Hightouch, a leader in Composable CDP and AI Decisioning, has achieved ISO 27001 certification, a globally recognized standard for information security management. This certification strengthens Hightouch’s position as an enterprise-ready platform, ensuring compliance, security, and risk management for Fortune 10 companies and privacy-sensitive industries.

Highlights of the Certification

• What is ISO 27001?

  • A globally recognized standard for establishing, maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
  • Ensures robust security controls and risk mitigation strategies for organizations handling sensitive data.
    
    

• Significance for Hightouch
  

  • Achieved through Schellman, an accredited certification body.
  • Reinforces Hightouch’s dedication to data protection and security compliance.
  • Supports expansion into industries with stringent regulatory requirements, such as financial services.
    
    

• Commitment to Security and Compliance

  • Validates Hightouch’s stringent security protocols.
  • Ensures customers, especially in highly regulated industries, that their data is managed with the highest protection standards.
  • Enhances trust and confidence in Hightouch’s security framework.

Industry Impact

• Organizations are prioritizing data security amidst evolving regulations.
• Hightouch’s certification solidifies its reputation as the most secure Customer Data Platform (CDP).
• Enables businesses to activate data securely across their technology stack while maintaining enterprise-grade security standards.

Hightouch’s ISO 27001 certification marks a critical step in its mission to empower enterprises with secure and compliant data activation. As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, Hightouch remains committed to providing a secure, enterprise-ready solution for data-driven organizations.

Colt Data Center Services (Colt DCS), a global leader in hyperscale and enterprise data center solutions, has launched its new hyperscale data center, Inzai 4, in Tokyo, Japan. This project—developed under a joint venture between Fidelity Investments and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.—underscores Colt DCS’s commitment to meeting growing demands in data center capacity and public cloud services across Japan and the Asia Pacific region.

Project Overview

• New Launch: Inzai 4 is the latest hyperscale data center in Tokyo, marking Colt DCS’s continued expansion.
• Joint Venture: Developed in partnership with Fidelity Investments and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
• Operational Capacity: The first phase is complete with 4.8MW now operational; when fully built, the site will deliver 20MW.
• Total Capacity Impact: This development increases Colt DCS’s total capacity at Inzai to 70MW.

Highlights

• Market Demand:
  
  

  • The facility is fully pre-let, highlighting strong market demand for Colt DCS’s solutions.
  • Reinforces Colt DCS’s status as a leading global data center partner with a flexible footprint.
    
    

• Sustainable Development:
  
  

  • Developed in line with Colt DCS’s Global Reference Design (GRD) guidelines.
  • Incorporates low embodied carbon principles, including:
    • Reduced water wastage during cooling processes.
    • Installation of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) chillers.
    • Construction with minimal use of steel and concrete.
      
      

• Regional Significance:
  
  

  • Colt DCS has a long-standing presence in the Inzai region, launching its first hyperscale data center in 2011.
  • The region’s stable bedrock, dense fibre connectivity, efficient rail links, proximity to Tokyo, and supportive local government make it a prime location for data center expansion.
  • Plans for Inzai 5 are already underway, emphasizing ongoing investment in the region.
    
    

• Leadership Perspective:
  
  

  • Niclas Sanfridsson, CEO of Colt DCS, highlighted that the growth of digital services is driving the demand for hyperscale data centers in Japan.
  • Inzai 4 demonstrates Colt DCS’s commitment to supporting the digital economy and contributing to local community growth.

Colt DCS’s launch of Inzai 4 represents a significant milestone in expanding data center capacity in Tokyo. By combining operational excellence with sustainable construction practices and a strategic regional presence, the project reinforces Colt DCS’s role as a trusted partner in the digital transformation journey. The continued investment in the Inzai region, along with future plans for additional facilities, underscores Colt DCS’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the digital economy.

New data from Alibaba.com reveals that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the USA are set to transform their product sourcing strategies in 2025. This shift is driven by the need for cost-effective solutions, trusted suppliers, innovative products, and sustainable practices.

Findings:

• Cost-Effective Sourcing:
  
  
  • 36% of US SMEs identify sourcing products at lower costs as a top priority.
    
    
• Supplier Trustworthiness:
  
  
  • 35% of SMEs focus on partnering with trusted suppliers to ensure consistent quality.
    
    
• Trend-Driven Product Sourcing:
  
  
  • 33% of SMEs aim to source new and trendy products to attract and retain customers.
    
    
• Sustainable Sourcing:
  
  
  • 27% prioritize finding sustainable products that align with eco-friendly business practices.
    
    

Digital Sourcing Trends

• Supplier Changes:
  
  
  • 44% of US SMEs plan to change suppliers as they increasingly adopt digital sourcing channels.
    
    
• Importance of Digital Channels:
  
  
  • 59% report that digital sourcing is more crucial now than it was a year ago.
  • A growing preference for direct sourcing, bypassing intermediaries, is evident.
    
    

Role of March Expo 2025

• Event Overview:
  
  
  • Launched in the run-up to March Expo 2025, Alibaba.com's major B2B sourcing event.
    
    
• Opportunities for SMEs:
  
  
  • The expo connects buyers and sellers globally.
  • Provides access to thousands of sustainable products and over two million deals with product certificates.
  • Facilitates the discovery of the latest product opportunities and fosters new supplier partnerships.
    
    

Leadership Perspective

• Insights from Alibaba.com:
  
  
  • Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, stated that US SMEs are evolving their sourcing strategies to focus on affordability, trend responsiveness, and supplier reliability.
  • The research highlights the move beyond mere cost savings toward proactive supplier diversification to future-proof businesses.
  • Digital sourcing is enabling greater flexibility and access to a broader range of products, supporting sustainable growth.

US SMEs are strategically rethinking their sourcing approaches in 2025. Embracing digital sourcing channels and focusing on cost-effectiveness, supplier trust, innovation, and sustainability are key to staying competitive. With initiatives like March Expo 2025, businesses are well-positioned to leverage global opportunities and drive future growth.

Sourcemap, a leader in supply chain regulatory software, has partnered with Salesforce’s Net Zero Cloud to create a centralized, automated, end-to-end workflow for managing multiple environmental compliance requirements. This collaboration streamlines compliance for regulations such as EUDR, CSRD, CSDDD, and others.

Partnership Details:

• Exclusive Integration:

  • Sourcemap is the only supply chain mapping provider integrated with Net Zero Cloud to offer an EUDR solution.
  • Supports all EUDR materials including beef/leather, wood/paper, palm oil, soy, coffee, cocoa, and rubber.
    
    

• Comprehensive Coverage:

  • Applicable for various company roles—importers, domestic traders, and exporters.
  • Long-established track record in farm/forest mapping and deforestation-free assessments.

   

• Seamless Integration:

  • Live integration with customer ERP systems.
  • Direct connection with the EU TRACES platform for smooth EUDR customs clearance.
    
    

Environmental Compliance Solutions

• Automated Workflows:
  
  
  • Net Zero Cloud customers gain access to Sourcemap’s automated processes for data collection, validation, analytics, and reporting.
    
    
• Scalable for Future Regulations:
  
  
  • Easily expanded to cover additional regulatory requirements including:
    • Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
    • EU Forced Labor Regulation
    • EU Battery Regulation
    • Digital Product Passport
    • Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
      
      

Benefits for Customers

• Streamlined Processes:
  
  
  • A single platform manages multiple compliance requirements, reducing administrative overhead.
    
    
• Enhanced Transparency:
  
  
  • Provides greater supply chain traceability and accountability.
    
    
• Strategic Transformation:
  
  
  • Turns regulatory requirements into opportunities for driving transparent, responsible, and resilient supply chains.

The partnership between Sourcemap and Salesforce Net Zero Cloud marks a significant advancement in supply chain compliance automation. By integrating cutting-edge regulatory software with robust cloud solutions, businesses can streamline compliance processes, improve traceability, and embrace sustainable practices that foster long-term growth.

DNA Plc, a leading Finnish telecom provider and subsidiary of Telenor Group, has partnered with Google Cloud to accelerate its transition to the cloud. This collaboration supports DNA’s cloud-first strategy while ensuring fast, reliable, and compliant services for its customers.

Cloud Migration Strategy:

• Gradual Migration:
  
  
  • DNA will gradually move its on-premise workloads to Google Cloud as part of its cloud-first strategy.
    
    
• Dual Data Center Approach:
  
  
  • Mission-critical infrastructure will be hosted on-premise using Google Distributed Cloud to satisfy data residency requirements in Finland.
  • Non-critical applications and data will reside in Google Cloud’s Hamina data center.
    
    
• Cost and Footprint Reduction:
  
  
  • This strategy paves the way to nearly eliminate DNA’s traditional data center footprint and reduce associated costs.
    
    

Compliance and Data Residency

• Strict Compliance Needs:
  
  
  • DNA must adhere to strict compliance requirements, including local data residency mandates.
    
    
• Integrated Solutions:
  
  
  • Google Distributed Cloud ensures mission-critical operations remain within DNA’s controlled environment while leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities.
    
    

Enhanced Analytics and Operational Efficiency

• Data and Analytics Integration:
  
  
  • Building on its recent adoption of Google Cloud’s data and analytics products, DNA has already seen significant improvements using BigQuery.
    
    
• Operational Benefits:
  
  
  • Enhanced analytics performance has been achieved at a fraction of the previous cost, supporting better customer, marketing, and network insights.
    
    

Development of Cloud-Native Services

• Innovation in Service Delivery:
  
  
  • The agreement allows DNA to explore new cloud-native managed services from Google Cloud.
    
    
• Data-Driven Personalization:
  
  
  • Insights from BigQuery will guide the development of personalized solutions for both consumer and enterprise markets.
    
    
• Leveraging Open-Source Tools:
  
  
  • Tools like Google Kubernetes Engine and local advisory support will further accelerate the cloud transformation and service innovation.
    
    

Leadership and Future Vision

• Strategic Goals:
  
  
  • Jussi Tolvanen, CEO of DNA Plc, emphasized that the cloud transformation will drive new levels of speed, innovation, and operational adaptability.
    
    
• Collaborative Outlook:
  
  
  • Markus Hongisto, Google Cloud’s Finland Country Manager, highlighted that prioritizing data residency, security, and compliance fuels rapid and safe innovation, enabling DNA to stay at the forefront of connectivity.

The collaboration between DNA Plc and Google Cloud marks a significant step in modernizing Finland’s telecom landscape. By migrating workloads to the cloud while meeting stringent compliance requirements, DNA is positioned to deliver fast, reliable, and innovative services, reduce operational costs, and drive digital transformation.

Sinch, a pioneer in digital communications through its Customer Communications Cloud, has been recognized as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Communications Platform-as-a-Service (CPaaS) 2025 Vendor Assessment. This marks the third time in recent years that the company has earned this distinction, reinforcing its position as a global leader.

Highlights

• Global Recognition:

  • Achieved Leader status in the IDC MarketScape CPaaS 2025 Vendor Assessment.
  • Third recognition in recent years, emphasizing sustained excellence.
    
    

• Extensive Global Presence:

  • Operates in over 60 countries with a strong foundation in performance, service support, and regulatory expertise.
  • Caters to a diverse range of business sizes and user groups.
    
    

• Comprehensive Portfolio:

  • Offers an advanced API suite for developers.
  • Provides tailored solutions for marketing campaigns, customer updates, identity verification, and customer service.
    
    

Innovation and Global Reach

• Continuous Innovation:

  • Tackles challenges such as rising customer expectations, fraud threats, complex regulations, and legacy technology limitations.
  • Integrates robust security, fraud prevention tools, and AI-driven conversational capabilities with a global Super Network for superior quality and reliability.
    
    

• Ecosystem Integration:

  • Boasts over 500 strategic integrations with top CRM, collaboration, contact center, and customer data platform providers, including Adobe and SAP.
  • Focuses on AI-driven product development in areas like conversational AI, knowledge base AI, GenAI-assisted campaigns, fraud detection, and Rich Communication Services (RCS).
  • A pioneer in RCS since 2018, having surpassed 1 billion RCS messages and driving further adoption.
    
    

Leadership Insights

• CEO Perspective:

  • Laurinda Pang, CEO of Sinch, emphasizes the commitment to empowering businesses with reliable, scalable communication solutions.
  • Highlights innovation as the core driver to keep customers engaged, informed, safe, and satisfied across all channels.
    
    

• Industry Validation:

  • Courtney Munroe, Research Vice President at IDC, notes Sinch's strong capabilities in communication APIs, marketing, and customer engagement.
  • Points out the value of Sinch's solutions for companies with complex regulatory needs in markets such as Europe, the United States, Brazil, and India.
    
    

Sinch's recognition as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape CPaaS 2025 Vendor Assessment underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in digital communications. With a robust global presence, a comprehensive suite of solutions, and deep industry integrations, Sinch continues to empower businesses to deliver personalized, secure, and meaningful interactions across every digital touchpoint.

Hyundai Motor Company, a leader in future mobility, has successfully completed a pilot project for Private 5G (P-5G) RedCap technology in partnership with Samsung Electronics. This innovative pilot, set to be showcased at MWC25 Barcelona, demonstrates a significant step toward transforming smart manufacturing processes.

Pilot Project Overview

• Project Completion & Showcase:
  
  
  • Hyundai successfully completed a pilot project for P-5G RedCap technology.
  • The technology will be featured at MWC25 Barcelona, held from March 3rd to 6th.
    
    
• Strategic Collaboration:
  
  
  • The pilot is executed in collaboration with Samsung, a global leader in network solutions.
  • Hyundai becomes the first in the mobility manufacturing sector to verify P-5G RedCap technology.
    
    

Technology and Benefits

• P-5G RedCap Features:
  
  
  • Designed for reduced capability with simplified device configurations.
  • Offers a compact infrastructure and reduced bandwidth usage.
    
    
• Enhanced Performance:
  
  
  • Delivers improved speed, efficient data processing, and stable, low-latency connectivity.
  • Achieves lower power consumption and cost efficiency compared to traditional Wi-Fi.
    
    
• Real-World Applications:
  
  
  • Supports smart manufacturing, including centralized control of industrial robots and devices.
  • Powers vehicle inspection equipment using integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon® X35 5G Modem-RF System chipsets.
    
    

Collaborative Efforts and Testing

• Extensive Testing:
  
  
  • Testing of Samsung's P-5G solutions—covering radio, core, and management systems—was completed at Samsung’s Suwon campus.
  • A custom vehicle inspection device was developed to validate the network’s operational capabilities.
    
    
• Integration & Innovation:
  
  
  • The pilot project verified that P-5G RedCap technology can support mission-critical operations with seamless data transmission.
  • Samsung's solution reduces power consumption while more than doubling uplink capacity for real-time IoT data.
    
    

Impact on Smart Manufacturing and Future Plans

• Smart Manufacturing Ecosystem:
  
  
  • The successful pilot reinforces Hyundai’s commitment to smart manufacturing and operational adaptability.
  • Technology verification sets the stage for wider commercialization and future integration.
    
    
• Upcoming Expansions:
  
  
  • Hyundai plans to integrate P-5G technology in its new EV-dedicated plant in Ulsan, scheduled to open in 2026.
  • Additional expansions are planned to further enhance the smart manufacturing ecosystem.
    
    

Partnership Insights

• Hyundai's Vision:
  
  
  • Hyundai emphasizes its role as a pioneer, being the first Korean company to implement P-5G in mass production.
  • The project supports Hyundai’s strategy to accelerate the commercialization of advanced manufacturing technologies.
    
    
• Samsung's Contribution:
  
  
  • Samsung’s RedCap-powered private 5G network solutions unlock new use cases and drive efficiency for enterprises and manufacturers.
  • The collaboration highlights a merging of expertise to create innovative, scalable 5G solutions.

The pilot project for P-5G RedCap technology marks a pivotal advancement in Hyundai’s smart manufacturing journey. By leveraging Samsung’s state-of-the-art network solutions, Hyundai is set to enhance operational efficiency, reduce power consumption, and pioneer new digital transformation initiatives. This collaboration not only underscores industry leadership but also paves the way for broader adoption of advanced 5G technologies in the manufacturing sector.

XGEN AI, a cutting-edge generative AI product discovery platform, has announced the appointment of Charlie Cole as President. With a robust background in digital and e-commerce leadership at global brands like Samsonite, Tumi, and Lucky Brand Jeans, Charlie is set to steer the company through its next phase of growth and innovation.

Leadership Appointment and Vision

• Strategic Appointment:
  
  
  • Charlie Cole, an experienced e-commerce executive, is now President of XGEN AI.
  • Brings a strong track record of driving digital and e-commerce success at global brands.
    
    
• Vision for Growth:
  
  
  • Expected to leverage his expertise to propel XGEN AI’s generative AI solution adoption.
  • Aims to further enhance product discovery and deliver increased value to e-commerce clients.
    
    

Insights from Company Leadership

• CEO Perspective – Mark Steele:
  
  
  • Mark Steele highlighted the company’s rapid growth and expanding global adoption of its AI solution.
  • Stressed that 2025 promises an even bigger wave of innovation in the e-commerce space.
    
    
• New President’s Vision – Charlie Cole:
  
  
  • Charlie emphasized the need for modern, effective technologies to solve pressing e-commerce challenges.
  • Believes that practical generative AI applications in search, recommendations, and chat are crucial for 1:1 personalization at scale.
  • Confident that XGEN AI is well-positioned to become the leading GenAI partner for e-commerce leaders worldwide.
    
    

Impact on E-commerce and Product Discovery

• Transformative Solutions:
  
  
  • XGEN AI’s suite empowers brands to craft online shopping experiences that convert.
  • The platform addresses key challenges such as outdated technologies and irrelevant solutions.
    
    
• Proven Business Benefits:
  
  
  • Brands implementing XGEN AI see, on average:
    • An 11% lift in revenue.
    • A 72% increase in search conversions.
    • An 18% improvement in average order value.
      
      
• Market Position:
  
  
  • Charlie Cole’s leadership is set to reinforce XGEN AI’s market position as the go-to generative AI platform for product discovery in the e-commerce sector.

The appointment of Charlie Cole as President marks a pivotal moment for XGEN AI. With his strategic vision and proven industry experience, the company is poised to drive transformative changes in the e-commerce landscape. As XGEN AI continues to innovate and expand its product discovery solutions, businesses worldwide will benefit from a more personalized and efficient online shopping experience.