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Lenovo Reveals New ThinkEdge Portfolio of Embedded Computers

New ThinkEdge SE30 and SE50 enable digital transformation at the edge for healthcare, retail, manufacturing and all data-dependent industries

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 22 June 2021 – Lenovo™ announced today its all new portfolio of embedded computers for the edge. Building from the existing edge portfolio from Lenovo, the ThinkEdge devices – the new ThinkEdge SE30 and ThinkEdge SE50 – are small, rugged, and powerful enough to meet the demanding needs of enterprise data processing, security and scalability at the edge.



ThinkEdge SE30



ThinkEdge SE50

Accelerating Productivity at the Edge

It is estimated that by 2025, 75 percent of enterprise-generated data will be processed at the edge. 1 The global pandemic has become a catalyst for digital transformation and accelerated the push to the edge for many levels of the enterprise, as new solutions for operations and sales are introduced in global markets. Edge computing applications are numerous and growing rapidly. Retailers are implementing more automated checkouts and dynamic signage, real-time store traffic monitoring, inventory and fulfilling. Manufacturers are further automating assembly lines with predictive maintenance alerts and utilizing smart cameras for safety and quality inspections. Healthcare turns to edge computing for remote patient monitoring and medical device integration. With increased need for powerful, real-time insights across industries, the edge is becoming more critical and complex than ever.

Lenovo’s December 2020 survey of IT executives and managers found that edge computing solutions are an urgent priority and their deployment is on a fast-track. Fifty-nine percent of those surveyed stated they are “looking to implement new edge computing solutions within the next 6 months.” And 82 percent stated that “real time data collection and analysis is where edge solutions are making the most impact on their business.” 2

ThinkEdge Portfolio

The new Lenovo ThinkEdge devices are powered by Intel technology and built for the data needs of tomorrow. The embedded edge computers are for customers who need faster processing power, better security, and scalability. With the right data securely on hand for when it matters, businesses can be more efficient, insightful and competitive.

“Edge computing is critical infrastructure for intelligent transformation within the enterprise,” said Jon Pershke, vice president of Strategy and Emerging Business for Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group. “The new products in the ThinkEdge portfolio are purpose-built devices designed to be networked on premise or embedded in solutions to give Lenovo’s customers an advantage in performance, security and scalability.”

The new ThinkEdge SE30 is a small and rugged compute device for edge workloads. It includes the latest 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 vPro® processors for industrial computing. The processor improves compute power, accelerates AI workloads, and is built for the challenges of edge implementations in enterprise with extended temperature support from -20 to +60 Celsius, long-life reliability, as well as enhanced security and manageability features.

The ThinkEdge SE30 will support global 4G connectivity and have 5G availability with key carrier support in the second half of this year3. 5G edge devices enhance wireless connectivity to match the low-latency, high-reliability, and high-capacity capabilities of existing wireline solutions with both improved agility of capabilities and better return on investments.

Embedded applications for the ThinkEdge SE30 include kiosks and ATMs for smart retail, automated production lines in manufacturing, and medical device monitoring in healthcare, among others.

Key Features / Specs:

  • 11th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 vPro® processors for industrial computing
  • Up to 16GB memory and 1TB storage4
  • Fan-less, operational temperature range of -20 to 60 Celsius
  • Both 4G 1 and 5G 1 modules

The new ThinkEdge SE50 is designed for versatile applications that require higher analytics and data processing at the edge. The embedded edge compute device includes an Intel® Core™ i5 or i7 vPro® processor for industrial computing and up to 32GB of memory.

End users can deploy the ThinkEdge SE50 to aggregate and analyze real-time data from distributed IoT devices. This smart edge device can filter and forward IoT data across the WAN to the cloud or data center. Customers have the option to enhance their edge AI strategy with cutting edge silicon and optimized software leveraging the OpenVINO™ toolkit.

Key Features / Specs:

  • Intel® Core™ i7 or i5 vPro® processors for industrial computing
  • 32GB memory and up to 2TB storage5
  • Fan-less, operational temperature range of 0 to 50 degree Celsius, and IP50 rating
  • 2-liter design with full industrial I/O


Lenovo’s Solutions Give Customers the Edge

The same commitment to continuous innovation that drives Lenovo’s global leadership in solutions and services development provides the foundation for its edge device roadmap. Lenovo’s portfolio of ThinkEdge devices gives enterprises the flexibility to specify what they need today with the value to include processing capacity to grow for future functionality.

The ThinkEdge portfolio is supported by a growing group of industry-leading software providers, OEMs and system integrators to deliver devices that become a seamless part of the overall ecosystem. The ThinkEdge Certified Solutions Partners include Telit, IMS Evolve, Software AG and many more.

ThinkEdge devices are ready to be embedded in solutions to accelerate time to market and improve efficiencies for OEMs. Lenovo, through its OEM Solutions business, provides secure, reliable hardware and services to design purpose-built appliances and solve industry pain points.

1 Gartner ‘What Edge Computing Means for Infrastructure and Operations Leaders’

2 Lenovo commissioned an online survey of 288 U.S. IT managers in roles associated with edge computing in organizations that employ at least 500 people, the survey was conducted December 12-18, 2020.

3 Requires 5G network service and separately purchased cellular data plan that may vary by location. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges apply. Connection speeds will vary due to location, environment, network conditions and other factors.

4 Available user storage is less due to many factors, including operating system, software and functions utilizing part of this capacity.

5 Available user storage is less due to many factors, including operating system, software and functions utilizing part of this capacity.

About Lenovo

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$60 billion revenue Fortune Global 500 company serving customers in 180 markets around the world. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, we are developing world-changing technologies that power (through devices and infrastructure) and empower (through solutions, services and software) millions of customers every day and together create a more inclusive, trustworthy and sustainable digital society for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com/hk/en/pc, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

LENOVO and THINKEDGE are trademarks of Lenovo. Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other company, product and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others and are the property of their respective owners. ©2021, Lenovo Group Limited.

#Lenovo

Epicor Reaffirms Industry Cloud Leadership with a Total Refresh of Its Manufacturing ERP Platform, Rebranded Kinetic

New name, advanced features, enhanced web user interface, same dedication to better serve the manufacturing industry

Hong Kong SAR – Media OutReach – 22 June 2021 – Epicor today released Kinetic, the cloud-based ERP solution built with manufacturers, for manufacturers, as part of its continued commitment to build the best-in-class Industry Cloud. Epicor does not offer a one-size-fits all ERP solution, it designs tailored technology platforms laser focused on the needs of the end-to-end supply chain industries it exclusively serves, the essential businesses who make, deliver and sell goods.

The new Kinetic platform offers an intuitive, configurable and guided user experience with embedded learnings, artificial intelligence, and built-in social collaboration tools to better utilize real-time data to accelerate customer profits. The new browser-based User Interface (UI) is simpler, more intuitive and can be accessed from any device, saving customers valuable time and offering greater access to critical business data. The new Application Studio tool offers low-no code customization so customers can build complex configurations with visual impact smartly and produce web deployable designs for use in ecommerce sites. Kinetic now allows users to configure applications with layers using a visual designer with rules and events, move elements around with drag and drop functionality, and preview and validate changes before going live.

Epicor piloted Kinetic in a controlled release environment with over 100 customers and implemented nearly 500 pieces of customer feedback, proof that this release is made with manufacturers, for manufacturers.

Improved Future-Focused Features:

  • Cloud Solutions for Regulated Industries (Medical Devices & A&D): Kinetic is the only multitenant cloud solution in the market that is designed to meet the needs of medical device manufacturers for software validation under FDA regulations. In addition, Kinetic is achieving CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) certification for Aerospace & Defense manufacturers.
  • Epicor Commerce Connect 2.12: Modernized design for an improved look and feel alongside punchout capabilities, to support greater ease of use for online customers.
  • Epicor ECM 21.1: New security feature for document workflow approvals and new custom revision numbering feature for Medical Device and A&D manufacturers. 
  • Epicor EDI: New purpose-built API endpoints for real-time connectivity and error messages that support over ten standard demand-side and supply side documents.
  • Spreadsheet Server: Leveraging data and the MS Excel® tool for reporting, Spreadsheet Server simplifies financial reporting for cloud users.

“At Epicor, we understand deeply the industries we serve, which is why the upgrades we have made to Kinetic to modernize and future-proof the platform were architected alongside our customers to better help them scale and thrive. This journey has been many years in the making, and our goal is that the new product name and the enhanced platform convey the ongoing momentum of Epicor, our continued industry focus, and our goal to deliver the defacto Industry Cloud.”

––Himanshu Palsule, Epicor President

To learn more about Kinetic, please see here.

About Epicor

Epicor Software Corporation equips hard-working businesses with enterprise solutions that keep the world turning. For nearly 50 years, Epicor customers in the manufacturing, distribution, retail, and automotive industries have trusted Epicor to help them do business better. Epicor’s innovative solution sets are carefully curated to fit customer needs and built to respond flexibly to their fast-changing reality. With deep industry knowledge and experience, Epicor accelerates every customer’s ambitions, whether to grow and transform, or simply become more productive and effective. Visit www.epicor.com for more information.

Epicor, the Epicor logo, and Kinetic are trademarks or registered trademarks of Epicor Software Corporation, registered in the United States and other countries. Other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners. The product and service offerings depicted in this document are produced by Epicor Software Corporation.

#Epicor

Appier adds omnichannel chatbot platform BotBonnie to its AI-powered solutions to boost conversational marketing

BotBonnie becomes available on Appier today following the acquisition agreement in May

TAIPEI, TAIWAN Media OutReach22 June 2021 – Appier (TSE: 4180) today announced the launch of BotBonnie, an omnichannel conversational marketing platform, boosting Appier’s suite of AI-powered solutions that are designed to help customers intelligently navigate the complex customer journey on messenger services. The launch today marks Appier’s debut in the conversational commerce and marketing space, a move that is in line with their customer-centric approach to full-funnel marketing strategy. BotBonnie is available across the Asia Pacific markets in English, Japanese and Traditional Chinese.

According to Gartner1, customer loyalty is created when businesses help customers solve their problems, but at the same time, customer service interactions are nearly four times more likely to lead to disloyalty than loyalty. Gartner cites the deployment of chatbots as one strategy to increase digital containment where customers can self-serve to solve their issues i.e. freeing up customer service agent’s time to work on solving priority issues for customers. An omnichannel chatbot platform like BotBonnie is adept at identifying marketing scenarios and offers great flexibility for customers to implement their chat solutions in one stop across multiple messaging channels, so businesses can boost sales and build customer loyalty.

By adding BotBonnie to Appier’s suite of AI-powered solutions, Appier customers can benefit from the full strength of an AI-informed platform and analytics to navigate the entire customer journey seamlessly across offline and online environments. Data enrichment from conversational data analysis can contribute to the learning capabilities of AI models and enable more robust predictions of customer behaviour and take personalized services to the next level.

In addition, BotBonnie can foster Appier’s product synergy from user prospecting and acquiring, retention and engagement to the transaction. By leveraging conversational AI chatbot, customers can identify and retarget high LTV customers through CrossX advertising solutions, then direct customers to the social media channels like Facebook Messenger, LINE and even Google Business Messages to continue automatic customer engagement. By analyzing customers’ interactions, AIQUA can trigger personalized web/app pushes or AiDEAL can deliver suitable coupons to convert new users to customers.

Furthermore, conversational data analysis allows companies to better understand customer trends and adjust the level of personalization at every touchpoint. For instance, customers can benefit from the conversational unstructured data utilized by AIXON, Appier’s data science platform to generate valuable business insights and enhance prediction accuracy.

Conversational commerce is a global phenomenon on the rise as total spend over conversational commerce channels will reach $290 billion by 2025 globally; rising from $41 billion in 2021. This is a 590% increase over the next four years. The entire sales process, from product discovery to checkout, can be handled by chatbots2. Gartner3 predicts that by 2023, 40% of enterprise applications will have embedded conversational AI from below 5% today. BotBonnie’s expertise in FMCG, chain store, finance, education, automobile and e-commerce will further speed up Appier’s customer expansion.

“Customers have fueled the growth of commerce in Asia as the pandemic continues to loom over this region the past year and a half. Retailers and eCommerce brands have contributed to the maturity of conversational commerce, and AI chatbots can lead to more natural interactions for customers to engage with commerce on messengers,” said Chih-Han Yu, CEO and co-founder of Appier. “Adding BotBonnie to our product lineup of AI solutions lets us extend our capability to messenger engagement and our customers can tackle all aspects of the customer journey in one-stop with Appier. Businesses looking to thrive in the new normal have to embrace the customer-centric approach and hop on the conversational marketing train because it has the power to turn a customer into a returning, loyal customer.”

“There is so much synergy between BotBonnie and Appier, and today’s launch will truly bring the complete omnichannel experience for our customers to achieve hyper-personalized experiences across the entire customer journey from offline to online,” added Roy Lo, CEO and co-founder of BotBonnie. “Joining Appier enables BotBonnie to expand our services to the world. Combining Appier’s strong AI and data analysis capabilities with BotBonnie’s experience in conversational commerce, I believe our products will really bring to life the power of conversational marketing to our customers in Asia Pacific and help them succeed and thrive in the new normal.”

Following today’s closing of the acquisition of BotBonnie, their employees will now formally be Appier employees and continue their operations under Appier. CEO Roy Lo, will continue his role to lead the BotBonnie team, partnering with the team at Appier to bring greater alignment and synergy to all customers.

1 Improve customer experience to gain loyalty

2 How conversational commerce will make its voice heard

3 Emerging Technologies: Tech Innovators in Conversational AI and Virtual Assistants

About Appier

Appier is an AI SaaS company on a mission to make AI easy, by making software intelligent. Founded in 2012, Appier has 17 offices across APAC, U.S. and Europe and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Visit www.appier.com for more information.

#Appier

Lao Skyway to Resume Flights As Covid-19 Cases Dwindle

Local domestic airline Lao Skyway has announced it will resume certain flights from this Friday.

Local domestic airline Lao Skyway has announced it will resume certain flights this Friday.

Counterfeit Vaccination Certificates and Travel Documents Circulate in Laos

Counterfeit vaccination certificates in circulation

Authorities have clarified a rumor regarding the circulation of counterfeit Covid-19 vaccine certificates and travel documents.

UK Holmes: London Property Market 2021 Mid-Year Review

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 22 June 2021 – With the UK experiencing the worst health crisis in a century and the greatest economic contraction in 300 years, it was astounding to many that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that national house prices climbed 7.8% by the end of 2020. Heading into 2021, other factors have come to stir the market, including the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday, the impact of a third lockdown, and the after-effects of Brexit. With so many points of uncertainty and conflicting forces affecting the UK Housing market, UK Holmes provides a London mid-year market review for an overview of the price action.

London Growth Lags National Indices: A Tale of Two Cities

In March, London was identified as the UK region with the lowest annual growth – for the fourth consecutive month. The year-on-year data reveals UK growth on a firm upward trajectory whilst the price curve for London is trending in the opposite direction.

Annual house price growth for UK and London:

Region

Jan 2021

Feb 2021

March 2021

UK

8.0%

9.2%

10.2%

London

5.6%

4.4%

3.7%

The London market is essentially running at two speeds; Inner London boroughs which have a high concentration of flats have been languishing as buyers push further out in search of greater space and better value for money, while the outer London boroughs which feature a higher proportion of detached housing with gardens have experienced stronger growth.

The ONS data for London revealed that in the year to March 2021, the price growth for flats was just 1%, lagging well behind terraced properties (7.2%), semi-detached (6.2%) and detached (5.3%).

Government Stimulus Programs: Will the Boom turn into a Bust?

One of strongest triggers which sent sales activity into a frenzy was the SDLT holiday, providing up to £15,000 tax relief on a property purchase of £500,000. With the UK having experienced three lockdowns due to the pandemic, the government had no choice but to extend the furlough program and other initiatives supporting businesses and the self-employed. Despite the SDLT holiday due to expire at the end of March 2021, the housing industry successfully lobbied the government to extend this deadline to September on the grounds that the long delays in buyers reaching completion would result in thousands missing out on the tax saving.

As history has shown, government intervention in the housing market has often led to distortions in the balance between supply and demand leadings to booms and then busts. The valid concern is whether this time will be any different.

A Sharp Rebound in Economic Performance

Whilst the 2020 real-estate bull market gave every impression of being unhinged from the broader economy due to government stimulus efforts, this state of affairs is unlikely to prevail over the longer term. The UK economy is highly dependent upon consumer spending and, with the easing of lockdown restrictions, high frequency indicators of economic activity including motor vehicle traffic, retail footfall and restaurant bookings have increased.[1]

The reason for this sharp rebound in economic activity and consumer confidence is down to one key factor: the success of the UK government’s vaccination program. By early June more than 75% of the national population had received at least their first jab. This encouraged the BoE to upgrade its 2021 GDP forecast to 7.25% in early May, a substantive increase on the 5% it had forecast just three months earlier. With the economy performing better than expected, GDP in April was 3.7% below the pre-pandemic level in February 2020, the smallest gap since Covid-19 reached the UK.

Consumer Sentiment and Market Shifts

The first quarter saw annual house price growth surge to a seven year high. Knight Frank established that in the month of March a string of decade-long records were broken, including the highest number of new prospective buyers registering, the highest number of offers accepted, and the fourth highest month for property viewings.

Aside from the government stimulus, the reasons for the market hitting these 10-year highs can be traced back to consumers’ changing preferences. Out of the lockdown experience emerged the key home-buyer preferences for size, space and mobility – larger homes, outdoor space, and increased mobility as the daily office commute became redundant. The experience of home becoming a place of work, home-schooling, and exercise prompted residents in central London to migrate to outer boroughs or the home counties in search of an enhanced lifestyle and better value for money.

Market Direction and Best Buying Opportunities

With optimism that the worst of the pandemic in the UK is behind, UK Holmes reports that the economy is on track to rebound sharply. A survey of leading economists by Bloomberg forecast that the UK will lead the recovery amongst major European nations with its fastest growth in almost half a century.

One of the biggest issues influencing the direction of the London property market is the tapering and withdrawal of the SDLT Holiday, which up to this point has driven demand as buyers rushed to beat the deadline. Should this demand collapse at the point where increased supply is coming onto the market, there is the very real risk that prices will fall.

UK Holmes believes that the next 6-12 months will offer astute investors in London property excellent buying opportunities. The inner-city areas are being reinvigorated by strong growth in the retail and hospitality sectors and offices are reopening. The market for flats, heavily depressed over the past 12 months, won’t remain in the doldrums permanently. However, UK Holmes is also firmly of the opinion market volatility will remain for some time. This will cause buyer’s remorse for those who fail to fully understand the fast-evolving market dynamics.


[1] Bank of England, Monetary Policy Report, May 2021

About UK Holmes

UK Holmes is a London-based residential property buying agent providing offshore buyers with strategic advice based upon a thorough understanding of their real-estate requirements. UK Holmes employs London’s House Detective, a property professional with 12 years’ experience. His in-depth knowledge of how to successfully navigate the complexities and pitfalls of the London market to find customers their ideal home provides true peace of mind. To learn more, please visit www.ukholmes.com.

#UKHolmes

Laos Confirms 13 New Cases of Covid-19

Covid-19 Update

Laos has recorded another 13 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 2,067.

PEARL FALCO Spring/Summer 2021 Collection – Ties that Bind

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 22 June 2021 – PEARL FALCO outdoes itself this summer with a versatile yet timeless collection of pieces that reflect the brand’s commitment to showcasing familial love. Titled ‘Ties that Bind‘, the Spring/Summer 2021 collection showcases the beauty of Ise Shima, paying homage to the summery feels of a rustic countryside.

Inspired by the radiance of sunshine, the artful and delicate pieces in this collection bring out the individuality of the wearer and yet versatile enough to act as stunning heirlooms. A unique combination of sensibility and brilliance, the collection is a subtle, yet impactful exploration of fine pearls spanning over two themes that celebrate the radiance of summer days, ‘Bloom From Within‘ and the tranquility of the night skies, ‘Starry Nights‘.

BLOOM FROM WITHIN


Inspired by the promise of rejuvenation and moving further away from convention, the Bloom From Within collection is the perfect commemoration of summer. As a reminder of the intensity and beauty of a flower field, these pieces weave together the beauty of pearls and florals to radiate beauty and warmth.

Embodying perfection with subtlety, the singular natural element in these pieces act as a reminder that growth is just around the corner while remaining anchored to classic, larger round pearls that are as glistening as brilliant.

STARRY NIGHTS

Elegantly subversive and capturing the true essence of the women pearl farmers in Ise Shima, the Starry Nights collection is a celebration of aspirations, dreams and hopes. As a representation of femininity, malleability and timelessness, the pearls gracefully dangle to create a sophisticated and unique drape that mirror the beauty of the sky when stars are scattered.

Showcasing the beauty of Ise Shima’s natural elements, this collection illuminates the beauty of an intense night sky, inviting the wearer to dream and hope. Pair them with a little black dress or a halter top for that perfect summer party and be assured that all eyes will be on you.

The Spring/ Summer 2021 Collection will be available at the Pearl FALCO showroom located at 33 Mohamed Sultan Rd, #02-03, Singapore 238977.

High-res images may be downloaded here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7opocdoqf8kl5vp/AABNccl4MFmOAonV3LWQVn67a?dl=0

For more information, visit https://www.pearlfalco.com/.

#PEARLFALCO