TECHNOLOGY
Cloudinary | September 22, 2023
Cloudinary, a renowned image and video platform, has recently unveiled an addition to its asset management suite with the launch of Cloudinary Nexus. This digital asset management (DAM) solution is explicitly tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Available immediately, Cloudinary Nexus offers both free and premium options. This AI-powered solution empowers SMBs and teams with enterprise-grade capabilities, making it effortless for them to connect, explore, and optimize their digital assets, all while streamlining their branding efforts with minimal time and complexity.
Drawing upon the strengths of Cloudinary's acclaimed DAM solution designed for enterprise clientele, known as Cloudinary Assets, Nexus equips smaller brands with the ability to automate essential yet time-consuming tasks associated with asset management. Nexus incorporates advanced AI functionalities and automation to handle tasks like metadata tagging and file format and size optimization. This ensures that teams can dedicate more of their time to more rewarding and high-impact activities. Nexus places significant emphasis on user-friendliness and accessibility, making it a valuable asset for a wide range of teams and individuals.
With features such as generative AI, Studio, collections, smart search, and auto-tagging, Nexus equips users with all the tools necessary to unlock the full potential of their images and videos. It enables users to:
Instantly Prepare Images and Videos: Users can effortlessly adapt designs, resize, and fine-tune assets in bulk within seconds. The inclusion of subject-aware AI enables the generation of new assets, while readily available creative presets facilitate the creation of multiple variations from a single master asset.
Transform User-Generated Content into Brand-Ready Assets: AI and automation simplify the task of moderating, managing, and approving user uploads, requiring minimal to no effort.
Facilitate Seamless and Effective Collaboration: By controlling file visibility through custom user roles and permissions, Nexus enhances productivity. Users can collaborate seamlessly with other contributors, teams, and partners, simplifying asset handovers.
Instantly Organize and Discover Assets: The automatic addition of tags and metadata, including colors, faces, and objects, improves asset discoverability. An AI-driven visual search feature provides highly accurate and personalized search results.
Effortless Setup: Nexus offers easy visual content import and integration with existing storage platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, ensuring a smooth transition.
About Cloudinary
Cloudinary is a leading image and video technology platform that empowers the world's most engaging brands to deliver transformative visual experiences on a global scale. Consisting of a user base of over 1.5 million and serving more than 10,000 esteemed customers, including Bleacher Report, Apartment Therapy, Bombas, NBC, Grubhub, Mediavine, Paul Smith, Minted, and Peloton, Cloudinary is the trusted choice for bringing campaigns, applications, and websites to life. With unrivaled image and video APIs, supported by cutting-edge AI and patented technology, Cloudinary provides brands with a singular source of truth to effectively manage, transform, optimize, and seamlessly deliver visual experiences at scale.
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TECHNOLOGY
AT&T | September 22, 2023
AT&T's new fixed wireless home internet service for small businesses promises quick setup and reliable connectivity.
AT&T is expanding Internet Air to various locations, including Los Angeles, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia.
The service offers $55/month pricing with no extra fees, includes security features, and is eligible for financial assistance.
AT&T's latest breakthrough, AT&T Internet Air, aims to address the pressing need for consistent and dependable internet connectivity among small business owners. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, the demand for a seamless online presence has never been greater. Yet, achieving strong connectivity remains an enduring challenge for those residing in regions with limited broadband options.
This innovation, introduced by AT&T, goes beyond the conventional realm of home Wi-Fi; it is a fixed wireless home internet service. In simpler terms, it delivers home Wi-Fi through AT&T's robust wireless network. Its remarkably swift setup process is what truly sets it apart, especially for small business operators running their businesses from home. In an environment where time equates to money, AT&T guarantees its customers a fully operational Wi-Fi connection in under 15 minutes. Once configured, users can count on a continuous, optimized, and secure internet connection.
Traditional internet options have long been a source of frustration for many, particularly in less densely populated areas. Erin Scarborough, President of Broadband and Connectivity Initiatives at AT&T, has emphasized that their team has made it a priority to identify and address these pain points experienced by customers—their solution: AT&T Internet Air. By harnessing the available network capacity in less congested areas, they have established a connection that is both dependable and robust.
AT&T has already rolled out this service to its existing copper-based clients, receiving positive feedback. The company's vision is crystal clear: to ensure that the selected locations have the requisite wireless coverage and capacity. This not only guarantees an exceptional in-home experience but also sustains the quality of wireless service for their mobile users.
User-friendliness is paramount for small business owners who often handle multiple responsibilities. Upon receiving the AT&T Internet Air package, customers can scan a QR code to access a comprehensive, step-by-step setup guide. Furthermore, the AT&T Smart Home Manager app streamlines the process and even offers a feature to help identify the optimal location for the home's connection. For larger spaces, AT&T provides add-on Wi-Fi extenders to ensure coverage in every corner.
Moreover, AT&T recognizes the aesthetic preferences of its users. The device itself features a sleek, modern design that complements any workspace.
AT&T Internet Air is steadily expanding its coverage, complementing its top-notch AT&T Fiber offering. New locations now include areas in Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and many others, with recent additions in Cleveland-Akron, Orlando/Gainesville, Denver, and Providence-New Bedford.
For small business proprietors, budget considerations are of significant importance. AT&T Internet Air employs a transparent pricing strategy that is $55 per month (plus taxes), with no additional charges for overages, equipment, or annual contracts. Additionally, AT&T includes ActiveArmorSM internet security for added online transaction security. The service is also eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers financial assistance to qualifying households.
In today's digital age, where an online presence is critical for businesses, AT&T Internet Air presents a promising solution, particularly for small business owners. Its straightforward setup, transparent pricing, and robust connection represent a significant step toward ensuring universally accessible and reliable internet access.
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IDEAS
Carver Federal Savings Bank | September 25, 2023
Carver Federal Savings Bank, a certified Minority Depository Institution (MDI) and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is driving economic empowerment for small businesses in New York City through its innovative microloan program. This program plays a crucial role in facilitating entrepreneurs' access to capital for business expansion in the post-pandemic era. Carver employs algorithm-based software, transcending the limitations historically imposed by traditional credit scores, which have hindered the borrowing eligibility and capacity of black and brown entrepreneurs.
The ongoing challenges small businesses face in Carver's community persistently weigh them down amidst economic headwinds. Notably, 41% of small businesses owned by black and brown entrepreneurs have either shuttered or are on the brink of closure due to the financial hardships stemming from the pandemic. Furthermore, it is worth highlighting that approximately 45 million adults in the United States lack traditional credit scores.
Carver's microloan program fills a crucial void by providing essential capital ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small business entrepreneurs. This initiative addresses the longstanding challenges associated with securing small-dollar loans and capital in Carver's communities. The bank's dedicated efforts are yielding tangible results, invigorating local economic activity.
Michael T. Pugh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carver Federal Savings Bank, said:
"Carver's mission is to provide access to capital and to be champions for the underserved community in New York City."
[Source – Cision PR Newswire]
He mentioned that their microloan program represented an opportunity for them to assist small businesses in recovering from the pandemic and economic downturns while working towards a prosperous future. Pugh further expressed gratitude to Charter Communications, Webster Bank, UBS, M&T Bank, and all their partners who had played a crucial role in the successful launch of their new microloan program.
About Carver Bancorp, Inc.
Carver Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for Carver Federal Savings Bank, a renowned federally chartered stock savings bank. Headquartered in Harlem, New York, the company was established in 1948 with the mission to serve African-American communities where businesses, residents, and institutions had limited access to mainstream financial services. Recognized by the U.S. Treasury Department as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Carver stands out for its community-centric banking services and unwavering commitment to enhancing the economic vitality and revitalization of its local community. The company holds the distinction of being one of the largest African- and Caribbean-American-managed banks in the United States.
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