#What is email marketing software

[insurance-brokers-india]

What are the next steps after obtaining an insurance broker license, and how can you generate potential leads using Mzapp CRM software?

Congratulations on securing your insurance broker license! The journey doesn’t end here; it’s just the beginning of building a successful insurance brokerage. Here’s how you can proceed and leverage Mzapp CRM software to find potential leads:

Steps After Getting Your Insurance Broker License

Understand Your Market: Research your target audience (individuals, businesses, or specific sectors).

Develop a Business Plan: Set goals for client acquisition, revenue, and operational processes.

Build a Network: Partner with insurance providers and attend industry events to establish your presence.

Create an Online Presence: Build a professional website and maintain active profiles on social platforms.

Offer Value-Added Services: Educate customers on policies, claims management, and risk assessments.

Using Mzapp CRM Software to Generate Leads

Lead Capture: Utilize Mzapp’s integrated forms and web tracking tools to capture inquiries from your website or social media.

Automated Follow-Ups: Set up personalized email and SMS follow-ups to nurture leads effectively.

Lead Scoring: Prioritize leads based on their interaction history, ensuring you focus on high-potential prospects.

Data-Driven Campaigns: Use analytics to identify what works and launch targeted campaigns.

Seamless Policy Management: Impress leads by showcasing how smoothly you manage policies and claims through Mzapp.

Why Choose Mzapp CRM?

Mzapp CRM simplifies lead management, streamlines operations, and provides insights into customer behavior, making it easier to convert prospects into loyal clients.

Learn more about how Mzapp can transform your insurance business here.

[c1qfxugcgy0]

At my last job, we sold lots of hobbyist electronics stuff, including microcontrollers.

This turned out to be a little more complicated than selling, like, light bulbs. Oh how I yearned for the simplicity of a product you could plug in and have work.

Background: A microcontroller is the smallest useful computer. An ATtiny10 has a kilobyte of program memory. If you buy a thousand at a time, they cost 44 cents each.

As you'd imagine, the smallest computer has not great specs. The RAM is 32 bytes. Not gigabytes, not megabytes, not kilobytes. Individual bytes. Microcontrollers have the absolute minimum amount of hardware needed to accomplish their task, and nothing more.

This includes programming the thing. Any given MCU is programmed once, at the start of its life, and then spends the next 30 years blinking an LED on a refrigerator. Since they aren’t meant to be reflashed in the field, and modern PCs no longer expose the fast, bit-bangable ports hobbyists once used, MCUs usually need a third-party programming tool.

But you could just use that tool to install a bootloader, which then listens for a magic number on the serial bus. Then you can reprogram the chip as many times as you want without the expensive programming hardware.

There is an immediate bifurcation here. Only hobbyists will use the bootloader version. With 1024 bytes of program memory, there is, even more than usual, nothing to spare.

Consumer electronics development is a funny gig. It, more than many other businesses, requires you to be good at everything. A startup making the next Furby requires a rare omniexpertise. Your company has to write software, design hardware, create a production plan, craft a marketing scheme, and still do the boring logistics tasks of putting products in boxes and mailing them out. If you want to turn a profit, you do this the absolute minimum number of people. Ideally, one.

Proving out a brand new product requires cutting corners. You make the prototype using off the shelf hobbyist electronics. You make the next ten units with the same stuff, because there's no point in rewriting the entire codebase just for low rate initial production. You use the legacy code for the next thousand units because you're desperately busy putting out a hundred fires and hiring dozens of people to handle the tsunami of new customers. For the next ten thousand customers...

Rather by accident, my former employer found itself fulfilling the needs of the missing middle. We were an official distributor of PICAXE chips for North America. Our target market was schools, but as a sideline, we sold individual PICAXE chips, which were literally PIC chips flashed with a bootloader and a BASIC interpreter at a 200% markup. As a gag, we offered volume discounts on the chips up to a thousand units. Shortly after, we found ourselves filling multi-thousand unit orders.

We had blundered into a market niche too stupid for anyone else to fill. Our customers were tiny companies who sold prototypes hacked together from dev boards. And every time I cashed a ten thousand dollar check from these guys, I was consumed with guilt. We were selling to willing buyers at the current fair market price, but they shouldn't have been buying these products at all! Since they were using bootloaders, they had to hand program each chip individually, all while PIC would sell you programmed chips at the volume we were selling them for just ten cents extra per unit! We shouldn't have been involved at all!

But they were stuck. Translating a program from the soft and cuddly memory-managed education-oriented languages to the hardcore embedded byte counting low level languages was a rather esoteric skill. If everyone in-house is just barely keeping their heads above water responding to customer emails, and there's no budget to spend $50,000 on a consultant to rewrite your program, what do you do? Well, you keep buying hobbyist chips, that's what you do.

And I talked to these guys. All the time! They were real, functional, profitable businesses, who were giving thousands of dollars to us for no real reason. And the worst thing. The worst thing was... they didn't really care? Once every few months they would talk to their chip guy, who would make vague noises about "bootloaders" and "programming services", while they were busy solving actual problems. (How to more accurately detect deer using a trail camera with 44 cents of onboard compute) What I considered the scandal of the century was barely even perceived by my customers.

In the end my employer was killed by the pandemic, and my customers seamlessly switched to buying overpriced chips straight from the source. The end! No moral.

[beatrixst0nehill]

"Trying to stay healthy and positive although I'm a part of this dumb clinical trial. This sucks! I was all set to be the track and field star of my University, a bright career as an athlete, maybe I'd even go to the Olympics? Instead I get this email a few months ago stating that I've been selected to attend a clinical trial for a new breast growth drug. Like, there are a bajillion of these things on the market, why do they still bother with trials? It's ridiculous. I know, I know, horny wealthy men with an excuse to make pretty young college girls so big breasted it qualifies as a legal disability. Whatever.

Soooo as you might remember I had a perfect, flat chest, ideal for being a runner and now look at this. Look at these fat, sweaty udders of mine. They already started lactating. It's so hard to keep up with. Now I don't just run to the bathroom to pee or whatever, I run into the girls' room to remove my top and milk myself into the sink like a fucking cow. I stand there for minutes, the humiliation is excruciating. Other women come in and joke that that's what I get for sleeping around and getting knocked up over and over. I don't bother correcting them. I just agree, milking my breasts until they ache.

I'm apparently part of this trial for three years. I keep asking them how much growth I can expect by then and they just shrug, telling me if they knew they wouldn't need to do the trial. I looked up videos and joined a bunch of groups created by women who've gone through this. The short answer is I can basically expect my boobs to get so big I can barely walk, if at all. A common side effect, especially for really active girls who don't just cave and give into immobility, is for our spines to snap from the sheer weight of the breasts, leaving girls not just debilitatingly huge breasted, but paralyzed from the waist or shoulders down. Some of the girls act like it's this amazing goal to be jealous of, creating threads like, 'Guys it finally happened! After three straight weeks of intense exercise with my tits over 100lbs a piece, my neck finally gave out!' And it's them in the hospital, smiling and giddy, being hooked up to ocular software to post on social media.

I feel kind of insane for feeling the way I do. Almost all the girls love getting these massive, unwieldy breasts. I posted a thread talking about my future career and how I didn't want huge boobs and every post was just other girls (who're either immobilized by the sheer weight and size of their breasts or immobilized by paralysis) tell me to relax, not to worry, that I'm extremely lucky to be picked and I'll learn to love my new breasts, especially once they get to be over 50lbs each and I start having trouble doing basic things. A lot of girls told me I should remember that I'm just a womb with a pair of tits there for male enjoyment, and the bigger the more men love them. I can still fulfill my purpose and push out dozens of kids even if I'm paralyzed.

I guess I need to just give in and accept what I'm going to become. I'll still stay active, exercise and try to remain mobile as long as I can. But I guess it couldn't hurt to enjoy these things. Men already stare at them constantly and try to touch them. Maybe I should just let them grope me? Even though my clothes will be totally see-through from getting sprayed with milk. That's not such a bad thing, is it? It would be kind of hot, riding some guy's cock, seeing these fat, ridiculous-looking udders bounce and jiggle..... Perhaps I should even get pregnant? That would help my boobs grow faster and put more strain on my back faster..... Plus, all the other girls in the trial are pregnant so I feel a bit left out.

Oh well.... I tried to be an athlete and a role model to young girls that they can be more than the tidal wave of dumb bimbos and breeder hucows we see today...... But maybe I'm the perfect role model, though? That you should probably give up and embrace being a hucow anyway, it's futile to try and deny your body's destiny. Girls are meant to be dumb breeders with huge tits. It does make me horny, thinking about being completely stuck, unable to move cause my breasts each weigh 200lbs. I can only sit in whatever pen I'm being kept in at a government-run girl ranch. I sit there rubbing my big pregnant belly, playing with my sex, thinking back to when I used to be an athlete, running, winning awards, now I'm just cattle hooked up to milking machines, completely hopeless. Nothing but an object to be fucked, to make milk, and push out as many kids as possible until I wear out my usefulness. I can't wait until that's me, maybe my spine will even snap? Then I'll be truly helpless, I won't even feel my body go into labor or get fucked. I'll just watch myself be acted on, and all I'll be able to do is smile and offer lots of encouragement..... Kind of sounds like a dream come true. Once I'm done working out, nice and sweaty, I think I might 'accidentally' stumble into the men's locker room and see if these toxic gym bros can show me what my body is really for. ❤️"

[rookiesbookies]

Inspired by my lovely mutual @shotmrmiller and a second submission to #Soapitup (im summonimg you again @glitterypirateduck ). Im actually going to name this one and it’s called:

A doll and his loser.

Its loser!reader x sex doll!Reboot!Soap

Masterlist is pinned on profile as always, don’t forget to leave me a comment or a request in my inbox to let me know what yall want to see!

Especially let me know if you want part two

Fic under the cut as always.

Edit: im incredibly dyslexic im so sorry for typos

When the line of 141 sex dolls, which were based on random men she had never heard of who seemed just magically created for this line, showed in a sketching email in her inbox, she must have been truly weak that night. She had been incredibly drunk and disappointed by a man who just didn’t even bother to bring her pleasure. So of course she ordered the sketchy, ‘satisfaction guaranteed’ doll. There were choices, quite a few actually. But it was the beefy Scottsman that stood out against the rest, she couldn’t tell you why. Maybe it was his soft face, his muscles, or maybe the outfit he came with, it could even be his hair. Sure there was a photo of what his cock looked like on the sight, a normal length with a great amount of girth, but she wasn’t too picky.

She had completely forgotten about the lifelike sex doll she ordered, she learned was named ‘Johnny’ until the giant box that weighed more than she did sat on her doorstep. She quickly shoved the package marked ‘fragile’ in her door. The gibberish language on the side of the box wasn’t one she recognized, she realized as she struggled to get the box in. She gently put the box on its side before grabbing a butter knife from her kitchen.

When she got the sides of the box open she saw his face. So much softer in person, with his long lashes and plush cheeks. She traced her thumb over his cheek and over his lips before his eyes gently fluttered open at her touch. He seemed almost surprised before his eyes relaxed. It must be the personality software? It did say something about that. His eyes a crazy blue, the kind that looks like the ocean meeting the sky, they were so glossy and sweet, they seemed, truthfully, real. She brushed it off, its just a doll, this was a high tech sex doll, at least that's what the marketing said.

He studied her features and watched to lean into her warm touch, but his rigid body wouldn’t allow it.

She did her best to get the heavy doll out of its box. Dragging it into her bedroom. Even his hair is life-like, which was crazy.

When she got him onto her bed she propped him up against the headboard of her bed, his eyes watching her every move as she walked back out to search for his manual.

“Stupid company didn’t even send me a manual.” She grumbled, a few things were written on the box.

‘Ejaculates like a real man!’ ‘Life-like groans!’ ‘Tease him to get him up!’ ‘Built like a real stallion!’ There was a forth thing that the words had pulled off of when she tore off the tape, now it was illegible but she saw it pointed to the lips, so she assumed they were ‘soft like a real man’s!’

He was almost static in whatever position she put him in, one of his arms hovering in the weird position she left it in.

He seemed almost too lifelike, the way his eyes watched her.

“What?” She asked, “you seem surprised.”

She was met with silence.

“Oh, who am I kidding, you’re a fucking doll. You’re not going to reply to me, this isn’t some X rated Toy Story movie.” She grumbled before her stomach grumbled back. So she left her doll man to get some food.

She cooked herself a quick meal then went to go shower, completely forgetting about the doll as she stripped until she noticed the large bump in his change.

“I didn’t realize stripping to shower meant teasing,” she thought out loud. “At least now I can check if you were marketed correctly.”

She gently undid the belt on the doll’s pants, which seemed like real high quality jeans a real person would wear, before undoing the button and the zipper. Sliding down the waistband of his underwear she noticed the monster.

Her eyes flew wide, “maybe I should ask for measurements next time,” she mumbled, she wanted to faint. “They didn’t tell me you had a horse cock, big guy,’ she chuckled to herself, his eyes almost looking prideful, pupils seeming larger with almost bedroom eyes. They must have some crazy tech.

“I must really be losing it, talking to myself,” she sighed.

She let her fingers gently graze his dick before she spit on her hand, she wrapped her fingers around his fat cock delicately, not reaching all the way around. She sighed before getting up to pull more lube from her night stand. One of her hands, now covered in lube, began to massage him while her other hand began to rub around her pussy.

She hummed, mumbling about how needy she was, how guys had disappointed her in the past, what she wanted. This went on for a few minutes until she was sure she was prepped, awkwardly climbing on top of her beefcake sex doll before lining him up with her hole and sinking down. His eyes rolled back but she didn’t notice because her’s did too.

“Oh fuck,” she mumbled almost pitifully, letting her head fall against his hairy chest, a tattoo of a Scottish flag pulled tight on one of his pecs. “I haven’t been filled like this in so long.”

She sat there and adjusted, hands balled into fists against the doll’s chest. A chest that felt so warm and inviting.

She slowly began to rock her hips, soft whimpers and moans falling from her lips that got louder as she began to bounce on him. She supported herself with one hand while the other was in her mouth to suffocate her louder moans. Her eyes teary from the girth of him.

The doll let out little groans and moans too that slipped from behind his sealed lips.

It wasn’t long before her tight walls began to flutter, he came almost instantly when they began to flutter, she gasped at the feeling but kept going until she reached her own peak. But it wasn’t quite enough, so she kept bouncing. He came faster and faster, cock starting to ache because of the bonnie lass that was riding it. With a cunt like that on him he couldn’t help but shoot hot, white spirts into her.

When she got off him, it slid down her inner thigh, she swiped it up and stuck it in her mouth which made him almost faint.

“Jeez, it tastes real too,” she said like a question before walking away.

She got a wash cloth she had been planning to use for a shower and cleaned up the dolly with gentle touches. She felt like she needed to treat him like a real man, he was so close it seemed. She zipped his pants back up and set him on the ground before putting a sleep mask over his eyes.

“Nothing personal, I just don’t know how to put you in sleep mode and I don’t want to accidentally turn your dick on again when I get out of the shower.” She said before hopping in the bathroom. Her pussy was sore to say the least, but the good kind, the kind that makes a girl feel well used and fulfilled, she did her best to get the most of that fake cum out of her cunt.

After she scrubbed herself clean of the day and of that fulfilling session with her doll she made her way back into her room and flopped on her bed before crashing and falling asleep.

She used him about every other day or so for the next couple weeks before she started ovulating. She was like a bitch in heat, her body couldn’t calm down. She was flushed and couldn’t stop. She had two days off from work and pulled Johnny from where he had been set on the chair, returning him to her bed. The weird doll must have realized something weird was happening because it- he- was immediately hard. She immediately got on too of him, she had tried other positions but cowgirl was just the easiest by far with Johnny. She immediately lubed herself and him up, pumping him twice to make sure he was fully hard before sliding on.

The broken moans that fell from her mouth were a chorus of angels singing in his ears.

“I feel like such a loser,” she whined, “talking to and fucking a sex doll instead of a real guy, i feel like a weirdo.”

She put her head to his chest with whimpers falling from her mouth. He had already cum, his noises turning to the broken ones they always did before he came, a nice audio cue for the doll to have.

“Just a little more, please,” she whined to her doll.

After she rode out her high she laid sprawled out against his chest.

“I wonder how you’d be im bed if you were real,” she asked no one in particular. She was so especially weak right now. Ovulation making her so needy and sad, she couldn’t help but place a gentle kiss to his stiff lips as she let her eyes flutter closed to take a breather before the horny took back over.

She didn’t feel his stiff body relax, she didn’t notice anything until his plastic-y fingers ran up and down her waist.

“You won’t have to wonder any more, bonnie lass.” His voice was a low grumble in here ear, his scottish accent loud and clear. “How do you want it, I’m going to take good care of you.”

Hope you have a wonderful day, lovely reader💜 you deserve it

ALSO SIMON’S IS UP NOW.

[klapollo]

some basic tips for getting a job in this horrible market

hi all -- long story short, as many of you know, i just finished a three+ month job search after being laid off. here's what i learned:

Your resume should be your accomplishments, not your tasks. When I started searching, my bullet points in my resume were things like "used x software" or "wrote x content." Your resume should be you bragging. EX: "I used x software to turn around 100 deliverables a month," "I managed [x amount] sales associates and was named highest commission earner x months in a row." These don't have to be lifechanging things or massive projects -- any metric that demonstrates your capabilities well can do the job.

Make sure your resume is ATS optimized. Most jobs/companies use automated resume processing, and lots of great people get rejected this way. If you're getting rejection emails on Sunday morning or in the middle of the night, these are probably auto-rejections. ATS is the automatic system that sifts through resumes -- you can find free ATS-optimized templates online, I got min through resume.com. Do NOT use fancy graphics, headshots, any extraneous info. Use sites like jobscan to see if your resume is able to be parsed by an auto resume processor.

Use numbers. Make sure your resume has lots of numbers indicating your skills. "I helped my franchise achieve X% of revenue growth," "I drove x amount of deliveries daily." Any impressive numerical amounts are useful. If your company is tight-lipped about numbers, go to press releases. Ex: an app I did a considerable about of work for generated a lot of money that my company disclosed, so I put down that i contributed to that revenue via my work.

Have a template cover letter. Cover letters can give you an advantage, but they're tedious. Take note of what qualities are most sought-after in your field/ideal role, and write a generic cover letter that applies to most of them. When applying, do minor tweaks such as including the company name or any unique qualifications. Be careful about typos and leaving in old tweaks!

Use the free month of LinkedIn Premium if you're on there. I got some results from cold DMing recruiters for jobs I was interested in, and Premium lets you do that freely. Remember to cancel at the end of the month!

If you're looking for remote work, here are some boards I used: Remote.co, Otta, Remote Rocketship, Swooped, Best Writing (writing-focused)

[mariacallous]

In March 2007, Google’s then senior executive in charge of acquisitions, David Drummond, emailed the company’s board of directors a case for buying DoubleClick. It was an obscure software developer that helped websites sell ads. But it had about 60 percent market share and could accelerate Google’s growth while keeping rivals at bay. A “Microsoft-owned DoubleClick represents a major competitive threat,” court papers show Drummond writing.

Three weeks later, on Friday the 13th, Google announced the acquisition of DoubleClick for $3.1 billion. The US Department of Justice and 17 states including California and Colorado now allege that the day marked the beginning of Google’s unchecked dominance in online ads—and all the trouble that comes with it.

The government contends that controlling DoubleClick enabled Google to corner websites into doing business with its other services. That has resulted in Google allegedly monopolizing three big links of a vital digital advertising supply chain, which funnels over $12 billion in annual revenue to websites and apps in the US alone.

It’s a big amount. But a government expert estimates in court filings that if Google were not allegedly destroying its competition illegally, those publishers would be receiving up to an additional hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Starved of that potential funding, “publishers are pushed to put more ads on their websites, to put more content behind costly paywalls, or to cease business altogether,” the government alleges. It all adds up to a subpar experience on the web for consumers, Colorado attorney general Phil Weiser says.

“Google is able to extract hiked-up costs, and those are passed on to consumers,” he alleges. “The overall outcome we want is for consumers to have more access to content supported by advertising revenue and for people who are seeking advertising not to have to pay inflated costs.”

Google disputes the accusations.

Starting today, both sides’ arguments will be put to the test in what’s expected to be a weekslong trial before US district judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia. The government wants her to find that Google has violated federal antitrust law and then issue orders that restore competition. In a best-case scenario, according to several Google critics and experts in online ads who spoke with WIRED, internet users could find themselves more pleasantly informed and entertained.

It could take years for the ad market to shake out, says Adam Heimlich, a longtime digital ad executive who’s extensively researched Google. But over time, fresh competition could lower supply chain fees and increase innovation. That would drive “better monetization of websites and better quality of websites,” says Heimlich, who now runs AI software developer Chalice Custom Algorithms.

Tim Vanderhook, CEO of ad-buying software developer Viant Technology, which both competes and partners with Google, believes that consumers would encounter a greater variety of ads, fewer creepy ads, and pages less cluttered with ads. “A substantially improved browsing experience,” he says.

Of course, all depends on the outcome of the case. Over the past year, Google lost its two other antitrust trials—concerning illegal search and mobile app store monopolies. Though the verdicts are under appeal, they’ve made the company’s critics optimistic about the ad tech trial.

Google argues that it faces fierce competition from Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and others. It further contends that customers benefited from each of the acquisitions, contracts, and features that the government is challenging. “Google has designed a set of products that work efficiently with each other and attract a valuable customer base,” the company’s attorneys wrote in a 359-page rebuttal.

For years, Google publicly has maintained that its ad tech projects wouldn’t harm clients or competition. “We will be able to help publishers and advertisers generate more revenue, which will fuel the creation of even more rich and diverse content on the internet,” Drummond testified in 2007 to US senators concerned about the DoubleClick deal’s impact on competition and privacy. US antitrust regulators at the time cleared the purchase. But at least one of them, in hindsight, has said he should have blocked it.

Deep Control

The Justice Department alleges that acquiring DoubleClick gave Google “a pool of captive publishers that now had fewer alternatives and faced substantial switching costs associated with changing to another publisher ad server.” The global market share of Google’s tool for publishers is now 91 percent, according to court papers. The company holds similar control over ad exchanges that broker deals (around 70 percent) and tools used by advertisers (85 percent), the court filings say.

Google’s dominance, the government argues, has “impaired the ability of publishers and advertisers to choose the ad tech tools they would prefer to use and diminished the number and quality of viable options available to them.”

The government alleges that Google staff spoke internally about how they have been earning an unfair portion of what advertisers spend on advertising, to the tune of over a third of every $1 spent in some cases.

Some of Google’s competitors want the tech giant to be broken up into multiple independent companies, so each of its advertising services competes on its own merits without the benefit of one pumping up another. The rivals also support rules that would bar Google from preferencing its own services. “What all in the industry are looking for is fair competition,” Viant’s Vanderhook says.

If Google ad tech alternatives win more business, not everyone is so sure that the users will notice a difference. “We’re talking about moving from the NYSE to Nasdaq,” Ari Paparo, a former DoubleClick and Google executive who now runs the media company Marketecture, tells WIRED. The technology behind the scenes may shift, but the experience for investors—or in this case, internet surfers—doesn’t.

Some advertising experts predict that if Google is broken up, users’ experiences would get even worse. Andrey Meshkov, chief technology officer of ad-block developer AdGuard, expects increasingly invasive tracking as competition intensifies. Products also may cost more because companies need to not only hire additional help to run ads but also buy more ads to achieve the same goals. “So the ad clutter is going to get worse,” Beth Egan, an ad executive turned Syracuse University associate professor, told reporters in a recent call arranged by a Google-funded advocacy group.

But Dina Srinivasan, a former ad executive who as an antitrust scholar wrote a Stanford Technology Law Review paper on Google’s dominance, says advertisers would end up paying lower fees, and the savings would be passed on to their customers. That future would mark an end to the spell Google allegedly cast with its DoubleClick deal. And it could happen even if Google wins in Virginia. A trial in a similar lawsuit filed by Texas, 15 other states, and Puerto Rico is scheduled for March.

[beardedmrbean]

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Global makers of surveillance gear have clashed with Indian regulators in recent weeks over contentious new security rules that require manufacturers of CCTV cameras to submit hardware, software and source code for assessment in government labs, official documents and company emails show.

The security-testing policy has sparked industry warnings of supply disruptions and added to a string of disputes between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration and foreign companies over regulatory issues and what some perceive as protectionism.

New Delhi's approach is driven in part by its alarm about China's sophisticated surveillance capabilities, according to a top Indian official involved in the policymaking. In 2021, Modi's then-junior IT minister told parliament that 1 million cameras in government institutions were from Chinese companies and there were vulnerabilities with video data transferred to servers abroad.

Under the new requirements applicable from April, manufacturers such as China's Hikvision, Xiaomi and Dahua, South Korea's Hanwha, and Motorola Solutions of the U.S. must submit cameras for testing by Indian government labs before they can sell them in the world's most populous nation. The policy applies to all internet-connected CCTV models made or imported since April 9.

"There's always an espionage risk," Gulshan Rai, India's cybersecurity chief from 2015 to 2019, told Reuters. "Anyone can operate and control internet-connected CCTV cameras sitting in an adverse location. They need to be robust and secure."

Indian officials met on April 3 with executives of 17 foreign and domestic makers of surveillance gear, including Hanwha, Motorola, Bosch, Honeywell and Xiaomi, where many of the manufacturers said they weren't ready to meet the certification rules and lobbied unsuccessfully for a delay, according to the official minutes.

In rejecting the request, the government said India's policy "addresses a genuine security issue" and must be enforced, the minutes show.

India said in December the CCTV rules, which do not single out any country by name, aimed to "enhance the quality and cybersecurity of surveillance systems in the country."

This report is based on a Reuters review of dozens of documents, including records of meetings and emails between manufacturers and Indian IT ministry officials, and interviews with six people familiar with India's drive to scrutinize the technology. The interactions haven't been previously reported.

Insufficient testing capacity, drawn-out factory inspections and government scrutiny of sensitive source code were among key issues camera makers said had delayed approvals and risked disrupting unspecified infrastructure and commercial projects.

"Millions of dollars will be lost from the industry, sending tremors through the market," Ajay Dubey, Hanwha's director for South Asia, told India's IT ministry in an email on April 9.

The IT ministry and most of the companies identified by Reuters didn't respond to requests for comment about the discussions and the impact of the testing policy. The ministry told the executives on April 3 that it may consider accrediting more testing labs.

Millions of CCTV cameras have been installed across Indian cities, offices and residential complexes in recent years to enhance security monitoring. New Delhi has more than 250,000 cameras, according to official data, mostly mounted on poles in key locations.

The rapid take-up is set to bolster India's surveillance camera market to $7 billion by 2030, from $3.5 billion last year, Counterpoint Research analyst Varun Gupta told Reuters.

China's Hikvision and Dahua account for 30% of the market, while India's CP Plus has a 48% share, Gupta said, adding that some 80% of all CCTV components are from China.

Hanwha, Motorola Solutions and Britain's Norden Communication told officials by email in April that just a fraction of the industry's 6,000 camera models had approvals under the new rules.

CHINA CONCERN

The U.S. in 2022 banned sales of Hikvision and Dahua equipment, citing national security risks. Britain and Australia have also restricted China-made devices.

Likewise, with CCTV cameras, India "has to ensure there are checks on what is used in these devices, what chips are going in," the senior Indian official told Reuters. "China is part of the concern."

China's state security laws require organizations to cooperate with intelligence work.

Reuters reported this month that unexplained communications equipment had been found in some Chinese solar power inverters by U.S. experts who examined the products.

Since 2020, when Indian and Chinese forces clashed at their border, India has banned dozens of Chinese-owned apps, including TikTok, on national security grounds. India also tightened foreign investment rules for countries with which it shares a land border.

The remote detonation of pagers in Lebanon last year, which Reuters reported was executed by Israeli operatives targeting Hezbollah, further galvanized Indian concerns about the potential abuse of tech devices and the need to quickly enforce testing of CCTV equipment, the senior Indian official said.

The camera-testing rules don't contain a clause about land borders.

But last month, China's Xiaomi said that when it applied for testing of CCTV devices, Indian officials told the company the assessment couldn't proceed because "internal guidelines" required Xiaomi to supply more registration details of two of its China-based contract manufacturers.

"The testing lab indicated that this requirement applies to applications originating from countries that share a land border with India," the company wrote in an April 24 email to the Indian agency that oversees lab testing.

Xiaomi didn't respond to Reuters queries, and the IT ministry didn't address questions about the company's account.

China's foreign ministry told Reuters it opposes the "generalization of the concept of national security to smear and suppress Chinese companies," and hoped India would provide a non-discriminatory environment for Chinese firms.

LAB TESTING, FACTORY VISITS

While CCTV equipment supplied to India's government has had to undergo testing since June 2024, the widening of the rules to all devices has raised the stakes.

The public sector accounts for 27% of CCTV demand in India, and enterprise clients, industry, hospitality firms and homes the remaining 73%, according to Counterpoint.

The rules require CCTV cameras to have tamper-proof enclosures, strong malware detection and encryption.

Companies need to run software tools to test source code and provide reports to government labs, two camera industry executives said.

The rules allow labs to ask for source code if companies are using proprietary communication protocols in devices, rather than standard ones like Wi-Fi. They also enable Indian officials to visit device makers abroad and inspect facilities for cyber vulnerabilities.

The Indian unit of China's Infinova told IT ministry officials last month the requirements were creating challenges.

"Expectations such as source code sharing, retesting post firmware upgrades, and multiple factory audits significantly impact internal timelines," Infinova sales executive Sumeet Chanana said in an email on April 10. Infinova didn't respond to Reuters questions.

The same day, Sanjeev Gulati, India director for Taiwan-based Vivotek, warned Indian officials that "All ongoing projects will go on halt." He told Reuters this month that Vivotek had submitted product applications and hoped "to get clearance soon."

The body that examines surveillance gear is India's Standardization Testing and Quality Certification Directorate, which comes under the IT ministry. The agency has 15 labs that can review 28 applications concurrently, according to data on its website that was removed after Reuters sent questions. Each application can include up to 10 models.

As of May 28, 342 applications for hundreds of models from various manufacturers were pending, official data showed. Of those, 237 were classified as new, with 142 lodged since the April 9 deadline.

Testing had been completed on 35 of those applications, including just one from a foreign company.

India's CP Plus told Reuters it had received clearance for its flagship cameras but several more models were awaiting certification.

Bosch said it too had submitted devices for testing, but asked that Indian authorities "allow business continuity" for those products until the process is completed.

When Reuters visited New Delhi's bustling Nehru Place electronics market last week, shelves were stacked with popular CCTV cameras from Hikvision, Dahua and CP Plus.

But Sagar Sharma said revenue at his CCTV retail shop had plunged about 50% this month from April because of the slow pace of government approvals for security cameras.

"It is not possible right now to cater to big orders," he said. "We have to survive with the stock we have."

[qingyingpocketlirary]

Into The Spider's Web; Part 2.

Early Saturday morning, the bell above Mrs. Fenshi’s door chimed to announce the arrival of a customer. “Morning Mrs. Fenshi.”

“Good morning Syntax, an all day ticket?” She asked with a smile, noticing his laptop bag seems fuller than usual. He was planning to spend the whole day working on something important, and judging by the slightly flushed expression, she knew he hadn’t eaten breakfast yet.

“And a pot of mild tea please,” he nodded.

“Go on in and get settled dear, I’ll have Lin bring you the tea.” The cat demoness smiled, waving him towards the closed room where the cats were.

“Thank you.” Syntax smiled and headed in.

A few minutes later, Lin entered with a tray, carrying the requested pot of tea and a plate of toasted sandwiches, shaped like cat faces, to find Princess, the tripod ginger cat sitting on Syntax’s table, enjoying head scratches as Syntax checked his emails.

“Mrs. Fenshi insisted you needed food as well as tea, and I’m not about to argue with her.” Lin said when Syntax blinked at the added food order.

“Thank her for me?” Syntax asked and offered her a small disk. “The upgrades and virus software you asked for.”

“Thank you. And if you have time tonight, we need to speak again.” She smiled and tucked the disk into her pocket for later.

“Not tonight.” Syntax said, shaking his head. “I’m visiting Nana, tomorrow is my free day.”

“Tomorrow then. Enjoy your day with the cats.” Lin smiled.

“I will,” Syntax nodded with a smile as the horn of the tuk-tuk sounded outside as MK drove by, due to it being market week, it was likely the boy had no deliveries for the day, as the streets would be blocked off for market stalls until the evening.

The morning went by slowly, spent designing a layout and working on a few smaller project designs for his personal use, all while taking breaks to pet and fuss over the cats and kittens that came over and demanded his attention, which he happily gave. By the afternoon, Lin had joined him with her own laptop and was busy working away while brother brothers spent their lunch break with the cats and kittens, enjoying the chance to cuddle and play with the cats before getting back to work.

With his work done, Syntax set his laptop and tablet aside to instead focus on the cats, gently petting each one and playing with the toys with them while enjoying a few snacks and good tea for the rest of the day, though he did notice that while he seemed relaxed and calm, Lin had become tense and frustrated.

“Everything ok, Lin?” he asked.

“It will be, when I finally figure out how to find this damned part for a client.” Lin said, “Why are computer motherboard parts so hard to find?”

“Because they are all very different and never manufactured to spec unless you get them on commission.” Syntax said, “What are you after, I might be able to help?”

Lin pushed him a yellow post-it note with the information details and he looked at it for a moment. It was clear whoever this client was wanted the very best and long lasting system, but that meant that they’d need to buy parts from all across China for the best of the best equipment. “Hm, have you tried looking at the Northern Market?” 

“Does the north do shipments on fast track?” Lin asked and Syntax thought for a moment.

“Last order I put in took twenty nine days to deliver. Regular shipments can be anywhere from four to six months.” He said. “But that was on a computer harddrive, not motherboard parts.” He admitted.

“That fast?” Lin asked. “The fastest I find is forty days with Northern Parts and services and it costs a miniature fortune.”

“Never get anything through them, Lin. They’re a con wrapped up in a corporate packaging with pretty bows.” Syntax said as he rebooted his laptop and typed in a few things before showing her the site he used for his parts.

“Northern Tech, Systems and Parts?” Lin asked, looking at the site and reading their profile.

“Best place in all the North to buy anything related to computers, systems, technology and the like. All of my stuff has at least one replacement part from them.” Syntax nodded, “I think the only thing I have that doesn’t have their parts in it is my phone, because it’s the only thing not compatible with their tech.”

“Why can’t I find them when I search for them?” Lin asked.

“What browser are you using?” He questioned.

“Megacity Pro Search.” Lin answered. The same browser Syntax and most of the city used simply because it was world wide.

“Go into the settings and make sure the regional lock and switch the shopping regions to internasional.” Syntax said. “The whole browser got a system wide refresh last week, so some settings are back to default.”

Lin clicked a few things and retyped her search, then smiled. “Have I mentioned lately that you are one of my favourite people?”

“Only everytime your brothers break stuff.” Syntax chuckled. “Speaking of your brothers, are they allowed their stuff back?”

“If they say please.” Lin nodded.

“Got it.” He nodded and went back to playing with the cats, both of them unaware that their interaction had been witnessed by someone else, through the eyes of a small drone hidden away in the upper most corner of the ceiling.

“He doesn’t look like much.” Huntsman said, watching the live feed from the drone.

“Neither does the Monkie Boy at first glance.” Goliath remarked, “he looks small and easy to beat, yet he took down the Bull prince and Demon Bull King by himself.”

Huntsman gave a huff but said nothing more on the matter, instead focusing on what Lin was doing. Their Queen had searched the few precious scrolls and books they’d managed to salvage from the ruins of their home, and found the means to harvest the energy from other demons to infuse with their drones, making them bigger, stronger and able to carry her venom rather than Huntsman or Goliath’s.

It would take a lot of work, and a lot of careful study to manage what they needed, but if they could master that delicate balance of magic and technology, the Spider Clan could rise up and remind the world they were still a force to be reckoned with and finally make the demands to have their home’s ruination looked into properly.

But that would come later, right now they needed to make sure they had the means to take those steps and the best way to do that was to make sure that Lin was making good on her task. And if that meant keeping an eye on her through a spy drone, well, Lin could forgive them their caution. She’d done well so far, finding the very best parts and equipment for them and using Yin and Jin to run messages between herself at them throughout the night and most of the morning, but for the last six hours, she’d been stuck trying to find the motherboard parts. 

It seemed that this man was something of a techy himself, both from what they’d seen from the drone’s live feed and had given Lin a means to locate the parts she needed sooner. A point in his favour, along with the fact that the felines seemed to like him and had no issues climbing on and over the man as if he were just another part of the furniture.

“Syntax?”

“Yes Mrs. Fenshi?”

“I’m sorry to bother you dear, but one of the cat’s knocked it over.” 

They watched as the feline demoness brought over a card reader device from her countertop, it looked undamaged, but the screen was unfocused and warped. Syntax looked at it, hooking it up to his laptop with a spare cable and checking something for a few minutes.

“Well, good news is it’s fixable, bad news is, it’ll take about a half an hour to fix. Can you manage without it for about that long?” The man asked.

“I can, but are you sure you can fix it?” The demoness asked.

Syntax nodded. “It's the older model, so it’s an easy fix. I’ll just need an order of chunky wedges and a toasted kitty burger afterwards.” He said, “And if you can, try and keep anyone from bothering me for that time?”

“Of course dear. Just make sure you don’t overdo it.” the cat demoness pleaded.

“I won’t.” Syntax nodded. “Lin?”

“I’m busy working, I have no idea what you are doing.” Lin said. “We’ll talk about business when we talk tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” Syntax bid and adjusted his laptop so it looked like he was working on it rather than the card reader, smiling as one of the cats jumped up and loafed on the edge of the table, blocking any view of his hands should anyone come inside.

The drone’s placement allowed them to see what was happening, and what they saw shocked them. 

The man pulled out two large power banks from his bag and set them in his lap, then, with a deep breath to focus himself, he put his hands over the device for a moment before a greenish seal formed under the device, casting a strange glow over his fingers as he set to work.

“Magic?” Goliath asked.

“Technological Magic.” Huntsman corrected, watching the human slowly pull the device apart and seamlessly set to work not using his hands and tools, but magic, a type that was very rare outside of the northern region, so rare in fact it was considered a specialty.

Slowly, using his fingers like tools, Syntax pushed and pulled the tiny device’s insides apart, gradually rebuilding it while carefully replacing the damaged parts with magic replacements, blending the elements to form the needed intricate parts and carefully weaving modern technology with ancient magic as if it were a natural mixture. It was a slow process, it had to be, if the man rushed this and made even the smallest mistake, it could backfire horribly, but it seemed that Syntax was well trained in his magic and well versed in this method of repairing things, slowly taking time to check and recheck his work until he was sure of its success before, after twenty seven minutes, he let the device weave itself back together and sagged a little in his seat.

The cat that was loafed beside him meowed and reached out with a paw, bapping his nose.

“I’m alright, I’m alright, you little fluff ball.” Syntax assured, reaching up to pet the cat.

“Need me to get that order for you?” Lin asked him.

“Nah, just… need a minute.” He assured her with a soft huff.

If this was the man Lin was planning to ask help on their behalf, not only would it be a huge help in their technological needs, but also mean that the need to order so many parts would be vastly reduced. They continued to watch the scene, watching as Mrs. Fenshi brought in the requested order, and how after eating Syntax seemed to be back to his ‘normal’ self from what they’d seen before of him playing with the cats and working on his own personal projects.

Until his watch gave a sharp ping sound and he packed up his laptop and tablet, fussed the cats one last time before leaving the Cat Cafe wave a wave to Mrs. Fenshi as he went.

“Should we follow him?” Goliath asked.

“No. Not until we know if he is the one Lin is planning to ask to help us. But we will be telling Our Queen about him regardless.” Huntsman assured. Someone with this kind of power would not only be a valuable friend, but also a powerful ally.

“You had an encounter with the Spider Queen?” Monkey King repeated as MK sat with his back against a rock, trying to stay calm as the little monkeys combed through his hair and picked at his clothes in an attempt to try and calm his still pounding heart.

“She snatched my Dad and Pa from the market pretending to be a vegetable vendor. I thought I could handle it but- I guess I still need to work on internalizing the panic and fear in the moment and having the breakdown later… I’m just not good with spiders.” MK admitted with a slight shudder.

“You’re an arachnophobe?” Monkey King questioned, sitting beside his young successor. “I would never have guessed.”

“It's a childhood trauma.” MK admitted, carefully steadying a smaller monkey in his lap. “It's also the biggest reason Dad and Pa had me homeschooled, and if not for all the therapy I had as a kid, I don’t think we’d be having this conversation right now. I’d be curled up in my bed still, trying not to have a mental breakdown.”

“What happened, if I may ask?” The Monkey King asked, offering the boy a slice of an apple.

“I’m not too sure on the whole details, but I remember one day in school I was grabbed from behind, tied up with webbing by one of the Silkworm kids and thrown into a closet-like space as an ‘offering’ to the Spider Ghost that haunted the School. It wasn’t real and I know that now, but when you’re five years old, and knew to the school, and how cruel kids can be you don’t think about that when you’re struggling to get out of webbing in a small space where there are lots of spiderwebs and little spiders.” MK explained, pausing his story to eat the apple slice he’d been offered. “What I didn’t know at the time and didn’t learn until a few years later was that it was all premeditated by a group of slightly older boys in the school who didn’t like me.”

“Why didn’t they like you?” Monkey King questioned, sharing the rest of the apple slices with the monkeys, youngest to eldest.

“I was friends with a lot of the girls in glass, mostly because I didn’t mind trading my cookie for a fruit snack or my juice carton for a milk one instead. And I also did really well in my classes, so they may have hated me for that.” He admitted, and smiled when the littlest monkey decided the best place to be at that very moment was sat up on his shoulder. “What I also didn’t know was that locking me in the closet wasn’t the only thing they had in mind for me.”

“I’m almost worried to ask. If you're still this worked up over the Spider Queen it must have been bad.” the Monkey King said, chuckling at the little monkey’s behaviour. It was good to see the children were learning to trust MK, and that the boy had no problem letting the children climb and ride around on his shoulders, as long as they didn’t fight with each other while on his shoulders or head.

“It doesn’t seem so bad now that I’m older, but being only five years old at the time and still kinda new to the whole social thing, I didn’t understand what was happening. While I was locked in that little space with no windows or any way out, tied up and unable to move, one of the boys used his magic, some kind of illusionary type from what my dad told me later, and made the image of a giant spider appear in the room, to further sell the idea I was gonna be eaten. I remember I screamed, but then I blacked out and when I woke up, I was in the hospital with Pa at my bedside and Dad talking to a lawyer.”

“Stars above and soil below, what did they do to you?” The Monkey King asked.

“I have no idea. I wasn’t hurt, just unconscious. According to Pa, the school cameras showed a really bright flash of light from down the hallway and then when everything came back into focus, all the boys were laying on the floor, screaming and frantically trying to get away from something the cameras couldn't see and then the teachers came and unlocked the closet to find me passed out and unresponsive so they called in the emergency services and it was a whole big investigation into the matter.” MK explained smiling when the mother of the littlest monkey came over and gently tugged her now sleepy cub from their chosen nest and set about grooming them. “They tried to talk my dad into letting me stay in school, even offered to let me go through their whole system for free, from current year to my end of education in their collage program, but dad and pa said no and since then I was homeschooled, the school had to pay for my enrollment in online classes and the boys who did it had to go to disciplinary schools while their parents paid out to cover my medical bills, and my therapy.” 

“Did it help?” Monkey King questioned.

“Kind of.” MK admitted, “I only really freak out when I see an actual spider now, rather then when I see webbing or hear someone mentioning spiders. But when I do see a spider I freeze up a little, and need to either get away from it, or usually my pa or dad catch it and take it outside.”

“Sorry to say bud, but that’s not gonna help in a fight against the Spider Queen and her Clanmates.” Monkey King said, “So, we’ll have to work on your response to seeing her again. But that can be a tomorrow thing.” He assured his successor with a smile. “For now, head home and make sure your pa and dad are ok, tomorrow, we’ll talk more about this and come up with some ways to help you face her, just in case she pops up again with Huntsman or Goliath.”

“Who?”

“Her clansmen. I’ll tell you about them tomorrow, for now, go home and get some rest.” Monkey King said again and gently ruffled the boy’s hair. “When you come back tomorrow, we’ll talk, train and then we’ll talk about the Spider Clan and their story.”

“Okay.” MK nodded, and after making sure none of the little monkey’s were clinging to him still, he shifted into his bird form, taking a moment to steady himself before taking off towards home.

By the evening, Lin had sent confirmations for all the parts she’d found, with only two of those items needing to be ordered through ‘special’ channels. And after a hot meal, Huntsman and Goliath informed the Queen of what they had seen through the eye of the drone that had followed Lin.

A human with such abilities was a blessing to any Clan, and the fact the Demon Bull Family hadn’t picked him up yet spoke of just how well this particular human had done to hide his abilities. And with good reason, such magic as his would not only cut costs down, but also greatly increase the life expectancy of any and all technological creations made by double or even triple the standard. The North had been the only safe place for them because it was a place of advanced technological progress, so to find out one such person lived in Megapolis and that Yin and Jin knew and kept their mouths shut about it was proof of a deeper understanding between them and him.

If this human could help them, the nagging worry about her mount mech’s age, the increasing chance of it failing as well as the technology they use now failing and falling apart would be all but remedies for the next few years. If this human helped them with their current project, it would allow the Queen and Huntsman to focus more of their own plans wholeheartedly.

But therein lay the catch to it all.

If.

It was clear that this human was aware of just how valuable his particular ability was, to the point he didn’t openly advertise it and those who did know also kept their mouths shut about it in respect to the man. Mrs. Fenshi had gone to the lengths of saying that the Cafe was being used for a very important conversation between Lin, the man and a third party to keep people out while the man was fixing her cardreader. Lin pretended not to know what the man was doing while she actively blocked any view of him from where she was sitting while the man made further efforts to hide what he was doing behind his laptop.

This man was aware of how sought out his skills were, and he either didn’t wish to be caught using them and drawing attention to himself or he had suffered already at the hands of someone’s cruelty and now protected himself by keeping his abilities to himself and a few trusted people. If the Queen was to earn his trust and aid to bring her and her clan into this man’s favour, their contact had to be handled with care, with delicacy and most importantly, with as much honesty as they could afford.

“Your orders, My Queen?” Huntsman asked as he and Goliath bowed before her.

“For now, I have none.” She admitted. “This man hides for a reason, I will not subject him to stalking as we were so long ago. No, this matter must be handled delicately. If Lin choses to introduce us, we shall speak to him more, if not, we shall seek a means to contact him ourselves.” She expressed and waved them both away.

“Yes My Queen.” They both responded before leaving her to think.

“A key?” Red Son repeated his mother’s statement.

“It seems this treasure your father found requires a specific key to unlock it. Our other methods have failed, and so we require a more modern approach.” His mother explained. “Can you do it?”

“I’d need to see the lock and do a few tests on it first, but yes, a Key should be relatively simple to make, assuming you don’t mind the expense of the metals needed to craft one?” he explained, already looking through his shelves and equipment to find the tools he’d need for the job.

“What would you need?” She questioned.

“Depends on the lock itself, if it’s as old as you say, then possibly something celestial or perhaps ancient demonic. I’d need to see the lock first to know that answer.” Red Son admitted and she waved him to follow her.

His Father was there already, and while clearly angered by the delay, said nothing as he set about inspecting the lock on the strange box he’d uncovered. A simple five point keyhole greeted him and after making a note of its size and measurements, he began using his tools to take measurements of the lock itself and the box itself, making notes as he worked until he went to insert what looked like a lockpick tool into the lock, to check the number of teeth the Key he’d be making needed-

And was suddenly flung backwards and ended up against the wall by the door. 

“Are you hurt?” His Mother asked.

“No.” He assured, dusting himself off and moved back to the box. “What was- wait…”

“What is it?” His Father questioned.

“The lock changed,” he said.

“What?” His Mother asked and moved to see what he was talking about.

“It was a five point keyhole before, now it's a trigram pattern,” Red Son said showing her the notes she’s watched him make not a few moments ago. “Is this some kind of puzzle lock?”

“It can’t be, puzzle locks have riddles to uncover the key on the box itself. This one had no such riddle of inscriptions.” his Mother said, looking at the box again.

“Hm. just a moment.” Red Son bid and after picking a different tool from his coat he steady himself and began to check the keyhole again, sure enough as he brought the tool to check the teeth inlays again, the lock tried to push him back and right before his and his mothers’ eyes the lock shifted and changed yet again, becoming an entirely new shape. “It's a skeleton lock.” 

“You’re sure?” His Mother asked.

“Yes, the measurements for the keyhole stay the same, but the shape and tooth patterns change every time something other than the correct key is brought close to the hole.” Red Son said. “Whatever is inside must be either very powerful or very rare.”

“Can you still craft a key?” His Father asked.

Red Son thought for a moment, “I could try crafting a skeleton key, but that would take more time than just a simple key.” He offered.

“How much longer?” His Father asked, his voice heavy with impatience and anger.

No point in lying and making him angrier. “Two weeks.”

“Two-”

“My Love.” His Mother soothed with gentleness. “Trust our son to know better than to waste time with things needlessly. It was after all, his efforts and brilliance that freed you from beneath that mountain. Do you doubt his skills in crafting something as simple as a key to unlock any door?”

“No.” His Father huffed. “Forgive me, I- I am not in my calmest mind.”

“Go and rest, my love, you are still adjusting.” His Mother bid and his Father left the room, hsi heavy steps shaking the ground.

His Mother looked at him as he gathered his tools again. “You are sure only two weeks?”

“I am, Mother. I’ll have the Bull Clones bring my meals to me so that you and father can have meal time to yourselves.” He said and went back to his lab.

She didn’t stop him, nor argue. Partly because she knew it would not help, and also because she could not blame her son for this distance. He’d spent years of his life dedicated to freeing his father, and now he was free, there was a disconnect between them all, hurts, grief, pains and mourning the time they’d missed made bonding hard.

Red Son didn’t know his place anymore, now that his father was back, he wanted to give his parents the time to be together without him, but he was also suddenly very aware of how little his and his father could bond, as despite everything, the time spent apart had robbed them both of the closeness they once shared. He wasn’t a small child any more, and his father was still suffering bouts of pain from being trapped in a limbo between death and living under that mountain for so long.

It would take a long time for them to begin walking on the path to being close as they once were again, but they were trying, navigating the ruined steps of relearning each other slowly and carefully one say at a time. And thankfully, they had the luxury of longevity, allowing them to take as much time as they needed to rebuild and reforge their bonds as a family.

They would heal and eventually, the Demon Bull Family would be united again.

Syntax sighed as he adjusted his glasses, ready to go over the oversized stack of papermail he’d retrieved from his post box that morning, just in case somewhere amongst the junk mail and pamphlets was something interesting.

Junk mail went into the shredder, newsletters were read over then also shredded if they were not of interest, the ones that were would be neatly folded and placed aside to be properly read over later, any important paperwork was set on his keyboard to be read, organized and sorted away properly.

That was usually it, but it seemed this month, he’d somehow picked up a few extras. Handwritten letters, six of them closed in pastel pink envelopes and all with the same heavy perfume scent coming from them and all of which were quickly shredded and forgotten. The seventh letter may have been different, it was addressed to him and was in a simple white envelope, redirected from his Nana’s old apartment to him, but upon opening the letter, Syntax found that the words have been distorted and warped into an unreadable mess and thus, whatever had been written was unreadable and with no return address to write back to, it also went into the shredder.

If it had been truly important it would have come to him via an email or a phone call.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Part 2 of Into the Spider Web.

Here we have a look at how the Spider Clan learnt about Syntax's magic, a glimpse at the Demon Bull Family and my own personal thoughts on why MK is afraid of spiders.

< Part 1 Part 3 >

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Michael P. Hill at NewscastStudio:

Multiple sources have indicated to NewscastStudio that Allen Media Group will begin the process of “hubbing” weather forecasts for its local stations from the Atlanta facilities of its Weather Channel property. The group, which owns around 36 stations in mid-sized to small markets across the country, has already been quietly cutting a variety of jobs in recent days, including managers, anchors and forecasters. The next step, according to multiple insider sources who requested anonymity because the plans are not public yet, is to start producing weather segments for stations from The Weather Channel. Christina Burkhart, a forecaster at WJRT in Flint, Michigan, has also gone public with claims that her station’s parent company will cut “all local meteorologists company-wide.” She posted a message saying so as a public Facebook post.

NewscastStudio has reached out to a general information box for Allen Media Group for comment. The company does not list a public email address for media inquiries and its “press release” section of its corporate website is listed as “coming soon.” It’s not clear what the exact timeframe for these changes might be if they take place; there is an “on-camera meteorologist” listing on the Weather Channel’s careers page, but it’s not clear what specific role this might be for and it’s also possible the network might produce them using existing staffers. This isn’t the first time that a station group has attempted to “hub” its weather operations. Other groups, including Sinclair Media Group, have tried it in the past and some stations have also experimented with having a forecaster from a sister station handle forecasting segments on a day when no other local staffers are available due to illness, time off or staff shortages.

[...] Overall, cutting forecasters at every station would likely come in at about 100 jobs nationwide, assuming each property has at least two to three weather staffers.  Thanks to advances in remote production and work setups, the notion of producing local weather forecasts hundreds or thousands of miles a way is more feasible than ever. Computer systems already exist that allow anyone with a computer terminal and compatible software access near real-time maps, conditions and other data for any market in the U.S. Of course, creating a weather hub does mean that talent likely won’t be as familiar with local happenings, pronunciations, geography and weather patterns, though at least some of that knowledge could be transferred. It’s also likely that forecasters at the hub would be assigned to appear on the same group of stations as often as possible in order to build rapport with viewers.

Allen Media Group stations are eliminating weather departments by hubbing it out. This is a very bad sign, as lots of local area weather expertise has been jettisoned.

[abnormalpublishing]

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Plan and schedule content with reminders, tasks, and editorial calendars to stay organized.

Manage client relationships with built-in CRM tools and communication tracking.

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HighLevel delivers the tools, flexibility, and automation modern businesses need—all in one place. Stop piecing together separate systems. Instead, build smarter, scale faster, and stay ahead—with HighLevel.

[emexotechnologies]

Best Python Training in Marathahalli, Bangalore – Become a Python Expert & Launch a Future-Ready Career!

Python is one of the most powerful and versatile programming languages today, widely used in web development, data science, automation, artificial intelligence, and more. Whether you're aiming to break into the tech industry or looking to enhance your coding skills, eMexo Technologies offers the Best Python Training in Marathahalli, Bangalore—designed to help you succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Our Python Certification Course in Marathahalli, Bangalore is ideal for both beginners and experienced professionals who want to master Python from the ground up and land high-paying jobs in top companies.

🌟Who Should Join This Python Course in Marathahalli, Bangalore?

Our comprehensive Python Course in Marathahalli, Bangalore is ideal for:

Freshers and college students looking to build a solid foundation in programming

Software Developers and IT professionals aiming to upskill in Python

Data Analysts, Testers, and Automation Engineers entering the Python ecosystem

Professionals preparing for technical certifications or job transitions

Anyone passionate about coding, web development, or data science

📘 What You Will Learn in the Python Certification Course Marathahalli, Bangalore?

Our Python Certification Course in Marathahalli, Bangalore provides hands-on learning with a project-driven curriculum. You will learn:

Core Python Programming: Data types, operators, control flow, functions, OOP concepts

Advanced Python Topics: Modules, File Handling, Exception Handling, and Regular Expressions

Web Development with Django/Flask: Build dynamic websites and web apps

Data Analysis & Visualization: Learn NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib

Database Connectivity: Work with MySQL, PostgreSQL, and other databases

Live Projects: Create real-world applications, automation tools, and data dashboards

🚀 Why Choose eMexo Technologies – The Best Python Training Institute in Marathahalli, Bangalore?

eMexo Technologies is your career partner, not just a Python Training Center in Marathahalli, Bangalore. Here’s what makes us the Best Python Training Institute in Marathahalli, Bangalore:

✅ Industry-Certified Trainers with practical project experience ✅ Real-time training in fully equipped smart labs ✅ Individual mentorship and personalized learning plans ✅ Resume building, career guidance, and mock interview sessions ✅ Python Training Placement in Marathahalli, Bangalore with 100% placement assistance ✅ Flexible timings and learning modes: online & classroom training

We focus on skills that get you hired and help you build a strong professional portfolio.

🎯 Secure Your Future with the Leading Python Training in Marathahalli, Bangalore

Python is powering the future of tech—from automation to AI and data science. By joining our Python Certification Course in Marathahalli, Bangalore, you’ll gain in-demand skills, real-world exposure, and the confidence to take on job roles across various domains.

At eMexo Technologies, our goal is your career success. Learn from the best and become a job-ready Python professional.

📞 Call or WhatsApp: +91-9513216462 📧 Email: info@emexotechnologies.com 🌐 Website: https://www.emexotechnologies.com/courses/python-training-in-marathahalli-bangalore/

🚀 Seats are limited – Enroll today at the most trusted Python Training Institute in Marathahalli, Bangalore and take the first step toward a rewarding IT career.

🔖 Popular Hashtags:

[emexotechnologie]

Best Python Training in Marathahalli, Bangalore – Become a Python Expert & Launch a Future-Ready Career!

Python is one of the most powerful and versatile programming languages today, widely used in web development, data science, automation, artificial intelligence, and more. Whether you're aiming to break into the tech industry or looking to enhance your coding skills, eMexo Technologies offers the Best Python Training in Marathahalli, Bangalore—designed to help you succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Our Python Certification Course in Marathahalli, Bangalore is ideal for both beginners and experienced professionals who want to master Python from the ground up and land high-paying jobs in top companies.

🌟Who Should Join This Python Course in Marathahalli, Bangalore?

Our comprehensive Python Course in Marathahalli, Bangalore is ideal for:

Freshers and college students looking to build a solid foundation in programming

Software Developers and IT professionals aiming to upskill in Python

Data Analysts, Testers, and Automation Engineers entering the Python ecosystem

Professionals preparing for technical certifications or job transitions

Anyone passionate about coding, web development, or data science

📘 What You Will Learn in the Python Certification Course Marathahalli, Bangalore?

Our Python Certification Course in Marathahalli, Bangalore provides hands-on learning with a project-driven curriculum. You will learn:

Core Python Programming: Data types, operators, control flow, functions, OOP concepts

Advanced Python Topics: Modules, File Handling, Exception Handling, and Regular Expressions

Web Development with Django/Flask: Build dynamic websites and web apps

Data Analysis & Visualization: Learn NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib

Database Connectivity: Work with MySQL, PostgreSQL, and other databases

Live Projects: Create real-world applications, automation tools, and data dashboards

🚀 Why Choose eMexo Technologies – The Best Python Training Institute in Marathahalli, Bangalore?

eMexo Technologies is your career partner, not just a Python Training Center in Marathahalli, Bangalore. Here’s what makes us the Best Python Training Institute in Marathahalli, Bangalore:

✅ Industry-Certified Trainers with practical project experience ✅ Real-time training in fully equipped smart labs ✅ Individual mentorship and personalized learning plans ✅ Resume building, career guidance, and mock interview sessions ✅ Python Training Placement in Marathahalli, Bangalore with 100% placement assistance ✅ Flexible timings and learning modes: online & classroom training

We focus on skills that get you hired and help you build a strong professional portfolio.

🎯 Secure Your Future with the Leading Python Training in Marathahalli, Bangalore

Python is powering the future of tech—from automation to AI and data science. By joining our Python Certification Course in Marathahalli, Bangalore, you’ll gain in-demand skills, real-world exposure, and the confidence to take on job roles across various domains.

At eMexo Technologies, our goal is your career success. Learn from the best and become a job-ready Python professional.

📞 Call or WhatsApp: +91-9513216462 📧 Email: info@emexotechnologies.com 🌐 Website: https://www.emexotechnologies.com/courses/python-training-in-marathahalli-bangalore/

🚀 Seats are limited – Enroll today at the most trusted Python Training Institute in Marathahalli, Bangalore and take the first step toward a rewarding IT career.

🔖 Popular Hashtags:

[cesiaaaaaaaa]

How ICT Helps Businesses Grow?

In today’s digital world, businesses are not just using paper, pens, and calculators—they’re using ICT to succeed. But what exactly is ICT? And how does it help businesses?

Let’s explore!

🔍 What is ICT? ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology. It includes tools like:

Computers

Internet

Mobile phones

Software and apps

Printers and scanners

Businesses use ICT to communicate, organize, and make smart decisions.

💼 How Businesses Use ICT: 1️⃣ Communication Businesses use email, messaging apps, and video calls to talk to employees and customers.

💬 Example: A bakery uses Facebook Messenger to take cake orders.

2️⃣ Marketing and Selling They use websites and social media to advertise and sell products online.

💬 Example: An online clothing shop uses Instagram to show new arrivals.

3️⃣ Record Keeping Spreadsheets and databases help track sales, expenses, and customer info.

📊 Example: A computer shop uses Excel to record how many laptops were sold.

4️⃣ Online Payments ICT helps businesses accept payments through apps like GCash, PayMaya, or online banking.

💸 Example: A food delivery business uses QR codes for fast cashless payments.

5️⃣ Improving Customer Service Chatbots, FAQs, and emails help businesses answer questions 24/7.

🤖 Example: A tech store uses a chatbot to help customers with their gadget problems.

🌟 Why is ICT Important for Business? ✅ Saves time ✅ Reaches more customers ✅ Makes work faster and easier ✅ Helps businesses grow

Let’s Reflect: Think about this: 📌 “Have you seen a business that uses computers, websites, or phones to help customers? How did it help them?”

✨ Final Thought: ICT is like a superhero tool for business. It connects people, organizes work, and helps dreams grow into success stories. Whether it’s a small store or a big company, ICT is making a big difference.

[asdcallcurseup78]

tally erp 9 training near me | best computer coaching near sanjeevani hospital | best digital marketing coaching near afeem koti

Boost Your Career with Industry-Focused Courses in Kanpur

In today’s fast-paced digital world, practical skills and professional certifications are essential for a successful career. If you’re looking for Tally ERP 9 training near me, or searching for the best computer coaching near Sanjeevani Hospital, ASDC Kanpur is your go-to institute for career-oriented training. From finance to digital marketing, ASDC offers a wide range of industry-relevant courses tailored for students, professionals, and job seekers alike. Learn more about our programs and activities at ASDC Kanpur.

Why Choose ASDC Kanpur?

ASDC (Advanced Skill Development Center), located in the heart of Kanpur, has established itself as a trusted name for skill-based education. Whether you’re looking to enhance your computer skills or get certified in digital marketing, our expert faculty and modern infrastructure provide the ideal environment for learning. If you've been searching online for the best digital marketing coaching near Afeem Kothi, your search ends at ASDC Kanpur.

Tally ERP 9 Training: Upgrade Your Accounting Skills

Tally ERP 9 is one of the most widely used accounting software in India. It's a must-have skill for aspiring accountants and finance professionals. Our specialized course in Tally ERP 9 includes everything from basic accounting principles to GST filing and payroll management. If you’ve been looking for Tally ERP 9 training near me, ASDC Kanpur offers comprehensive training designed to meet the current industry demands.

Best Computer Coaching near Sanjeevani Hospital

Computer literacy is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. ASDC offers one of the best computer coaching near Sanjeevani Hospital, with courses in MS Office, internet applications, programming basics, and more. Whether you’re a student, homemaker, or professional, our programs are designed to boost your digital confidence. Discover how we’re supporting learners in upskilling at ASDC Kanpur.

Learn Digital Marketing from the Best in Kanpur

The demand for digital marketers is skyrocketing, and so is the need for quality training. If you're searching for the best digital marketing coaching near Afeem Kothi, ASDC provides a certified course covering SEO, social media marketing, email campaigns, Google Ads, and more. Our hands-on approach ensures students not only understand the theory but also master real-world applications. Discover the full scope of our offerings at ASDC Kanpur.

Modern Classrooms and Practical Learning

One of the key reasons students choose ASDC is our practical approach to learning. Every course is delivered using modern technology and real-life projects. From computer labs equipped with the latest software to digital marketing tools used by professionals, students get to work in an industry-like environment. Explore the facilities at ASDC Kanpur and see how we make learning effective and fun.

Affordable and Flexible Learning Options

ASDC believes in accessible education for all. Our fee structures are student-friendly, and we offer both short-term and long-term courses to fit different schedules. Whether you're looking for Tally ERP 9 training near me on weekends or a full-time digital marketing course, you’ll find a program that suits your needs at ASDC Kanpur.

Career Support and Job Assistance

What sets ASDC apart is not just the training, but also the after-training support. We help students build strong resumes, prepare for interviews, and connect with hiring companies. If you're looking for the best computer coaching near Sanjeevani Hospital which also offers career support, ASDC Kanpur is the right place for you.

Join ASDC and Take the First Step Toward Success Whether you're a fresh graduate, a working professional, or someone looking for a career switch, ASDC has a course tailored for you. From Tally ERP 9 training near me to the best digital marketing coaching near Afeem Kothi, our courses are crafted to turn learners into professionals. Start your journey today by visiting ASDC Kanpur and discovering how we can help you shape a brighte

[mariacallous]

Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, had always worried that his company’s victory last year in a multimillion-dollar legal battle against Google’s app store monopoly wouldn’t be enough to open up competition. Even if Google could no longer keep alternative marketplaces out of Android, phone manufacturers could make them harder to access. In a US lawsuit filed in San Francisco today, that’s exactly what Epic alleges Google has conspired with Samsung to do.

Some newer Samsung phones have required settings changes to install apps from the web such as Epic’s app marketplace, according to Epic, which also develops Fortnite and Rocket Racing. The requirement became effective by default in July, and Epic launched its app store in August. Samsung claims the feature it calls Auto Blocker protects against “applications from unauthorized sources” and “malicious activity.” But it extends the installation process from 15 steps to 21, Epic alleges. The company says that it has found in the past that the greater the number of hurdles, the fewer people complete the process.

“It is not about reasonable measures to protect users against malware,” Sweeney told reporters in a briefing ahead of the lawsuit filing. “It's about obstruction of competition.”

“Contrary to Epic Game's assertions, Samsung actively fosters market competition, enhances consumer choice, and conducts its operations fairly,” said a Samsung spokesperson in a statement. “The features integrated into our devices are designed in accordance with Samsung’s core principles of security, privacy, and user control, and we remain fully committed to safeguarding users' personal data. Users have the choice to disable Auto Blocker at any time. We plan to vigorously contest Epic Game's baseless claims.”

Google didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

The litigation builds on an effort Epic launched in 2020 to deliver more choice to mobile users and boost its own bottom line. While downloading apps any which way from just about any source is generally easy on desktops and laptops, Apple and Google have used warnings and varying policy and technical curbs to keep users downloading from the iOS App Store and Google Play, which deliver enormous profits to the tech giants by virtue of sales commissions they collect.

Epic, through a lawsuit, won a minor concession from Apple that is still being fought over; penalties against Google are expected from a judge soon.

In the press conference, Sweeney acknowledged that Epic doesn’t have clear evidence that Google and Samsung collaborated to roll out Auto Blocker. But emails and notes presented by Epic during its jury trial against Google last year showed how the search company regularly engaged in discussions with Samsung aimed at limiting competition. Google denied those accusations.

Early this month, Sweeney reached out to two senior Samsung executives to ask them to rethink the approach with Auto Blocker and allow for a smoother process to download legitimate software. Sweeney said a resolution couldn’t be reached that benefitted all developers, prompting the lawsuit. “We are going to continue to fight until there is a level playing field,” he says. He added that it “sucks” to sue Samsung, which has promoted Epic’s offerings in the past.

Epic has notched over 10 million installations of its mobile app store, short of a goal to reach 100 million by the end of the year, Sweeney says. He believes Auto Blocker and other new impediments, as he views them, have hurt Epic’s ability to gain traction. And his focus on fighting Apple and Google is costing Epic significant sums, with no end in sight to the litigation. “The benefits only come in the future, when the obstructions have truly been eliminated,” he says.

[sujitchaulagainblogs]

How to Choose the Best CRM Software for Your Business

Choosing the right CRM software for your business is a big decision — and the right one can make a world of difference. Whether you’re running a small startup or managing a growing company, having an effective CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system helps you keep track of customers, boost sales, and improve overall productivity. Let’s walk through how you can choose the best CRM for your business without getting overwhelmed.

Why Your Business Needs a CRM

A CRM isn’t just a tool — it’s your business’s central hub for managing relationships. If you’re still relying on spreadsheets or scattered notes, you’re probably losing time (and leads). A good CRM helps you:

Keep customer data organized in one place

Track leads, sales, and follow-ups

Automate routine tasks

Get insights into sales performance

Improve customer service

The goal is simple: work smarter, not harder. And with an affordable CRM that fits your needs, you’ll see faster growth and smoother processes.

Define Your Business Goals

Before diving into features, figure out what you actually need. Ask yourself:

Are you trying to increase sales or improve customer service?

Do you need better lead tracking or marketing automation?

How big is your team, and how tech-savvy are they?

What’s your budget?

Knowing your goals upfront keeps you from wasting time on CRMs that might be packed with unnecessary features — or worse, missing key ones.

Must-Have Features to Look For

When comparing CRM options, focus on features that truly matter for your business. Here are some essentials:

Contact Management – Store customer details, interactions, and notes all in one place.

Lead Tracking – Follow leads through the sales funnel and never miss a follow-up.

Sales Pipeline Management – Visualize where your deals stand and what needs attention.

Automation – Save time by automating emails, reminders, and data entry.

Customization – Adjust fields, workflows, and dashboards to match your process.

Third-Party Integrations – Ensure your CRM connects with other software you rely on, like email marketing tools or accounting systems.

Reports & Analytics – Gain insights into sales, performance, and customer behavior.

User-Friendly Interface – If your team finds it clunky or confusing, they won’t use it.

Budget Matters — But Value Matters More

A CRM doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Plenty of affordable CRM options offer robust features without the hefty price tag. The key is balancing cost with value. Don’t just chase the cheapest option — pick a CRM that supports your business growth.

Take LeadHeed, for example. It’s an affordable CRM designed to give businesses the tools they need — like lead management, sales tracking, and automation — without stretching your budget. It’s a smart pick if you want to grow efficiently without overpaying for features you won’t use.

Test Before You Commit

Most CRMs offer a free trial — and you should absolutely use it. A CRM might look great on paper, but it’s a different story when you’re actually using it. During your trial period, focus on:

How easy it is to set up and start using

Whether it integrates with your existing tools

How fast you can access and update customer information

If your team finds it helpful (or frustrating)

A trial gives you a real feel for whether the CRM is a good fit — before you commit to a paid plan.

Think About Long-Term Growth

Your business might be small now, but what about next year? Choose a CRM that grows with you. Look for flexible pricing plans, scalable features, and the ability to add more users or advanced functions down the line.

It’s better to pick a CRM that can expand with your business than to go through the hassle of switching systems later.

Check Customer Support

Even the best software can hit a snag — and when that happens, you’ll want reliable support. Look for a CRM that offers responsive customer service, whether that’s live chat, email, or phone. A system is only as good as the help you get when you need it.

Read Reviews and Compare

Don’t just rely on the CRM’s website. Read reviews from other businesses — especially ones similar to yours. Sites like G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot offer honest insights into what works (and what doesn’t). Comparing multiple CRMs ensures you make a well-rounded decision.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the best CRM software for your business doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your goals, focusing on essential features, and keeping scalability and budget in mind, you’ll find a CRM that fits like a glove.

If you’re looking for an affordable CRM Software that checks all the right boxes — without cutting corners — LeadHeed is worth exploring. It’s built to help businesses like yours manage leads, automate tasks, and gain valuable insights while staying within budget.

The right CRM can transform how you run your business. Take the time to find the one that supports your growth, keeps your team organized, and helps you deliver an even better experience to your customers.