NEW YORK and NOIDA, India, July 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HCLTech (NSE: HCLTECH) (BSE: HCLTECH), a leading global technology company, today announced a new seven-year agreement with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), one of the largest mutual companies in the U.S. and a leading provider of insurance, retirement, wealth management and employee benefits solutions. The new agreement builds on the companies’ previously announced partnership and expands their collaboration to advance Guardian’s AI-powered modernization across technology and operations to support long-term business growth.   

Through this partnership, the companies aim to accelerate value realization and efficiency for Guardian through differentiated experiences and reduced friction, while creating AI-led solutions and IP for the insurance industry. Additionally, HCLTech will accelerate technology and talent transformation across data, applications and engineering while also driving operational excellence across group benefits, individual protection, retirement and wealth management, resulting in reduced costs, faster time to market and continued delivery of high-quality experiences for customers, advisors and distribution partners.   

HCLTech will expand the use of its AI Service Transformation Platform, AI Force to create and deploy agentic capabilities for the business, and further advance AI adoption and innovation. These capabilities will align with Guardian’s product operating model and help create a more resilient delivery foundation that can scale with the business.

As part of the expanded strategic partnership, HCLTech will acquire Guardian India, a high-impact global capability center with a large pool of specialized talent supporting technology, operations and shared services playing a vital role in advancing Guardian’s transformation. Nearly 2,000 employees will integrate into HCLTech with the establishment of a dedicated Strategic Business Unit focused exclusively on supporting Guardian to drive technology innovation, engineering excellence, operational transformation and maturity across Guardian’s products and services. Karunakaran Azhisur, Country Head of Guardian India, will join HCLTech to lead this Strategic Business Unit.

“This partnership is an important step in advancing our operating model and scaling AI across our enterprise,” said Steve Rullo, chief digital and technology officer at Guardian. “Together with HCLTech, we are strengthening how we operate to drive greater consistency and scalability while continuing to invest in the capabilities that differentiate Guardian, strengthen operational excellence, and create value for our customers, policyholders and distribution partners.”  

“This expanded partnership is another testament to our continued leadership in the insurance industry and reflects the strength of our relationship with Guardian to further drive their AI-enabled journey, as well as a shared focus on scaling AI and modernizing operations,” said Srinivasan Seshadri, chief growth officer and global head of financial services at HCLTech. “We are excited to welcome the talented team joining us from Guardian. Together, we have a unique opportunity for us to partner to co-create products and intellectual property that will deepen HCLTech’s domain expertise, further strengthen our AI-intrinsic platforms and help clients achieve sustained business growth.”

About HCLTech

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 223,000 people across 60 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around AI, digital, engineering, cloud and software, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. We work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology & Services, Semiconductor, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, Mobility and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of 12 months ending June 2026 totaled $14.8 billion. To learn how we can supercharge progress for you, visit hcltech.com.

For further details, please contact:

Meredith Bucaro, Americas
meredith-bucaro@hcltech.com 

Elka Ghudial, Europe
elka.ghudial@hcltech.com 

James Galvin, APAC
james.galvin@hcltech.com

Nitin Shukla, India, Middle East & Africa
nitin-shukla@hcltech.com

SOURCE HCLTech

From Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8, Dallas becomes the epicenter of DIY and home design innovation as DIY CON brings top HGTV talent, exclusive Main Stage panels, and interactive workshops to Fair Park.

DALLAS, July 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DIY CON, the immersive experience built for those who build it themselves, is thrilled to announce big industry names at its inaugural event November 6-8 at Fair Park in Dallas. Drew and Jonathan Scott (Property Brothers) will headline the Saturday lineup, joined by HGTV fan-favorites Chelsea and Cole DeBoer (Down Home Fab) (Sunday) and digital home design powerhouses Mr. Kate (Friday).

Designed to bring the world of DIY, renovation, and lifestyle creation off the screen and into reality, DIY CON offers fans access to the biggest names in the industry. From live interactive workshops and product showcases to high-energy panels and networking events, DIY CON is shaping up to be the ultimate weekend for DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels.

“We are incredibly excited to bring together this level of talent under one roof,” said Hector Morfin, Event Director. “Whether you are looking to tackle a challenging DIY project, finesse your DIY skills, find your unique style, or get inspired by the best in the DIY business, DIY CON delivers an unforgettable, immersive experience. Having Chelsea and Cole, Drew and Jonathan, and Mr. Kate sharing their expertise live on our Main Stage makes this a must-attend event for DIYers of all levels and skillsets.”

DIY CON Celebrity Programming Schedule:

Friday: Mr. Kate The creative forces behind the massive home and lifestyle brand will kick off the weekend’s celebrity programming on Friday. Renowned for their eclectic, accessible style and massive digital following, Mr. Kate will take over the Main Stage for an exclusive panel sharing their signature design philosophies and creative home transformations.

Saturday: Drew and Jonathan Scott (Property Brothers) The home expert twin brothers will anchor Saturday’s Main Stage lineup. Attendees will get a front-row seat to their signature mix of real estate know-how, smart design, and humor as they discuss their global franchise and give practical home inspiration.

Sunday: Chelsea and Cole DeBoer (HGTV’s Down Home Fab) Rounding out a weekend of DIY experiences, the stars will take the Main Stage on Sunday. They will share their rapid rise in the design and DIY space, their collaborative renovation process, and how they balance a thriving lifestyle empire.

Join Us at DIY CON:

For Attendees: Don’t miss your chance to see your favorite DIY and design stars live, participate in hands-on workshops, and shop exclusive home products. To view the full schedule, explore interactive features, and secure your passes, visit https://www.diycon.com/en-us/tickets.html.  

For Exhibitors & Sponsors: Position your brand in front of thousands of affluent homeowners, DIYers, and design influencers. To apply for exhibit space, visit https://www.diycon.com/en-us/exhibit/exhibit-with-us.html 

About DIY CON:

Created from the belief that everyone can build something great, DIY CON is an immersive event that celebrates creativity and capability. Founded in 2026 and built for those who build it themselves and a celebration of skill, creativity, and I got this spirit of the modern DIYer. The event brings together DIYers of all skill levels from beginners to full-time professionals to learn, experiment, and connect through interactive workshops, creator-led sessions, live brand experiences, and DIY activations for every aspect of the home. Created by RX Global, the producers of world-renowned fan events including New York Comic Con and Star Wars Celebration, DIY CON empowers people to dream it, design it, and do it themselves. Learn more at DIYCON.com.

About RX:

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organizations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

Contacts:

Sales Inquiries: Nicole Beiner, nicole.beiner@rxglobal.com

Media Inquiries: Kathryn Emery, (888) 425-9377, 418966@email4pr.com

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SOURCE DIY CON

Interoperability challenges create new opportunities for security providers to differentiate through service, integration, and connected home expertise

PLANO,Texas, July 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New research from Parks Associates finds US security dealers are facing renewed challenges integrating customers’ existing smart home devices into professionally installed security systems. Adoption of smart home devices, including smart cameras, locks, lighting, and thermostats, exceeds 50% of US internet households, and consumers expect these connected devices to work together seamlessly.

According to the firm’s Security Dealers Perspectives: Views from the Front Line, 57% of security dealers say integrating customer-owned smart home devices with a security system is difficult or very difficult, up from 44% in 2022. The upward trend signals that interoperability remains a growing operational challenge.

“Consumers are building connected homes one device at a time, often across multiple brands and ecosystems, and the expectation is on security companies, smart home device manufacturers, monitoring companies, and ISPs to make these solutions work together,” said Jennifer Kent, SVP and Principal Analyst, Parks Associates. “Security dealers are positioned to simplify installation and reduce complexity in the connected home, so the companies that can best leverage this channel will win and retain customers.”

At the same time, dealers continue to navigate growing competition from DIY security solutions. Parks Associates research finds 74% of security dealers report losing sales to DIY security systems and standalone devices such as cameras and video doorbells, up from 51% in both 2022 and 2023. The findings reveal the challenges dealers face in the expanding smart home market but also the opportunities to use their professional expertise, interoperability, and ongoing service as key competitive differentiators.

As smart home adoption continues to grow, security providers are moving beyond traditional intrusion protection toward broader connected home experiences. Successfully integrating third-party devices while delivering reliable installation, ongoing support, and managed services can strengthen customer satisfaction and create additional recurring revenue opportunities.

“The connected home has become a competitive advantage for security providers,” Kent said. “Consumers want flexibility in the devices they choose without sacrificing reliability or support. Dealers that can bridge multiple ecosystems while delivering professional service will be best positioned as the market continues to evolve.”

The findings are part of Parks Associates’ Security Dealers Perspectives: Views from the Front Line, a primary research study that examines residential security dealer perspectives on competitive dynamics, technology integration, business strategies, and consumer demand.

For more information about Parks Associates research, visit www.parksassociates.com.

To speak with an analyst or for more information, contact Mindi Sue Sternbliz-Rubenstein. 

About Parks Associates

Parks Associates helps companies identify new opportunities, refine strategy, and accelerate growth in connected technology markets through data-driven insights and industry expertise. With more than 40 years of experience, the firm delivers proprietary consumer and industry research, market forecasts, and strategic analysis that guide business decisions across personal, connected home, small business, and commercial technology ecosystems. Parks Associates supports clients in navigating evolving markets including AI, security, smart home, broadband, entertainment, energy, multifamily, smart buildings, and connected health.

The firm also fosters industry growth and collaboration by convening thousands of leaders each year through its flagship executive conferences, including CONNECTIONS™, Connected Health Summit, Smart Energy Summit, Smart Spaces, and Future of Video. Learn more at https://www.parksassociates.com.

Follow Parks Associates on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein
Parks Associates
972.490.1113
418963@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Parks Associates