Annie Palmer / CNBC:
Memo: Thrasio CEO Greg Greeley plans to resign and five other senior executives will “step down when Thrasio emerges from Chapter 11 in the coming weeks” — Thrasio, an early leader in the big business of Amazon aggregators, had a booth at the popular Prosper Show for Amazon sellers in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 14, 2021.
Hands-on with the Rabbit R1: a fun and funky AI device that feels pretty nice and does a solid job with basic AI questions, but the Rabbithole app is unfinished (David Pierce/The Verge)
David Pierce / The Verge:
Hands-on with the Rabbit R1: a fun and funky AI device that feels pretty nice and does a solid job with basic AI questions, but the Rabbithole app is unfinished — There were times I wasn’t sure the Rabbit R1 was even a real thing. The AI-powered, Teenage Engineering-designed device came …
Nooks, whose AI tools can analyze sales calls and summarize customer interactions, raised a $22M Series A led by Lachy Groom, bringing its total funding to $27M (Ken Yeung/VentureBeat)
Ken Yeung / VentureBeat:
Nooks, whose AI tools can analyze sales calls and summarize customer interactions, raised a $22M Series A led by Lachy Groom, bringing its total funding to $27M — AI startup Nooks has raised a new round of funding. It announced a $22 million Series A fundraising effort led …
SK Hynix reports Q1 revenue of ~$9B, more than doubling YoY, and ~$2B in operating income, above estimates of ~$1.3B and the biggest quarterly profit since 2022 (Yoolim Lee/Bloomberg)
Yoolim Lee / Bloomberg:
SK Hynix reports Q1 revenue of ~$9B, more than doubling YoY, and ~$2B in operating income, above estimates of ~$1.3B and the biggest quarterly profit since 2022 — Sales at the world’s No. 2 maker of memory more than doubled to 12.4 trillion won ($9 billion) in the March quarter, beating expectations.
Nexa Mortgage – Redefining Excellence in Mortgage Services
In the fast-paced world of mortgage brokerage, finding a partner that not only meets but exceeds expectations can be a challenging endeavor. However, amidst the deep sea of options, there shines a beacon of excellence: NEXA Mortgage.
Co-Established in 2017 by visionary CEO Mike Kortas, NEXA Mortgage has swiftly ascended in becoming a frontrunner in the industry, poised to soon claim the trophy of the number one mortgage broker in the United States. What sets NEXA Mortgage apart, you may wonder? Let’s do a deep-dive into the myriad reasons why NEXA Mortgage stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Unparalleled Customer Service:
At the heart of NEXA Mortgage’s ethos lies an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. From the moment a client walks through the door to the day they secure their dream home, NEXA Mortgage is by their side, providing unparalleled support every step of the way. With a team of dedicated professionals who possess not only expertise but also a genuine passion for helping others achieve their homeownership dreams, Nexa Mortgage ensures that each client receives personalized attention and tailored solutions to suit their unique needs.
The NEXA Mortgage Experience:
Embarking on the journey towards homeownership can often be fraught with stress and uncertainty. However, at Nexa Mortgage, the experience is transformed into one of ease and reassurance. Thanks to a streamlined process and cutting-edge technology, clients can navigate the mortgage landscape with confidence, knowing that they have a trusted partner in Nexa Mortgage guiding them towards success. Whether it’s securing a competitive interest rate, navigating complex paperwork, or addressing any concerns along the way, Nexa Mortgage goes above and beyond to make the entire process seamless and stress-free.
A Dream Team:
Behind every successful company lies a team of dedicated individuals who are passionate about their work and united in their pursuit of excellence. At Nexa Mortgage, this dream team of professionals is the driving force behind the company’s meteoric rise. From seasoned mortgage experts to innovative tech wizards, each member of the Nexa Mortgage family brings their unique talents and perspectives to the table, creating a synergy that is nothing short of extraordinary. Together, they form an unstoppable force, committed to not only meeting but surpassing the expectations of their clients.
A Culture of Excellence:
Central to Nexa Mortgage’s success is its vibrant and inclusive company culture, where teamwork, integrity, and innovation are not just buzzwords but guiding principles. Employees at Nexa Mortgage are not merely colleagues; they are valued members of a close-knit community where mutual respect and support abound. From ongoing training and professional development opportunities to employee recognition programs and team-building activities, Nexa Mortgage invests in its workforce, ensuring that each individual has the tools and support they need to thrive.
The Visionary Leadership of Mike Kortas:
No discussion of Nexa Mortgage would be complete without acknowledging the visionary leadership of CEO Mike Kortas. A trailblazer in the mortgage industry, Kortas founded Nexa Mortgage with a singular vision: to revolutionize the way people experience the mortgage process. Under his guidance, Nexa Mortgage has grown from strength to strength, earning a reputation for excellence and innovation along the way. Kortas’s unwavering commitment to putting customers first, combined with his strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit, has propelled Nexa Mortgage to the forefront of the industry, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.
In conclusion, Nexa Mortgage is not just a mortgage broker; it is a beacon of excellence, a testament to what can be achieved when passion, expertise, and innovation converge. With a relentless focus on customer service, a dream team of professionals, and visionary leadership at the helm, Nexa Mortgage is on track to redefine the mortgage industry landscape and emerge as the undisputed number one mortgage broker in the United States. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, Nexa Mortgage is the partner you can trust to turn your homeownership dreams into reality.
Professional SEO Stratagy
Unleashing the Power of 623 PC Technology Services:
Mastering Website Development and Aggressive SEO Strategies
In the digital age, where the internet is saturated with countless businesses vying for attention, standing out becomes not just a goal but a necessity. This is where 623 PC Technology Services shines as a beacon of excellence, expertise, and unparalleled skill in the realm of website development and aggressive SEO strategy planning. With over 35 years of comprehensive IT experience and more than 15 years dedicated to refining strategic SEO planning and strategies, 623 PC Technology Services has established itself as a leader in the industry, driving success and visibility for businesses in the digital landscape.
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A Legacy of IT Excellence
623 PC Technology Services isn’t just another player in the field; it’s a pioneer. With over three decades of experience in the IT sector, the team has witnessed firsthand the evolution of technology and has remained at the forefront, adapting, learning, and innovating. This extensive experience has laid a solid foundation for understanding the intricacies of website development, from the initial coding to the final design aesthetics. Our approach is not just about building websites; it’s about crafting digital experiences that resonate with your target audience, ensuring engagement and conversion.
The SEO Difference: Strategy Meets Innovation
What truly sets 623 PC Technology Services apart is our aggressive and strategic approach to SEO. With over 15 years dedicated to mastering SEO strategies, we have a deep understanding of how search engines work and what it takes to rank at the top. Our strategies are not just about integrating keywords or following the latest trends; they are about understanding your unique business needs, your competition, and your target audience to create a tailored SEO plan that drives traffic, engagement, and conversions.
Real Results, Tangible Success
But why take our word for it? Let’s delve into real examples that showcase our prowess in SEO and website development:
Customized SEO Strategies: For a local boutique, our team implemented a hyper-local SEO strategy that targeted specific neighborhoods and local search queries. By optimizing the website’s content, meta tags, and local listings, we significantly increased foot traffic to the store and doubled its online inquiries within six months.
Technical SEO Excellence: For a tech startup, we overhauled their website architecture to make it more search engine friendly. This included optimizing site speed, enhancing mobile responsiveness, and fixing crawl errors. The result was a 70% increase in organic search traffic and a 40% increase in lead generation within the first year.
Content is King: Recognizing the power of content, we developed a content strategy for an e-commerce site that focused on creating high-quality, informative, and SEO-optimized blog posts that addressed key customer pain points. This strategy not only improved the site’s SEO rankings but also established the brand as a thought leader in its industry, leading to a 50% increase in organic traffic and a 30% uptick in sales.
Beyond Rankings: Holistic Digital Success
At 623 PC Technology Services, our goal is not just to improve your search engine rankings but to drive holistic digital success for your business. Our website development is focused on creating user-friendly, visually appealing, and conversion-optimized sites that reflect your brand identity and meet your business objectives. Coupled with our aggressive SEO strategies, we ensure that your business not only attracts visitors but also retains them, turning clicks into customers.
Ready to Dominate the Digital Landscape?
With 623 PC Technology Services by your side, you’re not just getting a service provider; you’re gaining a partner dedicated to propelling your business to new heights in the digital domain. Our legacy of IT excellence, combined with our strategic approach to SEO, makes us the ideal choice for businesses looking to dominate their online presence. Ready to unleash the full potential of your business online? Let 623 PC Technology Services be your guide to digital supremacy.
The David and Goliath Battle – The Impact of Big Box Stores on Small Computer Retailers
What’s overlooked is the opportunity to support local businesses that not only offer the same products but often tailor the shopping experience to meet individual needs, sometimes even at better prices. There’s a unique value in choosing to shop small, where the focus is on personalized service and expertise. In the evolving landscape of retail, the rise of big box companies like Costco, Amazon, and Walmart has reshaped consumer habits and market dynamics across various sectors, notably in the world of technology and electronics.
This transformation has placed considerable pressure on small, independent computer retailers—often referred to affectionately as “mom and pop” shops.
These businesses have traditionally thrived on personalized customer service and niche market knowledge. However, they now find themselves in an increasingly precarious position, fighting for survival against the Goliaths of the retail world. This blog post delves into the causes behind this shift, provides tangible examples of its impact, and explores what the future might hold for small computer companies.
The Leverage of Large Scale Operations
One of the primary advantages that big box stores hold over small retailers is their ability to leverage economies of scale. By buying in bulk, companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Costco can negotiate much lower prices from suppliers, which they can then pass on to consumers in the form of discounts and deals that small businesses simply cannot match. For example, during Black Friday sales, Amazon often slashes prices on popular electronics and computer accessories, drawing in a crowd that might have otherwise shopped at local stores.
Additionally, the wide assortment of products offered by these giants means that consumers can purchase all their tech needs—from laptops to peripherals—in one place, further disadvantaging small shops that cannot offer the same range. Walmart’s electronics department, for instance, rivals that of specialized computer stores, but with the added convenience of groceries, clothing, and home goods under the same roof.
The Online Shopping Revolution
The shift towards online shopping has been another critical factor in the changing fortunes of small computer retailers. Amazon, the behemoth of e-commerce, has set the standard for convenience with features like one-click ordering and same-day delivery. The impact of this convenience was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when online sales surged as customers preferred to shop from the safety of their homes. Small businesses, many of which lacked a robust online presence, found it difficult to compete.
Moreover, the review and comparison features available on platforms like Amazon allow consumers to research and choose products with a breadth of information and user feedback that small stores can rarely provide. This aspect of informed shopping has become indispensable, particularly in the tech sector, where specifications and performance reviews heavily influence purchasing decisions.
The Human Cost
The consequences of this shift extend beyond mere financial metrics; they encompass the erosion of community and the loss of expert, personalized advice that small retailers excel in providing. Mom and pop computer stores often build close relationships with their customers, offering tailored recommendations and hands-on technical support. For example, a small computer repair shop in a Midwest town might not only sell devices but also provide repair services, thereby fostering a sense of community and reliability. However, as these small businesses close their doors, these values are increasingly sidelined in favor of convenience and cost-saving.
Adapting to Survive
Despite the daunting challenges, some small computer retailers are finding ways to adapt and survive. They are doing so by niching down further—specializing in areas like gaming PCs, custom builds, or vintage computing equipment—areas that the giants consider too specialized. Others are enhancing their online presence, offering competitive shipping options, and leveraging social media to build a loyal customer base. Furthermore, the emphasis on post-purchase support and services, such as setup assistance and maintenance, provides a value-added proposition that large retailers often cannot match.
Conclusion
The struggle between large retail chains and small computer shops is emblematic of the broader challenges facing small businesses in an increasingly globalized and digital marketplace. While the convenience and pricing power of giants like Costco, Amazon, and Walmart are undeniable, the loss of small, specialized retailers would mark the end of an era defined by personal touch and deep expertise. The future of retail, particularly in the tech sector, will likely be shaped by the ability of small businesses to innovate and adapt to the changing landscape. For consumers, the choices they make will determine the diversity and richness of the retail world they wish to support.
Send A File
The Current State of Cybersecurity – For Small Business Owner To The CIO
The Current State of Cybersecurity
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity has ascended as a paramount concern for entities across the spectrum, from small businesses to colossal corporations. The urgency for robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated in today’s environment, where the United States and the global community at large grapple with escalating cyber threats. The consequences of neglecting cybersecurity can be devastating, with ransomware and cyberattacks presenting tangible threats that can cripple operations, tarnish reputations, and incur monumental financial losses.
The cybersecurity landscape in the United States and globally is fraught with challenges. An upsurge in sophisticated cyberattacks has been observed, targeting organizations of all sizes and sectors. No entity is immune; the digital age has democratized vulnerabilities, making it imperative for every business, whether a small enterprise or a sprawling conglomerate, to prioritize cybersecurity.
The Impact of Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks, particularly those involving ransomware, can have dire consequences for companies. Ransomware, a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid, has become a favorite tool of cybercriminals. The effects of such an attack can range from temporary disruption of operations to severe data breaches leading to long-term reputational damage. Financially, the costs are staggering. According to various industry reports, the average cost of a cyber breach for businesses can run into millions, factoring in the ransom payments (if made), remediation costs, lost revenue, and potentially hefty legal fines for data breaches.
The Unseen Vulnerabilities
Many companies operate under the illusion of security, unaware of the chinks in their digital armor. The proliferation of connected devices, the adoption of cloud services, and the increasing reliance on digital operations have expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. The sad truth is, a significant number of businesses discover their vulnerabilities only after they have been exploited.
IT Action Plan for Enhanced Cybersecurity
Given the critical nature of the threat, immediate action is required. Below is an IT action plan that companies, regardless of size, should implement to bolster their cybersecurity posture:
- Conduct a Cybersecurity Audit: Engage in a comprehensive review of your current cybersecurity measures to identify vulnerabilities.
- Educate Your Workforce: Implement regular cybersecurity training for all employees to recognize and avoid phishing attempts and other common cyber threats.
- Update and Patch Systems: Ensure that all software and systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond just passwords, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
- Backup Data Regularly: Regular, secure backups of critical data can mitigate the damage from ransomware attacks.
- Develop and Test a Response Plan: Have a clear, tested incident response plan in place to quickly and effectively address any security breaches.
- Leverage Professional Cybersecurity Services: Consider engaging with cybersecurity firms for advanced threat detection, security assessments, and incident response services.
Wrapping Up:
In conclusion, the significance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age cannot be understated. As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and scale, it is incumbent upon every business to adopt a proactive stance towards cybersecurity. By following the outlined IT action plan and seeking expert guidance, businesses can significantly mitigate the risks of cyberattacks and safeguard their operations, reputation, and bottom line. Let 623 PC Technology Services be your partner in navigating the complex cybersecurity landscape, ensuring your business remains resilient in the face of digital threats.
How 623 PC Technology Services Can Help
Understanding the complexities and challenges of cybersecurity can be daunting. This is where 623 PC Technology Services steps in. Offering a one-hour free consultation, 623 PC Technology Services provides expert advice and solutions tailored to protect your business from the evolving spectrum of cyber threats. Whether you’re seeking to evaluate your current cybersecurity posture or looking to implement a robust cybersecurity strategy, our team is ready to assist.
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Is Tap To Pay Safer Than A Credit Card Swipe
Tap to Pay NFC:
A Comprehensive Examination
Introduction
In this fast-paced, high-tech world, the demand for efficient, secure, and convenient methods of payment has never been higher. Traditional methods such as cash and checks are being phased out in favor of digital payment options. One such digital payment method that has gained significant traction in recent years is Near Field Communication (NFC), specifically in the form of ‘Tap to Pay’. As the name suggests, Tap to Pay NFC allows for contactless payment by simply tapping an NFC-enabled device on a compatible payment terminal. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Tap to Pay NFC, discussing its pros and cons, safety aspects, and real-world examples.
What is Tap to Pay NFC?
Tap to Pay NFC is a form of contactless payment technology that has revolutionized the way we make purchases. It allows users to make purchases by tapping their NFC-enabled device, such as a smartphone or credit card, on a compatible payment terminal. The technology relies on NFC, a short-range wireless communication protocol that enables two devices to communicate when they are within four centimeters of each other. This makes transactions not only quick but also hassle-free.
The appeal of this technology is multifaceted. Firstly, it offers unparalleled convenience by eliminating the need for physical cash or cards. Secondly, it significantly speeds up the transaction process, reducing waiting times and overall improving the customer’s shopping experience. Finally, Tap to Pay NFC technology is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, and credit cards, making it accessible to a large portion of the population.
Pros and Cons of Tap to Pay NFC
Like any technological innovation, Tap to Pay NFC comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered.
Pros
- Convenience: Tap to Pay NFC eliminates the need for physical cash or cards. This means no more fumbling for change or waiting for a card to be processed. Transactions are completed in a matter of seconds with a simple tap.
- Speed: Transactions are processed almost instantly, reducing waiting times and improving the overall customer experience.
- Integration: Tap to Pay NFC seamlessly integrates with mobile wallets and other digital payment apps, allowing users to consolidate their payment options in one place.
Cons
- Availability: Although becoming more common, NFC-enabled devices and compatible payment terminals are not universally available. This can limit where and when users can use this technology.
- Security: While generally safe, if a user loses their NFC-enabled device, it could potentially be used for unauthorized transactions. Additionally, there may be limits on transaction amounts for security reasons.
Is Tap to Pay NFC Safe?
Security is a major concern when it comes to digital payments, and Tap to Pay NFC is no exception. On balance, this technology is considered safe due to the implementation of advanced encryption technology, which protects transaction details and prevents interception by third parties. Most NFC-enabled devices require biometric or passcode authentication before a payment can be made, adding an extra layer of security.
Despite these security measures, no technology is completely impervious to threats. If a device is lost and unlocked, it could be used to make unauthorized transactions. To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to use strong, unique passcodes or biometric authentication and to keep your device secure at all times.
Tap to Pay NFC in Action: Real-World Examples
To illustrate the effectiveness and convenience of Tap to Pay NFC, let’s look at some real-world examples. Major companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung have integrated NFC technology into their devices, allowing for easy and secure contactless payments. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are all examples of digital wallets that use NFC technology. Users can simply tap their device on a compatible payment terminal to complete a transaction.
In public transportation, Tap to Pay NFC has streamlined the ticket purchasing process. In cities like London and New York, travelers can simply tap their NFC-enabled device or card to pay for their fare. This eliminates the need for physical tickets and reduces transaction times, leading to less congestion and improved passenger flow.
Conclusion
In summary, Tap to Pay NFC is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to significantly change the way we handle everyday transactions. Its convenience, speed, and ease of use are undeniable, but it does come with some drawbacks and potential risks. It’s essential for consumers to stay informed and take appropriate measures to protect themselves while enjoying the benefits of this technology. As the world continues to embrace digital payment methods, it’s clear that Tap to Pay NFC will play a significant role in shaping the future of transactions.
