News from 2024
By Paul Lorimer | Mar 7, 2024
In January, we updated our Microsoft Copilot product line-up to expand Copilot for Microsoft 365 to more businesses and announced no seat minimum for commercial plans.
By Business Daily | Mar 7, 2024
Nationwide and Annexus marked a significant milestone in their collaboration by ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on March 7. The event celebrated a decade-long partnership that has brought innovative solutions to the financial services marketplace, benefiting American retirement savers.Mike Morrone, vice president of Nationwide Annuity business development, highlighted the impact of the partnership, stating, "Our partnership with Annexus has enabled us to take our product innovation to the next level." This collaboration allowed Nationwide to enter...
By Business Daily | Mar 7, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 7, 2024)—Pump prices have maintained a steady march higher, rising eight cents since last week to $3.39. More expensive oil is a likely culprit, as crude accounts for nearly 60% of pump prices. The cost for a barrel of oil is edging closer to $80, about $10 more per barrel than a few months ago."Spring is nearly here, with longer days, better weather, and more opportunities to hit the road," said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. "And we are seeing this reflected in rising gasoline demand. But remember, we see this trend every year."For the...
By Business Daily | Mar 5, 2024
The European Union (EU) has imposed a $2 billion fine on Apple for breaching antitrust policies. The EU alleges that Apple prohibited app developers from fully informing iOS users about more affordable music subscription services.
By Business Daily | Mar 5, 2024
SiriusXM has unveiled a new initiative called Listen Next, aimed at nurturing diverse audio talent and fostering inclusivity in podcasting. The program will be supported by State Farm as its first launch sponsor and is set to work with leading, diverse-led production companies to assist up-and-coming creators in establishing successful podcasting careers. The inaugural season of Listen Next will kick off with the show "Stars and Stars with Isa," a collaboration between SiriusXM and Futuro Studios, scheduled to debut on March 19.State Farm's Marketing Director, Brent Malik...
By Business Daily | Mar 5, 2024
Root Inc., an insurance technology company, is planning to expand into new markets with the goal of establishing a nationwide presence for its car, home, and renters lines of business. The company recently reported its best-ever quarter, with CEO Alex Timm expressing confidence in their path to profitability.In an interview with S&P Global Market Intelligence, Timm discussed the company's expansion plans and the key role of technology in enhancing underwriting results and improving unit economics. He mentioned, "We're in 34 markets today and we don't see a reason Root...
By Business Daily | Mar 4, 2024
A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has shed light on the dangers of drowsy driving, revealing that the impact of this behavior is greatly underestimated. The research points to sleep loss as a significant factor in drowsy driving crashes, with the upcoming Daylight Saving Time potentially exacerbating the issue.According to the AAA Foundation's study, drowsy driving is responsible for far more traffic fatalities than official government statistics indicate. The study, based on crash investigations and national fatal crash data, estimates that drowsy...
By Business Daily | Mar 4, 2024
The aggregate value of insurance underwriter M&A in North America increased in 2023, marking a positive trend amidst a wider decline in overall dealmaking. According to an analysis by S&P Global Market Intelligence, while the level of deal activity in the insurance sector decreased by 2% with 96 transactions in 2023 compared to 98 in 2022, the aggregate transaction value saw a significant uptick to $16.23 billion, a 16.8% increase from the previous year's $13.89 billion.The largest deal of the past year involved Brookfield Reinsurance Ltd.'s planned acquisition of...
By Business Daily | Mar 1, 2024
Google Cloud is enhancing its cyber defense systems by incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their infrastructure. The company announced the AI Cyber Defense Initiative at the Munich Security Conference, which took place from February 16 to February 18, 2024.
By Business Daily | Mar 1, 2024
Dell Technologies has reported its fourth-quarter earnings for 2023, surpassing expectations with a revenue of $22.32 billion against the projected $22.16 billion. This positive outcome led to a more than 15% increase in the stock price of Dell shares.
By Business Daily | Mar 1, 2024
Lemonade's stock took a significant hit this week following the release of its earnings report. "What's transpiring here is they still were losing a lot of money," said Kaenan Hertz, Managing Partner at Insurtech Advisors, expressing investor disappointment with the results.In response to the market reaction, Lemonade CFO Tim Bixby stated, "In the company's view, its fourth-quarter 2023 results were arguably one of the best quarters we've had since going public three years ago." Bixby also highlighted that revenue, gross profit, and in-force premium were up year over...
By The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation | Feb 29, 2024
Following the White House announcement that President Biden has issued an executive order to protect Americans’ sensitive personal data from exploitation by countries of concern, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy
By Business Daily | Feb 29, 2024
Forge Industrial Staffing has announced the upcoming release of season 2 of its podcast, "Forging the Future", scheduled for March 1. The podcast will maintain its focus on local entrepreneurs and personalities, offering their insights into the industrial sector.
By Business Daily | Feb 29, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC (February 29, 2024) – Drivers saw gas prices creep up the final week of February. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.31 on this leap day, 4 cents higher than it was one week ago. The upward trend is likely to continue as travelers start heading out of town for Spring Break."We’re entering Spring Break season, and historically, March and April bring higher gas prices as demand rises," said Aixa Diaz, AAA spokesperson. "With milder temperatures come more road trips, and this time of year tends to be a precursor to the summer driving season."For...
By Business Daily | Feb 28, 2024
The University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) has announced its fourth consecutive recognition as the "Best Place for Working Parents" by Early Matters Greater Austin (EMGA). The evaluation by EMGA was based on UFCU's adherence to 10 family-oriented policies and initiatives, which include healthcare coverage, paid leave, flexible work arrangements, and childcare support.
By National Cyber Security Alliance | Feb 28, 2024
Imagine waking up to find out the very tools you rely on for your business have been hijacked, and hackers are threatening to bring down everything you have worked so hard to build.
By K. R. Nelson | Feb 28, 2024
The Georgia Senate has confirmed the passage of SB 426, a bill aimed at limiting direct action lawsuits. The announcement comes as the Georgia House is yet to schedule a vote on the same legislation. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has championed the bill as a significant step in tort reform that will offer much-needed relief to businesses within the state.
By Business Daily | Feb 28, 2024
Eric Stevenson, President of Nationwide Retirement Solutions, addressed the Senate HELP Committee on Feb. 28, emphasizing the challenges faced by American retirement savers. Stevenson advocated for the adoption of Protected Retirement solutions, stating that they will mark a new era for American retirement saving.Stevenson pointed out the urgency of the situation, stating, "In a year when more Americans will turn 65 than at any point in history," many retirees are facing uncertainties in their financial future. He highlighted a Nationwide Retirement Institute survey which...
By Business Daily | Feb 27, 2024
The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has raised concerns about the impact of excessive litigation on rising auto insurance costs. According to a recent issues brief released by Triple-I, the rise in dangerous roads and driving conditions, coupled with economic costs, is being compounded by overzealous billboard attorneys. Sean Kevelighan, CEO of Triple-I, emphasized the need to address legal system abuse, stating, "The price of insurance is the effect, not the cause of risk, and there must be more work done to curb legal system abuse."Plaintiff attorneys are...
By CISA | Feb 27, 2024
New logging increases security by default and enhances cyber defense