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Info-Tech Research Group’s Best of 2024 Report Reveals Key Trends Shaping the Future of IT

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Info-Tech Research Group, a global leader in IT research and advisory, has recently published its Best of 2024 report. The report highlights IT’s focus on foundational improvements in AI, cybersecurity, data quality, and workforce strategies over the past year, positioning organizations to thrive in an era of exponential technologies.

TORONTO, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Info-Tech Research Group highlights in its recently published Best of 2024 report that exponential advancements in AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping how organizations are preparing for the future. The global research and advisory firm’s Best of 2024 report showcases the most sought-after resources and trends that defined IT priorities and strategies over the past year. Based on trending research consumption and insights, the report indicates that IT leaders are prioritizing building strong operational foundations to stay competitive and drive innovation as they look forward to the coming year. The firm explains in the new resource that the technology changes experienced over the past 12 months are not just transforming IT departments but are also influencing broader business strategies and decision-making processes in the long term.

The Best of 2024 report reveals that IT leaders strategically prioritized core areas such as cybersecurity, data quality, and operational efficiency while also addressing emerging opportunities in AI and advanced analytics. Info-Tech’s most popular research in 2024 included The CIO Playbook, AI Trends 2025, Tech Trends 2025, and IT Talent Trends 2025, reflecting IT’s commitment to aligning technology strategies with organizational goals and addressing both immediate and future challenges.

“Our Best of 2024 report details trends that reflect a critical shift in IT leadership, where the emphasis has moved beyond keeping pace and responding to technological change to actively driving it,” says Gord Harrison, Chief Research Officer at Info-Tech Research Group. “Progressive IT leaders are not just addressing immediate needs but are strategically positioning their organizations to harness the transformative potential of exponential technologies like AI and advanced analytics.”

Key Highlights from Info-Tech’s Best of 2024 Report:

Strengthening Core IT Foundations: IT leaders prioritized improving service desk performance, data quality, and analytics to enhance operational efficiency. Among the most popular resources were Standardize the Service Desk and IT Management & Governance Framework Capstone.Proactively Addressing Cybersecurity Risks: Blueprints like Develop a Comprehensive IAM Improvement Strategy and Build an Information Security Strategy supported IT leaders in mitigating privacy and security threats.Harnessing AI and Advanced Analytics: Actionable guidance from Build Your AI Strategy Roadmap and AI Trends 2025 enabled IT teams to integrate emerging technologies, driving innovation and maintaining competitiveness.Building Resilient Talent Strategies: Research such as IT Talent Trends 2025 and Build an Annual IT Talent Strategy provided frameworks for addressing tech talent shortages and fostering workforce resilience.Driving Data-Informed Decisions: Resources like Build a Reporting and Analytical Insights Strategy and Build Your Data Quality Program empowered IT departments to unlock actionable insights and align technology initiatives with business objectives.

The Best of 2024 report illustrates how IT leaders are going beyond adopting cutting-edge technologies to strategically focus on areas that deliver meaningful outcomes. This approach reinforces IT’s role as a critical enabler of innovation and organizational growth.

“Info-Tech’s Best of 2024 report underscores our dedication to providing IT leaders with the tools and frameworks they need to turn vision into actionable strategies,” says Jack Hakimian, Senior Vice President of Research Development at Info-Tech Research Group. “From AI roadmaps to cybersecurity and talent management, our resources are empowering IT teams to address today’s challenges while building capacity for tomorrow’s innovations.”

As organizations navigate an era of exponential transformation, Info-Tech’s research insights emphasize the importance of balancing immediate operational priorities with a strategic, forward-looking approach. The firm’s actionable resources enable IT leaders to embrace Exponential IT principles, optimize performance, navigate a fragmented vendor market, and deliver at scale on technology innovation.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s subject matter experts and access to the complete Best of 2024 report, 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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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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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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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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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

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SOURCE Travelzoo

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