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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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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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World IP Day 2026: PitchMark launches Ideas.Exchange to help creators safeguard and license ideas in the age of AI

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SINGAPORE, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To mark World IP Day 2026, PitchMark® today launched Ideas.Exchange, a first‑of‑its‑kind platform designed to help creators assert intellectual property rights, license ideas, and formalise creative conversations in an increasingly AI‑driven economy.

Unveiled at Safeguard Your IP in the Age of AI, a media briefing hosted by CNBC’s Sri Jegarajah, the platform responds to growing concern that ideas are routinely used, reused or absorbed without attribution, consent or compensation—often with limited legal or commercial recourse.

“AI has amplified both the reach and the risk for creators,” said Mark Laudi, Managing Partner of PitchMark LLP. “Ideas.Exchange gives creators a way to protect themselves while still participating confidently in the market for ideas.”

At its core, the platform focuses on three interventions for creators:

Asserting IP rights by establishing proof of authorship and precedenceLicensing ideas without giving them away for freeFormalising conversations so pitches and evaluations are governed rather than informal

Ideas.Exchange is powered by three proprietary resources developed by PitchMark. These include a blockchain‑driven clearing house where ideas and creative works can be listed and licensed; smart contracts that automate usage terms and reduce disputes; and an IP Governance Certification Program designed to signal responsible handling of ideas, particularly in enterprise and AI contexts.

The result, PitchMark says, is three concrete outcomes: deterrence of idea theft, new ways to monetise ideas through structured licensing and price discovery, and a more level playing field that allows creators to pitch to clients and platforms on equal terms.

The launch comes amid renewed scrutiny of how intellectual property is treated in the AI era. While idea theft is rarely reported, its impact is significant. Beyond visible financial losses, organisations and creators often absorb hidden costs through talent attrition, innovation suppression and abandoned market opportunities.

“Most idea theft occurs informally and never reaches the courts,” said Prof David Llewelyn, Professor Emeritus of Law at Singapore Management University. “Introducing governance, traceability and standards is a meaningful step toward addressing that gap.”

Spokespeople including Prof Llewelyn, technology lawyer Bryan Ghows, and Mark Laudi are available for interview.

About PitchMark

PitchMark® deters idea theft and enables creatives to get paid by providing a trusted way to share and license ideas with prospects and clients.

 

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SOURCE PitchMark

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SK hynix receives 2026 IEEE Corporate Innovation Award for Driving AI Computing Expansion with HBM

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SK hynix honored at the 2026 IEEE Awards for leading AI technology innovation with HBM Contributed to the global AI computing ecosystem via stable mass production across all HBM generationsCompany committed to becoming a premier leader in AI innovation through collaboration with global customers and partners

SEOUL, South Korea, April 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SK hynix Inc. (or “the company”, www.skhynix.com) announced today that it received the Corporate Innovation Award at the ‘2026 IEEE1 Honors Ceremony’ held in New York on the 24th (local time).

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Established more than a century ago, the IEEE Awards Program recognizes individuals and teams whose innovations have advanced technology and improved the human condition.

The IEEE Corporation Innovation Award, part of the Recognitions category, has been presented since 1986 to companies that have significantly contributed to the advancement of industry and society through innovative technology. This marks the first time SK hynix has received this honor.

SK hynix attributed the honor to its contribution to the global AI computing ecosystem by ensuring the stable mass production of all High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) generations. Looking ahead, the company aims to solidify its position as a trusted partner in the global AI market by providing memory solutions that are critical to overcoming the performance limitations of AI platforms.

The recognition highlights SK hynix’s achievements in driving the expansion of AI computing through HBM innovation and application. Central to this success was the company’s ability to preemptively offer innovative HBM solutions and respond timely to customer demands in the global AI market.

Industry observers also credit this achievement to the strategic direction of SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, who has long emphasized securing long-term technological competitiveness. Under his leadership, the company has consistently expanded its AI infrastructure partnerships with global Big Tech firms in the United States.

Ahn Hyun, President and Chief Development Officer (CDO), attended the ceremony as the company representative to accept the award.

“It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of our employees, who have tirelessly challenged the limits of technology,” said Ahn. “By collaborating closely with our global customers and partners, we will stay ahead in creating the value the market demands and continue to be a premier company leading AI innovation.”

About SK hynix Inc.
SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world’s top-tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAM”) and flash memory chips (“NAND flash”) for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

About IEEE
IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization and a public charity dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice in a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers, and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics. Learn more at https://www.ieee.org.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sk-hynix-receives-2026-ieee-corporate-innovation-award-for-driving-ai-computing-expansion-with-hbm-302753615.html

SOURCE SK hynix Inc.

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NCL (Formerly Natural Cure Labs) Unveils New Brand Identity, Reinforcing Its Position as a Leading Monolaurin Supplement Company

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Natural Cure Labs, one of the most recognized monolaurin supplement brands in the United States, is officially transitioning to NCL – the same company, same formulations, and same science-backed standards, under a streamlined name.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 25, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Natural Cure Labs, one of the most recognized monolaurin supplement brands in the United States, is officially transitioning to NCL. The company, founded in 2015, is adopting a streamlined brand identity while maintaining the same formulations, manufacturing standards, team, and commitment to quality its customers have trusted for more than a decade.

“NCL represents the quality, transparency, and innovation that our community expects from us. As we enter this new chapter, our commitment to our customers and our standards remains as strong as ever.”

NCL stands for Natural Cure Labs. The name change reflects how customers and the team already refer to the company. Over the past 10+ years, “NCL” has become the natural shorthand for Natural Cure Labs – and this transition formalizes that identity. This is a name change and visual evolution only. Ownership, leadership, formulations, and values remain unchanged.

Same Mission, Sharper Identity

This transition is not a departure from who the company is – it is a natural progression. The values that have guided NCL from the very beginning remain unchanged: clean-label quality, third-party testing, science-backed formulations, and an unwavering commitment to transparency. What is changing is how the company presents itself. In the months ahead, this rebrand will be accompanied by further updates across the brand experience – from visual identity and packaging to how NCL shows up across every channel and platform. Each of these changes will reflect the same standard of excellence customers have come to expect.

What is changing is how the company presents itself. In the months ahead, this rebrand will be accompanied by further updates across the brand experience – from visual identity and packaging to how NCL shows up across every channel and platform. Each of these changes will reflect the same standard of excellence customers have come to expect.

More Than 10 Years of Trust

This evolution comes at a time of significant momentum. Since 2015, NCL has grown from a small startup into an award-winning wellness brand available nationwide through Amazon, Walmart, Target+, TikTok Shop, eBay, and other major marketplaces. Along the way, the company has reached milestones that reflect the trust its community has placed in it:

200,000+ customers served worldwide35+ million capsules sold7,000+ verified customer reviewsRecognition in the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companiesMultiple Stevie Awards from the American Business AwardsNamed a 2025 and 2026 Gator100 HonoreeThree-time Global 100 winner for Best Health & Wellness Nutrition Manufacturer

“This rebrand isn’t about changing who we are – it’s about evolving how we present ourselves to match the brand our customers already know and trust,” said Damon Sununtnasuk, Founder & CEO.

What This Means for Customers

For existing customers, nothing changes about the products they know and trust. The same formulations, manufacturing facilities, quality controls, and customer support team remain in place. Products sold as Natural Cure Labs and products sold as NCL are from the same company. Customers can continue to find NCL products on the company’s website and through Amazon, Walmart, Target+, Kroger, eBay, and other major marketplaces.

NCL is grateful for every customer who has been part of this journey and is excited for what is to come.

Media Contact

NCL (Natural Cure Labs), NCL (Natural Cure Labs), 1 8003036214, press@naturalcurelabs.com, https://www.naturalcurelabs.com/

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SOURCE NCL (Natural Cure Labs)

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