Contact search – Royal Kazaar

TCN named Product Challenger in 2022 ISG Provider Lens™ Contact Center as a Service – CX Europe and UK Report | State News

Willie S. Morrissey — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Edify announces the integration of the new ChromeOS Desk connector for contact centers

Willie S. Morrissey — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 13:56:44 +0000

Edify Labs, the customer experience software company that makes business communications more personal, has announced its integration with the new ChromeOS Desk connector for contact centers.

This innovation introducesthe pulpitan organizer to manage all the tabs and apps an agent needs for a specific interaction, including the Edify CX one-stop contact center platform.

The ChromeOS Desk connector allows Edify to automatically create a new “desk” for every customer interaction, organizing the apps, windows, and tools an agent needs into a neat container. When the interaction ends, the desktop with all its case-specific windows can be closed with one click.

“This is another tangible step forward in making employee experiences more intuitive, productive and secure, which directly impacts every customer,” said Bracken Fields, co-founder and CTO of Edify. “As consumers, we all know that it is painful to wait for an agent to try to find information to solve our problem. Edify’s integration with the ChromeOS Desk connector puts everything agents need in front of them with a single click. »

Contact center agents are the face and voice of a business to customers. Excellent service leads to satisfied and engaged customers and has a direct impact on revenue growth, loyalty and brand reputation. To provide excellent service, contact centers need productive agents who aren’t bogged down by searching through multiple apps, tabs, and windows to find the right information at the right time. Edify and the new ChromeOS Desk connector offer.

“Customer service shouldn’t be random. And working as a contact center agent shouldn’t be a painful experience either,” said Matthew Clare, ChromeOS Product Manager, Contact Center Solutions. “Contact centers powered by ChromeOS deliver the future of customer experience by improving agent productivity, reducing cognitive load, and ensuring more customers complete transactions feeling satisfied. Secured by design, ChromeOS has never been the subject of a reported ransomware attack and deploys simply and quickly, ensuring fast and secure agent onboarding.

About Chrome Enterprise Recommended Program

Chrome Enterprise Recommended is Google’s partner program that identifies optimized solutions. When you see the Chrome Enterprise Recommended badge, you know the developer of this app has worked with Google to make sure their product works great on ChromeOS. This not only helps organizations adopt new technologies more easily, but also ensures employees have a great user experience.

About Edify Labs, Inc.

Edify connects businesses with customers and employees with each other, making business communications as easy as personal communications. Its flagship product, Edify CX, brings together contact center (CCaaS), unified communications (UCaaS) and real-time communication platform (CPaaS/API) functionality in a single cloud-native solution that facilitates continuous conversations. Now customers and employees can easily switch between channels in a single window, just like they do every day on their phones. Businesses choose Edify for its global availability, lean pricing, and full 100% SLA uptime guarantee. Edify is also Google Chrome Enterprise Recommended contact center solution.

Learn more about edify.cx.

Can you bring contact lens solution on a plane and through the TSA? (+ Tips)

Willie S. Morrissey — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 19:52:51 +0000

For those in need, it’s hard to think of a more essential travel accessory than contact lenses.

Unfortunately, getting contact lenses through TSA security isn’t always as straightforward as you’d like.

Below I’ll give you some tips on how to get your contact lenses and solution through airport security as hand luggage and also give you some tips for traveling with them in general.

Can you bring contact lens solution on a plane and through the TSA?

Yes, you can bring contact lens solution on a plane and through the TSA in your carry-on or checked baggage.

When bringing contact lens solution in your carry-on, you’ll need to consider the TSA liquid rule and its medical exception (discussed below).

But you should also be careful with certain types of solutions, such as those containing hydrogen peroxide, as these can be more problematic.

Keep reading below to find out how to potentially avoid problems.

Picture via Amazon.

When you bring your contacts and solution in your carry-on, you will need to pass them through TSA airport security.

And that means taking care of the TSA liquid rule.

The TSA Liquids 3-1-1 rule states that you can only bring liquids in containers no larger than 3.4 fluid ounces (100 milliliters) and that all of your containers of liquids must fit “comfortably” in a clear bag of the size of a liter.

Many vendors sell contact solution bottles that are 3.4 fluid ounces or smaller, so it’s entirely possible to find a container under these size limits.

However, sometimes you may not be able to find a solution container under 3.4 ounces. For example, you may be using a special type of contact solution recommended by your eye doctor that is harder to find in travel sizes.

Well, there is still good news for you.

TSA allows you to bring liquids over 3.4 ounces if they are medically necessary.

They have specifically State: “The TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable amounts for your trip, but you must declare them to security at the checkpoint for inspection.”

In theory, any touchdown — prescription or not — should be medically necessary, but that determination could be up to the TSA agent at the screening station.

So that means you can bring contact solution in containers larger than 3.4 fluid ounces, but some discretion will be involved.

The problem with bringing an oversized container of liquid for medical purposes is that it should be a reasonable amount for your trip and you must report it to the TSA agents.

A “reasonable amount” will depend on the circumstances, but generally an oversized bottle should be reasonable for your average trip of a few days or even a few weeks.

You’ll probably only run into quantity issues if you have multiple oversized bottles or had an inexplicably large container.

The TSA also mentions that you must declare your liquids medically necessary.

An easy way to do this would be to place your oversized contact solution container in a clear plastic bag, and when you are about to go through security, simply tell the officer that you have a medically necessary contact solution container. .

In most cases, you will also need to remove your plastic bag with your solution container and place it in its own tray, as you normally do with your bag of liquids.

You may not have to if you have something like TSA Pre-Check but you should always be prepared to quickly retrieve an oversized container of liquid and explain why you are bringing it with you.

One important thing to note: it’s not hard to find reports of TSA agents sometimes giving people trouble when they bring large bottles of contact solution.

.@TSA I just picked up my wife’s prescription contact lens solution at LAX. Please explain this! @AskTSA

— Rebecca Henry (@girlsside) April 15, 2018

For this reason, I would like save screenshot below which comes from the official TSA Twitter account where they clearly state that oversized contact solution bottles are allowed.

Another thing to be prepared for when providing a contact solution through TSA is additional screening.

Often, anytime you bring in a container of liquid over 3.4 ounces, TSA agents will want to examine it closely to make sure it doesn’t trigger their explosives tests.

Some types of solution bottles might be considered more dangerous than others. For example, contact lens solutions with hydrogen peroxide (usually the type with a red cap like Clear Care) might attract more attention.

There are many reports TSA agents confiscating this type of contact solution when it does not pass the explosives test during an additional check.

For this reason, I would only attempt to transport hydrogen peroxide contact solution through TSA security if it is in a container that is less than 3.4 fluid ounces.

This way, you can reduce the chances of having your solution tested.

But even then, be aware that some people report that their containers have been confiscated even when the container is less than 3.4 ounces! (Reportedly some TSA agents confiscate these bottles whenever they see a red cap on them.)

So at the end of the day, it will probably come down to your bottle of solution: 1) having a red cap on it or 2) testing positive for some chemical not allowed to pass the checkpoint.

If the answer is yes to any of them, you may have difficulty getting your container through TSA security.

Bring contacts and a solution in your checked baggage

If you choose to bring your contacts in your checked baggage, you can skip the liquid screening process altogether for your contact solution.

In this case, the 3.4 fluid ounce limit will not apply.

For people with contact solution containing hydrogen peroxide, putting it in their checked bag is often the best option.

But you may still need to think about some things.

Firstly, your baggage can always be delayed or lost, so you should never put anything in your checked baggage that you cannot live without.

For many people, they can’t live without corrective lenses and their contact solution, so I would only put these items in your checked baggage if you also have them in your carry-on.

If your contact solution won’t be allowed in your carry-on (due to something like 3% hydrogen peroxide), you’re kind of out of luck in this scenario, which is a real shame. You could be forced to risk doing without this solution in the event of loss of your checked baggage.

Travel advice for your contacts and solution

Prevent leaks

As you go up in altitude, the air expands inside your containers.

If you’ve ever flown with a bag of chips, you’ve probably noticed how much the bag expands once you get over 30,000 feet. It’s a bit crazy.

Well, the same kind of thing can happen with the air inside your contact solution bottle. This can cause leaks, so it’s a good idea to put your contact solution containers inside a plastic bag.

It can also help to get the air out of your solution bottle before you start to rise so there’s more room for the air to expand.

Switch to daily contacts

You can still temporarily switch to Daily Contacts when traveling.

This will allow you to completely avoid using contact solution and having to worry about cleaning your contact cases.

Traveling with reinforcements

When traveling, it’s a good idea to bring backup contacts in case your contacts are lost or damaged. I usually always keep a spare pair in my toiletry bag and a pair in my backpack.

If you already use daily contacts, be sure to bring several extra on your trip, because you never know when you might need more.

Bring your glasses

If you have glasses, make sure you always bring them with you, even if you rarely wear them.

When traveling to new destinations, flying etc. it is not uncommon for your eyes to get irritated and putting contacts on irritated eyes is often a bad idea.

So I would always try to have a pair of glasses with you, even if you don’t wear them regularly.

Avoid transferring your solution to another container

Some people might consider moving their contact solution into a smaller container so they can get through TSA security more easily.

For example, you might want to pour your solution into a small TSA-approved liquid container.

The problem with this is that you might contaminate your solution which could increase your chances of to be infected. Therefore, I advise against doing so.

Last word

You should have no problem bringing a travel-size container of normal contact solution through airport security.

But even if your container is larger than 3.4 ounces, you can still get it through thanks to the TSA medical exemption that allows you to carry larger containers in reasonable quantities.

However, if you have a red-tipped contact solution that contains hydrogen peroxide, there is a long list of TSA agents who confiscate them when they don’t pass the explosives test.

So I would probably try to only carry them if they were in a container under 3.4 ounces or if you put them in your checked bag.

Daniel Gillaspia is the founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app, WalletFlo. He’s a former lawyer turned full-time credit card/travel rewards expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles traveling the world. Since 2014, his content has been featured in major publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, Forbes, CNBC, US News and Business Insider. Find his full biography here.

EDUCATION DIPLOMACY IMPROVES INDIA AND US PEOPLE CONTACTS

Willie S. Morrissey — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 21:50:08 +0000

The NEP can be used between students in India and those of Indo-American descent in the United States.

Maryland: Indo-American education diplomacy is booming in Washington and New Delhi. Nearly 50 US universities are eyeing India for educational collaborations and tapping into India’s vast student market.
In every gathering of the Indian diaspora, it is being talked about, and many are eagerly awaiting how this new high-level educational partnership will unfold for future Indian students aspiring to come to American universities. After the health diplomacy that sprung up between the world’s largest and oldest democracies during the Covid-19 pandemic, perhaps education diplomacy will be a game-changer for more people-to-people contact between the two. country.
India’s National Education Policy (NEP, 2020) targets foreign collaboration, establishment of foreign universities on Indian soil and exchange of scholars and students at tertiary level. As a student of Indian origin, who transited to the greatest academic center in the world – USA in 2021, I always feel that there is still something missing when it comes to the full potential of NEP. I studied earlier in the USA in 9th grade and have been studying now since 2021, and I see an opportunity to be tapped on how school-level partnerships can be established between Indian and American schools.
The NEP can be used at the school level between Indian students and those of Indo-American descent in the United States. Technology is key to bringing them together on a single platform to share expertise from an early age and leverage leadership and entrepreneurial skills in each other. A glimpse of this is emerging from the many startups, tech apps, and leadership projects that Indian American high school students, and students like me, who accompany their parents on official and academic visas, are doing to build our academic profile ahead of college admissions. university. I had missed this academic rigor in India, where grades matter more than creative and extracurricular activities. There is an opportunity waiting to be tapped when students from Indian schools, even those from the poorest parts of India, connect with students from Indian schools in the United States. Academic partnerships must start at the school level so that Indian students can be better exposed to a global and diverse curriculum, which will boost their academic profile and ease the route to the United States and other universities. world.
In fact, many Indian American students do their projects in India with underprivileged and underinformed children in the rural belts of India, but this number needs to be increased and formalized so that Indian American students can be invited as part of a scholarship to do collaborative projects and share their experiences of school programs with Indian students in their home country. Both ways, as Indian American children also learn about their cultural roots and the new India, which will help them form the right narrative to discuss their country more at social gatherings and among multiracial friendship circles. Many students here in the United States do community education, open businesses, and do long hours of social service, which somehow gives them a sense of entrepreneurship and leadership at a young age. Concepts like artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, business, entrepreneurship and leadership need to be encouraged at the school level.
The potential is immense for this school-level partnership with Indian schools. The infrastructural handicaps and educational capacity limitations in India’s rural belts can be overcome by collaborating with innovative community education projects led by Indian American children in American schools. NEP 2020 can find its real and supported partners in American schools to begin the new chapter of Indo-American educational diplomacy!
The writer is a 12th grade student at Bethesda Chevy-Chase High School.

The emergency contact list everyone needs

Willie S. Morrissey — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 01:03:28 +0000

A recent study by the Consumer Federation of America found that more than half of American households don’t have enough savings. to cover an emergency expense of $500. If something unexpected happens, like a broken down car, these families would have to go into debt or miss payments on other bills to pay for the emergency.

This statistic is troubling, but not surprising. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Americans to save money due to stagnant wages and the rising cost of living. This makes it even more critical for people to have access to emergency contacts, which can help them escape difficult financial situations.

Another reason emergency contacts are essential is that they can help protect people against scams and fraud. Emergency contacts are also crucial for people who are victims of abuse or violence.

Emergency contacts are an essential safety net for people in difficult circumstances. They offer support and resources to help people protect themselves from scams and abuse and help them escape financial emergencies.

However, it can be difficult to identify where to start to create an emergency contact list. Here are a few that you may need to save to your phone.

Bank

Most emergencies involve money in one way or another, so it can be helpful to save your bank’s customer service line number. Your bank can help you if you are the victim of fraud or need to reverse a payment.

Your bank’s customer service number should appear on your statements or card. You can look up the number online or in the phone book if you can’t find it.

If you have a specific question about what your bank can do for you in an emergency, it’s best to call and ask. They may be able to offer suggestions you hadn’t thought of or put you in a difficult financial situation.

You can also make sure a family member or close friend has your bank’s customer service number so they can help you in an emergency if you are unable to access your account.

Medical contacts

When you or a family member has a medical emergency, you should have a list of saved contacts who can help you. This can be your GP, specialists, an insurance company and local hospitals.

These emergency contacts will be different for each person and will depend on your particular medical needs. For example, if you suffer from a chronic disease, you will want the contact details of your specialists to be recorded.

Many people, however, overlook the importance of having a dentist’s emergency number recorded. Dental emergencies can be just as painful and costly as medical emergencies, so you need to have a dentist you can call in a crisis. Luckily, you can log in with a local dentist online, allowing you to design a system that will allow you to use the Internet for dental emergencies.

Your medical contacts should be kept in a safe place where you can easily access them. A good option is to keep them on your phone and in a physical address book or contact list. You can also share your medical contacts with a close friend or family member so they can help you in an emergency.

Police

The police are an essential emergency service and their non-emergency line is available 24/7. This line can help you report a crime, get advice on what to do in a situation, or find the location of the nearest police station.

It’s essential to have your local police department’s non-emergency line registered on your phone, so you can get help quickly when you need it.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe, always call 911. This line is for emergencies only and the police will send officers to your location as soon as possible.

Firefighters

Another essential emergency service that you must have saved on your phone is the fire department. The non-emergency line can help you find the nearest fire station, get advice on what to do in the event of a fire, or report a fire.

As with the police, it’s essential to keep your local fire department’s non-emergency line so you can get help quickly when needed.

If you are ever in a situation where there is an active fire, always call 911. The fire department will dispatch firefighters to your location as soon as possible.

mental health professional

If you or a member of your family has mental health issues, it is essential to register the number of a mental health professional. This way you can get help in an emergency or during a crisis.

Mental health professionals can provide support and resources when needed. They may also offer referrals to other services, such as therapy or medication.

If you don’t have a mental health professional, you can find one through your insurance company or by searching online. It is essential to find someone you feel comfortable with and who you believe is qualified to help you.

Final Thoughts

Emergency contacts are essential to have backed up in case of an unforeseen event. Keeping an emergency contact list can ensure you have the help you need when you need it most.

Ukraine in direct contact with Musk amid Starlink drama

Willie S. Morrissey — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 23:04:19 +0000

In an interview, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said “I know we won’t have a problem” keeping the service active, citing “personal communication” between Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov and Musk.

Fedorov “is responsible for digitization and he has a direct connection with Elon Musk. They have personal communication, and Mykhailo was really positive” about the situation when they last discussed the matter, Reznikov said.

Fedorov has repeatedly thanked Musk on Twitter for deliveries of Starlink terminals, which connect small satellite dishes to a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit to provide internet access to civilians and troops across Ukraine.

The Pentagon is considering paying for the Starlink satellite network from a fund that has been used to provide long-term weapons and equipment, two US officials involved in the deliberations tell POLITICO, suggesting that the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative could be a good vehicle for the money.

There are other service options beyond SpaceX, although Starlink operates in Ukraine on a much larger scale than any other internet provider. Viasat, a California-based satellite communications company, said on Friday it was providing support in Ukraine and the region, including providing free Wi-Fi to Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia.

Reznikov said that “if it’s just a question of money, we have at least three sources. It could come from the Pentagon package supporting Ukraine, there is also a kitty in Europe,” or private donors could step in.

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuanian Foreign Minister offered this week that a coalition of European countries could be created to fund Starlink satellite Internet service in Ukraine.

But regardless of its funding, Reznikov said Ukraine “will continue our communication at a technical level with Elon Musk’s company.”

‘I had contact with Liverpool, where I was going to sign’ – World Cup runner-up reveals he was close to Anfield switch

Willie S. Morrissey — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:50:31 +0000

Sidney Govou has revealed he came close to joining Liverpool after France’s run to the 2006 FIFA World Cup final.

The retired winger spent a decade at Lyon after breaking into the first team in 2000, scoring 49 goals in 292 Ligue 1 appearances. Govou was considered one of the most promising strikers in European football as he was a key member of the conquering Lyon team that won seven consecutive top-flight titles.

Govou also represented the France team 49 times and although he was not initially selected for the 2006 squad, the winger was called up by Raymond Domenech due to an injury to Djibril Cissé. Blues lost the final to Italy on penalties following Zinedine Zidane’s shocking red card.

2006 World Cup Final, Italy versus France. Zidane is sent off and goes past the World Cup trophy and then into the tunnel. The 3rd footballer I discovered in my life after R9 and Ronaldinho. It was this very game that sparked my love for football. The rest is history. twitter.com/UtdEIIis/statu… https://t.co/y4dZe2lIDP

Govou has now claimed he is set to join Liverpool, with former Reds boss Gerard Houllier putting him through training with the reserves. The 43-year-old former player told French radio RMC (per Inside soccer):

“I had contact with Liverpool, where I was going to sign. Unfortunately, Lyon couldn’t find a player to replace me. So it went on and on, except that we were approaching August 31 and the window of transfer was completed.

Under Rafa Benitez, the Reds reached the Champions League final but lost 2-1 to AC Milan. Lyon would eventually win two more Ligue 1 championships, with Govou eventually leaving in 2010 to sign for Panathinaikos.

The Premier League star is reportedly keen to join Liverpool

Wilfried Zaha has been Crystal Palace’s talisman for several years and scored the winner in the club’s last win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 18.

The Ivorian will be out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to agree a new deal, which could see him leave Selhurst Park on a free transfer.

According to a report by Calciomercato, if Zaha had a choice of what to do next, he would play for Liverpool. The outlet claims the ex-Manchester United striker is keen on a move to Anfield as he ‘very’ likes Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The Ivory Coast international has scored five times in nine Premier League appearances this season and would no doubt be a great addition to the Liverpool squad. Roberto Firmino is also set to be out of contract this summer and Zaha could fill the void left by the tricky Brazilian.

Wilfred Zaha’s game in numbers: 75 touches13 duels won11 touches in the opponent’s area4 shots2 possession won in the last third2 shots on target1 goal1 chance created0.55 xGThe main man. https://t.co/T2sP2PN3DZ

Paul Merson predicts Man Utd v Tottenham & other EPL GW 12 fixtures! Click here

Pandemic disrupts contact centers with new requirements

Willie S. Morrissey — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 17:25:00 +0000

STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Companies around the world are partnering with service providers to adapt contact center operations to new ways of working and customer behaviors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new research report published today by Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and consulting firm.

The 2022 ISG Provider Lens Contact Center — Customer Experience Services Global Report reveals that the pandemic has increased demand for digital customer experience (CX), driving significant growth in outsourcing of contact center services. Companies are moving contact center operations to the cloud, adopting new technologies and making better use of data to stay competitive as requirements change.

“The shift online during the pandemic has upended how consumers interact with brands and how contact centers operate,” said Scott Furlong, partner and head of ISG Global Business Services. “Once consumers have experienced and loved a different engagement model, they are unlikely to want to go back. This creates new demands on the entire CX ecosystem.”

Companies are taking a cloud-first approach for many reasons, including having the agility to respond to future crises, the report says. AI is playing an increasing role in contact centers, especially in the form of bots for automated customer service. Analytics tools transform both the employee and customer experience, making more insights available when customers speak with agents. Companies are even finding use cases for the metaverse, which ISG says will drive a major shift in the experience of customers and employees.

As more consumers contact businesses digitally, companies are finding they need to interact with customers on an increasing range of platforms, the report says. For example, while some generations still prefer voice calls, many younger consumers are calling brands on social media and expecting quick responses.

“Companies need to deliver omnichannel experiences that follow customers across channels,” said Jan Erik Aase, Partner and Global Leader, ISG Provider Lens Research. “Service providers can help them turn social media into a support and engagement platform, with analytics to gauge customer sentiment.”

After being disrupted by the pandemic, contact center operating models have changed for good, according to ISG. Suppliers are offering more flexible working arrangements, including remote and hybrid working arrangements, contracts and on-demand work, to attract and retain talent in a tight job market with high attrition. The new flexibility should help contact centers scale operations up or down based on current needs and maintain business continuity in the event of disruptions.

The report also explores other global trends in contact center customer experience, including the rise of nearshore centers and the growing need for security measures with remote working.

For more information on the contact center challenges facing businesses, including the integration of new technologies, and guidance on how to successfully complete contact center transformation, see the ISG Provider Lens briefing Focal Points here.

The 2022 ISG Provider Lens Contact Center — Customer Experience Services Global Report assesses the capabilities of 30 providers in four quadrants: digital operations, AI and analytics, work-from-home services, and social media CX services.

The report names HGS, Sitel Group and Teleperformance as leaders in all four quadrants. He names Concentrix, Conduent, Sutherland and TTEC as leaders in three quadrants each. Alorica, Atento, Cognizant, Genpact, Movate, Startek, Tech Mahindra, Transcom and WNS are named leaders in two quadrants each. [24]7.ai and Webhelp are named leaders in one quadrant each.

Additionally, Genpact is designated as a rising star—a company with a “promising portfolio” and “high future potential” as defined by ISG—in two quadrants. [24]7.ai, Hexaware and Tech Mahindra are named Rising Stars in one quadrant each.

Custom versions of the report are available at Move, Sitel Group, Startek, Transcom and SMB.

The 2022 ISG Provider Lens Contact Center — Customer Experience Services Global Report is available for subscribers or one-time purchase on this Web page.

About ISG Provider Lens Research

The ISG Provider Lens Quadrant research series is the only service provider assessment of its kind to combine data-driven empirical research and market analysis with the consulting team’s real-world experience and insights. world of ISG. Companies will find a wealth of detailed data and market analysis to help them select appropriate sourcing partners, while ISG advisors will use the reports to validate their own market knowledge and make recommendations to client companies. from ISG. The search currently covers providers offering their services worldwide, across Europe, as well as in the US, Canada, Brazil, UK, France, Benelux, Germany, Switzerland , Nordics, Australia and Singapore/Malaysia, with additional markets to be added. in the future. For more information on the ISG Provider Lens research, please visit this Web page.

A complementary research series, the ISG Provider Lens Archetype Reports, offers a one-of-a-kind assessment of providers from the perspective of specific buyer types.

About ISG

ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and consulting company. A trusted business partner to more than 800 customers, including more than 75 of the world’s 100 largest enterprises, ISG is committed to helping enterprises, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The company specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud, and data analytics; procurement advice; governance and risk management managed services; network operator services; design of strategy and operations; change management; business intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries – a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep expertise in industry and technology and its world-class expertise. research and analysis capabilities based on the most comprehensive market data in the industry. For more information, visit www.isg-one.com.

If we come into contact with aliens, the biggest danger will be our politicians, say scientists

Willie S. Morrissey — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What would be the geopolitical fallout from a successful search for extraterrestrial intelligence? … [+] (SETI)?

Getty

What would be the geopolitical fallout from a successful search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI)?

A major growth area of astronomy is the study of exoplanets – planets orbiting other stars outside the solar system. This is unlikely to lead to an alien discovery anytime soon. After all, the new James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will at best reveal only the most basic biosignatures in the atmospheres of these planets.

However, radio telescopes are currently pointed all over the night sky as astronomers study distant galaxies and stars. What happens if they accidentally detect alien technology? Or receive a message from an extraterrestrial civilization?

A new paper published online and accepted for a future issue of Space policy consider the “realpolitik” of this scenario – not what should happen, but what would happen.

It makes for exciting reading.

The authors, affiliated with the Penn State Extraterrestrial Intelligence Center as well as NASA, offer three recommendations for how the world should handle the detection of intelligent life:

transparency and data sharing between organizations and nations.
development of “post-detection” protocols.
training of policy makers.

They respond to a number of disturbing scenarios that could arise if aliens were detected.

Their main concern was that nations might seek an information monopoly over communications with any extraterrestrial intelligence. They point out that such attempts could lead to an international conflict.

This is a question that has already been considered. In 2020, an article was published in Space policy which identified similar disturbing results from a successful SETI, but prescribed different solutions.

Both papers argue that if a nation could monopolize communications with an extraterrestrial race, it could receive – or be seen to receive – the benefits of extraterrestrial technology. However, the authors of the new paper say this would be highly unlikely. Largely because scientific knowledge is gathered incrementally and in a non-linear way. They offer an example of medieval scholars receiving a textbook on nuclear weapon design, which, absent a background in nuclear physics, would simply tell them that the manufacture of nuclear weapons was possible in the future.

The authors also point out that a nation capable of using extraterrestrial technology to develop sophisticated weapons would mean little, in practice, in a world already saturated with nuclear weapons. The same deterrent effect would apply.

Instead of locking down security and information after detection, the new document prescribes openness and transparency. After all, if there is a detection that shocks the world and the scientists involved, then shut up, it could be misconstrued as secret. There could be accusations of scientists or states hiding the truth from the world. This alone could lead to conflict between nations if the stakes were deemed high.

However, it is also suggested that the realpolitik response to a contact scenario might actually be more comprehensive cooperation.

The successful detection of an extraterrestrial civilization or any form would be truly revolutionary for science. However, would it really affect our daily lives? In practice, many of us would quickly overcome post-detection anxiety and/or excitement and return to normal life.

It’s not the extraterrestrials themselves we have to worry about, but the reactions of our leaders to such a discovery – and to each other. Perception always trumps reality, and it could be misconceptions, misunderstandings, and suspicions of secrecy that cause unrest after detection. After all, unless we’re dead wrong in basic physics, there’s no way aliens, detected or undetected, will appear in our skies anytime soon.

I wish you clear skies and big eyes.

Contact tracing still costs millions

Willie S. Morrissey — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 05:59:00 +0000

Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 6:59 p.m.
Press release: ACT New Zealand

“ACT can reveal the government has spent $58 million on contact tracing since May, despite no one being traced,” ACT chief David Seymour said.

“Fifty eight million dollars would fund 191 CF patients on Trikafta for a year, 412,000 mental health counseling sessions, and that’s 58 times more than Hospice NZ needs – but this government seems to think that it is better to spend it on a service that is of no use.

“ACT says any COVID restrictions or services that don’t tangibly protect our healthcare system should just go away. This is wasteful spending at a time when reckless government spending is fueling domestic inflation out of control.

“As the virus evolves and changes, so should our response. The government says the money is for ‘providing testing and isolation advice to cases and household contacts’. How on earth it could cost $58 million over five months is unfathomable.

“We seem to be stuck with redundant policies that were designed for a different variant and only exist as a financial burden.

“Getting rid of contact tracing would save taxpayers millions and is an important symbol that we are moving on and getting our way of life back. This should be done immediately.

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