STAGWELL (STGW) EXPANDS INTO AFRICA WITH AFFILIATE PARTNERS INCUBETA, SBI MEDIA, AND ORIENT PLANET GROUP

New partnerships expand digital transformation and media capabilities serving one of the fastest-growing consumer populations and scales the world’s challenger marketing network across six continents.

NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), the challenger network built to transform marketing, today announced an expansion of its global marketing services into Africa via new affiliate partnerships with three firms: Incubeta in South Africa, SBI Media in Nigeria, and Orient Planet Group, whose footprint spans North Africa, including Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco. As part of Stagwell’s Global Affiliate Program, these firms will collaborate with agencies across Stagwell’s network to scale omnichannel media, content, and production capabilities for leading global brands.

Stagwell is the challenger network built to transform marketing.

“With the cementing of our partnerships with Incubeta, SBI, and Orient Planet Group, our Global Affiliate Program now empowers Stagwell to scale our modern marketing expertise across six continents, driving further value for our clients,” said Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO, Stagwell. “By 2025, two-thirds of African households are expected to have increased consumer power in the global economy. As a worldwide leader in culture-moving creativity and modern marketing services, Stagwell’s growth in the region will guide global brands to engage authentically with consumers across Africa.”

The new cohort of affiliate represent best-in-class digital media and global communications services:

  • Incubeta is a digital-transformation focused network of experts in marketing and technology committed to driving business-wide growth for modern brands. Incubeta has steered digital growth for clients across multiple sectors, including retail, travel, finance FMCG, iGaming, entertainment, automotive, app development and more.
  • Based in Lagos, Nigeria, SBI Media is an innovative full-service agency with a deep focus in media planning and buying. SBI Media’s capabilities span branding, strategy and planning, PR strategy formulation, media management and digital marketing. With SBI Media’s expertise, Stagwell will tap into a rapidly growing digital and traditional media environment with a hyper-localized approach.
  • Orient Planet Group is one of the most rapidly growing public relations, marketing and communications consultancies in North Africa and the Middle East. Orient Planet’s expertise in creative communications coupled with contemporary thinking provides unparalleled marketing communications services to its clients across numerous sectors.

“Incubeta is a market-leading specialist that uses the power of digital to unlock and amplify business growth potential. We do this through bespoke, localized digital solutions, powered by global expertise,” said Roan Mackintosh. “Stagwell’s focus on digital-first marketing solutions is a strong complement to our expertise, and we’re excited to collaborate with its network to deliver and enable our client’s growth.”

“We are pleased to join Stagwell, the world’s challenger marketing network. Stagwell’s vision to transform marketing communications is not only in-sync with our DNA, it is at the core of what we stand for at SBI Media Group,” said Rotimi Bankole, Founder and CEO, SBI Media Group. “In 2013, we floated SBI Media Group, and the Nigerian media and marketing landscape has felt our impact. Our story, culture and impact have transformed the way agencies exist in the larger economy.”

“Africa’s growing economies and the boom in digital technologies provide strong potentials for innovative communications to thrive in the region,” added Nidal Abou Zaki, Founder and Managing Director of Orient Planet Group. “Orient Planet Group is well-entrenched in the Middle East and North Africa with in-depth understanding of the local landscape. As the regional affiliate of Stagwell and Allison + Partners and having maintained a strong network and long-standing partnerships over the years, we are confident to see more organizations engaging and connecting with their markets across a diverse population.”

Stagwell’s focus will initially be in the North and South African markets, with continued engagement and collaboration in Central Africa, supporting the localized needs of consumers.

Stagwell’s Global Affiliate Program is an agile solution to global expansion, enabling Stagwell to partner with regional experts to drive added value for clients and scale marketing capabilities into new regions. To date, Stagwell has added over 50 affiliates to its roster, representing countries across Latin America, MENA, Asia-Pacific, and Eastern Europe.

About Stagwell Inc.

Stagwell is the challenger network built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing.  Led by entrepreneurs, our 10,000+ specialists in 20+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

Contact: Beth Sidhu
beth.sidhu@stagwellglobal.com
202-423-4414

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1586110/Stagwell_Logo.jpg

 

Zoom Introduces Category-Redefining Contact Center Solution

Zoom Contact Center sets new standards for customer service experiences through omnichannel, video-optimized interactions

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) announced Zoom Contact Center, an omnichannel contact center solution that is optimized for video and integrated right into the same Zoom experience. Now available, Zoom Contact Center, previously Zoom Video Engagement Center, combines unified communications and contact center capabilities with the useability of the Zoom platform. Zoom Contact Center supports customer service use cases and workflows using channels like video and voice, with SMS and webchat currently in beta.

The Zoom platform is powering the future of communications beyond meetings with unified communications, the Zoom Developer Platform, Zoom Events, and now Zoom Contact Center. These innovations – and there are many more – were created with the same level of scalability and simplicity that has made Zoom the trusted platform for more than a half-million businesses worldwide.

Innovation Through Video
Zoom Contact Center will have over 100 agent, supervisor, and contact center administrator features at launch. Future investments will include additional channels, CRM and workforce management integrations, and AI/ML to optimize agent productivity. At launch, Zoom Contact Center will extend traditional capabilities typically optimized for voice to provide a unique end customer experience through channels like video.

“Zoom understands the importance of bringing together UC and multichannel contact center into the same experience,” said Blair Pleasant of BCStrategies. “Zoom is known for great video, which is important for high-touch customer scenarios and internal use cases like IT help desk, employee helpline, and revenue-generating activities. But the fact that Zoom Contact Center supports routing, additional channels, and the agent functionality organizations need, means that Zoom Contact Center could become the modern contact center solution of choice.”

Enabling Connected Work From Anywhere
Contact center agents are frequently tied to physical contact center locations, and if able to work remotely, often still need to navigate multiple communications tools. Zoom Contact Center streamlines inefficiencies by bringing communications into one central hub. In addition to helping end customers with a rich agent experience, agents can collaborate with peers, supervisors, or other employees right in Zoom Chat and channels. Unified communications and contact center together empowers agents to be more productive from any location while feeling connected to the larger organization.

“Previously, contact center infrastructure was complex to deploy, expensive to operate, and time-intensive to upgrade. Zoom Contact Center was carefully designed to meet the needs of the modern agent and end customer, both of which expect a personalized, digital, and effective contact center experience,” said Oded Gal, Chief Product Officer of Zoom. “I am pleased to announce the general availability of Zoom Contact Center, building upon the reliable Zoom platform model and bringing the experiences our customers know and love to yet another industry.”

Ensuring Ease of Deployment and Use
Zoom Contact Center is simple for administrators to configure and deploy, including a graphical drag-and-drop IVR designer. Contact center administrators can easily create menus, greetings, and prompts right in the same Zoom Admin portal. Zoom Contact Center can also integrate chat and video into an existing digital presence, like a website, helping organizations have conversations with customers in the right context and at the right time.

“Our members trust us with their most privileged information, so when they need support, it is our responsibility to provide them with the expertise First Federal Credit Union is known for,” said Chris Neal, Senior Vice President Operations of First Federal Credit Union. “With Zoom Contact Center, our contact center supervisors have the ability to organize service representatives based on skills, so when a member reaches out, we can now route their inquiries directly to experts that are equipped to handle their unique needs. A process that would previously require multiple service representatives can now be accelerated and streamlined into a single conversation. We’ve seen our overall call time and pick-up time improve significantly as we provide more efficient resolution and a better experience for our members.”

Customer choice is an essential value of the Zoom platform. In addition to Zoom Contact Center, Zoom intends to maintain its valued existing contact center partnerships.

Zoom Contact Center is now available in the U.S. and CA, with more international availability coming later this year. To learn more about Zoom Contact Center, please visit the Zoom Contact Center page and read our blog.

About Zoom
Zoom is for you. Zoom is a space where you can connect to others, share ideas, make plans, and build toward a future limited only by your imagination. Our frictionless communications platform is the only one that started with video as its foundation, and we have set the standard for innovation ever since. That is why we are an intuitive, scalable, and secure choice for individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises alike. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ: ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Visit zoom.com and follow @zoom.

Press Relations
Farshad Hashmatulla
Product PR Manager
press@zoom.us

Huawei to Highlight Green Power Target Network at MWC 2022

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The ICT sector is not only the foundation of a digital world but a big energy consumer and carbon emitter. The adoption of green ICT technologies and practices plays an important role in the fight against climate change. At the upcoming MWC 2022, Huawei will showcase its innovative Green Power Target Networkwhich helps carriers deploy 5G without additional site energy OPEX, minimize CAPEX and achieve green low-carbon networks.

Behind the Lifecycle Green and Low-Carbon Network

Huawei Green Power Target Network features low carbon emissions throughout the lifecycle, from construction, operation, to O&M.

1. Low-Carbon Network Construction

Huawei proposes to simplify site construction, replace equipment rooms with cabinets and cabinets with poles. This solution reduces the civil engineering cost, carbon emission during construction and reconstruction, as well as the power consumption of air conditioners for heat dissipation.

2.  Low-Carbon Operation

Huawei Green Power Target Network can reshape the power from generation, conversion, storage, to consumption, bringing low-carbon networks.

Huawei uses green and renewable energies such as solar and wind for sites and equipment rooms, reducing carbon emissions from the power source. The solution jointly developed by Huawei, China Mobile, Hangzhou, and China Mobile Group Design Institute is a textbook case. The power supply, devices, and batteries originally distributed in six cabinets are integrated into one, saving 80% of the floor area for Huawei’s Smart PV system. It is estimated that the electricity cost will be reduced by about 58% and the carbon emissions will be slashed by 8 tons after site reconstruction.

To tackle the low energy consumption efficiency of sites during power conversion, Huawei uses efficient modules and a single system to replace traditional inefficient modules and multiple power systems, boosts the voltage for power supply to reduce transmission loss, and reduces carbon emissions during power conversion.

While the industry is transforming from lead-acid batteries to lithium batteries, Huawei has evolved to a new era of the cloud-based, intelligent lithium battery. This kind of battery can provide backup power and allocate the backup power precisely through collaboration with power sources and loads, upgrading the traditional backup power unit to an intelligent energy storage system (ESS).

Energy consumption management has troubled the industry constantly. Huawei’s innovative intelligent power consumption management improves management efficiency through precise metering, energy slicing, software definition, and power consumption audit. The power consumption of each load at a site can be calculated separately, the power consumption of each route can be accurately measured by tenant, frequency band, and sector, improving energy efficiency precisely.

3.  Low-Carbon O&M

Traditional site O&M is inefficient and requires labor input for preventive maintenance inspection, fault locating, spare part replacement, emergency power generation, cooling adjustment, and electricity fee checking. Based on site digitalization, and AI and IoT technologies, Huawei implements intelligent power and O&M of all links remotely. In addition, portable lithium batteries can replace gensets for emergency backup, achieving a low carbon footprint.

The Unique Huawei Green Power Target Network

As the name suggests, Huawei Green Power Target Network is to “begin working with the goals in mind”, always thinking about the big picture. On the one hand, the Target Network adopts top-level design from sites to equipment rooms, and from deployment to operation to O&M, in a unified and systematic manner. On the other hand, the Target Network connects all scenarios over the entire lifecycle, achieving efficient collaboration and laying a foundation for full-link intelligence.

Intelligence is another feature of Huawei Green Power Target Network.

Huawei iCooling@AI solution illustrates the energy efficiency optimization in data centers. One-third of the power consumed by a data center is used for non-IT facilities such as air conditioners, which devour the most power. Huawei iCooling solution efficiently and accurately collects data related to data center energy efficiency and uses the deep neural network for modeling, precisely fitting the running status of the data center to optimize the efficiency by the hour.

Climate change caused by carbon emissions is a tough challenge for the sustainable development of all mankind, and this also puts the ICT industry under pressure. However, Huawei Green Power Target Network brings us hope. Innovative technologies are the key to the “Sword of Damocles” hanging over the ICT industry. New infrastructure construction such as 5G and big data, and green and low carbon are not mutually exclusive, but are coexisting concepts.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1752513/image_1.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1752514/image_2.jpg

 

Huawei’s Prefabricated Modular DC Solution Contributes to a Green, Digital Chengdu

CHENGDU, China, Feb. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Centering on building “one center and three platforms”, Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone and Huawei work together to build the Chengdu AI Computing Center, a world-leading next-generation AI computing platform, which will serve as the foundation for building a future intelligent world.

Chengdu, the capital of southwestern China’s Sichuan province, is at the forefront of digital economy growth as China’s master plan for Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle issued last October guides the city in the development of world-class industries, such as IT and electronics. Digital transformation has wiped away the dust and fog of Chengdu and brought it a brighter sky. The booming data center industry is an inseparable part of the city’s digitalization efforts.

In the past two years, Chengdu has been selected as the National Pilot Area for Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Development and the Chengdu-Chongqing Node of the National Integrated Big Data Center.

To achieve fast rollout and E2E life cycle low carbon, the Chengdu AI computing data center uses Huawei’s prefabricated modular data center solution to integrate smart and green facilities like PowerPod, SmartLi, and iCooling.etc.

The facilities are prefabricated in the factory and carried out in parallel with the construction. The “Lego-style” fast stacking simplifies the on-site job and effectively shortens the construction period. Compared with traditional construction, the modular construction period is reduced by more than 50%, and the energy consumption is reduced by 40 million kWh in 10 years, which is equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 19,000 tons and planting 26,000 trees.

On the site of the data center, the dust caused by traditional data center construction was eliminated, and construction waste was reduced by 80%. It is the low-carbon prefabricated modular construction and the green AI industry that allows us to visibly see the snow-covered mountains in the distance and drives the city’s low-carbon, high-quality development.

In the future, the inclusive AI computing power provided by the Chengdu AI computing center will be like the ocean water carrying thousands of application ships for a wide range of industries. It brings a bright vision for a green and prosperous economy. Looking forward, people not only live a good life with modern science and technology but also use cutting-edge technologies to meet their aspiration of living in harmony with nature.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1752522/image_1.jpg

SPARK™ CLEAR ALIGNERS NEW RELEASE 12 GIVES DOCTORS MORE CONTROL, FLEXIBILITY AND EFFICIENCY IN CASE SETUP AND TREATMENT PLANNING

ENHANCED PATIENT ROOT VISUALIZATION, NOTABLE CLINICAL IMPROVEMENTS

BREA, Calif., Feb. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Ormco Corporation, a global leader of orthodontic solutions, today announced its Spark Clear Aligners Release 12, offering industry-leading clinical enhancements, product optimization, and case-planning improvements to give doctors more flexibility, efficiency, and control.

Spark Release 12 - Posterior Bite Turbos

These include:

  • Root Visualization using submitted CBCT DICOM files for accurate treatment planning*
  • Added Posterior Bite Turbos for premolars and molars to assist with clinical conditions requiring posterior bite opening*
  • Wider choice in material with the availability of both TruGEN™ or TruGEN XR for Spark 10 and Spark 20 to ensure greater precision in finishing*
  • Upgrades to Spark’s Approver software and doctor portal to help optimize treatment, planning and practice communications*

“The enhancements in Spark Release 12 give orthodontists more reasons to choose Spark Clear Aligners for their practice and their patients,” said Eric Conley, President of Spark and Digital Orthodontics. “Spark is proven to perform better than the leading aligner brand while providing superior clarity and stain resistance.”

Spark Release 12 Bite Ramps

Customers are excited about the steady stream of innovations coming from Spark.

“Spark Aligners are consistently outperforming other aligners I have used in the past.  Spark’s more predictable tooth movements lead to fewer refinements and shorter treatment times,” said Dr. John Warford. “Spark is focused on the clinical needs of orthodontists, quickly implementing new innovations to provide doctors with an optimal aligner experience.”

Spark™ Aligners’ Release 12’s case-planning innovations, clinical enhancements, and user experience improvements include:

Spark Release 12 - CBCT

Root Visualization for Accurate Treatment Planning
82% of Spark doctors agree that root visualization is a key factor to ensuring predictable tooth movement.1  With Spark Release 12, doctors can now submit DICOM files to the Spark Design team to ensure that the roots shown in the Spark Approver software are positioned precisely over the roots in the DICOM files. Doctors can also easily import CBCT scans directly into the Spark Approver software from the website.*  In addition, Spark Release 12 is designed to deliver more comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning by introducing three new CBCT presets:  Skin, Translucent Skin, & Bone & Soft Tissue.*

“Spark is the only clear aligner system with the ability to truly have root and bone relationships available. To work in three dimensions for all the anatomy will allow us to deliver the healthiest orthodontic treatment that has ever been done,” said Dr. Bill Dischinger.

Spark Clear Aligners Logo

Additional Clinical Enhancements
Posterior Bite Turbos, previously available only on molars, are now available for premolars. This feature will help mitigate molar intrusion while correcting the anterior open bite, crossbite, or other conditions requiring posterior bite opening. Spark’s Posterior Bite Turbos are rigorously tested and need no bonding or composite filling.*  In addition, bite ramps will now reposition automatically as treatment progresses to enhance engagement between the bite ramps and teeth throughout treatment.*

“I like to keep things simple, and Spark has helped me easily and efficiently correct both anterior open bites and crossbites without additional procedures beyond the aligners!” said Dr. Michael DePascale.

Product Optimization for Control & Flexibility
TruGEN XR is now available for primary cases of Spark 10 and Spark 20 (TruGEN XR was previously only available for refinement cases).  TruGEN XR is slightly more rigid and thus presents an ideal solution for finishing, refinements and limited stage cases.*

TruGEN and TruGEN XR both have more sustained force retention*, superior stain resistance* and clarity*, and better contact surface area with the tooth than the leading aligner brand.*

“TruGEN XR is my finishing wire in clear aligner therapy,” Dr. Dischinger remarked. “With brackets and wires, we like to use stiffer wires for the finishing stages of treatment. In clear aligner therapy, we have never had that ability until now. TruGEN XR, with its slightly stiffer properties, gives me the control I’m looking for in finishing the small details of each case.”

Spark Approver Software and Case Portal Enhancements for Efficient Workflow
75% of Spark doctors agree that Spark’s Approver software provides a better user experience because it is easier and faster to use than the leading aligner brand’s software.2  Release 12 will make it even easier for doctors and their staff to use our software and case portal and consult with the Spark treatment planning team.  The new enhancements include:*

  • View Capture and Private Doctor Notes: Doctors can capture and send specific views of the 3D model in the Spark Approver software, along with their notes, to facilitate communication between doctor and designer. The Spark Approver software also enables doctors to enter and save private case notes, which provide treatment reminders for improved workflow.
  • New Support for Scanned Appliances: The Spark Approver software will display scanned attachments, buttons, fixed retainers, and brackets. Once scanned, appliances are displayed in the treatment PDF to distinguish between existing and new attachments during bonding.
  • Spark Approver Software Performance Improvement: Upgraded 3D model features more responsive movements and faster rotation for a more seamless performance.
  • Redesigned Auxiliaries Panel: A simplified design allows doctors to easily add different auxiliaries and change options according to their desired treatment plan.
  • New Spark Approver Feature – Calls Out Potential Issues with Attachments: Spark Approver software now provides detailed information when it detects any potential issues with attachment collisions or proximity issues with the trimline.

“Since I’ve been working with Spark, the brand has shown tremendous dedication to our profession, constantly innovating its product based on the feedback and goals of orthodontists. This has given me complete control and customization of Spark Aligners to meet all of my patients’ needs,” said Dr. Michael DePascale.

For more information on the Spark Aligner product and software enhancements, please visit www.ormco.com/Spark  or contact your Sales Representative. Spark Release 12 information can be found here.

About the Spark™ Clear Aligner System
Spark™ Aligners are manufactured by Ormco™, a global leader in innovative orthodontics products, with 60 years of expertise, R&D and high manufacturing standards. Ormco has helped doctors treat more than 20 million patients in more than 130 countries.

Spark Approver software is designed to give doctors more control and flexibility, while Spark’s advanced aligner technology and TruGEN™ material provide more sustained force retention and better surface contact with the tooth*. The Spark Aligner is also clearer, more comfortable*, and stains less than the leading aligner brand*— which may be why 100% of patients recently surveyed said they would recommend Spark Aligners to a friend.*

*Data on file at Ormco™

1Based on survey of 67 Spark doctors who have approved 100 or more Spark cases.  Data on file.

2Based on survey of 61 Spark doctors who have approved 100 or more Spark cases.  Data on file.

Drs. Warford, Dischinger and DePascale are paid consultants for Ormco.  The opinions quoted in this material are those of the doctors.  Clinicians should use their own judgment in treating their patients.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1749424/Spark_Release_12___Posterior_Bite_Turbos.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1749425/Spark_Release_12_Bite_Ramps.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1749426/Spark_Release_12___CBCT.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1749427/Spark_Clear_Aligners_Logo.jpg