Persistent Systems (BSE: PERSISTANT) and (NSE: PERSISTENT), a global pioneer in digital engineering and enterprise modernization, has announced its intent to acquire New Jersey-based Starfish Associates. This strategic acquisition enhances Persistent’s engineering capabilities in contact center and unified communications, expanding its AI-driven business transformation and operational excellence expertise.

Strategic Acquisition:

• Purpose of Acquisition: The acquisition builds on Persistent’s existing strengths, integrating Starfish Associates' industry-leading enterprise communications automation platform to improve multi-vendor communications management through automation.

Key Features of Starfish Associates:

• Automation Platform: Starfish Associates excels as an intelligent integration hub and workflow engine, facilitating seamless connections across various business applications and communication systems.
• Platform Integrations: It integrates with platforms such as Amazon Connect, Avaya, Cisco, Genesys, and Microsoft Teams, as well as key business applications like ServiceNow, Workday, and Microsoft Active Directory.

Leadership Statements:

• Sandeep Kalra, President, CEO and Executive Director of Persistent: “We continue to grow as an industry leader through strategic expansion and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs. The integration of Starfish Associates’ platform significantly enhances our unified communications and contact center management offerings as the industry undergoes significant disruption from AI-driven innovations.”
• Robert Hankin, Co-Founder and Partner, Starfish Associates: “Joining forces with Persistent presents a new chapter for us, expanding our capabilities in AI-driven contact center integration, automation, and transformation, while gaining access to Persistent’s strong customer base.”
• David Raanan, Co-Founder and Partner, Starfish Associates: “Our platforms and solutions align perfectly with Persistent’s strategic objectives, creating strong synergies that will enable companies worldwide to gain competitive advantages and streamline their operations.”

Industry Insights:

• Phil Fersht, CEO and Chief Analyst, HFS Research: “With the acquisition of Starfish Associates, Persistent is poised to disrupt the UC and contact center markets. The company’s industry-leading growth and distinct culture make it an exciting proposition as the need for AI-driven business transformation demands trusted providers with cross-platform UC and contact center experience.”

The acquisition of Starfish Associates underscores Persistent Systems' commitment to leveraging AI and automation for enhanced business transformation. This strategic move not only strengthens Persistent’s capabilities but also provides immediate benefits to its global customer base, positioning the company as a leader in the CX market.

Hightouch, a leading Composable Customer Data Platform (CDP), now supports the European Unified ID (EUID) to help advertisers reach audiences across the open web in a privacy-conscious manner. EUID, developed by The Trade Desk, transforms email addresses into pseudonymous identifiers, allowing advertisers to target, manage frequency, and measure campaigns while ensuring user data control and transparency.

What is EUID?

• Industry-wide identity solution by The Trade Desk.
• Turns email addresses into pseudonymous identifiers.
• Utilizes sophisticated hashing and salting methods.
• Provides user recognition for targeting, frequency management, and campaign measurement.
• Ensures transparency and data control for users.
• Operates in the browser environment.
• Reliable alternative to third-party cookies.
• Works across connected TV, digital audio, and mobile apps.

Hightouch's Integration with EUID:

• Syncs audience segments from cloud data warehouses to The Trade Desk.
• Activates EUIDs directly within The Trade Desk platform.
• Enhances targeting, frequency management, and measurement capabilities.

Benefits of Hightouch's Integration:

• Universal Opt-Outs: Applies field-level governance filters to prevent sharing opted-out IDs.
• Regional Data Processing: Ensures data is processed in the appropriate regional data center, maintaining regional compliance.
• Enhanced Addressability: Activates EUID to reach larger audiences in a privacy-conscious manner.

Industry Perspective:

• Increasing media fragmentation and the deprecation of third-party cookies necessitate a holistic view of identity across digital channels.
• EUID provides a significant upgrade to identity management, enhancing targeting precision, frequency management, and measurement.
• Hightouch offers a streamlined method for clients to leverage this new identity currency, improving digital advertising efficiency on the open internet.

Hightouch's integration with EUID represents a pivotal advancement in digital advertising, enabling European advertisers to reach larger audiences while maintaining privacy standards. This collaboration ensures that advertisers can effectively manage their campaigns with greater precision and compliance, setting a new standard for identity solutions in the industry.

Varnish will offer Atomicorp web application security rules as part of its Varnish Enterprise WAF solution

Varnish Software, a leader in content delivery solutions, has partnered with Atomicorp, a provider of endpoint and cloud workload protection. This collaboration brings Atomic ModSecurity Rules web application firewall (WAF) capabilities to Varnish Enterprise, offering a robust web attack prevention, detection, and resolution option for Varnish Enterprise customers.

Varnish Enterprise Overview:

• Accelerates HTTP delivery and offloads traffic from critical web and application infrastructure.
• Enables control over content delivery based on resource utilization, logistics, and security requirements.
• Offers a Varnish WAF as an add-on to the core solution.

Atomicorp ModSecurity Rules Integration:

• Brings military-grade WAF capabilities to Varnish WAF.
• Protects against web attacks such as:
  • Credential theft
  • Code injection
  • Brute force attacks
  • SQL injection (SQLi)
  • Cross-site scripting (XSS)
  • Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
  • Malware
  • Ransomware
  • Denial of service (DoS)

Enhanced Security Features:

• Defense-in-depth security for web architecture.
• Crucial for cloud computing and multi-tenant environments like Plesk, cPanel.
• Supports popular web applications such as WordPress, Drupal, and Magento.

Expert Insights:

• Frank Miller, CTO of Varnish Software: Partnership enhances WAF security profile with advanced rulesets, ModSecurity support, and consulting.
• Michael Shinn, CEO and Chairman of Atomicorp: Emphasizes the importance of secure content delivery and the strategic advantage of integrating advanced security measures.

The partnership between Varnish Software and Atomicorp marks a significant advancement in web security. By integrating Atomic ModSecurity Rules into Varnish Enterprise, customers gain access to comprehensive protection against a wide range of web threats while maintaining high performance. This collaboration underscores a commitment to delivering cutting-edge security solutions for modern web applications.

By joining forces, DRiP becomes the defacto home for on-chain music on Solana

Solana-based creator platform DRiP is excited to announce the acquisition of Vault Music, a limited-edition music platform on the Solana blockchain. This strategic move will elevate DRiP’s offerings for musicians and on-chain music collectors, aligning with the launch of DRiP’s upcoming mobile app.

About the Acquisition:

• DRiP: A Solana-based creator platform focused on enhancing music experiences and expanding content offerings.
• Vault Music: A platform for creating exclusive, limited-edition music releases on the Solana blockchain.
• Acquisition Goal: To integrate Vault Music’s features into DRiP and expand the ecosystem for musicians and fans.

Transition Details:

• All Vault Music drops and users will migrate to the DRiP platform.
• DRiP’s new mobile app, set to release later this summer, will enhance content types and user experiences.
• The mobile app will be available on Android and iOS and will feature a natively embedded wallet for users.

Key Features of the DRiP Mobile App:

• Native Wallet: Automatically created for users to manage their music collections and transactions.
• Music-Specific Features: Designed to ease the onboarding process for non-crypto music fans.
• Content Expansion: Plans to include news, video, and podcasts on the platform.

Background on Vault Music:

• Founded: November 2021 by FanDuel co-founders.
• Functionality: Allows artists to create and sell exclusive, limited-edition music releases.
• Notable Artists: FLETCHER, Kids That Fly, Caroline Rose, AKTHESAVIOR, Naika, BLÜ EYES.
• Revenue Model: Artists earn royalties from both initial sales and secondary market resales.

Statements from Leaders:

• Vibhu Norby, CEO of DRiP: Expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition and appreciation for Vault Music’s role in building a musician community.
• Kara Burney, CEO of Vault Music: Praised DRiP’s vision and the potential for new royalty models and fan experiences.

The acquisition of Vault Music by DRiP marks an exciting development for the Solana-based creator platform. By integrating Vault Music’s unique features into its ecosystem and launching a new mobile app, DRiP is poised to offer enhanced on-chain music experiences and innovative opportunities for artists and fans alike.

Sectigo continues 20+ year tradition of leadership in public CA and Certificate Lifecycle Management industry

Sectigo®, a leader in comprehensive certificate lifecycle management (CLM), proudly announces that it has passed its annual WebTrust audit for the year. This achievement underscores Sectigo’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards in digital trust and certificate management for its extensive customer base.

Sectigo's Commitment to Digital Trust:

• Annual WebTrust Audit: Sectigo undergoes rigorous annual audits to ensure adherence to best practices in certificate management.
• Role of Sectigo: Acts as a Certificate Authority (CA) ensuring secure, encrypted connections between browsers and websites.

Key Statements from Sectigo:

• Kevin Weiss, CEO of Sectigo: Highlights Sectigo’s role in securing networks and upholding web security for thousands of customers.
• Customer Base: Includes leading global organizations relying on Sectigo for their digital security needs.

Standards and Guidelines:

• CA/Browser Forum Rules: Sectigo adheres to industry standards set by the CA/Browser Forum for certificate authorities.
• ETSI Guidelines: Follows guidelines from the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
• Major Root Programs: Complies with requirements from major root programs to maintain trust and security in public key infrastructure (WebPKI).

Importance of Certificate Authorities:

• Digital Identity: CAs play a crucial role in digital identity, providing the foundation for secure internet connections.
• Public Trust: Certificate Authorities are held to high standards to preserve public trust in online transactions and communications.

Sectigo’s successful WebTrust audit reinforces its commitment to digital trust and security. By upholding rigorous standards and guidelines, Sectigo continues to serve as a trusted CA, ensuring the integrity and safety of encrypted web connections for its global customer base.

Standard Support Underscores Company’s Commitment to Transparency and Trust in Digital Images and Videos

Cloudinary, a leading image and video technology platform, is excited to announce its support for the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) and its Content Credentials specification. This new capability will help ensure the authenticity and transparency of digital media as AI-generated content becomes increasingly common. Cloudinary is working with select enterprise customers, including Dow Jones, to implement this standard and advance the mission of C2PA.

What is C2PA and Content Credentials?

• C2PA: Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, a standard-setting organization for digital media transparency.
• Content Credentials Specification: A standard for embedding secure, tamper-evident metadata in media files.
• Goals of C2PA:
  • Certify the source and history (provenance) of media content.
  • Unite efforts of initiatives like the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and Project Origin.
  • Address challenges posed by AI-generated content and digital media manipulation.

Cloudinary’s Role in C2PA:

• New Support: Cloudinary supports adding signed provenance metadata in compliance with the C2PA standard.
• Enterprise Collaboration: Working with select customers, including Dow Jones, to implement Content Credentials.
• Commitment: Cloudinary aims to advance digital media transparency and fight fake and altered media.

Importance of Provenance Metadata:

• Digital Ecosystem: Promotes a healthier digital environment through certified media provenance.
• AI and Media: Addresses challenges of distinguishing authentic media from AI-generated or manipulated content.
• Trust and Transparency: Essential for maintaining credibility in digital media and combating misinformation.

Statements from Key Figures:

• Clarence Kwei, SVP of Consumer Technology at Dow Jones: Emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and collaboration with Cloudinary for a transparent digital ecosystem.
• Tal Lev-Ami, CTO at Cloudinary: Highlights Cloudinary’s commitment to building trust in digital media through C2PA standards and Content Credentials.

Cloudinary’s Ongoing Efforts:

• Historical Commitment: Cloudinary’s dedication to trust and transparency since its inception in 2012.
• CAI Membership: Joined the Content Authenticity Initiative in 2020 to promote content authenticity and provenance.
• Beta Program: Launched a beta Content Credentials program in 2023 to develop features based on customer feedback.

Cloudinary’s support for the C2PA’s Content Credentials specification marks a significant step forward in the fight against fake and altered media. By collaborating with leading organizations like Dow Jones and implementing this standard, Cloudinary is committed to enhancing digital media transparency and trust, especially in the age of AI-generated content.

• Introducing SmarterLinks – the industry-first tool for secure, comprehensive control, distribution, and monetization of digital assets

• Premier League Pilot Cuts Paid Media Costs by 50% Acquiring and Licensing Trending TikTok Content

• Secures $1.1 Million Angel Funding from Industry Titans to Accelerate Development

In response to the growing complexities of digital content creation and AI advancements, SmarterLicense is thrilled to announce the launch of its public beta. The new platform introduces a revolutionary licensing framework and the industry-first SmarterLinks tool, designed to offer unparalleled control, flexibility, and monetization opportunities for digital assets and intellectual property.

SmarterLicense’s New Licensing Framework:

• Addressing Copyright Gaps: Designed to bridge the gap between traditional copyright models and the modern digital landscape.
• Key Features:
  • Tailored Solutions: For diverse content and data utilization needs.
  • Protection for Creators and Buyers: Offers legal frameworks to safeguard intellectual property and manage usage.
  • Public Beta Launch: Available for users to explore and provide feedback.

Introducing SmarterLinks:

• What is SmarterLinks?: A patent-pending tool for secure, comprehensive control, distribution, and monetization of digital assets.
• Functionality:
  • Secure File Distribution: Enables safe sharing of files for AI training and other uses.
  • Usage Tracking and Permission Setting: Allows creators to set rules, monitor use, and revoke access as needed.
  • Performance Optimization: Reduces server load and improves website latency by over 90% through efficient file streaming.

Additional Product Offerings:

• Marketplaces: Connects buyers and sellers for IP monetization and revenue opportunities.
• Offers Tool: Facilitates easy contract creation and asset licensing from anywhere on the web.
• Upload Portals: Allows buyers to set terms and acquire bulk content from multiple contributors.

SmarterLicense’s Background and Vision:

• Founder Liz Hagelthorn: From a young blogger to leading creative strategies for major tech and media companies.
• Mission: To transform the IP creation, sharing, and monetization process with innovative tools and legal frameworks.

Premier League Pilot Success:

• Campaign Details: Enabled the Premier League to acquire trending TikTok content at 50% lower costs and engage Gen Z effectively.
• Impact: Achieved 100% audience retention during halftime programming and reduced media costs significantly.

$1.1 Million Angel Funding Secured:

• Investors: Includes Chris Camillo, Bobby and Ben Hundreds, Barbara Jones, and Jim Toth.
• Purpose: To accelerate the development of SmarterLicense’s platform and expand its impact on digital content management.

Endorsements and Testimonials:

• Bobby Hundreds: Praises SmarterLicense for innovating digital licensing models and expanding brand engagement.
• Roahn Hylton: Highlights the platform’s role in bridging gaps for music creators and ensuring fair compensation.
• Barbara Jones: Impressed by SmarterLicense’s approach to generative AI and IP management.
• Kelly Weimert: Enthusiastic about SmarterLicense’s tools for protecting and monetizing creative work.

SmarterLicense’s launch of its public beta, featuring the groundbreaking SmarterLinks tool, represents a significant advancement in digital asset management and licensing. With its new framework and innovative tools, SmarterLicense is set to redefine how creators and buyers navigate the complexities of modern intellectual property and content distribution.

Kamilah Thomas Brings a Wealth of Experience to Avaya by Continuing to Evolve the Company’s Culture while Better Aligning People and Processes

Avaya, a leader in enterprise customer experience (CX) solutions, is excited to announce the appointment of Kamilah Thomas as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer (CPO), effective June 3. Based at Avaya’s headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey, Thomas will report directly to CEO Alan Masarek and play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s culture and DEI&B strategies.

Kamilah Thomas Joins Avaya as CPO:

• Role and Responsibilities:

  • Leadership Transformation: Oversees Avaya’s global HR functions and culture transformation.
  • Mission Focus: Advances the company’s Destination Place to Work journey to foster a high-performance culture.
  • DEI&B Initiatives: Leads Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) efforts and manages Avaya United employee resource groups.

• Statements:

  • Alan Masarek, CEO: "Kamilah’s extensive experience in transforming organizations and building inclusive cultures is the right fit for Avaya."
  • Kamilah Thomas: Excited to contribute to Avaya’s mission to create a dynamic, inclusive, and high-performance work environment.

Kamilah Thomas’s Professional Background:

• Previous Experience:

  • Roku: SVP, People and Workplace Experience, grew workforce by 56% and supported profitable growth.
  • Dow Jones & Company: Chief People Officer, led digital transformation and supported 7,000 employees across 50 markets.
  • A+E Networks: Co-head of People & Culture, facilitated CEO transition and led HR transformation for 2,000+ employees.

• Notable Achievements:

  • Organizational Scale: Proven track record of scaling teams and driving successful workplace transformations.
  • HR Leadership: Extensive experience in strategic HR roles with a focus on growth and cultural development.

Avaya’s Vision for Culture and DEI&B:

• Culture Development:
  • Destination Place to Work: A strategic initiative to evolve Avaya’s workplace culture into one where every employee can thrive.
  • Equitable Work Environment: Commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment through DEI&B efforts.

Future Goals for Avaya’s HR Strategy:

• Cultural Evolution: Continued focus on developing a high-performance culture and inclusive workplace.
• DEI&B Focus: Expanding DEI&B initiatives to support diverse talent and foster a sense of belonging for all employees.

Kamilah Thomas’s appointment as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at Avaya marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to transform its workplace culture and advance DEI&B initiatives. With her extensive background in global HR leadership and organizational transformation, Thomas is poised to lead Avaya’s efforts to create an inclusive and high-performance environment for its employees.