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Showing posts with label BlackBerry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BlackBerry. Show all posts

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Mid-Cap companies are leveraging artificial intelligence and business is booming in this "next chapter" of the Ai story!

 


The Ai chip boom is only the first chapter in the Ai story. Chapter two involves the companies that are utilizing cutting edge Ai tech to enhance and grow their business. 

Besides the obvious choices: Apple, MS, Meta, Google Nvidia etc, here is a list of Midcaps that are growing business, customers and profits by utilizing cutting edge Ai in their everyday business! It is, by no means, a comprehensive list!

  1. C3.ai

    Description: C3.ai is an enterprise AI software provider offering a suite of AI applications for various industries such as energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. Their platform enables organizations to develop, deploy, and operate large-scale AI, predictive analytics, and IoT applications. By harnessing AI, C3.ai helps companies improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and uncover new revenue opportunities.

  2. UiPath

    Description: UiPath specializes in robotic process automation (RPA) and integrates AI to automate repetitive tasks and complex business processes. Their AI-powered software robots can understand and process natural language, images, and unstructured data, enhancing productivity and accuracy. This automation allows businesses to save time and resources, leading to increased efficiency and revenue growth.

  3. Alteryx

    Description: Alteryx provides a self-service data analytics platform that utilizes AI and machine learning to empower data analysts and scientists. Their tools simplify data preparation, blending, and advanced analytics, enabling users to derive insights quickly. By making data analytics more accessible, Alteryx helps organizations make data-driven decisions that boost performance and profitability.

  4. BlackBerry Limited

    Description: Transitioning from its smartphone legacy, BlackBerry now focuses on cybersecurity and IoT solutions, incorporating AI into its offerings. Their AI-driven cybersecurity platform, BlackBerry Cylance, uses machine learning to proactively predict and prevent cyber threats. By providing advanced security solutions, BlackBerry helps enterprises protect their assets, ensuring business continuity and customer trust, which supports revenue growth.

  5. Veritone

    Veritone offers an AI operating system called aiWARE, which orchestrates a diverse ecosystem of machine learning models to transform audio, video, and other data sources into actionable intelligence. Their solutions are used across media, legal, and government sectors to automate workflows and gain insights from unstructured data. By leveraging AI, Veritone enhances operational efficiency and creates new revenue streams for its clients.

  6. Axon Enterprise, Inc.  Axon provides public safety technology solutions, including conducted electrical weapons (like TASER devices), body cameras, and digital evidence management systems. They integrate AI into their Axon Evidence platform, which helps law enforcement agencies manage and analyze vast amounts of data collected from body cameras and other devices. - AI Utilization: Axon's AI capabilities include automatic transcription of audio and video recordings, facial recognition for suspect identification, and automated redaction tools to protect privacy in video footage. By leveraging AI, Axon enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement operations, leading to increased adoption of their products and services.

  7. Upstart Holdings, Inc. - Upstart is a cloud-based artificial intelligence lending platform that partners with banks and credit unions to provide personal loans. The company uses AI and machine learning algorithms to assess creditworthiness more accurately than traditional credit-score methods. - AI Utilization: Upstart's platform analyzes a wide range of variables, including education, employment history, and income, to predict loan default risk. This allows for more inclusive lending by approving borrowers who might be overlooked by traditional models, while also reducing the risk for lenders. The efficiency and accuracy of their AI models have contributed to Upstart's rapid growth in the financial services sector.

  8. Monday.com Ltd. - Monday.com offers a cloud-based Work Operating System (Work OS) that enables teams to build custom workflow apps for project management, CRM, marketing, and other operational needs. - AI Utilization: The platform incorporates AI features that automate routine tasks, provide predictive analytics, and enhance decision-making processes. For example, AI can help predict project timelines, automate data entry, and offer insights into team productivity. By integrating AI, Monday.com improves user experience and operational efficiency, making their platform more attractive to businesses and driving revenue growth.

These companies are excellent examples of mid-cap enterprises that are successfully implementing AI to innovate and expand their market presence. Their utilization of AI not only enhances their product and service offerings but also provides them with a competitive edge in their respective industries.

Let's explore the growth of Axon, Upstart, and Monday.com, focusing on how their utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) has contributed to their business expansion, including financial highlights 


1. Axon Enterprise, Inc.

Overview:

  • Industry: Public Safety Technology
  • Founded: 1993 (as TASER International)
  • Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

AI Utilization and Growth:

Axon specializes in developing technology and weapons products for law enforcement agencies, including conducted electrical weapons (like TASER devices), body-worn cameras, and digital evidence management solutions. The integration of AI into their products has been pivotal for their growth.

  • Axon Evidence (formerly Evidence.com): A cloud-based digital evidence management platform that uses AI for:

    • Automatic Transcription: Converts audio and video evidence into searchable text, saving time on manual transcription.
    • Facial Recognition: Assists in identifying suspects from video footage.
    • Automated Redaction: Uses AI to blur faces and sensitive information in videos, ensuring privacy compliance.
  • Efficiency Gains: AI features streamline workflows for law enforcement, making Axon's products more attractive to agencies seeking efficiency and compliance with legal standards.

Financial Highlights:

  • Revenue Growth:

    • 2019: Approximately $531 million
    • 2020: Approximately $681 million (∼28% increase from 2019)
    • 2021: Approximately $863 million (∼27% increase from 2020)
    • 2022: Approximately $1.19 billion (∼38% increase from 2021)
  • Recurring Revenue: A significant portion comes from subscription-based services (software and cloud offerings), providing steady and predictable income.

  • Stock Performance: Axon's stock price has generally trended upward, reflecting investor confidence in their growth strategy and AI integration.

Drivers of Growth:

  • Increased Adoption: Growing demand for body-worn cameras and digital evidence management due to heightened focus on police accountability and transparency.
  • International Expansion: Penetration into new markets outside the United States.
  • Product Innovation: Continuous investment in R&D, particularly in AI capabilities, keeping Axon at the forefront of law enforcement technology.

2. Upstart Holdings, Inc.

Overview:

  • Industry: Financial Technology (FinTech)
  • Founded: 2012
  • Headquarters: San Mateo, California, USA

AI Utilization and Growth:

Upstart operates an AI-driven lending platform that aims to improve access to affordable credit while reducing the risk for lending partners.

  • AI-Powered Credit Modeling:

    • Alternative Data Points: Uses over 1,600 variables, including education, employment history, and transaction patterns, beyond traditional credit scores.
    • Machine Learning Models: Continuously learn and adapt to predict creditworthiness more accurately.
  • Benefits:

    • For Borrowers: More individuals qualify for loans, often at lower interest rates.
    • For Lenders: Reduced default rates and increased approval rates.

Financial Highlights:

  • Revenue Growth:

    • 2019: Approximately $164 million
    • 2020: Approximately $233 million (∼42% increase from 2019)
    • 2021: Approximately $849 million (∼264% increase from 2020)
    • First Half of 2022: Revenue faced headwinds due to macroeconomic factors like rising interest rates and inflation, affecting loan volumes.
  • Profitability:

    • 2021: Upstart reported its first full year of profitability.
    • 2022: Profitability was challenged due to economic conditions impacting the lending market.

Drivers of Growth:

  • Market Expansion: Entered into auto loan refinancing, applying AI models to a new lending vertical.
  • Bank Partnerships: Increased the number of bank and credit union partners utilizing their platform.
  • Regulatory Environment: Supportive of innovative credit assessment methods to promote financial inclusion.

Challenges:

  • Economic Sensitivity: Loan volumes are sensitive to interest rates and economic cycles.
  • Regulatory Scrutiny: AI models in lending are subject to regulations to prevent discrimination, requiring transparency and fairness.

3. Monday.com Ltd.

Overview:

  • Industry: Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • Founded: 2012
  • Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel

AI Utilization and Growth:

Monday.com provides a cloud-based Work Operating System (Work OS) that allows organizations to create customized workflow apps.

  • AI Features:

    • Automation: Automates repetitive tasks, such as status updates and data entry.
    • Predictive Analytics: Offers insights into project timelines, potential delays, and resource allocation.
    • Natural Language Processing: Enhances communication features within the platform.
  • User Experience: The integration of AI simplifies complex processes, making the platform user-friendly and increasing adoption rates.

Financial Highlights:

  • Revenue Growth:

    • 2019: Approximately $120 million
    • 2020: Approximately $161 million (∼34% increase from 2019)
    • 2021: Approximately $308 million (∼91% increase from 2020)
    • 2022: Approximately $519 million (∼68% increase from 2021)
  • Customer Base:

    • Growing Accounts: Significant increase in the number of paying customers, particularly larger accounts contributing over $50,000 annually.
    • Global Reach: Expanded presence in multiple countries, diversifying revenue sources.
  • Investment in R&D:

    • Continual investment in AI and machine learning to enhance product offerings.
    • R&D expenses increased year-over-year, reflecting a commitment to innovation.

Drivers of Growth:

  • Shift to Remote Work: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for collaborative online tools.
  • Scalability: The platform is scalable for businesses of all sizes, from small teams to large enterprises.
  • Integration Capabilities: Seamless integration with other tools and platforms enhances its utility.

Conclusion

Axon, Upstart, and Monday.com have each leveraged AI to drive significant growth in their respective industries:

  • Axon has enhanced public safety technology with AI, leading to increased adoption and revenue growth, especially through recurring subscription models.

  • Upstart revolutionized lending with AI-driven credit assessments, resulting in rapid revenue growth, although subject to economic fluctuations.

  • Monday.com utilized AI to improve workflow management, leading to substantial revenue increases and an expanding global customer base.

Financial Health Indicators:

  • All three companies have shown strong revenue growth figures over multiple years, indicating successful business models.

  • Investments in AI and technology are common among them, suggesting a focus on long-term innovation over short-term profitability in some cases.

Note: All financial figures are approximate and based on the latest available data up to my knowledge cutoff in October 2023. For the most current and detailed financial information, please refer to the companies' official financial statements or investor relations websites.


By embracing AI, these companies have not only improved their product and service offerings but have also positioned themselves for sustained growth and competitive advantage in their industries.




Monday, December 13, 2010

BlackBerry App World Now Accepting Apps for BlackBerry PlayBook

Viewing the PlayBookImage by DavePeckens via Flickr

Developers can now submit apps and become eligible for a free BlackBerry PlayBook


WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 7, 2010) - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today opened the BlackBerry App World™ vendor portal to begin accepting BlackBerry® PlayBook™ apps from developers. In addition, RIM outlined how developers can become eligible to get a free BlackBerry PlayBook if their app is submitted and approved for distribution on BlackBerry App World prior to the launch of BlackBerry PlayBook in North America*.

"Interest and momentum behind the BlackBerry PlayBook continues to build and we are thrilled with the positive response from both the developer community and our customers. With its groundbreaking performance and robust support for industry standard development tools, the BlackBerry PlayBook provides an exceptional platform that appeals to a wide range of mobile app developers, including Adobe® AIR® and Flash® developers, HTML web developers, corporate developers and application hobbyists," said Tyler Lessard, VP Global Alliances & Developer Relations at Research In Motion. "We are very pleased to be working with developers in advance of the product launch and the opening of BlackBerry App World to accept BlackBerry PlayBook apps is an important next step."

BlackBerry PlayBook App Development
RIM also recently released an update to the Beta version of the BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK for Adobe AIR. The update now supports Flash Builder 4.5 (Burrito/Flex Mobile) with plug-ins that work with either Flash Builder 4.0 or the pre-release version of Flash Builder Burrito. Support for Flash Builder Burrito adds drag and drop capabilities, making it even easier and faster for developers to build applications for the BlackBerry PlayBook. The latest Beta of the SDK also supports Windows in 64-bit and includes a simulator for Linux.

What Developers Are Saying
"Developing for the PlayBook has been a pleasurable experience. The APIs are straightforward and optimized for the device and the environment is cross-platform," said Jerome Carty, President, JCX Systems, Inc. "The thing that impresses me the most is the potential for the hardware. The gestures for the PlayBook make the device feel as though you have unlimited surface area since they extend beyond the screen to the bezel. This will make for a fun and unique experience for developers and end-users."

"The BlackBerry PlayBook has some stellar hardware specs which will support Adobe AIR quite well," said Randy Troppman, Founder, RunningMap. "I recompiled several of my AIR apps with the BlackBerry Tablet OS AIR SDK and they worked the first time. Unmodified. Piece of cake. Now I just need to take advantage of the BlackBerry PlayBook's touch screen to take these apps to the next level."

"Model Metrics is thrilled to be working to deliver scalable enterprise applications on the BlackBerry PlayBook," said John Barnes, CTO, Model Metrics, Inc. "The ease of development and deployment sets a new bar for the tablet market and Model Metrics is looking forward to offering the 2GO platform for the BlackBerry PlayBook."

See more examples and comments at http://devblog.blackberry.com/2010/10/blackberry-playbook-apps/.

Free BlackBerry PlayBook Offer
Registered developers who submit a qualifying BlackBerry PlayBook app that is accepted into BlackBerry App World prior to the initial product launch in North America will receive a free BlackBerry PlayBook, subject to certain terms and conditions. Although developers are encouraged to submit multiple apps, there is a limit of one free BlackBerry PlayBook per registered developer in BlackBerry App World. For additional information on the offer, including the Terms and Conditions, visit www.blackberry.com/developers/blackberryplaybookoffer.

Useful Links
*Subject to terms and conditions.

About Research In Motion
Research In Motion (RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, revolutionized the mobile industry with the introduction of the BlackBerry® solution in 1999. Today, BlackBerry products and services are used by millions of customers around the world to stay connected to the people and content that matter most throughout their day. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. RIM is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ:RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used herein, words such as "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend," "believe", and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by RIM in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that RIM believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause RIM's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of RIM's Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on RIM's forward-looking statements. RIM has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third party products or services.
For more information, please contact

Media Contact:
Brodeur Partners (PR Agency for RIM)
Marisa Conway
212-336-7509
mconway@brodeur.com
or
Investor Contact:
RIM Investor Relations
519-888-7465
investor_relations@rim.com
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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Plantronics Simplifies Conference Calls With New Instant Meeting App for BlackBerry and Android Phones

BlackBerry App World Download PageImage by chrissatchwell via Flickr
Dec 09, 2010 11:00 ET

One-Touch Conference Call Connections for Today's Mobile Workforce

SANTA CRUZ, CA--(Marketwire - December 9, 2010) - Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) today announced the availability of InstantMeeting, a conference calling app for Android™ and BlackBerry® smart phones that enables mobile professionals to access conference calls from their devices with the push of a button.
Simplified Communications for the Distributed Workforce.

The notion of an office has transformed from four walls, a desk and a computer, to something much more fluid, mobile and familiar. No matter the location -- home office, airport or the sideline of a soccer game -- today's distributed workforce requires instant access to information from a host of devices, be it a smart phone, tablet computer or notebook. According to a recent international study from Plantronics, more than 90 percent of enterprise employees stated that they spend at least some time working outside of the office. No matter where these workers are, 83 percent are expected to be present in meetings either online or via conference calls "frequently" or "all the time."

The Plantronics InstantMeeting™ app eliminates the frustration and time lost when trying to dial-in to a conference call, a cumbersome process that requires entering a myriad of numbers, ID codes and passwords, and # and * signs. The mobile app allows today's mobile professional the most convenient way to dial into a conference call from their Android or BlackBerry phone. The app automatically syncs conference dial-in numbers from leading providers, requiring no advanced setup of access codes and calendars. With one touch the application removes the worry of having to remember a moderator ID number, eliminates the frustration of miss-dialing a conference line and joining a call five minutes late. If a user gets disconnected from a conference call (e.g., poor reception), they can reenter the meeting with one touch.

"In spite of the proliferation of communications tools such as IM, SMS and email, modern professionals spend an increasing amount of time in meetings, specifically conference calls. InstantMeeting enables quick, intuitive conference call access so mobile professionals can focus on the task at hand: communication and collaboration," said Gunjan Bhow, vice president and general manager of New Ventures at Plantronics. "Our ultimate goal is to enable people to communicate with one another naturally and with minimal barriers, regardless of the devices, platforms and tools being used. InstantMeeting saves time and frankly, a bit of sanity, so people can conduct business more efficiently and get on with the rest of their day."

Pricing and Availability
The Plantronics InstantMeeting app is available today in the Android Marketplace, BlackBerry App World and online at InstantMeeting. The trial version provides 20 free initiations to conference calls. Users who download the free trial app through http://www.plantronics.com/instantmeeting on December 9, 2010 will receive 1,000 free initiations to conference calls. A premium version of InstantMeeting is available in the Android Marketplace and BlackBerry App World for $2.99 with unlimited calls. Instant Meeting will be available for the Apple iPhone®, Microsoft® Office and Skype® and in early 2011.
For a demo of how the application works, please visit the http://www.plantronics.com/instantmeeting

About Plantronics
Plantronics is a world leader in personal audio communications for professionals and consumers. From unified communication solutions to Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics delivers unparalleled audio experiences and quality that reflect our nearly 50 years of innovation and customer commitment. Plantronics is used by every company in the Fortune 100 and is the headset of choice for air traffic control, 911 dispatch and the New York Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.plantronics.com or call (800) 544-4660.
Plantronics and Plantronics InstantMeeting are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
Contacts:
Karen Auby
Plantronics, Inc.
831-458-7814
karen.auby@plantronics.com

Michael Moeschler
Voce Communications for Plantronics, Inc.
408-738-8784
mmoeschler@vocecomm.com
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