February 15, 2024

Meltwater joins forces with Microsoft to bring to market the next-generation, AI-powered communication insights solution built on Microsoft Azure

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Meltwater, a leading global provider of media, social, and consumer intelligence, today announced the launch of a market-making collaboration with Microsoft. Microsoft has signed with Meltwater as a provider of media, social, and consumer intelligence on a global scale. In turn, Microsoft will work with Meltwater to deliver an integrated communications insights solution, harnessing the capabilities of Meltwater’s leading listening tools alongside Microsoft’s technology stack, including Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Teams. This solution will combine Microsoft’s advanced AI services with user-centric design to redefine the customer experience by turning data into dialogue, enabling better collaboration and quick action on business-critical news, market shifts, trends, and competitive intelligence. Meltwater also agreed to a multi-year commitment to make Microsoft Azure its preferred cloud platform for future Microsoft customer deployments.

In the era of AI, organizations need easy-to-use solutions that enable them to be more productive, more efficient, and more creative. Meltwater is taking its world-class data set and building on Microsoft’s industry-leading AI technologies to unlock data-driven insights and power better decision making. Together, they will develop a new generative AI-powered offering, with customer value at the center to solve critical customer challenges—faster.

The new solution will allow enterprise users of Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams who are Meltwater customers to engage conversationally with Meltwater’s global data set, providing easy access to real-time insights such as brand mentions, sentiment analysis, key issues, and competitive benchmarking. This means that the right insight is not just a simple request away, but also presented in an easy-to-action, accessible way that drives strategic decisions, integrated directly inside of Teams. This builds on Meltwater’s existing integration with Teams, which is already bringing value to more than 1500 Meltwater customers with seamless delivery of AI-powered alerts right into Teams.

“By harnessing the power of Microsoft’s technology stack and AI capabilities, we’re pushing the boundaries of our existing integration further, allowing users to interact with Meltwater’s analytics tools through intuitive dialogue, asking questions and receiving insights as if they were conversing with a data-savvy colleague. Our aim is to transform the way insights are accessed and actioned, embedding Meltwater’s deep listening capabilities into the daily rhythm of business communications,” added John Box, CEO of Meltwater.

With this collaboration, Meltwater becomes a global provider of Microsoft’s media, social and consumer intelligence needs, enabling the Microsoft Communications organization and its internal stakeholders to access real-time insights across teams and geographies. “Our goal is to reinvent Communications using AI. We wanted to work with a partner that could help us deliver deeper insights using Microsoft’s AI technology in the place where our teams get their work done with Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams. Meltwater’s leading technology and intuitive platform made them the best partner to help us build a solution that goes beyond hindsight reporting, delivering real time and AI-powered predictive insights.” said Steve Clayton, Vice President of Communications Strategy at Microsoft.

Meltwater will also be featured in the Azure Marketplace for all Microsoft customers to easily deploy Meltwater solutions, unlocking the power of the company’s deep data insights and coupled with the trusted Azure cloud platform. Meltwater will also participate in the Microsoft ISV Co-Sell Partner Program. “Meltwater is extremely excited to begin this powerful partnership with Microsoft, where the real winners will be our joint customers, who have access to market leading solutions run on the leading cloud platform,” said Doug Balut, SVP of Global Alliances and Partnerships at Meltwater.

For more info, please contact:
Kelly Costello
Corporate Communications Director
[email protected]

About Meltwater
Meltwater empowers companies with a suite of solutions that spans media, social, consumer and sales intelligence. By analyzing ~1 billion pieces of content each day and transforming them into vital insights, Meltwater unlocks the competitive edge to drive results. With 27,000 global customers, 50 offices across six continents and 2,300 employees, Meltwater is the industry partner of choice for global brands making an impact.
Learn more at meltwater.com.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9037793

February 15, 2024

Anaqua Launches AnaquaGov Providing Enhanced Security and Controls for Managing Highly Sensitive IP Data

New, secure U.S. environment launches with NIST SP 800-171 assessment in anticipation of future CMMC certification

BOSTON, Feb. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anaqua, the leading provider of innovation and intellectual property (IP) management technology, today announced the launch of AnaquaGov, providing U.S. defense contractors and all other clients handling U.S. CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) with a specialized environment to manage their highly sensitive IP data.

In making the announcement, Anaqua confirmed that the AnaquaGov enclave fully meets NIST SP 800-171 compliance requirements—the strict standards set by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology for safeguarding sensitive information on federal contractors’ IT systems and networks. This follows a review and validation of AnaquaGov by Schellman & Company, LLC, a leading CMMC third-party assessment organization (C3PAO). For this offering, Anaqua operates the AQX^® IP Management System in the AnaquaGov enclave.

The development marks a significant step forward in Anaqua’s objective for AnaquaGov to obtain Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)—the new standard designed to improve the cybersecurity readiness of businesses that work with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)—once the standard is finalized, and certifications are generally available.

Anaqua CEO Bob Romeo said: “At Anaqua, we pride ourselves on the security of our IP platform and the integrity of our data management, and we are delighted to have that further validated by Schellman. AnaquaGov represents another layer of security for our clients managing the most sensitive U.S. data and complements our ISO 27001, ISO 9001 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications and global security programs. Through AnaquaGov, we now support client entities in managing their IP portfolios to the levels of security required by DoD. We are looking forward to CMMC certifications being available in the near future and we are ready.”

Anaqua CIO Erik Bailey further explained: “Many companies today that manage Controlled Unclassified Information—frequently under export control regulations—simply do not have access to a secure platform to perform their duties in a compliant manner. Through AQX hosted within the AnaquaGov enclave, we provide a comprehensive solution to entities that have, or suspect they have, CUI. These clients can carry out their responsibilities, securely, in an environment that has been independently assessed against stringent NIST controls and that is aligned with upcoming CMMC requirements.”

About Anaqua
Anaqua, Inc. is a premier provider of integrated intellectual property (IP) management technology solutions and services for corporations and law firms. Its IP management software solutions, AQX^® and PATTSY WAVE^®, both offer best practice workflows with big data analytics and tech-enabled services to create an intelligent environment designed to inform IP strategy, enable IP decision-making, and streamline IP operations, tailored to each segment’s need. Today, nearly half of the top 100 U.S. patent filers and global brands, as well as a growing number of law firms worldwide use Anaqua’s solutions. Over one million IP executives, attorneys, paralegals, administrators, and innovators use the platform for their IP management needs. The company’s global operations are headquartered in Boston, with offices across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia. For additional information, please visit anaqua.com, or on Anaqua’s LinkedIn.

Company Contact:
Amanda Glagolev
Director, Communications
Anaqua
617-375-5808
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9037623

February 15, 2024

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre Holds Firm as Global and Regional Healthcare Leader

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre – Riyadh

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has once again secured its position for the second consecutive year as a global leader in healthcare and number one in the Middle East and Africa, ranking 20^th globally among the leading healthcare institutions in the Brand Finance Global Top 250 Hospitals 2024 report. KFSH&RC continues to stand at the forefront both locally and regionally, underlining its commitment to delivering world-class patient-centric healthcare and medical innovation.

Leading the way, KFSH&RC is joined by King Saud Medical City, King Khalid University Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, and King Fahd Medical City, all ranked among the top 100 globally. While King Fahd University Hospital and King Abdullah Medical City rank between 101 and 250. This assessment is based on insights from thousands of healthcare practitioners across over 30 countries.

The remarkable performance of KFSH&RC in this global ranking is a testament to the Kingdom’s healthcare transformation goals and the transformative impact of Vision 2030, reflected through the continuous improvement of healthcare services and the pursuit of technological advancements across the Kingdom for a healthier and thriving nation.

Brand Finance, founded in 1996, annually evaluates over 500 hospitals worldwide, utilizing more than 30 performance indicators encompassing healthcare, research centres, and education to support science-based strategic decision making.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre stands among the global leaders in providing specialized healthcare, driving innovation, and serving as an advanced hub for medical research and education. Through strategic partnerships with prominent local, regional, and international institutions, the hospital is dedicated to advancing medical technologies and elevating the standards of healthcare worldwide.

About King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC):

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) stands as a leading healthcare institution in the Middle East, envisioned to be the optimal choice for every patient seeking specialized healthcare. The hospital boasts a rich history in the treatment of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplantation, neurosciences, and genetics.

In 2024, “Brand Finance” ranked King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre as the top academic medical centre in the Middle East and Africa, and among the top 20 globally. Additionally, in 2022, it was recognized as one of the leading global healthcare providers by Newsweek magazine.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, a royal decree was issued on December 21, 2021, to transform the hospital into an independent, non-profit, government-owned entity, paving the way for a comprehensive transformation program aimed at achieving global leadership in healthcare through excellence and innovation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1cab7add-5d3e-482c-bd5b-cc8856cf7875

CONTACT INFORMATION 

For more information please contact:

Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Acting Head of Media Affairs, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Al-Awn, Media Coordination Officer, 0556294232

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9038044

February 15, 2024

STX Group Announces Unique Financing Partnership With BioValue for Dutch Biomethane Plant

Amsterdam, Feb. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — STX Group, a leading global firm in environmental commodities trading and climate finance, today announces the financing partnership with BioValue, a major Dutch biomethane producer, for the construction and development of the Groengas Cothen biomethane plant. The new plant adds at least 80GWh of renewable natural gas capacity per year. This strategic move is aligned with STX Group’s mission to promote the energy transition and underscores the redefinition of market dynamics aimed at boosting project development in the renewable energy space.

The financing by STX Group ensures BioValue access to key capital but also provides flexibility, avoiding potential constraints from fixed offtake prices. Collaborating with Nationaal Groenfonds as the junior financier, STX Group goes beyond traditional offtake agreements: unlike traditional banking institutions, this financing model provides BioValue with exposure to the developing biomethane market, contributing to their strategic goals and long-term success.

“This agreement marks a significant milestone in the biomethane sector and showcases our ability to pioneer novel financing solutions,” says Sead Keric, Managing Partner of Renewable Gas at STX Group. “By combining BioValue’s operational expertise with our climate finance capabilities, we empower biomethane producers to focus on what they do best while addressing development challenges. In light of the developing nature of the biomethane market and the illiquid, less transparent markets, there is a pressing need for alternative financing solutions.”

“As a major biomethane actor running multiple plants in the Netherlands, we are determined to realize much-needed new capacity in line with Dutch biomethane targets and European Fit for 55 goals,” said Ids Schaap, Managing Director and Founder of BioValue. “Our commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and minimizing environmental impact aligns seamlessly with STX Group’s mission to drive sustainable practices in the renewable energy sector.”

The latest EBA report revealed European biomethane production rose by 20% in 2022 over the previous year. However, the EU dependency on natural gas imports went from 83% to 97%. Amidst the global push for sustainability, momentum is building in the biomethane sector, marked by surging industrial demand and capacity despite project development challenges.

The European Commission established a goal aiming to achieve 35 bcm of sustainable biomethane production by 2030, as an integral part of REPowerEU. “While we welcome the recent European Parliament’s recognition of biomethane contribution to the decarbonization of the transportation sector, establishing a fair and comprehensive legislative framework for accounting the role of renewable fuels would bring additional benefits to the market,” Keric commented.

About STX Group

STX Group is a leading global environmental commodity trader and climate solutions provider. For over 25 years, our teams continue to be at the forefront of the global transition towards a low-carbon economy. Leveraging our long-standing expertise in accurately pricing pollution and emissions, we help cultivate trust in market-based solutions to the decarbonized economy.

Our trading and corporate climate solutions offerings ensure capital flows to thousands of projects that make the world a greener place, while providing corporations with certified proof-points of their contributions to environmental progress.

Headquartered in Amsterdam with offices in 13 countries worldwide, our global team, inclusive of Vertis and Strive, comprises of over 500 employees of 60+ nationalities.

For more information, please visit https://stxgroup.com/

About BioValue

BioValue is a pioneer in the Dutch biogas market with multiple biogas installations throughout the country. By producing sustainable green gas from organic waste, the use of fossil gas can be reduced which leads to a reduction in the CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

BioValue’s vision is to grow in impact by producing as much renewable energy as possible. Currently, the strategic focus is set on Bio-LNG production. BioValue is actively engaged in the development of the world’s largest bio-LNG installation located in the dynamic port of Amsterdam.

The company is expected to grow in the coming year to a projected production of more than 300.000 MWh of Green Gas and Bio-LNG per year.

Attachments

Jaime Santisteban
STX Group
+33745291715
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9036937

February 15, 2024

Citizens urged to reflect on 30 years of freedom

As South Africa marks 30 Years of Freedom, citizens have been urged to remember how far government has come in improving the lives of South Africans and undoing the damaging legacy of apartheid.

‘As we mark 30 Years of Freedom, we must not exercise our reflections and recollections without remembering exactly where we’ve come from or without acknowledging what has confronted us as a society in our journey to here,’ Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said in Cape Town.

Addressing a joint debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Wednesday, the Minister said despite the global economic meltdown of 2007 and 2008 as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, government has continued to provide economic opportunities for citizens.

‘Tintswalo or the Black Diamonds as they are generally referred to or the national breadwinners as they called themselves during the COVID19 vaccination period, continue to lead the installation of digital connectivity in deep-rural KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces. They w
ork as young black and women engineers at our power stations,’ the Minister said.

She said government has also provided opportunities for young people to work side by side to create a sovereign launch capability that has allowed the country to take satellite technologies into space and they are the bedrock of the more than 10 000 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) that are suppliers to the National School Nutrition Programme.

The Minister said that young people are the engineers and contractors behind the more than 750 000 km road network from 525 000 km in 1995.

‘Yes, some of the provincial and municipal roads have potholes but we are intervening. Currently South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has taken over 2 600 km of roads transferred from provinces so we can use its road construction and maintenance capacity to deliver better roads and with more under consideration,’ she said.

She added that in the past five-years, SANRAL has executed projects to the value of R120 billion, which tra
nslated to just under 45 000 job opportunities and the participation of almost 6500 black owned SMMEs.

‘Just this January, SANRAL announced another R28 billion injection into the industry with the implementation of over 70 projects. SANRAL’s work to improve the country’s road network is complemented by Operation Valazonke aimed at closing potholes on municipal roads across all municipalities. We are aware that some municipalities are progressing faster than others,’ Ntshavheni said.

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa

The Minister affirmed that work is underway to rebuild the network industries to ensure it services the country more effectively.

‘Despite the teething challenges, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has restored operations on 26 out of 40 commuter rail corridors following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the criminality that vandalised our rail infrastructure.

‘Of these restored service lines, 19 of them are operated with the new trains. PRASA has received 18
4 new trains that have been built in Nigel, Ekurhuleni. In addition, 276 Metrorail coaches have been upgraded or refurbished, 97 train stations have been refurbished, and 29 cooperatives are responsible for cleaning and basic maintenance of these stations.

‘Through the capital spend, PRASA created more than 46 000 job opportunities. Even Transnet is starting to register a turn-around at its operations with the arrival of critical equipment, irrespective of the weather – those containers can be loaded and offloaded at the harbour.’

Promoting public employment

She noted that eight consecutive Quarterly Labour Force surveys have indicated an improvement in the unemployment situation in the country – with 16.7 million people in employment by the end of the third quarter of 2023 – the first to surpass the pre-COVID-19 employment levels.

‘Although six million youth are now in employment, the challenge of youth unemployment like the world over remains. It is for that reason that President [Cyril] Ramaphosa led t
he establishment of initiatives like the Youth Employment Service (YES) in partnership with private-sector partners.

‘YES has created over 130 000 work experiences for young people to date. Over 1.7 million work and livelihood opportunities for unemployed South Africans have been created through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which prioritised predominantly youth and women.’

Key achievements in the stimulus include:

Employing 1.1 million education and general assistants in 23 000 schools.

Providing production input vouchers to 180 000 small-scale farmers.

Providing 29 000 opportunities in environmental management and rehabilitation.

Employing 107 000 people across 6 500 worksites through the Social Employment Fund.

‘The SA Youth Mobi platform was launched, which provides pathways for young people to employment, learning and youth enterprise. To date, over 4.8 million young people have registered on the platform and more than one million have been placed in earning opportunities.

‘The National Y
outh Service has been revitalised, offering young people opportunities to undertake work that builds the community and provides them with skills, self-confidence and work experience. Over 47 000 participants were placed in the first phase of the National Youth Service,’ the Minister said.

She said all these achievements have been made possible by South Africans who consider it their duty to be part of transforming the country and undoing the damaging legacy of apartheid.

‘The work done during the sixth administration and 30 years under the democratic dispensation is to ensure we leave no-one behind, despite the hand this President’s tenure was dealt,’ the Minister said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

February 15, 2024

Parliament prepares to host National Budget Speech

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will outline all the financial, economic, and social commitments that government will prioritise in its planned expenditure during the National Budget Speech next week.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA) and outlined national government’s plans to tackle the country’s energy crisis and other socio-economic challenges.

‘The Budget Speech, among others, aims to balance economic growth and support for the vulnerable in our society, despite limited resources. Godongwana will provide a detailed plan for 2024 spending, including proposals for revenue collection to help fund government’s planned interventions and commitments.

“He will also introduce the Appropriation Bill and table the Division of Revenue Bill, which Parliament will process in the following months,’ Parliament said on Wednesday.

The Minister will present the budget allocation for 2024 to Parliament on Wednesday, 21 February at 2pm at Cape Town City Hall.

‘
Godongwana’s 2024 Budget Speech will be broadcast live on Parliament’s DSTV Channel 408, livestreamed on Parliament’s website and social media platforms, including Parliament’s YouTube Channel. Parliament will also provide live feeds to interested broadcasters upon request,’ Parliament said.

Parliamentary sittings are open to the media and the public.

Members of the public can follow parliamentary sittings live on Parliament TV (DSTV Channel 408), through a live stream on Parliament’s website, Parliament’s YouTube channel, and X (Twitter) page on the links below:

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ParliamentofRSA

Facebook: https://facebook.com/ParliamentofRSA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ParliamentofRSA

Source: South African Government News Agency