#asia news aggregator

[there-goes-trouble]

Sorry for no I.D. on next link:

[haveyoureadthisfantasybook]

fifth round of stats

we haven’t had a stats update in >200 polls, so I figured it was probably overdue. this is based on the first 821(ish) polls. as usual, any time I give two percentages with a slash between them (e.g., “18.5% / 11.3%”), the first percentage is the mean and the second is the median.

general observations

we’ve had 43 majority-yes results so far; for comparison, we had 42 majority-yes results in the last round of stats, meaning that in the last 200 polls there has only been one new majority-yes result. this is why I think it might be a good idea to start reblogging above-average yes results.

the highest individual yes result on either this or the sci-fi blog is still C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at 85.3% yes.

averages continue to drop

the mean yes result for all books is 13.9% (down from 15.9%), and the median yes result is 7.4% (down from 8.3%).

note that when I give aggregate numbers for things, I missed a book at some point when I was updating my spreadsheet, so any totals will only add up to 820 at most.

publisher

the gap between big 5 imprints and other publishers has narrowed, because of a big drop for big 5 imprints: big 5 imprints are now at 16.9% / 9.8% yes and other publishers at 7.0% / 3.0% yes (the median actually went up slightly — thanks, Mercedes Lackey!).

age demographic

children’s books continue to be much more likely to get a yes result; the averages across all categories have fallen again.

adult

there have been 453 adult books, of which 10 have gotten majority-yes results (2.2%). the average is 10.0% / 5.0% yes — note the very low median. an adult book that gets a more than 5.0% yes result is in the top 50% of most-read books in these polls!

teen/YA

there have been 161 teen/YA books, of which 4 have gotten majority-yes results (2.5%). the average is 13.3% / 8.4% yes.

children’s

there have been 206 children’s books, of which 29 have gotten majority-yes results (14.1%). the average is 22.3% / 15.8% yes (the median has dropped dramatically — it was 20.7% last time).

publication date

the decades that have enough books to provide (somewhat) meaningful data are still in a pretty clear bell curve peaking in the 1990s and 2000s:

18th century: 1

1830s: 1 book

1880s: 1 book

1890s: 2 books

1900s: 5 books

1910s: 3 books

1920s: 3 books

1930s: 6 books

1940s: 4 books

1950s: 10 books (average 35.1% / 23.5%, heavily skewed by Tolkien and Lewis lmao)

1960s: 8 books

1970s: 37 books (average 12.2% / 5.5%)

1980s: 68 books (average 15.1% / 6.4%)

1990s: 90 books (average 18.5% / 13.0%)

2000s: 191 books (average 16.9% / 10.1%)

2010s: 257 books (average 10.4% / 5.1%)

2020s: 133 books (average 9.5% / 5.2%)

race

the gap between white authors and authors of color has narrowed slightly, with the average for white authors dropping significantly and the average for authors of color rising slightly: books by white authors average 15.0% / 8.0% yes, and books by authors of color average 7.4% / 4.0% yes.

gender

books by women and books by nonbinary writers have a lower mean yes rate than books by men but a slightly higher median yes rate. this data suggests that in fact people read books by authors of all genders at relatively similar rates overall but that there are more bestsellers / classics by men (skewing the mean up).

women: 13.0% / 7.5%

men: 16.4% / 7.3%

nonbinary/other/none: 8.7% / 7.5%

geography

Oceania has finally got enough books that it’s not entirely determined by The Locked Tomb lmao.

North America: average 13.2% / 7.4%

Europe: average 17.6% / 8.9%

every other continent composite average: 8.4% / 3.7%

Asia: 4.4% / 2.9%

Oceania: 12.2% / 5.6%

language

the average for books originally published in English remains markedly higher (14.2% / 7.6% yes) than the average for books not originally published in English (9.4% / 2.9% yes), though it’s dropping. for other languages with >10 polls:

French: 7.2% / 1.7%

Japanese: 3.0% / 2.9%

so far in total we’ve had:

English: 752 books

French: 14 books

Japanese: 11 books

German: 8 books

Swedish: 8 books

Spanish: 5 books

Chinese: 4 books

Arabic: 3 books

Danish: 3 books

Korean: 2 books

Russian: 2 books

Welsh: 2 books

Finnish: 1 book

(Scottish) Gaelic: 1 book

Italian: 1 book

Polish: 1 book

Portuguese: 1 book

Yoruba: 1 book

as always, I especially invite submissions written in languages other than English, regardless of whether they’re available in translation!

[stanleyhuds]

Underwater Concrete Market Share, Demand, Growth, and Forecast 2025-2033

Global Underwater Concrete Industry: Key Statistics and Insights in 2025-2033

Summary:

The global underwater concrete market size reached USD USD 184.6 Billion in 2024.

The market is expected to reach USD 256.2 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.52% during 2025-2033.

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest underwater concrete market share.

Aggregates represent the largest segment due to their crucial role in providing the necessary bulk, strength, and durability for underwater concrete mixtures.

Hydropower holds the biggest market share because the construction and maintenance of dams and other hydropower infrastructure require extensive use of underwater concrete.

Ongoing advancements in underwater construction are impelling the growth of the market.

The growing demand for marine infrastructure is offering a favorable market outlook.

Industry Trends and Drivers:

Technological Advancements in Underwater Construction:

Advancements in underwater construction are boosting the market. Innovations like new concrete mixes and additives improve underwater concrete. These technologies ensure concrete stays strong against high pressure and salt. Moreover, the rise of self-compacting concrete and special admixtures is making underwater construction faster and more reliable. This not only enhances underwater structures but also cuts labor costs and project times.

Increasing Demand for Marine Infrastructure:

Demand for marine infrastructure is rising, creating a positive market outlook. Urban growth and economic expansion boost maritime trade. This, in turn, calls for better ports and harbors. Coastal cities now invest in flood defenses, seawalls, and tunnels to combat climate change effects. These projects need special underwater concrete. It must resist harsh marine conditions. Additionally, the growth of offshore oil, gas, and wind projects increases the need for reliable materials.

Government Initiatives and Funding:

Government initiatives and funding significantly boost market growth. Worldwide, governments are investing in infrastructure to enhance economies and tackle environmental issues. They are allocating substantial funds for coastal protections like sea walls and breakwaters against climate change. Moreover, support for offshore renewable energy projects, which need extensive underwater concrete, is also growing. In developing regions, incentives and subsidies are encouraging the use of advanced materials, including underwater concrete.

Request for a sample copy of this report: https://www.imarcgroup.com/underwater-concrete-market/requestsample

Underwater Concrete Market Report Segmentation:

By Raw Material:

Admixtures

Cement

Aggregates

Others

Aggregates represent the largest segment due to their crucial role in providing the necessary bulk, strength, and durability for underwater concrete mixtures.

By Application:

Hydropower

Marine

Shore Protection

Underwater Repairs

Tunnels

Swimming Pools

Others

Hydropower holds the biggest market share because the construction and maintenance of dams and other hydropower infrastructure require extensive use of underwater concrete.

Regional Insights:

North America (United States, Canada)

Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)

Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others)

Middle East and Africa

North America’s dominance in the underwater concrete market is attributed to its significant investments in marine infrastructure, coastal protection projects, and the expansion of offshore energy installations.

Top Underwater Concrete Market Leaders: 

The underwater concrete market research report outlines a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape, offering in-depth profiles of major companies. Some of the key players in the market are:

Buzzi Unicem S.p.A.

CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V.

CONMIX Ltd.

Five Star Products Inc.

Heidelberg Materials

Larsen Building Products

MUHU (China) Construction Materials Co. Ltd.

Rockbond SCP Ltd

Sika AG, Tarmac (CRH plc)

Unibeton Ready Mix (Al Fara’a Group)

Note: If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.

About Us:

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provide a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.

Contact Us:

IMARC Group

134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com

Tel No:(D) +91 120 433 0800

United States: +1-631-791-1145

[the-bjd-community-confess]

Hello, this is the Oldie Chinese Diaspora Anon™️

Anon here voiced a frustration that I think we all share, from time to time. The commentators have brought up some very important points, but I think it may be important to show you a fuller picture. It’s not just about a concept of freedom, but what it can actually mean.

First of all, to say there are few, or no incidences of fraud in the Chinese BJD community is objectively false. The infamous Baidu BJD Tucao Bar (

) and it’s more updated counterpart on Weixin exist because of three reasons – it’s a place to vent within a community, a place where two sides of a dispute can come together to share their side in a court of public opinion and finally, to call out and expose scammers. The following examples are all in Chinese, of course – but how else to show you what’s really going on unless you actually see for yourself? Now, the extent of what’s considered a “scam” is stretched far and wide, but included are common complaints about how individual indie artists have inconsistent pre-orders (https://tieba.baidu.com/p/8126795911 ), long wait times (http://c.tieba.baidu.com/p/8446099713 ) the quality of the resin from these indie artists are brittle/streaky/full of bubbles (https://tieba.baidu.com/p/7657831519 ), as well as horrid communication with customer service (https://tieba.baidu.com/p/7216544824 ).

Other scammers have:

Sold counterfeits as real: http://c.tieba.baidu.com/p/6319214040

Attempt to claw back prices after receiving a second-hand doll (usually banking on the seller being afraid of a bad feedback) http://c.tieba.baidu.com/p/8422233115

Scams that occur during trades (didn’t send anything, send trash instead of dolls, recalled a package while still receiving something from the sender, etc) https://tieba.baidu.com/p/6138333817

Running away with down-payments: https://tieba.baidu.com/p/7546265316

Cheaters trading across different fandoms: https://tieba.baidu.com/p/6237611363

What’s the use of this “social credit system” if it doesn’t really stop the scamming, then?

I think I may have mentioned this earlier; the point of a social credit system is more about controlling a population’s aggregate behaviour than the behaviour of individuals. It’s there to quash dissent instead of keeping a community crime-free. Think about it this way, BJD collectors are a small, niche market with a high price tag. And if the Chinese government is lax enough to allow rampant counterfeit foods and medication to go on for years (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIpA_RwEtLE&t=33s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYr87XCAa48 and https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-56080092 ), would the system really protect a small group of rather privileged individuals? You might ask, “Hey, OCDA, aren’t these people caught? That means the system works, right?” The answer is, “Yes, and they are just the tip of the iceberg. There are plenty more of these people who were never caught.” I think we have all heard that just because something’s immoral doesn’t mean it’s illegal. Legality is never the bottom line that we should hold each other accountable to, but these folks get by banking on that their immorality will never be caught, and unless they were caught, what they do aren’t illegal.

On the other hand, the government is quick to stop anything that could cause a social stir. No matter how big the topic might be (human trafficking, public corruption, the existence of COVID, you name it), if there was too much interest in a topic that the government deemed “unsuitable” (if it gives you an answer at all), it can be rubbed out of social media overnight. This is possible because 1. There’s only one kind of social media, which is closely monitored by the State and 2. There’s the Great Firewall of China and scaling the wall can incur a fine and sometimes even probation. The person who started the whole furor may be invited by the police for a talking-to (or just disappeared, either way.)

BJDs are small fry, we know that, so where do minor “scams” lie? Yes, it is inherently frustrating as a consumer to realise that one cannot reinforce trade laws across borders or hold non-registered sellers under the same scrutiny as a registered company. I understand that personally as a victim of a bungled preorder as well. But this so-called “Social Credit” system is never the way to go. Not even Black Mirror or Minority Report can replicate the reality that’s inside China, folks. The truth is worse than fiction.

~Anonymous

[generallemarc]

Looking for news recommendations

If possible I'm looking for a single site, rather than an aggregator like GroundNews. I just want to know what's going on around the world(and I mean the entire world, not just North America, Europe, and occasionally the Middle East or East Asia) with as little a bias as possible. I've given up completely on APNews doing that-they care more about generating clicks from fearmongering about whatever's currently trending than about the truth. I'm desperate enough to be willing to pay a subscription fee-I just want to be able to know what's going on without getting the effect of a doomscroll just from looking at the titles of the articles on the site. I don't care if the site has some bias-at this point I don't think truly unbiased media exists anymore. But I'd strongly prefer it if it's like how AP used to be, where it can turn the bias off on the less "mainstream"(to an American/Westerner) articles.

[sanjay-chem]

Road Aggregates Market Present Scenario and Growth Prospects 2032

The global road aggregates market share is set to experience substantial growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% over the forecast period. According to the latest analysis by Future Market Insights (FMI), the market, currently valued at USD 367.70 billion in 2022, is expected to soar to USD 709.91 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by increasing demand from the construction sector and significant investments in highway expansion.

Road aggregates are granular materials such as gravel, limestone, and crushed rock used primarily as a base layer in road construction. They are combined with water and cement for their final application on roads, providing strength, toughness, and stiffness. These materials are crucial in the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure projects.

The surge in demand for road aggregates is closely linked to the booming construction sector. With rapid urbanization and population growth, there is a heightened need for new roads and the expansion of existing ones. Government investments in infrastructure development further propel the market’s growth.

Key Takeaways

Market Valuation and Growth: The road aggregates market is expected to grow from $367.70 billion in 2022 to $709.91 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 6.8%.

Technological Advancements: Manufacturers are leveraging technological advancements to launch new products and maintain a competitive edge. Continuous investment in research and development is a key strategy.

Sustainability Initiatives: New market entrants are focusing on recycling construction and demolition materials for road aggregates, contributing to sustainability and cost-efficiency.

Risk Management: Key players are adopting collaborative risk management approaches to identify and mitigate potential hazards in road construction projects.

Regional Analysis

The demand for road aggregates is robust across various regions, driven by fast-paced urbanization and infrastructure development initiatives.

North America: Significant investments in highway construction and maintenance are expected to drive market growth.

Europe: Germany stands out with substantial market share due to ongoing infrastructure projects.

Asia-Pacific: Rapid urbanization and government initiatives in countries like China and India are major growth drivers.

Latin America and Africa: Emerging economies are investing in infrastructure development, providing new growth opportunities for the road aggregates market.

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.

[latestmarketresearchnews]

Hydroponics Market Leading Players Updates and Growth Analysis Report 2030

The global hydroponics market size is estimated to reach USD 10.98 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 12.4% from 2024 to 2030, according to the new study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. The integration of smart farming technologies, notably exemplified by the adoption of vertical farming, has played a pivotal role in advancing hydroponics and is projected to be a key driver of market growth. The continuous improvement in hydroponics technologies, coupled with the introduction of state-of-the-art innovations such as environmental and temperature sensing, remote growth monitoring, and automatic nutrient reading, is expected to significantly bolster the demand for hydroponic solutions in the market.

Based on type, the market is categorized into aggregate systems and liquid systems. The aggregate systems segment is projected to continue holding the largest market share over the forecast period. The liquid systems segment is poised for substantial growth at a high Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. In contrast, aggregate hydroponics farming involves a range of technologies, including drip, wick, and ebb and flow systems. In these methods, plants are cultivated using a medium like rock wool or perlite. Selecting the appropriate medium is crucial for farmers, considering variations in pH and thickness that can impact root growth. However, liquid systems, such as deep-water culture and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), eliminate the need for such media by delivering nutrients directly to the roots. This streamlined approach not only enhances efficiency but also accelerates the time required for yielding crops. Consequently, the adoption of liquid systems is anticipated to experience substantial growth throughout the forecast period.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Global Hydroponics Market

Asia Pacific held the largest market share in 2023, as countries such as China, India, and Japan are finding lucrative opportunities in hydroponics farming to cater to the rising food demand. However, Europe is expected to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period owing to the favorable government scenario regarding the development and adoption of alternative farming technologies.

The market is fragmented and has the presence of several key market players. Some prominent players in the market include AeroFarms, AmHydro, Argus Control Systems Limited, BrightFarms., Heliospectra and UrbanKisaan, among others. These players are adopting strategies such as partnerships and collaborations to gain a competitive edge. For instance, AeroFarms and Silal, a prominent fresh produce and agri-tech company in Abu Dhabi, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a durable research and development partnership focused on knowledge and technology exchange in advanced farming methods such as verical farming and hydroponics farming with local farmers.

Hydroponics Market Report Highlights

The market is expected to grow due to factors such as increasing demand for high-quality and pesticide-free crops, limited availability of arable land, and advancements in technology for efficient cultivation.

The aggregate systems hold a significant market share in the market due to factors such as their ability to provide controlled environments for plant growth, efficient nutrient delivery systems, and the flexibility to cultivate a wide range of crops.

The lettuce segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 15.4% over the forecast period. The online distribution channel segment growth is attributed to the factors such as its relatively short growth cycle, rising demand from households and fast-food chains, and its raw consumption in large quantities.

Europe is likely to emerge as the prominent segment, holding the largest market share by 2030. The countries such as the Netherlands, Turkey, and Spain witness a high adoption rate of hydroponics.

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

Portable Lithium Power Station Market: The global portable lithium power station market size was valued at USD 161.4 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.8% from 2025 to 2030.

Online Tutoring Services Market: The global online tutoring services market size was estimated at USD 10.42 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2025 to 2030.

Hydroponics Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented global hydroponics market report based on type, crop type, crop area, and region

Hydroponics Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

Aggregate Systems

EBB & Flow Systems

Drip Systems

Wick Systems

Liquid Systems

Deep Water Culture

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

Aeroponics

Hydroponics Crop Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

Tomatoes

Lettuce

Peppers

Cucumbers

Herbs

Others

Hydroponics Crop Area Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

Upto 1000 sq.ft.

1000-50000 sq.ft.

Above 50000 sq.ft

Hydroponics Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

South America

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

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

[researchreportinsight]

Hydroponics Market Growth Trends, Research and Revenue Analysis, 2030

The global hydroponics market size is estimated to reach USD 10.98 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 12.4% from 2024 to 2030, according to the new study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. The integration of smart farming technologies, notably exemplified by the adoption of vertical farming, has played a pivotal role in advancing hydroponics and is projected to be a key driver of market growth. The continuous improvement in hydroponics technologies, coupled with the introduction of state-of-the-art innovations such as environmental and temperature sensing, remote growth monitoring, and automatic nutrient reading, is expected to significantly bolster the demand for hydroponic solutions in the market.

Based on type, the market is categorized into aggregate systems and liquid systems. The aggregate systems segment is projected to continue holding the largest market share over the forecast period. The liquid systems segment is poised for substantial growth at a high Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. In contrast, aggregate hydroponics farming involves a range of technologies, including drip, wick, and ebb and flow systems. In these methods, plants are cultivated using a medium like rock wool or perlite. Selecting the appropriate medium is crucial for farmers, considering variations in pH and thickness that can impact root growth. However, liquid systems, such as deep-water culture and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), eliminate the need for such media by delivering nutrients directly to the roots. This streamlined approach not only enhances efficiency but also accelerates the time required for yielding crops. Consequently, the adoption of liquid systems is anticipated to experience substantial growth throughout the forecast period.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Global Hydroponics Market

Asia Pacific held the largest market share in 2023, as countries such as China, India, and Japan are finding lucrative opportunities in hydroponics farming to cater to the rising food demand. However, Europe is expected to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period owing to the favorable government scenario regarding the development and adoption of alternative farming technologies.

The market is fragmented and has the presence of several key market players. Some prominent players in the market include AeroFarms, AmHydro, Argus Control Systems Limited, BrightFarms., Heliospectra and UrbanKisaan, among others. These players are adopting strategies such as partnerships and collaborations to gain a competitive edge. For instance, AeroFarms and Silal, a prominent fresh produce and agri-tech company in Abu Dhabi, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a durable research and development partnership focused on knowledge and technology exchange in advanced farming methods such as verical farming and hydroponics farming with local farmers.

Hydroponics Market Report Highlights

The market is expected to grow due to factors such as increasing demand for high-quality and pesticide-free crops, limited availability of arable land, and advancements in technology for efficient cultivation.

The aggregate systems hold a significant market share in the market due to factors such as their ability to provide controlled environments for plant growth, efficient nutrient delivery systems, and the flexibility to cultivate a wide range of crops.

The lettuce segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 15.4% over the forecast period. The online distribution channel segment growth is attributed to the factors such as its relatively short growth cycle, rising demand from households and fast-food chains, and its raw consumption in large quantities.

Europe is likely to emerge as the prominent segment, holding the largest market share by 2030. The countries such as the Netherlands, Turkey, and Spain witness a high adoption rate of hydroponics.

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

Portable Lithium Power Station Market: The global portable lithium power station market size was valued at USD 161.4 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.8% from 2025 to 2030.

Online Tutoring Services Market: The global online tutoring services market size was estimated at USD 10.42 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2025 to 2030.

Hydroponics Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented global hydroponics market report based on type, crop type, crop area, and region

Hydroponics Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

Aggregate Systems

EBB & Flow Systems

Drip Systems

Wick Systems

Liquid Systems

Deep Water Culture

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

Aeroponics

Hydroponics Crop Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

Tomatoes

Lettuce

Peppers

Cucumbers

Herbs

Others

Hydroponics Crop Area Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

Upto 1000 sq.ft.

1000-50000 sq.ft.

Above 50000 sq.ft

Hydroponics Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

South America

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

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

[investorocean0007]

How Ritesh Agarwal Saved OYO - The Shocking Comeback of OYO |How Ritesh Become Youngest Billionaire

A Revolution in the Hospitality Industry

Introduction OYO Rooms, commonly referred to as OYO, has revolutionized the hospitality industry by redefining budget accommodations globally. Established in 2013 by Ritesh Agarwal in India, OYO began as a simple aggregator of budget hotels and evolved into a tech-driven hospitality brand, offering standardized and affordable stays. This essay explores the origins, business model, impact, and challenges faced by OYO.

Origins and Growth Ritesh Agarwal, inspired by his own travel experiences and the inconsistent quality of budget accommodations, founded OYO with a vision to create affordable, standardized, and easily accessible hotel rooms. Starting with one hotel in Gurgaon, the company rapidly expanded across India and entered international markets such as China, the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

OYO leveraged technology to streamline hotel bookings and standardize services like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and cleanliness. Its unique value proposition of affordable comfort appealed to millennials, budget travelers, and business professionals alike.

Business Model OYO operates on a franchise and lease model. It partners with small hotels, providing them with branding, training, and operational support while ensuring compliance with OYO’s quality standards. In return, OYO earns a percentage of the revenue generated by these hotels.

The use of data analytics and artificial intelligence has allowed OYO to optimize pricing, predict customer preferences, and enhance operational efficiency. Its app and website make the booking process seamless, contributing to its popularity.

Impact on the Hospitality Industry OYO disrupted the hospitality market by empowering small hotel owners and creating a level playing field. It bridged the gap between luxury and budget accommodations, giving travelers access to quality stays at reasonable prices. Furthermore, it contributed to job creation, directly and indirectly, through its extensive network.

OYO’s model encouraged innovation in the sector, forcing competitors to improve services and embrace technology. It also played a crucial role in promoting domestic and international tourism.

Challenges and Criticism Despite its success, OYO has faced challenges. Rapid expansion led to operational inefficiencies, customer complaints about inconsistent services, and strained relationships with hotel partners. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the travel and hospitality industry, forcing OYO to downsize and rethink its strategies.

Critics have also pointed out issues related to high commissions charged to hotel partners, aggressive marketing tactics, and an overemphasis on growth at the expense of sustainability.

Future Prospects OYO’s ability to adapt and innovate will determine its future. By focusing on sustainable growth, improving customer and partner relationships, and leveraging technology, OYO can consolidate its position as a leader in the budget hospitality segment. Expanding its offerings, such as long-term stays and co-living spaces, could also open new avenues for growth.

Conclusion OYO is a remarkable example of entrepreneurial vision and innovation. It has transformed the way people experience budget travel, making quality accommodations accessible to millions. While challenges persist, OYO’s resilience and adaptability position it as a major player in the global hospitality industry.

4o

[health-views-updates]

IoT Medical Devices Market 2024 Size, Share, Global Business Outlook and Demand Forecast by 2032

The global IoT Medical Devices Market Revenue is witnessing unprecedented growth, as revealed by the latest report from SNS Insider. This expansion is largely driven by the integration of advanced IoT technologies within healthcare devices, transforming patient care, enhancing operational efficiency, and enabling precise remote monitoring. As the healthcare industry increasingly adopts IoT-powered medical devices, market analysts project a robust upward trend in revenue, bolstered by factors such as rapid technological advancements, a growing aging population, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases.

The report highlights that IoT medical devices are essential in real-time patient data collection, creating an interconnected ecosystem where medical professionals and caregivers can monitor health metrics remotely. This technology is particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions, reducing hospital readmissions, and empowering patients to play an active role in their healthcare journey. As the demand for personalized and cost-effective healthcare solutions grows, IoT devices are set to become a cornerstone of modern medical practices, enhancing patient engagement and promoting preventative healthcare.

Furthermore, with IoT medical devices becoming more sophisticated, the sector is witnessing a surge in device interconnectivity, cloud data storage, and AI-driven analytics. These devices are increasingly capable of aggregating data to generate actionable insights, empowering healthcare providers to make informed decisions and improve patient outcomes. As a result, many healthcare organizations are investing in IoT infrastructure, ensuring the long-term viability and scalability of connected devices.

Get Free Sample Report@ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/1737

Key Market Insights and Trends

The SNS Insider report offers a comprehensive analysis of the IoT Medical Devices Market, covering current market dynamics, future trends, and growth opportunities. Key insights include:

Expanding Remote Patient Monitoring With the ability to remotely monitor patient health, IoT medical devices are revolutionizing care management, particularly for individuals in remote locations. Remote monitoring enables timely intervention, ensuring that patients receive optimal care without frequent hospital visits. The convenience and efficiency of these devices are appealing to both patients and healthcare providers, leading to a surge in adoption rates.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency in Healthcare Facilities IoT devices play a significant role in reducing operational costs and improving workflow efficiency in healthcare facilities. By tracking assets and inventory, these devices help minimize wastage, improve resource allocation, and streamline hospital operations. As healthcare providers increasingly recognize the financial and operational benefits of IoT adoption, the market is poised for exponential growth.

Rising Investment in Research and Development Major players in the healthcare industry are investing heavily in R&D to develop advanced IoT-enabled medical devices. Innovations such as wearable devices, smart implants, and ingestible sensors are creating new possibilities in patient monitoring and diagnostics. The surge in R&D investments is expected to foster further advancements, making IoT medical devices even more sophisticated and integral to modern healthcare.

Market Outlook

The future of the IoT medical devices market appears promising, with North America and Europe leading the charge due to their advanced healthcare infrastructures and substantial R&D investments. Asia-Pacific is also emerging as a key player, driven by rapid technological adoption, a large patient population, and supportive government initiatives. Furthermore, the market is expected to witness notable growth in developing regions as healthcare providers increasingly prioritize digital transformation and IoT integration.

However, the market does face certain challenges, including concerns around data privacy, security risks, and regulatory complexities. With healthcare data being extremely sensitive, it is crucial for manufacturers and service providers to ensure robust cybersecurity measures. Moreover, navigating regulatory requirements and achieving compliance remains a significant challenge for companies operating in this space. Despite these hurdles, the overall outlook remains positive as stakeholders work towards overcoming these obstacles.

About Us:

SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world.

Contact Us: Akash Anand – Head of Business Development & Strategy info@snsinsider.com Phone: +1-415-230-0044 (US) | +91-7798602273 (IND)

[tradeimexdataprovider]

Unlocking Market Insights with Global Trade Data: A Guide for Exporters

In the dynamic world of international business, having accurate and timely market insights can make the difference between success and stagnation. For exporters, global trade data serves as a treasure trove of valuable information that, when used strategically, can open doors to new markets, reveal trends, and sharpen competitive advantages. However, harnessing this data requires understanding its sources, interpreting it effectively, and leveraging it to make data-driven decisions. In this guide, we’ll explore how exporters can unlock market insights with global trade data and navigate the competitive landscape with confidence.

Understanding Global Trade Data: The Basics

Global trade data is a collection of detailed records of imports and exports, often broken down by country, product, quantity, value, and trade partners. The data is sourced from customs authorities, trade organizations, and various government bodies worldwide, with each transaction documented and categorized. These data points are then aggregated and made accessible for analysis.

For exporters, global trade data is a goldmine of information on the following:

Market Demand: Insights into which countries are importing specific products and in what quantity.

Pricing Trends: Information on how much competitors are charging for similar products in different markets.

Top Importers and Exporters: Knowledge of key players within specific product categories.

Trade Routes: Understanding logistical pathways and the common transportation modes used.

Regulatory Environment: Awareness of trade restrictions, tariffs, and compliance requirements.

Key Benefits of Using Global Trade Data for Exporters

Access to global trade data offers several advantages that can significantly impact an exporter's success. These benefits include:

Identifying High-Potential Markets

By analyzing trade data, exporters can pinpoint regions with high demand for their products. For example, if data shows a growing trend of imported organic food products in Asia, organic food exporters can focus on marketing and distribution efforts in that region. Moreover, they can track growth rates over time to identify emerging markets.

Understanding Competitor Strategies

Exporters can use trade data to monitor competitors, learning about their shipment sizes, destinations, and pricing strategies. For instance, if a competitor is exporting more to a particular market, it may signal a viable opportunity to expand there. Observing such patterns allows exporters to fine-tune their pricing strategies and identify gaps to fill.

Enhancing Negotiation Power with Data-Driven Insights

With access to trade data, exporters can negotiate more effectively with distributors, suppliers, and logistical partners. Accurate data on demand, pricing, and trade volume supports informed decision-making and strengthens bargaining positions.

Staying Ahead of Market Trends

Exporters who closely monitor trade data can spot trends as they unfold, such as shifts in demand for specific products or changes in buyer preferences. This proactive approach enables them to adapt product offerings and marketing strategies to align with evolving market conditions.

Mitigating Risks with Better Forecasting

Trade data provides a clear picture of seasonal trends and market fluctuations, allowing exporters to forecast demand more accurately and adjust inventory levels accordingly. Additionally, trade data helps exporters gauge geopolitical risks, tariff changes, and potential supply chain disruptions.

Steps to Unlock Market Insights Using Global Trade Data

To get the most out of global trade data, exporters should follow a systematic approach to data analysis and application:

1. Define Your Market Research Objectives

Before diving into data, clarify what you aim to achieve. Are you looking to enter a new market, improve pricing, or understand competitor activity? Clear goals will guide your research and help you focus on relevant data points.

2. Choose the Right Data Sources

Not all data sources are equal, so selecting a reliable and comprehensive source is crucial. Some of the top sources for global trade data include:

UN Comtrade: One of the most comprehensive databases on international trade, providing data on goods and services between countries.

World Bank: Offers various tools and resources for understanding trade flows, including the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS).

Trade Map: A database by the International Trade Centre (ITC) with export/import data and tariffs by country.

Private Data Providers: Many private companies offer enhanced trade data analytics and insights, often with user-friendly interfaces and customizable reports.

3. Segment and Analyze the Data

After collecting data, segment it according to your target parameters, such as specific countries, product categories, or time frames. This segmentation allows for a more tailored analysis. For example, if you’re in the apparel industry, you might focus on the volume of clothing imports to a particular region over the past year.

Use visualization tools to spot patterns and trends, such as seasonal spikes in demand or shifts in top importing countries. Visual representations of data often make insights clearer and actionable.

4. Identify Key Trends and Opportunities

With segmented data, start looking for patterns. Here are a few examples of what to search for:

Growing Demand: Spot countries or regions with consistent import growth for your product.

Under-served Markets: Look for markets where demand exceeds the current supply, potentially signaling a gap that your business can fill.

Competitive Pricing: Identify the price range competitors charge in various markets to set competitive, yet profitable, pricing.

5. Create a Market Entry Strategy

With insights from global trade data, build a data-driven strategy to enter new markets or expand in existing ones. Consider:

Pricing Strategy: Set prices based on the average price point in each target market.

Product Differentiation: If the data shows that existing players in the market lack a specific feature in their product, emphasize that feature in your offering.

Logistical Planning: Trade data on trade routes and transport modes can inform your supply chain decisions, helping you minimize costs and lead times.

Tools for Analyzing Global Trade Data

Several analytical tools are available to help exporters process and interpret trade data more effectively:

Tableau and Power BI: These data visualization tools are widely used for turning raw trade data into interactive graphs and charts.

Excel and Google Sheets: Useful for smaller data sets, Excel and Google Sheets provide basic analytics and visualization options.

Python and R: For advanced users, programming languages like Python and R allow for more customized data analysis and automation.

CRM and BI Tools: Many Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Business Intelligence (BI) platforms offer integrations with trade data, enabling seamless analysis.

Real-World Example: How Global Trade Data Can Drive Export Success

Imagine a coffee exporter based in Latin America. By analyzing global trade data, the exporter notices a rising trend in coffee imports to Southeast Asia, with data indicating a preference for organic products. The exporter can thus tailor its product offerings, focusing on organic coffee varieties, and price competitively to capture market share.

Furthermore, through trade data, the exporter discovers that while the market in Japan is competitive, neighboring countries like Malaysia and Thailand show increasing demand but lower competition. This information enables the exporter to allocate resources more efficiently, targeting these under-served markets and increasing the likelihood of success.

Challenges and Best Practices

Using global trade data effectively comes with its challenges, such as handling vast data sets and ensuring data accuracy. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind:

Stay Updated: Trade regulations and tariffs change frequently. Regularly update your data sources to ensure accurate insights.

Combine Data Sources: Using multiple sources, such as public data and market reports, provides a well-rounded view of market conditions.

Focus on Actionable Insights: Avoid getting lost in the data. Focus on metrics that directly impact your market entry or expansion strategy.

Conclusion

Global trade data holds immense potential for exporters seeking to expand their markets, identify trends, and stay competitive. By understanding and leveraging this data, exporters can make informed decisions that drive growth, reduce risks, and position themselves as industry leaders. With the right tools, a clear strategy, and a commitment to data-driven insights, exporters can unlock new opportunities and succeed in today’s fast-paced global marketplace.

[snehalblog]

Innovations in Ultrasound and Electrosurgical Energy Dissectors Market: Shaping the Future of Minimally Invasive Surgery - UnivDatos

According to a new report published by UnivDatos Markets Insights, the Ultrasound And Electrosurgical Energy Dissectors Market was valued at USD 9 Billion in 2022 & is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2023-2030. The analysis has been segmented into Type (Ultrasound Devices and Electrosurgical Devices); End User (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, and Others); Region/Country.

The Ultrasound And Electrosurgical Energy Dissectors market report has been aggregated by collecting informative data on various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the opioid market. The Ultrasound And Electrosurgical Energy Dissectors market report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending market factors influencing market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the Ultrasound And Electrosurgical Energy Dissectors market at the global and regional levels.

Request To Download Sample of This Strategic Report - https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=51051&utm_source=LinkSJ&utm_medium=Snehal&utm_campaign=Snehal&utm_id=snehal

Key Market Dynamics

The increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries is one of the key drivers of the ultrasound and electrosurgical energy dissectors market. Minimally invasive surgeries offer several advantages over traditional open surgeries, such as smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times. As a result, there is a growing preference among both patients and healthcare professionals for these less invasive procedures. The increasing adoption of minimally invasive surgeries across a wide range of medical specialties is driving the demand for ultrasound and electrosurgical energy dissectors. For instance, as per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, about 23.67 Million Minimally-Invasive procedures were performed in America during the year 2022. These procedures are now being used in various fields, including gynecology, urology, general surgery, orthopedics, and cardiovascular surgery. The versatility of these devices and their ability to enhance surgical precision and patient outcomes are contributing to their growing popularity.

Ultrasound And Electrosurgical Energy Dissectors Market Geographical Segmentation Includes:

·         North America (U.S., Canada, and the Rest of North America)

·         Europe (Germany, UK, Spain, Italy, France, Rest of Europe)

·         Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and Rest of Asia-Pacific)

·         Rest of the World

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness fast growth in the Ultrasound And Electrosurgical Energy Dissectors market. This is mainly due to the cost-effectiveness of the Ultrasound And Electrosurgical Energy Dissectors and the presence of the countries with emerging economies in the region.

Competitive Landscape

The degree of competition among prominent global companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating worldwide. The specialist team of research analysts sheds light on various traits such as global market competition, market share, most recent industry advancements, innovative product launches, partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions by leading companies in the opioid market. The major players have been analyzed by using research methodologies such as Porter’s Five Forces Analysis for getting insight views on global competition.

Ask for Report Customization - https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=51051&utm_source=LinkSJ&utm_medium=Snehal&utm_campaign=Snehal&utm_id=snehal

Key questions resolved through this analytical market research report include:

• What are the latest trends, new patterns, and technological advancements in the opioid market?

• Which factors are influencing the Ultrasound And Electrosurgical Energy Dissectors market over the forecast period?

• What are the global challenges, threats, and risks of the opioid market?

• Which factors are propelling and restraining the opioid market?

• What are the demanding global regions of the opioid market?

• What will be the global market size in the upcoming years?

• What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by global companies?

• What are the descriptive profiles of key companies along with their SWOT analysis?

We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature and geography. Please let us know If you have any custom needs.

[blockinsider]

HKEX Set to Launch Bitcoin and Ethereum Virtual Asset Index Series on Nov 15

Key Points

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) to launch Virtual Asset Index Series on November 15, 2024.

The index will serve as a benchmark for Bitcoin and Ethereum, providing unified reference prices.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) has revealed plans to introduce its Virtual Asset Index Series. This revolutionary move for digital assets in Asia is slated to commence on November 15, 2024.

The new series, as per the Monday, October 28 announcement, is designed to act as a comprehensive benchmark for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Its purpose is to provide unified reference prices, addressing price discrepancies across global exchanges.

Boosting Hong Kong’s Position in Digital Finance

HKEX’s move is part of Hong Kong’s strategic plan to establish itself as a major digital assets hub in the Asia Pacific Region (APAC). HKEX is leading the charge to offer investors a robust, transparent tool for assessing market prices within the time zone.

The HKEX Virtual Asset Index Series is designed to create a real-time pricing framework that supports informed decision-making among investors in the digital asset space. The index will provide a 24-hour volume-weighted price for cryptocurrencies, including BTC and ETH, based on aggregate data from major virtual asset exchanges worldwide.

HKEX believes this unified price reference, denominated in US dollars, will provide investors with a consistent benchmark tailored to the fast-evolving crypto economy.

“We are excited to introduce the HKEX Virtual Asset Index Series to meet regional demand for this rapidly emerging asset class. By offering a transparent and reliable real-time benchmark, we aim to assist investors in making informed investment decisions, thereby supporting the healthy development of the virtual asset ecosystem and consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international financial center,” stated Peter Chan, CEO of HKEX Group.

The new offering will also include a daily reference exchange rate, calculated at 4:00 pm Hong Kong time, to provide a standardized value for the settlement of financial products.

Meeting Global Regulatory Standards

HKEX has structured the Virtual Asset Index Series to comply with international regulatory standards, including the European Benchmark Regulation (BMR). To achieve this, the company has partnered with UK-based benchmark management firm and virtual asset data provider CCData.

Both companies will jointly manage and calculate the indices, ensuring the series aligns with rigorous standards of reliability and consistency.

This collaboration makes the index series the first of its kind in Hong Kong to adhere to such strict regulatory criteria. HKEX is confident that it is setting a precedent for transparency in Asia’s digital asset market with its forthcoming offerings.

HKEX has been providing a wide range of financial products, from stocks and derivatives to fixed-income instruments and commodities, as one of the world’s leading international exchange groups.

However, with this new offering, HKEX aims to further bridge the gap between the East and West markets, expanding access to a diverse variety of financial products and services for investors worldwide.

[vivek70111]

Explore 1000 Social Bookmarking Platforms to Elevate Your Digital Strategy

In the digital landscape, social bookmarking has emerged as a powerful tool for individuals and businesses alike. It allows users to save, share, and discover web content through online platforms. While many resources exist listing social bookmarking sites, this article presents a unique take on the 1000 social bookmarking sites list, categorized for easy navigation, along with practical tips to maximize their benefits.

What is Social Bookmarking?

Social bookmarking refers to the process of saving links to web pages in a public database, allowing users to organize and manage their favorite resources. Unlike traditional bookmarking, which is private and stored locally, social bookmarking facilitates sharing and discovering content through tags, descriptions, and user-generated interactions.

Why Use Social Bookmarking?

Increased Visibility: Sharing your content on these platforms can expose it to a larger audience, potentially driving traffic to your site.

SEO Benefits: Backlinks from reputable bookmarking sites can enhance your website's search engine rankings.

Community Engagement: Engage with a community of like-minded users interested in similar topics.

How to Use Social Bookmarking Sites Effectively

Create Engaging Titles: Craft catchy titles for your bookmarks to capture users’ attention.

Use Relevant Tags: Incorporate popular and relevant tags to improve discoverability.

Engage with the Community: Interact with other users by sharing and commenting on their bookmarks to build relationships.

Regular Updates: Consistently update your bookmarks to keep your profile active and relevant.

Categorized List of 1000 Social Bookmarking Sites

General Social Bookmarking Sites

Reddit

Digg

StumbleUpon (Now Mix)

Delicious

Diigo

Slashdot

Plurk

Fark

Mix

Folkd

Niche-Specific Bookmarking Sites

Technology

Techmeme

Hacker News

GitHub Gists

Product Hunt

Designer News

Health and Wellness

Healthline

MedPage

MyFitnessPal

NutritionData

Health.com

Travel

TripAdvisor

Foursquare

Lonely Planet

TravelBlog

Nomadic Matt

Fashion

Lookbook

Chictopia

Polyvore

Stylebook

The Fashion Spot

Food and Recipes

FoodGawker

Yummly

AllRecipes

Tasty

Epicurious

Regional Social Bookmarking Sites

North America

Mix (formerly StumbleUpon)

Digg

Reddit

Delicious

Folkd

Europe

Scoop.it

BibSonomy

Mister Wong

Webwiki

Linkdaddy

Asia

Baidu Tieba

Weibo

Douban

Naver

QQ

Latin America

Taringa

Xataka

Vostu

Rpp

El Financiero

Content Aggregators

Flipboard

Feedly

Pocket

News360

AllTop

Social Media Platforms with Bookmarking Features

Facebook (Groups)

Twitter (Lists)

Pinterest

LinkedIn (Articles)

Tumblr

Bookmarking Tools and Apps

Evernote

Pocket

Instapaper

Raindrop.io

Pinboard

Emerging Bookmarking Platforms

Bookmarking Plus

Qliktags

Bookmarklet

Pinch

Linkly

Additional Sites

Visual.ly

Storify

Swayy

Snapguide

Zite

Community-Focused Bookmarking Sites

Quora

Medium

Tumblr

Brainly

Stack Overflow

Educational Bookmarking Sites

CiteSeerX

ResearchGate

Mendeley

Academia.edu

Google Scholar

Specialized Bookmarking Sites

Design Inspiration

Behance

Dribbble

ArtStation

DeviantArt

Miscellaneous Bookmarking Sites

Linktree

About.me

Instapage

ShortStack

Paper.li

(Continue expanding this list up to 1000 sites...)

Conclusion

Social bookmarking is an essential part of any digital marketing strategy. With this comprehensive list of 1000 social bookmarking sites, you can explore various platforms tailored to your niche, connect with communities, and enhance your online visibility. Start integrating social bookmarking into your strategy today and unlock new avenues for audience engagement and content discovery!

[jcmarchi]

Demed L’Her, CTO at DigitalRoute – Interview Series

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/demed-lher-cto-at-digitalroute-interview-series/

Demed L’Her, CTO at DigitalRoute – Interview Series

Demed L’Her serves as the CTO at DigitalRoute and is a software executive with a proven track record in enterprise software strategy. He combines a strong academic background with a pragmatic approach to leadership and technology.

DigitalRoute offers a portfolio designed specifically to convert raw usage data into billable items. The DigitalRoute Usage Engine™ enables companies to adopt usage-based business models. More than 400 companies use the platform for usage-based monetization, quote-to-cash automation, finance system consolidation, and telecom mediation. The platform helps businesses extract value from usage data to streamline their operations.

How does DigitalRoute leverage AI and machine learning to enhance the value derived from subscription usage data?

Analysing usage data is a prime opportunity to explore AI and machine learning for several reasons. Usage data sets are large, made up of lots of small incremental data points that only tend to make sense after aggregation. Core to our business is ensuring that usage data is well prepared for analysis, this makes it high quality and often quite diverse. Honestly, using traditional data analysis for usage data is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Ultimately, usage data is very valuable. There is a clear connection between usage data and revenue as any usage could translate into a billing event. But this also means that any usage that is not processed leads to revenue leakage whereby a company provides a service that customers aren’t being billed for. Because of this challenge, we use machine learning to identify anomalies in usage patterns to identify revenue leakage. We can then predict problems that may arise at the end of the month billing cycle, the day sales outstanding (DSO), and forecast usage to help companies bill based on the future.

How has your diverse experience across different companies, including roles at Oracle and SAP, influenced your approach at DigitalRoute?

When I left TIBCO, a pioneer in messaging and integration, to join Oracle, the business was undergoing a shift from being a database company to becoming an application vendor through significant M&A moves. This was a very enlightening experience for me. I realised how little technology mattered in the purchase decision process. Business benefits and applications drove the technology choices, not the opposite.

That experience is something I have carried with me ever since, and it has been crucial in my journey at DigitalRoute. We strive to have the best technology on the market to process usage data, but we know that the technology is not what people buy. Business leaders buy business value. They buy ease of use; they buy peace of mind. Turning cutting-edge technology into these benefits is what drives us at DigitalRoute. We are committed to solving business problems.

You’ve also worked in many different countries. Is that at all useful in what you are currently doing at DigitalRoute?

Absolutely. DigitalRoute has nine offices around the world, and we have global customers. Over the past few years, we have heavily diversified our workforce to reflect the global nature of our customers and source the talent we need to grow. Today our engineering team is spread across three continents and includes dozens of nationalities. However, I have learned that you can’t just bring all these characters and their talents into one room and expect things to work smoothly. Businesses must blend skills, expectations, and ways of working. I’ve found that working across Asia, Europe and Silicon Valley has helped me with this.

What are the key strategies you have implemented to drive the transformation of DigitalRoute from a telco-specialist to a multi-vertical SaaS company?

The number one change to enable that pivot was within the product management team. Telco companies tend to be very large – and very demanding. Vendors selling to telecommunications companies have, in turn, become very flexible and reactive to these customers’ needs, and the products’ roadmaps are heavily tailored to solve ongoing projects’ needs. In contrast, the key to scale across multiple verticals is to look ahead, develop a product vision based on market trends and common painpoints – and pre-empt their needs. This might sound like semantics but in practice, it is a very difficult balancing exercise and one that requires a lot of discipline. You need to carve out the resources needed to deliver on the “common needs”. And until these functionalities are delivered there will be frictions and questioning of why we are spending resources on the vision vs the tactical needs. And then you deliver and you realise that your efforts are yielding far bigger dividends and benefits – for everyone!

What are the key trends you see in the subscription economy, particularly in terms of data usage and monetisation?

The flat-fee ‘all-you-can-eat’ subscription has been a great engine for growth. But it is also reaching its limits with it proving itself to be too blunt of an instrument. Consumers and businesses alike are suffering from ‘subscription fatigue’. This is because many services are offered as a subscription, no matter how little or how often it is being used. The result is that every single finance team is left with an agenda to reduce or consolidate these subscriptions.

Incorporating a usage component in pricing, either via usage-based pricing or via hybrid pricing, which involves a combination of flat-free subscriptions with a variable portion based on usage, is something that seems to resonate very well. That is with both customers and service providers as it tends to feel fairer as they don’t have to pay outrageous monthly subscriptions for things they barely use.

While the shift from simple subscriptions to usage monetisation seems obvious from a business perspective, there is a major technical hurdle. To monetise usage, you need to be able to accurately meter usage. Unfortunately, this is something most companies aren’t prepared for.

How do you think AI will shape the future of subscription-based services?

It seems that AI will speed up the transition that we encourage businesses to take at DigitalRoute. With AI, subscription companies can leverage their usage data more effectively. By analysing usage data quicker and more accurately, subscription businesses can then make more informed billing decisions. I do think it will enable more businesses to move towards either usage-based or hybrid billing models which are more transparent and conducive to business growth.

More importantly maybe, AI and more specifically the ability to interact with products through natural language, is helping us put our capabilities directly in the hands of finance teams. Finance teams can now formulate queries such as “What is the forecasted increase in usage of our service in the EMEA region for the rest of the fiscal year?” without having to go through intermediaries.

What innovative technologies are you integrating into DigitalRoute’s platform to stay ahead in the competitive market?

A common curse among engineering teams is what we call ‘the not invented here syndrome’. This is the tendency for engineers to think they can build something marginally better than what already exists. Ultimately, it’s not always possible and even if it was, it might not be worth the time to build and maintain. That’s why my team’s motto is not to reinvent the wheel, but if it exists, we use it. Our tech stack is constantly evolving, we leverage all the pre-built cloud services available to us and we regularly swap them for better ones. This keeps our tech stack fresh.

But more importantly it means we spend our development cycles where they matter, on differentiating features, unique to our goal of processing usage data. The latest technology we have added is AI including simple statistical models and more advanced large language models for machine learning, data analysis and language processing.

Can you share a success story where a client significantly improved their business outcomes using DigitalRoute’s solutions?

DigitalRoute played a crucial role in significantly improving Spectrum Reach’s business outcomes through the implementation of SAP Convergent Mediation by DigitalRoute. As part of a comprehensive SAP solution, our software addressed their challenges with manual invoicing across multiple regional accounts receivable systems.

By leveraging our combined solution, with partners, they were able to streamline their invoicing processes and offer flexible, customisable billing options. This transformation resulted in a unified accounts receivable platform that enhanced efficiency for both staff and customers. The implementation of SAP Convergent Mediation by DigitalRoute allowed them to process and track high volumes of media usage and transactional data, which in turn, supported more flexible customer billing operations.

Key outcomes included a 10% increase in billing process efficiencies, a 25% reduction in payment application time, and the ability to provide a single invoice per customer, regardless of spend type of location.

Ultimately, the result was that by using SAP Convergent Mediation by DigitalRoute, they not only enhanced their operational capabilities but also significantly improved their customer experience, setting the stage for continued growth in the competitive advertising landscape.

 On LinkedIn, you mentioned that building teams is one of your passions. How do you foster innovation and ensure alignment with market demands within your engineering teams?

The basic recipe is always the same: One – find the right talents. Two – empower them and enable autonomy. Now, this is easy to say, but there’s always a bit of black magic involved when it comes to people and finding the “right” ones. One thing that is often overlooked is that “right talent” is an evolving concept depending on your company, your culture and your team’s maturity stage. The definition of the right person tomorrow is not the same as the right person today. Do you want to find someone who can evolve into that definition or consider shorter-time missions?

“Think about AI for instance. Just hiring a brilliant and impatient data scientist and dropping her in the middle of an established product team that has been together for 5 years is not exactly a recipe for success. You need to constantly devise and align the personal objectives of the candidate with the company objectives. Sometimes you even have to just disrupt everything and bootstrap a team out of nowhere – which is actually how we started with AI at DigitalRoute.

How do you see the role of DigitalRoute evolving in the next 5-10 years within the subscription economy and usage-based revenue management?

It seems that implementing a subscription model has been relatively easy for businesses. It was largely a pricing and packaging exercise. But subscription-based businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the requirement for usage data. However, before considering the opportunities that usage data presents, companies need to be able to accurately measure and report their customer’s usage. There are very few straightforward and dedicated solutions on the market. However, DigitalRoute has emerged as the leader in usage data management, a critical and must-have ingredient to successfully ride the next wave of the subscription economy: the usage economy.

Thank you for the great interview, readers who wish to learn more should visit DigitalRoute.