RackNerd has launched ctrl, its proprietary VPS management platform, combining server administration, an optional network firewall, and one-click deployment of AI agents, automation tools, and self-hosted applications.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — RackNerd LLC, a rapidly growing leader in the Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) industry, today announced the launch of ctrl, its proprietary VPS management platform designed to modernize how customers deploy and manage virtual server infrastructure.

Developed specifically for RackNerd’s VPS ecosystem, ctrl gives customers one unified interface with instant access to the tools they need to manage their virtual servers. Customers can perform power operations, access an HTML5 console, reinstall or change operating systems, reset root passwords, reconfigure networking, monitor resource usage and bandwidth, and manage multiple RackNerd VPS instances from one platform. Whether customers are deploying their first VPS or managing an established production environment, ctrl puts these capabilities within easy reach, helping them build, learn, troubleshoot, and grow at every stage of their journey.

ctrl also introduces a growing catalog of One-Click Apps designed to help customers rapidly deploy AI agents, automation platforms, web hosting control panels, containerized applications, and self-hosted technology stacks. Available applications include AdminBolt, OpenClaw, Hermes Agent, n8n, AnythingLLM, Ollama, LibreChat, Coolify, Portainer, WireGuard, Webmin, CyberPanel, and CloudPanel, with additional integrations planned as the platform continues to evolve.

“ctrl represents an important step forward for RackNerd and for the experience we provide our VPS customers,” said Dustin B. Cisneros, CEO of RackNerd. “We are building the software layer that connects RackNerd’s infrastructure with the next generation of workloads our customers are deploying. Because ctrl is our own platform, we have the flexibility to continuously improve it, introduce new capabilities, and respond more quickly as customer requirements evolve.”

More than a redesigned customer interface, ctrl gives RackNerd greater control over its VPS product roadmap and creates a scalable foundation for future services. As RackNerd continues expanding its infrastructure and customer base, the platform will help streamline common server-management operations while delivering a consistent experience across its VPS offerings. The upgrade is included with existing RackNerd VPS services at no additional cost and does not require customers to migrate or rebuild their virtual servers.

The launch also positions RackNerd to accommodate growing infrastructure demand surrounding artificial intelligence. While large-scale model training typically requires specialized GPU infrastructure, a much broader ecosystem is developing around AI agents, workflow automation, application backends, databases, internal tools, and self-hosted services. Many of these workloads require persistent, always-on infrastructure rather than dedicated AI training clusters.

RackNerd is addressing this segment by pairing accessible KVM virtual servers with a modern deployment experience designed for AI-connected applications, automation, and self-hosting.

“The AI future will not be limited to a small number of hyperscale companies training massive models,” Cisneros added. “An entire ecosystem is being built around AI — agents, automations, integrations, internal tools, and new applications. These workloads still need reliable infrastructure, and RackNerd is positioned to provide both the underlying compute resources and a streamlined path to deployment.”

Customers can order a RackNerd VPS and use ctrl to select a supported application and initiate deployment directly from the control panel. Once an installation is complete, the necessary server or application credentials are displayed within ctrl, reducing the time required to move from a newly provisioned server to a working application.

RackNerd VPS customers also retain full root access and can connect through SSH to deploy, configure, and operate virtually any compatible software stack. This gives customers one-click convenience when desired without sacrificing the flexibility and control expected from an unmanaged KVM VPS.

In addition to application deployment, ctrl streamlines routine VPS administration. Customers can review server specifications and operating-system information, control server power, access rescue functionality, launch a browser-based console, monitor resource consumption, reset credentials, and manage network configuration without opening a support ticket for common administrative tasks.

ctrl also introduces an optional network firewall that filters inbound traffic on RackNerd’s network before it reaches the VPS. This frequently requested feature provides an additional layer of protection, can be enabled or disabled at any time, and complements rather than replaces the firewall running within the operating system.

The launch arrives as RackNerd continues investing in infrastructure, software development, network capacity, and its global datacenter footprint. RackNerd is an Inc. 5000 company recognized multiple years in a row on both the national Inc. 5000 list and Inc. Regionals: Pacific, reflecting the company’s sustained growth and continued expansion within the Infrastructure-as-a-Service market.

With ctrl, RackNerd is extending its infrastructure offerings with a proprietary management and deployment platform built around how developers, businesses, and self-hosters are using virtual servers today — and how those workloads are expected to evolve in the years ahead.

ctrl is available exclusively with RackNerd VPS services. Customers can explore an interactive preview of the platform, review RackNerd’s AI-ready VPS offerings, and select from available configurations based on the resource requirements of their intended applications.

Explore RackNerd ctrl: https://www.racknerd.com/ctrl-control-panel

Learn more about RackNerd AI VPS: https://www.racknerd.com/ai-vps

About RackNerd

RackNerd LLC introduces infrastructure stability and provides Dedicated Servers, Private Cloud solutions, DRaaS (Disaster-Recovery-as-a-Service), flexible Colocation, Virtual Private Servers and advanced DDoS Mitigation services — maintained by a team with decades of experience in managed services, datacenter operations, and Infrastructure-as-a-Service. With an intrinsic focus on client success and growth, RackNerd has grown steadily while continuing to provide high-quality hosting services at competitive rates. For more information please visit RackNerd at: https://www.racknerd.com/.

Media Contact

Dustin Cisneros, RackNerd, 1 8888816373, dustin@racknerd.com, https://www.racknerd.com/

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Businessman and Kazakhstan Chess Federation President wins runoff vote at FIDE General Assembly in Samarkand, pledges digital transformation and record investment in global chess development

SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Timur Turlov has been elected President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), winning a second-round runoff vote at the FIDE General Assembly, held in Samarkand alongside the Chess Olympiad. Turlov ran on a joint ticket with five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand as Deputy President.

Turlov becomes the first Kazakh national to lead FIDE, marking a milestone for Kazakhstan’s rapidly growing chess community and for the wider Central Asian chess movement. He takes office for a four-year term running through 2030.

Turlov is founder and CEO of Nasdaq-listed Freedom Holding Corp., a diversified financial services and technology group with operations spanning the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Over nearly two decades, Freedom has built its business around digitalizing brokerage, banking, and fintech platforms. He has served as President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023.

“The biggest dream we’re all working toward is getting closer to the Olympic program. I want real unity within FIDE, with every federation seeing, over these next four years, the difference we can make together. My goal is for FIDE to become more professional and more modern, more digital, raising its standing and influence, and finding its place in today’s world. I want to bring my own experience in digitalization to that work, helping the organization build a powerful platform and earn recognition as the leader and regulator of this historic and living game,” said Timur Turlov.

His campaign combined direct financial commitment with structural reform. He has pledged more than $8.5 million toward FIDE’s development, including a dedicated multi-year fund kept separate from FIDE’s operating budget, to double the resources available to national federations and simplify access to grants. A central pillar of his program is a unified platform for FIDE that would give every player a single profile spanning ratings, online play, and education tools, alongside modern infrastructure for federations worldwide — echoing the same playbook of connecting international markets through technology that has defined Freedom’s growth. As President of the International School Chess Federation, Turlov has also made chess in education a priority, seeking wider integration of the game into school curricula globally.

On governance, Turlov’s background leading a publicly listed international company shapes several of his commitments: publishing FIDE’s financial statements and major commercial agreements on a regular basis, introducing an independent external audit, appointing specialists on merit, and bringing experts from every continent onto the organization’s commissions.

He has also committed dedicated staff to help national federations secure sponsors, navigate government partnerships, and gain international media exposure, along with strengthened anti-cheating measures.

Anand, FIDE Deputy President since 2022, brings continuity and deep institutional knowledge to the new administration.

The Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) is the Switzerland-based global governing body for chess, with approximately 200 member federations worldwide.

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Environmental science education study examining storytelling and AI-supported learning receives Editor’s Choice distinction

PHOENIX, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix announces that the peer-reviewed study, “Harnessing AI, Virtual Landscapes, and Anthropomorphic Imaginaries to Enhance Environmental Science Education at Jökulsárlón Proglacial Lagoon, Iceland,” has been recognized as an Editor’s Choice paper by Glacies.

Published in February 2026, the study explores how character-driven narratives and human-centered artificial intelligence can support adult learners in understanding complex environmental science concepts. The article was authored by Jacquelyn Kelly, Ph.D., associate dean, College of General Studies; Dianna Gielstra, Ph.D., full-time faculty, Environmental Science Program, College of General Studies; Tomáš J. Oberding, Ph.D., full-time faculty, Environmental Science Program, College of General Studies; Jim Bruno, MBA, associate dean, College of Business and Information Technology; and Stephanie Cosentino, MAEd, senior instructional designer, University of Phoenix.

The recognition highlights research conducted within the University’s “Principles of Environmental Science,” a course serving non-science majors and adult learners. The study examined the use of character-driven storytelling and AI-generated imagery, developed through a human-centered, faculty-guided design process, to help learners engage with scientific concepts and environmental systems.

“The cryosphere plays a critical role in Earth’s environmental systems, yet it is a topic often reserved for advanced scientific study. We wanted to create an accessible entry point into this important science. By bringing together immersive virtual landscapes, narrative storytelling, and human-centered AI, we designed a learning experience that helps adult learners see scientific processes as connected, dynamic, and relevant to the world around them.”

Innovative approaches to environmental science education

The study describes how the course uses a storybook-inspired format to introduce environmental science concepts through approachable characters and narratives. Characters such as Nico Nitrogen, Remi Rock and Waverly Water personify scientific processes and cycles, providing adult learners with accessible entry points into complex topics while maintaining alignment with course learning outcomes.

“Recognition by Glacies as an Editor’s Choice paper reflects the quality of scholarship being produced by our faculty and academic leaders,” said Briana Houlihan, MBA, dean, College of General Studies. “Research such as this demonstrates how innovative instructional approaches can help make complex scientific concepts more engaging and accessible for adult learners while contributing to broader conversations about teaching, learning and technology’s role in design.”

Researchers reported positive student responses to the instructional approach. According to the study, 87.1% of surveyed students reported enjoying the anthropomorphic narratives, while 82.0% agreed the approach reinforced systems thinking. Qualitative feedback indicated that narrative framing and consistent visuals helped learners visualize relationships among Earth systems and communicate scientific concepts more effectively.

Supporting engagement among adult learners

The authors present the work as a practical model for courses serving non-science majors and working adults. By combining narrative-based learning experiences with carefully guided AI-supported visual development, the approach seeks to make abstract scientific concepts more approachable while supporting learner engagement and understanding.

The Editor’s Choice recognition by Glacies acknowledges the study’s contribution to ongoing conversations about environmental science education, instructional design and the thoughtful application of artificial intelligence in higher education learning environments.

Access the study

“Harnessing AI, Virtual Landscapes, and Anthropomorphic Imaginaries to Enhance Environmental Science Education at Jökulsárlón Proglacial Lagoon, Iceland” is available online through Glacies at https://doi.org/10.3390/glacies3010003.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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