Today’s announcements include innovative functionality and partner integrations to help brands and retailers sell globally, improve conversion rates, build more beautiful storefronts and deliver incredible shopping experiences

BigCommerce, a leading open SaaS, composable ecommerce platform for fast-growing and established B2C and B2B brands, has announced a series of significant platform updates and partner integrations as part of its "Next Big Thing" product launch. These updates are designed to help brands and retailers enhance their ecommerce capabilities and stand out in a competitive marketplace.

1. Redefining Composable Design with Catalyst + Makeswift:

   • BigCommerce enhances its Catalyst composable storefront with the integration of Makeswift, a visual editor that allows creative teams to build engaging shopping experiences with ease.
   • Makeswift empowers marketers, designers, and developers to collaborate in real time, making composability more accessible and efficient.
   • Supports interactive content like 3D animations and true responsive design, allowing for seamless customization across devices.

2. Scaling B2B Commerce:

   • Buyer Role-Based Access Control: New feature enables admins to assign custom roles to buyers, streamlining account management and enhancing security.
   • Advanced Account Hierarchy: Soon-to-be-released functionality to mirror complex back-office account structures for B2B brands.
   • AI-Integrated Quote Workflow: Speeds up the quote-to-cash process, improving sales efficiency.
   • Automated Payment Terms: Enhances the order-to-invoice process, ensuring timely payments and accurate communication.

3. Omnichannel Selling with Feedonomics:

   • Instant Commerce Offering: Supports BOPIS (buy online, pickup in-store) and local deliveries, enabling brands to meet customer demands for quick and efficient service.
   • FeedAMP V2 Upgrade: Provides greater flexibility and scalability for omnichannel order management with features like real-time order synchronization and partial shipment capabilities.
   • Expanded Integrations: New integrations with Shein marketplace, Amazon, and TikTok open up additional avenues for attracting and converting shoppers.

4. Hyper-Local Tools for Global Sales:

   • Localized Checkout: Customize checkout experiences for each storefront, including local payment solutions and shipping services.
   • Support for Japanese Language: Expanding the platform's language capabilities to include Japanese, catering to a wider global audience.
   • Optimized Payments: Tailor payment solutions to specific regions, enhancing checkout conversion rates.

5. BigAI - AI-Powered Ecommerce Tools:

   • BigAI Product Recommendations: Real-time personalized product recommendations powered by Google AI to boost conversion rates.
   • BigAI Copywriter: Leverages Google's Gemini 1.5 Pro AI model to create SEO-optimized product descriptions that align with brand language and tone.
   • AI-Driven Quote Proposal Emails: Coming soon, this feature will enhance sales productivity with custom, generative AI-powered emails.
   • Predictive Analytics: Offers insights into the future lifetime value of new shoppers, integrating with Google BigQuery.

6. Enhanced Checkout Tools:

   • Fastlane by PayPal: An accelerated guest checkout solution that drives conversion by reducing checkout time, with early results showing a 50% improvement in conversion rates.
   • Granular Promotion Targeting: Merchants can now apply promotions with greater flexibility, including multiple coupon codes at checkout, boosting traffic and revenue.
   • Localized Checkout Experience: Customize checkout processes across multiple storefronts, increasing conversion rates in different regions.

7. New Operational Tools:

   • Updated Navigation and Store Management: A new top bar and sleek navigation design in the BigCommerce Control Panel streamline store management.
   • Inventory Management Enhancements: Teams can now easily adjust inventory across multiple locations, update pricing, and use a CSV import/export tool for efficient inventory updates.

BigCommerce's latest platform updates and integrations offer powerful tools for B2C and B2B brands to enhance their ecommerce capabilities, streamline operations, and deliver exceptional shopping experiences. These innovations position BigCommerce as a leader in the ecommerce space, helping brands navigate a competitive environment and achieve their business goals.

Augeo, a global leader in engagement platform technologies, has announced a strategic partnership with Visier, a recognized leader in people analytics and workforce solutions. This collaboration is set to redefine employee engagement by combining Augeo’s cutting-edge cross-dimensional insights with Visier’s advanced AI-driven people analytics.

1. Revolutionizing Engagement Insights with GenAI:

   • The partnership between Augeo and Visier introduces integrated GenAI capabilities, providing deeper, real-time insights into employee engagement.
   • Visier’s advanced analytics, combined with Augeo's cross-dimensional insights, enable managers to make data-driven decisions that align with business priorities.

2. Empowering Managers with Real-Time Data and Visualizations:

   • The collaboration offers powerful visualizations and data tools that facilitate accurate decision-making across all management processes.
   • Real-time insights allow managers to evaluate employee engagement, recognition, and incentives with unprecedented precision, driving enterprise-wide value.

3. Enhancing Strategic Decision-Making:

   • Augeo’s platform, strengthened by Visier’s people analytics, empowers managers at all levels to maximize employee performance and engagement.
   • The partnership focuses on identifying causal factors in performance, enabling managers to manage, evolve, and diagnose issues effectively.

4. Strengthening the Employee-Employer Relationship:

   • By leveraging real-time data and AI-driven analytics, Augeo and Visier aim to enhance the relationship between employees and employers.
   • The collaboration helps create more inclusive, productive, and dynamic workplaces by providing actionable insights that lead to better business outcomes.

5. Visier’s Contribution to Engagement Analytics:

   • Visier’s People Data Platform plays a crucial role in driving the collaboration, offering the tools needed to reimagine how engagement is measured and enhanced.
   • The partnership not only advances employee engagement but also sets a new standard for workforce analytics in the industry.

The partnership between Augeo and Visier represents a significant step forward in employee engagement and analytics. By integrating GenAI and advanced cross-dimensional analytics, this collaboration empowers managers with the insights and tools needed to drive better business outcomes and create more dynamic workplaces.

New survey data reveals the rise and financial impact of malicious bots on businesses

Fastly, Inc., a global leader in edge cloud platforms, has released the results of its latest survey, "Bot Wars: How Bad Bots are Hurting Businesses," highlighting the growing threat of bot attacks. The survey reveals that 59% of IT professionals have reported an increase in bot attacks over the past year, with the most significant incidents costing companies an average of $2.9 million.

1. The Dual Nature of Bots:

   • Bots, while useful for automating tasks, have become a significant cybersecurity threat when misused by malicious actors.
   • Fastly Security Product Manager Daniel Corbett emphasizes the urgent need for robust defenses against bot attacks, which are increasingly harming businesses.

2. Survey Findings on the Prevalence of Bot Attacks:

   • 76% of organizations across various industries, including financial services, retail, IT, and telecommunications, reported facing at least one bot attack in the past year.
   • A substantial 43% of respondents experienced multiple bot attacks, highlighting the growing frequency and sophistication of these threats.

3. Types of Bot Attacks Experienced:

   • Malware Distribution: The most common threat, reported by 49% of organizations.
   • Web Scrapers and Click Fraud: Tied at 44%, these bots disrupt online advertising and content protection.
   • DDoS and Spam Bots: Each reported by 41% of respondents, these bots are used to overwhelm networks and distribute unwanted content.

4. Discrepancy Between Technical Staff and Senior Management Awareness:

   • While 73% of technical staff dealing with security incidents daily have observed a rise in bot attacks, only 53% of senior management acknowledge the increase.
   • This gap suggests a need for better communication and awareness at the executive level to enhance organizational defenses.

5. Concerns and Preparedness:

   • Respondents expressed concern over potential data breaches (48%), financial losses (41%), and business disruptions (39%) resulting from bot attacks.
   • Despite these concerns, 47% of respondents believe their organizations could do more to prepare for and defend against bot attacks.

6. The Role of AI in Amplifying Bot Attacks:

   • The survey also explored the potential impact of AI on bot attacks, with 45% of respondents believing AI will significantly increase the frequency of attacks.
   • Additionally, 27% think AI will amplify the severity of these attacks, underscoring the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats.

Fastly's survey underscores the growing threat of bot attacks and the significant financial impact they have on businesses. As these threats continue to evolve, the need for robust defenses and greater awareness at all levels of an organization becomes increasingly critical.

Simple CRM, a leader in CRM and business management software, has launched HaPPi, the first AI proactive assistant designed specifically for employees. This groundbreaking technology, developed by Simple CRM’s co-founder and CEO Brice Cornet, aims to reduce mental load and streamline daily tasks for sales reps, support agents, and billing managers.

1. Overview of HaPPi:

   • Innovative AI Technology: HaPPi is designed to proactively assist employees by providing tailored advice, anticipating potential calendar delays, and generating insightful reports.
   • Ease of Use: Unlike traditional CRM systems where users must input and retrieve data, HaPPi operates in the opposite direction, offering proactive suggestions and analyses without requiring extensive implementation or customization.

2. Impact on Daily Operations:

   • Anticipating Needs: HaPPi helps employees stay ahead by flagging potential issues and preparing them with relevant briefings before appointments.
   • Tailored Reporting: The AI generates custom reports that highlight strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, facilitating better decision-making and strategic planning.

3. European Market Challenges and Advantages:

   • Regulatory Environment: Simple CRM's European origins provide a strong advantage in navigating strict regulations such as the DMA (Digital Markets Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
   • Quality and Compliance: European software solutions, like Simple CRM, are well-equipped to meet stringent regulatory requirements, offering high-quality alternatives to major U.S. competitors like Salesforce.

4. User-Centric Development:

   • Customer Involvement: Simple CRM has prioritized user feedback over the past seven years, leading to a CRM system that is closely aligned with real-life user needs and challenges.
   • Comprehensive Ecosystem: The company’s commitment to listening to its users has led to the development of a predictive CRM ecosystem, including training, strategies, marketing platforms, books, and podcasts.

5. Future Prospects for European Tech:

   • Technological Innovation: Simple CRM’s success with HaPPi highlights the potential of European tech companies to innovate and challenge existing market leaders.
   • Comparison with Olympic Success: Just as France demonstrated excellence in the Olympic Games, its tech ecosystem is poised to make significant impacts on the global technology landscape.

Simple CRM’s HaPPi represents a significant advancement in AI-driven employee assistance, promising to revolutionize how CRM systems interact with users. With its proactive approach and deep integration into daily workflows, HaPPi exemplifies the potential of European tech innovations to lead in a competitive global market.

Mattermost Inc., a leader in secure collaboration for mission-critical work, has recently appointed Leigh Dow as its first-ever Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Leigh Dow is renowned for her extensive experience in driving market expansion and her success in critical domains such as security, public sector, critical infrastructure, and international enterprise business. Her role is pivotal in accelerating Mattermost's growth and enhancing its brand presence globally.

• Global Marketing Strategy:

  • Leigh Dow is responsible for crafting and executing a global marketing strategy to expand Mattermost’s brand presence.
  • Her focus will include fueling growth efforts across Mattermost’s core markets, including security, public sector, and critical infrastructure.

• Role in Public/Private Partnerships:

  • Leigh will play a key role in developing public/private partnerships and public policy.
  • Her efforts align with Mattermost’s mission to provide Mission IT solutions to the most demanding environments.

• Expertise in Complex Industries:

  • Leigh’s deep expertise in defense, government, and critical infrastructure sectors will significantly contribute to Mattermost’s growth.
  • Her experience with companies like Identiv, Honeywell, and Intel adds value to her role at Mattermost.

• Leadership and Strategic Vision:

  • Leigh Dow's leadership is expected to guide Mattermost’s marketing strategy effectively.
  • CEO Ian Tien emphasized the importance of her innovative approach to marketing and her understanding of target industries.

• Leigh’s Perspective:

  • Leigh expressed her enthusiasm for joining Mattermost at a pivotal time.
  • She is committed to contributing to the company's mission of empowering teams globally with Mission IT solutions.

Leigh Dow’s appointment as Chief Marketing Officer marks a significant milestone for Mattermost Inc. Her vast experience and strategic vision are set to drive the company’s growth and strengthen its presence in key markets. Leigh’s role will be crucial in advancing Mattermost’s mission to deliver secure, mission-critical collaboration solutions worldwide.

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. has announced the appointment of Mike Fenger, Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Apple, as an independent director on its Board of Directors. This strategic addition to Zoom's leadership team underscores the company's commitment to driving innovation and global growth. Mike Fenger brings over 20 years of experience in global sales leadership, with a strong background in technology and consumer electronics.

• Mike Fenger’s Role at Zoom:

  • Mike Fenger will serve as an independent director on Zoom’s Board of Directors.
  • His expertise in global sales and leadership at Apple will provide valuable insights to Zoom's strategic direction.

• Mike Fenger’s Background and Experience:

  • Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Apple, overseeing global product sales and customer engagement.
  • Played a crucial role in expanding iPhone distribution worldwide and strengthening key partnerships in telecommunications and consumer electronics.
  • Prior experience includes senior positions at General Electric and Motorola, where he contributed to sales, operations, marketing, and supply chain strategies.

• Comments from Leadership:

  • Mike Fenger expressed excitement about joining Zoom’s Board, highlighting the company’s role in connecting people globally and its dedication to innovative technology.
  • Eric S. Yuan, Zoom’s founder and CEO, welcomed Mike, emphasizing his global leadership experience and alignment with Zoom’s vision.

• Zoom’s Strategic Vision:

  • The addition of Mike Fenger to the Board is part of Zoom’s broader strategy to enhance its leadership team with seasoned professionals.
  • His fresh perspective and innovative ideas are expected to contribute significantly to Zoom’s continued growth and success.

Mike Fenger’s appointment as an independent director on Zoom’s Board of Directors is a strategic move to bolster the company’s leadership with seasoned expertise in global sales and technology. His extensive experience at Apple and other leading companies positions him to provide valuable insights and contribute to Zoom's vision of connecting people worldwide through innovative technology.

Aurora Mobile Limited, a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, has entered into a strategic agreement with Closeli, Inc., a technology innovation company specializing in visual AI cloud platform services and intelligent hardware development. This partnership leverages Aurora Mobile's push notification solution, JPush, to enhance Closeli’s cloud platform with intelligent messaging services, aiming to improve user experience and operational efficiency.

• Strategic Collaboration Overview:

  • Aurora Mobile and Closeli are collaborating to integrate JPush into Closeli’s open cloud platform.
  • The partnership is designed to enhance user interaction and improve the overall user experience on Closeli's intelligent visual cloud platform.

• Closeli’s Vision and Capabilities:

  • Closeli is known for its advanced visual intelligence algorithms and comprehensive end-to-end industry solutions.
  • The company aims to be the global leader in video cloud platforms and related product offerings, serving a broad range of users.

• Benefits of JPush Integration:

  • JPush will enable Closeli to push differentiated content tailored to various user segments, such as product updates, technology news, and event notifications.
  • The platform’s features, including user-defined labels and aliases, allow Closeli to profile user behavior more effectively and deliver personalized content.
  • With a capacity to send over 10 billion real-time messages per day, JPush ensures accurate and timely communication with users, enhancing engagement.

• Enhanced User Experience and Efficiency:

  • The integration of JPush helps Closeli create a seamless multi-channel user experience with various message formats like notifications, pop-ups, and feeds.
  • JPush supports multiple operating systems and messaging channels, ensuring secure and stable delivery of content across platforms.
  • This collaboration not only improves Closeli's operational efficiency but also elevates the user experience by combining visual AI technology with JPush's powerful messaging capabilities.

• Future Prospects and Ecosystem Development:

  • Aurora Mobile and Closeli plan to deepen their collaboration by expanding technological capabilities and accelerating digital transformation.
  • Together, they aim to develop a new ecosystem for the intelligent visual cloud platform, providing users with more efficient and intelligent services.

The strategic partnership between Aurora Mobile and Closeli marks a significant step forward in enhancing user engagement and operational efficiency on Closeli’s intelligent visual cloud platform. By integrating JPush’s advanced messaging capabilities, Closeli is set to deliver a more personalized and seamless user experience, paving the way for future innovations in visual AI technology.

HCLTech, a leading global technology company, has announced an extension of its strategic AI-driven Engineering services and Digital Process Operations (DPO) partnership with Xerox. This collaboration is a key component of Xerox's Reinvention strategy, aimed at structurally redesigning the company for sustainable and profitable long-term growth. HCLTech will leverage its advanced AI platform, HCLTech AI Force, alongside its engineering and process operations expertise, to enhance the efficiency and agility of Xerox’s operations.

• Partnership Extension and Goals:

  • HCLTech will support Xerox in its Reinvention by providing automation, product and sustenance engineering, and process operations services.
  • The collaboration aims to transform how Xerox’s employees and clients engage with the company, driving enterprise-wide efficiency.

• Support for Xerox Global Business Services (GBS):

  • HCLTech will assist the newly formed Xerox Global Business Services (GBS) organization in improving key business metrics such as working capital, device connectivity, sales efficiency, and remote problem-solving.
  • The partnership will enable GBS to integrate innovative capabilities and advance Xerox’s digital transformation roadmap.

• Key Comments from Leadership:

  • Louie Pastor, EVP and Chief Transformation Officer at Xerox, emphasized the importance of the partnership in centralizing processes, improving agility, and enhancing employee and client experiences.
  • Raghu Kidambi, Corporate VP and Global Head of Digital Process Operations at HCLTech, highlighted the collaboration’s strategic value in service development, growth, and cost optimization.

• History of Collaboration:

  • The partnership between HCLTech and Xerox began in 2009, focusing on product engineering, IT, and process support services.
  • Over the years, the collaboration has resulted in 215 jointly secured U.S. patents and the establishment of world-class R&D labs integrated with Xerox’s infrastructure.

• Global Delivery Network:

  • HCLTech supports Xerox’s digital transformation journey through its extensive global delivery network, spanning India, Guatemala, Portugal, Bulgaria, Romania, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
  • This global reach enables HCLTech to provide seamless support and innovation to Xerox’s operations worldwide.

The extended partnership between HCLTech and Xerox is set to play a crucial role in Xerox’s Reinvention strategy, driving efficiency, innovation, and growth. By leveraging HCLTech’s AI-driven engineering and process operations expertise, Xerox is poised to enhance its digital transformation efforts, creating a more agile and sustainable business model.