29, Jun 2023
Histria Books Announces the Release of The Death Tax by S.A. Hogan
Histria Books is thrilled to unveil the paperback and eBook editions of “The Death Tax” by S.A. Hogan. Published by Addison & Highsmith Publishers, an imprint of Histria Books renowned for exceptional works of fiction. This captivating novel is set to intrigue readers with its unique blend of suspense, mystery, and thought-provoking themes.
In “The Death Tax,” a small Missouri town becomes gripped by an eerie phenomenon every April 15th. Mysteriously, millions of hummingbirds descend upon Lake Tanaka, leaving behind a trail of fatalities that escalates with each passing year. Dr. Kevin Cousey, once a man with boundless potential, finds himself grappling with the aftermath of a life-altering incident two decades ago—an incident that cost him his career, his family, and nearly his life. Searching for purpose, he becomes fixated on the annual deadly hummingbird attacks and teams up with Paul Mahr, the editor of a local newspaper who shares his belief in a pattern underlying the disturbing events. Together, they uncover a tapestry of enigmatic clues, including a passionate thirteen-year-old French exchange student with an affinity for hummingbirds, a Navy diver-turned-corporate millionaire with a shadowy past, and the enigmatic figure of the patron saint of birds.
The Death Tax is an enthralling fusion of Hitchcock’s The Birds with a purpose, Nabokov’s Lolita in its darkest incarnation, and a compelling murder mystery. As the story unfolds, it fearlessly explores complex themes such as pedophilia, social apathy, intolerance, and religious hypocrisy. It also serves as a celebration of nature, offering a balance between the macabre and the beautiful. Author S.A. Hogan brings a wealth of experience to the narrative, having spent four years as a Christian lay missionary in Ghana and over seven years as an English instructor and curriculum developer in Thailand.
With 264 pages of gripping storytelling, The Death Tax (ISBN 978-1-59211-286-9) is available in paperback and eBook formats. Readers can find it at HistriaBooks.com and all major book retailers. Histria Books distributes titles published under its various imprints worldwide through the Independent Publishers Group. For more information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.
Histria Books
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- By Neel Achary
29, Jun 2023
New Age Universities should Foster New Age Learning Environment -Experts at Amity University Haryana
Atwo-week online refresher course on Digital Skills and Competencies for University Teachers: With a Special Focus on MOOC’s and E-Content Development jointly organized by Amity University Haryana and Association of Indian Universities, Academic and Administrative Development Centre in collaboration with Academic Staff College, Amity University Haryana to equip teachers with the 21st-century digital skills necessary to design, develop, and deliver MOOCs effectively so that they should be at par with national and international standards and have the ability to think critically and creatively, to collaborate with others, to clearly and effectively communicate with students. The program was held successfully from June 09-22, 2023.
The course attracted a significant number of registered participants, including deans, heads of institutions, faculty members, and a total of 146 participants from various universities, institutes, and colleges in both India and abroad
The program commenced with opening remarks by Prof Sanjna Vij, Deputy Director, Academic Staff College, Amity University Haryana and Chief organiser of the Program. In her remarks, Prof Sanjna Vij emphasized that in today’s rapidly changing world, digital skills have become essential in our daily lives. As educators, it is crucial for teachers to stay updated and equipped with the necessary tools and competencies to effectively navigate digital landscapes. Highlighting the importance of embracing digital skills, Prof Vij quoted, “Illiterates of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” This quote serves as a reminder to teachers that embracing digital skills and technology is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process of learning, unlearning outdated practices, and relearning new ones.
Delivering the Keynote address, Prof. P.B. Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Amity University Haryana, emphasized on creating a new age learning environment within Indian universities. Prof Sharma highlighted the significance of events like this and stressed the need for utmost seriousness. Prof Sharma stated that such gatherings signify the eagerness and determination of the teaching community to prepare for the challenges ahead, particularly in the digital age. In this new age, it is crucial to actively contribute towards establishing an educational environment that maximizes the potential of digital tools and technologies in the realm of teaching and learning. Prof. Sharma underlined the need for teachers to foster an environment that supports three key attributes: innovation, collaboration, and enterprising approach. By embracing these attributes, teachers can create a dynamic and effective learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of the digital age. Prof Sharma also stated the importance of generating new applied knowledge and expressed delight in having esteemed resource persons present during the course
The Chief Guest, Prof. S.N. Sridhara, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai in his presentation titled “Revolutionising Education: The MOOCs,” provided a comprehensive overview of MOOCs. Prof Sridhara delved into the history of MOOCs, distinguishing between cMOOCs and xMOOCs. Furthermore, he discussed the development of MOOC companies in the United States, such as Udacity, Coursera, and edX, as well as those in Asia, including SWAYAM, NPTEL, and JMOOC, and Europe’s FutureLearn, EduOPen, and MOOC.fi.Prof. S.N. Sridhara also highlighted the success story of SWAYAM MOOCs and elucidated the requirements for creating MOOCs. He elaborated on the four quadrants of LMS, which encompassed aspects such as synchronous and asynchronous engagement, E-content, AI-assisted assessment, and peer learning. Additionally, he addressed the issue of attrition in MOOCs and provided insights into the underlying reasons for it.
Prof Vikas Madhukar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, AUH during his address emphasized the need for modern educators to stay aligned with new technological advancements. Prof Madhukar mentioned the importance of incorporating the National Education Policy (NEP) into the academic curriculum. The NEP places particular emphasis on the SWAYAM MOOCs platform, which was created by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in 2016. This platform provides Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that can benefit both teachers and students by offering flexible and accessible learning opportunities. By incorporating the NEP and leveraging platforms like SWAYAM, educators can enhance their digital skills and competencies, as well as develop e-content that aligns with the changing educational landscape. Prof. Madhukar emphasized that by embracing these technologies and platforms, educators can create engaging learning experiences and cater to the diverse needs of students in the digital age.
Dr. B. Shadrach, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia, Commonwealth of Learning, New Delhi, emphasized the significance of understanding the learners and their individual learning styles for educators. During the presentation, Dr. Shadrach discussed the importance of teachers understanding the theoretical grounding of their teaching practices as well as their practical orientation. By having a strong theoretical foundation, teachers can design and deliver effective digital learning experiences for their students. Additionally, understanding the practical aspects of teaching allows teachers to align their digital skills and competencies with the needs of their students.
Dr.BrijuThankachan, Executive Director, Educational Technology Society of India& Ex-Visiting Faculty, Educational Technology, IIT Bombay touched upon the paradigm shift in the education system and introduced the concept of the information age paradigm, which highlights the changing role of teachers from being mere information providers to becoming facilitators of information. Dr.Thankachanalso emphasized that in the information age, teachers are no longer the sole repositories of knowledge. Instead, they play a crucial role in guiding students in accessing and critically analysing information. The focus has shifted towards developing skills such as digital literacy, information evaluation, and problem-solving.
Dr.AmrendraPani, Joint Director & Head, Research Division, Association of Indian Universities, Delhi during his address emphasized the importance of AIU’s objective to modernize digital education through the introduction of online activities for teachers, such as teaching, learning, and integrating technology into the research and revolution process of teaching and learning.
During the two-week event, excellent and fruitful deliberations were shared by esteemed speakers from various domains included – Jake Olivier, Adviser: Higher Education at the Commonwealth of Learning, Burnaby, Canada, Dr. Fawzi Baroud, Chairholder, UNESCO Chair on Open Educational Resources (OER) for Access and Success, Assistant Vice President for Information Technology, Notre Dame University -Louaize (NDU), Lebanon, Dr Md Shuhel Miah, Deputy Dean, Brittany University, Malaysia, Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Pro-Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, Prof Sameer Sahasrabudhe, Professor of Practice (Design), IIT Gandhinagar, Prof B.S. Balaji, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Prof Ramesh C. Sharma, Associate Professor, School of Global Affairs, Director, Human Resource Development Centre, Dr B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi, Ms. Subha Das Mollick, Independent filmmaker, visiting faculty Aliah University and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Prof Manas Ranjan Panigrahi, Director, Symbiosis Centre for Online Learning (SCOL), Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune, Prof. Kushal Sen, Indian Institute of Technology Department of Textile Technology Hauz Khas, New Delhi and many more esteemed speakers during the event contribute to the overall objectives of the NEP-2020, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, professional growth, and effective pedagogy among teachers.
Overall, the two weeks of the refresher course were filled with a wealth of information, wisdom, fresh perspectives, and cherished memories.
Maj Gen (Dr) J.S.Dhull, VSM (Retd), Director, Amity Institute of Defence Technology & Deputy Director, ASET, AUH delivered Vote of Thanksexpressing gratitude to all the dignitaries, organisers, and participants.
29, Jun 2023
Homebuyer’s Remorse – Causes and How to Avoid It
by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for some homebuyers to experience doubt and regret after the purchase. This is known as buyer’s remorse and can apply to any purchase, but buying a home is not the same as buying a mobile phone or air conditioner, for various obvious reasons.
The stress that comes from buying the ‘wrong’ home is considerable, with far-reaching financial implications, and it is very difficult to reverse. Obviously, the best strategy is not damage control but avoiding a regrettable home purchase altogether. Ultimately, the journey of homeownership is supposed to be joyous, fulfilling, and enriching. It is unthinkable to have to factor in and prepare for possible disappointment.
In short, buyer’s remorse, as it applies to a home purchase, must be avoided at all costs because the cost of not avoiding it is massive. Let’s delve into its causes and discuss some mitigating strategies you can use. To understand it, let’s look at the most common causes of homebuyers’ remorse.
The ‘Real’ Cost of a Cheap Home
The initial euphoria of having sealed a ‘steal’ deal on a home tends to dissipate quickly. Cheap homes are inexpensive for good reasons. To deliver that attractively low price tag, the developer has cut corners and ‘optimized’ costs. These cost-cutting measures will invariably reflect in location, specifications, project amenities and facilities, overall security, ‘smart’ features, and construction quality.
Location: The real drawbacks of a wrong location come to light only gradually, long after the sales deed has been signed, and irrevocable financial commitments have been made. In marketing material, the tag ’emerging location’ (usually coupled with qualifiers like ‘promising’ and ‘exciting’) certainly indicates that prices here will be lower than in ‘established’ areas.
But it can also mean that the area lacks the kind of social and civic infrastructure that makes life comfortable and convenient. If you’re interested in a project in an ’emerging’ area, ask others who live there whether they feel that it is developing quickly, slowly, or at all, and how easy or hard it is to live there.
Is there adequate water supply, or does the area rely on an endless parade of water tankers? Is the electric supply reliable or given to frequent outages? How close is the project to a major road that creates a lot of traffic noise and air pollution? Are you happy with the view from the apartment’s windows and balcony?
Check whether you can easily buy your daily necessities nearby, how close the children’s school is, and how easily and quickly you can commute to work and back. Evaluate the neighborhood: Is it safe, or do you see a lot of ‘informal’ housing like hutments and chawls, which could indicate a higher crime rate?
Project amenities and facilities: The lower the price tag, the fewer of these will be available. Compared to a bigger project by a well-known developer in the same area, the cheaper project you’re considering will fall short on the lifestyle quotient. The developer would have sacrificed space, effort, and expense in favor of churning out more flats.
While you may be able to live without a swimming pool, the absence of a clubhouse, jogging track, children’s playground, and well-maintained green open spaces will eventually impact the quality of your family’s life.
Smart features: A home without technology to make living there more enjoyable cannot stand the test of time. Smart features such as electronic surveillance, electronic kitchen hobs, and adequate Internet availability are absolutely essential nowadays.
Our kids are growing up with technology in their DNA. Education is increasingly Internet-based, and you yourself may have the opportunity to work from home or in hybrid mode. Modern electronic security systems make life safer. If you’ve bought a home that does not support the growing tech revolution, you will regret it sooner rather than later.
Green open spaces: If all you see around you is concrete or construction rubble, you will grow tired of the new home pretty quickly. The human senses long for the sights and sounds of nature, and adequate greenery also fulfills vital physiological needs. Do not be swept away by the cheap price if it means that your children will grow up without the sounds of birds chirping and tree leaves rustling in the breeze, and you cannot sit under a tree when you feel like it.
Construction quality: Most homebuyers, especially those buying their first homes, lack the knowledge to judge between good and substandard construction quality and the materials used. Here again, flaws will show up only after the sale is done.
Construction quality means many things, including the quality of cement and the ratio of sand mixed into it, the grade of internal steel rods used, the overall engineering and architectural design, the quality of fixtures and fittings, and many other aspects.
An inexperienced buyer cannot evaluate most of these. However, there are some rudimentary tell-tale signs to look out for:
a) Exterior structural flaws that have been patched may indicate a weak foundation for the project.
b) Small cracks in a flat’s walls, squeaking or sticking doors and windows, water leakage patches, and incorrectly positioned or uneven floors and bathroom and kitchen tiles.
c) Non-branded taps and electrical fittings and cheap paint on the walls.
d) Lifts manufactured by obscure local players whose names you have not heard before.
e) Walls and ceilings thin enough to hear the neighbor’s TV blaring or footsteps upstairs.
Any indication of obscure or unfamiliar brands is a warning sign. Such properties will deteriorate quickly, require frequent, costly repairs by the homeowners, and result in a significantly lower resale value. Buying a home in a cheaply constructed and badly designed project will lead to buyer’s remorse as surely as night follows day.
The only way to avoid this trap is to go for a property in a well-established, reputed developer with a strong brand and a reputation to uphold. Branded builders use high-quality construction materials and architectural designs, hire only reliable contractors, and guarantee thorough quality control throughout the construction process.
Major Remorse Factor – Downsizing Your Future
It is crucial to thoroughly assess your family’s current and future needs before buying a home to ensure it provides adequate space and functionality to support your lifestyle. While a smaller home will doubtlessly be cheaper, limited living space makes it difficult for family members to have their own personal areas or find privacy.
Cramped living environments lead to eventual conflicts among family members, make it challenging to store belongings, and limit the activities you can comfortably engage in. If your family expands or your needs change, a small home may quickly become inadequate.
You would eventually find it necessary to sell it and move to a larger property sooner than you expected. At that stage, you will find that smaller homes are harder to sell than bigger ones. The limited size will deter potential buyers, resulting in a longer time on the market and potentially affecting the home’s overall value.
There are obviously other aspects that can lead to homebuyer’s remorse, such as over-leveraged home loans, unforeseen financial setbacks such as job loss, and generally unrealistic expectations. However, those may have nothing to do with the property itself and need to be thought through no matter what kind of home you buy.
Avoiding homebuyer’s remorse requires thorough research and also enough insight into your own current and future needs, expectations, and potential lifestyle changes.
One of the best ways to ensure that the property stays relevant, useful, and enjoyable is to buy it in a modern integrated township. Not only do township developers include all the above-mentioned features, but they also ensure that the project runs flawlessly and sustainably.
To quote famous financial advisor Suze Orman – “Buyer’s remorse is the feeling of sadness or regret after making a purchase. The best way to avoid it is to think carefully before buying.” This may seem self-evident, but when it comes to buying a home, it is the best advice possible.
29, Jun 2023
Racing into Thrills: Unveiling the Thriving Go Karting Culture in India
By Prasuk Jain, Managing Director, Snow World Entertainment
India has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of adventure sports, and go-karting has emerged as a favorite among thrill-seekers and motorsport enthusiasts. Go-karting originated in the United States and gradually made its way to India, initially limited to exclusive clubs. However, visionary entrepreneurs recognized its potential and established dedicated tracks across the country, revolutionizing the motorsport landscape.
One of the driving forces behind go-karting’s popularity in India is its accessibility. Unlike other motorsports, go-karting offers an affordable entry point for enthusiasts of all ages. It provides an exhilarating experience for everyone, from children to adults, making it inclusive and exciting.
The phenomenal growth of go-karting tracks across India bears testament to the sport’s escalating popularity. Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata now boast world-class go-karting facilities that entice both novice racers and seasoned professionals. These tracks boast meticulously designed circuits, state-of-the-art karts, and stringent safety measures, ensuring an electrifying, secure racing experience. Moreover, many go-karting venues offer tailored packages for corporate events, team-building exercises, and even unforgettable birthday parties, further expanding the reach of the sport and transforming it into a social phenomenon.
Go-karting in India has evolved into a fertile breeding ground for budding motorsport talents. Realizing the immense potential of young racers, various karting championships and specialized academies have emerged, dedicated to identifying and nurturing promising talents. The remarkable success stories of Indian go-karting champions transitioning to international motorsport events have fuelled the aspirations of aspiring racers, inspiring a new generation to pursue their dreams on the track.
As the sport gains popularity, the competitive scene in India thrives. Karting championships and leagues provide a platform for racers to showcase their skills and compete against their peers, attracting a growing fan base and media attention.
The escalating popularity of go-karting in India reflects the nation’s appetite for adventure, speed, and motorsport excellence. With dedicated tracks and a democratized approach, go-karting has become a cherished and thrilling adventure sport across the country. As the industry continues to evolve, India’s go-karting culture is set to reach unprecedented heights, producing talented racers and captivating audiences with its adrenaline-fueled excitement.
29, Jun 2023
Six top IHCL Hotels in Chennai win top honours at the IIHM-IHC London International Hospitality Day Awards 2023
Chennai – June 29, 2023: Top 6 IHCL Hotels in Chennai have been recognised at the 8th International Hospitality Day, organised by the International Hospitality Council (IHC) London, in association with the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM). The hotels have been recognised with ‘Top Hospitality Honours’ for their outstanding contributions in the hospitality industry as they have truly become a landmark for hospitality in the city – Taj Coromandel, Taj Connemara, Taj Club House, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa, Taj Wellington Mews and Vivanta Chennai-IT Expressway.
Individual Leadership Awards were conferred to Mr.Ian Dubier, GM, Taj Connemara; Mr. Ranjit Shankar, GM, Taj Club House; and Mr. Sumit Singh Deol, Hotel Manager, Taj Coromandel – for their exceptional contribution to the field of hospitality. As extremely passionate, dedicated and committed hoteliers, they have been creating new milestones for their hotels in the city.
Chennai with its rapidly evolving charisma as one of the country’s most discerning destinations for luxury experiences, got its first luxury address in 1974 with Taj Coromandel and the brand continues to be the custodian of fine living and hospitality over five decades. A quintessential landmark of this vibrant city, Taj Connemara has epitomised colonial brilliance through the centuries, from the ‘Imperial’ 1854 to Taj Connemara in 1984and continues to stand tall as part of Chennai’s glorious history. Built on the ramparts of an old Dutch Fort, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort& Spa is today a proud host to an eclectic mix of global travellers seeking most-unique and luxurious experiences. Taj Club House offers a modish retreat for business and leisure travellers and is truly an expression of contemporary styling. Taj Wellington Mews, a new luxury address in the IT Corridor of Chennai, is the first luxury service residence hotel in all of South Asia managed by an all-women team. Offering guests contemporary and refreshing hospitality, Vivanta Chennai-IT Expressway, located within close proximity to the East Coast Road, is well equipped to cater to both leisure and business travellers.
Two iconic restaurants, Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel and Beyond Indus at Taj Club House bagged honours in the Restaurants Category. Award-winning Southern Spice, the South Indian specialty restaurant, is truly a culinary destination for food connoisseurs and gourmands from across the world, while Beyond Indus serves an exotic fare from the Indus river provinces of Punjab, Rawalpindi and Sindh.
The 8th International Hospitality Day also recognised the best and brightest in the hospitality industry and six associates across the Hotels in Chennai were the proud recipients:
Jasmin Siddiqui, Guest Relations Manager, Taj Coromandel
Pavitra JS, Deputy Engineer, Taj Wellington Mews
Yusuf Kadar Khan. Duty Manager, Taj Club House
Saravana Kumar G, Restaurant Manager, Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway
Kannan S, Guest Service Coordinator, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa
A Stephen, Catering Assistant, Taj Connemara
International Hospitality Day Awards, organised by International Hospitality Council(IHC) London,in association with the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), a leading hospitality education institute headquartered in India, celebrates the heroes of the hospitality industry who have contributed immensely through their hard work, innovation and ideas.
29, Jun 2023
The Middle Mile Is No Longer The Supply Chain’s Middle Child
CloudSort Corporation Challenges the Supply Chain Status Quo with a Dynamic Panel Discussion around the Power and Importance of a Modular Middle Mile
SupplyTech Breakthrough honors CloudSort with its Sortation System Innovation of the Year Award
BELLEVUE, WA, June 29, 2023 – CloudSort Corporation, a leading logistics technology company redefining how packaged goods move through the supply chain, marked its next industry impact recently at the Home Delivery World conference in Philadelphia from June 14-15, 2023. CloudSort curated a panel of supply chain and logistics leaders to dive into a robust discussion around the under-innovated and often ignored, yet vital middle mile. As a pioneering innovator of the middle mile, CloudSort discussed how its proprietary and modular Cloud-based software platform creates mutually-beneficial partnerships – all while delivering value that enhances the end customer experience.
The panel was moderated by Kevin Lawton, founder and host of The New Warehouse podcast, which has featured CloudSort CEO and Founder Derek Szopaon its podcast, and included a diverse group of experts across the supply chain including:
- Ryan Park, Head of Product & Insights, CloudSort
- Ellen Voie, CEO/Founder/President, Women In Trucking
- Allison Ullrich, Director of Supply Chain, Outer
- Dwight Shakespeare, eCommerce Director, Jillamy
“It’s no surprise that the middle mile has historically been deprioritized within the industry, however, we continue to see increasing attention being given to its importance and ability to transport goods from points A to B more efficiently thanks to the technological advancements transforming today’s supply chain,” said Derek Szopa, CEO of CloudSort. “We were inspired to bring partners and industry experts together in our panel discussion to share the ways a modular middle mile can do just that for their businesses, shippers, carriers, and the end-consumer.”
Honoring Technology Innovation
Having tackled some of the middle mile’s biggest challenges, CloudSort’s cloud-based sortation software brings together all the players – omnichannel retailers, online retailers, fulfillment centers and third-party logistics businesses (3PLs), shippers, carriers and end-consumers – with an ecosystem that reduces capital intensity and improves efficiency by moving work to the point of greatest value creation.
With the middle mile becoming more prominent in the industry, companies are taking steps to directly control aspects of their delivery experience, and CloudSort enables them to make smarter choices about how shipments move along the supply chain, benefiting e-commerce by extending order windows and providing capacity that scales. As a result of this, CloudSort’s modular platform has just been named Sortation System Innovation of the Year by SupplyTech Breakthrough, which received more than 1,400 nominations and recognizes the world’s best companies, products and services in the supply chain technology and logistics industry.
29, Jun 2023
transcosmos opens BPO Center Osaka Midosuji
transcosmos opens BPO Center Osaka Midosuji, a center which offers IT one-stop services
With an IT center serving bottom to upstream processes, enhances services to meet accelerating DX needs
[Tokyo, Japan, June 29, 2023]
transcosmos inc. hereby announces that the company has opened BPO Center Osaka Midosuji, a center which offers one-stop IT-related services from requirement definition, development, operations and maintenance, to data utilization.
As digital transformation (DX) accelerates, utilization of data, in particular a data-driven management approach, has become more important than ever in recent years. Given this trend, transcosmos BPO business unit has opened a center which offers comprehensive services for generating real data smoothly from requirement definition to data utilization at one-stop. By offering one-stop services from planning and designing, developing and testing, deploying to operating and maintaining systems and business processes at one-stop, transcosmos grasps client needs for their IT systems and business operations at an early phase. Based on the identified needs, transcosmos then develops new systems as well as optimizing existing packaged tools, and finally helps clients deploy and familiarize themselves with the new systems and processes. Building each process by combining cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and AI, and interlocking and automating several processes together, transcosmos builds a framework with systems and business processes specifically designed for utilizing data. Ultimately, the framework enables clients to achieve total optimization.
■BPO Center Osaka Midosuji Overview
Address: HOMMACHI SANKEI BUILDING 21st floor, 4-3-9, Hommachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka city, Osaka, Japan
Number of workstations: About 160 (virtual workstations: about 160)
Business start date: July 2023
Service: IT outsourcing services
URL: https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/bpo/it-outsourcing.html
Equipped with virtual office tools, BPO Center Osaka Midosuji also offers a location-independent workstyle. Members log in to the center from locations in Japan and overseas as well as from home. The center accumulates and shares knowledge and ideas for making improvements from each location across the center network. Furthermore, the center functions as part of BCP (Business Continuity Plan), sharing operations across the centers. Utilizing 160 virtual workstations, team members perform their tasks from locations that best fit the nature of their work.
transcosmos will continue to offer services that underpin clients’ operational transformation by combining highly specialized services and the right technology. At the same time, the company will serve society in solving challenges through business activities while creating job opportunities in local communities.
29, Jun 2023
ReasonLabs Joins Microsoft Active Protections Program to Enhance Cybersecurity for Millions of Consumers Worldwide
As part of MAPP, ReasonLabs will receive security data in advance of Microsoft’s monthly security updates, boosting cyber protections for its users at critical times
NEW YORK, June 29, 2023 – ReasonLabs, the cybersecurity pioneer equipping families and individuals with the same level of cyber protection used by major global companies, today announced that it has joined Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP), a program that allows security software providers early access to security data from Microsoft to enable them to provide faster updates to their customers.
As a member of MAPP, ReasonLabs will receive advanced access to security vulnerability data from the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) ahead of Microsoft’s monthly security update. This information will allow ReasonLabs to better mitigate zero- and one-day vulnerabilities for their users prior to official patches from Microsoft and others.
“ReasonLabs is proud to be a member of the Microsoft Active Protections Program, joining the ranks of leading organizations working to strengthen cyber protections for consumers and businesses around the world,” said Kobi Kalif, CEO of ReasonLabs. “The data we will receive from Microsoft Security Response Center will enable us to better protect our customers and ensure our products remain on the cutting edge of the industry.”
“Receiving the latest vulnerability updates from Microsoft’s Security Response Center will help us provide even greater protection to our users located in more than 180 countries worldwide. Pairing this information with ReasonLab’s research arm, the Threat Intelligence Center, will solidify its place in the industry at the front line of threat intelligence research and prevention,” said Yaniv Dudu, VP of Security at ReasonLabs.
28, Jun 2023
Sababa Security Partners With Radiflow For Advanced Defence Of Industrial Systems And Critical Infrastructures
Milan, June 28, 2023 – Sababa Security S.p.A. – a leading Italian cybersecurity player that provides an integrated and customised offer of products and managed services to protect different IT, OT, and IoT environments from cyberthreats – announces that it has signed a partnership agreement with Radiflow, a leading global vendor of OT cyber security solutions for advanced protection, monitoring and risk management of industrial systems and critical infrastructures.
Attacks to OT systems and critical infrastructure are an ever-increasing threat with potentially severe consequences, including damage to the infrastructure itself, disruption of production processes, and even harm to the environment and public safety. In 2022, we’ve witnessed a heightened frequency of cyberattacks on key industry suppliers, with manufacturing ranking first among the most target sectors and vulnerability scanning being the preferred method of attack.
Bringing together their cybersecurity expertise and industrial know-how, Sababa Security and Radiflow join forces to enhance organisations’ ability to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, and respond effectively to OT cyber threats. From risk assessment & management platform to ongoing monitoring and training, the two companies will be offering industrial enterprises tailored technologies and services to meet their industry-specific needs and empower their critical infrastructure.
“Sababa Security already protects several critical infrastructures in industries such as oil and gas, utilities, energy generation and distribution, and is constantly investing in R&D within the OT field thanks to the strong collaboration with universities and Competence Centres such as Start 4.0 – of which the company is a member”, commented Alessio Aceti, CEO of Sababa Security “In this respect, the partnership with Radiflow allows us on the one hand to strengthen our technical offering and on the other hand to support customers in achieving compliance with recognized cybersecurity standards, including the New Machinery Regulation (NMR) and IEC 62443”.
“Radiflow’s team is known, globally, for its cybersecurity expertise and reputation in the OT world.
Backed by research and led by innovation, we are committed to exceeding expectations by tailoring solutions to our clients’ industry-specific needs, stated Ilan Barda, CEO of Radiflow. Radiflow develops trusted Industrial Cyber Security Solutions for critical business operations. We offer a complete portfolio of game changing solutions for ICS/SCADA networks that empower users to maintain visibility and control of their OT networks, including an Intelligent Threat Detection tool that passively monitors the OT network for anomalies, as well as our unique CIARA platform delivers OT Risk Management with a clear understanding of Organizations’ continuous risk postures, a Risk score as well as a high-level view of each site’s status. The partnership with Sababa Security allows our joint clients to achieve their risk posture objectives over time and address their OT vulnerability issues.”
28, Jun 2023
Safety Insurance Group Selects One Inc to Provide Digital Claims Payments
-Implementing Digital Solutions Remain a Top Priority for Insurance in 2023-
FOLSOM, CA — {June 28, 2023} – One Inc, the leading digital payments network for the insurance industry, announced today that Safety Insurance Group (Safety) has selected One Inc’s ClaimsPay® to modernize the consumer experience and provide instant claims payment functionality to its customers. This partnership underscores the industry’s emphasis on digital payment solutions and eliminating physical check reimbursements. One Inc currently enables more than 240 insurance carriers to process over $51 billion in payments annually.
Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Safety provides a full range of property and casualty insurance products and operates exclusively in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. As part of the company’s goal to provide industry-leading ease of doing business and maximum efficiency, Safety selected One Inc’s ClaimsPay solution to streamline its entire claims disbursement process.
Through One Inc.’s ClaimsPay platform, Safety customers will have the option to receive digital payments through popular payment platforms like Venmo and PayPal, in addition to direct payment options. With integrated mobile and web platforms, Safety seeks to provide customers with a modern claims experience that uses familiar mobile technology.
“Integrating One Inc’s ClaimsPay was a natural choice as we sought to innovate this vital area of our business,” said Steve Varga, Vice President of MIS. “We are focused on modernizing property and casualty insurance and are always looking for partners that deliver modern tools to improve the customer experience. Security, speed, and ease of the process are our top priorities, and ClaimsPay will help us meet and exceed those benchmarks.”
“Instant payments deliver a required customer value proposition and a competitive advantage to insurance carriers,” said Ian Drysdale, CEO at One Inc. “As Safety Group looks to prioritize efficiency, many insurers are eyeing their claims technology to provide digital infrastructure that can help them rapidly adapt to the ever-changing needs of customers and stay ahead of the competition. We are proud that leading carriers like Safety are choosing One Inc for claims payment transformation.”
About One Inc
One Inc is modernizing the insurance industry through a unified and frictionless payment network. Focusing only on the insurance industry, One Inc helps carriers transform their operations by reducing costs, increasing security, and optimizing customer experience. The comprehensive end-to-end digital payments platform provides expanded payment options, multi-channel digital communications, and rapid digital claim payments, even for the most complex insurance use cases. As one of the fastest- growing digital payments platforms in the insurance industry, One Inc manages billions of dollars per year in premiums and claim payments.
About Safety
Safety Insurance Group, Inc., based in Boston, MA, is the parent of Safety Insurance Company, Safety Indemnity Insurance Company, Safety Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Safety Northeast Insurance Company, and Safety Northeast Insurance Agency. Operating exclusively in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, Safety is a leading writer of property and casualty insurance products, including private passenger automobile, commercial automobile, homeowners, dwelling fire, umbrella, and business owner policies.
