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Monday 28 April 2025
In the last five years, Alberta's digital economy has created over 60,000 jobs and raised employment to nearly 36% above pre-pandemic levels
Things might all appear chaotic and unstable in the world right now, but Alberta is proving to be a bedrock of economic activity in Canada. The province may only be home to around 12% of Canada's population, but it accounted for 15.4% of GDP in 2023. Quite what is going to happen to the world's economy as a result of Trump's tariff turmoil is anyone's guess, but with a strong digital economy, Alberta might weather the storm better than other regions
Tuesday 29 April 2025
Cypress Technology launches new 1G bandwidth AV over IP solution, enabling seamless collaboration in high-performance environments
As audiovisual (AV) and IT technologies continue to converge, AV over IP has become one of the best solutions for modern AV integration. By converting AV signals into standard network packets for transmission, AV over IP not only simplifies cabling which use only network cables for deployment but also allows flexible expansion of displays and sources to meet the needs of various scales and applications.AV transmission has been widely adopted in corporate meeting rooms, auditoriums, large-scale conference centers, command centers, and medical imaging applications, as high-resolution video transmission such as 4K60 4:4:4 become increasingly prevalent. Furthermore, the zero-latency transmission has become a fundamental requirement.Drawing on 35 years of expertise in professional AV technology, Cypress Technology ensures stable audio and video transmission while integrating advanced technologies to enhance the user experience. The solution offers multiple display modes and both local and remote collaboration functions to meet the diverse needs of different application scenarios.The brand new AV over IP solution breaks through the limitations of traditional technology without increasing bandwidth demand. It delivers 4K60 4:4:4 high-resolution AV transmission over a 1G network while maintaining a high-quality visual experience through stable signal delivery. Furthermore, the solution emphasizes intuitive operation and simple deployment to create engaging and collaborative workspaces through real-time audio and video transmission.AV over IP encoder and decoder (model no AVIP-A4601E&D-B1C) Credit: Cypress TechnologyIntuitive operation and simple setupThe seamless switching and routing of video are critical in environments such as meeting rooms, production monitoring centers, command centers and medical imaging integration. Cypress Technology's AV over IP solution supports intuitive hotkey controls and drag-and-drop operation via WebGUI, allowing users to easily switch sources and significantly improve operational efficiency.Complete KVM over IP for seamless collaborationBy transmitting keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) data over the network, the solution links meeting rooms, workstations, command centers, offices and remote server rooms, enabling seamless collaboration. Based on operational needs, video content can be routed to designated displays. Decision makers can instantly get video content from their offices or workstation personnel can push content to meeting rooms to ensure real-time information delivery and accelerate the decision making process to improve overall efficiency.Multi-source access to enhance productivityWith USB connectivity, multiple computers and USB devices can be controlled effortlessly, without the need for complex procedures. The solution supports multi-computer control to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.Multiple display modes for flexible information presentationThe solution supports matrix (many-to-many), splitter (one-to-many), and video wall display modes. It allows users to flexibly integrate various video sources, enabling quick comparisons and comprehensive visibility of critical data. Users can select the most suitable display configuration according to their needs, providing an optimized visual management experience.Expandable Dante AV for seamless audio integrationDante is an Audio over IP technology widely integrated into various audio devices. The new AV over IP solution is Dante-ready, featuring expandable integration that allows users to easily incorporate Dante-enabled amplifiers, speakers, and ceiling microphones, enabling a fully IPbased AV ecosystem.Centralized control for simplified setup and real-time device managementA central controller provides a unified interface for viewing the IP addresses and status of all encoders and decoders. System integrators and installers can quickly complete system configuration through the controller's web interface, streamlining the installation process for faster deployment. With built-in trigger input support, the system can be integrated with a control keypad mounted on a podium or table. Users can activate preset scenes or power off all devices with a single button, optimizing multimedia management, reducing energy consumption, and enabling smart energy-saving control.Cypress Technology offers the industry's most comprehensive AV over IP solutions. The portfolio covers both 1G and 10G bandwidth transmission, enabling seamless collaboration, synchronized transmission, and flexible deployment. All encoders and decoders can be centrally managed through a single controller and are scalable to meet future expansion, fulfilling the needs of various venues and applications. In this era of digital transformation, AV transmission is no longer just about delivering information, it's a vital tool for driving high-efficiency communication and enabling seamless collaboration. Cypress Technology is committed to leading the AV over IP market with innovative solutions, empowering industries to transition into a smarter future.AV over IP Rack Credit: Cypress TechnologyAbout Cypress Technology Cypress Technology is a leading provider of professional AV solutions, dedicated to delivering innovative and high-performance AV transmission and management systems. Specializing in AV over IP, image processing, wireless AV transmission and control systems, Cypress Technology offers advanced, tailored AV integration solutions to customers around the world.
Tuesday 29 April 2025
Super 8 Studio upgrades to full AaaS company to provide agents to power business automation
Super 8 Studio, a Taiwan-based Agentic AI as a Service (AaaS) firm is leading the charge of the race into artificial intelligence in Taiwan with the launch of two brand new AI-driven tools aimed at helping businesses automate customer service, marketing, and data analysis.The company, previously known as Super 8, said the shift to AaaS model allows the firm to capitalize on a growing demand for AI-powered automation solutions in corporate environments. The launch of InsightArk, real-time data analytics platform and MessageHero, a scalable AI Agent solution, underscores Super Studio 8's determination to help businesses of all sizes to become leaner, faster and more competitive.As businesses generate increasing amounts of data and struggle with labor shortages in key sectors like customer service and analytics, the need for AI-driven automation has never been greater. AaaS allows companies to quickly implement AI-powered assistants without the need for in-house AI expertise, reducing costs and improving efficiency. By deploying AI agents, businesses can handle high volumes of customer interactions, automate marketing efforts, and extract insights from data—capabilities that were once available only to tech giants with massive R&D budgets.Super 8 Studio CEO Brian Chen says the company's transformation into a full AaaS provider underscores its commitment to helping businesses tackle the core challenges of digital transformation. Credit: Super 8 StudioAI agents for a changing business landscapeAs businesses rush to integrate AI into their operations, Super 8 Studio sees an opportunity in Agentic AI, a technology that enables companies to deploy autonomous, AI-driven assistants to manage customer interactions and streamline workflows."We anticipated that businesses would have a strong need for AI-driven automation long before it became mainstream in Taiwan," said Brian Chen, CEO of Super 8 Studio. "By expanding into AaaS, we aim to help companies implement AI-powered agents that can handle everything from customer inquiries to data-driven decision-making."InsightArk is designed to help businesses manage customer interactions across multiple messaging platforms, providing real-time analytics, automated content generation, and strategic recommendations. The platform aims to turn fragmented conversations into long-term customer relationships by analyzing user behavior and engagement trends.Caption: Super 8 Studio's Copilot, InsightArk, and MessageHero form a seamlessly integrated AI ecosystem. Credit: Super 8 StudioMessageHero, meanwhile, is tailored for small and mid-sized businesses looking to adopt AI-driven customer service and marketing solutions without requiring in-house AI expertise. The platform allows companies to quickly deploy custom AI agents that can handle inquiries, automate responses, and assist in sales and support functions.One of the platform's early adopters, Taiwan-based WaySim, a provider of mobile internet services for international travelers, integrated MessageHero to manage its growing volume of customer inquiries. Within days, the company deployed an AI agent capable of automatically responding to customer requests, significantly reducing the workload on human representatives while maintaining around-the-clock customer support.Expanding AI deployment with on-premise solutionsTo address security concerns among larger enterprises wary of cloud-based services, Super 8 Studio is rolling out on-premise AI solutions that allow businesses to deploy AI-driven automation within their own infrastructure. The company is also developing more than 100 industry-specific AI agent applications, customized for different business needs."AI capabilities will define market competitiveness," Chen said. "We want to help businesses extract value from massive amounts of data and use AI-driven insights to shape their products, services, and business strategies."Global expansion and future outlookSuper 8 Studio's ambitions extend beyond Taiwan. The company has already expanded its AI services to major Japanese brands, including UNIQLO, Panasonic, and LINE. Last year, it successfully entered the Japanese market, laying the groundwork for broader global expansion.Caption: MessageHero effectively tackles the core challenges SMEs face in customer service, marketing, and sales. Credit: Super 8 Studio
Tuesday 29 April 2025
Why ISO 27001 certification is crucial for distributors: How NewPower Worldwide is leading the way
In today's digital-first world, information security is more critical than ever. With cyberattacks on the rise and regulatory requirements tightening, businesses across all industries recognize the need for robust data protection frameworks. For distributors who manage large volumes of sensitive customer, supplier, and operational data, ensuring the security of their systems is not just a competitive advantage—it's an operational imperative.NewPower Worldwide, a global leader in the distribution of electronic components and supply chain management solutions, is setting an example for the industry by achieving the ISO 27001:2022 certification for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This internationally recognized certification is a testament to the company's commitment to protecting sensitive information, ensuring data integrity, and maintaining the trust of its global stakeholders.ISO 27001: What it is and why it mattersISO 27001 is the gold standard for information security management. It provides a globally recognized framework for organizations to manage sensitive data, protect it from threats, and ensure its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Achieving this certification requires a systematic approach to identifying risks, implementing protective measures, and continuously improving security practices.For distributors like NewPower Worldwide, ISO 27001 certification is more than a compliance milestone. It demonstrates a proactive commitment to cybersecurity best practices — a critical requirement in today's supply chain-dependent industries.Why distributors must prioritize ISO 27001Distributors play a crucial role in the global supply chain, often acting as intermediaries between manufacturers and customers. This position involves handling sensitive data such as supplier contracts, customer information, and internal systems records. Without robust security measures, distributors are at risk of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyber threats that could disrupt operations and damage reputations.Here are the key reasons why ISO 27001 is essential for distributors:• Protecting data and building trust Distributors handle vast amounts of sensitive information. ISO 27001 certification ensures that this data is protected, fostering trust among customers, suppliers, and partners.• Reducing cybersecurity risks The supply chain is a prime target for cyberattacks. ISO 27001 provides a structured approach to identifying, mitigating, and managing these risks, reducing the likelihood of costly incidents.• Ensuring regulatory compliance With increasing regulations around data protection, ISO 27001 helps businesses stay compliant with legal requirements while avoiding penalties.• Enhancing operational resilience ISO 27001 improves overall resilience by ensuring businesses can maintain operations and recover quickly in the event of a security breach or system disruption.NewPower Worldwide: Leading the wayNewPower's achievement of ISO 27001:2022 certification reflects its leadership in information security. According to CEO Carleton Dufoe: "Accomplishing ISO 27001 certification highlights our dedication to meeting the highest global standards for information security and reinforces the trust we've built with our customers worldwide."This achievement builds upon NewPower's existing certifications, including ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management, further strengthening its comprehensive Integrated Management System. With this certification, NewPower Worldwide continues to lead the way in delivering secure, resilient, and scalable supply chain solutions amidst the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.A call to action for distributorsDistributors who implement best practices in security not only safeguard their operations and protect sensitive data but also help build a safer and more resilient global supply chain. By prioritizing robust cybersecurity measures, enforcing strict access controls, and fostering a culture of vigilance and compliance, organizations demonstrate leadership and responsibility—ultimately strengthening the entire supply chain ecosystem.ISO 27001 certification is no longer optional — it's essential for building trust, managing risks, and ensuring long-term success in a fast-evolving digital world.