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Online Retail Behemoth’s Monopolistic Tactics Under Fire; RedCloud’s AI-Powered Platform Empowers SMBs

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Amid accusations of monopolistic practices against Amazon by the FTC and 17 state attorneys general, Justin Floyd, CEO of RedCloud®, introduces Open Commerce as a revolutionary alternative. RedCloud’s AI-powered platform empowers small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with instant inventory visibility, reducing inefficiencies, and preventing counterfeit goods. Floyd criticizes traditional eCommerce as predatory and calls for a transparent trading system to promote fairness and growth, positioning Open Commerce as a game-changer in online retail.

LONDON, June 10, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — According to Google, a monopoly is “the exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service.” In September 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 17 state attorneys general concluded that Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, fits that bill, alleging in a lawsuit that Amazon is a monopolist that employs anti-competitive and unfair methods to perpetuate its supremacy in the eCommerce domain illegally. (1) Justin Floyd, Founder and CEO of RedCloud, observes, “In the current eCommerce climate, it seems as if there is no real viable alternative to Amazon. But there is: Open Commerce, which is poised to unseat eCommerce as the best way for online retailers to do business. The second generation of eCommerce is here, and it’s time to set this retail revolution in motion.”    

“In the current eCommerce climate, it seems as if there is no real viable alternative to Amazon. But there is: Open Commerce, which is poised to unseat eCommerce as the best way for online retailers to do business.”

The world needs an open and transparent trading system that unlocks the supply chain and empowers businesses to grow and flourish. That system is Open Commerce. RedCloud is on a mission to democratize the way online retail is done. RedCloud’s AI-powered platform cuts through the chaos by providing millions of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with instant visibility of their inventory, helping to resolve inefficiencies and identify and prevent counterfeit goods from entering the supply chain.

Among the FTC’s allegations against the retail giant is Amazon’s “exclusionary conduct” that stifles the growth of current and emerging competitors with “punitive and coercive tactics” and “preventing its current or future rivals from attracting a critical mass of shoppers and sellers.” (1) Third-party sellers, primarily small and medium-sized businesses, are responsible for 60% of Amazon’s total sales. (2) Third-party sellers are Amazon’s most valuable commodity; however, a survey by Marketplace Pulse reports that Amazon siphons off 50% of all third-party sales—a 15% referral fee, a 20% to 35% Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fee, and up to 15% for advertising and promotions. (3)

Then there’s “Project Nessie,” an algorithm deployed by Amazon to control pricing. Nessie identified profitable products and raised their prices, encouraging other online retailers to do the same, inflating consumer spend. According to the FTC, Nessie generated over $1 billion in excess profits for Amazon. (4) The FTC lawsuit also points to Amazon’s “anti-discounting strategy” that punishes third-party sellers if they offer lower prices by dropping them so far down the search results hierarchy that they essentially disappear into oblivion. (1)

Reuters examined a trove of Amazon’s documents, including emails, strategy papers, and business plans, revealing a corporate strategy to create knockoffs of its competitors’ products. The internal documents showed that Amazon studied the proprietary data of other brands on its site to identify and copy products as a “reference” or “benchmark.” They replicated the products and then rigged search results to steer consumers to Amazon’s private brands. (5)

Another issue is the proliferation of counterfeit items on Amazon’s platform, which reportedly comprises up to 60% of its products. (6) One study analyzed a whopping 33.5 million reviews for Amazon’s bestselling products and found that 43% of them were fake. (7) Social media influencers can earn over $2,000 per month through Amazon Vine or the Amazon Influencer Program to review and recommend products. (8)
Floyd contends, “Amazon creates an artificial economy for consumers. Its lack of transparency creates an illusion of what it means to shop online. By not providing accurate information, people frequently must buy the same item three times over until they get what they were looking for in the first place. And despite the massive number of products available, consumers actually have fewer choices because they are Amazon’s choices.”

There is a common misconception that most third-party sellers owe their existence solely to Amazon, and there is some truth to that within the framework of traditional eCommerce. However, industry giants are not immune to shifts in consumer behavior. Blockbuster Video, once the unquestioned leader in at-home entertainment, was done in by the convenience, choice, and instant gratification of on-demand streaming services.
Traditional eCommerce is predatory and controlling, solely benefitting big-tech providers who own all the data and try to own the entire supply chain. This centralized model is eradicating small businesses by restricting access to the tools needed to drive growth.

Floyd explains, “Third-party sellers are two million strong. Imagine amassing that strength to turn the tables. It’s all about purchasing power. If you get the purchasing right, then the selling takes care of itself. Open Commerce grants SMBs more autonomy and freedom to engage with trusted trading partners who provide authentic, top-quality products, leveling the playing field of online trade.”

RedCloud’s Intelligent Open Commerce Platform™ gives SMBs the keys to the eCommerce kingdom.

About RedCloud    
RedCloud Technology, founded in 2012, stands as a “Rebel Alliance,” leading a bold, second-generation e-commerce transformation. Rejecting the high fees of tech giants, RedCloud leverages AI-driven supply chain solutions to empower smaller businesses, giving them the tools to compete with major corporations. Their democratized, cloud-based platform provides real-time financial visibility, offering a level playing field that breaks free from the dominance of conventional marketplaces. RedCloud embodies a fairer, more inclusive digital commerce future where Davids can stand tall against Goliaths. For more about RedCloud Technology visit their website at https://redcloudtechnology.com/.

References:

Staff in the Office of Technology and The Division of Privacy and Identity Protection. “FTC Sues Amazon for Illegally Maintaining Monopoly Power.” Federal Trade Commission, 5 Dec. 2023, ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/09/ftc-sues-amazon-illegally-maintaining-monopoly-power.Pymnts. “Amazon Says Third-Party Sellers Drive 60% of eCommerce Sales.” PYMNTS.Com, 24 May 2023, pymnts.com/amazon/2023/amazon-independent-sellers-make-up-60percent-of-ecommerce-sales/.Amazon Is Taking Half of Third-Party Seller Revenue – Thestreet, thestreet.com/investing/heres-how-much-amazon-takes-from-every-third-party-sale. Accessed 15 May 2024.Press, Associated. “Amazon Used an Algorithm to Essentially Raise Prices on Other Sites, FTC Says.” Maryland Daily Record, 2 Nov. 2023, thedailyrecord.com/2023/11/02/amazon-used-algorithm-to-secretly-raise-prices-and-destroyed-internal-messages-ftc-says/#:~:text=Amazon%20used%20a%20secret%20algorithm,against%20the%20e%2Dcommerce%20giantAmazon Copied Products and Rigged Search Results, Documents Show, reuters.com/investigates/special-report/amazon-india-rigging/. Accessed 15 May 2024.Sravanthi Munagapati Sravanthi works as a Marketing Manager at SellerApp. She helped successful D2C brands launch. “A Quick Guide on Amazon Counterfeit Products 2023.” SellerApp Blog, 26 Oct. 2023, sellerapp.com/blog/amazon-counterfeit-products/.Millions of Amazon Reviews Fake, Study Finds | Cybernews, cybernews.com/security/millions-amazon-reviews-fake/. Accessed 15 May 2024.Loper, Nick. “7 Real Ways to Get Paid for Amazon Reviews in 2024: $2000+/Mo.” Side Hustle Nation, 15 Mar. 2024, sidehustlenation.com/get-paid-for-amazon-reviews/.

Media Inquiries:
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JOTO PR™
727-777-4619
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Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@jotopr.com, jotopr.com

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Notari launches Founder Edition N1 Pro AI Notetaker, an AI notetaking system that makes the transcript a starting point for deeper thinking

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Founded by Keychron Co-Founder Paul Tan, Notari pairs a sleek recording device with an AI workspace that helps users question, develop and act on what they capture

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Today, Notari launched direct-to-consumer sales for N1 Pro AI Notetaker, an AI notetaking system designed to function as a thinking partner for conversations, meetings and personal ideas. The system consists of two components: a credit-card-sized recorder and an AI-powered app. The Founder Edition is available through an early-access program at notarilabs.com for a limited-time introductory price of $129.99 USD (MSRP $189 USD) in the United States and U.S. territories, with additional countries planned.

Our goal at Notari is to bring transcription capabilities to more people and organizations, giving them an easier, more customizable way to connect real-world information with their own AI.

At just 0.17″ (4.4 mm) thick, the N1 Pro AI Notetaker recorder is a device that attaches magnetically to the back of a smartphone and captures conversations, meetings, lectures and thoughts at the press of a button. Recordings are stored locally, and a built-in contact microphone can capture the other side of phone calls without requiring speaker mode. The Notari AI Notetaker software turns recordings into searchable transcripts and structured summaries, then provides an AI workspace where users can question the material, develop ideas and decide what comes next.

How N1 Pro AI Notetaker extends beyond the transcript

While many AI notetakers can reduce the work involved in recording, transcribing and summarizing conversations, N1 Pro AI Notetaker is designed to help users continue working with that information.

Key capabilities of the system include:

Record locally before deciding what to process: The recorder includes 32GB of local storage and does not require an internet connection while recording. Users always choose which files to transfer for transcription and AI processing in the app.Capture virtual meetings without a bot: Desktop recording captures system audio and in-person sound without requiring a bot to join the call.Move from recording to structured information: The app distinguishes between different speakers and turns recordings into searchable transcripts and structured summaries that users can correct and edit.Ask questions and develop ideas: Users can query captured material to retrieve details, identify unresolved issues and examine alternative perspectives, then use AI to develop what they learn further.Choose between multiple AI models: Users can select ChatGPT, Gemini or Grok through integrations managed by Notari.Option to use the software without the hardware: Notari AI Notetaker can be used independently of the recording device, with recording handled in-app.

“Our goal at Notari is to bring transcription capabilities to more people and organizations, giving them an easier, more customizable way to connect real-world information with their own AI,” said Paul Tan, Founder and CEO of Notari, Co-Founder and former COO of Keychron. “That connection gives AI the context it needs to better support us.”

A personal knowledge system built around user-controlled information

The recording device measures 3.58″ × 2.32″ × 0.17″ and weighs just 54.8g. Four MEMS microphones capture ambient audio, with best recording performance within five metres and recording at distances of up to nine metres under suitable indoor conditions. A 660 mAh battery supports up to 40 hours of continuous recording and up to 60 days of standby time, with approximately two hours required for USB-C charging. Available in Space Black and Silver, the device includes a magnetic adapter ring, USB-C charging cable and one-year limited warranty. A built-in screen indicates when recording is active.

Notari AI Notetaker is available via iOS mobile app (Android coming in November) and web browser, with dedicated desktop apps planned.

The Founder Edition N1 Pro AI Notetaker recorder includes unlimited free standard-model transcription for life on recordings made directly with the device, one complimentary month of the Pro Plan, and access to the Founder Community, where early customers can suggest ideas, provide feedback and vote on future features. With its core features in place at launch, N1 Pro AI Notetaker will continue to evolve through additional features and improvements planned for upcoming releases.

Free and paid subscription plans are also available, including the Plus Plan ($14.99 USD per month) with 2,000 credits for advanced transcription models, and the Pro Plan ($29.99 USD per month), which includes unlimited standard-model transcription and 4,000 advanced-model credits. Files selected for transcription and AI processing are uploaded to Notari’s AWS cloud infrastructure, where data is encrypted in transit and at rest. Users can delete individual recordings and other content from Notari’s servers, and user data is not used to train AI models.

“Too many products are built around restrictions,” continued Tan. “We created Notari to give users the most freedom in how they record, transcribe and work with AI so they can spend less time navigating limitations and more time making better decisions and doing better work.”

Media wishing to interview Notari personnel should contact PR agent Borjana Slipicevic at Proper Propaganda.

About Notari

Notari builds connected hardware and software tools that help people capture information, think clearly and develop ideas over time. Founded by Paul Tan, Co-Founder and former COO of Keychron, where he led product design and innovation, Notari brings together a multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers, writers, developers and thinkers. With backgrounds spanning product design, filmmaking and software development, the team draws on its own experience creating and building products to develop the next generation of notetaking and document tools for capturing information, developing ideas and supporting creative work.

Media Contact

Borjana Slipicevic, Proper Propaganda, 1 7788582595, borjana@properpropaganda.net, properpropaganda.net

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SOURCE Proper Propaganda

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Regional Center of Orange County Honors Business Champions for Employees with Developmental Disabilities

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SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) has honored the following seven Orange County businesses as champions for employees with developmental disabilities.

Discovery Cube (Santa Ana)
Grocery Outlet (Anaheim and Long Beach)
Lamppost Pizza (Orange)
Oakley (Irvine)
Heroes Hall – OC Fairgrounds & Event Center (Costa Mesa)
Provider Contract Food Services (Fullerton)
Walgreens (Anaheim)

Decades ago, few people with developmental disabilities were able to get paying work. Many who had jobs were employed in what were sometimes called “sheltered workshops.” These types of workplace settings (which are no longer eligible for Regional Center funding) included only adults with disabilities and were isolated from the broader community.

“Now we take for granted that people with disabilities can and should be able to work alongside coworkers without disabilities,” said RCOC Executive Director Larry Landauer. “But individuals we serve continue to face challenges, so it’s important for us to recognize role-model employers like our honorees who know the benefits of including people with developmental disabilities in their workforces.”

Several years ago, the RCOC Board of Directors adopted an Employment First policy that makes competitive integrated employment the first option for the working-age adults RCOC serves. This aligns with the state policy that also favors inclusive employment. Toward that end, RCOC and its network of service providers partner with businesses of all sizes, community organizations and government agencies throughout Orange County to identify job opportunities and then match individuals’ skills, talents, abilities and interests with the right job and the right employer.

The businesses honored at this event received certificates from the offices of Assemblymember Diane Dixon, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia.

For more information on the advantages of hiring adults with disabilities, visit RCOC’s Employment First and RCOC’s Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities web pages.

About Regional Center of Orange County: Regional Center of Orange County is the private, nonprofit organization contracted by the State of California to coordinate lifelong services and supports for more than 29,000 Orange County residents with developmental disabilities and their families. The Regional Center is the first stop for those seeking to obtain local services and supports to help them live safely and with dignity in the community. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, autism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Learn more at www.rcocdd.com.

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SOURCE Regional Center of Orange County

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Dotwork Acquires Arcario Group to Accelerate Adoption of Its AI-Native Enterprise Operating Platform

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Acquisition adds forward-deployed expertise to connect strategy, capital, AI execution and measurable business outcomes.

GEORGETOWN, Texas, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dotwork, an AI-native enterprise operating platform, today announced its acquisition of Arcario Group, a consultancy specializing in enterprise operating models and transformation. The transaction closed October 23. Financial terms were not disclosed.

AI is accelerating execution, but most enterprises still manage strategy, funding and work across disconnected systems. Leaders struggle to see what investments actually cost, whether they produce results and where resources should move next.

Dotwork is building the enterprise steering layer for the AI era. Its graph-based Enterprise Operating Model connects existing systems rather than replacing them, linking strategy, capital, business capabilities, work, decisions and outcomes. Unlike tools centered on projects or workflows, Dotwork focuses on the decisions that drive performance, connecting plans to actual spending, preserving decision context and giving leaders and AI agents a shared understanding of the enterprise.

Arcario brings the expertise to activate that model. Its Connected Enterprise approach aligns people, processes, data and technology, while forward-deployed enterprise value architects work alongside customers to solve targeted problems and measure results.

Together, the companies help enterprises:

Design: Identify gaps between strategic priorities, investments, business capabilities and execution.Activate: Connect existing financial and operational systems, then deploy targeted workflows and AI capabilities without replacing core technology.Steer: Track decisions, actual costs and outcomes, then adapt investments and execution as priorities change.

“The enterprise software industry has spent decades helping companies manage work, automate processes and analyze data. But who’s helping the CEO, COO, CFO and CIO actually steer the business?” said Steve Elliott, founder and CEO of Dotwork. “AI makes deciding where to invest and how to measure results more important than ever. We’re building Dotwork around those decisions—not another workflow or dashboard. Arcario brings the expertise to make that operating model real.”

Rather than requiring lengthy transformation programs or bespoke platforms, the combined teams can start with a high-value business problem, establish a reusable operating model and expand as results are demonstrated. Lessons from deployments will also inform repeatable Dotwork platform capabilities.

“Connecting enterprise strategy to what teams actually do has always been the hard part,” said Konstantin Popov, founder and CEO of Arcario Group. “With Dotwork, we can move beyond recommendations to connect decisions, investments and execution—and show customers the value they’re creating.”

Arcario’s leadership previously built an enterprise operating-model practice acquired by Cprime, where it scaled to support major enterprise transformations. Arcario becomes the foundation of Dotwork’s services and forward-deployed engineering organization. Existing client engagements continue with their current teams. Konstantin joins Dotwork as Head of Transformation Services.

Learn more at dotwork.com/post/welcome-arcario.

About Dotwork

Dotwork is an AI-native enterprise operating platform connecting strategy, capital, work and outcomes through a living, graph-based Enterprise Operating Model. Founded by Steve Elliott, former founder and CEO of AgileCraft (acquired by Atlassian), Dotwork is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. Learn more at dotwork.com.

About Arcario Group

Arcario Group helps enterprises build the Connected Enterprise, aligning people, processes, data and technology to improve execution and business outcomes. Learn more at arcariogroup.com.

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