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Cognizant & Oxford Economics’ Companion Study to their “New Work, New World” Report Shows Cautious Optimism Among Enterprises Adopting AI

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–          77% of global companies surveyed want to grow revenues through AI

–          Survey reveals that companies’ average AI investment planned this year is nearly $50M

–          Enterprises are cautious about scaling AI, with only 26% having implemented cross-enterprise use cases

TEANECK, N.J., July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) has released a companion analysis to its comprehensive 2023 study with Oxford Economics, and the new report – titled “New Work, New World: Quantifying Global Gen AI Momentum” – outlines cautious optimism is driving current market adoption of generative AI across various industries and geographies.

Key findings from the survey reveal that the greatest strategic priority for generative AI adoption is enhancing productivity. Additionally, an impressive 76% of businesses are looking to leverage the technology to create new revenue streams, while 58% are incorporating revenue increases into their business cases.

In terms of readiness and business cases, the companies surveyed indicated that they plan to invest an average of $47.5 million in generative AI this financial year. Most funding is expected to come from IT and technology budgets, with contributions also from marketing and R&D. Furthermore, the survey highlights a commitment to workforce transformation, with 54% of companies planning to upskill workers to address skills gaps and 44% seeking to transition displaced workers to new roles.

Despite the enthusiasm for adopting generative AI, businesses also recognize the challenges of scaling the technology. Only 26% of companies have implemented cross-enterprise use cases, and there is widespread concern that delays in adoption could give competitors an advantage. Globally, 70% of companies say they are not moving fast enough while 82% suggest that same delay in execution could place them at a competitive disadvantage. The data also points to the need for outside expertise to help with AI adoption, with 43% of companies indicating they plan to work with external consultants to develop a plan for generative AI.

Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S said, “With our prior study predicting that generative AI tools could inject nearly $1 trillion into the U.S. economy and even more globally over ten years, it is not surprising that our latest survey identified gen AI as a core source of potential growth for most companies. Simultaneously we see a cautious approach in adopting this technology, as executives around the world are looking for experts to help them traverse the AI productivity-to-growth journey.”

The survey, conducted in June 2024, includes insights from 2,200 executives spanning 23 countries and 15 industries, offering a view of how leaders plan to integrate generative AI into their businesses with the goal of driving significant productivity gains and growth. The analysis introduces a “momentum score,” derived from analyzing factors that could either inhibit or accelerate business adoption of generative AI within each country, from the regulatory environment and local infrastructure to the cost of capital and talent availability. North America leads with a momentum score 15% above the global baseline and indicating a bullish outlook, while EMEA and APAC trail behind at -4% and -14 respectively, indicating a more cautious approach.

Cognizant’s “”New Work, New World: Quantifying Global Gen AI Momentum” survey serves as a pivotal resource for understanding the current landscape and future potential of generative AI, providing valuable insights for businesses aiming to harness the power of this transformative technology for productivity and growth. The initial 2023 “New Work, New World” report predicted that generative AI could inject $1 trillion into the U.S. economy over the next decade. The newly released survey is the first look at global geographies and the potential business impact of generative AI.

Methodology of the survey: Cognizant partnered with Oxford Economics to design and conduct a survey of 2,200 C-suite and senior executives, including individuals at the C-suite and VP levels, from large corporations around the world. The focus was on those who play a significant role in shaping, contributing to or making final decisions on their organization’s generative AI strategy. The survey was conducted in June 2024 via computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI).

Countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Industries: Banking and Financial Services, CMT, Energy and Utilities, Healthcare, Insurance, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Public Sector, Resources (Mining & Oil), Retail, Transport and Logistics

About Cognizant

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

For more information, contact:

U.S

Name Gabby Gugliocciello

Email gabrielle.gugliocciello@cognizant.com 

Europe / APAC

Name Christina Schneider

Email christina.schneider@cognizant.com 

India

Name Rashmi Vasisht

Email rashmi.vasisht@cognizant.com 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied forward-looking statements relating to the adoption of generative artificial intelligence (including priorities, focus and spending related thereto) and the effects of generative artificial intelligence on the workforce, businesses and economy. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees but are the findings of the study discussed above and remain subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Factors that could cause outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied include general economic conditions, the impact of technological development and competition, the competitive and rapidly changing nature of the markets we compete in, the competitive marketplace for talent and its impact on employee recruitment and retention, and the other factors discussed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Cognizant undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law.

 

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Primero Games Acquires Win Systems Gaming Division, Expanding International Reach

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Acquisition adds slot and electronic-roulette products, manufacturing capabilities and an installed base of more than 3,000 gaming positions across Latin America and the Caribbean.

NORCROSS, Ga., Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Primero Games LLC (“Primero”), a provider of gaming content, technology and products, today announced the acquisition of the Gaming Division of Win Systems (“WSG”), including its Gold Club electronic-roulette business.

The acquisition expands Primero’s international presence and product portfolio, adding established slot and electronic-roulette products, manufacturing capabilities and gaming operations across Latin America and the Caribbean. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquired operations have an installed base of more than 3,000 gaming positions in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Panama. Primero will support existing customers and products while introducing additional Primero game content, platform technology and development resources.

“This is an important step forward in executing Primero’s growth strategy to build a diversified, global gaming company,” said Mike Macke, Chairman of Primero Games. “Primero has built its reputation by creating compelling game content and developing innovative technology that helps operators deliver consistent revenue via engaging player experiences.”

“We are excited to welcome Eric Benchimol, Dario Zutel, and the talented WSG team to Primero,” Macke continued. “By combining Primero’s content and development expertise with WSG’s products, operations and customer relationships, we can deliver more products, more content and greater value to customers across a wider range of gaming markets.”

“This combination makes both businesses stronger,” said Eric Benchimol, CEO of Win Systems. “Pairing our installed base, manufacturing operations and market knowledge with Primero’s game library and development engine means we can bring more, and better, products to our customers faster than either company could alone. The team is energized, and we’re looking forward to getting to work as part of Primero.”

“This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for our Gaming Division,” said Dario Zutel, Executive Chairman of Win Systems. “We are confident that Primero Games is the right partner to build on what we have achieved and drive the business into its next stage of international growth.”

Building International Scale

Primero has an established presence in U.S. gaming markets, with a portfolio that includes game content, online gaming solutions, redemption kiosks, and a mature omnichannel gaming platform.  The WSG acquisition adds established products, manufacturing capabilities and long-standing customer relationships in international markets.

The WSG teams and infrastructure will continue to support customers in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Panama and many other countries around the world. Primero and WSG are committed to providing continuity for every customer as Primero invests in the business and introduces additional products, content and technology.

About Primero Games

Primero Games is a leading provider of innovative games, platforms and products designed to deliver engaging player experiences and value to gaming operators across land-based and digital environments. Founded by gaming-industry veteran Mike Macke, Primero has made significant investment in its Hurricane gaming platform to support international expansion. The Hurricane platform is designed to support offline, online, single, and multi-game applications across emerging and regulated gaming markets. Primero’s Spark server-based gaming solution extends the Hurricane platform by offering value-added features such as business intelligence, linked and wide-area progressive jackpots, game content subscription features, and player marketing/retention.

Headquartered in the United States, the company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of more than 100 original titles for land-based and multi-game platforms, as well as online games for markets worldwide. With studios in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada, Primero combines international creative talent with deep technical expertise to produce high-performing, scalable gaming solutions. For more information, visit www.primerogames.com.

About Win Systems

Win Systems is a global technology company with extensive experience providing innovative solutions to the gaming industry. Through its international operations and long-standing customer relationships, the company specializes in casino management systems and has a strong track record of delivering technology and solutions to operators across multiple markets worldwide. Following the transaction, Win Systems will continue to focus on its remaining businesses and strategic opportunities, building on its technology expertise, international experience, and commitment to delivering value to its customers and partners.

Contacts:

Primero Games
Gina Lanphear, Director of Marketing
422019@email4pr.com 

WinSystems Gaming
Virginia Pin, Marketing Manager
422019@email4pr.com 

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AEON Launches Agentic Checkout, Powered by AI Card for Autonomous Commerce

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HONG KONG, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AEON, the settlement layer built for the AI economy, has launched Agentic Checkout, enabling AI agents to autonomously shop, check out, and pay across e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and Amazon. Powered by the AEON AI Card, Agentic Checkout gives agents controlled spending capabilities to turn user intent into completed purchases.

Natively integrated with Model Context Protocol (MCP) and the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), Agentic Checkout allows users to interact with an AI agent through a conversational interface, describe what they are looking for, and let the agent search for suitable products and build a shopping cart based on their requirements.

Once a product is selected, the user can authorize the purchase with an AEON AI Card settled over the Visa/Mastercard networks, allowing the agent to complete the transaction without exposing the user’s primary payment credentials or treasury wallet. The agent can move from product discovery to cart creation and payment, turning a natural-language request into a completed purchase.

AI Card: Giving AI Agents Controlled Spending Power

At the core of this experience is the AEON AI Card, designed to give AI agents financial autonomy while keeping spending under defined controls. 

The infrastructure supports single-use agent cards and predefined budget limits, allowing spending authority to be scoped to individual tasks or transactions. Backed by crypto-based authorization and connected to existing Visa payment infrastructure, the AI Card creates a bridge between on-chain assets and everyday commerce.

This allows agents to spend on behalf of users without requiring direct access to their primary wallets or traditional credit cards, bringing agentic commerce closer to a model where AI can not only assist users with decisions, but also securely execute those decisions in the real economy. 

Agentic Checkout to Bigger Commerce Ecosystem

Agentic Checkout is designed to give AI agents access to an open commerce ecosystem, rather than a limited list of curated merchants. Through Shopify, agents can search across 3M+ active storefronts in 175+ countries and more than a billion products, spanning categories including apparel, home, beauty, electronics, and books.

Shopify is one of the first environments where AEON’s Agentic Checkout capability is being demonstrated, but the underlying infrastructure is designed to extend across e-commerce ecosystems and support both physical and digital goods. Amazon and Travala are next, bringing mass-market retail and travel inventory into the same agent interface.

The infrastructure is also designed with the safeguards required for production use. Full card numbers and security codes never enter conversation logs or model context, while uncertain payment states are verified before any retry to prevent silent double charges.

As more commerce platforms become accessible to AI agents, the ability to securely authorize and settle these transactions will become increasingly important. AEON Agentic Checkout and AI Card provides the financial execution layer that allows agents to act within defined spending boundaries. And AEON is building the settlement infrastructure to enable these agents to transact, pay, and settle securely across the digital and physical economies.

Building the Settlement Layer for the AI Economy

The Agentic Checkout and AI Card represent two connected components of AEON’s agentic payment infrastructure: Agentic Checkout gives agents the ability to execute commerce, while AI Card gives them controlled financial authority to pay for it. Together, they connect agent intent, payment authorization, checkout execution, and settlement into a unified flow.

AI agents are increasingly capable of searching, reasoning, coordinating tasks, and making decisions on behalf of users. The next step is enabling those decisions to result in secure, verifiable economic transactions. AEON is building toward this infrastructure by combining agent identity, payment authorization, checkout execution, and settlement into a unified framework for the AI economy, enabling AI agents to transact across digital and physical economies, autonomously, securely, and within clearly defined financial boundaries.

About AEON

AEON is the native settlement layer built for the AI economy. By equipping agents with a comprehensive suite of programmable payment primitives, spanning across Agent Account, AI Card, AI Gateway, and more, AEON empowers autonomous AI to seamlessly navigate global value networks. Designed to eliminate the fee overhead, programmability gaps, and settlement lag of legacy infrastructure, AEON provides the universal financial rails needed for agents to enter the global economy across any currency, chain, or protocol.

Natively integrating with leading standards like x402, ERC-8004, MCP, and Google A2A, AEON enables verifiable AI payments at scale and connects agentic capabilities directly to a network of 50M+ global merchants. Having processed over $514M in cumulative volume for 2.3M+ users, AEON is backed by top investors including YZi Labs, IDG Capital, HashKey Capital, and the Stanford Blockchain Builders Fund. The $AEON token is live on major global exchanges including OKX, Bitget, Binance Alpha and Bithumb.

Website | X | Telegram | Medium | AEON Pay

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WOODLAND DIRECT OPENS NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN RENO, NV

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AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Woodland Direct, the nation’s premier e-commerce site for fire products, is opening a new 47,000-square-foot distribution center in Reno, NV. This is the company’s second distribution center, joining its world headquarters and distribution center in Auburn Hills, MI.

The new facility, officially opening in September, will improve the customer experience by shortening shipping times for West Coast customers.

“Woodland Direct has grown and evolved substantially over the past several years,” said President and Founder Andrew Ingram. “We already ship all around the country. By opening the Reno distribution center, we’re able to serve our West Coast customers more quickly and efficiently.”

The leadership team began exploring the idea of opening a second distribution center in the final quarter of 2025. Woodland worked with logistics consultants to determine whether an expansion west of the Rocky Mountains made sense, and Reno’s strategic location made it a natural choice for the expansion.

“We are excited to be a part of the Reno community, and we look forward to making our customers’ experience even more enjoyable,” said Gunnar Bennethum, senior manager of supply chain operations and business planning.

In addition to using local Reno companies Engineered Solutions, Teledata Technologies, and WTR Electrical to build and prep the warehouse, Bennethum and Warehouse Assistant Wesley Davey will be making the move from Auburn Hills to Reno to oversee operations.

The Reno distribution center will be using industry-standard software NetSuite to increase efficiency.

“This will be a new milestone for Woodland,” Bennethum added, “that will improve our inventory accuracy and allow our sales team to have better visibility of product availability.”

For more information on Woodland Direct, visit our website www.woodlanddirect.com/ or contact Drew Maresco at drew.maresco@woodlanddirect.com or (877) 771-2925.

ABOUT WOODLAND DIRECT

Woodland Direct is a premier online retailer specializing in fireplaces, patio heaters, fire pits, and outdoor living products. Founded in 2004, Woodland Direct offers a curated selection of top fire brands to homeowners, contractors, and businesses. Woodland Direct has the most NFI-certified sales professionals and Master Hearth Professionals under one roof. For more information, visit woodlanddirect.com.

Media Contact:

Drew Maresco

Drew.maresco@woodlanddirect.com

(877) 771-2925

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