3D Printing Enables Quad Lock to Keep Up with Shorter Product Lifecycles of Smartphones

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 31 August 2021 – Ultimaker, the global leader in professional 3D printing, today announces that Quad Lock, an award-winning smartphone-mounting solutions provider from Australia, utilizes Ultimaker 3D printing solutions to keep up with the shorter product life cycles of smartphones. For Quad Lock it is key to react quickly when new smartphone models come to market that require different levels of protection and vibration dampening from a smartphone bike mount. To stay ahead of competition, Quad Lock uses 3D printing to speed up the development of new mounts. This led to the development of the award-winning Quad Lock Vibration Dampener, already trusted by millions of bikers worldwide to protect, and stabilize their new smartphones in extreme use conditions such as motorcycling. Imaginables, partner of Ultimaker in Australia, served as a support partner to Quad Lock delivering various types of Ultimaker 3D printers.  

The latest generation of smartphone cameras hold multiple lenses, image stabilization, and AI software which rivals the sophistication of professional SLR cameras. However, they don’t always stabilize and perform well when mounted on motorcycles that produce high levels of vibration. To stay leading and have new products in market quickly that solve these issues, Quad Lock developed a flexible research, design and development process that is based on iterating quickly and gather lab and field test feedback almost as quickly as they can design and print a new part. Various types of Ultimaker printers were used to print prototypes strong enough to withstand hours of testing on a vibration test rig, from which the team gathered valuable feedback and data. This resulted in the Quad Lock Vibration Dampener, an innovative smartphone mount that fully protects and stabilizes the newest generation of smartphones models in extreme use conditions. 

Chris Peters, Co-founder & Chief Innovation Officer: “In some instances, it was possible to produce multiple design iterations in a single day, which inspired new levels of creativity and ingenuity in the team. Ultimaker’s 3D printing solutions helped us design a unique product with much lower development cost and time. The quick feedback loops and high strength of the 3D printed physical components allowed us to develop a solution that now serves millions of bikers across the globe. Additive manufacturing technology is here to stay and fully embedded in our design, prototyping and production processes.” 

Jürgen von Hollen, CEO at Ultimaker: “3D printing has become a genuine transformative business solution and Quad Lock’s award-winning Vibration Dampener project is an exciting proof point. This team has discovered the level of flexibility and sustainable value they can achieve with flexible technologies like 3D printing, which sets the company up for great continued success. They are in a market where things change at a fast clip. Their deployment of 3D printing is exemplary and no doubt one of their keys to continued market leadership.” 

About Ultimaker

Established in 2011, Ultimaker is on a mission to accelerate the world’s transformation to flexible, empowering and sustainable solutions. 380 employees deliver a platform that enables customers to take full advantage of the unique Ultimaker Ecosystem that offers the largest diversity of 3D printing products and services in the industry. Ultimaker provides a seamless integration of hardware, software and materials that simply works.

Read more in our blog on ultimaker.com

#Ultimaker

SINGAPORE/TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach – 31 August 2021 – International IT and fintech company Digital Wallet Group (DWG) has expanded into Singapore by acquiring licensed remittance and foreign exchange company RediMoney Express Pte Ltd (REPL). REPL is a subsidiary of Asia United Bank (AUB), a Philippine-based and publicly listed universal commercial bank. DWG’s subsidiary, Digital Wallet Corporation (DWC), is the creator of Japan’s first and most popular mobile remittance application, Smiles Mobile Remittance (Smiles). This acquisition will allow DWG to expand Smiles in the Asia Pacific, serve more customers and boost its market presence in the region. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has approved DWG’s acquisition.

AUB was appointed as DWG’s bank distribution partner in the Philippines in 2019, and the acquisition of REPL further cements their vital alliance. With this acquisition, DWG will bring its expertise in artificial intelligence and fintech to complement REPL’s counter remittance service. Additionally, DWG will give customers an enhanced user experience with its competitive exchange rate, convenience, affordability, speed, and 24/7 customer support.  

Eiji Miyakawa, founder and Chief Executive Officer of DWG, said, “Our entry into Singapore through the acquisition of RediMoney Express Pte Ltd is the fruition of a strong partnership with Asia United Bank. Furthermore, having a presence in Singapore is strategic to our global expansion plans in building traction with a sizeable migrant worker community. To serve these customers, we aim to build our Singapore operations and hire roles in customer service, sales and marketing within the next two years and from there, fast-track our expansion into North America and Europe.”

“With Digital Wallet Group behind the wheel of RediMoney Express Pte Ltd, we are confident that customers can continue to enjoy exceptional service as we expect DWG to stay true to its promise of bringing smiles across the miles,” said Manuel A. Gomez, President of AUB.

Since its launch in Japan in 2017, Smiles has built a loyal customer base among migrant Filipinos working in the country to become the number one mobile remittance service there. It expanded to the Philippines in 2019 with the acquisition of Speed Money Transfer Philippines, Inc (SMTP) and renamed its corporate name to DW Philippines Corporation.

Singapore was the second-largest source of remittances to the Philippines in 2020, after the United States. It contributed 7.2 percent, higher than Japan’s 5.3 percent and the United Arab Emirates’ 4.3 percent. Moreover, the amount of cash remittances by overseas Filipino workers based in Singapore has increased over the years, from US$1.4 billion in 2014 to US$2.15 billion in 2020.

Besides addressing access and convenience, the high cost of money transfers erodes the purchasing power of the receiving families. The UN Sustainable Development Goal Goal 10.c.1 aims to reduce remittance costs to less than 3 percent and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5 percent by 2030. Over the past two years, Singapore was among the lowest-cost corridors averaging 3 percent for remittance transfers to the Philippines, apart from Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Spain. On the other hand, the highest cost corridors for remittances to East Asia and the Pacific Region averaged 13 percent.

Lowering remittance costs can become a reality with fintech players like DWG, which uses technology to offer security and convenience at lower rates.

Mr Miyakawa added, “With the global pandemic restricting movements and travel, mobile remittances have been a lifeline for migrant workers around the world to support their families at home. In addition, the digitalisation of remittance services through mobile has also helped unbanked individuals to have greater financial access. This motivation drives the purpose of our business to create a more sustainable and financially inclusive society to benefit our customers, their families and home countries.”

About Digital Wallet Group & Digital Wallet Corporation

Digital Wallet Group (DWG) is the holding entity of Japan-based fintech company Digital Wallet Corporation (DWC), the developer of digital remittance platform Smiles Mobile Remittance (Smiles). Using artificial intelligence, big data and mobile technology, DWC offers global money transfer and payment services, digital wallet, and mobile marketing. DWG operates in the Philippines through the acquisition of Speed Money Transfer Philippines, Inc. In 2021, it launched in Singapore with the addition of RediMoney Express Pte Ltd. The Group’s network of banks spans the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal. Visit us at www.digitalwallet.global and follow us on LinkedIn.

About Smiles Mobile Remittance

Smiles Mobile Remittance (Smiles) was launched by Digital Wallet Corporation (DWC) in 2017 and is Japan’s first and most popular mobile overseas money transfer service with over 2 million mobile application downloads. Secured by advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and facial recognition, users can enjoy greater convenience, better value and efficient services. Smiles is the only financial platform offering mobile remittances with an integrated loyalty and referral programme in Japan. Visit us at www.smileswallet.com.

App name: Smiles Mobile Remittance

Available Device/OS: Android/iOS

Download on:

Google Play

iTunes App Store

#DigitalWalletCorporation

Solution turns Android devices into contactless payment terminals

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 30 August 2021 – Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN), a leading worldwide provider of payment technology and software services, today announced the launch of Global Payments Mobile Tap, a new smartphone-based payment acceptance solution for merchants in Taiwan.

Sean Fu, Senior Vice President of Greater China with Global Payments Asia Pacific

Global Payments Asia Pacific Mobile Tap, a new smartphone-based payment acceptance solution for merchants in Taiwan

With Global Payments Asia Pacific Mobile Tap, merchants can turn NFC-enabled Android smartphones or tablets into portable handheld payment terminals, enabling contactless payments. 

With Mobile Tap, merchants can turn NFC-enabled Android smartphones or tablets into portable handheld payment terminals. The solution provides merchants and consumers with a digital, contactless payment option that addresses health concerns and evolving consumer preferences. According to the Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute in Taiwan, mobile payments have increased 42% in Taiwan since the pandemic began while cash payments have fallen 33.4%.

Payment use cases for Mobile Tap include delivery services, exhibition related businesses, pop-up stores, taxis, food stalls, home repair providers and more.

“We strive to provide cutting edge digital payment options to Taiwan’s small business owners and individual sellers,” said Sean Fu, Senior Vice President of Greater China with Global Payments Asia Pacific. “We pride ourselves in the role we play helping entrepreneurs build stronger local economies and vibrant communities. We will continue delivering market-leading payments and software solutions so businesses can cultivate their vision of success.”

Card association partners including Visa Taiwan and MasterCard Taiwan are the official solution providers Global Payments engaged to help offer Mobile Tap to merchants.

“The pandemic accelerated consumer digital payment adoption,” said Michelle Jao, General Manager of Visa Taiwan. “According to Visa Net data in July 2021, eight out of every 10 payments transactions in Taiwan were contactless. Our collaboration with Global Payments Asia Pacific will help businesses digitize their payments offerings and bring more efficiency to their operations, enabling them to participate in digital commerce as it continues to evolve. Visa will continue to support efforts to drive higher adoption of mobile payments, which brings greater financial inclusion to everyone.”

“The pandemic has wholly changed the payments ecosystem,” said Eva Chen, Country Manager, Taiwan Mastercard. “According to a Mastercard online survey, over 75% of consumers have been using mobile payment methods more frequently since the pandemic. Therefore, it is urgent to enable digital transformation for merchants. Our partnership with Global Payments Asia Pacific will help merchants from traditional markets and shopping areas — including taxis and street vendors — turn their mobile phones into contactless enabled terminals, allowing consumers to enjoy a secure and convenient payment experience.”

Soft Space, the official developer partner of Visa Taiwan and Taiwan MasterCard, also plays an important role in Global Payments Mobile Tap, providing front-end application development and back-end integration.

“The launch of Global Payments Mobile Tap in Taiwan shows that our solution fits even one of the most competitive acquiring markets in the world,” said Joel Tay, Chief Executive Officer of Soft Space. “Alongside Global Payments, Visa, and MasterCard, we’re helping the  contactless payment culture to thrive as merchants adopt our innovative, low-cost and secure payment technology.”

Global Payments has begun offering Mobile Tap to restaurants, food delivery and exhibition sellers. Others will be added on a rolling basis.

About Global Payments

Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) is a leading payments technology company delivering innovative software and services to our customers globally. Our technologies, services and team member expertise allow us to provide a broad range of solutions that enable our customers to operate their businesses more efficiently across a variety of channels around the world.

Headquartered in Georgia with nearly 24,000 team members worldwide, Global Payments is a Fortune 500® company and a member of the S&P 500 with worldwide reach spanning over 100 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. For more information, visit www.globalpayments.com and follow Global Payments on Twitter (@globalpayinc), LinkedIn and Facebook.

#GlobalPayments

Coinminers, web shells and ransomware made up 56% of malwares targeting Linux systems in the first half of 2021

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 August 2021 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today released new research on the state of Linux security in the first half of 2021. The report gives valuable insight into how Linux operating systems are being targeted as organizations increase their digital footprint in the cloud and the pervasive threats that make up the Linux threat landscape.

To read the full report, Linux Threat Report 2021 1H: Linux Threats in the Cloud and Security Recommendations: https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/hk/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/linux-threat-report-2021-1h-linux-threats-in-the-cloud-and-security-recommendations

As of 2017, 90% of public clouds workloads ran on Linux. According to Gartner®, “Rising interest in cloud-native architectures is prompting questions about the future need for server virtualization in the data center. The most common driver is Linux-OS-based virtualization, which is the basis for containers.¹“

Linux allows organizations to make the most of their cloud-based environments and power their digital transformation strategies. Many of today’s most cutting-edge IoT devices and cloud-based applications and technology run on some flavor of Linux, making it a critical area of modern technology to secure.

“In the industry, we see some very creative attacks and we have to stay ahead. Protecting the company, our employees, and our intellectual property is a priority,” says John Breen, Global Head of Cybersecurity at Flowserve. “We’ll continue to work closely and collaborate with Trend Micro to ensure our people and our company remain protected.”

The report investigates the top malware families affecting Linux servers during the first half of 2021, with the top types of malwares being:

• 25% Coinminers – The high prevalence of cryptocurrency miners is of little surprise given the clear motive of the seemingly endless amount of computing power the cloud holds, making it the perfect environment.
• 20% Web shells – The recent Microsoft Exchange Attack, which leveraged web shells, showed the importance of patching against this type of malware
• 12% Ransomware – The most prevalent detected was the modern ransomware family, DoppelPaymer, however some other notable ransomware families seen targeting Linux systems as well are RansomExx, DarkRadiation, and the DarkSide.

“It’s safe to say that Linux is here to stay, and as organizations continue to move to Linux-based cloud workloads, malicious actors will follow,” said Aaron Ansari, vice president of cloud security for Trend Micro. “We have seen this as a main priority to ensure our customers receive the best security across their workloads, no matter the operating system they choose to run it on.”

The report revealed that most detections arose from systems running end-of-life versions of Linux distributions, including 44% from CentOS versions 7.4 to 7.9. In addition, 200 different vulnerabilities were targeted in Linux environments in just six months. This means attacks on Linux are likely taking advantage of outdated software with unpatched vulnerabilities.

GARTNER is the registered trademark and service mark of Gartner Inc., and/or its affiliates and has been used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

¹ Gartner – Rationalizing Applications and Infrastructure for Cloud Delivery, Philip Dawson, 28 May 2021

About Trend Micro

Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, the platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.trendmicro.com.hk

#TrendMicro

Widespread Demand for Petabyte Scale, Multi-cloud AI and ML Applications Drives Momentum for Aerospike Real-time Data Platform

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 August 2021 – Aerospike Inc. today announced that Q2 2021 was the best quarter in the company’s history. Quarterly bookings increased 100% in Q2 2021 over Q2 2020 as more organizations around the globe selected or expanded their use of the Aerospike Real-time Data Platform. Additionally, the company has seen tremendous growth in the APAC region, showing the growing demand for the company’s platform. Aerospike’s revenues and customers have doubled in the Asia Pacific area over the last two years as businesses seek a competitive edge through data-rich digital transformation innovations.

The Aerospike Real-time Data Platform lets organizations act in real time across billions of transactions while dramatically reducing server footprint. Applications built on Aerospike reap big rewards for enterprises, delivering a three-year return on investment (ROI) between 446% and 574%, per a Forrester Consulting Projected Total Impact™ study.

“Legacy NoSQL databases have failed to scale to meet the new speed, scale and cost dynamics of the market. Digital transformation demands modern, multi-cloud applications with predictable, sub-millisecond performance beyond petabyte scale,” said John Dillon, CEO, Aerospike. “Our customers continue to lead and transform their respective industries by leveraging the Aerospike Real-time Data Platform as a competitive advantage for mission-critical digital applications and customer experiences.”

To meet the growing demand in the APAC region, Aerospike announced three new appointments recently, who will be reporting to Aveekshith Bushan, Regional Director and General Manager – APAC, Aerospike.

Aerospike has appointed Hyde Woo as Country Manager for Greater China.  Hyde comes from Forrester Research with a great understanding of the market and trends in the China and Hong Kong regions. As Country Manager, he will drive the growth for Aerospike by helping organizations in re-imagining their “real-time” innovation, creating greater values, and contributing to the development of the Greater China digital economy.

Furthermore, the company appointed Avik Baishya as the Strategic Account Manager, Asia. He is a seasoned Sales professional with fourteen years of Enterprise Sales Experience in Technology. Avik has moved from Redis Labs and will be Managing Strategic Customers within Asia, in his new role at Aerospike.

Continuing its focus on regional growth, Aerospike has also recruited a Principal Solutions Architect, Vikranth Dharamshi, from Couchbase. Overall, Aerospike is applicable across industries, particularly in use cases with a continually rising customer base or application requirements. This is especially true in a highly competitive yet rapidly rising market like the APAC region, where customer experience is critical to one’s ability to retain a customer and to grow the user base.

Airtel, McAfee, PhonePe, Snapdeal, Ola, Dream11, Gaana, InMobi, BigBasket Experian, PayPal, Snap, The Trade Desk, Verizon Media and Wayfair, rely on Aerospike as their data foundation for real-time applications that instantly fight fraud, dramatically increase shopping cart size, protect companies from cyberattacks, and scale payment networks.

About Aerospike

The Aerospike Real-time Data Platform enables organizations to act instantly across billions of transactions while reducing server footprint by up to 80%. The Aerospike multi-cloud platform powers real-time applications with predictable sub-millisecond performance up to petabyte scale with five-nines uptime with globally distributed, strongly consistent data. Applications built on the Aerospike Real-time Data Platform fight fraud, provide recommendations that dramatically increase shopping cart size, enable global digital payments, and deliver hyper-personalized user experiences to tens of millions of customers. Customers such as Airtel, Experian, Nielsen, PayPal, Snap, Verizon Media and Wayfair rely on Aerospike as their data foundation for the future. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, the company also has offices in London, Bangalore and Tel Aviv.

For more information, please visit https://www.aerospike.com

#Aerospike