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The Utilities Sector Can Enhance Cybersecurity and Operational Efficiency Through IT/OT Convergence, Says Info-Tech Research Group in New Resource

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2 years ago

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With the utilities sector facing complex challenges in integrating IT and OT efforts, Info-Tech Research Group has published a comprehensive blueprint designed to help IT leaders overcome these hurdles. By addressing cybersecurity threats, operational silos, and conflicting priorities, this resource offers actionable strategies to achieve effective IT/OT convergence. This resource helps IT leaders in the industry transform their operations with strategic guidance for a more secure, efficient, and future-ready infrastructure.

TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2024 /CNW/ – The utilities sector is currently facing significant challenges in integrating IT and OT (operational technology) efforts as teams navigate complex cybersecurity threats, operational silos, and conflicting priorities. In response, Info-Tech Research Group has published its latest blueprint, Drive a Fit-for-Purpose IT/OT Convergence Improvement Plan for Your Utility, to provide utilities CIOs with the tools required to develop a strategic IT/OT convergence plan. The firm’s recently published resource offers research insights and a maturity assessment along with actionable next steps to help utilities achieve improved collaboration, efficiency, and security for sustainable success.

“The worlds of IT and OT have been operating separately for decades. Driven by both technology advancement and business transformation, IT/OT convergence originates at the technological level and evolves across both practices,” says Jing Wu, executive counselor at Info-Tech Research Group. “Recognizing the advantages of this trend, utilities are increasingly investing in integrations and collaborations between the two groups. However, many utilities fail in their endeavors, and the reasons are complex. Building trust is a gradual process, requiring intentional efforts to improve both rational initiatives and emotional connections between IT and OT teams.” 

Info-Tech highlights in the blueprint the pressing challenges faced by technology leaders in the utilities sector, where the integration of digital technology and rising cybersecurity threats call for greater collaboration between IT and OT teams. The utilities industry’s reliance on legacy systems, coupled with the critical nature of its operations, makes it particularly vulnerable to cyber risks. The diversity in technological landscapes, from cloud computing to operational machinery, intensifies these challenges, often resulting in conflicting priorities between IT and OT teams. The firm advises that as these teams navigate complex systems and operational needs, building trust and aligning efforts are key to advancing security and operational efficiency within the utilities sector.

Drive a Fit-for-Purpose IT/OT Convergence Improvement Plan for Your Utility provides valuable insights into overcoming these barriers, with a focus on fostering a unified approach that aligns IT and OT strategies. Successful integration is reliant on trust-building and leadership support, which help establish a cohesive culture. By pinpointing key areas for enhanced collaboration, the blueprint combines rational best practices with emotional connections, promoting a growth mindset, breaking down traditional silos, and aligning priorities.

To further guide IT leaders in this transformation, Info-Tech recommends that IT assess IT/OT convergence maturity through the following steps, ensuring that improvement plans are tailored to the specific needs of their utility operations:

Establish common goals and objectives despite the differences in IT and OT practices.

Identify candidate opportunities across the business capability map for IT/OT convergence to enhance value.

Conduct a holistic IT/OT maturity assessment to focus improvement plan efforts effectively.

Info-Tech’s insights emphasize that overcoming IT/OT convergence challenges requires fostering collaboration and addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. By implementing the blueprint’s recommendations, IT leaders in the utilities sector will be better equipped with the essential tools needed to drive secure, efficient, and resilient operations. Adopting these strategies not only enhances competitiveness but also ensures a successful long-term transformation.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Jing Wu, an expert in the utilities industry, and access to the complete Drive a Fit-for-Purpose IT/OT Convergence Improvement Plan for Your Utility blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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17 minutes ago

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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1 hour ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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