Daily Archives: December 17, 2021

How to Battle Depression With Alternative Therapies – South Florida Caribbean News

Posted: December 17, 2021 at 11:44 am

Depression is a mental condition characterized by consistent feelings of sadness and low mood. Its normal to feel down or sad from time to time. Lifes demands can be overwhelming sometimes and put people in a state of emptiness or hopelessness. If these feelings remain for longer than usual, the individual may be battling depression.

The feelings of sadness and low mood from depression range from mild to severe, and it isnt something people can snap out of by simply getting their acts together. It can affect every aspect of a persons life, including work, play, and study. Depression is the worlds most common mental health condition and can get worse if not properly treated. Its also the leading cause of disability worldwide and affects members of all age groups. A 2019 study showed that 18.5 percent of US adults have depression in any given two-week period.

Untreated depression can get severe and worsen the symptoms of other conditions like diabetes, cancer, and asthma. Theres no cure for depression, but a person can effectively manage the condition with drug treatment, psychotherapy, and natural remedies.

Its difficult to point to a single reason for depression. Having depression is more often than not the result of an interplay of biological or circumstantial factors. The most common possible causes of depression include:

An imbalance of brain chemicals that regulate mood and behavior can trigger depressive episodes. Individuals with a less active frontal lobe also seem to report more cases of depression than the rest of the population.

A family history of depression can increase an individuals risk of developing the condition and related mood disorders.

Some medical ailments like heart attack, stroke, insomnia, cancer, and Parkinsons disease may increase depression risk. Those who experience accidents, physical or emotional pain for prolonged periods are also more likely to develop depression.

Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during menstruation, postpartum period, perimenopause, and menopause can trigger depression.

Witnessing or experiencing abuse, trauma, and other violent events, especially during childhood, can affect how a person responds to fear and stress, thus increasing their likelihood of developing depression later in life.

Indiscriminate drug or alcohol use can lead to cases of depression.

The symptoms of depression vary in type and severity among individuals. A temporary feeling of sadness or low mood may not be depression. For a definite diagnosis, a patient must experience some of these symptoms daily for at least two weeks:

Depression treatment involves drugs that attempt to restore the balance of brain chemicals. The most commonly prescribed medications for depression are:

SSRIs act by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Theyre the most prescribed drugs in depression treatment. SSRI examples include Zoloft, Paxil, and Lexapro.

SNRIs raise the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Common examples include Effexor XR, Pristiq, and Cymbalta.

TCAs also increase brain serotonin and norepinephrine levels. They may present more side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs, so they must be used cautiously. Elavil, Tofranil, and Sinequan are some of the commonly used brands.

MAOIs increase the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and tyramine in the brain. Their side effects limit their use, and theyre only prescribed if a patient isnt responding to other classes of antidepressants. They include Nardil, Marplan, and Emsam.

Patients who dont respond positively to drug treatment can explore alternative therapies and lifestyle modifications as a substitute or adjunct to medication.

Some of these treatments are unapproved by regulatory authorities even though they may have some scientific backing. Its essential to speak to a professional before opting for these types of depression treatment.

Traditional Chinese healing systems find use in a significant number of conditions. Acupuncture is a type of treatment in which fine needles are inserted into specific points in the body to relieve symptoms.

The idea behind acupuncture is that disease is the result of an imbalance in energy. This treatment seeks to restore the balance of that energy. Studies show that acupuncture may help patients respond better to medications.

Traumatic circumstances can trigger depressive episodes, and patients can prevent those occurrences by changing how they respond to such conditions. Meditative practices like yoga and mindfulness help take the mind away from circumstances that can trigger depression or cause a relapse.

Some supplements like 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT), Omega-3-fatty acids, and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) may affect brain chemicals in ways that improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. The FDA doesnt regulate these supplements, so patients must speak with their healthcare provider before using them.

Some herbs and plants have found use in depression treatment. Like other natural treatments, manufacturers may exaggerate the effectiveness of these herbs, so its up to the patient to work with their doctors to find out whether these herbs may help their symptoms. Common herbs for depression treatment include ginseng, St. Johns wort, chamomile, and lavender.

Generally, improving ones way of living can significantly ease depression symptoms or prevent a relapse. Simple activities like eating right, engaging in regular exercises, and developing a sleep routine can help depression. Other changes can include avoiding stress, doing what one loves, and finding time to relax with friends and family.

Depression is a common mental condition affecting lots of people and causing significant loss of productivity. Thankfully, it can be managed and even reversed with the right combination of medicine, alternative therapies, and lifestyle changes.

The manifestations of depression vary among patients. Patients should work with their healthcare provider to devise a treatment combination that offers them the best possible outcome during treatment.

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Migraine headaches: What causes them and how to treat them – taosnews

Posted: at 11:44 am

Flashing lights or zigzag lines appear in your field of vision. Perhaps you lose your peripheral vision or are not able to see at all. Your limbs may feel weak or like they dont belong to you. Speech may be slowed or impossible.

These symptoms are often followed by a feeling of nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and finally an intense headache on one or both sides of the head.

You may be having a migraine headache, which may then cause you to wonder: Why do some people get these painful episodes, while others do not? What distinguishes migraines from more typical headaches? And lastly, what can you do to treat them?

More than 37 million people in the United States, and about 1 billion people worldwide, suffer from migraine headaches, according to the American Migraine Foundation (AMF). At least one person in an estimated one out of every four households is impacted by the disorder, and one in eleven children experience migraines.

According to research published in Headache: Journal of Head and Face Pain, almost 15 percent of the population worldwide experiences some form of migraines. Even more people may be affected, as it is under-diagnosed.

In Taos County, with a population of 32,771 (U.S. Census 2021) that means there are close to 5,000 people here who suffer from migraines.

Migraine is an inherited neurological disorder that is characterized by over excitability of specific areas of the brain, according to the AMF website.

Although it is not fully understood what happens in the brain to bring on a migraine, people who are affected are more likely to be influenced by certain factors, called triggers. These can include bright lights, changes in the weather, allergies, smells, hormonal fluctuations, some foods, alcohol, caffeine, stress and sleep problems. Through tracking foods and other factors, some people are able to discover their triggers and work to reduce or eliminate them.

About one out of every three migraine sufferers experiences visual disturbances, including flashing lights, zigzag lines, or temporary loss of vision. A headache, nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound can follow (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). Some who experience migraines become increasingly sensitive to triggers and may develop a pattern of chronic or even daily migraines.

What can you do about them?

Jamie Sampere, family nurse practitioner at Taos Whole Health Integrative Care, says that when people come to the practice with migraines, the first step involves looking at methods that avert the headaches at their onset. The triptan family of drugs is the first line of defense, explains Sampere.

These drugs, which include the medications sumatriptan and zolmitriptan, block pain pathways in the brain. If these medications arent enough to address the problem, she suggests that the patient see a neurologist to look more closely at the type of headache and potential causes. There are a lot of clinical trials because the condition is so common, Sampere says. There are injectable approaches including Botox that works because it helps relax the muscles near the jaw and diffuse tension that can trigger a migraine. Other drugs that may be used preventively include antidepressants, like amitriptyline.

In addition to medication, Sampere suggests looking at lifestyle to identify possible triggers, such as coffee, gluten, levels of activity and stress, time spent on electronics and family issues.

Consider lifestyle changes such as reducing stress and improving levels of activity to see if that can help alleviate symptoms, she recommends.

As Sampere notes, treatments that have been developed for other uses are also being used to address migraines. However, for the first time, a migraine-specific medication was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018. Called Aimovig, this preventative treatment for adults with migraines is given by monthly self-injection. Aimovig is the first medication to be approved by the FDA from a new class of drug that works by blocking the activity of a peptide (a short chain of amino acids), which is involved in migraine attacks. Research has shown that the medication reduces the number of migraine days for many patients, according to the FDA.

To find relief from migraines, people also sometimes look to alternative therapies that can replace or be used in conjunction with medication and lifestyle changes. Although there are fewer clinical trials involving these types of therapies, some patients have found them to be effective.

Rob Hawley, co-founder of Taos Herb, explains that treating migraines is complicated. The causes are manifold, including hormones, food, chemical additives, stress, traumatic neck and head injuries, and vascular irregularities in the blood vessels," he said. "There is no single answer in complementary medicine to address all these different kinds of migraines, but there are a number of things worth trying.

Hawley emphasizes that it is important to work with your physician if you have migraines as they may be a symptom of an underlying condition. Additional causes to consider are food allergens, as well as airborne allergens, such as pollen and pet dander, among others. These can cause inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate many conditions. Looking at anti-inflammatory diets and adding healthy fats, like omega-3s, can reduce inflammation and lead to overall better health. Moderate exercise is also helpful but excessive activity can lead to an increase in inflammation. Reducing stress alone can lessen migraines.

Because tension in the neck can trigger a migraine in someone who is predisposed to get them, Hawley suggests stretching and massaging the neck and applying heat. Muscular tension can worsen if a person is dehydrated or has an imbalance in electrolytes, so drinking plenty of water is important.

Avoiding possible triggers, such as fermented food, wine, food additives and nuts like cashews may be worth exploring as well. Hawley explains that, along with complementary medicine, avoiding these triggers is a critical part of avoiding migraines. Certain lifestyle changes, like eating whole foods rather than sugary or processed foods, can make a big difference.

Hawley adds that increasing magnesium levels through supplements can help relax the muscles and reduce migraines.

Essential oils, such as lavender and sweet birch, when applied to the temples and back of the neck, can help soothe migraines as well, he said. But Hawley emphasizes that essential oils should be used in small quantities and kept out of the eyes.

Hawley also says that feverfew has aspirin-like qualities. Feverfew, in combination with butterbur, can be found in supplements like MigraEze at Taos Herb. With the availability of CBD oil, more people are using liquid preparations like Kinetic Gate CBD drops made in Taos and available at Cids and Taos Herb to treat migraines as they begin. Hawley points out that while CBD may have broad medicinal applications, there are not yet many studies that allow us to understand all of its components and its effectiveness. CDB does seem to reduce inflammation and pain in some people, says Hawley.

Acupuncture can also be used to regulate migraines, says Dr. Keith Christian, DOM at Taos Chiropractic. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points in the body. These points have been mapped by Chinese practitioners over the past 2,000 years, according to the American Society of Acupuncturists. The effectiveness of acupuncture in treating migraines is supported by research reported by the National Center for Biotechnology Information in 2020.

Techniques like biofeedback, which involves monitoring body functions and learning to relax under stress, has shown promise in reducing the incidence of migraine headaches with 62 percent of patients in one study showing either a major or total improvement in the incidence of migraine. The researchers found that this method worked better than medication in reducing migraines, according to a 2010 study in Behavioral and Brain Functions Journal.

In the award-winning 2017 documentary film Out of my Head, health practitioners explore various healing approaches and recommend techniques like reflexology (which involves the application of pressure to the feet or hands), stress management, mindfulness and meditation and yoga as ways to help calm and regulate the nervous system.

The documentary reports that there are 113 million lost workdays per year in the US that results in a loss to the economy of $13 billion annually. Students sometimes have to miss school because of migraines. Anxiety and depression can also occur alongside migraines or serve as triggers.

Migraines are estimated to be the third most common disease in the world by the Migraine Research Foundation. But, with new medications, as well as lifestyle changes and alternative therapies, there is hope that migraines can be managed in such a way that those who suffer from them can lead healthier and happier lives.

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Cannabis Buds and Flowers Will Soon Be Legalized in Thailand. Heres What That Means. – VICE

Posted: at 11:43 am

A woman holds a handful of marijuana flower buds in Vancouver. Photo: Don MacKinnon / AFP

The first country in Southeast Asia to legalize marijuana for medical use and research in 2018, Thailand is set to loosen its laws around cannabis further as it advances towards full legalizationwith plans to remove the plants flowers and buds from its banned narcotics list announced last week.

What we have achieved so far is to declare that cannabis stems, roots, leaves and sprigs are not drugs, said public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also the deputy prime minister of Thailand, speaking at an agricultural event aimed to promote the cultivation of cannabis.

Starting next year, we will remove everythingstems, roots, sprigs, leaves, buds, flowers and seedsfrom the narcotics list.

A cannabis flower in Kingston, Jamaica. Photo: Angela Weiss / AFP

The tycoon-turned-politician once said that legalizing cannabis would be a win-win for Thais. The country became the first in Southeast Asia to legalise the drug for medical use and research in 2018. On this most recent legalization of the use and sale of cannabis flowers and buds, he said that it was an initiative that would help those hit hard by the pandemic.

When the economy is picking up and we dont have new products as alternatives, people will keep doing the same things and competing with one another, he said.

But if we offer them a choice, they can learn to build on it, creating new products and business models, which will in turn speed up the economic recovery.

Its new narcotics code, which officially came into effect on Dec. 9, no longer lists cannabis and hemp. And as early as next year, cannabis flowers and buds will be legal to use, process and sell outside of medical and research settings. Its a move that, according to Bangkok-based cannabis entrepreneur and legalization advocate Kitty Chopaka, was a savvy economic decision that was long overdue.

If we are going to fully legalize all parts of the cannabis plant for commercial purposes next year, it will still be with a lot of caveats, Kitty, founder and CEO ofElevated Estate, told VICE World News, adding that the move was only a small first step.

The ministries are testing the water first, but they do realize that if they dont allow for full access, Thais will know other ways to go about finding it.

Unlike stems, roots and leaves, cannabis flowers are typically rich in THC and are considered by scientists and experts to be the most potent part of the plant. This makes them highly sought-after as they can be consumed in numerous ways, including smoked in pipes and vaporizers, or rolled as joints and incorporated into edibles.

Because [previously] only medical marijuana had been legalized, Thai government officials sought to prevent people misusing parts of the plant to get high, Kitty explained.

Cannabis cultivation is currently strictly controlled in Thailand. Under an agreement facilitated by hospitals, universities and government officials, cannabis flowers and buds are removed at harvest. They are then either given to local hospitals to be made into alternative medicine, sent to medical units and facilities at local universities across the country for research, or disposed of completely.

In a region with some of the harshest drug laws globally, cannabis entrepreneurs and vendors in Thailand have cashed in on loosened laws since 2018, with a boom in cannabis-based products. With the new law enabling licensed growers of cannabis to use the entire plant for medicinal and commercial purposes, that boom is set to grow as producers can create products like edibles, oils, cosmetics and even K-Y Jelly lubricant.

The developments mean that the cannabis industry in Thailand is growing and will only get bigger, Kitty said. We could probably see a cannabis and hemp-related Thai company that might go into the stock market and big companies slowly making their way into Thailand as we become an actual market.

The entrepreneur also warned of competition should Thailands neighbors catch a whiff of the potentially lucrative trade.

Everything else should slowly follow, and if Thailand does well and others in the region like Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia see this, what makes us think that they wont jump on board?

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Galway mum suffering with liver and colon cancer appeals for help to seek treatment abroad – RSVP Live

Posted: at 11:43 am

Diana Mazionyte was diagnosed with liver and colon cancer earlier this year after experiencing stomach pain.

The mum-of-two and her family were completely shocked as Diana has been healthy throughout her life.

"I was shocked, I cried," said Diana. "I rang home and told my husband, and he said it has to be a mistake, you're healthy."

The cancer she has is very rare and at stage four.

Diana wants to be present in her children's lives, and she is seeking alternative options to chemotherapy.

"I made the decision in my head, I'm going with alternative medicine," said Diana. "I didn't want to be at home sick for six months minimum after chemo, maybe longer after radiation or surgery. I don't want that life.

"I have two young kids, I don't want to be like bag of stones on their shoulder or a patient in the house."

This decision worried her children, but they did come around to the idea.

Diana has sought Oxygen/Ozone therapies, Infra-Red sauna therapy, intravenous vitamin C treatments, mistletoe therapy, herbal treatments as well as healthier diet choices and supplements. She has been on a juice diet to help her stomach, but she has been able to gradually move back to solid foods.

Diana has already begun weekly various Ozone therapies which are very expensive. She is also in the process of receiving vitamin C injections soon, which could greatly benefit her.

"I'm feeling much better already," said Diana. "I'm getting psychotherapist sessions, which helps me a lot."

She is so thankful for the donations she has received so far which have helped her so far with her treatment, however she is now looking into experimental treatments abroad.

These types of treatment are available Germany and Mexico, but they are also very costly.

"These clinics provide some of the best cancer treatments in the world," said Diana.

You can check out Diana's fundraiser here.

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INOVIO Highlights Key Updates on Phase 3 Program for VGX-3100, its DNA-based Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Cervical HSIL Caused by HPV-16 and/or…

Posted: at 11:43 am

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Dec. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Inovio(NASDAQ: INO), a biotechnology company focused on bringing to market precisely designed DNA medicines to help protect people from infectious diseases and treat cancer and HPV-associated diseases, today announced updates on the Phase 3 program for VGX-3100 for HPV-associated cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), including a one-year follow-up of efficacy and safety data in participants from REVEAL1, completing enrollment in REVEAL2, and advancing its pre-treatment biomarker candidate for VGX-3100 to be further developed with QIAGEN. In addition, INOVIO's development partner within Greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan), ApolloBio Corp. ("ApolloBio"), dosed the first participant in a separate Phase 3 trial in China.

Key Updates for VGX-3100:

- REVEAL2 INOVIO's second global Phase 3 clinical trial of VGX-3100 for cervical HSIL is fully enrolled and top-line efficacy and safety data are expected to be available in 2H22.- REVEAL1 INOVIO completed the 52-week safety follow-up of participants in REVEAL1, INOVIO's first global Phase 3 trial of VGX-3100, and the safety profile of VGX-3100 observed at Week 36 remained well-tolerated through Week 88. In addition, participants treated with VGX-3100 who met the primary endpoint at Week 36 remained clear of HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 at Week 88.- Pre-treatment Biomarker INOVIO and QIAGEN have made progress in biomarker development by identifying candidate biomarker signatures for VGX-3100 with the intent of selecting a final signature in a pre-treatment in vitro diagnostic to improve the primary clinical outcome for biomarker-positive patients with cervical HSIL.- Phase 3 Trial in China The first participant has been dosed in the Phase 3 trial of VGX-3100 for cervical HSIL in China. This trial is being run by ApolloBio and is similar in design to REVEAL2. The trial is expected to enroll up to 84 participants.

Dr. J. Joseph Kim, President and CEO of INOVIO, said, "We are making strong progress in developing INOVIO's immunotherapies treating HPV-associated cervical HSIL. Left untreated, cervical HSIL may progress to cancer. VGX-3100 has the potential to be the first approved immunotherapy and non-surgical alternative for women with cervical HSIL and we look forward to advancing our efforts from our Phase 3 studies through commercialization."

Dr. Jeffrey Skolnik, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Program Lead for VGX-3100, added, "Completing enrollment for REVEAL2, and reporting on our long-term data from REVEAL1, are important milestones for VGX-3100 and an opportunity to advance women's health, given the lack of a non-surgical therapeutic for cervical HSIL. With our two Phase 3 studies now fully enrolled, INOVIO remains on target for the topline efficacy readout from this study in the second half of 2022."

INOVIO's Phase 3 program in cervical HSIL is assessing the efficacy of VGX-3100 to regress cervical HSIL, a direct precursor to cervical cancer, and to eliminate the HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 infection that causes these lesions. The REVEAL studies are prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating adult women with HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 positive biopsy-proven cervical HSIL. REVEAL1 provided one-year post-endpoint safety data for a minimum of 198 participants randomized, while REVEAL2 will provide efficacy and one-month safety data for a minimum of 198 participants. For more information on the REVEAL1 and REVEAL2 studies, please visit clinicaltrials.gov (search identifier NCT03185013 and NCT03721978, respectively).

INOVIO completed the 52-week safety follow-up of participants in REVEAL1 and showed that the safety profile of VGX-3100 at Week 36 remained well-tolerated through Week 88. In addition, participants treated with VGX-3100 who met the primary endpoint at Week 36 remained clear of HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 at Week 88. There was no substantial change in the per-protocol assessment of primary efficacy from the mITT analysis that was previously reported for REVEAL1 (link).

Additionally, INOVIO is advancing its partnership with QIAGEN to co-develop a liquid biopsy-based diagnostic product based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to guide clinical decision-making for the use of VGX-3100 in cervical HSIL. This biomarker, if validated, has the potential to increase the probability of clinical response in biomarker-positive women with cervical HSIL. QIAGEN offers an extensive expertise in technologies from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to NGS for diagnostic development. INOVIO anticipates having additional information on its biomarker development in 2022.

Separately, INOVIO's partner ApolloBio dosed the first participant in the Phase 3 clinical trial of VGX-3100 in China. The Phase 3 trial in China is similar in design to REVEAL1 and REVEAL2 randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled. The trial is expected to enroll 84 participants. In 2018, the companies signed an agreement providing ApolloBio with the exclusive right to develop, manufacture and commercialize VGX-3100 within Greater China (link).

About INOVIO

INOVIO is a biotechnology company focused on rapidly bringing to market precisely designed DNA medicines to treat and protect people from infectious diseases, cancer, and diseases associated with HPV. INOVIO has clinically shown that a DNA vaccine candidate can be delivered directly into cells in the body via a proprietary smart device to produce a robust and tolerable immune response. INOVIO is evaluating candidate VGX-3100 in two Phase 3 trials for precancerous high-grade cervical dysplasia caused by HPV-16 and/or HPV-18. INOVIO is also evaluating INO-4800, a DNA vaccine candidate against COVID-19, in a Phase 2/3 clinical trial; the Phase 3 segment of which has received regulatory approvals to proceed in Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Philippines, India, Thailand, and the United States. INOVIO's partners, Advaccine Biopharmaceuticals and International Vaccine Institute, are also evaluating INO-4800 in ongoing clinical trials in China and South Korea, respectively.

Partners and collaborators include Advaccine, ApolloBio Corporation, AstraZeneca, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense/Department of Defense, HIV Vaccines Trial Network, International Vaccine Institute, Kaneka Eurogentec, Medical CBRN Defense Consortium, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Ology Bioservices, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Plumbline Life Sciences, Regeneron, Richter-Helm BioLogics, Thermo Fisher Scientific, University of Pennsylvania, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and The Wistar Institute. For more information, visit http://www.inovio.com.

CONTACTS:

Media: Jeff Richardson, 267-440-4211, jrichardson@inovio.comInvestors: Ben Matone, 484-362-0076, ben.matone@inovio.com

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to our business, including our plans to develop DNA medicines, our expectations regarding our research and development programs, including the planned initiation and conduct of preclinical studies and clinical trials and the availability and timing of data from those studies and trials, and our ability to successfully manufacture and produce large quantities of our product candidates if they receive regulatory approval. Actual events or results may differ from the expectations set forth herein as a result of a number of factors, including uncertainties inherent in pre-clinical studies, clinical trials, product development programs and commercialization activities and outcomes, our ability to secure sufficient manufacturing capacity to mass produce our product candidates, the availability of funding to support continuing research and studies in an effort to prove safety and efficacy of electroporation technology as a delivery mechanism or develop viable DNA medicines, our ability to support our pipeline of DNA medicine products, the ability of our collaborators to attain development and commercial milestones for products we license and product sales that will enable us to receive future payments and royalties, the adequacy of our capital resources, the availability or potential availability of alternative therapies or treatments for the conditions targeted by us or our collaborators, including alternatives that may be more efficacious or cost effective than any therapy or treatment that we and our collaborators hope to develop, issues involving product liability, issues involving patents and whether they or licenses to them will provide us with meaningful protection from others using the covered technologies, whether such proprietary rights are enforceable or defensible or infringe or allegedly infringe on rights of others or can withstand claims of invalidity and whether we can finance or devote other significant resources that may be necessary to prosecute, protect or defend them, the level of corporate expenditures, assessments of our technology by potential corporate or other partners or collaborators, capital market conditions, the impact of government healthcare proposals and other factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 and other filings we make from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurance that any product candidate in our pipeline will be successfully developed, manufactured or commercialized, that final results of clinical trials will be supportive of regulatory approvals required to market products, or that any of the forward-looking information provided herein will be proven accurate. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements, except as may be required by law.

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What Is Cloud Computing? How Does Cloud Computing Work …

Posted: at 11:42 am

Cloud computing refers to any kind of hosted service that is delivered over the Internet.What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to any kind of hosted service delivered over the internet.These services often include servers, databases, software, networks, analytics and other computing functions that can be operated through the cloud.

Files and programs stored in the cloud can be accessed anywhere by users on the service, eliminating the need to always be near physical hardware.In the past, for example,user-created documents and spreadsheets had to be saved to a physical hard drive, USB drive or disk. Without some kind ofhardware component, the files were completely inaccessible outside the computer they originated on. Thanks to the cloud, few people worry anymore about fried hard drives or lost or corruptedUSB drives. Cloud computing makes the documents available everywhere because the data actually lives on a network of hosted servers that transmit data over the internet.

Cloud companies, sometimes referred to as Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), are companies that offer services or applications on the cloud. These cloud companies essentially host tools and data centers that allow customers to retrieve and utilize information in a flexible, manageable and cost-effective manner. Through cloud companies, customers can easily access their cloud-based data via any network connection.

Cloud computing services are broken down intothree major categories: software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS) and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS).

Software-as-a-ServiceSaaS is the most common cloud service type. Many of us use it on a daily basis. The SaaS model makessoftware accessible through an app or web browser. Some SaaS programs are free, but many require a monthly or annual subscription to maintain the service. Requiring no hardware installation or management, SaaS solutions are a big hit in the business world. Notable examples include Salesforce, Dropbox or Google Docs.

Platform-as-a-Service PaaS is acloud environment supporting web application development and deployment. PaaS supports the full lifecycle of applications, helping users build, test, deploy, manage and update all in one place. The service also includes development tools, middleware and business intelligence solutions. Notable examples includeWindows Azure, AWS Elastic Beanstalk and Google App Engine.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service IaaS provides users with basic computer infrastructure capabilities like data storage, servers andhardware all inthe cloud.IaaS gives businesses access to largeplatforms and applications without the need forlarge onsite physical infrastructures. Notable examples of IaaS includeDigitalOcean, Amazon EC2 and Google Compute Engine.

The cloud is basically a decentralized place to share information through satellite networks. Every cloud application has a host, and the hosting company is responsible for maintaining the massive data centers that provide the security, storage capacity and computing power needed to maintain all of the information users send to the cloud.

The most prominent companies hosting the cloud are major playerslike Amazon (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft (Azure), Apple (iCloud) and Google (Google Drive), but there's also a plethora of other players, large and small.These hosting companies can sell the rights to use their clouds and store data on their networks, while also offering the end user an ecosystem that can communicate between devices and programs (e.g., download a song on your laptop and it's instantly synced to the iTunes software on your iPhone).

See Best Cloud Computing Companies With Open JobsView Top Cloud Computing Companies

Generally, cloud computing follows three delivery models:

PublicThis is the most common and all of the players mentioned above (Amazon, Microsoft, Apple & Google) run public clouds accessible anywhere with login credentials and the right web app.

PrivateThis model offers the same kind of flexibility as the public cloud, but with the infrastructure needs (hosting, data storage, IT staff, etc.)provided by the companies or users of the service. Additionally, the restricted access and hands-on management of hosting gives the private model an extra layer of security.

HybridHybrid cloud computing isa combination of the public and private models. The two cloud types are linked over the internet and can share resources when needed (e.g., if the private cloud reaches storage capacity or becomes corrupted, the public cloud can step in and save the day).

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What is Cloud Computing? – Computer Notes

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Cloud Computing Definition is that it is a shared pool of configurable computing resource (eg. networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) network on demand over the internet. Cloud computing literally, is the use of remote servers (usually accessible via the Internet) to process or store information. Access is usually using a Web browser. Save files on a server via the Internet is one example.

Cloud computing is the best solution to manage your applications yourself; it is a shared multi-tenant platform that is supported. When using an application running in the cloud, you simply connect to it, customize it and use it.

Today, Millions of us are happy to use a variety of applications in the cloud, such as applications of CRM, HR, accounting, and even business applications.These applications based in the cloud can be operational in a few days is not possible with traditional enterprise software. They are cheap because you do not have to invest in hardware and software,or to spend money for the configuration and maintenance of complex layers of technology or to finance facilities to run them. And they are more scalable, more secure and reliable than most applications. In addition, upgrades are supported, so that your applications automatically benefit from all the improvements of safety and performance available, as well as new features.

Well be covering the following topics in this tutorial:

The advantage of cloud computing is two fold.It is a file backup shape.It also allows working on the same document for several jobs (one person or a nomad traveling) of various types (or PC, tab or smartphone).

Cloud computing simplifies usage by allowing overcoming the constraints of traditional computer tools (installation and updating of software,storage, data portability). Cloud computing also provides more elasticity and agility because it allows faster access to IT resources (server,storage or bandwidth) via a simple web portal and thus without investing in additional hardware.

The National Institute of Stands and Technology (NIST) describes cloud computing as a model for on-demand network access to computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications and services). Common Cloud Service Models are:

Cloud Software as a Service (SaaS): The user has the possibility to use the service providers applications over the network.These applications are accessed via different interfaces, thin client, Web browser, mobile devicesThe customer manages and does not control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems,databases, storage, but can possibly benefit from access to restricted configurations, specific to user categories.

Cloud Platform as a Service (PaaS):The consumer can deploy cloud infrastructure on its own applications. The user manages and does not control the underlying cloud infrastructure (network,servers, operating systems, databases, storage), but has control over the deployed applications and the ability to configure the environment of application hosting.

Cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): The client can rent storage, processing power, network and other computing resources.The user manages and does not control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over databases , operating systems, and applications deployed.

Public cloud: This type of infrastructure is accessible to a wide audience and belongs to aprovider of cloud services.

Private cloud: The cloud infrastructure works for one organization. It can be managed by the company itself (internal Private Cloud). In the latter case, the infrastructure is dedicated to the company and accessible via secure VPN-type networks.The Cloud Community:The infrastructure is shared by several organizations that have common interests (e.gsafety requirements, compliance ). As private cloud, it can be managed by the organizations them selves or by third parties.Hybrid cloud: Infrastructure consists of two or more clouds (private, Community or Public), which remain unique entities but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology, enabling data portability or applications.

Cost Reduction: Cloud computing is seen as an incremental investment, companies can save money in the long term by obtaining resources.

Storage increase: instead of purchasing large amounts of storage before the need, organizations can increase storage incrementally, requesting additional disk space on the service provider when the need is recognized.

Resource pooling: in the IT industry, this feature is also known as Multi-tenancy, where many users / clients share a type and varied level of resources.

Highly automated: As the software and hardware requirements are hosted on a cloud provider, IT departments sites no longer have to worry about keeping the things-to-date and available.

Greater mobility: Once the information is stored in the cloud, access it is quite simple, just you have an Internet connection, regardless of where they are located.Change the IT focus: Once the responsibility of the computing environment has,essentially shifted to the cloud provider, IT departments can now focus more on the organizations needs and the development of strategic applications and tactics and not on operational needs of the day-to-day.

Towards Green IT: By releasing the physical space, virtualization of applications and servers contributes to the reduction of equipment as well as the need for air conditioning, consequently, less energy waste.

Keep updated things: Similar to change the IT focus, this benefit is because of the new demands of providers cloud services, ie, the focus of providers is to monitor and maintain the most recent tools and techniques for the contractor.

Quick elasticity: this characteristic has to do with the fundamental aspects of Cloud flexibility and elasticity. For example, the web shops carry a standard amount of transactions during the year, but it is necessary to increase near Christmas time. And of course these stores do not want to pay for that capacity at peak during the rest of the year. Measurement service: which means services monitored, controlled and reported. This feature allows a model of pay-per-use service, or pay for use. It has similarities with the concept of telephone service packages where you pay a standard signature to basic levels, and paid extra for the additional service, without changing the contract.

The various problem areas for cloud computing environments are:

Security: As the data are no longer in their own organization, security becomes a major issue and questions must be answered, such as: Data is protected as adequate? There is a hacker-proof system? Can you meet the requirements regulations and government for privacy? How do you discover the leak information? Note also that corporate governance is always very concerned about the data that is stored outside the organization.Location and Data Privacy: Where the data is stored? How data is stored? The provider has adequate security for data in places where they are stored?Internet addiction: Since the cloud features are not available on the local network, you have to worry about the availability of the Internet. If you lose access to the Internet out, what that happens to your cloud computing environment? If your service provider increasing period unavailability, what you do with your employees and customers? What do you do in case of increased latency or delays the answers?

Levels of availability and service: Most organizations are familiar with the agreements service levels. The service level agreement specifies the amount of service capacity that someone has to provide, along with the penalties for not providing this level of service. How you can be sure that the cloud service provider has sufficient resources to maintain a service level agreement you signed with them?

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Top Cloud Computing Trends in 2021: Beyond the ‘Big 3’ – ITPro Today

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2021 was another strong year for the cloud computing industry not just for the big three public cloud providers, but also for a number of other players looking to take advantage of the growing demand for the cloud.

Its not surprising that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the cloud computing trends in 2021. As the pandemic continues to affect organizations of all sizes, the cloud has been helping them transition to remote work and move forward with their digital transformation plans.With this growth in cloud usage came an expansion of new capabilities from different providers, to help organizations with their digital transformation and to ease migration to the cloud.

The big three public cloud providers Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Microsoft Azure all boasted significant revenue growth in 2021, thanks to the growing demand for cloud services. In February, cloud spend was already up by 35% year-over-year, according to an analysis by Synergy Research Group. That trend continued into May, when the big three once again reported double-digit cloud revenue gains.

One of the main drivers of growth during the pandemic was the fact that organizations no longer wanted to manage their own technology infrastructure, said Amazon CFO Brian Olsavsky during his companys first-quarter fiscal 2021 earnings call.

The big three cloud providers ended 2021 the way they began it, with strong revenue growth that was driven by demand. And Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expects cloud growth to continue, explaining why during his company's third-quarter fiscal 2021 earnings call: "Digital technology is a deflationary force in an inflationary economy."

While 2021 was a big year for cloud computings market leader, AWS, in terms of revenue, the company also had a change in leadership.

Since AWS' creation in the early 2000s, Andy Jassy had led the Amazon cloud business unit, but that changed in 2021. Jassy took the reins of all of Amazon, with former Tableau CEO Adam Selipsky taking over as CEO of AWS on May 17. During his short tenure as AWS CEO, Selipsky has not introduced any dramatic changes in the way that AWS operates and has largely stayed on the same course that was set by Jassy.

It wasnt until Nov. 30 that Selipsky's first truly big public moment occurred, when he delivered the keynote at the AWS re:Invent 2021 conference. At the conference, AWS announced a series of new technologies, including a Private 5G, Cloud-WAN and new processor services.

AWS may have new leadership, but its clear that it is not taking a new direction, rather continuing on the same path of aggressive pricing and a constant stream of new service introductions.

While AWS, Azure and Google Cloud dominate the cloud industry by revenue and market share, 2021 reminded us that there are other players that are more than capable of meeting user demands.

Among the alternative cloud providers that had a big year in 2021 was DigitalOcean, which had its initial public offering on March 24, listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with the symbol DOCN. DigitalOceans focus on enabling developers has brought the company success in 2021.

Enterprise stalwarts IBM and Oracle also made significant cloud moves in 2021. IBM opened a series of new cloud computing regions in 2021, with publicly announced plans to expand even more into 2022. IBM is focusing on its enterprise customers and is seeking to differentiate its cloud services with quantum computing capabilities.

Not to be outdone, Oracle has also been aggressive with its cloud strategy this year as it grows its Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) platform. Oracle founder Larry Ellison has been pushing his company's cloud migration services and cost benefits as it seeks to take share from AWS.

There has also been greater demand for open-source cloud technologies, including OpenStack and Apache CloudStack. The OpenStack open-source cloud platform reported growth in usage over the course of 2021, and rolled out two major releases OpenStack Wallaby in May and OpenStack Xena in October.

Apache CloudStack also advanced in 2021, with the CloudStack 4.15 update in January and CloudStack 4.16 in November. One major improvement to CloudStack in 2021 was an enhanced visual interface to manage, monitor and configure cloud deployments.

We can't talk about 2021 cloud computing trends without mentioning multicloud. It was another big year for multicloud, thanks not only to the continued demand for cloud services but also the number of strong options users have. The advantage of using multicloud when there are multiple strong options available is that an organization can run workloads across multiple clouds, instead of choosing just one cloud for all of its needs.

The multicloud trend in 2021 also extended to hybrid cloud deployments a mix of public cloud resources alongside on-premises deployments. Moving from one deployment model to another, either from on-premises to the public cloud or from one public cloud to another, has been a common topic of discussion across vendors in 2021, as they try to grow share.

What 2021 proved was that organizations are continuing and will continue to turn to the cloud and there is no shortage of options, technologies and vendors from which IT pros can choose.

What other 2021 cloud computing trends did you notice? Sound off in the comments below.

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Global Cloud Computing in Industrial IoT Market (2021 to 2026) – Increased Use of Cloud Computing Platforms is Driving Growth – ResearchAndMarkets.com…

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Cloud Computing in Industrial IoT: Market for Cloud support of IIoT by Software, Platforms, Infrastructure (SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS) including Centralized Cloud Edge Computing for Devices and Things 2021 - 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report evaluates the technologies, players, and solutions relied upon for cloud computing in IIoT. The report analyzes the impact of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS upon IIoT as well as cloud computing software, platforms, and infrastructure in support of edge computing.

The report also assesses market opportunities for cloud computing support of IIoT devices and the objects that will be monitored, actuated, and controlled through IoT enabled processes. The report includes detailed forecasts for the global and regional outlook as well as by industry verticals, devices, and things from 2021 to 2026.

Companies Mentioned

Select Report Findings:

Cloud computing is moving beyond the consumer and enterprise markets into support for manufacturing and industrial automation of other industry verticals. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) represents a substantial opportunity for both the centralized cloud "as a service" model for software, platforms, and infrastructure as well as distributed computing wherein IIoT edge computing will enable the ICT industry to leverage real-time processing and analytics.

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Overview

3 IIoT Cloud Computing Ecosystem

3.1 IIoT Cloud Computing Services

3.2 Cloud Computing Deployment

3.3 IIoT Cloud Computing Applications

3.4 Cloud Manufacturing

3.5 Software Defined IIoT and Industry 4.0

3.6 Smart Connected Enterprise and Workplace

3.7 Cloud Technology in Robotics

3.8 Artificial Intelligence and IIoT Solutions

3.9 IIoT Cloud Computing Challenges

3.10 IIoT Cloud Computing Pricing Models

4 Cloud Computing in IIoT Market Dynamics

4.1 Drivers

4.1.1 Increased Use of Cloud Computing Platforms

4.1.2 Government Policies, Initiatives and Innovative Efforts

4.1.3 Optimization of operational efficiency and automation

4.2 Challenges

4.2.1 High initial cost

4.2.2 Data Security and Privacy Breaches

5 Case Study: Cloud Computing in IIoT Market

5.1 IoT Use cases of Kemppi

5.2 Smarter Systems for Increasing Customer Productivity Case Study

5.3 Caterpillar's NextGen Human-Machine Interface (HMI) software platform

5.4 Creating Smarter heating and cooling systems with cloud

5.5 Prototyping the Future Automotive Cloud

5.6 Oil and Gas production Smart Case Study

5.7 Rockwell Adapted Microsoft Azure Case Study

5.8 Cloud-first digital transformation

5.9 Eastman Case study for cloud migration

5.10 Data Analytics Improves Transportation Equipment Utilization

6 Industrial IoT Cloud Computing Market

7 IIoT Cloud Connected Devices/Things Forecasts

8 Company Analysis

9 Conclusions and Recommendations

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5cn589

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Global Cloud Computing in Industrial IoT Market (2021 to 2026) - Increased Use of Cloud Computing Platforms is Driving Growth - ResearchAndMarkets.com...

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Enabling the new enterprise IT stack for the clouds Third Wave – Diginomica

Posted: at 11:42 am

Two decades after cloud computing first came into our vernacular, more than 70% of companies have migrated at least some workloads into the public cloud. This is much more than a lift-and-shift of the same applications as before in many cases the workloads are running on entirely new, cloud-native platforms.

This mainstream adoption and the acceleration of digital across all aspects of a business has completely reinvented the enterprise IT stack and given rise to a whole different ecosystem of consultancies. These cloud-savvy consultancies offer everything from experience design to digital engineering services alongside the more traditional data management, security, implementation and integration services. They are becoming the glue holding the new enterprise stack together.

Here is a quick snapshot of how the cloud has evolved over the last 20+ years, and how we see the Third Wave progressing.

Many of the same characteristics that have made cloud computing so pervasive remain true in the third wave namely the access, speed, agility, performance and innovation it enables. After all, waves do tend to build on each other. However, some things have evolved.

It's a hybrid mix. While the trend toward public cloud is still accelerating, it's easy to forget that 98% of businesses still rely on on-premise IT infrastructures. Not every legacy application can - or should - be pushed to the cloud, so there will always be at least some that remain on-premise. When you consider that IBM mainframes are still used by 44 of the top 50 banks and all top 10 insurers worldwide, it's clear that a hybrid approach that can accommodate on-prem assets will be a reality for many years to come.

It's multi-cloud and multi-app. Business demands a mix of large platforms, dozens of apps, and hundreds of tools. According to the Netskope 2021 Cloud and Threat report, app adoption increased 22% during the first six months of 2021, and the average company with 500 - 2,000 users now uses 805 distinct apps and cloud services, and has to manage the API-led integration associated with this best-of-breed portfolio. On the infrastructure side, when even the mighty Amazon Web Services (AWS) can suffer an hours-long outage that took down a wide swath of the internet as it did earlier this month, it's a reminder that a multi-cloud approach often makes sense.

It's data intensive.More than any other factor, the Third Wave is about connection and creating seamless digital experiences. In their 2019 book,Connected Strategy: Building Continuous Customer Relationships for Competitive Advantage, authors Christian Terwiesch and Nicolaj Siggelkow identified four connected customer experiences that firms can create: 1) "response-to-desire" journeys, 2) curated offerings, 3) coach behaviors, and 4) automatic execution. Each of these experiences can help turn episodic interactions into continuous relationships - and not coincidentally, revenue.

But you can't create those connections without a Third Wave enterprise IT stack, and it's not easy to keep those connections working reliably and consistently without a rock-solid service ecosystem supporting it.

As in each prior wave, there is a set of go-to Third Wave platforms that act as a foundation for many organization's IT and business operations. Some, like Salesforce, ServiceNow, AWS, Google and Microsoft, are household names that have grown their platforms and market share substantially over the last 10 years. According to Synergy Research, AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Alibaba and IBM comprise 80% of the public cloud market.

However, there are hundreds of smaller players and emerging platforms vying for success, including names like Okta, Cloudflare, Commerce Tools, Snowflake, Twilio, DataDog, DataBricks, and UIPath just to name a few.

These new firms are driving a tremendous amount of innovation in the space, helping companies automate, connect, secure and manage all those digital interactions that are so critical in the Third Wave. Many of these tools have made it far easier than in the past to interconnect and work together, however, those connections don't build and evolve themselves. After all, the cloud never stands still. It's constantly evolving.

Customers and vendors alike are looking for help navigating the growing complexity and interconnectedness of the Third Wave, to drive usage and deliver value on an ongoing basis. Suddenly technology services look less and less like a cost center, and more and more like the engine of customer success.

The new Enterprise IT Stack for the cloud's Third Wave depends on a vibrant service ecosystem. Gartner predicts that 85% of large organizations will engage external service providers to migrate applications to the cloud (up from 43% in 2019). And that's just to get started. There's also a growing need to manage those cloud-based solutions.

Are there a growing number of firms looking to compete for that budget, especially with valuations nudging upward? You bet there are.

But not all Third Wave cloud consultancies are equal. Nor will all grow fast enough to capitalize on the unprecedented opportunities of this next wave.

Giant ecosystems like Salesforce have 1,700 service providers, and all the emerging players in that new IT stack are working hard to build out their own set of trusted providers. Growth and diversification matters as much in services as it does in software. Customers sometimes need industry giants like Accenture, Deloitte, and Wipro, and other times they need the flexibility to work with smart boutiques who are agile, fast and know platforms or domains inside and out.

At Tercera, we focus exclusively on these Third Wave ecosystems, and our goal is to identify and help grow the top services players for these emerging platforms. Here's our view of what distinguishes the services winners in the Third Wave.

We look for firms that not only specialize in the platforms, but bring something unique to the space. Some of our portfolio companies have a deep vertical specialty, others have unique IP/accelerators, or a unique methodology.

A consultancy with broad but shallow experience across many industries isn't nearly as valuable as a firm with deep expertise serving large financial services companies.

Look at Salesforce's acquisition of Vlocity in 2020 for $1.3 billion (approximately 8x forward looking revenue), and Wipro's acquisition of Capco for $1.45 billion.

Focus matters.

Winning Third Wave cloud consultancies will offer a lifecycle of services that help their customers conceive, construct and utilize digital processes with ongoing insight and support across the entire journey. Tech firms need some design and strategy chops (or amazing partners). Strategy firms need deep technical skills. Firms that help deliver real business outcomes, not just individual projects are the ones that will be seen as a strategic partner, not just a one-and-done service provider.

Central to all of this is talent especially in today's market. The best services firms must develop new techniques to find the best talent, train a diverse team and motivate them in different ways than the past. This will require an investment in culture, in developing people (stop calling them heads or resources!), and new tools to facilitate virtual collaboration, communication and connectivity across the organization and with customers.

I've spent the majority of my career building and investing in cloud and professional services and a lot has changed. But a lot has stayed the same. Here's what I can tell you:

The vendors that are driving innovation in the space today will evolve, and they will require a diverse service ecosystem. The number of services firms serving this space is going to grow substantially over the next few years as cloud continues, but there will always be the stand-outs - the firms that attract the best talent and the most interesting customers. If you think you're one of those firms, we'd love to hear from you!

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Enabling the new enterprise IT stack for the clouds Third Wave - Diginomica

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