OpenText™, the global leader in Enterprise Information Management (EIM), today announced OpenText Release 16 Enhancement Pack 4 (EP4). This release further extends security, artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and cloud support into the market-leading OpenText EIM platform.

“The world's leading organisations use the OpenText EIM platform to manage and gain insights from their critical information assets," said Mark J. Barrenechea, OpenText vice chair, CEO and CTO. “This latest release enhances protection of these assets from threats and data breaches, while continuing to expand support for advanced AI and extreme automation use-cases.”

Barrenechea continued, “Cybersecurity vulnerabilities represent a real and present threat to today’s digital organisation. The value of information in our modern economy requires data-intensive companies to contend with a barrage of cyberattacks, the risk of data breaches, and the growing impact of data privacy regulations. Building any business requires companies to develop and maintain trust with their customers and suppliers. Intelligent and connected enterprises must effectively use, protect, and steward their information in a secured manner.”

OpenText Release 16 EP4 makes it easier for organisations to move to the right hybrid or fully managed cloud environment. New cloud connectors continue to place the OpenText ecosystem at the center of digital business, while working seamlessly with the best-in-breed technologies in asset and resource management, operations, content creation, and content collaboration.

“OpenText is leading the way in how AI will transform EIM and we are revolutionising how connected enterprises engage with data and information,” said Barrenechea. “Release 16 EP4 creates new opportunities for our customers to leverage the power of hybrid cloud, IoT, AI, and automation to improve the way they securely operate and innovate.”

EP4 brings significant enhancements across Release 16:

·         AppWorks: OpenText Process Suite is now AppWorks, a fully customisable automation platform that delivers a compelling low-code development experience and new support for developers. 

• Content: Expanding on the simplified user experiences delivered in R16, Content Services EP4 further deepens integrations with leading process applications to drive productivity, strengthens compliance with automated capture of metadata, enhances cloud readiness and advances analytics and reporting. OpenText iHub analytics and reporting are added to OpenText eDOCS.
• Experience: Exstream brings agile cloud CCM applications to omni-channel communications with automated job visualisation and end-to-end tracking analysis. TeamSite will take advantage of machine intelligence capabilities to extract concepts and is now enabled with “Search Engine as a Service” and “Taxonomy as a Service” capabilities.  For a call center in the cloud, Qfiniti is listed on the AWS Marketplace leveraging Amazon Connect.
• Security: OpenText EnCase Endpoint Security adds bi-directional Splunk integration and other new tools for automated and expedited incident response. 
• Discovery: OpenText Axcelerate adds performance, usability and compatibility enhancements for eDiscovery and investigations, plus new data collection services powered by EnCase.
• Analytics: OpenText Magellan introduces out-of-the-box Content Services Platform connectors for integrated content mining, extended data loading options for analysts and business users, and a deeper leveraging of Hadoop and Spark for data processing and Machine Learning.
• Business Network: New integrations with AppWorks and Covisint create new opportunities for automation and IoT. This release of the OpenText Trading Grid bundles predictive analytics for all new customers. OpenText also now offers a new RightFax Managed Services solution, helping companies  implement secure communications across their entire business ecosystem while leveraging OpenText people, process and technology.

• 01.05.2018 -- 12:27 pm

 William Tien shares the industry knowledge, idea behind launching the company and how TiENPAY's mobile wallet has turned into valuable streamlined payment solution worldwide. 

The expansion of real-time schemes globally is driving a marked change in attitudes among financial institutions, with 85 percent of banks globally now viewing instant payments as the foundation for growth and new product enhancements, according to the “2018 Global Payments Insight Survey: Retail Banking,” from ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) and Ovum. The report reveals that 92 percent of European banks (and 88 percent globally) are delivering enhanced retail customer propositions because of real-time infrastructure. The majority of banks also expect improved customer service, new services for SMEs and long-term cost savings.

Alongside real-time payments, open banking is a top issue on the agenda of financial institutions. European banks are at the forefront when it comes to implementing an open banking strategy, with 92 percent saying they have defined one, followed by 86 percent in Asia, and 82 percent in the Americas.

“The dramatic change in attitudes toward both open banking and real-time payments in just one year is telling,” said Craig Ramsey, head of real-time payments at ACI Worldwide. “The big takeaway here is that real-time payments and open banking are set to reshape the competitive landscape, and banks should stay open to the potential new revenue streams and deepened relationships that will be brought to both consumers and merchants.”

“The results of the study highlight important steps that all retail banks should consider to ensure that they are prepared for current challenges and future opportunities,” said Kieran Hines, head of industries, Ovum. “Real-time payments and open banking initiatives have the potential to bring fundamental change to the retail banking value chain and must be viewed as true opportunities for service enhancement and transformation.”

Other findings from the study include:

Open Banking

• Over 70 percent of banks are willing to open up their APIs to third party developers. With 79 percent, European banks had the most proactive mindset, followed by Asia at 74 percent, and the Americas at 66 percent

Security/Compliance

• As banks prepare for the new payments ecosystem, they’re looking to balance security and compliance alongside innovation
• Security is a chief area of concern around open banking, increasing in Europe by 29 percent, and Asia by 16 percent between 2017 and 2018. However, banks in the Americas with security concerns declined by 25 percent

Online payment capabilities

• Holding steady at 68 percent globally are banks that currently or recently invested in this area, with many enhancing support for third-party wallet offerings and tokenization

Payment Cards

• Real-time is becoming a reality with nearly 80 percent (78) of banks and almost 70 percent (68) of merchants globally stating that the combination of immediate payments and open banking will drive a decline in the importance of payment cards

To read the full report visit: 2018 Global Payments Insight Survey: Retail Banking

Join ACI and Ovum for a further discussion on the findings of the report on May 24th in Europe and North America.

Organizers of the second Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Super Conference (which is being held in September at Dallas) are running a special promotion. Attendees who reserve their spot before midnight on Sunday May 6^th will be able to add “companion” tickets for just $97 per head.

Tickets to the Super Conference usually cost $897 but are available at an “Early Bird” price of $597. Additional “companion” tickets for spouses, kids, friends, colleagues, or any other guests of the main attendee cost just $97 – and will benefit from all the normal “Standard Attendee” privileges. 

Why is this special offer on the table this week?

Richard Jacobs, CEO of Future Tech Expo, the conference’s organizer, explains:

“This week, it’s my birthday. It’s also been about a year since I made my first Bitcoin investment, and because of that, the last twelve months have been incredible for me and my family.” He adds: “I’m even more excited about the year ahead, and several of the biggest names in the crypto and blockchain space, including Tim Draper and Mark Yusko, are predicting that Bitcoin could break through its previous high of $19k before the year is out. I really wanted to share some of this excitement – plus, it being my birthday and all – so that’s why we’re running this special promotion for this week only.”

The Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Super Conference will be held at Dallas on September 14^th, 15^th, and 16^th. This time around, it is taking place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, which has space for more than 10,000 attendees – meaning that every attendee, and their guests/companions, will be guaranteed a seat for every talk, panel, and workshop.

In addition, organizers have upgraded the caliber of speakers. Many of the headline speakers from the previous conference will be there, including Tim Draper and Lyn Ulbricht, as well as dozens of other “smart money” investors who couldn’t make it last time, including Randi Zuckerberg (Founder & CEO of Zuckerberg Media & Early Facebook executive), Mark Yusko (billionaire hedge fund manager and Wall Street money man), Nick Spanos (founder of Blockchain Technologies Corp and featured in the Netflix Banking on Bitcoin movie), David Hirsch (enforcement attorney from the SEC), and Gary Leland, from CryptoCousins.

The overarching theme of all their talks, and the entire conference, will be the next crypto and blockchain market cycle. The tide is about to turn, and when it comes in it’ll bring a host of new investment opportunities to shore. That’s what this next Super Conference is about.

Tickets (including $97 companion tickets) are now available here:

https://www.thefuturetechexpo.com/register/

Press contact:

Richard Jacobs

organizer@thefuturetechexpo.com

(888) 448-4590

About the Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Blockchain Super Conference II:

This three-day conference will be held at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center at Dallas from Friday September 14^th to Sunday September 16^th, 2018. We are expecting more than 1,000 attendees, at least 50 headline speakers, and upward of 50 exhibitors – with talks from founders, developers, and early-stage investors of cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups, including many that are planning ICOs throughout last 2018 and 2019. The focus will be on the next crypto market cycle.

More information is available at:

https://www.thefuturetechexpo.com/register/

GlobalPlatform, the standard for secure digital services and devices, has extended the functionality of its Trusted User Interface (Trusted UI) APIs. Service providers and application developers now have a direct path to provide users with a richer and safer authentication experience and, importantly, to offer trusted biometric authentication that is secured in the hardware of the device’s Trusted Execution Environment (TEE).

“Sensitive digital services like banking, payments, document signing and access control require strong user authentication and user consent, and to do this users must interact with their device,” comments Gil Bernabeu, Technical Director of GlobalPlatform. “Our work in collaboration with FIDO Alliance and IFAA on the Trusted UI moves away from PINs and passwords processed in the vulnerable device OS, to a world where all sensitive user interactions are secured in the hardware of the TEE. These new APIs enable trusted applications to leverage the device’s biometric sensors, while staying fully isolated from the device OS, and trusted user interactions to be fully configured to the specific needs of each digital service.”

A Trusted UI is a specific mode in which the user interface of a device is controlled solely by the TEE – an isolated area in the main processor of a smartphone (or any connected device) that ensures sensitive data is stored, processed and protected in a trusted environment. The Trusted UI ensures that malware running in the device cannot tamper with displayed messages, capture secret information displayed to the user and intercept PINs or passwords entered by the user, as in a “PIN on Glass” scenario. It also, prevents malware from running transactions without explicit user consent.

The TUI Extension: TEE Biometrics API and the TEE Trusted User Interface Low-level API open up more functionality and options for the configuration of authentication screens and other trusted interactions, in addition to the secure integration of biometric authentication into apps.

“This is a big step forward for the TEE specifications,” adds Gil. “The market is demanding stronger authentication and biometric technology has come to the fore as it supports security and convenience. But insecure biometrics will not be tolerated by service providers and consumers. This is why the TEE is so important. It is the only technology that brings trust to the device user interface and, as such, is fundamental to the future of secure digital services and strong user authentication.”

The final step to integrate biometrics into the TEE specifications will be the publication of a new module for the TEE Protection Profile. This will enable products to be certified as meeting the requirements of the specifications by the GlobalPlatform TEE Certification Scheme.

Metro Bank, the revolution in British banking, is set to open a new store in central Bristol this autumn, creating around 25 new jobs for local people. The seven-day-a-week store will combine face-to-face relationship banking with state-of-the-art technology, providing residents and businesses with a customer-focused and convenient banking experience. 

The city centre store will offer business, personal and private banking services for the whole community, from early in the morning until late at night, seven-days-a-week. Customers will be able to pop in-store without an appointment and in most cases, open a personal or business account on-the-spot, leaving with a printed debit card, along with internet and mobile banking all set-up.

Business customers will have at hand a friendly Local Business Manager to support them as they grow and develop, as well as free access to the Forum of Private Business’ wealth of bespoke resources. What’s more, the store will have over 4,000 safe deposit boxes for customers to store their valuables, as well as free coin counting facilities for children and adults alike.

Jo Hawkins, Broadmead Bristol BID Manager commented: “We are delighted that Metro Bank has chosen to invest in Broadmead and we eagerly await the opening of this exciting new bank. We wish the team every success and look forward to working with them.”

Craig Donaldson, CEO at Metro Bank said: “Joining the Bristol community is a real milestone for us and we’re delighted to be opening in such a fast-growing and dynamic city. We can’t wait to bring the banking revolution to the residents and businesses of Bristol so whether you’re looking for a banking partner to help your business take its next step, or simply want somewhere where you feel welcome early until late, we will soon be in Bristol to show what great service and convenience is all about.”

Metro Bank has secured a prominent location at 40-46 Broadmead, BS1 3HB for its revolutionary store – which will have baby changing facilities and gender-neutral toilets for customers and non-customers. Residents and businesses are also encouraged to attend the store’s fun and interactive networking, charity, and family events which will be held all year round.

All stores are open at the most convenient time for local people from 8am to 8pm Monday to Fridays, 8am to 6pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays, 362 days a year.

Calligo, the data optimization and privacy specialist, has today (1 May 2018) announced it has acquired Mico Systems, a Canadian specialist in outsourced IT management for small-to-medium-sized clients.

The purchase of Mico Systems, based in Oakville, Ontario, is a significant step in Calligo’s continued growth strategy. The acquisition complements its already substantial presence in North America following the October 2017 acquisition of Canadian cloud services provider, 3 Peaks. It also adds new services to the Calligo portfolio – including VOIP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM services – and its own highly successful framework for managed services which will be replicated across Calligo’s global locations. 

“We are very excited to have acquired Mico Systems, an outstanding managed services business with a tremendous reputation for service delivery,” said Calligo Founder and CEO, Julian Box. “This acquisition will allow us to add new services to our portfolio and reproduce Mico System’s methodologies and processes for managed services across all our locations, bringing our global managed services to a consistently higher level globally.”

Mico Systems’ customers will also benefit from now being supported by an established, global service provider and from having new services made available to them. Calligo provides a unique collection of services that cover the entire data journey, with data privacy embedded at every step. These services include public & hybrid cloud, data analytics, artificial intelligence and archival & erasure services, all supported by ‘privacy-first’ data management consultancy and specific assistance with national, international and industry-specific data protection obligations, particularly GDPR and PIPEDA support.

“Calligo’s market-leading cloud services and unrivalled knowledge of international privacy regulations dovetail perfectly with Mico Systems’ leadership and innovation in managed services,” continued Box. “Combining the two portfolios effectively will be made far simpler and faster by the fact that our relationship with Mico Systems goes back many years and we know the senior team and staff well.”

Mico Systems’ current management team will continue to be involved in leading the new Calligo presence in Canada. President and CEO Scott Barrett will take up the new role of Calligo’s Vice President and General Manager for Canada.

Barrett said, “I’m really very excited about this acquisition. There were very obvious synergies between the two organizations, not least our matching commitment to customer service and the way the two companies’ offerings complement each other. My team and I are very excited to help deliver the combined portfolio of cloud infrastructure and data privacy services to the North American market, while also assisting with the global roll-out of managed services.”