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Utilities Sector Can Enhance Risk Management and Resilience With Exponential IT, Says Info-Tech Research Group in New Resource

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Info-Tech Research Group’s recently published industry research offers the utilities sector strategic insights to enhance innovation, resiliency, and operational efficiency through the adoption of Exponential IT. The firm’s new blueprint addresses industry-specific challenges, providing IT leaders with the five priorities to drive digital transformation and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

TORONTO, June 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – The utilities industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to rapid technological advancement, increasing regulatory demands, and evolving customer expectations. As a strategic response to these disruptions, many utilities have embraced digital transformation. However, IT leaders often grapple with specialized knowledge gaps needed to leverage emerging technologies and trends effectively. To address these challenges and foster innovation and agility, Info-Tech Research Group has published its latest blueprint, Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in the Utilities Industry. The firm’s comprehensive research and insights provide utilities IT leaders with the tools to identify and tackle specific pain points, optimize operations, and deliver value-added services swiftly and efficiently.

“As technological disruption accelerates exponentially, every utility organization will inevitably transition into a digital utility,” says Jing Wu, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group. “At this crucial inflection point, technology leaders must shift their mindset to embrace Exponential IT. To capitalize on this upcoming opportunity, IT leaders must evolve into business leaders who unlock advanced value for the organization while mitigating exponential risks effectively.”

Info-Tech’s new resource highlights the utilities sector’s struggle with balancing the benefits of emerging technologies while managing associated risks. For example, IT and OT departments are currently burdened with existing technical debt, which diverts their focus from maximizing the value of new technologies. However, rapidly delivering services and staying ahead of industry trends and business demands are increasingly critical in the evolving technology landscape. The firm advises that adopting an Exponential IT mindset is essential for enhancing risk management, resiliency, and sustainability in the utilities sector. This approach involves integrating advanced technologies to optimize operations, drive continuous innovation, and provide personalized customer experiences. Info-Tech explains by embracing Exponential IT, utility sector can navigate industry disruptions and meet the evolving expectations of their audiences. 

“The utilities industry urgently needs to adopt Exponential IT to counter industry disruptions and embrace opportunities,” explains Wu. “Recognizing and integrating core foundational capabilities are considered crucial initial steps in starting a successful Exponential IT transformation, resulting in the generation of value in the industry.”

The blueprint details how the utilities industry is striving to excel in the next wave of technology-driven evolution, presenting CIOs with a unique opportunity to showcase their organizational leadership. To seize this opportunity, Info-Tech advises that CIOs transition from merely providing services to delivering organizational capabilities and taking ownership of organizational objectives.

In Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in the Utilities Industry, Info-Tech recommends five industry-specific priorities for IT leaders to effectively implement an Exponential IT transformation in the utilities sector. They are:

Build an Adaptive Delivery Model: Enable more flexible and efficient delivery of products and services. This priority involves adopting agile methodologies, streamlining workflows, and ensuring rapid adaptation to technological and market shifts.Optimize & Automate Operations: Maximize efficiency while mitigating risks through intelligent automation and data-driven decision-making. This process includes implementing AI and machine learning for predictive maintenance, automating routine tasks to reduce manual workloads, and using data analytics for proactive risk management.Broker Strategic Relationships: Strengthen and build both external and internal relationships to better align IT capabilities to organizational goals. Establish partnerships with technology vendors, collaborate with regulatory bodies, and foster cross-functional teamwork within the organization to ensure cohesive and strategic IT initiatives.Embrace Digital Innovation: Evaluate and adopt solutions that drive consumer value, enterprise growth, and innovation. Explore and implement emerging technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and advanced analytics to enhance service delivery, improve customer engagement, and drive business growth.Cultivate Workforce Flexibility: Dismantle traditional jobs and hierarchies, normalize new collaborative ways of working, and adopt a federated and hybrid IT operating model. Promote continuous learning and development, encourage cross-functional collaboration, and create an adaptive workforce capable of thriving in a dynamic technological landscape.

To remain at the forefront of the rapidly advancing technology landscape, adopting an Exponential IT mindset is paramount for the utilities sector. Info-Tech recommends that organizations evaluate their readiness and embark on a transformational journey to maintain competitiveness and relevance.

The firm’s latest research provides a comprehensive framework for IT leaders to transform their organizations, elevate value-creation capabilities, and effectively bridge the gap between the exponential progression of technological change and IT’s linear progression in effectively managing that change. Info-Tech advises that by following this strategic roadmap, utilities can ensure long-term sustainability and success in an ever-evolving market.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Jing Wu, an expert in the utilities sector, and access to the complete Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in the Utilities Industry blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

Info-Tech LIVE 2024
Registration is now open for Info-Tech Research Group’s annual IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2024, taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas. This premier event offers journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. To apply for media passes to attend the event or gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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DATA BREACH ALERT: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Is Investigating Claims On Behalf Of Medical Express Ambulance, Inc. Customers Whose Data May Have Been Compromised

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NEWTOWN, Pa., April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating claims regarding data privacy violations at Medical Express Ambulance, Inc. (“MedEx”). MedEx learned of suspicious activity on its network in March 2024.

About Medical Express Ambulance, Inc.

MedEx is a Chicago-area provider of medical transportation services, including emergency response, life support, and air ambulance transport.

What happened?

On or about March 18, 2024, MedEx learned that certain personal information of patients they have transported may have been stolen in a data breach. MedEx launched an investigation with the assistance of a third-party cybersecurity firm to determine the extent of the data breach. The list of individuals impacted by the data breach was finalized on March 19, 2025, and the company notified the Maine Attorney General on April 24, 2025.

What type of information was stolen?

The personal information in the compromised files may have included:

NamesDates of BirthDemographic InformationSocial Security NumbersDriver’s License NumberMedical InformationFinancial InformationHealth Insurance Information

How can I protect my personal data?

If you receive a data breach notification concerning MedEx, you must guard against possible misuse of your personal information, including identity theft and fraud, by regularly reviewing your account statements and monitoring your credit reports for suspicious or unauthorized activity.

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action lawsuit to seek legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised by the MedEx data breach.

For more information, please contact:

Marc H. Edelson, Esq.
EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP
411 S. State Street, Suite N-300
Newtown, PA 18940
Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2
Email: medelson@edelson-law.com
Web: www.edelson-law.com 

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving data breaches, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging securities and investment fraud, violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft and unpaid overtime, consumer fraud, and catastrophic injuries.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

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SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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AWARD-WINNING DOODLELEARNING MATHS AND ENGLISH PROGRAMMES NOW AVAILABLE TO PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS ACROSS AUSTRALIA

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BATH, England, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Discovery Education—the creator of essential learning solutions used in classrooms around the world—announced today that its award-winning DoodleLearning maths and English programmes are now available to parents, teachers, and students across Australia.

Discovery Education’s innovative DoodleLearning apps have been shown to significantly enhance academic progression, particularly when used little and often, by offering a personalised learning program for each child. DoodleLearning offers four innovative products supporting teaching in maths and English Language – DoodleMaths, DoodleEnglish, DoodleTables and DoodleSpell. Created by teachers for teachers – and suitable for students aged from 2 to 14 years – the apps have been used by over one million children in the U.K. and around the world.

DoodleMaths uses new adaptive technology to boost children’s confidence and ability in Maths, equipping them with the numeracy skills they need for successDoodleEnglish is an award-winning grammar, punctuation, spelling and comprehension app that boosts confidence and strengthens literacy skills. Filled with thousands of interactive exercises, it explores language in a fun, approachable wayDoodleSpell is uniquely designed to boost confidence and ability in spelling. Helping children to understand the meaning behind words and how to use them in sentences, it provides a solid foundation to build on in schoolDoodleTables is an interactive times table app, delivering personalised, curriculum-aligned Tables practice which helps students to master multiplications

Part of the Discovery Education family of services, the Doodle apps are designed to be used ‘little and often’, both at home and in the classroom. Utilising the latest advances in educational technology, the apps transform learning into a fun, rewarding adventure that builds pupil confidence. Doodle can be used offline on all devices, making it ideal for busy schedules.

Michael Savitz, Discovery Education’s General Manager, International said:

“Discovery Education is excited to bring our four DoodleLearning apps to educators, parents and students across Australia. We’ve seen tremendous benefits wherever Doodle is used – whether in the classroom or at home – and look forward to supporting the continued academic progress of students in Australia by delivering learning experiences that can be enjoyed by all.”

Explore DoodleLearning’s revolutionary suite of maths and English apps at www.doodlelearning.com.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.co.uk and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
 
About Discovery Education
 Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with schools, and trusted organisations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.co.uk .

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/award-winning-doodlelearning-maths-and-english-programmes-now-available-to-parents-teachers-and-students-across-australia-302438486.html

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Shaping Payments of Tomorrow: From AI to Real-Time Payments

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The payments landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rapid advancements in technology and evolving consumer preferences. Here are four key trends that we believe will shape the future of payments.

Trend 1: Leveraging AI against fraud

AI will play a crucial role in personalising payment experiences and enhancing fraud detection capabilities. Deep learning algorithms will become more sophisticated in analysing transaction patterns and identifying potential risks in real-time.

Visa has been at the centre of AI in payments and invested $3.3 billion in our AI and data infrastructure over the last decade. This year, we introduced three new AI-powered risk and fraud prevention solutions, as part of the Visa Protect suite, that are designed to reduce fraud across immediate Account to Account (A2A) and card-not-present (CNP) payments, for transactions on and off Visa’s network. There is immense potential in the next generation of AI to help transform the payments experience, making it more secure and intuitive.

Trend 2: Digital identity simplifies authentication  

For years, passwords, security questions, even card numbers have served as stand-ins for individuals, and fraudsters have taken advantage of this fact. In the future, authentication will rely on highly secure credentials, namely one’s face, fingerprints, or other biometrics.

Visa has introduced solutions such as Click to Pay and Visa Payment Passkey to reduce reliance on traditional PINs and passwords and elevate the payment checkout experience. Visa Click to Pay eliminates clunky checkout processes and reduces the number of steps consumers require to pay for their online purchases.

Visa Payment Passkey requires consumers to do a one-time set-up to bind their devices and authenticate them at participating merchants, removing friction from the online checkout process.

Moving forward, centering biometric markers in payments authentication, in line with the best data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI governance practices will help make the checkout process more convenient and secure, benefiting both consumers and businesses.

Trend 3: Cross-border payments travel fast 

Cross-border money movement has historically been B2B-focused and primarily handled by traditional banks. Cross border payments transcend beyond B2B payments and include peer-to-peer payments or business to consumer payments.

Remittances is a significant part of cross-border payments. Visa’s data also shows new use cases for cross-border payments including payout to creators and digital wallet top-ups. As globalisation and global trade evolve, there is a huge demand for faster and more efficient cross border payment solutions to support the needs of consumers and businesses.

Visa Direct can power real-time and interoperable cross border transactions securely and efficiently, supporting more than 7 billion endpoints, including cards, accounts and digital wallets. Our key focus is building new partnerships and expanding our endpoints.

Trend 4: Real-time payments gain momentum

Real-time payments are growing rapidly across the world and are projected to reach $58 trillion by 2028 globally. The important task for regulators, policymakers and the broader payments ecosystem is to balance innovation with safeguards, protect against the risks associated with the instant and irreversible nature of RTP payments. Keeping consumers’ interests at heart, Visa has rolled out solutions such as Visa Protect for A2A Payments to help mitigate fraud on RTP networks and identify potential instances of fraud.

Interoperability is also key to facilitating trade and global growth, and we see governments working closely with the private sector to address some of the key pain points and gaps.

As we look to the future, these new trends will no doubt impact the way consumers and businesses pay and be paid, making it more seamless and secure for everyone, everywhere.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/shaping-payments-of-tomorrow-from-ai-to-real-time-payments-302440619.html

SOURCE Visa Malaysia

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