Daily Archives: May 27, 2021

But theres another crucial observation here. Intelligence was never an endpoint for evolution, something to aim for. Instead, it emerged in many different forms from countless tiny solutions to challenges that allowed living things to survive and take on future challenges. Intelligence is the current high point in an ongoing and open-ended process. In this sense, evolution is quite different from algorithms the way people typically think of themas means to an end.

Its this open-endedness, glimpsed in the apparently aimless sequence of challenges generated by POET, that Clune and others believe could lead to new kinds of AI. For decades AI researchers have tried to build algorithms to mimic human intelligence, but the real breakthrough may come from building algorithms that try to mimic the open-ended problem-solving of evolutionand sitting back to watch what emerges.

Researchers are already using machine learning on itself, training it to find solutions to some of the fields hardest problems, such as how to make machines that can learn more than one task at a time or cope with situations they have not encountered before. Some now think that taking this approach and running with it might be the best path to artificial general intelligence.We could start an algorithm that initially does not have much intelligence inside it, and watch it bootstrap itself all the way up potentially to AGI, Clune says.

The truth is that for now, AGI remains a fantasy. But thats largely because nobody knows how to makeit.Advances in AI are piecemeal and carried out by humans, with progress typically involving tweaks to existing techniques or algorithms, yielding incremental leaps in performance or accuracy. Clune characterizes these efforts as attempts to discover the building blocks for artificial intelligence without knowing what youre looking for or how many blocks youll need. And thats just the start. At some point, we have to take on the Herculean task of putting them all together, he says.

Asking AI to find andassemble those building blocks for usis a paradigm shift. Its saying we want to create an intelligent machine, but we dont care what it might look likejust give us whatever works.

Even if AGI is never achieved, the self-teaching approach may still change what sorts of AI are created. The world needsmore than a very good Go player, says Clune. For him, creating a supersmart machine means building a system that invents its own challenges, solves them, and then invents new ones. POET is a tiny glimpse of this in action. Clune imagines a machine that teaches a bot to walk, then to play hopscotch, then maybe to play Go. Then maybe it learns math puzzles and starts inventing its own challenges, he says. The system continuously innovates, and the skys the limit in terms of where it might go.

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AI is learning how to create itself - MIT Technology Review

The term Blockchain denotes a shared immutable record, of a chain of transactions, each comprising one block, with the blocks being held together by cryptographic keys (hashes). These keys or signatures are stored in shared ledgers, joined by a mesh of nodes, or processes that connect them. Each node has a copy of the whole chain, being constantly synchronized and kept up to date.

How Blockchain Can be Helpful in Healthcare Domain?

The blockchain technology can be very helpful in integrating of healthcare information, which is currently scattered, with a range of service providers. Since it is a distributed network, blockchain-based systems can be useful for integration of several intermediaries in the medical care system. Such systems can be used in storing longitudinal patient histories that can be used by consumers, companies, and medical service providers. One of its major advantages is interoperability among institutions and service providers. Blockchains can result in improved data integrity, decentralization and help in reducing transaction costs. They can also help in delivering precision medicine, improving patient care and outcomes, and the connecting medical records across a nation. This could be a boon in emergency situations as hospitals can easily access data rather than collect medical histories from individual patients.

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By combining these functions, blockchains can result in real-time patient monitoring and updating patient data by tracking different nodes using Internet of Things (IoT). Combined with a database, it can be used by medical care providers and a range of intermediaries. In this way, it allows for quick way of accessing patient records across service providers, thereby reducing costs, and improving collaboration between health institutions.

Blockchains can form the basis of Health Information Exchange (HIE) and the Integrating the Health care Enterprise (IHE). Further, by linking the system across functions such as insurance companies, financial and operational services, revenue cycles and supply chains, back-office data input and maintenance costs can be significantly reduced [20]. Data accuracy and security are added benefits. Countries could ultimately develop their nation-wide health information systems based on a seamless sharing of data. The benefits of integrating the medical network will also yield low cost solutions and virtual health systems in the long run. In summary, blockchain technology can be used in several key data-driven healthcare areas, including health care records, health claims, interoperability, patient access, and supply chains

Advantages and Issues with Blockchain Technology Applications in healthcare

Key concerns with blockchain technology applications in healthcare include:

Digital ledger technology (DLT) can be applied in many healthcare areas, but all activity within healthcare is not linked to transactions. However, public blockchains cannot be used to store private information such as identifying health data, because the data in them is widely accessible. This transparency mandates that providers consider privacy issues to ensure protected health information (PHI).

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Secondly, blockchain technology is vulnerable to some types of attacks, though it offers inbuilt protection against others. The blockchain code lays it open to zero day attacks and bugs, as well as social engineering. Thus, information security must be paid intensive attention especially when used in healthcare. Blockchain technology should not be used indiscriminately in healthcare, since its data is immutable. Large files, or those which change often, may be kept out. All identifying data should be kept off the chain.

Blockchain technology has the potential to transform health care, placing the patient at the center of the health care ecosystem and increasing the security, privacy, and interoperability of health data. While it is not a panacea, this new, rapidly evolving field provides fertile ground for experimentation, investment, and proof-of-concept testing. A blockchain powered health information exchange could unlock the true value of interoperability. Blockchain-based systems have the potential to reduce or eliminate the friction and costs of current intermediaries.

The promise of blockchain technology applications in healthcare has widespread implications for stakeholders in the health care ecosystem. Capitalizing on this technology has the potential to connect fragmented systems to generate insights and to better assess the value of care. In the long term, a nationwide blockchain network for electronic medical records may improve efficiencies and support better health outcomes for patients.

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Blockchain Technology Applications in Healthcare Has Massive Potential in Improving Data Management, Handling, and Operational Efficiency - BioSpace

NORWALK, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Datto Holding Corp. (Datto) (NYSE: MSP), the leading global provider of cloud-based software and security solutions purpose-built for delivery by managed service providers (MSPs), today announced that Tim Weller, Chief Executive Officer and John Abbot, Chief Financial Officer, are scheduled to present virtually at the Bank of America Global Technology Conference on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 9:15 a.m. ET. A live webcast of the presentation will be accessible by visiting Dattos investor website at investors.datto.com. An archived version will be available shortly after the completion of the presentation.

About Datto

As the worlds leading provider of cloud-based software and security solutions purpose-built for delivery by managed service providers (MSPs), Datto believes there is no limit to what small and medium businesses (SMBs) can achieve with the right technology. Dattos proven Unified Continuity, Networking, and Business Management solutions drive cyber resilience, efficiency, and growth for MSPs. Delivered via an integrated platform, Dattos solutions help its global ecosystem of MSP partners serve over one million businesses around the world. From proactive dynamic detection and prevention to fast, flexible recovery from cyber incidents, Dattos solutions defend against costly downtime and data loss in servers, virtual machines, cloud applications, or anywhere data resides. Since its founding in 2007, Datto has won numerous awards for its product excellence, superior technical support, rapid growth, and for fostering an outstanding workplace. With headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut, Datto has global offices in Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

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Datto to Present at the Bank of America Global Technology Conference - Business Wire

Magic Information Launches Turnkey Solution for Smart LocksUsing Technology from STMicroelectronics

China, May 27, 2021 Magic Information, Chinas leading Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) fingerprint-recognition technology provider, has launched a smart-lock reference design, based on AIoT fingerprint recognition running on an STMicroelectronics STM32WB55* Bluetooth LE (BLE) microcontroller (MCU) that manufacturers can integrate into their designs to make Smart Locks.

This reference design leverages the dual-core (Arm Cortex M0+ and M4) advantages of the STM32WB55, designed with high interoperability between the hosting MCU, fingerprint recognition, as well as Bluetooth LE 5.2. The Magic Information fingerprint-recognition algorithm runs on the high-performance STM32WB55 MCU that also enables recognition and unlocks the device in as fast as 0.3 seconds, while ensuring ultra-low power consumption.

There is increasing demand for locks that offer completely keyless operation. Restrictions such as power consumption, size, and user experience make these locks extremely challenging to deliver, said Weiwen Yang, CTO of Magic Information, The combination of Magic Informations industry-leading technology in embedded fingerprint recognition running on an STM32WB MCU with BLE meets the challenge. Magic Information will offer a turnkey solution for the whole smart-lock industry. Meanwhile, a platform with APIs for various applications is also available to help our clients develop product/business innovations, with outstanding quality and performance assured.

With the BLE 5.2 and outstanding processor performance and power efficiency of the STM32WB running Magic Informations fingerprint recognition, their turnkey reference-design solution integrates compactness in system robustness and performance efficiency. Building on the high-level security of the STM32WB, fingerprint recognition enhances the system-level security for markets where it really matters such as access control and medical devices, said Arnaud Julienne, Vice President, Head of Marketing and Applications of MDG, IoT/AI Competence Center and Digital Marketing, Asia Pacific Region, STMicroelectronics.

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For the best user experience and cost competitiveness, a variety of fingerprint sensors, sizes (including 80x64, 112x88, 176x64, and 160x160), and packaging methods are currently available. The turnkey solution has been qualified with mass productions. At the same time, a very much improved efficiency in product building/development can be expected, which can shorten the time-to-market within 20 weekdays.

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*STM32 is a registered and/or unregistered trademark of STMicroelectronics International NV or its affiliates in the EU and/or elsewhere. In particular, STM32 is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.

About Magic Information

As a Chinese national high-tech enterprise focused in original and proprietary identification technologies for AIoT, Magic Information is currently leading the industry in IoT identification. Setting its goal to change the way of opening the door, Magic Information has successfully constructed a one-stop AIoT identification service platform, to offer enterprises from all over the world fingerprint algorithms, fingerprint ICs, as well as solutions to identify anything. Further information can be found at http://www.mlkey.com.

About STMicroelectronics

At ST, we are 46,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An independent device manufacturer, we work with more than 100,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and 5G technology. Further information can be found at http://www.st.com.

For Press Information Contact:

Tom XiaMarketing of AIoT IdentificationMagic InformationTel+86 186 6682 6076Email: service@mlkey.com

Fiona ZhuIntegrated Marketing & CommunicationsSTMicroelectronicsTel: +86 10 5797 9343Email: Fiona.zhu@st.com

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Magic Information Launches Turnkey Solution for Smart Locks Using Technology from STMicroelectronics - Yahoo Finance

Australian Research Organisation CSIRO has developed a sprayable biodegradable polymer membrane that can help farmers produce more, while using less water, nutrients and agrochemicals.

The new technology, named TranspiratiONal, is an environmentally-friendly alternative for agricultural plastics, such as polyethylene, often called plastic mulch. Trials have confirmed increases in crop water productivity in excess of 30 per cent, while also assisting to control weeds.

According to CSIRO there is a worldwide challenge to grow more food, using less resources. The worlds population is growing, requiring food production to double by 2050 to feed an expected nine billion people. The need to expand our food production output is also impacting the environment through the use of fertilisers and other chemicals, CSIRO says.

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Close up of the spray rig showing 3 sets of nozzles spaced one meter apart to improve the uniformity of application (1 kg per square meter treatment) - Photo: CSIRO

Researcher Dr Keith L. Bristow came up with the idea of a polymer membrane. I had been doing a lot of work around the health of soils, and the interaction of water with the soil, he says. I went to China some time ago and was just horrified by the plastic mulch films they were using. We visited some fields where plastic was more dominant than the soil. This means the soil pores were mostly blocked and toxins were leaking into the soil and surrounding water systems.

My view was that all farmers should be able to apply the membrane, even those in Africa using a simple hand sprayer

Dr Bristow set out to create a product that could replace the plastic mulch films. He wanted to produce a biodegradable product, that could be sprayed. My view was that all farmers should be able to apply the membrane, even those in Africa using a simple hand sprayer or those in the US, using large mechanical machines, he explains.

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Dr Keith Bristow: "We want to make it as durable and cost effective as possible." - Photo: Keith Bristow

After developing the membrane technology, CSIRO conducted several experiments and field trials in Australia. We used big and small farm equipment and proved that our polymer membrane can be accessible to small scale farmers in developing countries and large scale highly mechanised farmers and agribusinesses in developed countries, Dr Bristow says.

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Application of the membrane of a field of tomatoes. - Photo: CSIRO

CSIRO demonstrated the sprayable technology in irrigated field plot trials in Australia using melons, tomatoes, sorghum and cotton. The trials confirmed increases in crop water productivity in excess of 30 per cent, while also assisting to control weeds.

Weve got our proof of concept but we need to further finetune the polymer spray, Dr Bristow says. We want to make it as durable and cost effective as possible. At the moment the cost is probably higher than the plastic mulch film that is widely used.

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Installing the preformed plastic mulch films treatment. - Photo: CSIRO

Farmers have told Dr Bristow and his team that they would no longer use plastic mulch film if they could use a cost effective sprayable biodegradable polymer membrane. By using a sprayable biodegradable membrane they dont have to retrieve a deteriorating plastic mulch film during and after harvest, Dr Bristow says. And a lot of the plastic mulch film is still causing problems. It gets burned, which the government and community dont like, or it goes to a waste facility. And when it breaks down into smaller fragments it releases toxins into the soil and our water systems, including, streams, rivers and groundwater below.

The farmers in the trials were in general happy with the ability of the polymer membrane to cover the soil. Weeds were controlled and water was saved, resulting in more production. Our aim is to maximise the transpiration and minimise the soil evaporation, Dr Bristow emphasises.

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A field with tomatoes sprayed with a polymer treatment. - Photo: CSIRO

The field trials have showed a number of advantages of the polymer membrane of CSIRO over the plastic mulch films that farmers are currently using. The polymer membrane is biodegradable, and most plastic mulch films are not. This new product is sprayable. Farmers can use existing farming equipment for the application with minor, low cost modification. The application of plastic mulch films is expensive as it requires specialist farming equipment.

Plastic mulch films can cause extreme surface temperatures. The application of the polymer membrane however moderates the soil surface temperatures. The trials showed that plastic mulch films caused seedling damage and death of plants. The use of the polymer membrane caused minimal to no damage to seedlings.

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Application of the highest polymer treatment (1.5 kg per square meter). - Photo: CSIRO

Dr Bristow and his team have made sure that the polymer membrane is safe to use. We took samples of the soil with the polymer and of the products, for example the skin of melons, he says. We probably did a couple of hundred different tests. The results proved that there was nothing untoward or toxic in the product and that it is biodegradable. Farmers can just leave in the field after harvest.

Dr Bristow would prefer to do some precommercial farm trials to finetune the polymer formulation, its application and impact. He is currently talking with investors to finish the preparations for the pre-commercial trials. There is enough interest among farmers. I get contacted every week by farmers, sometimes six times a week. People are calling me from across the world.

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Harvested tomatoes filling the harvest bin. - Photo: CSIRO

CSIRO explains that achieving the initial target of using 10 per cent less water with no yield loss in Australian irrigated agriculture would free up more than 1,000 gigalitres of water. This could be used for growing additional crops and/or improving environmental flows in our waterways, CSIRO says.

There are real headaches using plastic mulch films

Farmer Dan Harris of Myrtle Park Produce in Finley, New South Wales was a participant in field trials with the sprayable biodegradable polymer membrane. If this was available, I would use it for sure, he says.Mr Harris says spraying the polymer membrane onto the soil was an easy process. We put the polymer in a tank behind a tractor and applied the polymer with nozzles onto the groundThe farmer from New South Wales enjoyed being involved in the trials. There was a bit of an issue with the manufacturing at the start, but once that was ironed out, it was fine. In the first year we tried out different rates of polymer per square meter. That made it clear what thickness we needed. I thought it showed a lot of potential at the higher rate of 1 kg per square meter.In the second field trial Mr Harris grew a crop of melons, using the polymer membrane. It did increase the crop water productivity and supressed weeds. And I could leave the polymer on the soil and it just broke down. I was keen to pursue it but unfortunately the funding dried up.Mr Harris says he would use the new technology instead of plastic mulch films if it was available. Its the flexibility; and not having to deal with plastic. We are laying plastic but then have to retrieve it and dispose of it, which is a real headache. And its costly. If we could just spray the membrane, Id be happy to pay twice as much as the plastic film mulch cost. Although the cheaper the better of course...He points out that using plastic mulch film also comes at a public cost. Its not great for the environment and not a good long term solution for our industry. Hopefully they can get the polymer membrane off the ground. It is a great innovation. A few farmers will shy away from it at the start but once you show them how flexible and easy it is, they will come around.

Farmer Dan Harris of Myrtle Park Produce in Finley, New South Wales was a participant in field trials with the sprayable biodegradable polymer membrane. "If this was available, I would use it for sure", he says. - Photo: Dan Harris

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The technology that could stop the use of plastic mulch - Future Farming

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Launching today, emerging InsurTech innovator Obie unveiled its new insurance offering, specifically targeting landlords and investment property owners. Obies instant quote platform for landlords, the first of its kind, delivers the coverage these small businesses need through a dramatically improved, data-rich process. The companys innovative technology and approach means Obies policyholders can save up to 25-30% off their existing insurance premiums. Starting today, Obies property and casualty insurance is now available in all 50 states.

Additionally, Obie disclosed that it has raised $10.7 million in Series A funding to fuel rapid growth. The round was led by global investment firm Battery Ventures, with General Partner Michael Brown joining Obies board of directors. Thomvest Ventures (the investment management firm of the Thomson family) also joined the round, in addition to previous investors Funders Club, MetaProp, and Second Century Ventures. Funding comes as Obie has secured insurance for over $3 billion in property over the past year.

The number of small, hobbyist landlords and property investors is growing at an impressive rate, yet nothing exists in this space to provide them with the quality insurance coverage they need to safeguard their investments, said Brown. When we saw what the Obie team had built, we were immediately struck by how their technology didnt just slap a band-aid on traditional approaches to insurance coverage; it brings intelligence and simplicity to the process to match each policy application to the ideal carrier for respective risk factors. This results in a win for all parties.

Better Options for Rapidly Growing Market Segment

Obie was created to provide a simple, affordable, and transparent insurance experience for clients and their investment properties, with a particular focus on the 11 million small-to-medium size apartment landlords who own single family rentals and/or larger apartment buildings. Based on their work in real-estate private equity and insurance, Obie co-founders Aaron and Ryan Letzeiser recognized that despite being the largest class of real estate investors in the U.S, this group is significantly underserved. They are too small for larger brokerage houses, while the smaller, independent insurance agencies are generalists with only limited carrier partners that specialize in this type of risk. As a result, landlords get bad pricing and limited coverage, after enduring a lengthy and antiquated application process.

Obie remedies this by offering a consumer-friendly approach that matches the expectations of the digital world. The company replaces an opaque, email-based insurance acquisition process, where landlords are forced to fill out PDFs and spreadsheets before waiting more than a week to even receive a quote, with a short online questionnaire. Landlords and property investors then can get the coverage that fits their specific needs in less than five minutes.

The impact of insurance premiums on real estate investors bottom line and the overall value of the asset is significant, yet the process of securing proper coverage has always been a bit of a black hole, said Obie Co-Founder and COO Aaron Letzeiser. Obie changes this. We built technology that makes securing insurance the least of a landlords worries. Now purchasing insurance is quick, easy, and extremely cost efficient, and with Batterys support we can scale even faster to meet the needs of this growing market.

Leveraging Technology to Reinvent Insurance

When landlords and property investors come to Obie, the platform walks them through a short series of questions and provides an instant quote that, once accepted, can be immediately underwritten. Obie is able to do this by extracting a few key data points from client responses, which its technology then enriches with dozens of public and privately available data points to eliminate the constant back-and-forth that normally occurs between a real-estate investor and an insurance agent. Obies platform analyzes over 50 novel and unique underwriting data points, which include things like the proximity of the landlord to the property, as this is often a great indicator of proactive and preventative maintenance as well as attentiveness to tenant issues.

Once Obie runs its analysis, the platform uses a proprietary algorithm to match an application to carriers based on the risk-appetite profiles that carriers have at any given point in time. For example, this could include things like writing properties in hurricane zones or excluding those that dont want to write any policies this quarter for properties built before 1980. By targeting carriers accordingly, Obie is able to deliver the right level of coverage for a dramatically lower cost than other brokerages, which is particularly important for landlords who have been hit by rent uncertainty amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

I had been using the same brokerage for years, but by managing my portfolio on Obie, I was able to easily request new quotes that saved me more than I ever would have expected on my existing premium-- something my old brokerage wasnt able to do, said Doug Hirsh, an Obie customer. That kind of instant savings substantially increases IRR and cash-on-cash returns. Using Obie has been a no-brainer. I couldnt be happier with the entire experience and level of coverage.

To use Obie to make sure that youre covered and your investment is protected, go to http://www.obierisk.com.

About Obie

Obie is on a mission to provide a simple, affordable, and transparent experience for clients and their investment properties. Its technology guarantees industry-best rates for the property and casualty plans that are right for clients, ensuring that they, and their investments, are protected. Obie is now available to landlords and property investors in all 50 states. Learn more at http://www.obierisk.com.

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Technology Company Obie Launches to Reinvent the Investment Property Insurance Process, Saving Landlords and Real Estate Investors as Much as 30% -...

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For all youve probably heard about Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and other cryptocurrencies lately, many financial experts say its the technology behind crypto you should really be paying attention to.

The underlying technology that most cryptocurrencies rely on which is blockchain is a transformative technology, says Lule Demmissie, president of Ally Invest. And cryptocurrency just happens to be one of those transformations.

Some believe blockchain technology has the potential to change nearly every facet of our lives, far beyond cryptos impact on our financial portfolios. Dr. Richard Smith, executive director of the Foundation for the Study of Cycles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to studying recurring patterns throughout economies and cultures, calls it a revolution.

Even crypto skeptics see the value in blockchain technology. The real jewel is blockchain, says Chris Chen, CFP of Insight Financial Strategists in Newton, Massachusetts. He believes blockchain is likely to have a lot more staying power than popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which he calls a flash in the pan. Blockchain will continue to change the way that we do things.

That all sounds great, but what exactly does it mean? Heres what you need to know about blockchain, and what a blockchain revolution might look like.

Think of a blockchain as a novel, digital form of record-keeping.

Blockchain is the underlying technology that many cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum operate on, but its unique way of securely recording and transferring information has broader applications outside of cryptocurrency.

A blockchain is a type of distributed ledger. Distributed ledger technology (DLT) allows record keeping across multiple computers, known as nodes. Any user of the blockchain can be a node, but it takes a lot of computer power to operate. Nodes verify, approve, and store data within the ledger. This is different from traditional record-keeping methods which store data in a central place, such as a computer server.

A blockchain organizes information added to the ledger into blocks, or groups of data. Each block can only hold a certain amount of information, so new blocks are continually added to the ledger, forming a chain.

Each block has its own unique identifier, a cryptographic hash. The hash not only protects the information within the block from anyone without the required code, but also protects the blocks place along the chain by identifying the block that came before it.

The cryptographic hash is a set of numbers and letters that can be up to 64 digits long, says Vikas Agarwal, a partner in PwCs Financial Services Advisory Practice. Thats the unique code that allows the puzzle pieces to fit together.

Once information is added to the blockchain and encrypted with a hash, its permanent and unchangeable. Each node has its own record of the full timeline of data along the blockchain, going back to its start. If someone tampered with or hacked into one computer and manipulated the data for their own gain, it wouldnt alter the information stored by other nodes. The altered record can be easily distinguished and corrected, since it doesnt match the majority.

The way that the system works, its almost impossible for someone to replicate the computing power that happens on the back end to reverse engineer it, and somehow figure out what all those hashes are, Agarwal says.

Heres an example of how blockchain is used to verify and record Bitcoin transactions.

Bitcoins blockchain is public, which means anyone who owns Bitcoin can view the transaction record. While it can be difficult to trace the identity behind an account, the record shows which accounts are transacting on the blockchain. Public blockchains also allow any user with the required computer power to participate in approving and recording transactions onto the blockchain as a node.

But not all blockchains are public. Blockchains can be designed as private ledgers, so an owner is able to limit who can make changes or additions to the blockchain. While the pool of participants may be smaller on a private blockchain, its still decentralized among those who participate. Private blockchains maintain the security of any data stored within the database using the same encryption methods.

The idea of a secure, decentralized permanent record of information has drawn interest across a number of industries, and potentially holds solutions for many security concerns, record-keeping processes, and data ownership issues we face today.

Blockchain gives us the technology to move information securely, Agarwal says, and have nearly complete certainty in knowing the authenticity of any piece of information you want to protect.

Consider, for example, stories that have circulated in recent weeks of meme subjects and celebrities who cashed in on digital property by selling NFTs (non-fungible tokens).

Because the underlying blockchain record is immutable, NFTs allow sellers to verify a digital assets authenticity. When you buy an NFT, that transaction is added to the blockchain ledger, and becomes a verifiable record of ownership. For those who want the ability to verify a digital works authenticity, blockchain helps value digital art and collectibles similarly to their physical counterparts. In theory, this leads to creators maintaining value through things earning royalties on copies made of digital art.

That might seem confusing to the rest of us who dont value those things, Smith says. But what its really demonstrating is that you can have a digital economy with digital property rights. It gives you the ability to uniquely say I own and control this piece of the digital economy, he says.

For many of us, one of the most impactful use-cases of blockchain technology may be protecting and securely transferring personal data.

Imagine if your banking information was stored on a blockchain. When you open an account with a new financial institution, or transfer information between institutions, a blockchain ledger could help quickly and securely ensure the transfer or new account is accurate and legitimate using your already-stored information. That has the ability to reduce a lot of costs, a lot of overhead, and also become a good way to reduce fraud, Agarwal says.

He predicts blockchain technology has potential across nearly every industry, because every industry has some type of information that theyre trying to exchange in a very secure way. An election run on blockchain technology could benefit from a voting record that gets locked in and cannot be altered after the fact. Businesses could maintain more accurate inventory records using blockchain. Blockchain could even help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions with better transparency around product supply chains. The technology may help food suppliers more efficiently trace recalled products, or allow consumers to avoid goods created using exploited labor practices.

Uses like this illustrate blockchains appeal not only for security, but also what Chen calls the integrity of information. Blockchain has the potential to give people more security and assurance around that, Agarwal says.

Businesses and governments around the world are continuing to test and implement blockchain technology, but none of this will happen overnight. If we ever reach a point where government currency is blockchain-based or medical records are converted to a blockchain, it wont be anytime soon.

In the meantime, you can bet on the power of blockchain by adding a blockchain-based cryptocurrency like Bitcoin to your portfolio, though thats not the only way to put your dollars behind the technology.

You can also adjust more traditional investments so theyre blockchain-forward. For example, look into whether your ETFs or mutual funds include companies that are developing blockchain technologies or beginning to use blockchain in their business operations.

There are even ETFs wholly made up of these types of companies, known as blockchain ETFs. One example, launched in 2018, is the Siren Nasdaq Blockchain Economy Index (BLCN), which has outpaced the S&P 500s overall return both year-over-year and on a three-year average. These funds dont put any of your money in crypto specifically; instead, they invest in select company stocks ranging from long-established businesses like IBM to lesser-known startups like Galaxy Digital.

While it still doesnt guarantee a return, this can be a more conservative alternative to putting your money into the notoriously volatile cryptocurrency market directly.

Chen compares the difference between speculating in cryptocurrencies directly and investing in blockchain companies to the California gold rush of two centuries ago. Lots of people rushed in there to dig for gold, and most of them never made any money, he says. The folks who made the money are those who sold the shovels. The companies that are supporting the development of blockchain are the shovel sellers.

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What Is Blockchain? The Transformative Technology Behind Bitcoin, Explained - NextAdvisor

SAN ANTONIO, May 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rackspace Technology (NASDAQ: RXT), a leading end-to-end multicloud technology solutions company, today announced it has provided Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Native Development capabilities to Innovyze, the global leader in water software solutions. Rackspace Technology helped Innovyze extend its software offerings on AWS, providing customers real-time monitoring and data intelligence through IoT and cloud-powered simulations.

Innovyzes industry-leading software empowers thousands of water utilities around the world. Historically a desktop product business with on-premises software, Innovyze wanted to address the real-time operational needs of utilities by extending the capabilities of their offerings through a cloud-based platform. They were looking for an equally skilled partner to work hand-in-hand with their teams to help them hit aggressive timelines. The company turned to the cloud native development team at Rackspace Technology to help them deliver their new SaaS solution, Info360.com.

A primary goal for Innovyze was to enable an industry first for water, Dynamic Digital Twins, a virtual representation of water utility assets that is continuously updated with all known data about the past, present, and future incorporating cutting-edge technologies like predictive analytics and artificial intelligence tuned specifically for the water lifecycle.

By moving simulation features of our modeling into the cloud, we can leverage that horsepower for really complex models, performing multiple parallel simulations for different scenarios like weather changes, flood prediction, and the like, said Rick Gruenhagen, CTO of Innovyze. The ability to use real-time data to develop Dynamic Digital Twins that are more accurate in representing conditions today and predicting conditions in the future is huge.

By working with Rackspace Technology on extending its product offerings onto a common platform on AWS and leveraging cloud-native technologies, Innovyze was able to introduce Info360.coma Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that supports real-world water lifecycle management. The SaaS implementation of Info360.com offers several advantages to utilities in the areas of easy on-boarding, infinite scalability and rigorous security out of the box. In addition, Dynamic Digital Twins are now accessible to every water utility, without the need to invest in expensive IT infrastructure, maintain complex software, or hire hordes of digital consultants to use them.

Working with Rackspace Technology helped our team achieve our goals on an immense project on a tight timeline. Our utility customers vary widely in size and infrastructure, and Rackspace Technology has helped us deliver a highly sophisticated platform where we can seamlessly onboard new customers and lower the barrier to entry for new municipalities, said Gruenhagen. Our customers can use real-time data to improve the accuracy of their models, which is a huge accomplishment in the water industry. The cloud-based approach reduces operational overhead for clients and gives Innovyze the freedom to continue innovating and leading the industry.

The new platform, built with serverless and microservices technologies, enables Innovyze customers to transfer their asset network information to the cloud and leverage geospatial mapping functionalities for their site modeling. Rackspace Technology facilitated data transfer through a cross-platform edge solution, powered by Amazon Greengrass and Docker images. This functionality allows Innovyze customers to install the software in their existing IT environment.

The Info360 Dynamic Digital Twin solution is a revolution for the water industry, said Amir Kashani, VP, Cloud Native Development & IoT Solutions at Rackspace Technology. Innovyze knew that cloud native services were the best path forward and that partnering with Rackspace Technology would accelerate their teams goal of building a SaaS platform that realizes their vision of serving the entire water cycle, from cloud to ocean.

About Rackspace TechnologyRackspace Technology is a leading end-to-end multicloud technology services company. We can design, build and operate our customers cloud environments across all major technology platforms, irrespective of technology stack or deployment model. We partner with our customers at every stage of their cloud journey, enabling them to modernize applications, build new products and adopt innovative technologies.

About InnovyzeInnovyze is a global leader in building innovative, industry-leading software for the water industry for over 35 years. Innovyze serves thousands of clients including the largest utilities, ENR design firms, consultancies, and refining plants around the world. Learn more atwww.innovyze.com

Media ContactNatalie SilvaRackspace Technology Corporate Communicationspublicrelations@rackspace.com

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Innovyze Brings Dynamic Digital Twins to the Water Industry Using Rackspace Technology IoT and Cloud Native - GlobeNewswire

LinkedIn and newspaper business pages are awash with articles claiming to wisely summarise the learnings from the last 12 months, so Im not going to stand idly by without having my say, although I will at least try to circle back to my day job, which is advising Scottish, mainly tech-focused, companies.

As I write from my spare-room office, with my lockdown puppy asleep under my desk (what a clich), there is no doubt that this 12-month jolt to the economy due to Covid-19 has hastened the return of the work-life balance to near the top of the agenda. That said, some tech companies, such as Edinburghs Administrate, have been committed to a four-day-week for years, citing happier and more productive employees.

Never has it been more important to truly look after your people. A tech-focused client of mine who was very anti-working from home, is now a true convert to the hybrid model.

Companies are also spending a lot of time and money on bringing their employee benefits packages up to date for 2021, looking for both valuable and fun ways to thank their predominantly young team for their hard work.

Our shopping and banking habits, of course. My weirdest indulgence has been ordering small bottles of Hildon sparkling mineral water over the internet from Drink Supermarket to try to replicate that authentic meeting room experience, and collecting them from my new Montpellier drinks fridge, contributing to online retailers vast surge in profits.

Banking-wise, weve all taken to mobile banking apps like ducks to water. Global mobile payments revenue was $1,400 billion [986bn] in 2020, up from $1,100bn [774.78bn]in 2019. But it will take more than a pandemic to get my father away from his cheque book.

Lets not forget that theres been huge political change in the worlds largest economy in the last 12 months too, with Donald Trump moving aside for the more conciliatory and less confrontational President Joe Biden.

In this post-Trump era, Im already noticing the climate change agenda moving back up in terms of column inches, and I think we can expect that to continue in the short-medium term for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, COP26 will be taking place in Glasgow during the first fortnight in November, and, secondly, Scotland provides fertile ground for building cleantech companies, as Edinburgh-based data analytics business Topolytics has proved. Tech features heavily in all global trends as do people, climate, e-commerce and banking.

My personal belief is that Scottish tech, with all its various subsectors, including games, cleantech and fintech, will become as important to the Scottish economy as oil and gas has been.

Helping to fuel this eco-system are the Scottish universities. There have been successful fund raises for spin-outs from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Napier and Strathclyde universities in recent times, as well as successful exits too.

As Jamie Coleman, managing director of tech incubator CodeBase was quoted as saying, Brainpower... has always been the core asset of Scotland. The industrial mindset of building bridges and steam engines has transitioned into building complex software. We no longer have the chimneys of the industrial revolution in our cities; our factories are in the cloud.

The success of the Scottish tech sector has been under a spotlight in the last few years, and particularly the last 12 months. For us as a team at the tech-enabled business critical services group, Anderson Anderson & Brown (AAB), our clients have relied on us more than ever, and we are looking forward to focusing our efforts on continuing to serve tech-focused firms.

There has been a sense of optimism in the air of late and, as economies start to recover, we believe that it will be tech leading the way to stability.

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AAB: trust in technology to deliver economic stability - The Scotsman

Permanent TSB is to create 180 jobs as it invests in its digital infrastructure and business banking, to the next phase of the banks growth strategy.

PTSB also said it would introduce hybrid working arrangements for employees, including the use of a network of hubs to cut commute times for workers.

Recruitment for the roles, which will be in technology, business banking, risk management and data analytics, is already underway the bank said. The new jobs will be at senior and graduate level, and come following the announcement of a further 50 million investment in its technology infrastructure and digital capabilities.

This announcement comes just seven months after PTSB confirmed plans to cut 300 jobs, mainly targeting managerial positions, via a voluntary severance scheme.

Among the new flexible working arrangements for employees are options to work from home for up to three days a week, a compressed working week and job sharing.

The bank will also use hubs in Greystones, Maynooth, Dundalk and Douglas to reduce commute times for office-based roles. The bank is to invest in new technologies and a new collaboration zone at its headquarters in Dublin to help people on-site and those working remotely work together.

The new technology will also facilitate video banking for customers, enabling branch and sales staff to hold virtual meetings with customers.

Almost half of the banks total workforce have applied for permanent flexible working arrangements, it said.

Commenting on the flexible working arrangements, Ger Mitchell, Permanent TSBs chief human resources officer said: We are delighted to offer flexibility in working arrangements, which has been made possible by our significant ongoing investment in technology. It is clear that this flexibility is needed and we are confident that it will result in an even better service for our customers and an enhanced work-life balance for our people.

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Permanent TSB to create 180 jobs as part of technology investment - The Irish Times