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Armor Appoints Jeff Baker as Head of Global Sales

Veteran enterprise sales leader to scale go-to-market across healthcare, financial services, and regulated industries

DALLAS, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Armor, a global leader in cloud-native managed detection and response (MDR), today announced the appointment of Jeff Baker as Head of Global Sales, reporting directly to Founder and CEO Chris Drake. Baker brings over 30 years of industry experience building and scaling enterprise sales organizations across AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and infrastructure, and will lead Armor’s global revenue strategy across healthcare, financial services, and high-tech verticals.

The appointment follows a period of accelerating growth for Armor, including recognition by Frost & Sullivan as a global MDR leader and the launch of Nexus, Armor’s AI security operations platform.

“Jeff is the kind of leader who builds the engine, not just drives it. He’s built sales organizations from scratch, won against much larger competitors, and done it across some of the most demanding verticals in enterprise technology.”

Chris Drake, Founder and CEO, Armor

Baker joins Armor from DeepL, where as Head of Enterprise Sales for the Americas he rapidly scaled the enterprise sales organization while driving significant year-over-year revenue growth. He previously served as Regional Vice President at Hitachi Vantara, leading one of the company’s largest regions across 17 states, and at VMware built the Commercial Networking, Security, and Cloud Management vertical across the U.S. and Canada into one of its top-performing organizations. Baker brings deep healthcare experience, having built and led healthcare-focused verticals at both Nutanix and VMware, and his track record selling into complex, compliance-driven environments aligns closely with Armor’s mission to secure organizations in healthcare, financial services, and other regulated sectors.

“What drew me to Armor is its mission and its ability to deliver real AI-enabled security for organizations in highly regulated industries like healthcare and financial services. I’m excited to help scale our global reach and ensure more CISOs have a partner who truly understands both their threat landscape and their regulatory reality.” 

Jeff Baker, Head of Global Sales, Armor

Armor has long valued hiring veterans for their purpose-driven DNA, a mindset that is embedded in the company from the top. Armor’s founder is a veteran, and Jeff continues that tradition. A highly decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, he served during Operation Desert Storm as the lead electronic warfare intelligence officer. His leadership philosophy is shaped by service and grounded in accountability, transparency, and building high-performing teams.

Armor protects more than 1,700 organizations across 40 countries and has significantly strengthened its global presence over the past year. Baker’s appointment positions the company to accelerate enterprise adoption of its managed detection and response and compliance solutions across regulated industries worldwide.

About Armor

Armor is a global leader in cloud-native managed detection and response. Trusted by over 1,700 organizations across 40 countries, Armor delivers cybersecurity, compliance consulting, and 24/7 managed defense built for transparency, speed, and results. By combining human expertise with AI-driven precision, Armor safeguards critical environments to outpace evolving threats and build lasting resilience. For more information visit our website, follow us on LinkedIn, or request a free Cyber Resilience assessment.

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Media Contact:
Michele Glassman
Marketing Director, Armor
Email: michele.glassman@armor.com 
Website: www.armor.com

Jeff Baker, Head of Global Sales, Armor
Jeff Baker, Head of Global Sales, Armor

Virtual IT Group Solves Mid-Market Security Blind Spot with Zero Trust 24/7 Detection & Response

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Virtual IT Group (VITG) and The Instillery have launched Zero Trust Detection & Response (ZDR), the first purpose-built Zero Trust network protection service designed specifically for small and medium-sized organisations across ANZ. Until now, these organisations have faced rising cyber threats with little choice but to rely on outdated, legacy network security.

Virtual IT Group Launches Zero Trust Detection & Response (ZDR) Service - Masaki Takeda (Security Consultant), Maurice McCarthy (CEO) and Jeremy Nees (Chief Product Officer and Zero Trust Practice Lead)
Virtual IT Group Launches Zero Trust Detection & Response (ZDR) Service – Masaki Takeda (Security Consultant), Maurice McCarthy (CEO) and Jeremy Nees (Chief Product Officer and Zero Trust Practice Lead)

The service can deliver the same level of protection used by banks and large enterprises without the specialist team or the cost typically required.

“EDR and identity protection tools have evolved rapidly, but network security hasn’t kept pace,” said Jeremy Nees, Chief Product Officer and Zero Trust Practice Lead at Virtual IT Group. “For the first time, midmarket organisations can have full endpoint, identity, and network security working together as one.”

“Many midmarket businesses are still relying on firewalls and VPNs that simply weren’t designed for today’s advanced cyber-attack patterns or modern workforce realities. Most tools in the SMB space only scan a fraction of network traffic. It’s like boarding a plane where only 10% of passengers have been screened. Our ZDR offering eliminates that blind spot. With this service, we deliver true 24/7 security monitoring and response: deep packet inspection across all traffic, not just small samples, local ANZ threat intelligence, and configuration and oversight by elite engineers.”

This is the first service launched since CEO Maurice McCarthy joined the company in February. “The Zero Trust Detection and Response service is unique in its customer centric design and can be added immediately to a customer’s environment, without having to switch managed service providers if they’re not ready to do so. Secure, sector-compliant, and AI ready business systems are a non-negotiable for our economy to thrive. Crucially for this end of the market, the offering is priced on a peruser, per month model, removing the financial barrier that has historically kept high grade network protection out of reach.”

Virtual IT Group and The Instillery, who came together through an acquisition in 2025, have spent more than a decade implementing Zero Trust architectures for some of the most secure organisations in ANZ. The new ZDR service packages that expertise into a simple, scalable service designed for midmarket needs.

Now with The Instillery’s expertise on board, Virtual IT Group holds one of the strongest Zero Trust capability sets in ANZ, with a dedicated Zero Trust practice and four engineers certified through Zscaler Aces, including Masaki Takeda and Ronnie Meekers. The ZDR launch signals a step forward for traditional managed services and managed security as a combined category.

After successful implementation with pilot customers, ZDR is available immediately across Australia and New Zealand.

About Virtual IT Group (VITG) and The Instillery
Virtual IT Group is one of the fastest growing mid-market technology and cybersecurity providers in Australia and New Zealand. With scale, local customer support, and proven expertise, we deliver end-to-end managed IT and security services making our clients’ business systems stronger, smarter and more secure every day. In 2025 Virtual IT Group acquired The Instillery, a New Zealand-based technology services firm specialising in digital transformation and capability building for growth-stage businesses. Together, we operate as a united entity serving ANZ mid-market.

Virtual IT Group Solves Mid-Market Security Blind Spot with Zero Trust 24/7 Detection & Response

SYDNEY, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Virtual IT Group (VITG) and The Instillery have launched Zero Trust Detection & Response (ZDR), the first purpose-built Zero Trust network protection service designed specifically for small and medium-sized organisations across ANZ. Until now, these organisations have faced rising cyber threats with little choice but to rely on outdated, legacy network security.

Virtual IT Group Launches Zero Trust Detection & Response (ZDR) Service - Masaki Takeda (Security Consultant), Maurice McCarthy (CEO) and Jeremy Nees (Chief Product Officer and Zero Trust Practice Lead)
Virtual IT Group Launches Zero Trust Detection & Response (ZDR) Service – Masaki Takeda (Security Consultant), Maurice McCarthy (CEO) and Jeremy Nees (Chief Product Officer and Zero Trust Practice Lead)

The service can deliver the same level of protection used by banks and large enterprises without the specialist team or the cost typically required.

“EDR and identity protection tools have evolved rapidly, but network security hasn’t kept pace,” said Jeremy Nees, Chief Product Officer and Zero Trust Practice Lead at Virtual IT Group. “For the first time, midmarket organisations can have full endpoint, identity, and network security working together as one.”

“Many midmarket businesses are still relying on firewalls and VPNs that simply weren’t designed for today’s advanced cyber-attack patterns or modern workforce realities. Most tools in the SMB space only scan a fraction of network traffic. It’s like boarding a plane where only 10% of passengers have been screened. Our ZDR offering eliminates that blind spot. With this service, we deliver true 24/7 security monitoring and response: deep packet inspection across all traffic, not just small samples, local ANZ threat intelligence, and configuration and oversight by elite engineers.”

This is the first service launched since CEO Maurice McCarthy joined the company in February. “The Zero Trust Detection and Response service is unique in its customer centric design and can be added immediately to a customer’s environment, without having to switch managed service providers if they’re not ready to do so. Secure, sector-compliant, and AI ready business systems are a non-negotiable for our economy to thrive. Crucially for this end of the market, the offering is priced on a peruser, per month model, removing the financial barrier that has historically kept high grade network protection out of reach.”

Virtual IT Group and The Instillery, who came together through an acquisition in 2025, have spent more than a decade implementing Zero Trust architectures for some of the most secure organisations in ANZ. The new ZDR service packages that expertise into a simple, scalable service designed for midmarket needs.

Now with The Instillery’s expertise on board, Virtual IT Group holds one of the strongest Zero Trust capability sets in ANZ, with a dedicated Zero Trust practice and four engineers certified through Zscaler Aces, including Masaki Takeda and Ronnie Meekers. The ZDR launch signals a step forward for traditional managed services and managed security as a combined category.

After successful implementation with pilot customers, ZDR is available immediately across Australia and New Zealand.

About Virtual IT Group (VITG) and The Instillery

Virtual IT Group is one of the fastest growing mid-market technology and cybersecurity providers in Australia and New Zealand. With scale, local customer support, and proven expertise, we deliver end-to-end managed IT and security services making our clients’ business systems stronger, smarter and more secure every day. In 2025 Virtual IT Group acquired The Instillery, a New Zealand-based technology services firm specialising in digital transformation and capability building for growth-stage businesses. Together, we operate as a united entity serving ANZ mid-market.

Jet AirWerks, LLC and Stratton Aviation, LLC Announce Agreement for CFM56-5B/7B Teardowns

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan., March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Jet AirWerks, LLC an FAA Part 145 Repair Station that provides MRO services for engine components and performs CFM56-5B/7B engine teardowns, and Stratton Aviation, LLC experts in aftermarket parts trading, end-of-life services, and cutting edge technical services at their own Part 145s, announced they signed an agreement for the teardown of CFM56-5B/7B engines at Jet AirWerks’ Engine Services Center.

On the agreement, Jet AirWerks VP of Sales and Marketing John Moeder said, “We’re very excited to grow our partnership with Stratton.” Moeder continued, “This agreement streamlines the process from engine induction to the overhaul of parts coming directly from teardown and makes it possible for us to invest more in our Engine Services Center.”

Nicole Sobers, VP of CFM Engines for Stratton said, “As demand for Used Serviceable Material (USM) continues to grow, partnerships like this are crucial to maintaining reliable supply for our global customers. Dedicated teardown capacity and rapid turnaround times allow us to convert newly acquired whole assets into available inventory within weeks.”

In 2026, Stratton Aviation plans to significantly expand its CFM56 asset portfolio. To support these efforts and the agreement, Jet AirWerks has invested in additional gantry space to provide dedicated induction slots for Stratton.

About Jet AirWerks LLC: Jet AirWerks LLC is a FAA Part 145 Repair Station based in Arkansas City, KS that specializes in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of jet engine components from the CFM56, CF6, and CF34 families of engines. Since its founding in 2007, Jet AirWerks has overhauled hundreds of thousands of parts for the MRO aftermarket. Jet AirWerks is FAA, EASA, CAAC, and UK CAA certified.

About Stratton Aviation LLC: Stratton Aviation is a global commercial aviation aftermarket company specializing in the acquisition, teardown, repair, and distribution of aircraft and engine components. We provide airlines, MROs, leasing companies, and trading partners with high-quality used serviceable material (USM) and cost-effective aftermarket solutions.

Through a fully integrated platform spanning asset acquisition, aircraft disassembly, repair management, exchange programs, and global distribution, Stratton manages the complete lifecycle of aviation assets. Stratton also operates a dual-certified FAA and EASA Part 145 repair station.

Contact: John Moeder, VP Sales & Marketing, +1 (316) 518-1149, John@jetairwerks.com

CFM56 Engine during the teardown process at Jet AirWerks, LLC.
CFM56 Engine during the teardown process at Jet AirWerks, LLC.

Avex Music Group Announces Global Music Publishing Administration Partnership with Bruno Mars

The deal covers exclusive global publishing administration for music written during the term.

LOS ANGELES and TOKYO, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Avex Music Group today announced a global music publishing administration partnership with 16-time GRAMMY Award-winning superstar Bruno Mars. Under the agreement, Avex Music Group will serve as the exclusive global music publishing administrator for music written by Mars during the term of the deal which will commence upon the completion of his current deal with BMG/Warner Chappell.

Bruno Mars. Photo Credit: John V. Esparza
Bruno Mars. Photo Credit: John V. Esparza

“Bruno Mars is one of the most culturally impactful songwriters of his generation,” said Katsumi Kuroiwa, CEO of Avex Inc. “We are honored to partner with him and support his future works through this global publishing relationship.”

Brandon Silverstein, CEO of Avex Music Group, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Bruno to Avex and look forward to supporting his incredible songs.”

ABOUT AVEX MUSIC GROUP

Avex Music Group (AMG) is the global music division of Avex Inc. (TYO: 7860), one of the world’s leading entertainment companies. Headquartered in Tokyo and Los Angeles, the company is led by CEO Brandon Silverstein, who oversees the global music group and also serves as a board member and equity partner. AMG specializes in music publishing, recorded music, studio operations, catalog and company acquisitions, as well as artist management through the world-renowned S10 Entertainment.

Avex Inc. operates globally across music, animation, live entertainment, merchandise, and more, employing over 1,500 people and generating $1B+ annually. The company represents 150+ groups, manages over 500 artists, and produces tours in Japan and Asia for global superstars like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber. Known for launching international acts like XG and ONE OR EIGHT, Avex is powered by world-class training academies and creative infrastructure. Its premier talent program, Avex Academy, develops thousands of aspiring artists through studios and academies across Tokyo and other major cities, supported by a national scouting team that auditions over 10,000 candidates annually.

AMG brings Avex’s creative and commercial vision to life on a global scale—bridging East and West through music and culture.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/avex_music_bruno_mars.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/avex_music_group_logo.jpg 

DXC Recognized on Forbes’ 2026 List of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms

Award highlights DXC’s position as a trusted partner for global enterprises modernizing operations and advancing AI adoption

ASHBURN, Va., March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a leading enterprise technology and innovation partner, has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year in Forbes’ 2026 America’s Best Management Consulting Firms ranking, an annual list that recognizes the consulting firms most highly recommended by customers and industry peers across a range of industries and functional areas.

DXC Recognized on Forbes' 2026 List of America's Best Management Consulting Firms
DXC Recognized on Forbes’ 2026 List of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms

DXC’s inclusion reflects the company’s continued leadership across consulting and AI-led transformation. In recent months, DXC launched AdvisoryX, a global advisory and consulting group that combines consulting-led engagement with the company’s engineering heritage to help enterprises solve complex challenges and deliver transformation at scale; unveiled Xponential, a repeatable AI orchestration blueprint that helps organizations move beyond pilots and operationalize AI securely, responsibly and with measurable business impact; and opened its London Customer Experience Center, where customers can co-create solutions with DXC experts across automation, generative and agentic AI, security, enterprise applications and infrastructure.

“This recognition from Forbes reflects the strength of DXC’s consulting business and the trust customers place in us to deliver real business impact,” said Ramnath Venkataraman, President of Consulting & Engineering Services. “Across industries and around the globe, we help enterprises modernize core IT and translate AI ambition into real business value. As demand for AI accelerates, many companies are still working through how to scale it responsibly. DXC helps them build the capabilities needed to move forward with confidence.”

Compiled by Forbes in collaboration with Statista, the ranking is based on surveys of consulting industry peers and customers across industry and functional categories. In the 2025 ranking, Forbes noted that fewer than 0.02% of the estimated 955,000 consulting firms in the U.S. made the ranking, based on surveys of 2,400 clients and peers across 33 categories. DXC’s continued recognition reflects the company’s momentum in delivering industry-specific expertise and technology-led transformation for enterprises and public sector organizations.

With approximately 115,000 employees, including nearly 50,000 engineers and consultants in 70 countries, DXC helps customers solve complex business challenges across digital transformation, IT strategy and implementation, cloud, data and AI. Learn more about DXC Consulting & Engineering Services here.

About DXC Technology
DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) is a leading enterprise technology and innovation partner delivering software, services, and solutions to global enterprises and public sector organizations — helping them harness AI to drive outcomes at a time of exponential change with speed. With deep expertise in Managed Infrastructure Services, Application Modernization, and Industry-Specific Software Solutions, DXC modernizes, secures, and operates some of the world’s most complex technology estates. Learn more on dxc.com.

 

Project Update on Minesto Dragons in the Faroe Islands: Microgrid-scale powerplant Dragon 4 in electricity production

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Minesto’s microgrid scale powerplant Dragon 4 (100kW) is installed and produces electricity to the Faroese grid, generating valuable data for the upcoming microgrid installation partly funded by the Swedish Energy Agency. The Minesto tidal energy kite Dragon 12 (1.2 MW) has been successfully recovered after 10 months in the water in Vestmannasund. The unique megawatt Dragon is now on shore for inspection and maintenance.

Minesto’s commercial microgrid scale powerplant, Dragon 4, is now installed and produces electricity to the Faroese grid.  This work is a preparatory first step of the microgrid project partly funded by Swedish Energy Agency and in close collaboration with project partners including Faroese utility company Sev.

The Dragon 12 power plant has been successfully recovered to shore in Vestmanna after a 10-month grid-connected period. Extensive inspections and evaluations of system status will be conducted. Initial conclusions show that the system condition is as expected with signs of wear and tear after withstanding ocean conditions and exceeding set service intervals

Operations will continue throughout spring and summer primarily to serve delivery of the microgrid project (“ETRIC”), and to accommodate study visits from international commercial partners.

CONTACT:
Cecilia Sernhage, Chief Communications Officer
+46 735 23 71 58
ir@minesto.com 

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PR 170326 Project Update on Minesto Dragons_microgrid-scale powerplant Dragon 4 in electricity production__

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Minesto Dragon 4 prepared for installation Photo by Minesto

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Minesto megawatt tidal kite Dragon 12 on shore for inspection

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Minesto Dragon 4 tether prior to installation Photo by Minesto

 

ST Engineering iDirect Launches Intuition Foresight to Automate Network Management and Service Provisioning

AI-driven solution paves the way for self-healing, autonomous networks

HERNDON, Va., March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, today announced the launch of Intuition Foresight, an advanced orchestration and management suite designed to deliver AI-driven network intelligence and unified control across multi-vendor, multi-platform, and multi-network environments. The solution advances the company’s Intuition strategy and marks a significant step toward the realization of self-healing, autonomous networks.

Intuition Foresight addresses the industry’s persistent challenges in managing the complexity of integrating diverse satellite systems and is designed to support operators at every stage of their modernization journey. (PRNewsFoto/ST Engineering iDirect)
Intuition Foresight addresses the industry’s persistent challenges in managing the complexity of integrating diverse satellite systems and is designed to support operators at every stage of their modernization journey. (PRNewsFoto/ST Engineering iDirect)

Intuition Foresight addresses the industry’s persistent challenges in managing the complexity of integrating diverse satellite systems and is designed to support operators at every stage of their modernization journey. The single pane of glass interface layers on top of existing infrastructure, incorporating third-party vendors and applications while leveraging AI and automation, without disrupting current operations. Its modular design enables incremental upgrades, parallel network operations, network convergence, and smooth migration, ensuring a customer-centric approach to decision-making and timelines. 

The solution is built upon three vital functional areas that are requirements for modernization and advanced network operations:

  • Simplified Configuration Management
    To accelerate service delivery, Intuition Foresight adopts a single pane of glass interface that centralizes network and service management, streamlining configuration and provisioning. Its standardized, declarative APIs convert service priorities into precise network configurations, reducing manual effort and enhancing operational efficiency across diverse environments. Its compatibility across multiple ST Engineering iDirect networks and third-party systems unlocks the full potential of applications such Global Bandwidth Management, delivering greater value throughout the unified ecosystem.
  • Observability and Data Infrastructure
    Intuition Foresight unifies network data and events from every deployed element into a centralized data lake. The solution prepares, correlates, and enriches this data with third‑party inputs and contextual intelligence to create a normalized, AI‑ready dataset. This foundation powers real‑time visualization, advanced analytics, and deeper operational insights.
  • AI-Driven Automation
    By applying advanced AI models, Intuition Foresight aims to shift networks from reactive responses to predictive and proactive operations. With 360° closed-loop automation, the solution is designed to detect anomalies, diagnose issues, and recommend mitigation actions before end-users are impacted. Building on recent customer trials and proofs of concept, ST Engineering iDirect is actively developing a suite of applications for root cause analysis, anomaly detection, and threat monitoring, which will be integrated into the solution as it evolves.

“With Intuition Foresight, we are addressing the modernization challenges of our customers by combining advanced AI capabilities with our deep domain expertise in satellite communications,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Technology Officer at ST Engineering iDirect. “This approach simplifies complex operations and gives operators a clear path to express the full potential of their networks by bringing together intelligent automation with predictive insights that shift operators from reactive to proactive management.”

Intuition Foresight positions operators for the next era of satellite networking. By enabling networks to self-diagnose and self-heal, the suite minimizes downtime, improves service reliability, and enhances user experiences. Through multiple AI-driven proofs of concept, ST Engineering iDirect is showcasing how intelligent automation can transform operational models across commercial, mobility, and government markets.

Visit ST Engineering iDirect at Booth 2406 at the Satellite 2026 Conference in Washington, D.C., March 23–26, 2026, to see firsthand how Intuition Foresight is shaping the future of satellite communications.

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their satcom networks. With over 40 years of delivering innovation focused on solving satellite’s most critical economic and technology challenges we are committed to shaping the future of how the world connects. The product portfolio, branded iDirect, represents the highest standards in performance, efficiency and reliability, making it possible for its customers to deliver the best satcom connectivity experience anywhere in the world. ST Engineering iDirect is a leader in key industries including mobility, broadcast and military/government. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information visit www.idirect.net.