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Top Priorities for IT Application Strategies in 2025 Revealed: Insights from Info-Tech Research Group’s Annual Report

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Info-Tech Research Group, a global leader in IT research and advisory, has recently published its Applications Priorities 2025 report, which outlines the critical strategies and emerging trends IT leaders must focus on to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and maintain competitiveness. As organizations face increasing pressure to adapt to exponential technologies and evolving user expectations, the report provides actionable insights for aligning application strategies with business goals and delivering transformative digital experiences.

TORONTO, Jan. 28, 2025 /CNW/ –  With the pace of technological advancement continuing to accelerate exponentially, Info-Tech Research Group has published its Applications Priorities 2025 report, detailing key priorities and challenges shaping the future of IT application strategies. The global research and advisory firm’s report identifies five critical priorities that IT leaders need to address to remain adaptive and resilient in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment. These priorities include delivering engaging digital products, optimizing platform management, democratizing AI, enabling broad data access, and driving end-to-end business process optimization.

“Applications are no longer just tools—they’re strategic enablers,” says Andrew Kum-Seun, Research Director at Info-Tech Research Group and lead author of the report. “Organizations must align their application strategies with business objectives to ensure they deliver value, foster innovation, and remain adaptable in the face of rapid change. By addressing critical issues like technical debt, data quality, and user empowerment, IT leaders can unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable growth.”

The Applications Priorities 2025 report emphasizes that IT leaders must balance user empowerment with governance and scalability, enabling innovation while mitigating risks. With users increasingly demanding greater control over their tools and data, the report advises organizations to adopt democratized IT practices that empower employees while maintaining robust governance frameworks. Additionally, Info-Tech highlights in the report the need to modernize legacy systems, improve data quality, and embrace collaborative methodologies to enhance collaboration between IT and business stakeholders. Based on insights from Info-Tech’s Future of IT 2025 surveys and in-depth interviews with industry experts, the firm’s annual Application Priorities report provides actionable guidance to help organizations address these critical challenges.

Info-Tech’s Report Insights: The Key Priorities for Applications Leaders in 2025
According to Info-Tech’s research findings published in the firm’s Applications Priorities 2025 report, the following five priorities are critical for IT leaders seeking to build scalable, user-centric application strategies this year:

Digital Products: Organizations must create engaging and valuable digital experiences for users, customers, employees, and partners, including designing user-centric, adaptable, and secure products that align with evolving customer needs and market trends.

Platform Management and Orchestration: Modern platforms must serve as scalable, interoperable ecosystems that empower users to build, customize, and extend solutions. Effective platform management and orchestration ensure accessibility, reliability, and adaptability.

Democratized AI: By extending AI access to all employees, organizations can foster innovation and productivity across the enterprise. Democratized AI requires robust governance, accessible tools, and strategies for scaling AI adoption.

Broad Data Access: Expanding access to trusted data sources and analysis tools empowers employees to make informed, data-driven decisions. Data literacy initiatives and comprehensive governance are critical to maximizing the value of organizational data.

End-to-End Business Process Optimization: Scaling business automation requires optimizing roles, processes, and technologies to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention. By adopting end-to-end optimization strategies, organizations can drive better outcomes across workflows.

Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
Info-Tech’s report also explores the disruptors and challenges IT leaders face as they navigate the complexities of modern application management. These key issues include:

Technical Debt: Poorly managed technical debt can lead to inefficient systems and hinder innovation. Addressing technical debt is essential for maintaining flexibility and scalability.

Data Quality: Inaccurate or incomplete data undermines decision-making, automation, and compliance efforts. Organizations must prioritize data quality through governance, strategy, and technology investments.

User Expectations: With the rapid evolution, accessibility, and availability of applications, users are demanding more control and expecting more from their applications. Balancing user empowerment with governance is a growing challenge for IT teams.

“The rapid evolution of exponential technologies like generative AI has created both opportunities and risks for IT leaders,” says Kum-Seun. “By embracing user-centric design, enhancing data accessibility, and fostering collaboration across the enterprise, organizations can position themselves for success in 2025 and beyond.”

Info-Tech’s Applications Priorities 2025 report emphasizes the importance of aligning technology strategies with business objectives, investing in foundational capabilities such as data governance and platform scalability, and fostering a culture of innovation by encouraging cross-functional collaboration and collaborative practices. This recommended approach empowers organizations to respond swiftly to market dynamics and emerging technologies, ensuring sustained growth and adaptability.

For exclusive commentary from Info-Tech’s analysts and experts, including Andrew Kum-Seun, and access to the complete Applications Priorities 2025 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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Korean Buyers Invited to Connect with Chinese Suppliers at C-TOUCH & DISPLAY and FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Featuring Korea Day business matchmaking, next-generation display technologies and advanced functional materials, the October exhibitions offer Korean industry professionals new opportunities to explore suppliers and strengthen cross-border partnerships.

As demand grows for advanced displays, semiconductor technologies and high-performance materials, C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026 and FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 will welcome Korean buyers and industry professionals to Shenzhen, China, from October 27–29. The exhibitions will provide opportunities to discover new technologies, meet Chinese manufacturers and explore business partnerships across the electronics, display, automotive and advanced materials supply chains.

C-TOUCH: Exploring Next-Generation Display and Semiconductor Technologies

C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026 will showcase technologies spanning OLED, Micro LED, flexible displays, touch panels, e-paper, commercial displays, automotive displays and AI+AR smart glasses. As display technologies converge with AI computing, optical communications and semiconductor packaging, the exhibition will connect Korean visitors with suppliers developing materials, components, manufacturing equipment and integrated solutions.

A key highlight is the TGV Glass Substrate Advanced Packaging Zone, where visitors can explore eight major process stages, including laser induction, etching, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), electroplating, chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), coating and photolithography.

FILM & TAPE EXPO: Functional Materials for Electronics and Advanced Manufacturing

FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 will bring together suppliers of functional films, optical films, protective and release films, polyimide (PI) films, adhesive tapes, optical clear adhesives (OCA), thermal-management materials and precision converting equipment.

The exhibition will also cover coating, laminating, slitting, rewinding, inspection and die-cutting technologies. These solutions support applications across consumer electronics, semiconductors, automotive electronics, batteries and energy storage, PCB/FPC and industrial manufacturing.

Korea Day: Connecting Korean Buyers with Chinese Suppliers

A major opportunity for Korean visitors will be Korea Day, a dedicated buyer–supplier matchmaking initiative designed to facilitate business connections between Korean industry professionals and Chinese suppliers.

The program will provide a focused setting for buyers to communicate their sourcing needs, explore relevant products and technologies, and discuss potential cooperation directly with suppliers. For companies seeking new sourcing options, manufacturing partners or materials for product development, Korea Day can help make exhibition visits more targeted and productive.

Easier Travel: China’s 30-Day Visa-Free Policy for South Korean Citizens

Travel planning has also become more convenient for eligible Korean visitors. Under China’s current unilateral visa-free policy, South Korean citizens holding ordinary passports may enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange visits and transit.

The policy has been extended through December 31, 2026. Visitors should consult the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Korea for the latest official guidance.

Register to Visit Shenzhen This October

C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026 and FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026 will take place October 27–29 at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Bao’an, Shenzhen, China.

C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN 2026: Pre-register here

FILM & TAPE EXPO 2026: Pre-register here

About RX Kuozhan

RX Kuozhan is a joint venture between Reed Exhibitions and Kuozhan Exhibition Services (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., established in 2015. The company organizes a portfolio of industry-leading exhibitions serving the display, touch technology, functional films, adhesive materials, commercial display and advanced materials sectors. Through its exhibitions and industry engagement initiatives, RX Kuozhan connects manufacturers, technology providers, buyers and industry professionals, facilitating business partnerships, technology exchange and cross-industry collaboration in China and international markets.

For more information, please visit C-TOUCH & DISPLAY SHENZHEN and FILM & TAPE EXPO.

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What’s Next for Webull Corporation Shareholders After 19.09% Stock Drop? Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP Explains Securities Fraud Class Action Lead Plaintiff Deadline

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Complaint alleges Webull Corporation misled investors between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026; investors may seek lead plaintiff role by December 7, 2026

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP (“Glancy”) announced today that the class action lawsuit covers investors who bought Webull Corporation (“Webull” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BULL) securities between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026. The Webull Corporation case, Ward v. Webull Corporation et al., was filed on October 8, 2026 in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida (Tampa) (Case No. 8:26-cv-03052).

Investors who suffered losses on Webull Corporation investments can submit their Webull Corporation loss information here before the December 7, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

Key dates in the Webull Corporation case

Class period: April 26, 2025 to October 6, 2026Complaint filed: October 8, 2026Lead plaintiff deadline: December 7, 2026

What happened?

On October 7, 2026, the bipartisan House Select Committee on China issued a report which found “a profound gap” between Webull’s public marketing as “an American company” and actual control of the alleged St. Petersburg, Florida-based firm. The committee reportedly found “Webull’s ownership architecture, technical workforce, technology infrastructure, cross-border data routing, corporate financing, and compliance frameworks are tied in structural ways to the People’s Republic of China.” The Select Committee also reportedly found that Webull initially told the Select Committee that it had no offices or employees in China, while Webull’s mainland China subsidiary in fact employed approximately 863 employees, or 62% of Webull’s global workforce.

Webull Corporation stock fell $1.39 or 19.09%, to close at $5.89 on October 7, 2026, thereby injuring investors.

What is the Webull Corporation lawsuit about?

The Webull Corporation securities lawsuit alleges that, between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about Webull Corporation’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, the complaint alleges defendants failed to disclose that: (1) Webull’s mainland China operations were not limited to research and development and technical support functions, but rather Webull’s software development, data pipelines, and core engineering depended on PRC-based personnel and on infrastructure subject to Chinese law; (2) Webull’s ownership structure, technical workforce, technology infrastructure, cross-border data routing, financing, and compliance structure were structurally tied to China; (3) as a result, Webull’s representations that its principal business operations were based in the U.S. and that its U.S. customer data was insulated from non-U.S. access materially overstated Webull’s independence from the PRC; and (4) as a result, defendants’ positive statements about Webull Corporation’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

“The complaint filed against Webull Corporation alleges that, among other things, the Company failed to disclose that Webull’s mainland China operations were not limited to research and development and technical support functions, but rather Webull’s software development, data pipelines, and core engineering depended on PRC-based personnel and on infrastructure subject to Chinese law. For investors who bought during the class period, the December 7, 2026 deadline is the first major step in this case,” said Charles H. Linehan, Partner at Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP.

What’s the next step?

Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP is a leading national shareholder rights law firm, ready to assist Webull Corporation investors in potentially pursuing claims to recover their losses.

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff in the Webull Corporation class action, you must move the Court no later than December 7, 2026. To learn more about your rights, visit the Webull Corporation case page, email shareholders@glancylaw.com, or call 310-201-9150 (toll-free: 888-773-9224).

You may retain counsel of your choice. If you bought Webull Corporation securities during the class period, you may take no action and remain an absent class member. No class has been certified yet in the Webull Corporation case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible? Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Webull Corporation securities between April 26, 2025 and October 6, 2026 and suffered losses may be members of the proposed class in the Webull Corporation shareholder lawsuit. Any class member may ask the court to appoint them lead plaintiff by December 7, 2026.

What is a lead plaintiff? In the Webull Corporation class action, the lead plaintiff is the investor, or group of investors, that the court appoints to represent all class members and oversee the case. Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, courts generally presume the movant with the largest financial interest is the most adequate lead plaintiff.

Do I have to be lead plaintiff to recover? No. A Webull Corporation investor’s ability to share in any future recovery does not depend on serving as lead plaintiff. Webull Corporation investors may take no action and remain absent class members.

What is the deadline? Motions to serve as lead plaintiff in the Webull Corporation class action must be filed by December 7, 2026.

Does it cost anything to contact Glancy or participate in this action? Glancy represents Webull Corporation investors on a contingency fee basis, which means investors pay no attorneys’ fees unless there is a recovery. Any fees are subject to court approval and are paid from the recovery.

Can I choose my own lawyer? Yes. Webull Corporation investors may retain counsel of their choice.

Why work with Glancy on the Webull Corporation lawsuit? Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP is a premier law firm with decades of experience representing investors and consumers in securities litigation and other complex class action litigation. Contact Glancy about the Webull Corporation lawsuit. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

About Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP

Glancy was named one of Law360’s Securities Groups of the Year and ranked second in total investor recoveries by ISS Securities Class Action Services in 2025.

Glancy’s successes have been widely covered by leading news and industry publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters, the Associated Press, Barron’s, Investor’s Business Daily, Forbes, and Money.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Related links

Webull Corporation case page, Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLPComplaint: Ward v. Webull Corporation et al., U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida (Tampa)Webull Corporation SEC filings index, EDGARGlancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP

CONTACT:
Charles H. Linehan
Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP
1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Email: shareholders@glancylaw.com
Telephone: 310-201-9150 | Toll-free: 888-773-9224
www.glancylaw.com

Follow Glancy on LinkedIn, X, or Facebook.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

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NetDragon Partners with Jiuzhou Culture to Establish Joint Venture

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Takes Controlling Stake in AI Harness Business to Advance a Third Growth Engine

HONG KONG, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (“NetDragon” or the “Company”; Hong Kong Stock Code: 0777), a global leader in building internet communities, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a legally binding memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with Jiuzhou Culture (“Jiuzhou”), a leading AIGC short drama production and distribution company in China, to establish a joint venture (“JV”) in which NetDragon will hold a 51% controlling interest. The partnership will focus on artificial intelligence technologies, AIGC-powered content creation and digital technology services, further expanding NetDragon’s AI application scenarios and commercialisation opportunities while accelerating the development of a new growth engine.

Deepening the Integration of AIGC and Content to Build a Diversified Digital Business Platform

Rapid advances in AIGC are continuing to reshape content creation, digital entertainment and software services. With the ongoing maturation of generative AI, large-scale AI models and AI agents, AI is evolving from a supporting tool into a productivity platform that can enhance the entire value chain, from content creation and production to operations and commercialisation. Through the JV Company, NetDragon and Jiuzhou will combine their complementary strengths in technology, IP, content and industry resources to accelerate the deployment of AIGC across real-world commercial applications.

Under the MOU, Jiuzhou will inject into the JV Company all intellectual property, technologies and assets relating to the AI Harness system business, laying a solid foundation for product development and commercialisation. NetDragon will contribute Hong Kong dollars cash equivalent to RMB 50 million to the JV Company, acquire a 51% shareholding interest and consolidate the JV Company’s financial results. The JV Company will focus on expanding foundational artificial intelligence software, large-scale AI models and the AI Harness system business. It is expected to serve as the first commercial validation platform in China for NetDragon’s “AI ecosystem co-creation” strategy, marking the launch of the Company’s third growth engine and laying the groundwork for the business model to be replicated and scaled across various sectors.

To accelerate the scalable commercialisation of the AI Harness business, the transaction also incorporates a multi-tiered, progressive performance-based incentive warrant scheme. NetDragon will issue 25 million unlisted warrants to Jiuzhou at an issue price of HK$0.10 per warrant share, to be granted in three tranches with initial exercise prices of HK$10, HK$12 and HK$15, respectively. The warrants will only become exercisable upon achievement of specified key performance indicators by the JV Company. Assuming full exercise of all warrants at the initial exercise prices, NetDragon will receive aggregate gross proceeds of approximately HK$314 million, which will supplement the Company’s development capital while achieving deep alignment of interests and shared equity upside with its strategic partner. 

Strengthening AI Ecosystem Synergies to Drive a Third Growth Engine

As generative AI becomes increasingly integrated into content production, digital services and global operations, NetDragon and Jiuzhou will take this collaboration as a new starting point to fully leverage their complementary strengths and accelerate the commercialisation of AI capabilities, translating technological innovation into tangible business value. In recent years, NetDragon has continued to advance its AI strategy across AI+gaming, AI+education and enterprise intelligence, while actively exploring emerging AI businesses with the potential to establish independent commercial models. Jiuzhou, meanwhile, has built deep expertise in micro-dramas and digital content, with an integrated value chain spanning copyright operations, content creation, co-production, paid distribution and official distribution. It has also continued to expand the use of AIGC across content production, creation and operations. The two parties will further explore the deep integration of AI technology with the content industry, accelerating the implementation of AI capabilities in scenarios such as content generation, AI model applications, translation and localisation, platform operations, and enterprise technology services, to build scalable and sustainable business models.

Following the launch of the MOYU AI platform in August 2026, NetDragon’s investment and controlling stake in the AI Harness business marks another important step in increasing resource allocation to its AI business and broadening its long-term growth pathways. The performance-linked equity incentive collaboration with Jiuzhou is expected to establish a new model of strategic collaboration for NetDragon, enabling the Company and its partners to grow the business together and share in the value created. Looking ahead, NetDragon will remain focused on its core AI business, deepen technological innovation and resource integration, and leverage its established strengths in gaming and education alongside the emerging growth engine of AI ecosystem co-creation. Under this three-pronged strategy, the Company aims to continuously strengthen its core competitiveness, enhance long-term investment value, and deliver sustainable returns to shareholders.

About NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited

NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 777) is a global leader in building internet communities, with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users. Over the desktop and mobile internet eras, NetDragon previously established China’s first online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China’s most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless.   

Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known digital entertainment IP developers and operators in China with a history of successful flagship game titles deeply welcomed by users both at home and abroad. For more than a decade, NetDragon has also achieved success with its EdTech business both domestically and globally. Fully embracing the new AI era, NetDragon is driving its vision of “Infinite Growth” through AI-enabled digital entertainment and online learning, whilst building a systematic AI product methodology to create value growth.

NetDragon’s overseas edtech business entity, currently a U.S.-listed subsidiary named Mynd.ai, is a global leader in interactive technology and its award-winning interactive displays and software can be found in more than 2 million learning and training spaces across 126 countries. 

About Jiuzhou Culture

Founded in 2021, Jiuzhou is a leading player in the online micro-drama industry, with an integrated business model spanning copyright operations, content creation, co-production, paid distribution and official distribution. The company has established a comprehensive, end-to-end content ecosystem designed to enhance operational efficiency and unlock synergies across the value chain. Embracing technological innovation, Jiuzhou actively integrates cutting-edge technologies such as AIGC to enhance content quality and creative capabilities. Its self-developed Moss tool has accelerated AI adoption across the entire value chain, leveraging technology to advance the development of the global short drama ecosystem.

In terms of content creation, Jiuzhou has accumulated the rights to more than 4,000 short dramas and has successfully distributed over 1,000 productions. Its portfolio spans more than 20 popular genres, including contemporary drama, romance, campus life, fantasy, suspense and historical fiction, catering to the diverse entertainment preferences of audiences in China and worldwide. By combining paid content, free-to-view short dramas and international expansion, Jiuzhou has developed a distinctive business ecosystem that strengthens its competitive position and drives continued innovation in the micro-drama industry.

Internationally, the company leverages its strengths in content production, audience reach and distribution networks to bring Chinese micro-dramas to global audiences while tailoring its offerings to local tastes and cultural preferences. Its flagship international platform, ShortMax, focuses primarily on North American and European markets, offering a wide selection of localized Chinese dramas and original productions. ShortMax is now available in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, having achieved peak monthly active users (MAU) of over 30 million, more than 90 million cumulative registered users and 200 million downloads.

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SOURCE NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited

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