World's Most Innovative Tech Companies 2023 November2023

Vol: 11 Issue: 04 2023

World’s Most

Innovative Tech Companies 2023

06.

Cover Story

Blue Mantis

Driving Technology Innova on and Helping Clients Meet the Future

Contents

14. AI Superior GmbH Naviga ng the Future of Business with AI

22. Dragonfly AI

Bridging Gaps between Human Percep on and Ar ficial Intelligence

32. Edafio

Driving Technological Innova on and Client-Centric Solu ons

36. Zero Down So ware

Pioneering Ultra High Availability for Hybrid and Mul -Cloud Environments

Articles Articles

18.

Sustainable Tech Solu ons Green Innova ons for a Be er World

26.

Pioneering the Future Cu ng-Edge Technologies at the Forefront

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n the dynamic landscape of technology, innovation serves as the heartbeat, propelling us into a future shaped by groundbreaking ideas and transformative solutions. At the forefront of this technological frontier are companies that redefine the status quo, weaving intricate tapestries of progress across diverse sectors. These innovators navigate uncharted territories, transforming industries and reshaping the way we live, work, and connect.

From Silicon Valley to global tech hubs, the competitive spirit fuels a relentless pursuit of excellence. The companies featured in this exploration stand as beacons of ingenuity, pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence, blockchain, renewable energy, and beyond. Their products and services not only meet the needs of today but anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.

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Innovation is not just a buzzword for these tech trailblazers; it’s a commitment woven into the fabric of their corporate DNA. It’s about more than just cutting-edge gadgets and software; it’s a mindset that embraces change, values creativity, and thrives on solving complex problems. These companies understand that innovation is a journey, not a destination, and their resilience in the face of challenges exemplifies their dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

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As we delve into the narratives of these exceptional tech companies through the latest edition of the World’s Most Innovative Tech Companies 2023, we uncover stories of visionaries who dared to dream big and teams that turned those dreams into reality. Their impact extends beyond profit margins; it resonates in the way they empower individuals, reshape industries, and contribute to the greater good.

-Preon Bannier

Blue Mantis is a leading strategic digital technology services provider with a 30+ year history of successfully helping clients achieve business modernization by applying next-generation technologies, including data center modernization, managed services, cybersecurity, and cloud.

Empowering Businesses with Next-Gen Technologies and Services

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e live in the age of continuous technological advancements, where digital innovations are reshaping industries, business models, and customer expectations at a blistering pace. It’s no longer sufficient for businesses to rely solely on traditional information technologies and business processes. To succeed in this digital era, organizations must be proactive in leveraging the latest technologies to drive growth, efficiency, and innovation.

In this dynamic environment, a select number of companies stand out as trailblazers, driving innovation and modernization to new heights. Among them, Blue Mantis has excelled as a leading strategic digital technology services provider with a 30-year history of growth and IT services industry leadership. At the heart of this success story is company President Josh Dinneen, whose visionary leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and insatiable appetite for identifying new growth drivers in the tech services industry have propelled Blue Mantis’s expansion as more and more clients embark on their digital transformation journeys.

Today, Blue Mantis (formerly known as GreenPages) is a strategic partner for businesses aiming to apply nextgeneration technologies to solve critical business problems.

With a solutions portfolio encompassing cybersecurity, cloud services, managed services, and data center modernization, the company helps clients not only adapt but flourish in an era defined by automation and continuous innovation.

Josh’s commitment to ensuring clients’ success is evident in every facet of Blue Mantis’s operations. Since being hired as Chief Revenue Officer by CEO Ron Dupler and now as President, the company has broadened its technology footprint and deepened its expertise in high-growth segments. It doesn’t just provide services; it offers strategic guidance that paves the way for clients to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and achieve real growth. With a growing client base spanning various industries and encompassing more than 1,500 leading midmarket and enterprise organizations in the U.S., its impact is significant.

What differentiates Blue Mantis is not just its expansive portfolio but its deep and growing team of IT professionals and their technical acumen. With deep-rooted expertise in cybersecurity and cloud technologies, the company offers

regulations, such as Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), adds pressure on organizations to maintain transparency and compliance. Failing to protect personal data can lead to substantial penalties and harm to a company’s reputation.

Several significant security challenges further complicate this landscape: Ÿ

Cyberattacks: The rise of sophisticated cyberattacks, from ransomware to data breaches, threatens businesses, municipalities, and individuals. These attacks continue to grow in scale and complexity, making robust defenses a necessity.

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Cloud Security: As organizations embrace cloud-based services, ensuring the security of these platforms and the data they hold becomes paramount. The risk of misconfigurations, insider threats, and vulnerabilities must be carefully managed to prevent unauthorized access and data leaks.

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Insider Threats: Those with access to sensitive data, including employees, contractors, or business partners, can unintentionally or maliciously cause security breaches.

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AI/ML Security: The widespread adoption of AI and machine learning (ML) brings with it the need to secure AI models and training data, preventing adversarial attacks and data manipulation.

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Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Organizations heavily rely on third-party vendors and their vendors, creating a complex supply chain that hackers can exploit, making vulnerability assessment and control a significant challenge.

These security concerns are compounded by a global shortage of cybersecurity skills and the increased vulnerability introduced by remote working arrangements.

The scale of these challenges can seem daunting.

Blue Mantis, like many forward-looking companies, is adapting its approach to meet these evolving threats that all organizations face. To fortify its internal security posture, Blue Mantis continuously invests in comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that offer end-to-end protection against a broad range of threats, ensuring swift responses to incidents. It also partners with a select group of leading cybersecurity technology providers and helps clients implement and deploy these offerings to strengthen their cyber defense strategies. The company is also deeply involved in the GitOps space, helping clients navigate the intricacies of application and infrastructure automation, an area crucial for operational excellence. Automation, especially through deploying robotic process automation (RPA), is instrumental in driving efficiency gains.

Blue Mantis recognizes the importance of consolidating systems, automating processes, and investing in their talented workforce as part of their transformation journey.

This approach enhances the company’s ability to succeed in an ever-changing digital landscape, particularly in the face of complex security challenges.

To overcome these challenges, Blue Mantis helps clients implement several strategies: Ÿ

Multi-Layered Security: Regular updates, advanced firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems must be incorporated into a comprehensive security framework to combat evolving cyber threats effectively.

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Data Protection: Robust encryption and stringent access controls are essential to safeguard sensitive data.

Continuous monitoring ensures unauthorized access is prevented.

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Security Audits and Risk Assessments: Frequent security audits and risk evaluations are vital to identify vulnerabilities promptly. Regular testing and evaluation of security controls bolster defenses.

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Employee Training: All personnel, including contractors, should undergo mandatory cybersecurity training. Raising awareness of best practices and social engineering risks is crucial.

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Incident Response Plans: A well-defined strategy for detecting, responding to, and recovering from security incidents must be in place. Regular reviews and updates ensure preparedness.

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Collaboration: Engaging with industry peers, cyber professionals, law enforcement, and government agencies enhances security. Leveraging the expertise of Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs) can be advantageous.

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Security Testing: Regular security testing and tabletop exercises expose weaknesses, leading to continuous improvement in cybersecurity posture.

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Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and proactive threat hunting enable the identification and mitigation of security threats before they escalate.

organization. This commitment to growth is a driving force behind success.

Vendor Risk Management: Establishing a formal program to assess the security practices of third-party vendors is essential to minimize potential supply chain risks.

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Business-aligned Offerings: Ensure that your products or services provide tangible value to businesses.

Addressing cost optimization and delivering clear business outcomes is essential.

By implementing these proactive strategies, Blue Mantis improves the security posture of its clients, ensuring data protection and organizational resilience in the face of emerging cybersecurity challenges.

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Diversify Your Portfolio: Relying solely on one aspect of your business can be risky. Having a diverse range of products and services helps mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

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Fail Fast, Pivot Faster: Recognizing when something isn’t working is a skill. Be willing to let go of projects or products that aren’t gaining traction and pivot swiftly to more promising opportunities.

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Client-centric Approach: Honest conversations with clients are a lifeline for your business. Listen to their needs, feedback, and concerns, and be willing to make necessary adjustments based on their insights.

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Valuable Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Josh’s experience in the tech industry has given him valuable insights that he generously shares with aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a forward-looking approach.

His advice includes the following key points: Ÿ

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Stay Focused: It’s crucial not to be distracted by factors beyond your control. Keep your focus on the goals and vision of your organization, avoiding unnecessary detours.

Continuous Improvement: Complacency is the enemy of progress. Keep striving to improve both the technology you offer and the talent within your

By internalizing these valuable tips, aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech industry can navigate the challenges, embrace growth, and increase their odds of achieving success. Josh’s wisdom provides a roadmap for a resilient and thriving tech entrepreneurial journey.

Growth-Driven Expansion

A Recognized Industry Leader

In response to increasing client demand, Blue Mantis is embarking on an ambitious expansion strategy. The company, with a workforce of 382 professionals spread across the United States, Canada, and India, has witnessed substantial growth in key departments. Notably, the cybersecurity and FinOps teams have experienced a remarkable fivefold increase in just two years. Additionally, the cloud services team has more than doubled, and the GitOps team has impressively expanded tenfold.

Blue Mantis consistently garners prestigious accolades from its technology partners and is recognized by esteemed IT channel media outlets. The company’s commitment to excellence and its ability to deliver top-tier solutions have been widely acknowledged.

To facilitate this growth, Blue Mantis has strategically established new operational hubs. This includes the corporate headquarters in Portsmouth, N.H., a Technology Innovation Center located in Pawtucket, R.I., and an office in Charlestown, Mass. Furthermore, the company has ventured into the international arena by inaugurating its first office in India, a move that was reinforced by the acquisition of Toronto-based Zanaris, enhancing its managed services capabilities.

In addition to achieving robust organic growth, exemplified by significant compound growth rates of 401 percent in cybersecurity, 62 percent in cloud subscription services, and 17 percent in managed services over three years, Blue Mantis has been actively involved in M&A activities.

Recent acquisitions include Zanaris, an esteemed firm specializing in infrastructure automation, cloud, and DevOps services based in Toronto, and Arcas Risk Management, a Massachusetts-based firm focusing on cybersecurity, risk advisory, and compliance consulting services.

The augmentation of the management team has also played a pivotal role in this strategic journey. Terry Richardson, a seasoned executive with a commendable track record at industry giants like AMD, HPE, and EMC, assumed the position of Chief Revenue Officer in May. Several other notable appointments have been made over the past two years, including Jay Pasteris as CISO/CIO, Steven De Maayer as Chief Services Officer, and Steve Torres as COO/CFO. With these well-planned and decisive moves, Blue Mantis is firmly poised to continue its trajectory of growth and expansion, aiming to deliver exceptional services to its ever-expanding clientele.

A comprehensive list of these achievements can be found below: “Security, security, security. It takes most of our energy and attention to make sure we can continue with our businesses in a secure environment without compromise. I have a very small IT team, and I can call on Blue Mantis for a wide variety of technical issues whether it’s security, cloud, or infrastructure.” – Ken Holmes – CIO, Madison Industries.

“We need to be able to get software into the hands of our agents as quickly as possible, which has a major impact on our bottom line and our revenue generation. We worked with Blue Mantis to transition to a co-located data center to improve our reliability and uptime, get our apps out there, and streamline the efforts of our developers.” Jason Parlins – Director of IT, Great Falls Marketing.

“Blue Mantis Managed Services is as critical a part of our IT department as anyone on our staff. We rely on them if we’re opening a new hotel or making major changes to hotel infrastructure. We look to them for expertise.” – Cliff Lazenby – IT Director, Ocean Properties.

AI Superior GmbH

Naviga ng the Future of Business with AI

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he nature of businesses is always changing from one technology to another. If any company need to survive in these ever-evolving transformation adapting to technical changes is the only way to thrive. AI here has become a transformative force that empowers businesses to enhance efficiency, make data-driven decisions, and unlock the world of new opportunities.

AI Superior GmbH here to stays ahead and provide innovative solutions in the dynamic tech industry. AI Superior is committed to harness these emerging technologies to provide cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving demands of the clients and drive progress in the tech industry.

These continue advancements in AI led us to interview Ivan Tankoyeu, PhD, Managing Director/Co-Founder at the organization.

Below are the highlights of the interview: Can you provide a brief overview of your company and its primary areas of focus within the tech industry?

AI Superior is a German-based AI services company. Our primary areas of focus revolve around end-to-end AI-based application development, AI consulting and research, as well as AI education through workshops, lectures, and seminars. We’re known for our technical expertise across various domains, including Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision, Tabular and Customer Data

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analysis, Time Series forecasting, Sensor and Audio Data processing, and Remote Sensing.

What do you believe sets your company apart as one of the most innovative in the tech sector for 2023?

AI Superior stands out in the tech industry due to our impressive track record. With over 50 successful AI implementations, we’ve proven our dedication to addressing real-world challenges. Our Proof of Concept (PoC) success rate is notably four times above the industry average, underlining our commitment to delivering measurable outcomes. This success stems from our effective risk management strategies during AI software development. At the heart of our approach is simplicity, ensuring we provide value without making the development process overly complex.

How does your company stay updated with the latest technological trends and advancements?

We achieve this by fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. We actively participate in conferences, seminars, and webinars, and our experts contribute to research communities and publications.

Could you highlight some of the significant achievements or milestones your company has reached in 2023?

In 2023, AI Superior reached several significant milestones that further cemented our position in the tech industry.

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Ivan Tankoyeu, PhD Managing Director / Co-Founder AI Superior GmbH

Furthermore, in line with our commitment to creating a positive societal impact, we actively co-invest in and participate in projects centered on sustainability and social responsibility. A few notable projects include trash detection and sorting systems, initiatives promoting inclusion and diversity in the workplace, and healthcare solutions aiding doctors in cancer detection and patient rehabilitation processes.

These achievements reflect our continuous drive to push the boundaries of technology and to remain at the forefront of the tech sector in 2023. We are excited to build on these accomplishments and continue delivering innovative AI solutions that make a difference for our clients and the industry as a whole.

How does your company approach research and development to stay at the cutting edge of technology?

AI Superior invests significantly in R&D, dedicating resources to explore emerging technologies, refine existing solutions, and develop new AI applications. A recent noteworthy achievement in our R&D efforts is our collaboration with colleagues from Boehringer Ingelheim, resulting in the authorship of a survey paper titled “A comparative evaluation of image-to-image translation methods for stain transfer in histopathology.” Which has been accepted for presentation at the Medical Imaging with Deep Learning (MIDL 2023) conference.

Considering adaptability and resilience, how has your company detrated adaptability in response to the rapidly evolving tech landscape in 2023?

AI Superior showcased adaptability in response to the fastchanging tech landscape by expanding services into

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Foremost among these was a marked expansion of our client base, showcasing our capability to cater to diverse businesses across multiple sectors, and highlighting a crucial phase in our growth journey. With over 50 successful AI implementations, we continue to emphasize our hands-on approach in addressing tangible, real-world issues, consistently providing our clients with measurable results. We are proud to share that AI Superior has been recognized as one of the top 555 most promising German AI startups in this year’s startup landscape. This recognition underscores our commitment to innovation and highlights our impact on the AI ecosystem in Germany and beyond. It is a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust our clients place in us as a leading AI services company.

Our primary areas of focus revolve around end-to-end AI-based application development, AI consulting, and research, as well as AI education through workshops, lectures, and seminars.

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emerging areas, forming strategic partnerships, flexibly managing projects, promoting continuous learning, and prioritizing ethical AI compliance. These measures enable us to stay ahead and provide innovative solutions in the dynamic tech industry.

Which emerging technologies do you believe will play a crucial role in shaping the tech industry in the coming years?

Several technologies are poised to significantly impact the tech industry, including generative AI, and reinforcement learning. This technology promises to revolutionize fields of traditional business areas unlocking new capabilities that were previously unimaginable. Additionally, the continued advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in areas like computer vision and natural language processing using foundation models will continue to drive innovation across various sectors. At AI Superior we are committed to harnessing these emerging technologies to provide cuttingedge solutions that meet the evolving demands of our clients and drive progress in the tech industry.

How does your company prioritize the needs and preferences of its customers in the development of tech solutions?

Customer-centricity is at the core of our approach. Our approach involves close collaboration with clients to understand their unique challenges and objectives. This collaborative spirit ensures that our AI solutions are not

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only cutting-edge but also tailored to meet the specific requirements of each client, resulting in successful and impactful outcomes.

In what ways is your company incorporating sustainability and ethical practices into its tech innovations for 2023?

We place a strong emphasis on ethical AI and data security within our tech innovations: Ethical AI: We are dedicated to ensuring that our AI solutions are developed with fairness, transparency, and the mitigation of bias as primary considerations. This involves implementing rigorous ethical guidelines and continuous monitoring throughout the development process. We actively work to eliminate bias in algorithms, making our AI applications more inclusive and equitable for all users.

Data Security: Our commitment to data security is unwavering. We adhere to GDPR compliance standards and implement robust data protection measures. This includes encryption, access controls, and strict data handling protocols to safeguard sensitive information.

What are the key goals and aspirations your company has set for the future in terms of technological innovation?

Firstly, we aim to continue expanding our portfolio of AIbased solutions across various industries, driving real-world impact through applications in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and more. Moreover, fostering partnerships and collaborations with leading tech firms, research institutions, and startups is a priority, as it allows us to remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

Lastly, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and sustainability in AI, ensuring that our innovations benefit society while respecting privacy, security, and environmental concerns.

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Green Innovations for a Better World I

n an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, the intersection of technology and sustainability is giving rise to a wave of green innovations. From renewable energy sources to eco-friendly materials and smart solutions, the tech industry is playing a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable and ecoconscious world.

This article explores a myriad of green innovations that are shaping a better future for our planet: Renewable Energy Revolution One of the most prominent areas of green innovation is the revolution in renewable energy. Solar and wind power, in particular, have become mainstream sources of clean energy. Advances in solar panel efficiency and decreasing costs have made solar energy more accessible than ever.

Similarly, wind turbines are becoming more efficient and are a common sight in many landscapes. These technologies are not just reducing reliance on fossil fuels but are also mitigating the environmental impact of traditional energy sources.

Energy-Efficient Smart Buildings The concept of smart buildings goes beyond the integration of technology for convenience; it extends to energy

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Sustainable Tech Solu ons

efficiency and sustainability. Smart buildings leverage IoT (Internet of Things) devices and sensors to optimize energy consumption. Automated systems control lighting, heating, and cooling based on real-time data, ensuring that energy is used efficiently. This not only reduces environmental impact but also lowers operational costs for businesses and homeowners.

Sustainable Transportation Solutions The transportation sector is undergoing a green transformation with innovations like electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable fuels. Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to advancements in battery technology and the growing charging infrastructure.

Additionally, public transportation systems are incorporating electric buses and trains, contributing to reduced carbon emissions. The development of biofuels and hydrogen-powered vehicles further expands the range of sustainable transportation options.

Circular Economy and Eco-Friendly Materials Green innovation extends to rethinking the entire life cycle of products through the circular economy concept. Instead of the traditional linear model of production, use, and disposal, a circular economy emphasizes recycling, reusing, and reducing waste. Innovations in materials play a crucial role in this paradigm shift. Biodegradable plastics, plant-based packaging, and recycled materials are gaining traction, reducing the environmental impact of consumer goods.

Precision Agriculture for Sustainable Food Production Agriculture is a cornerstone of human survival, and sustainable practices are essential to ensure a secure food supply. Precision agriculture employs technology, including sensors, drones, and data analytics, to optimize farming practices. This approach minimizes resource use, reduces chemical inputs, and enhances crop yield.

Sustainable farming methods, such as agroforestry and organic farming, are also gaining momentum, promoting biodiversity and soil health.

Water Conservation Technologies Water scarcity is a global challenge, and innovative technologies are addressing this issue. Smart irrigation systems use sensors and weather data to optimize watering schedules, reducing water waste in agriculture.

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In urban areas, advanced water purification technologies, including desalination and water recycling, contribute to sustainable water management. Innovations like low-flow faucets and water-efficient appliances are also making a significant impact on homes and businesses.

Green Tech in Waste Management The traditional model of waste disposal is undergoing a transformation with the integration of green technologies.

Waste-to-energy systems convert organic waste into renewable energy, mitigating the environmental impact of landfills. Recycling technologies continue to advance, making it easier to recover valuable materials from waste streams. Smart waste management systems leverage sensors to optimize collection routes, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Conservation Tech for Biodiversity Conservation technology is playing a vital role in protecting biodiversity and preserving ecosystems. Satellite imaging, drones, and data analytics are used to monitor wildlife populations, track deforestation, and identify environmental changes. These technologies enable more effective conservation efforts and support initiatives aimed at restoring and preserving natural habitats.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Tech Frontier As we navigate the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the marriage of technology and sustainability emerges as a beacon of hope. Green innovations are not just about adopting eco-friendly practices but represent a fundamental shift in how we approach progress and development. The tech industry, with its capacity for innovation and problem-solving, is driving the transition to a more sustainable and resilient world.

Embracing these green technologies is not just a choice; it is an imperative step toward ensuring a better, greener future for generations to come.

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Dragonfly AI Bridging Gaps between Human Percep on and Ar ficial Intelligence

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I has permeated many aspects of our lives, making it a common term and a technology that people encounter regularly. As it continues to evolve, AI’s influence on everyday life is likely to grow even further. It has become a communal term in everyday life due to its widespread integration into various aspects of society.

AI has transformed various industries, making products and services more intelligent, efficient, and user-friendly. The future of the tech industry is likely to be even more AIdriven, with further advancements in AI algorithms, robotics, and automation across diverse sectors.

With the evolution of Artificial intelligence along with the tech industry, Dragonfly AI has emerged as a prominent player. What sets Dragonfly AI apart is its reliable visual predictive analytics, rooted in biological principles and continually refined through pioneering research. While learning more about the changing landscape of the tech industry, we came across Dragonfly AI. Below are the highlights from the interview: Can you provide a brief overview of your company and its primary areas of focus within the tech industry?

Dragonfly AI uses a biologically driven AI to predict attention on visual assets. Across all channels and environments, the platform can be integrated with workflows to validate decision-making with data for creative that has a higher impact and performs better. Our primary focus is using AI to effectively predict attention pre-flight. This replaces pre-flight testing, saving time, budget, and effort.

What do you believe sets your company apart as one of the most innovative in the tech sector for 2023?

stand out by offering a unique solution that bridges the gap between human perception and artificial intelligence.

Especially in this age of generative AI, we stand out by being predictive. Mimicking human response. It’s the response that forms the feedback loop that generative AI can benefit from. Our tech, whilst being a predictor for human attention, is globally applicable, transcending race, gender, language, etc.

How does your company stay updated with the latest technological trends and advancements?

Dragonfly AI remains on the cutting edge of technology by maintaining a dedicated research and development team focused on AI and neuroscience, collaborating with leading experts, actively participating in tech communities, providing continuous learning opportunities for our team, valuing user feedback to adapt our technology, and forging strategic partnerships with innovative organizations. In this ever-evolving tech landscape, our commitment to innovation and staying aligned with emerging trends ensures that our biologically driven AI remains at the forefront, shaping the future of AI in 2023 and beyond.

Could you highlight some of the significant achievements or milestones your company has reached in 2023?

In 2023, our company underwent substantial development and growth. We’re on track to grow revenues from core customer segments almost 100% YoY and supported brands by predicting the impact of thousands of pre-launch assets.

Expanding our service range, we introduced a new offering that enables marketers to gauge content performance in varied digital and real-world contexts. On the operational side, we attained SOC 2 compliance, enhancing our platform’s security and reliability.

What truly sets our company apart is our unwavering commitment to harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology. In a landscape brimming with innovation, we

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OUR STRONG EMPHASIS ON USER FEEDBACK HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN FINE-TUNING OUR OFFERINGS TO ALIGN WITH EVOLVING MARKET DEMANDS.

James Harvey Chief Product and Technology Officer Dragonfly AI

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How does your company approach research and development to stay at the cutting edge of technology?

Our company’s approach to research and development is deeply rooted in our commitment to staying at the forefront of technology. We maintain a dedicated team of researchers and data scientists who are constantly exploring the latest advancements in AI and neuroscience, aiming to incorporate these findings into our biologically driven algorithm.

Additionally, we foster collaboration with leading experts in the field, engaging in partnerships that provide valuable insights into emerging trends. Actively participating in tech communities through attendance at conferences, workshops, and seminars keeps us connected with industry peers and facilitates the exchange of innovative ideas.

We prioritize the continuous learning and professional development of our team, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to implement the latest technologies effectively. User feedback plays a crucial role in our iterative process, guiding us in aligning our technology with evolving market demands. We establish strategic technology partnerships, enabling us to integrate cuttingedge tools and resources into our offerings. Furthermore, our R&D team produces new algorithms and metrics to supplement and support what already exists.

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Our team also welcomed a seasoned CEO and Chairman, aiming to bolster our strategic direction for upcoming phases. To address the increasing demand for AI transparency, we enhanced our platform to better explain its AI-driven decisions. Lastly, we collaborated with international brands to benchmark and improve creative performance in areas like e-commerce, advertising, and instore experiences.

WHAT TRULY SETS OUR COMPANY APART IS OUR UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO HARNESSING THE POWER OF CUTTINGEDGE TECHNOLOGY.

How does your company prioritize the needs and preferences of its customers in the development of tech solutions?

Considering adaptability and resilience, how has your company demonstrated adaptability in response to the rapidly evolving tech landscape in 2023?

Customer needs and preferences are paramount in the development of our tech solutions. An overactive Product team working in collaboration with users and user-facing teams to ensure a clear picture of wants and needs. We mold ourselves around these. We maintain open channels of communication, actively seek customer feedback, and adopt a user-centric design approach to ensure our solutions align with their workflows.

We’ve achieved this by fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, empowering our team to stay agile and responsive to emerging trends and growing sales whilst other SaaS companies have struggled to keep up. Moreover, our strong emphasis on user feedback has been instrumental in fine-tuning our offerings to align with evolving market demands. We have worked closely with clients on projects that are relevant to them in the changing market to remain ahead of the curve with our offerings.

Customization options are offered to meet unique requirements, and data-driven insights help identify areas for improvement. Agile development, user testing, and comprehensive customer support further solidify our commitment to delivering technology that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations. Our long-term partnerships underscore our dedication to continually adapting and evolving our solutions in response to evolving customer needs, driving their success and satisfaction.

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In what ways is your company incorporating sustainability and ethical practices into its tech innovations for 2023?

We are deeply committed to incorporating sustainability and ethical practices into our tech innovations. We recognize the pressing need for responsible technological development in an era marked by environmental challenges and ethical considerations.

To address this, we have taken several proactive steps.

Firstly, our R&D teams prioritize eco-friendly technologies and energy-efficient practices, ensuring that our solutions have a minimal carbon footprint. Secondly, we adhere to stringent data privacy and security standards, safeguarding user information and respecting their digital rights.

Additionally, our technology is designed to promote inclusivity, addressing biases and striving for fairness and equity in our algorithms.

What are the key goals and aspirations your company has set for the future in terms of technological innovation?

We are really excited for the future of attention. It holds so much potential. Firstly, we aim to stay ahead of the curve, providing the latest and greatest insight possible. We are working to provide even quicker and richer insight on an ongoing basis. Across our 3 key mediums of the Studio web application, Chrome extension, and mobile app, there is plenty of scope to build on our existing successes. We are close to launching two new features, one of which is Benchmarking, which will push our offering further for clients, giving them the capability to know if creative passes or fails the ‘good’ expectation within seconds.

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Cutting-Edge

Technologies

at the Forefront

Pioneering the Future

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n the ever-evolving landscape of technology, cuttingedge innovations are not just a luxury but a necessity to stay ahead in the competitive global arena. As we navigate the digital age, several groundbreaking technologies are emerging at the forefront, promising to reshape industries, enhance efficiency, and revolutionize the way we live and work. Further, we delve into some of the most impactful cutting-edge technologies that are spearheading the future.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Intelligent Revolution Artificial Intelligence, or AI, stands as the vanguard of technological evolution. Machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and natural language processing have propelled AI into diverse domains, from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and entertainment. The ability of AI systems to analyze vast datasets, learn patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention is transforming industries. AI-driven applications, such as virtual assistants, predictive analytics, and autonomous vehicles, are becoming integral parts of our daily lives.

Blockchain: Securing the Digital Frontier Blockchain, the technology underpinning cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, has evolved beyond its financial roots to become a disruptive force across various sectors. Its decentralized and secure nature makes it ideal for applications beyond digital currencies. Blockchain ensures transparency, immutability, and enhanced security in data transactions. Industries like supply chain management, healthcare, and finance are adopting blockchain to streamline processes, reduce fraud, and enhance data integrity.

Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting the Unseen The Internet of Things has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives. From smart homes and wearable devices to industrial sensors and smart cities, IoT connects the physical and digital realms. The ability of devices to communicate and share data in real-time opens new frontiers for efficiency and automation. In agriculture, for instance, IoT sensors monitor soil conditions, weather

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patterns, and crop health, optimizing farming practices for increased productivity.

5G Technology: Unleashing the Power of Connectivity The rollout of 5G technology is a game-changer in the realm of connectivity. With significantly faster speeds and lower latency, 5G enables a more responsive and interconnected world. Beyond faster internet on our smartphones, 5G facilitates the growth of smart cities, augmented reality (AR), and the Internet of Things. The increased bandwidth allows for a higher density of connected devices, paving the way for innovations that were previously hindered by network limitations.

Quantum Computing: Computing’s Quantum Leap Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in computational power. Unlike classical computers that use bits, quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This enables quantum computers to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds. While quantum computing is still in its infancy, its potential applications in cryptography, optimization problems, and drug discovery hold the promise of solving challenges deemed insurmountable by classical computers.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Redefining Experiences AR and VR technologies are redefining how we perceive and interact with the digital world. Augmented reality overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing our surroundings. Virtual reality, on the other hand, immerses users in a completely digital environment. From gaming and entertainment to training simulations and medical diagnostics, AR and VR are expanding the boundaries of human experiences.

Biotechnology: Advancing Health and Beyond Biotechnology is at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Advances in gene editing,

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personalized medicine, and synthetic biology are revolutionizing the treatment of diseases and the production of food and materials. CRISPR technology, for example, allows for precise gene editing with far-reaching implications for genetic disorders and medical research.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future As we stand on the precipice of a technological revolution, these cutting-edge technologies are not just trends but catalysts for transformative change. The synergy of AI, blockchain, IoT, 5G, quantum computing, AR/VR, and biotechnology is shaping a future where possibilities are limitless. Embracing these innovations is not just a choice but a necessity for individuals, businesses, and societies aiming to thrive in the dynamic landscape of the 21st century. The pioneers of these technologies are not just building products; they are architects of a future where the boundaries of what’s possible are continually pushed, ushering in an era of unprecedented progress and innovation.

Edafio

Driving Technological Innova on and Client-Centric Solu ons

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n today’s digital landscape, proven emerging technology and robust cybersecurity solutions are needed to ensure business continuity. Implementing these strategies protects business assets and positions themselves for growth in today’s competitive landscape.

Thus, regularly assessing and updating these solutions is crucial to staying ahead of evolving technology trends.

Given the variety of technology sectors, Edafio always strives to understand the clients’ IT priorities for the business. Clients are at the center of Edafio’s structure, systems, culture, and future planning. Thus, to address more of their strength, we conducted an interview with the team at Edafio to learn more about its capabilities.

Below are the highlights of the interview: Can you provide a brief overview of your company and its primary focus areas within the tech industry?

Edafio is among the largest and most rapidly growing ITmanaged services providers (MSP) in the Mid-South region, with strong roots in Arkansas. Clientele includes a wide range of industry sectors — healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, transportation, government, education, and other non-profit institutions and organizations. Edafio’s mission is to help clients protect, run, and grow their businesses, and we attribute our success to living our mission and core values.

The origin of the firm traces back to 1999, when the founders responded to the IT needs of JPMS, a Little Rockbased accounting firm and its clients. In the ensuing two decades, Edafio grew to become Arkansas’s largest fullservice technology provider, recognized as one of the top MSPs in the nation. Awards and accolades include Business of the Year, Best Places to Work, Best Places to Work in IT, and Most Admired IT Company in Arkansas, among others.

The current organization comprises 130 associates, certified engineers, and specialists, with plans to expand to over 200

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Empowering Business Continuity!

Edafio’s approach to research and development begins with an investment in our people with the relevant experience, skills, and certifications.

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associates in 2023. Over 90% of the team is dedicated to ensuring the security of client company networks through a range of managed cybersecurity, network management, and consulting services. Edafio holds UCS/SOC 2 Type 2 Certification, ensuring clients’ access to the highest level of technology competence, professionalism, and peace of mind.

How does your company stay updated with the latest technological trends and advancements?

Remaining at the forefront of technology is a strategic imperative at Edafio, as both the rate of change in the commercial environment and rapidly evolving technologies demand it.

A culture of continuous learning: The cornerstone of our approach is training and knowledge-sharing and ensuring that the entire team is continuously well-informed and upto-date. Commitment to Microsoft Teams channels has helped disseminate and leverage industry-focused IT news and the latest tech innovations and cyber updates across the entire organization.

Rigorous standards and both formal and informal training facilitate continuous monitoring of the latest developments and evaluation of the quality of services we deliver to clients. Acknowledging and learning from mistakes is also valuable to a culture of continuous learning.

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World's Most Innova ve Tech Companies 2023

Preferred partner calls: Regular and systematic contact with preferred partners, such as HPE, Aruba, Microsoft, Veeam, and Ingram Micro. These calls help us stay aligned with their offerings and are also a source of industry insights.

differentiated Edafio. The Project Management Office (PMO) not only has strengthened executional excellence on contracted client projects but also has become a service in itself, offering clients project management services for their own internal projects as well.

Peer learning: Engaging with peer groups — at various levels and functions in the organization — also helps associates expand their knowledge and stay at the cutting edge of their respective disciplines. Edafio staff attend and often facilitate webinars and roundtable discussions to share insider best practices.

2023 also saw the successful rolling out of a comprehensive service catalog, specifying pricing service levels and laying out a process for expanding scope and adding services. The goal is to work against a clear framework and transparent guide for clients, helping link Edafio services that precisely fit client needs and expectations …and ensuring consistent, efficient service delivery.

Could you highlight some of the significant achievements or milestones your company has reached in 2023?

2023 has seen important milestones for Edafio as the firm pursues geographical expansion, initially by putting offices and staff into other regions within Arkansas and now by preparing to further reach into surrounding states.

With respect to capabilities and client service, NOC was expanded to 24/7. Scalable remote management tools have been deployed, and engineers re-trained as part of the Microsoft “Modern Work” specialization. Edafio’s managed services division is now ready to assist clients irrespective of time and place. Professional services have evolved project management skills and services and further

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How does your company approach research and development to stay at the cutting edge of technology?

Edafio’s approach to research and development begins with an investment in our people with the relevant experience, skills, and certifications. The functional teams play the primary role in developing, exploring, and evaluating emerging and new technologies. Piloting new solutions, first, before rolling them out on a wider scale ensures that new technologies effectively and efficiently address the unique needs of our clients; the emphasis is always on practical experience in real-world scenarios.

Edafio has established strong partnerships with technology innovators — e.g., Veeam, BackBox, Aruba, HPE, and

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Microsoft 365 —which also helps to provide early access to new tech while surfacing opportunities for joint ventures and other collaborative models to share the cost of R&D.

In what ways is your company incorporating sustainability and ethical practices into its tech innovations for 2023?

The input and feedback clients provide their dedicated Edafio client relationship managers and technical account managers also help shape R&D efforts and priorities.

Finally, we believe that research and development includes certain human qualities: curiosity, adaptability, responsiveness, and a real passion for the ever-changing tech landscape lead the way and drive client success and, in turn, Edafio’s success.

Edafio prioritizes sustainable technology innovations in a variety of tangible and specific ways, and we live by our core values, which embrace both commitment to our client’s success and unquestionable integrity.

Which emerging technologies do you believe will play a crucial role in shaping the tech industry in the coming years?

It is increasingly clear that the future of work must embrace the ability to work anywhere, which has profound implications for the technologies that support this trend —cloud computing and SaaS technologies are among the most obvious vehicles and beneficiaries. Cloud services and cloud hosting play increasingly important roles in our service offerings. Azure hosting, office 365, and SaaS products allow businesses previously locked into onpremise servers or hosted services to move to fully cloudbased deployments… or, at least, a hybrid of on-premise resources and cloud offerings.

Of course, the explosive growth of AI also promises to ease the communication burden of working remotely and allow workers to concentrate more on value-added work, and Zero Trust Architecture will be one of the biggest and best ways to secure our clients.

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Cloud solutions reduce dependence on on-premises hardware, minimizing energy consumption, reducing hardware waste, and encouraging efficient resource allocation. Sustainability initiatives employ other measures to curtail environmental impact, such as monitoring power usage efficiency (PUE) and carbon footprint across data centers, which has yielded an impressive 13% improvement in PUE vs. recent years. To further enhance energy efficiency, other critical changes include: • • •

Optimizing operational controls for cooling systems.

Replacing or retrofitting inefficient and electrical systems.

Incorporating highly efficient electrical and mechanical equipment for all new construction and expansions.

Sustainability values are deeply embedded in our physical infrastructure. Edafio’s headquarters was intentionally designed with sustainability as a core consideration, and this long-term commitment is a source of great pride. In addition to infrastructure, Edafio actively promotes sustainability through other initiatives, such as implementing remote work and digital solutions.

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Empowering Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Environments!

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n today’s digital landscape, businesses often rely on a combination of on-premises, private cloud, and public cloud resources to run their applications and services.

Managing this complex hybrid and multi-cloud environment requires a centralized control point that ensures high availability, reliability, and efficient resource allocation. The High Availability Control Point serves as a centralized management and monitoring solution that helps organizations achieve their objectives.

ZeroDown Software here stays at the cutting edge by staying close to customers – to design and deliver the right technology solution for the right customer needs at the right time. Today, ZeroDown is in a very strong position to build from its core of ZeroDown SafeHouse Technology and apply this solution to a variety of IT and societal needs and requirements.

telecommunications, and IT infrastructure, the company sought to address a pressing issue faced by organizations worldwide: downtime.

Downtime has always been a significant concern for businesses. Even a few minutes of downtime can result in substantial financial losses and damage to a company’s reputation. Traditional disaster recovery solutions were cumbersome, costly, and often ineffective. The need for a more innovative approach became evident.

ZeroDown Software’s founders envisioned a new paradigm where a combination of virtualization, cloud computing, and advanced replication technologies could be combined to completely eliminate downtime and data loss. This vision laid the foundation for ZeroDown Software’s groundbreaking SafeHouse Technology in 2023.

In an interview conducted between Insights Success and Alan Gin, Co-founder and CEO of ZeroDown Software, Alan explains how the team at ZeroDown builds solutions based on current technology trends.

Below are the highlights of the interview: Can you provide a brief overview of your company and its primary areas of focus within the tech industry?

ZeroDown Software, an application-first pioneer for Hybrid and Multi-Cloud solutions in the field of business continuity and disaster recovery, traces its roots back to the early 2000s. Founded by a team of visionary entrepreneurs with extensive experience in auditing, security, data center

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What do you believe sets your company apart as one of the most innovative in the tech sector for 2023?

ZeroDown® Software is the only solution in the world today that provides Ultra High Availability™ for hybrid and multi-cloud. ZeroDown’s SafeHouse Technology guarantees zero downtime to all business applications and data running on any IT infrastructure with one solution.

Full business assurance before and during any outage Recovery to immediate transaction states (RPO=ZERO) Zero data or transaction loss & zero data sync up issues Non-intrusive, agent-less software that is easy to implement and support Ÿ No inevitable delay and disruption from executing disaster recovery plans Ÿ Operational resilience during a cyber-attack and breach Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

How does your company stay updated with the latest technological trends and advancements?

It all starts with customers. ZeroDown Software itself was formed solely based on the need to solve a major challenge that has faced customers across the world in IT now for decades, which is data loss and downtime. Listening to customers on what they want and need and where other solutions in the past have fallen short provided the blueprint for ZeroDown Software to follow to build solutions based on current technology trends.

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ZeroDown Software’s executive team is very active in the IT community and brings with it hundreds of collective years of IT experience and relationships. Key through all of this is strong global partnerships with some of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world, who have all embraced ZeroDown Software as a key part of their portfolio ecosystem.

Keeping engaged with our industry peers allows us to stay on top of the latest technology trends and be early in the discussion on what those organizations are seeing and hearing from customers.

Could you highlight some of the significant achievements or milestones your company has reached in 2023?

Building off the foundation of their unique SafeHouse Technology, during 2023, ZeroDown inspired and pioneered the first-of-its-kind multi-vendor collaboration of industry-leading organizations to redefine the approach to operational cyber resilience.

The SafeHouse Initiative was formed as a joint partnership of insurance and industry-leading technology providers, providing open access to thought leadership, knowledge, and expertise on cyber security and ransomware protection.

The SafeHouse Initiative provides open access to an online

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platform for all organizations, from SMBs to enterprises to government agencies, with open access to the same level of knowledge and best practices to help evaluate, prepare, and implement a strategy for both operational and application resilience for businesses of all sizes.

available, and never have data loss. Through the SafeHouse Initiative, ZeroDown is bringing in other industry leaders to fill out the defense against Cyber Attacks using the best of breed of what each organization does and bring it together in an open and centralized forum to be leveraged.

How does your company approach research and development to stay at the cutting edge of technology?

Which emerging technologies do you believe will play a crucial role in shaping the tech industry in the coming years?

ZeroDown Software stays at the cutting edge by staying close to customers – that has always been our approach to designing and delivering what we feel is the right technology solutions for the right customer needs at the right time.

Much of this comes from the years of industry experience of our organization, but we also put a strong emphasis on open collaboration with our industry peers to harness and leverage their expertise and insight as well.

Having no ego in our approach to designing and delivering strong solutions for customer needs allows us to work openly with a large ecosystem of the largest IT organizations in the world and, through this, gain invaluable insight into what new technology solutions are coming next to stay on the cutting edge.

Considering adaptability and resilience, how has your company demonstrated adaptability in response to the rapidly evolving tech landscape in 2023?

Our belief is the move to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) will shape the future of the technology industry, and we’re just starting to see the tip of this wave forming now. This will be similar to the dot-com boom of the 1990s in that AI will create a massive new wave of applications across the world, accessed both locally and globally and digitally connected.

In this world, the need for continuous and seamless access to applications and data and guaranteed assurance of availability and security for those applications will become vital. AI is moving from just being for data scientists and niche use cases to becoming a mainstream major trend wave that will impact all aspects of our society and, with it, the technology industry as a whole.

Just as all CIOs today are asked about their cloud computing strategy, moving forward, it will be what their strategy is to harness and take advantage of modern AI.

We live in a modern connected world with most companies and average citizens relying on digital banking and financial management, not to mention just day-to-day commerce transactions. Protecting digital information and assets for both the company, the government, and individuals is a key requirement to keeping today’s modern connected world moving.

Addressing cyber security is a daunting task, and no one organization today has all of the solutions available to address the problem end-to-end.

In September 2023, Las Vegas, for example, was the target of a widespread Ransomware attack that impacted not only the casinos and hotels but the citizens staying in those locations as well, and the threat of digital cyberattacks only continues to grow.

ZeroDown SafeHouse Technology ensures the most critical asset, the applications and data itself, are protected, always

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How does your company prioritize the needs and preferences of its customers in the development of tech solutions?

What are the key goals and aspirations your company has set for the future in terms of technological innovation?

Everything we do at ZeroDown Software starts with looking at the needs of the customer and working back to design the solution. Too often in the technology industry, we, as vendors, develop a solution and then seek to find a customer for that solution. The better approach is to find the customer’s need and build a solution that meets that need.

ZeroDown’s goals and aspirations are to help improve the way people and businesses live, work, and operate every day across the world – by keeping open and continuous access to one of their most valued assets: Information.

In our case, with ZeroDown Software, we saw and heard the clear need for a way to finally eliminate downtime and data loss for business applications, and this is what ZeroDown SafeHouse Technology does at its core.

As we’ve built off this core and added new capabilities to apply ZeroDown SafeHouse Technology in new areas, we again looked at current major customer pain points such as ransomware and security, leading to the SafeHouse Initiative being formed.

We feel we are in a very strong position to build from our core of ZeroDown SafeHouse Technology and apply this unique, patented solution for a variety of IT and societal needs and requirements – as an example, the focus on cybersecurity throughout 2023.

As we look to 2024 and beyond, with the wave of AI growing and forming, we see an ever-increasing need for simple, seamless, and secure access to information being vital to allow the wave of AI adoption to form and flow without disruption and deliver all of the transformational benefits possible which we are just starting to see glimpses of today.

Moving forward, our intent is to maintain a laser focus on customer needs and let that guide our development priorities. And this will include working with strong, joint global partners whom our customers rely upon today to continue to maintain a strong partner ecosystem that represents what customers want and enjoy using today.

In what ways is your company incorporating sustainability and ethical practices into its tech innovations for 2023?

The SafeHouse Initiative.ORG is first and foremost focused on the 400M SMB customers who are underserved by the technology giants who focus all of their sales initiatives on Enterprise and Government opportunities. The insurance industry executives asked how we could assemble SMEs (subject matter experts) who understand the NIST controls for cyber insurance and create a curated education portal where no customers are tracked for selling purposes and no selling or marketing of products takes place. The founders of ZeroDown went to our decades of technology executives and recruited them to participate by providing IP and curated education content in the form of blogs, articles, podcasts, and webinar content that is a challenge for SMBs to locate. We engaged the WhiteHouse, CISA, and NIST to participate as well. Our goal is to protect the SMBs from becoming victims of Cyber and Ransomware attacks that would cripple and eventually put them out of business.

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