittedly unstable in the past, is currently listed as working against his people although the Cabal does not denounce his actions and the Accuser has only commented on the state of the Kree and not his marital status.

As mentioned in Sally Floyd’s front page article, Cal’syee Neramani, the Shi’ar known as Deathbird, arrived on Earth with her niece Empress Xandra Neramani. The representative for the Shi’ar was announced to be Deathbird, though, instead of the young Majestrix or former Majestrix Gladiator ( Kallark ) who had ruled after the death of Xandra’s mother, former Empress Lilandra Neramani. Deathbird and her younger sister had often gone head to head after Deathbird was exiled for matricide but still wished to claim the throne. During her banishment Gladiator became a prominent leader until Xandra’s existence was discovered. The teenaged Empress had been living with an attendant of her mother and her father, Charles Xavier, had not known of her birth. Because the Shi’ar believe a Neramani should sit on the throne Xandra was selected as Majestrix over Deathbird, who took on the role of advisor. Following Deathbird’s participation on the Cabal and Empress Neramani’s arrest by C.R.A.D.L.E. it looks as if there are cracks in the Shi’ar ruling infrastructure. “Xandra is our Majestrix,” Gladiator told the Times. “I serve the throne and she is the one who by blood and title deserves to sit there. Deathbird’s actions have been nothing short of treacherous and while that kind of behavior was endured by Lilandra it should not be by her daughter. We will not tolerate the behavior of Cal’syee. Any stances from the Shi’ar will come from the Grand Council. As for the Empresses arrest, we are currently working with the nation of Krakoa to look into the disrespect.” Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and it seems there may be one too many under it in the Shi’ar nation.

The most intriguing of the representatives is that of Krakoa’s, however. It came as a surprise to most that the mutant nation would get involved as they have been pushing their sovereignty and independence. Emma Frost, the White Queen, was announced as the Krakoa representative and brought with her connections to their very exclusive Hellfire Trading Company, the most recent iteration of the Hellfire Club. Frost’s participation with the Cabal allowed previously denied access to Krakoa’s drugs and medications and the Island stayed mostly silent about her involvement, although inside sources say their Quiet Council was far from pleased. A group of New Avengers and mutants crashed a Cabal meeting last month and Frost was seen getting into an altercation with Katherine Pryde, the X-Men formerly known as Shadowcat who has since become the Red Queen in Frost’s club. The incident involved Pryde apparently breaking Frost’s nose and rendering her unconscious before she was carried out by former flame and partner Scott Summers. In the week following the Hellfire Trading Company released a statement that, “While Emma Frost believed she was acting in Krakoa’s best interest it has since been decided that that is not true. Krakoa wishes to have no ties to President Osborn’s Cabal and the Hellfire Trading Company will no longer dispense petals through it. All trading will resume on the same international level as before. Both Ms Frost and Katherine Pryde are fine, their disagreement a very tiny part of their impressive friendship and partnership.”

It seems that from multiple sides the Cabal may be crumbling. The Shi’ar are actively petitioning to have Deathbird removed and Asgardia and New Attilan have made it clear their supposed diplomats do not represent them. The resignation of Emma Frost marks a vacancy in mutant representation but Krakoa is making no moves to fill it. This old reporter has always had his hunches, some of them right and some of them wrong. Power hungry people working together can either lead to two things: domination or a fracturing with the potential to go very, very badly. Sometimes you say ‘only time will tell’, but in this day and age there’s an ever pervasive feeling that we don’t have all that much time before things go wrong.

— Ben Urich, Daily Bugle News Senior Reporter

PETER PARKER: THE WANTED WEBHEAD UMASKED

Peter Parker is Spider-man! As you may have read in my May 25th expose, the Daily Bugle received a hot tip that a photo had been taken of Spider-man maskless. I’m sorry to report to those who are crushing on our spandex clad wall crawler that Spider-man is actually just a seventeen year old from Forest Hills in Queens, NY. Photos of the teenager in costume were sent to our publication and after verification posted a digital article update on the situation. This comes as a surprise to most, including the Bugle, as the Midtown School of Science and Technology worked as a photography intern for us over the course of the last year and was the inaugural recipient of the Stark Internship in 2015. Due to Tony Stark’s work as Iron Man it is likely that the deceased hero knew of Parker’s identity. His Internship now seems like an elaborate cover-up to aid him in dangerous activity instead of a real accomplishment. Bugle Editor J. Jonah Jameson sent out a press release that, “Spider-man is dangerous. Always has been, always will be. The Bugle was not aware of our connection to this deceitful young individual and we renounce any ties to him moving forward. It’s a shame. A real, crying shame.”

Another connection to Parker is Captain George Stacy, a respected member of the NYPD. It was confirmed by Parker’s classmates that for the last few months he had been seeing Gwendolyn Stacy, the Captain’s daughter. Although there’s been no word of how serious the relationship is Captain Stacy has announced that the NYPD will be monitoring the graduations of Standard High were Gwen and President Osborn’s son Harry go and Midtown School of Science and Technology for the safety of Parker’s classmates. “Leave my daughter out of this.” Captain Stacy ordered. “Gwen was just as in the dark as everyone else. Her personal choices are not yours to judge, and if she learns anything about Peter Parker’s whereabouts it will be reported.” Similarly, the White House issued a statement as Harry Osborn is a known childhood friend of Peter Parker’s. Secretary Henry Gyrich went on record saying, “Mr. Osborn believes, like his father, that America comes first. He is glad that a potential danger has been exposed and hopes Mr. Parker will do the right thing, turn himself in and register soon. The Osborn family will be issuing as no more further statements on the matter as President Osborn has a country to run and Harry needs to focus on preparing for his next stage of life.”

From what we have been able to gather, almost no one knew Parker was Spider-man. We have reached out to his best friend, Ned Leeds, and ex-girlfriend and classmate Michelle Jones for comments but have been advised by the Leed’s family that Ned will not be commenting. So far we have not made contact with Jones aunt, Anna Watson. Calls have been made to Parker’s legal guardian. May Reilly-Parker, but she has left her Queens residency and been moved to the New Avengers Compound. It is not known if Parker is with her and the Avengers are aiding a fugitive. You can expect to hear updates as soon as they are released.

— Melita Garner, Daily Bugle News Junior Reporter

IN OTHER NEWS:

June marks graduation season, and the Daily Bugle would like to congratulate this years group of seniors, many of which were victims of the Cleanse. For recognition, Midtown School of Science and Technology submitted senior valedictorians Elizabeth Brant and Michelle Jones. Their original submission included senior Peter Parker for his work with the Stark Internship, but have requested that his name be removed following the recent revelation of his double life as Spider-man. Standard High would like to recognize senior valedictorian Gwendolyn Stacy, daughter of New York Police Captain George Stacy. Also coming out of Midtown is Harry Osborn, our country’s first son and the only child of President Norman Osborn. The Bugle congratulates this years graduates and wishes them happy, successful futures.

July 4th marked what would have been the 106th birthday of American hero Steve Rogers. Although our favorite Captain America ( sorry Sam Wilson! ) may have passed away back in 2023 following the fight against Thanos we will always remember the sacrifices he made for this country. Thank you for your service, Cap. We miss you.

High school student Kamala Khan remains in critical condition in an undisclosed hospital in New Jersey. Her parents have said that while Khan has made a lot of progress there’s still a long way to go. The former Champion and hero known as Ms. Marvel who is believed to be partially responsible is still wanted for questioning and considered at large.

#all #dark reign #cradle #ben urich #melita garner #christine everheart #sally floyd #daily buzz

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digitalsolutionsfortelecos · 1 year ago

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Digital BSS Platforms: Redefining Telecom for CSPs in the Digital Age

In the rapidly evolving digital era, the swift pace of technological progress has rendered older Business Support Systems (BSS) less adaptable. This presents a significant challenge for telecom companies striving to keep pace with dynamic market requirements. Furthermore, these legacy BSS solutions are frequently isolated in their operations, resulting in inefficiencies and inconsistent customer experiences. The cost associated with maintaining and upgrading these aging systems can also encumber telecom companies, constraining their capacity to invest in innovative technologies and services. This calls for a need to invest in novel digital BSS solutions. A telecom digital BSS platform can help CSPs maximize return in the 5G era.

Need for becoming a techno

Becoming a Techco in the telecom industry entails a transformative shift from the traditional telco business model to one centered around technology. This evolution aligns telecom companies more closely with customer preferences, product development, and an iterative approach to building products, akin to modern internet companies. The paramount goal is to foster innovation and enhance customer experiences by seamlessly integrating telecom offerings into customers' lifestyles.

A telecom digital BSS platform can assist CSPs boost revenues by tapping into new industry use cases, meeting enterprise demands, or even venturing into uncharted territories with digital brands to broaden their market reach. Inclusion of these ambitions in business objectives marks the initial stage of a telco's transformation into a genuine Techco.

Why do CSPs need digital BSS solutions?

In the landscape of CSPs, the emergence of 5G stands as a paramount catalyst driving substantial transformations in Business Support Systems (BSS). Historically, BSS frameworks were meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of earlier generations of telecom networks. However, the advent of 5G has ushered in an era marked by soaring demands for services such as the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, and edge computing.

To put it simply, the traditional BSS systems, rooted in legacy technologies, may find themselves ill-equipped to efficiently monetize the copious volumes of data generated by 5G networks and associated devices. This incapacity could lead to critical latency issues and unacceptable delays—outcomes that various industries simply cannot afford in an age defined by real-time connectivity and responsiveness.

Advanced digital business support system - need of the hour

An advanced digital BSS platform enables operators to capitalize on the data network by offering creative, tailored services, enhancing subscribers' digital experiences. With the advent of 5G, CSPs face the challenge of adapting to new business models and dynamic usage scenarios without costly backend code modifications. A centralized product catalog integrated into a BSS platform allows companies to quickly adapt to network advancements and changing demands, helping CSPs navigate 5G complexities and seize emerging market opportunities.

Digital BSS for telecom Migration to Cloud Solutions

The telecom sector is gradually migrating BSS to cloud-based solutions, which offers telecom businesses cost savings and increased flexibility. The objective is not to completely overhaul existing IT systems and begin from scratch, instead aiming to supplement them with next-generation technology in a staged strategy that ensures smooth business continuity.

A modern digital business support system improves organizational productivity and cost effectiveness, particularly in crucial areas like handling orders, post-sales, and service assurance. Cloud technology's widespread acceptance provides CSPs with a feasible, scalable, and adaptive alternative for optimizing their operations.

A telecom digital BSS platform is more than just software; it enables business transformation for CSPs. In a rapidly changing telecom landscape, digital BSS provides the agility, innovation, and customer-centricity that CSPs need to thrive. From enhancing customer experience to protecting revenue and driving operational efficiency, the impact of digital BSS solutions is significant. As we move deeper into the 5G era and witness the continued growth of IoT, CSPs that embrace digital BSS for telecom will be better positioned to lead and succeed in the digital age.

Interested in learning more about Canvas, a digital BSS platform from 6D Technologies?

Please visit https://www.6dtechnologies.com/products-solutions/digital-bss-solutions

#telecom IoT platform #unified VAS consolidation solution

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onlinemarketinghelp · 5 years ago

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Figure Student Loan Refinancing Review https://ift.tt/2C7wXnJ

Figure is the newest student loan refinancing lender. They were previously known for being a leader in online mortgage and home equity lending, and they have taken their awesome online application technology and applied it to student loan refinancing.

They make it really easy to refinance your student loan - keeping the process online and funding your new loan extremely quickly. They also offer competitive rates and terms - so they should be on your list of lenders to compare.

Check out the full list of the best places for student loan refinancing. And learn more about Figure below in our Figure student loan refinancing review.

Quick Summary

Newest student loan refinancing lender

100% online and paperless application process

Competitive rates and terms, with only fixed rate loans

Get Started

Figure Student Loans Details

Product Name

Figure Student Loan Refinancing

Min Loan Amount

$5,000

Max Loan Amount

$250,000

APR

3.49% to 6.99% APR

Rate Type

Fixed

Loan Terms

5, 7, 10, 15, 20 Year

Promotions

None

Quick Navigation

Figure Student Loan Refinancing

Rates And Terms

Loan Amounts

Restrictions

Final Thoughts

Figure Student Loan Refinancing

Figure is the newest student loan refinancing lender. The company, Figure, is known for their online only HELOC and mortgage process. They are now taking that same concept to student loan refinancing.

Figure allows people to refinance or consolidate a single student loan or multiple student loans. Read this first: The Ultimate Guide To Student Loan Consolidation.

They offer competitive fixed rate loans, with an online only application process that takes just minutes to complete. They also offer quick funding times on your loan one you're approved.

Rates And Terms

One of the best things about Figure is that they offer extremely competitive fixed rate loans. Most lenders offer their best rates for variable rate loans. But Figure only offers fixed rate loans (similar to First Republic). However, unlike First Republic, they offer a much larger footprint of where you can get a loan from them.

They are currently offering the following rates:

Fixed Rate: 3.49% to 6.99% APR (with autopay discount of 0.25%)

They offer loans with the following term lengths: 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 years.

While they don't offer different repayment programs, they do offer generous benefits compared to other lenders.

They offer a hardship deferment for up to 12 months. They also are one of the few private lenders that offer death and disability discharge.

Borrowers can also get a deferment if they are in the military and deployed, or if they go back to school.

Loan Amounts

Figure doesn't offer the highest loan amounts. They currently limit borrowing to $250,000 - which may work for most borrowers, but could restrict certain professions like medicine.

They do have a minimum loan amount of $5,000.

With the loans, they don't charge any origination fees or prepayment penalties. That means that you can always be shopping around and refinancing if you can get a better rate.

Also, unlike other lenders, they don't charge a late fee or NSF fee.

Restrictions

Figure does have a few restrictions that borrowers need to be aware of.

The biggest is that they are simply not available in every state. They are currently not available in: AK, DE, HI, IN, MD, MS, NV, OH, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, and WI. However, they said they plan to be available in every state in the near future.

The second restriction is that Figure doesn't allow cosigners at this time. Many borrowers who are looking to refinance don't need a cosigner, but some will need one. Figure isn't the lender for you in that case. You might want to look at other lenders such as Earnest.

Final Thoughts

Figure shows a lot of promise in the student loan refinancing space. I especially love the fixed rate loans and competitive rates and loan terms. I would definitely add Figure to my list of lenders to shop and compare when refinancing my student loans.

However, Figure isn't everywhere yet, and they don't offer the full range of loan types you may need. As such, I still recommend you compare other lenders. Check out Credible to easily shop multiple lenders in one place. Plus, College Investor readers can get up to a $750 gift card bonus if you refinance through their platform. Shop and compare here.

Check out Figure and see if it makes sense for you. It only takes minutes to apply >>

The post Figure Student Loan Refinancing Review appeared first on The College Investor.

from The College Investor

Check out the full list of the best places for student loan refinancing. And learn more about Figure below in our Figure student loan refinancing review.

Quick Summary

Newest student loan refinancing lender

100% online and paperless application process

Competitive rates and terms, with only fixed rate loans

Get Started

Figure Student Loans Details

Product Name

Figure Student Loan Refinancing

Min Loan Amount

$5,000

Max Loan Amount

$250,000

APR

3.49% to 6.99% APR

Rate Type

Fixed

Loan Terms

5, 7, 10, 15, 20 Year

Promotions

None

Quick Navigation

Figure Student Loan Refinancing

Rates And Terms

Loan Amounts

Restrictions

Final Thoughts

Figure Student Loan Refinancing

Figure allows people to refinance or consolidate a single student loan or multiple student loans. Read this first: The Ultimate Guide To Student Loan Consolidation.

They offer competitive fixed rate loans, with an online only application process that takes just minutes to complete. They also offer quick funding times on your loan one you're approved.

Rates And Terms

They are currently offering the following rates:

Fixed Rate: 3.49% to 6.99% APR (with autopay discount of 0.25%)

They offer loans with the following term lengths: 5, 7, 10, 15, 20 years.

While they don't offer different repayment programs, they do offer generous benefits compared to other lenders.

They offer a hardship deferment for up to 12 months. They also are one of the few private lenders that offer death and disability discharge.

Borrowers can also get a deferment if they are in the military and deployed, or if they go back to school.

Loan Amounts

Figure doesn't offer the highest loan amounts. They currently limit borrowing to $250,000 - which may work for most borrowers, but could restrict certain professions like medicine.

They do have a minimum loan amount of $5,000.

With the loans, they don't charge any origination fees or prepayment penalties. That means that you can always be shopping around and refinancing if you can get a better rate.

Also, unlike other lenders, they don't charge a late fee or NSF fee.

Restrictions

Figure does have a few restrictions that borrowers need to be aware of.

Final Thoughts

Check out Figure and see if it makes sense for you. It only takes minutes to apply >>

The post Figure Student Loan Refinancing Review appeared first on The College Investor.

https://ift.tt/2CcU28l November 03, 2019 at 10:15AM https://ift.tt/2qcKmIz

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creditmonkey · 5 years ago

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Types of Loans

Whether you’re buying a new car, paying for college, or an unexpected expense leaves you in need of cash, there’s a loan for you. Loans can help you reach your financial goals, providing you with the capital you need to make big and small purchases when your means don’t quite match your needs. Banks, credit unions, and online lending platforms offer loans for a wide variety of financial needs. Read on to learn the basics about some of the most common types of loans.

Personal Loans

Most loans are created for super-specific purposes, but personal loansare the exception. Personal loans do have some common uses, though, outlined below: Debt consolidation: In some cases, a personal loan can be more advantageous than a credit card when your goal is consolidation, with significant savings on interest.Medical expenses: Unexpected doctor and vet expenses can be outrageously expensive, sometimes necessitating a loan to help with the cost.Events: Weddings and other major events lead some people to take out small personal loans.Vacations: Vacations are another common reason to take out a manageable personal loan.Taxes: When tax time rolls around and you find yourself owing money to Uncle Same, a personal loan can help you avoid the nasty fees of late payments.Home repairs: Extensive home updates lead many borrowers to pursue personal loans. Personal loans can be either unsecured or secured. In most cases, personal loans are unsecured, which means you don’t have to put forth collateral, like your car or investment accounts. With that in mind, the rates you get depend on factors like your credit score, income, and credit history. Traditionally, rates for unsecured loans are higher than secured ones as they pose a higher risk to the lender. You can get lower interest rates by using a cosigner, or even better rates by working to build your credit. While terms vary from lender to lender, personal loan amounts usually max out at $100,000 with term lengths between 1 and 10 years. Personal loans come with fixed rates, a fixed borrowing amount, and fixed repayment terms, so you know what to expect from day one. When you apply for personal loans, be sure to look out for origination fees and prepayment fees, the latter of which penalizes you for paying off your loan early. You can compare rates for personal loans with a platform like Lending Tree, which curates the best personal loan offers you’re eligible from top providers. All you need to do is answer a few quick questions about your finances and what type of personal loan you’re looking for, and you’ll be matched in minutes.

Student Loans

The next most common type of loan you’re bound to run into in life is the student loan. Going to college is fun and exciting, but paying for it isn’t. Scholarships and grants should be the first place you turn, but more often than not, these funds don’t cover the cost of tuition. Federal Student Loans The next place to turn is to federal loans. These loans offered by the US government come with low interest rates and flexible terms that benefit undergrad, graduate students, and parents alike. Some federal loans are even subsidized, which means they don’t accumulate interest while you’re enrolled in school. And Direct Loans, one of the most popular types of federal student loans, don’t require a credit check at all. The other main type of federal loan, the PLUS loan, does look at your credit, requiring you to have either a fair credit score or a cosigner. Both Direct and PLUS loans come with a grace period of 6 months after graduation, during which time you don’t have to make payments. They also come with income-driven repayment plans and deferment options in case you encounter a difficult financial situation and need to press pause on your payments. The only thing you need to do to apply for a federal student loan is to complete the FAFSA, short for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, each year. Private Student Loans If you still find yourself in need of more funding, private student loans are a worthwhile option. Unlike federal student loans, private loans are funded by banks, credit unions, and lenders who specialize in student loans. When you apply for a student loan, the lender will use your credit score, credit history, and income to determine your rates and the terms of your loan. Generally speaking, private student loans come with higher interest rates and less flexibility than federal loans. They’re also unsubsidized, meaning you’ll be responsible for paying the interest your loan racks up during school. However, depending on your credit score, you could get a private student loan with comparable rates to a PLUS loan. You can also refinance your student loans with a private lender, saving hundreds or thousands of dollars on interest. Start shopping with a student loan marketplace like Credible to see what rates you’re eligible for.

Auto Loans

Auto Loans can help provide the means for you to purchase a new or used car. Car loans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with each lender setting its own criteria for borrowers. In addition to looking into your credit score and income, many auto lenders have eligibility requirements for vehicles, especially for refinancing loans. Many car loan lenders require that a vehicle be no more than 8-10 years old, with varying mileage requirements. Auto loan terms usually fall anywhere from 24-84 months. Though your payments may be higher, it’s smart to opt for an auto loan with a shorter term. Otherwise, you might end up upside down on your loan, owing more than the car is worth. Before you sign off on a loan, consider your car’s value and how it might depreciate with time. Start by shopping for rates with a platform that only does a soft credit check with your initial application (keeping your credit score intact).

Mortgages

Your home is one of the most expensive purchases you’ll make, meaning a mortgage is one of the most crucial loans you’ll ever take out. A mortgage takes the cost of buying a home and spaces it out over the span of a few decades. Most mortgages range between 15 and 30 years, with a 30-year mortgage being the most popular option for borrowers. The shorter the term, the higher your payments will be. While a short-term’s payments might be manageable with, say, an auto loan on a $20,000 car, they’re a bit more difficult with a $300,000 home. The main types of mortgages are as follows: Traditional mortgage: Conventional home loans are offered by private mortgage lenders and backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They come with the highest credit score requirement at 620 for a fixed-rate loan.FHA loans: Offered to individuals struggling with their income and credit, these loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and come with a credit minimum of only 500 with a downpayment of 10% or higher.VA loans: VA loans are offered to members of the US military and come with zero downpayment requirements, no credit minimum across the board, and no mortgage insurance. Whatever mortgage you choose, play around with the terms of various home loans to see which one fits best into your finances, making sure you’ll be able to stay on top of payments.

Final Thoughts

Loans are often the keys that help us unlock our goals and secure our futures. Borrowing any of the types of loans above requires mindful shopping, consistent payments, and steadily improving and maintaining good credit. This list of loans is by no means all-encompassing. People take out business loans and other forms of financing regularly. However, these loans are the ones people are most likely to take out throughout their lives, warranting a closer look. Read the full article

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marcusflanagan · 4 years ago

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Accenture Federal Services Wins $341 Million Contract to Help the Department of Commerce Modernize and Consolidate Its Core Business Systems

ARLINGTON, Va.; June 15, 2020 – Accenture Federal Services (AFS), a subsidiary of Accenture (NYSE: ACN), has been awarded a $341 million contract to help the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) modernize its core business systems and data platform to centralize administrative functions and support real-time business decision making. The contract, under the DOC’s Business Applications Solution (BAS) program, will run for one base year, with 19 option years. source https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/accenture-federal-services-wins-341-million-contract-to-help-the-department-of-commerce-modernize-and-consolidate-its-core-business-systems.htm

#marcusflanaganaccenture #marcusflanagandubai #marcusflanaganuae #marcusflanaganabudhabi #marcu

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smartseo4you · 5 years ago

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Formatul electronic unic european de raportare financiară anuală - o nouă provocare pentru societăţile listate

New Post has been published on https://reporterliber.ro/formatul-electronic-unic-european-de-raportare-financiara-anuala-o-noua-provocare-pentru-societatile-listate/

Formatul electronic unic european de raportare financiară anuală - o nouă provocare pentru societăţile listate

Întreaga atenţie a actorilor economici şi sociali, publici sau privaţi, a fost acaparată în primele luni ale anului 2020 de situaţia fără precedent înregistrată la nivel global, pandemia provocată de noul coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). În acest context, societăţile listate au fost preocupate de închiderea exerciţiului financiar finalizat la 31 decembrie 2019 şi de impactul pe care pandemia de COVID-19 îl va avea asupra următoarelor raportări financiare. Deşi termenul de raportare privind situaţiile financiare pregătite pentru exerciţiul financiar încheiat la 31 decembrie 2019 a fost prelungit pana la data de 31 iulie 2020, majoritatea societăţilor listate au publicat deja situaţiile financiare şi se pregătesc pentru următoarea perioadă de raportare – raportarea interimară şi raportarea anuală de la 31 decembrie 2020.

• Noutăţi pentru următoarea perioadă de raportare: format electronic unic european pentru societăţile listate care pregătesc situaţii financiare consolidate

Pentru raportarea financiară consolidată, întocmită în conformitate cu Standardele Internaţionale de Raportare Financiară (IFRS), societăţile listate trebuie să aibă în vedere o nouă cerinţă de raportare în format electronic unic european (European Single Electronic Format – ESEF). Aceasta este inclusă încă din mai 2019 în Regulamentul delegat (EU) 2018/815 al Comisiei Europene, care vine în completarea Directivei privind Transparenţa (2004/109/CE) din 2013 în ceea ce priveşte standardele tehnice de reglementare privind specificarea unui format electronic unic de raportare.

• Ce presupune noul format electronic unic european?

Conform cadrului normativ european, societăţile listate trebui să îşi întocmească în totalitate rapoartele financiare anuale în formatul Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML). În plus, societăţile listate care pregătesc situaţii financiare consolidate trebuie sa ţină cont de faptul că acestea trebuie să fie marcate utilizând limbajul eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), conform taxonomiei IFRS – ESEF.

• Ce implică o raportare în format XBRL pentru viitoarele exerciţii financiare?

Pentru exerciţiile financiare care se vor încheia la 31 decembrie 2020, societăţile listate care pregătesc situaţii financiare consolidate întocmite în conformitate cu IFRS trebuie să raporteze în format XBRL o parte din cifrele şi informaţiile din situaţiile financiare anuale, precum poziţia financiară, profitul, pierderea şi alte elemente ale rezultatului global, modificări ale capitalurilor proprii, fluxurile de trezorerie din situaţiile financiare consolidate, denumirea entităţii raportoare sau alte mijloace de identificare, explicarea modificării denumirii entităţii raportoare sau a altor mijloace de identificare care au intervenit de la finalul perioadei precedente de raportare, domiciliul entităţii, forma juridică a entităţii, ţara de înregistrare, adresa sediului social al entităţii, locul principal de desfăşurare a activităţii, descrierea naturii operaţiunilor şi a principalelor activităţi ale entităţii, denumirea societăţii-mamă, denumirea societăţii-mamă a întregului grup.

Odată cu exerciţiile financiare care încep de la 1 ianuarie 2022, cerinţa se extinde asupra tuturor informaţiilor incluse în situaţiile financiare consolidate anuale.

Pe lângă creşterea transparenţei standardelor de raportare ale societăţilor listate pe pieţele reglementate ale Uniunii Europene, introducerea formatului unic de raportare financiară va face posibilă compararea datelor indiferent de limbă, structură şi format şi va permite investitorilor, autorităţilor publice şi emitenţilor să efectueze analize automate ale informaţiilor financiare.

• Recomandări practice

Raportarea în format XBRL va presupune folosirea unui software specializat, în concordanţă cu taxonomia IFRS-ESEF. Acest lucru va implica atât analiza variantelor pe care societatea le are la dispoziţie pentru a-şi asigura conformitatea, cât şi implicaţii de ordin bugetar pentru exerciţiul financiar următor.

Companiile vor putea opta pentru dezvoltarea internă a software-ului, dar vor fi nevoite să ţină cont atât de complexitatea cerinţelor pe care acesta trebuie să le îndeplinească, cât şi de costurile de implementare. Pe de altă parte, societăţile listate vor putea lua în calcul şi posibilitatea externalizării acestui proces sau posibilitatea achiziţionării unui astfel de software. În acest caz, este foarte importantă informarea şi realizarea unei analize din timp care să ajute la identificarea corectă a facilităţilor oferite de fiecare platformă în parte, precum şi a capacităţii acestora de integrarea, dacă se doreşte, cu alte sistemele de raportare ale societăţii.

Indiferent de varianta pe care compania o alege, un criteriu esenţial de care aceasta trebuie să ţină cont este conformitatea acestei platforme specializate cu taxonomia IFRS-ESEF. De asemenea, trebuie avut în vedere că aceste situaţii financiare raportate în format XBRL vor fi supuse cel mai probabil auditului, iar auditorul va trebuie să emită o opinie privind conformitatea acestor situaţii cu regulamentul şi taxonomia IFRS-ESEF.

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cathrynstreich · 5 years ago

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Trust. Tradition.

(Above) Homes.com President David Mele and SVP of Marketing and Sales Erin Ruane (center) join members of the team for a family photo in the company’s homebase, Norfolk, Va.)

Homes.com Keeps the Focus on Agents in Changing Times Editor’s Note: This is the cover story in the November issue of RISMedia’s Real Estate magazine. Subscribe today. At RISMedia’s CEO Exchange this past September, it didn’t take long for the conversation to turn to the threats facing today’s real estate professionals: consolidation, iBuyers, venture capital-backed competitors, technology supplanting agents, etc. The message was clear: The future is uncertain…who can you trust?

But then David Mele took the stage and delivered a different message, and a promise: “We believe consumers should always work with a licensed real estate professional…and we promise not to compete against you.”

Why Trust Matters Now More Than Ever According to Mele, president of Norfolk, Va.-based Homes.com, the time is ripe for this message. Because, while change has been discussed a lot over the past few years, it’s finally arrived.

“In the last year or two, there’s been some real disruption,” says Mele. “Real, impactful change is underway, and the brokerage is left to figure out, ‘Who can I partner with to grow my business? Who can I trust? Where do we have shared values and clear motives?’ Those things matter now more than ever.”

When it comes to choosing portal partners specifically, real estate professionals are now confronted with iBuyer programs, referral-based lead strategies and online brokerage models. Brokers and agents must decide to either get on board with these new programs or risk being left out altogether.

Mele believes that it’s dangerous new ground.

“We have some players in the industry who are pivoting from a partner posture to a competitive posture,” he says. “There’s a moat being dug around access to the consumer, and those players at the top of the funnel will control the pipeline. This could lock out agents and brokers. For a while, the industry was questioning which direction some of the large players would go in, but I think we’ve now gotten our answer.”

And it’s a direction Homes.com categorically rejects.

“Brokers and agents know that our motives and values align with theirs and, therefore, clearly see us as a partner,” explains Mele. “We don’t provide a platform that displaces agents to buy and sell homes. We are not a referral model. You can always get leads directly from us. We connect agents with buyers and sellers. We don’t compete with them.”

“We’ve always focused on keeping the agent and the broker front and center, connecting the consumer to the real estate professional,” echoes Homes.com Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales Erin Ruane. “For us, it’s always been about how we can help with this very infrequent, very stressful, very expensive transaction. When technology gets in the way of that tradition by disrupting the connection between the agent, the broker and the consumer, that’s when trust begins to erode.”

Respecting the Tradition of Building Relationships In an industry that sometimes gets caught up in trying to remain cutting edge, the role of tradition can get pushed aside. But in reality, tradition holds a very important place in the real estate transaction, and Homes.com continues to honor it accordingly.

“We believe that innovation and tradition actually go hand-in-hand,” explains Mele. “Tradition refers to the time-tested truths that should be respected, protected and preserved. At Homes.com, as we innovated and continued to evolve through the technology process, we honored those time-tested truths, the biggest one being that the consumer is best served when working with a licensed real estate professional. The tradition we honor is that there is an agent at the center of the transaction as a trusted advisor and guide to the consumer. That’s a big one for us.”

An agent-centric tradition has always been part of the Homes.com DNA, says Vice President of Industry Development Andy Woolley. “Our competitors are only interested in the top 10-20 percent of the agent population—they only want consumers reaching those agents,” he explains. “We’re not going to start picking and choosing which agents get access to potential deals and start trying to control the market. We’re respecting the tradition of this business. We’re going to be the marketing platform that connects agents and brokers with buyers and sellers.”

Technology That Delivers on the Promise To help deliver on its promise of connecting agents and brokers with consumers, a completely reimagined Homes.com was launched in mid-2018.

“Our new consumer search experience continues to keep brokers and agents front and center, and always part of the transaction,” says Mele. “We’ve streamlined the Homes.com site and the mobile app to remove the clutter and make it easy for consumers to search and save listings and connect with agents. The listing agent is always prominently displayed and always receives the consumer inquiry. And the buyer’s agent has the opportunity to present themselves at the time of interest through our Local Connect product.”

The recently reimagined Local Connect perfectly marries Homes.com’s focus on tradition and technology. The product connects agents with active buyers and sellers in their target market by zip code, and with the addition of Direct Connect, a consumer can immediately call an agent—and that call is an exclusive opportunity for the agent.

What’s more, listing agents always get a copy of inquiries, whether they’re paying for the listing or not. Their tagline says it all: “Your Listing. Your Lead. Your Commission. Always.”

“That’s the direct connection we provide between the consumer and the listing agent who has done the work to secure that listing,” says Ruane. “We believe it’s in the consumer’s best interest to have the listing agent clearly identified.”

As Mele explains, the Homes.com site is designed to create a fair playing field.

“Do you put a thumb on the scale for yourself, or do you commit to displaying the freshest listings regardless of deals or contracts? Today, you have to look at how leads are routed and how agents are allowed to participate,” he says. “We’re not attempting to pick the winner. Rather, we’re providing an open platform for agents and brokers to have access to consumers. We’re willing to trust agents and send them leads directly without screening or vetting or qualifying those leads. This twists against the prevailing referral model.”

Of course, Homes.com can confidently send leads directly to brokers and agents because their traffic is more targeted to begin with: More than 90 percent of consumers visiting Homes.com are actually in the process of searching for a home, far further down the funnel than the typical portal visitor.

“There’s a really important mantra that we hold to: bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to home search sites and traffic,” says Mele. “On Homes.com, we have a smaller audience, but a more efficient audience in terms of transaction-ready buyers and sellers. That translates into good ROI for agents and brokers.”

For agents who would like additional help following up on leads, however, Homes.com offers the Lead Concierge program. The call-screening service allows agents and brokerages to compete head-to-head with other portals when it comes to making contact first, thereby avoiding a potential 35-percent referral fee.

“We don’t force the consumer inquiry to go through the concierge service,” Ruane explains. “The agent has the right to choose.

“What we’re trying to facilitate is a long-term relationship between the consumer who needs help and the real estate professional who can help guide them throughout this journey,” adds Ruane. “We’re building a relationship of trust. The more we can facilitate that connection, the better we can position the agent to have a customer for life.”

Listing Data You Can Trust One of the biggest contributing factors to Homes.com’s reputation as a portal you can trust is the scope and quality of its listing data, a result of the company’s enterprise partnerships in the MLS and brokerage worlds. Woolley, in fact, has the distinguished honor of sitting on the board of directors for the Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS), the professional trade organization that serves to advance the MLS industry in North America, as a business partner director. According to Woolley, the success of any portal all starts with the listing.

“One hundred percent of the interaction the consumer has with our agents is driven through a listing,” explains Woolley, “and our primary and most reliable source of listing data is the MLS, which is the conduit to the brokerage. While the brokerages are in control of whether they participate, we get 85-90 percent broker adoption because they trust us. And they stay with us because we’re driving meaningful results.”

Homes.com displays more than 3 million active listings, almost 80 percent of which are sourced directly from MLSs and national franchise partners. Using the MLS as the primary source of data allows brokers and agents to easily and efficiently keep their listing data up to date through one central system, giving brokers complete control over where they want their listing data published.

Homes.com has developed this level of trust with the MLS and brokerage community by keeping its listing data pristine. Listings, which are updated frequently, clearly identify the listing source and date of the last update. Homes.com offers to send referral traffic back to the MLS or broker website, and does not force the listing agent and brokerage to register to display information on Homes.com.

“I’ll put us up against anybody when it comes to breadth of coverage and frequency of updates,” says Woolley. “Brokers know they’re going to be clearly represented, get the leads back and have meaningful engagement. Even though other portals may have an agreement with an MLS to receive data, it doesn’t mean they’re generating the share of broker participation that we’re generating; that could be because brokers don’t see them providing the results, or now, they may perceive those portals as a competitor.”

Through the Homes.com enterprise relationship with an MLS, brokers can display their listings for free on Homes.com, which then gives agents access to the Homes.com Connect dashboard where they can claim their free Homes.com profile. The profile advertises the agent on all of their listings, which includes all pertinent links and branding. Agents are also provided with the Homes.com Lead Management System to help turn leads into active customers.

“The entry-level experience with Homes.com is designed to keep the agent at the center of it all,” says Woolley. “We provide free advertising, free leads and a free dashboard as an introduction to the brand. We give people a lot of quality interaction and hope they decide to pay and expand their reach.”

Of course, the ultimate beneficiary of Homes.com’s partnerships with the MLS and brokerage communities is the consumer. “By securing our listings from the most trustworthy and reliable source, the MLS, as opposed to going piecemeal broker by broker, we have the ability to display listings on Homes.com from brokerages of all sizes. Otherwise, the 500 biggest brokerages would lock out the small guys who wouldn’t have the technical capacity to participate. Now, the consumer gets a realistic view of the market—they’re not just looking at listings provided by the big brokerages.”

A Continued Path of Connection According to Woolley, as the future unfolds, Homes.com will be able to more clearly delineate that its technology and business model is all about trust, tradition and partnering with brokers and agents.

“There’s a lot of effort underway at RESO (the Real Estate Standards Organization) to develop MLS data standards, and we’re on the precipice of seeing those efforts start to materialize, which will give companies like us the ability to provide meaningful metrics,” he explains. “Real estate professionals will be able to see where their marketing dollars are most productive. The only way our message of trust and tradition will resonate long-term is if we can simultaneously demonstrate that we also provide better results. That’s where we’re now heading because of data standards.”

In the meantime, the dedicated team at Homes.com will stay steadfast in its promise to the industry. “Our people are some of the most tenured, passionate, experienced people serving the real estate industry today,” says Ruane. “We will continue to build products and enhance our existing products. We will continue to build upon our core values and keep our promise to the industry front and center.”

And that promise is to keep real estate professionals where they belong: at the center of the transaction.

“There are efforts underway in this industry that could lead to the alienation of real estate agents,” says Mele. “But what we see is a future where technology doesn’t eliminate agents, it enables agents.”

For more information about Homes.com’s promise to the real estate industry, please visit homes.com/always.

Maria Patterson is RISMedia’s executive editor. Email her your real estate news ideas at [email protected].

The post Trust. Tradition. appeared first on RISMedia.

Trust. Tradition. published first on https://thegardenresidences.tumblr.com/

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chestnutpost · 6 years ago

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Comscore Announces Enhancements to its Board of Directors and Senior Management Team to Enable Next Phase of Growth

This post was originally published on this site

RESTON, Va., March 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Comscore, Inc. (“Comscore”) (Nasdaq: SCOR), a trusted partner for planning, transacting, and evaluating media across platforms, today announced the appointment of Irwin Gotlieb, Joanne Bradford and Kathi Love to its board of directors. Dale Fuller will serve as interim chief executive officer. The addition of these long-tenured media and technology executives is designed to accelerate the company’s next phase of growth and is effective April 1, 2019.

Board Enhancements

Mr. Gotlieb brings over 40 years of industry experience to Comscore’s board and is the first media agency executive inducted into both the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame and the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. Most recently, Mr. Gotlieb has been a senior advisor to WPP and was formerly the global chief executive officer and chairman of GroupM, the leading global media investment group representing the consolidated media capabilities of WPP.

Ms. Bradford has over 20 years of experience leading product marketing, business development and programming, as well as building global sales and marketing teams. She is currently Social Finance, Inc. (SoFi)’s chief marketing officer. Prior to joining SoFi she led global commercial and content partnerships, platform adoption and monetization efforts at Pinterest. Ms. Bradford has also held executive leadership positions at Yahoo!, Microsoft and BusinessWeek.

Ms. Love has over 30 years of industry experience in media and marketing research, strategic planning and business development. She served as president and CEO of GfK MRI for 13 years, during a volatile time in the media industry with the emergence of digital disruption. Ms. Love also founded Motherwell Resources LLC, a consulting and executive coaching firm, in which she is currently active. She previously held executive leadership positions at EMAP Petersen USA, The Magazine Media Association and The New York Times.

Brent Rosenthal, chairman of the board of directors, commented, “We believe today’s appointments will serve to credentialize our strategy, improve our customer traction, accelerate our growth and drive long-term shareholder value. We are thrilled to have Irwin, Joanne and Kathi join our team and further enrich our board with diverse skillsets from the digital, media and technology marketplaces. Each of these executives has demonstrated entrepreneurial talent and enjoys a proven track-record of success within our industry.”

Irwin Gotlieb said, “I’m honored to join Comscore, the unique and differentiated platform, to pioneer the changing media landscape. I believe Comscore’s scale, expertise and customer relationships will be the foundation for a dynamic, multi-platform media marketplace. I have aligned myself directly with shareholders based on what I believe is a once in a lifetime market opportunity, and I look forward to working with Dale and the team to reinvigorate company growth and increase shareholder value.”

Senior Management Changes

Dale Fuller, currently a director, was named interim chief executive officer following the resignation of Bryan Wiener, who is also stepping down from the board of directors effective today. Comscore’s nominating and governance committee has initiated a search to identify a permanent chief executive officer and will consider external and internal candidates.

Dale Fuller has served as a director since March 2018 and as chair of Comscore’s audit committee since April of the same year. He possesses extensive hands-on operational experience working in director and executive capacities across a wide range of companies, including Apple Computer, McAfee, Inc., and Symantec Corp., among others.

Rosenthal continued, “Dale, together with the board, has made meaningful contributions to our operating strategy. As Dale works more closely with our dedicated employees and board, we believe he will optimize our operations and accelerate our path to profitability. We thank Bryan for his contributions over the past year and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Dale Fuller concluded, “I am excited to lead Comscore at such a dynamic time in our industry. We are uniquely positioned to become the modern currency in an evolving media ecosystem based on our unique data assets, differentiated data analytics, and strong brand equity. I look forward to working with our talented team to advance our mission of helping grow businesses in the cross-platform era.”

The board also announced that Sarah Hofstetter, president, will be resigning from the company. The company has no immediate plans to fill her position.

Preliminary First Quarter 2019 Revenue

Based on preliminary results, the company also announced today that first quarter 2019 revenue is expected to be between $100 million and $104 million.

Comscore expects to announce its first quarter 2019 earnings results in the first half of May, at which time the company will host a conference call to discuss its results and provide a progress report on the company’s long-term vision and growth strategy.

About Comscore Comscore (Nasdaq: SCOR) is a trusted partner for planning, transacting and evaluating media across platforms. With a data footprint that combines digital, linear TV, over-the-top and theatrical viewership intelligence with advanced audience insights, Comscore allows media buyers and sellers to quantify their multiscreen behavior and make business decisions with confidence. A proven leader in measuring digital and set-top box audiences and advertising at scale, Comscore is the industry’s emerging, third-party source for reliable and comprehensive cross-platform measurement.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal and state securities laws, including, without limitation, Comscore’s expectations, forecasts, plans and opinions regarding company leadership, future growth and profitability, customer engagement, market opportunities and market position, increases in shareholder value, our ability to execute on strategic, financial and operational plans in 2019 and beyond, our search for a permanent chief executive officer, our estimate of first quarter 2019 revenue, and our plan for reporting final first quarter 2019 financial results and progress. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events to differ materially from expectations, including, but not limited to, Comscore’s ability to achieve its expected strategic, financial and operational plans. For additional discussion of risk factors, please refer to Comscore’s respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings that Comscore makes from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available on the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov).

Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made. Comscore does not intend or undertake, and expressly disclaims, any duty or obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or new information after the date of this press release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

SOURCE Comscore

Related Links

www.comscore.com

The post Comscore Announces Enhancements to its Board of Directors and Senior Management Team to Enable Next Phase of Growth appeared first on The Chestnut Post.

from The Chestnut Post https://thechestnutpost.com/news/comscore-announces-enhancements-to-its-board-of-directors-and-senior-management-team-to-enable-next-phase-of-growth/

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digitalsolutionsfortelecos · 10 months ago

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6D Technologies to Exhibit Its Top Products at MWC Barcelona 2024

6D Technologies announced its participation in MWC Barcelona from 26th Feb to 29th Feb, 2024. The company will exhibit its AI-driven technology products for telcos and CSPs.

6D Technologies is a well-known global leader in the telecom and enterprise solution provider industry. The company has delightedly announced its participation as one of the exhibitors at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024.

As per the shared details, the participation details of 6D Technologies are as below:

Booth No: Stand 2D40 in Hall 2

Venue: Fira Gran Via, Barcelona

Dates: February 26 to February 29, 2024

6D Technologies will showcase its innovative products that are empowered with AI technology to make a difference in the lives of communication service providers, small and large scale telcos, and other companies operating in the telecommunication industry.

The spokesperson of the company announced a brief of all products to be exhibited at MWC Barcelona 2024.

Telecom Digital BSS Platform

Canvas is a complete digital BSS suite that modernizes business support operations and digitizes legacy networks. This platform encompasses advanced modules such as a telecom CRM system, online charging system, billing mediation platform, order management solution, partner management system, unified product catalog management, and more.

Intelligent Customer Value Management Platform

Magik is an AI-powered CVM and big data analytics platform that harnesses the power of AI, ML, and big data to predict customer behavior to devise personalized customer engagement and value management plans. It consists of key modules like campaign management, telecom loyalty programs, gamification software in telecommunication, BI reporting, and more.

Sales and Distribution Platform

Ventas is a full fledged telecom sales and distribution suite that is developed to track and manage the efficiency and accuracy of sales representatives of CSPs. It encompasses futuristic modules like PoS management, inventory management, geo business visibility, telecom channel partner management, field force management, digital onboarding, telecom commission management, and more.

Telecom IoT Platform

Infinity is a popular IoT solution for telcos that blends the perfect power of the Internet of Things and AI to increase advantages for CSPs and telcos. Certainly, it helps in increasing monetization options for telcos with its cutting-edge technologies and efficient modules like M2M device management, URL filtering, IoT connectivity management, IoT middleware, and more.

Telecom Digital Financial Platform

Aureus is an all-inclusive AI packed digital financial suite for companies operating in the telecommunication industry. It is developed on multichannel principles and it provides access to some really powerful tools like a mobile wallet, merchant management, agency banking solution, conversational banking system, voucher management solution, automated chargeback management solution, and more.

Unified VAS platform

Lynx is a renowned unified VAS consolidation and network management platform that blends an array of functionalities and apps within a single platform for telcos. It provides a robust platform and a range of empowering solutions such as SMS and signaling firewall, network solutions, SMSC, SMS gateway, USSD gateway, CRBT, SDP, WSMS, and many more.

About MWC Barcelona 2024

Mobile World Congress (MWC) is renowned as the ultimate event for global mobile connectivity and telecommunication professionals. MWC Barcelona 2024 will spotlight six key themes: 5G and Beyond, Connecting Everything, Humanising AI, Manufacturing DX, Game Changers, and Our Digital DNA. This event will showcase leading brands amidst cutting-edge technologies, compelling content, and influential keynotes. It claims to promise insightful keynote sessions, inspiration, and impactful business deals, bringing decision-makers and keynotes to the forefront of the global mobile industry.

About 6D Technologies

6D Technologies secures the top place as one of the leading providers of the best technology products to the mobile and telecommunication industry. It specializes in telecommunications solutions, digital transformation, and AI driven products that bring revolutionary changes for telcos, network operators, CSPs, and more. The representatives of 6D Technologies will participate in the upcoming event, MWC Barcelona 2024 to exhibit their flagship products. To learn more about participation of 6D Technologies at MWC 2024, please visit https://www.6dtechnologies.com/press-release/mobile-world-congress/

#digital financial suite

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prexly-blog · 6 years ago

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Aireon Signs Data Integration and Automation MOU with Atech

Atech to seamlessly integrate Aireon space-based ADS-B data into its SAGITARIO system MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 6, 2018 /Prexly/ -- Aireon announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Atech Negocios em Tecnologias S/A, a company of the Embraer Group, and leading developer and provider of Air Traffic Control (ATC) automation platforms. This MOU begins the evaluation stage for Atech's incorporation of Aireon's space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) air traffic surveillance data into the SAGITARIO system, developed by Atech, in partnership with Brazil's Department of Airspace Control (DECEA). Responsible for all the development and modernization of air traffic control and air defense systems in Brazil, Atech continues to work on ways to modernize air traffic control in Brazil. SAGITARIO is operational in 5 Area Control Centers (ACCs) - Brasília, Curitiba, Recife, Amazonas and Atlantico - and in several Approach Control Centers (APPs), among them those of São Paulo, Brasília, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, Recife, Belém, Campo Grande, Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro. SAGITARIO provides complete air traffic control, gate-to-gate from origin to destination airport for DECEA. -- "Remaining ahead of the curve, integration and implementation is critical for us at this stage of the game, and we are thrilled to be working with a world leader in the ATM automation space," said Cyriel Kronenburg, Vice President of Aviation Services, Aireon. "By working with Atech, we will be able to create a 'plug-and-play' data source, with seamless data flow and integration for Brazil, helping simplify the integration process at the customer level, which is a key component of our success." "The agreement with Aireon will enable Atech to adapt its systems to handle space-based ADS-B data, expanding SAGITARIO´s competence to perform a more integrated and complete airspace surveillance, enhancing safety and optimizing operations of ANPS air traffic control centers", said Delfim Miyamaru, ATM Director of Atech Negocios em Tecnologias S/A, a company of the Embraer Group. Working with leading ATM automation and integration partners, like Atech, is a major step forward in simplifying the deployment of Aireon's space-based ADS-B data to ANSPs around the world. In addition to providing oceanic coverage, the Aireon system is ideal for countries with vast amounts of remote terrain, where deploying ground-based radar and ADS-B infrastructure can be both costly and impractical. As a space-based asset, the Aireon system helps provide a solution to this problem, making reliable and real-time air traffic surveillance available to every ANSP, regardless of location, type of terrain and size of the airspace. About Aireon LLC Aireon is deploying a space-based air traffic surveillance system for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft throughout the entire globe. The company will harness next-generation aviation surveillance technologies that are currently ground-based and, for the first time ever, extend their reach globally to significantly improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce emissions and provide cost savings benefits to all stakeholders. Real-time ADS-B surveillance will cover oceanic, polar and remote regions, as well as augment existing ground-based systems that are limited to terrestrial airspace. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, like NAV CANADA, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Enav, NATS and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon will provide a global, real-time, space-based air traffic surveillance system to all aviation stakeholders. For more information about Aireon, please visit www.aireon.com. About Atech Atech is responsible for the evolution of systems that control almost 100% of Brazilian airspace, as well as being part of the few companies in the world capable of implementing, providing and integrating this type of solution with own technology. Consolidated in the ATM market, Atech brings together total business knowledge and skills built up over years of experience to provide a complete suite of solutions for managing and controlling airspace, from landing to landing, safely, efficiently and optimally. Press Contact: Jessie Hillenbrand Aireon +1 (703) 287-7452 [email protected] SOURCE Aireon Related Links http://www.aireon.com Read the full article

#aireon #atech #googlenews #news #newsrelease #press #pressrelease

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demikbrayus · 7 years ago

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Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders for 2018

Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move if you do it the right way. You can tap into your home equity, get a lower interest rate, or even shorten your loan term. All of these are great outcomes for you and your wallet.

But here’s something that’s not so great: Picking the wrong lender.

This one major mistake can potentially cost you tons of money in closing costs, hidden fees, and high interest rates.

You can avoid that by learning just a little bit about what to expect throughout the refinance process and how to find the right lender. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, and also give you some suggestions for the big decision.

How to Pick a Mortgage Refinance Lender

When you decide to refinance your mortgage, picking the right lender is vital in achieving your financial goals.

Different lenders structure refinance loans in different ways, whether you want to minimize the cash you need to close or want to lower your monthly payments — or a combination of the two.

The first thing to look at is what kind of refinance loans the lender offers. For example, if you’re looking for a government-backed refinance that has lower credit requirements than a conventional loan, look for a lender offering FHA refinance loans.

Alternatively, you may want to refinance into a shorter loan term than the standard 30-year mortgage. Check for a lender with multiple loan term options, such as 10, 15, or 20-year mortgages, so you can compare rates and payments and pick the best one.

As with any kind of loan, you also want to shop around for rates. Not every lender automatically offers the same interest rate or APR. You’ll also want to compare closing costs as part of the evaluation process. You need to know both your upfront costs and long-term costs in terms of interest.

Another question to ask is whether or not a lender can roll your closing costs into the loan itself if you want to minimize the amount of cash you want to bring to the table.

There are a lot of different ways you can tackle a mortgage refinance. That’s why picking the right lender can make a huge difference. They can help you understand the pros and cons of different options so you can make the right choice.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for specific numbers, and definitely talk to a few different lenders to get an idea of their recommendations and refinance process.

The Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders of 2018

How do you start the search for the best mortgage refinance lender? We’ve compiled a list of the top 13. Read through our short reviews to get an idea of what kind of products each one offers and how their process works. It’s a great resource for narrowing down your list of refinance lenders to consider.

LendingTree

LendingTree offers a ton of benefits when it comes to refinancing your mortgage. First, the online process is extremely easy and can even get you a rate quote in under three minutes.

LendingTree isn’t a direct lender and instead matches you up with multiple loan offers with lenders so you can compare your options.

Here’s why that’s so helpful.

It makes LendingTree’s refinance options much more robust than many other online lenders. For example, you can convert an adjustable rate mortgage into a fixed rate or refinance your FHA or even VA loan. You can also cash out home equity as part of your refinance or choose from multiple loan terms.

If you’re still in the information-gathering stage of your refinance journey, LendingTree’s website has tons of useful resources. Play around with numbers to check out difference scenarios using tools like their refinance calculator and cost estimator.

Visit LendingTree

Lenda

Lenda is a direct lender that is really helping to redefine the online refinance process. The user experience is quick, not to mention completely digital, making it extremely easy and convenient to upload your documentation during the refinance process.

There are also a lot of refinance options available through Lenda, particularly for an online mortgage lender. You can use your refinance to:

Cash out on home equity

Lower your rate or term

Switch to a fixed rate mortgage

Remove private mortgage insurance

Get a different type of home loan

Buy out a co-owner

Another unique feature from Lenda is its suggestion engine. Once you’ve requested a preapproval, you’ll see comparisons of different refinance options. There’s also a suggestion engine that tells you if there’s anything you can do to qualify for a lower rate.

Definitely a leader in the online mortgage space, Lenda offers compelling perks for refinancing your home loan.

Visit Lenda

Rocket Mortgage

Another driving force in the online refinance marketplace is Rocket Mortgage, which is part of Quicken Loans. The application process is extremely easy and can be completed entirely online. You can pick your goal for your refinance to help Rocket tailor your loan offers.

You can even link your financials and property information so that you don’t have to manually gather and upload all of the documentation. In fact, 98% of financial institutions in the U.S. can be imported for both your bank statements and investment assets.

Rocket also allows you not only to browse different refinance options, but also customize them. You can choose from traditional mortgage product, FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans as well as fixed or adjustable rates.

For a truly customer-centric experience that’s completely based online, Rocket Mortgage is certainly worth exploring.

Visit Rocket Mortgage

Loan Depot

Loan Depot is a lender that values — and earns — customer loyalty. This is evident by their refinancing lifetime guarantee. Once you refinance with the one time, any subsequent refinances will come with waived lender fees and reimbursed home appraisals.

It’s also a great choice for people who like a person-to-person connection. You can call Loan Depot at any time to talk directly to a loan officer. This can be especially helpful for a refinance because there are a lot of different reasons for refinancing, and many ways to do it.

After defining your goals, Loan Depot lets you choose from both fixed rate and adjustable rate loans. There are also offering available for jumbo loans and government loans, which can be useful for a lot of people.

Loan Depot is definitely committed to customer satisfaction and backs it up with extensive refinance products.

Visit Loan Depot

Chase

You don’t need to be a bank member to refinance your mortgage with Chase. And if you prefer to work with a traditional bank over a strictly online lender or matching website, then Chase is a strong choice.

Start the refinance process online by choosing one of two goals: lowering your monthly payment or cashing out on your home equity. From there, you can get started on the prequalification form. Be prepared to enter information on your current property and your finances.

If you ever have a question before or during the refinance application process, you can either call or connect with a home lending advisor in person in one of 28 states.

There are plenty of refinance options available through Chase, including jumbo, FHA, VA, and HARP loans.

Visit Chase

Carrington Mortgage Services

Carrington begins the refinance process by asking you to select one of four goals:

Lowering your interest rate

Lowering your payments or consolidating debt

Remodeling your home

Getting cash out

From there you can access in-depth advice on using a mortgage refinance to achieve that particular goal. You can then fill out a contact form to have a loan officer get in touch with you. Alternatively, you can call Carrington anytime between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.

If you like a lot of personal care and attention throughout the mortgage refinance process, you’ll appreciate Carrington. Their mortgage professionals walk with you every step of the way to ensure you have a speedy and successful closing.

Visit Carrington Mortgage Services

Guaranteed Rate

This major lender has offices in each state (plus the District of Columbia) but also lets you get started using its Digital Mortgage platform.

In addition to multiple forms of contact for applying, Guaranteed Rate also has plenty of resources to make sure your decision is an educated one.

For example, their online downloadable, Time to Refinance? The Five Most Important Questions to Answer is fantastic in walking you through all the available scenarios and figuring out which one benefits you most.

It comes as no surprise then, that Guaranteed Rate consistently receives stellar customer reviews with a satisfaction rate above 95%.

Whether you want a completely online refinance experience or a more personal one, Guaranteed Rate delivers.

Visit Guaranteed Rate

Bank of America

One of the biggest banks out there, Bank of America puts its resources to good use by creating a comprehensive and easy online user experience.

From start to finish, you can zip through your mortgage refinance application by uploading all of your supporting documentation and e-signing with a touch of your finger.

Plus, Bank of America practically has a complete offering of refinance products, including fixed rate loans, ARMs, jumbo loans, FHA loans, and VA loans. B of A’s interactive website also makes it easy to get a rough estimate of current interest rates. All you have to do is type in your zip code and desired loan amount and you can see where refinance rates start for a variety of mortgage types.

If you already bank with B of A and are a Preferred Rewards member, you may also be eligible for a reduction of your mortgage origination fee anywhere between $200 and $600.

Visit Bank of America

New American Funding

Another direct lender, New American Funding simplifies the online refinance process. Get started by choosing the type of property you want to refinance. You can choose from:

Single family home

Condo

Townhouse

Multi-unit

Other

You’ll then answer a series of questions about your personal information, including the existing loan amount and your credit type.

Afterward, you’ll get a quote estimate on the type of refinance loan you could potentially receive from New American Funding. You can also call their 800-number at anytime to talk with a loan officer.

According to New American Funding, the average refinance saves their customers about $360 per month. So they’re definitely worth checking out, especially if your goal is to lower your monthly payment amount.

Visit New American Funding

SunTrust

SunTrust is a major financial institution in the U.S. and its online resources really shows it. You can live chat with a representative or check out their Resource Center for tons of helpful information, tools, and calculator.

Plus, SunTrust’s refinancing options provide you with multiple options to help you achieve your goals. For example, you can trade closing costs for a higher interest rate if you want to save your upfront cash. Their team of experts can help you assess the best choices to meet your needs.

The average refinance customer also saves $314 per month on their payment amount. You can also take advantage of SunTrust’s comprehensive online refinancing platform called SmartGUIDE. It takes you step by step through guided questions, then you can choose to either import or upload your required documentation.

It’s easy and you get the support of a financial powerhouse.

Visit SunTrust

First Internet Bank

True to its name, First Internet Bank makes it easy to apply for a refinance online. The website also offers an easy customizable form so you can see what kind of rate you can qualify for.

It only takes a few minutes to complete and requires just basic information on your property and credit score.

When you’re ready to apply, you only have to go through a series of simple steps online to complete the process.

Choose your loan program

Submit your application online

Lock in your interest rate

Get your application processed and validated

Order your appraisal and title search

Provide required documentation

Get your approval and close on your new home loan

Another convenient feature that First Internet Bank offers is a list of current rates that are updated daily. It’s broken down by loan type and is a great way to start your refinance research.

Visit First Internet Bank

SoFi

SoFi started off as a student loan refinance company and has recently branched out to mortgage refinancing as well. One of the key advantages here is that they go beyond the traditional credit score and base your qualification on high-tech algorithms using a variety of criteria.

In addition to the typical refinance and cash out refinance options, SoFi also offers a refinance product specific to paying off your student loan debt. You could end up lowering your monthly mortgage payment on top of getting rid of your student loan payments.

SoFi lets you check your prequalification for a refinance in just two minutes without affecting your credit score. You can usually close on your new loan within 30 days and you don’t have to pay any lender origination fees.

A final bonus? If you have an existing SoFi loan, you can qualify for an additional 0.125% rate discount on your mortgage refinance.

Visit SoFi

When to Refinance a Mortgage

Now that you know some of the best mortgage refinance lenders out there, make sure you’re refinancing for the right reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons to refinance your mortgage.

Lower Your Monthly Payments

It’s entirely possible to refinance in order to lower your monthly payment amount. To save money over the life of your loan, you could refinance into a lower interest rate if rates have dropped since you got your loan. Or if your credit has improved, you might be able to qualify for a lower rate as well.

If you’re having trouble making your monthly payments, you could also consider refinancing into a longer loan term, which spreads out your existing loan amount over more years.

So if you’ve been paying your mortgage for 10 years on a 30-year loan, you could stretch out the existing 20 years over another 30-year period. This should be done under caution depending on how much financial trouble you’re in and what kind of retirement plans you have.

Cash Out Your Home Equity

If you have equity in your home – at least 20% – you could potentially qualify for a cash-out refinance. This allows you to get a lump sum of money and then add that amount to your existing loan. Usually, you can borrow up to 80% of your equity.

Let’s take a look at an example.

Say your home is valued at $200,000 and your mortgage is down to $150,000. That leaves you with $50,000 in home equity. The bank will let you borrow up to 80% of that, which is $40,000.

If you qualify for the new mortgage amount, you could then refinance your home loan to total $190,000. Then you can use the cash as you see fit, whether it’s for a home renovation, college tuition, medical bills, high-interest debt, or any other major expense.

Change Your Loan Term

Shorter loan terms usually come with lower interest rates since there’s less of a chance for you to default on the loan. While monthly payments are usually much higher with a 15-year mortgage compared to a 30-year mortgage, you may save money by switching once you’ve paid off a part of your original mortgage.

If, for example, you’re 15 years into a 30-year mortgage, you only have 15 years left to pay. You could potentially save money by getting a lower rate via an actual 15-year mortgage.

Switch to a Fixed Rate Mortgage

If you originally took out an adjustable rate mortgage (or ARM) and your fixed period is ending, you should definitely consider refinancing your loan. While there’s a cap on how high your adjustable mortgage can go, it could potentially be much higher than current fixed interest rates.

Talk to a lender to see what’s the best option to avoid a major jump in your monthly payment. And be sure to plan ahead since it can take time for the approval process to finish.

How the Mortgage Refinance Process Works

Applying for a mortgage refinance is very similar to applying for a new home loan. It’s also important to note that you don’t have to use your current lender or servicer. You can pick any mortgage lender that you’d like for your refinance.

After shopping around for lenders and comparing your loan options, you’ll have to complete a formal application. This involves submitting your income and financial statements. The loan officer and underwriter will review your materials to make sure you can afford the new loan terms.

They’ll also analyze your current credit score and history and will check your debt to income ratio. Just like a regular home mortgage, they want to make sure your monthly debt doesn’t exceed 43% of your monthly take-home pay. In addition to personal loans and credit card debt, they also include your new mortgage payment in that number.

Next, you’ll be required to get an appraisal on your home as part of the refinance process. This makes sure the property actually lives up to its estimated value and helps determine your total equity in the home. You don’t need to do anything special before the appraiser arrives, but it is good to clean and tidy up in order to make a good impression.

After that, you just have to wait for closing. Usually, your lender lets you pick the date, time, and location. They’ll send a notary who will walk you through signing the closing documents. Then, you’ll start fresh with your new payment schedule. If you cashed out on any home equity, you can typically either choose to receive a check or have it deposited directly into your bank account.

When Not to Refinance Your Mortgage

When shouldn’t you refinance your mortgage? If your credit has dropped significantly since you took out your original mortgage, you may be surprised by higher interest rates. Similarly, if you originally qualified for a rock-bottom interest rate during the recession, you may not save money with today’s rates.

Also consider that every refinance comes with closing costs, just like your initial home loan. You need to make sure any financial benefits you expect to receive from your refinance outweigh the added cost of closing.

A good lender can walk you through all of these considerations, whether it’s in person, on the phone, or through online resources. Do the research it takes to make sure you’re making a smart decision on your next home refinance.

The post Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders for 2018 appeared first on AAACreditGuide.

from Credit And Credit Repair https://aaacreditguide.com/best-mortgage-refinance-lenders/

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