Technology

Tencent Cloud Maintains the position of a Challenger in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Communications Platform as a Service

Published

2 years ago

July 16, 2024

HONG KONG, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, today announced its recognition as a Challenger in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS). In terms of its ability to execute, Tencent Cloud has secured the highest position among all cloud service providers in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to another recent report by Gartner titled “Gartner, Market Share: All Software Markets, Worldwide, 2023,” Tencent has reaffirmed its status as the revenue market leader in the CPaaS industry for both the Asia-Pacific region and China in 2023. Notably, Tencent also achieved the highest growth rate by revenue worldwide. We believe, this consistent success demonstrates Tencent Cloud’s unwavering position as the market leader in the Asia-Pacific region for three consecutive years in terms of market share in the CPaaS field.

With an extensive CPaaS product portfolio, Tencent Cloud is engaged in proactive efforts to achieve seamless integration with AIGC

Based on Tencent’s accumulated expertise in audio & video technologies for over 20 years, Tencent Cloud has built the most comprehensive CPaaS capability portfolio in the industry, encompassing core products such as Chat, Tencent Real-Time Communication (TRTC), Tencent Cloud Contact Center (TCCC), and more. These offerings provide a wide range of communication and collaboration capabilities for businesses.

In today’s world, with the continuous development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, AIGC (Artificial Intelligence Generated Content) has matured and is now being widely applied across various industries and scenarios. It has become an important driver for enterprises’ innovation and to achieve their digital transformation. In this field, Tencent Cloud is actively promoting the deep integration of audio & video services with AIGC technology, providing powerful audio & video technical support for multiple industry scenarios.

Within this context, Chat provides valuable features such as Chatbot and Agent Dashboard, empowering enterprises to swiftly implement chatbot conversations, FAQs, and seamless transfer to live customer service agents. Currently, Chat has successfully served over 200,000 enterprises, handling a staggering daily peak message volume exceeding 550 billion messages. Its international platform has garnered millions of users worldwide.

Tencent Cloud’s TRTC focuses on providing audio & video interactive solutions for two major scenarios: multi-party audio & video calls and low-latency interactive live streaming. It supports up to 3 billion minutes of upstream duration daily. In real-world testing, TRTC demonstrates an over 80% packet loss resistance and can tolerate network jitter of over 1000ms. This means that users can maintain high-quality audio & video communication even in weak network conditions. Additionally, TRTC has implemented an innovative conversational AI solution that enables LLM (Large Language Model) vendors to streamline the development of real-time audio & video interactive features. This groundbreaking solution empowers users to engage in seamless, real-time interactions with AI through more intuitive and natural means, such as voice communication.

Tencent Cloud’s TCCC harnesses the power of advanced AI technology to greatly enhance the effectiveness of intelligent voice interactions. By improving recognition accuracy in noisy environments, it offers a comprehensive optimization of the speech recognition experience, achieving an impressive accuracy rate of 97.4%. Moreover, for enterprises that have implemented AI chatbots, TCCC seamlessly integrates real-time conversation flows to cater to personalized requirements.

Upgraded global service capabilities to empower the internationalization of enterprises

It is worth mentioning that in response to the internationalization needs of global enterprises, Tencent Cloud is continuously enhancing its global service capabilities to assist businesses in exploring new growth opportunities.

For example, Tencent Cloud has been continuously strengthening its Chat’s capabilities in global network transmission, offering exceptional global acceleration services. Serving more than 100 million monthly active users worldwide, Tencent Cloud’s Chat not only meets the compliance requirements of enterprises expanding internationally but also aligns closely with local users’ usage habits.

TRTC has undergone extensive upgrades and transformations to boost its audio & video services for global use. It has achieved remarkable results, with an average end-to-end transmission delay of less than 300ms and an impressive anti-packet loss rate of over 80%. This ensures that users across different regions can enjoy a highly responsive and low-latency audio & video experience. Additionally, TRTC has established dedicated overseas sites tailored to various scenarios, offering a range of products such as Call, Conference, Beauty AR, and RTC Engine. Through the creation of a new audio & video service brand, the provision of exceptional user interface and localized functionalities, TRTC facilitates the rapid expansion of enterprises into international markets.

TCCC has made significant strides in enhancing its internationalization capabilities through a series of upgrades. It has successfully established independent data centers globally to comply with regional regulations and requirements. With a well-designed global node layout, TCCC delivers highly interconnected, reliable, and secure global customer contact services. It ensures that international connections maintain an average end-to-end latency of under 300 milliseconds, guaranteeing smooth and efficient communication. TCCC offers versatile omni-channel and multimedia communication capabilities that seamlessly integrate with existing business systems. This empowers enterprises to integrate their own international voice numbers and swiftly establish efficient global contact centers, allowing them to effectively serve their international customer base.

Currently, Tencent Cloud has served numerous industries in the fields of gaming, live streaming, cross-border e-commerce, finance, and more. These include Nexon, a gaming giant in the Asia-Pacific region, leading live streaming platform MIXCHANNEL in Japan, streaming service provider BeLive in Singapore, digital bank Allo Bank in Indonesia, as well as Boomplay, a music streaming platform in Africa. Tencent Cloud has provided comprehensive, user-friendly, and stable audio & video communication solutions, supporting the international business expansion of these enterprises.

Allo Bank, a prime example, benefits from Tencent Cloud’s TCCC by utilizing its automatic outbound calling capabilities to overcome challenges faced by their tele-sales team, such as low call connection rates and high manual dialing costs. TCCC leverages advanced predictive outbound calling algorithms to intelligently schedule calls, resulting in improved agent productivity and service quality. Furthermore, TCCC seamlessly integrates with Allo Bank’s CRM system, providing the necessary flexibility to adapt to their specific business scenarios. By combining TCCC with Tencent Cloud’s TRTC and Chat capabilities, Allo Bank can offer a comprehensive range of customer service methods, enabling them to efficiently respond to customer needs. This integrated approach warrants enhanced customer satisfaction and streamlines communication processes for Allo Bank.

Undoubtedly, establishing an international business landscape from a global perspective has become a vital strategic endeavor for enterprises seeking high-quality development. In this journey, AIGC is a vital driving force, enabling businesses to consistently expand the scope and impact of their innovative initiatives. As a committed participant in the CPaaS domain and a reliable business partner, Tencent Cloud remains dedicated to technological advancements, product refinement, and solution development, enabling enterprises to play well in the process of digital transformation and business globalization.

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Communications Platform as a Service, 24 June 2024

Gartner, Market Share: All Software Markets, Worldwide, 2023, 22 April 2024

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Tencent Cloud

Tencent Cloud, one of the world’s leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.

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Technology

Walmart Has 23.6% of U.S. Grocery Sales – But Costco Owns the AI Answer – 5W Grocery Retail AI Visibility Index 2026

Published

2 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Walmart Owns 21% of U.S. Grocery — But Costco Owns the AI Answer

NEW YORK, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 5WPR, the premier AI communications firm in the United States, today released the U.S. Grocery Retail AI Visibility Index 2026 — the 11th installment in 5W’s AI Visibility Index research series, and the first to rank American grocery retailers by how frequently they are cited inside AI-generated answers.

The headline finding rewrites the category league table.

Walmart, with approximately 21 percent of U.S. grocery market share — the largest in the country — ranks fourth in AI citation share. The retailer cited most often when American shoppers ask ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, or Google AI Overviews where to buy their groceries is Costco. Trader Joe’s ranks second. Whole Foods ranks third. Aldi, H-E-B, and Wegmans are all punching far above what their physical footprint would predict.

“Market share is a lagging indicator. AI citation share is a leading indicator,” said Ronn Torossian, Founder and Chairman of 5W. “The grocers who close that gap in 2026 will define the category in 2030. Most grocery CMOs we talk to are running 2019 playbooks against 2026 consumer behavior.”

5W researchers ran more than 80 consumer-intent queries across 12 sub-categories — best overall grocery store, cheapest, highest-quality produce, best private label, best organic, best meal planning, best bulk, best delivery, best customer service, best regional, and others — across the four leading consumer AI platforms. Each retailer was scored on citation frequency, position within the answer, sentiment, and sub-category dominance.

The top 10: Costco, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Walmart, Kroger, Aldi, H-E-B, Publix, Wegmans, and Target.

Key structural findings:

Market share no longer predicts AI citation share. Walmart’s roughly 21 percent share translates to an estimated 8 to 10 percent AI citation share across premium query categories. The decoupling is the single largest such gap in American retail.Private label is the highest-leverage citation asset a grocer owns. Kirkland, Trader Joe’s, 365, Good & Gather, and Great Value are cited directly by name in AI answers at rates that exceed most national CPG brands.Regional loyalty translates directly into regional AI dominance. Regional chains outperform national chains in their home markets by 3x or more.Reddit and TikTok are under-priced citation surfaces. Perplexity pulls a majority of its answers from community sources. ChatGPT and Claude weight Reddit heavily.

The report also identifies six 2026 dynamics reshaping the category, including the new GLP-1 grocery basket, Aldi’s expansion as a citation-compounding program, and Walmart’s CEO transition from Doug McMillon to John Furner — effective February 1, 2026 — as a brand-narrative inflection point.

The full Index, including ranks 11 through 25 and sub-category breakdowns, is available as a free download at 5wpr.com/research.

About 5W

5W is the AI Communications Firm, building brand authority across the platforms where decisions now happen — ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews — alongside earned media, digital, and influencer channels. 5W combines public relations, digital marketing, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and proprietary AI visibility research, helping clients measure and grow their presence in AI-driven buyer research.

Founded more than 20 years ago, 5W has been recognized as a top U.S. PR agency by O’Dwyer’s, named Agency of the Year in the American Business Awards®, and honored as a Top Place to Work in Communications in 2026 by Ragan. 5W serves clients across B2C sectors including Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, and Nonprofit; B2B specialties including Corporate Communications and Reputation Management; as well as Public Affairs, Crisis Communications, and Digital Marketing, including Social Media, Influencer, Paid Media, GEO, and SEO. 5W was also named to the Digiday WorkLife Employer of the Year list.

For more information, visit www.5wpr.com.

Media Contact
Chris Bergin
cbergin@5wpr.com

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SOURCE 5W Public Relations

Technology

ICAT Logistics Appoints Youssef Annali as Chief Financial Officer

Published

2 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Transportation and logistics finance leader joins as ICAT accelerates its next phase of growth

DALLAS, May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ICAT Logistics announces the appointment of Youssef Annali as Chief Financial Officer. Annali brings more than two decades of senior finance leadership across global logistics and supply chain businesses, and joins as the company scales its platform, team, and operational capabilities globally.

Annali joins ICAT from OIA Global, a $1.4 billion revenue supply chain management leader, where he served as CFO for four years overseeing Finance, Corporate Development, Strategy, Legal, Compliance, and Real Estate. Prior to OIA, he spent eleven years at CEVA Logistics—one of the world’s largest freight and logistics providers—rising to CFO & EVP Finance for North America, where he held financial accountability for a business generating over $4.5 billion in annual revenue and more than 14,000 employees. Earlier in his career, he served in senior finance roles at Abbott, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Annali has a consistent track record of building finance functions that support strategic growth and has deep experience across financial planning, M&A, treasury, and corporate restructuring. He holds a Post-Master’s in Finance and Control from the University of Amsterdam and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Groningen.

“Youssef has led high-performing finance teams at the highest levels of global logistics. He brings the operational depth and strategic mindset our platform demands as we enter the next phase of growth,” said Brad Stogner, CEO of ICAT Logistics.

“ICAT has built something genuinely differentiated—a specialized platform operating in verticals where precision and domain expertise are non-negotiable. The foundation is strong, and the opportunity ahead is significant. I look forward to working with the team to accelerate that momentum,” said Youssef Annali, Chief Financial Officer of ICAT Logistics.

About ICAT

ICAT is the world’s leading specialized logistics company, delivering customized solutions and deep vertical expertise to industries where failure is not an option. With 65 offices and operating capabilities in 190 countries, ICAT serves customers across Live Events, Luxury, Technology, Defense & Aerospace, Life Sciences, and Financial Institutions—sectors defined by uncompromising performance standards. ICAT’s proprietary, AI-powered technology platform provides end-to-end visibility and predictive intelligence, enabling precise execution for the most demanding operations.

ICAT is backed by New Atlas Capital following its acquisition of the Company in 2024.

Contact Information

ICAT Logistics, Inc.
8840 Cypress Waters Blvd, Ste 325,
Coppell, TX, 75019
marketing@icatlogistics.com

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SOURCE ICAT Logistics, Inc.

Technology

HelloNation Article Highlights Poughkeepsie’s Focus on Youth Investment, Neighborhood Parks and Sustainable Reuse

Published

2 hours ago

May 7, 2026

The article examines how redevelopment projects and youth programs are reshaping community life across Poughkeepsie.

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does long term community growth look like when a city invests in both people and public spaces? HelloNation has published a HelloNation article that provides the answer through a detailed look at how Poughkeepsie is combining youth investment, neighborhood improvements and adaptive reuse projects to support residents and strengthen the city’s future.

The article explains that Poughkeepsie is undergoing a period of reinvention centered on infrastructure upgrades, youth programming and redevelopment along the city’s Northside. According to the article, local and county leaders are working to create spaces where residents can learn, gather and build stronger community connections. The article notes that these efforts are intended to improve quality of life while helping the city grow in a more sustainable and inclusive way.

A major focus of the article is the planned Youth Opportunity Union, also known as the YOU, a large multipurpose youth facility backed by Dutchess County. The HelloNation article describes the project as a 19,000 square foot center that will include childcare services, wellness support, tutoring areas, teaching kitchens and both indoor and outdoor recreation spaces. The article explains that the project reflects a larger regional effort to increase opportunities for children and teenagers in underserved communities.

The article also highlights additional youth centered investments connected to sports, education and recreation. According to the article, Dutchess County has awarded grants to local organizations serving young people between the ages of 6 and 17. The article further explains that Poughkeepsie’s City Parks program has introduced mini grants designed to support renovations and activities in neighborhood parks, including Pershing Avenue and Malcolm X parks.

Beyond youth programs, the article details how the city is working to improve transportation and neighborhood infrastructure. The HelloNation article explains that Poughkeepsie launched its first five year paving plan in 2025, beginning with major roadway improvements on Main Street and other corridors. The article states that these upgrades are intended to improve safety, durability and daily conditions for residents while supporting broader redevelopment goals throughout the city.

Another important part of the article focuses on adaptive reuse and environmental redevelopment on the Northside. The article describes how Scenic Hudson plans to transform the former Standard Gage Factory into the Northside Hub, a redevelopment project designed to serve as both a nonprofit headquarters and a community gathering space. According to the article, the project will feature solar powered operations, office space, public parkland and community facilities near the Walkway Over the Hudson and Dutchess Rail Trail.

The article also explains that Poughkeepsie’s selection as the Mid Hudson winner in New York’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative adds additional momentum to current redevelopment efforts. The HelloNation article notes that the funding will support new downtown projects that build on existing investments in youth programs, infrastructure and adaptive reuse. Together, these efforts are presented as part of a broader strategy to create long term stability and opportunity for local residents.

The article concludes that Poughkeepsie’s emerging identity is closely tied to projects that strengthen neighborhoods while supporting future generations. Poughkeepsie Puts Youth, Neighborhood Parks and Sustainable Reuse at the Center of Renewal features insights from HelloNation Staff Writer, community development coverage of Poughkeepsie, New York, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. HelloNation maintains partnerships with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the United States First Responders Association.

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SOURCE HelloNation