Research shows that we often look past biases against non-native English speakers. Many companies now understand that having a diverse and inclusive workforce brings real benefits, including higher-than-average profits. But while diversity and inclusion policies typically focus on overcoming biases based on race, ethnicity, disability, age, gender and sexual orientation, hundreds of millions of people are affected by another bias because they are not native speakers of the English language. Studies show that nonnative English speakers are considered by native English speakers as less successful, intelligent and believable than other native English speakers. English is the common language of global business. Companies such as Siemens, Nissan, Honda, Sodexo, Rakuten and Renault have adopted English as their official working language. More than 1.5 billion people speak English, but about 75 percent are nonnative speakers. There is an expectation among hiring managers and HR professionals that employees will be able to speak English at a “useful” level, even if it is not their first language. Yet there is little or no expectation that native English speakers should have to learn a foreign language to be successful. Learning to speak English as a second language (ESL) requires commitment and hard work. However, research by Mayflower College in Plymouth, England, suggests that ESL speakers are rarely given the credit they deserve, and there appears to be considerable unconscious bias against them. In one study, the psycholinguist Shiri Lev-Ari, Ph.D., asked nonnative English speakers to record statements such as “Ants don’t sleep” in English. Native English speakers recorded the same statements. When native English speakers rated the recordings for their veracity, they rated the speakers with the heaviest accents as least true, while native speakers were rated the truest. “We’re less likely to believe something if it’s said with a foreign accent,” Lev-Ari said. Magda Bowyer, a U.S. citizen who is originally from Poland, said, “It often happened to me that a customer questioned my answer to a problem simply because of my accent. I was told, ‘I don’t think you understand what I am saying. Can I talk to someone else?’ They acknowledged [my answer] only after they heard the same answer in ‘perfect’ English.” Research shows that we need to have diversity of opinion to make better workplace decisions. But bias — whether conscious or unconscious — against nonnative English speakers causes “the silencing effect.” They can feel isolated and excluded, and team meetings are less valuable as a result. “I notice that native English speakers tend to take over during project meetings,” said Lennert Visser, a quality manager for a multinational organization in the Netherlands. “They will start jumping in when nonnative speakers leave time and space or are slow in coming back with replies. Sometimes we just need more time to formulate our thoughts in English.” Some say this issue is even more problematic. “This goes beyond unconscious bias and is very much a form of classism, and elitism even,” said Sarah Saska, a diversity and inclusion specialist in Toronto. “I’m always taken aback when native English speakers tease, correct or even mock those who speak English as a second language.” This communication barrier isn’t confined to formal meetings. Information flows, team unity and career progression can be built just as effectively in informal settings, such as over lunch or at get-togethers after work, as in structured interactions like meetings. Whose Language Is It, Anyway? Experts note the irony that the very people who are struggling to have their voices heard at work due to English language differences are the same people having a huge impact on the evolution of global English. The nature of the English language is changing. Pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar have been adapted as English reflects the first languages of international speakers. English as a "lingua franca" may be spoken with a Spanish twist, an Italian rhythm and a Japanese lilt. Research has found that native English speakers often have a negative emotional response to ELF, regarding it as erroneous and substandard. “It is easy to dismiss ELF as the use of incorrect English by people who have not learned it very well, but it is an entirely natural linguistic development, an example of how any language varies and changes as it is appropriated by different communities of users,” according to Barbara Seidlhofer, professor at the University of Vienna. Native English speakers may be responsible for more communication breakdowns than they realize. It isn’t just how native speakers view English that causes problems; it’s also how they use it. Mayflower College research on 1,000 nonnative English speakers showed that 88 percent find it more difficult to communicate with a native English speaker than with another nonnative speaker, because native speakers typically don’t know how to adjust their English for their audience. Airline pilot Dimitri Kovalov, a native Russian, illustrated the point from the safety-critical world of aviation: “I still have bad dreams about the first time I flew to the U.S. I was an experienced pilot, and my English was OK, but when the air traffic controller asked me, ‘How are you riding today?’ I had no idea. I understood the words but not the meaning. In fact, he meant, ‘Is the flight bumpy? Is there turbulence?’ It’s a scary thing when you’re flying a plane and you don’t understand an instruction or a question!” Creating an effective language management strategy within a diversity and inclusion plan requires going beyond raising awareness of unconscious bias against international speakers of English, say language experts. It needs to help native speakers adjust the way they communicate with their international colleagues and customers. But why are many native English speakers so bad at this effort? Some have accused native English speakers of having a sense of superiority, even “linguistic imperialism,” which they voice by saying such things as, “I’m a native English speaker; therefore, the problem cannot be mine. It must be yours.” Many in the U.K. and the U.S. fail to fully understand and empathize with the challenges faced by nonnative speakers because they do not learn foreign languages. Education systems in English-speaking countries typically reward the use of idiomatic, “sophisticated” language. This is usually the opposite of what is needed when communicating with international English speakers—when tolerance and understanding are most needed. Native English speakers who learn a second language are applauded for their intelligence and hard work. However, the same isn’t true for nonnative English speakers. “In France, it’s no longer a bonus to have English on your resume. … It’s just considered normal, something which is expected,” said Jean-Pierre Blavac, a postgraduate student in Toulouse, France. Language training solutions have traditionally been designed to enable ESL speakers to improve their English. However, it may be time to consider the role of the native English speaker, as well. Kim Min-seo, a financial analyst from South Korea, eloquently explained the challenge: “I really find it difficult when I go to our office in the U.K. Most of the other people have English as their first language, and sometimes I have no idea what they are talking about, especially when they are talking with each other. I just wish they could slow down a bit. It makes me feel stupid … a little bit humiliated.” To address this issue, language pros suggest that native English speakers do the following: Learn how to filter and adapt their English when communicating with nonnative speakers. Become more empathetic to the challenges faced by their international colleagues and customers. Change any unconscious bias they have that their opinion somehow matters more because they can say it in “perfect” English. Change Is Rarely Easy People tend to react with anger and irritation when confronted about their biases. But that is no reason not to confront them. The cost of behavioral change is not much when compared with the benefits. Albert Einstein summed up this concept rather well: “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”

Suddenly the American or Brit walks into the room and nobody can understand them – Chia Suan Chong Typically, native English speakers dominate meetings about 90% of the time - Michael Blattner English speakers with no other language often lack awareness of how to speak English internationally - Dale Coulter You need to be short, clear and direct and you need to simplify - Rob Steggles In a room full of non-native speakers, ‘there isn’t any chance of understanding’. It might be their language, but the message is often lost. It was just one word in one email, but it triggered huge financial losses for a multinational company. The message, written in English, was sent by a native speaker to a colleague for whom English was a second language. Unsure of the word, the recipient found two contradictory meanings in his dictionary. He acted on the wrong one. Months later, senior management investigated why the project had flopped, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. “It all traced back to this one word,” says Chia Suan Chong, a UK-based communications skills and intercultural trainer, who didn't reveal the tricky word because it is highly industry-specific and possibly identifiable. “Things spiraled out of control because both parties were thinking the opposite.” When such misunderstandings happen, it’s usually the native speakers who are to blame. Ironically, they are worse at delivering their message than people who speak English as a second or third language, according to Chong. “A lot of native speakers are happy that English has become the world’s global language. They feel they don’t have to spend time learning another language,” says Chong. “But… often you have a boardroom full of people from different countries communicating in English and all understanding each other and then suddenly the American or Brit walks into the room and nobody can understand them.” The non-native speakers, it turns out, speak more purposefully and carefully, typical of someone speaking a second or third language. Anglophones, on the other hand, often talk too fast for others to follow, and use jokes, slang and references specific to their own culture, says Chong. In emails, they use baffling abbreviations such as ‘OOO’, instead of simply saying that they will be out of the office. “The native English speaker… is the only one who might not feel the need to accommodate or adapt to the others,” she adds. Relating to your audience With non-native English speakers in the majority worldwide, it’s Anglophones who may need to up their game. “Native speakers are at a disadvantage when you are in a lingua franca situation,” where English is being used as a common denominator, says Jennifer Jenkins, professor of global Englishes at the UK’s University of Southampton. “It’s the native English speakers that are having difficulty understanding and making themselves understood.” Non-native speakers generally use more limited vocabulary and simpler expressions, without flowery language or slang. Because of that, they understand one another at face value. Jenkins found, for instance, that international students at a British university understood each other well in English and swiftly adapted to helping the least fluent members in any group. ‘What the hell is ETA?’ Zurich-based Michael Blattner’s mother tongue is Swiss-German, but professionally he interacts mostly in English. “I often hear from non-native colleagues that they do understand me better when listening to me than when doing so to natives,” says the head of training and proposition, IP Operations at Zurich Insurance Group. One bugbear is abbreviations. “The first time I worked in an international context somebody said ‘Eta 16:53’ and I thought ‘What the hell is ETA?’” says Blattner. “To add to the confusion, some of the abbreviations in British English are very different from American English.” And then there’s cultural style, Blattner says. When a Brit reacts to a proposal by saying, “That’s interesting” a fellow Brit might recognise this as understatement for, “That’s rubbish.” But other nationalities would take the word “interesting” on face value, he says. Unusual words, speed of talking and mumbling don’t help, he adds — especially if the phone or video connection is poor quality. “You start disengaging and doing something else because there isn’t any chance of understanding,” he says. At meetings, he adds, “typically, native English speakers dominate about 90% of the time. But the other people have been invited for a reason.” Dale Coulter, head of English at language course provider TLC International House in Baden, Switzerland, agrees: “English speakers with no other language often have a lack of awareness of how to speak English internationally.” In Berlin, Coulter saw German staff of a Fortune 500 company being briefed from their Californian HQ via video link. Despite being competent in English, the Germans gleaned only the gist of what their American project leader said. So among themselves they came up with an agreed version, which might or might not have been what was intended by the California staff. “A lot of the information goes amiss,” Coulter says. When simpler is better It’s the native speaker who often risks missing out on closing a deal, warns Frenchman Jean-Paul Nerriere, formerly a senior international marketing executive at IBM. “Too many non-Anglophones, especially the Asians and the French, are too concerned about not ‘losing face’ — and nod approvingly while not getting the message at all,” he says. That’s why Nerriere devised Globish — a distilled form of English, stripped down to 1,500 words and simple but standard grammar. “It’s not a language, it’s a tool,” he says. Since launching Globish in 2004 he’s sold more than 200,000 Globish text books in 18 languages. “If you can communicate efficiently with limited, simple language you save time, avoid misinterpretation and you don’t have errors in communication,” Nerriere says. As an Englishman who’s worked hard to learn French, Rob Steggles, senior marketing director for Europe at telecommunications giant NTT Communications, has advice for Anglophones. Based in Paris, Steggles says, “you need to be short, clear and direct and you need to simplify. But there’s a fine line between doing that and being patronising.” “It’s a tightrope walk,” he adds. Giving others a chance When trying to communicate in English with a group of people with varying levels of fluency, it’s important to be receptive and adaptable, tuning your ears into a whole range of different ways of using English, Jenkins says. “People who’ve learned other languages are good at doing that, but native speakers of English generally are monolingual and not very good at tuning into language variation,” she says. In meetings, Anglophones tend to speed along at what they consider a normal pace, and also rush to fill gaps in conversation, according to Steggles. “It could be that the non-native speaker is trying to formulate a sentence,” he says. “You just have to wait a heartbeat and give them a chance. Otherwise, after the meeting they come up and say, ‘What was all that about?’ Or they walk away and nothing happens because they haven’t understood.” He recommends making the same point in a couple of different ways and asking for some acknowledgement, reaction or action. “If there’s no participation," Steggles cautions, “you don’t know whether you’ve been understood or not.”

Whether downsized, outsourced, or sick and tired of cubicle hell, more people are earning their living by working at home. The work at home industry is booming with a diverse lot of income earning opportunities. People of all skill and education levels can find a niche in this market. And the driving force that allows such an option is the Internet. Telecommuters Internet technology has enabled former office rats to do their work at home. Armed with a computer, fax, and telephone, employees from back office data entry to management staff are able to perform part or all of their jobs at home. The telecommuting option is appreciated by workers as it allows them more freedom and control over the work day and more time to spend with families. Companies find that this set up often improves employee morale and productivity. Net Work Earning money via the Internet has become an increasingly popular option in the work at home industry. Chances are you know someone who sells merchandise on eBay. Many online merchants are working out of their homes. The Internet offers a wealth of opportunities for writers to earn a living at the keyboard. People with an Internet-based career often start on a part-time basis while working their regular office gig. Once their "web job" takes off, they escape the office grind for full-time work at home. Home Base Another option in the work at home industry is a home-based business where you go out in the field to provide services for customers. This is a wide open opportunity - think of any product or service that people need and, viola, you have a business. Again, with the Internet, advertising for your home business is no longer a burden. For example, the senior population is exploding. Start an elder service that helps seniors with light housekeeping, grooming, and transportation. Two career families and busy folks in general equal a business for you running errands such as shopping, chauffeuring kids, and picking up dry cleaning. You can strike out on your own with these home-based businesses or buy a franchise. Franchises offer a brand name people know and trust along with marketing support from the headquarters office. Start up costs can be out of reach for a lot of people, however, there are hundreds of franchise options in the work at home industry that will fit with small budgets. Scam Alert The Internet and print and broadcast media are full of ads for great-sounding work at home opportunities. Sadly, the work at home industry is full of scam companies that advertise high income home-based jobs. Some ads are specific while others are vague and keep you in the dark about the exact nature of the pie in the sky venture. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research before you plunge into any work at home opportunity. Talk with others who are working at home. Check out franchises or Internet opportunities with the Better Business Bureau. Despite the scam artists, there are thousands of options in the work at home industry and one of them will suit you.

Imagine how your life would improve if you were instantly more productive. You could get more done at the office every day and maybe earn a promotion, or make more money as a result of your ability to produce more sales. Whether you are a sales person, a CEO, or a housewife, being more productive every day can dramatically improve your life. OK, right now you are probably saying...sounds great, how can I be instantly more productive? It's really quite simple. To be instantly more productive you need to acquire a new habit called the 4-D habit. What is the 4-D habit? The 4-D habit increases your productivity instantly by helping you prioritize daily tasks and get more done in a shorter period of time. Here is how it works. Each day we are all faced with new tasks that must be acted upon. Your boss calls you and asks you to prepare a sales report, your child calls and asks you to help him or her with a difficult school project, your husband wants you to find a better deal on car insurance. How you act upon the tasks you are presented with each day determines how productive you will be. Make it a habit to apply the 4-D's as listed below to each task. Do it now - take immediate action, perform the task right away. Dump it Now - this task is simply not important enough for your time. Dump it and move on. Delegate It - this task can be performed by someone else, give that person or persons the task. Many people make the mistake of trying to perform all the tasks they are given. The ability to properly delegate is what turns managers into CEO's. Defer the Task - This task must be done by you, but it can wait. Use the free time you have gained by not performing this task right away and perform other high priority tasks instead. Get in the habit of applying the 4-D decision making tool to every task prese nted to you and watch your productivity soar!

A good logo design is highly instrumental in establishing a business brand and creating a long lasting impression among its customers. It should be able to create a powerful impact on the viewers and successfully exude the nature and attitude of a business. Ideally, a company logo design should be able to communicate your company ethos, principles, mission and the nature of product/service offered, to the viewers. A professional logo design would establish a professional image of your company and strengthen your brand. Actually, in most cases the consumer gets the first impression about the company through your logo. Your business logo should build a brand that is strong enough to give your consumer a visual imagery of your company. People should be able to identify your company on sight of your logo. Trend shows, most of the good logos are simple and often text based. Think of the IBM, SONY or Microsoft logo, even if you view a part of it you will be able to recognize the company. It is extremely essential for a logo to be easy for people to remember. This principle of simplicity applies n most cases, however, we often see exceptions in Government Organizations, Hotels and Luxury resorts etc because they want to put up a classical exclusive image. This again brings us to a very important point that should be considered for a good logo design - the nature of business. While simplicity can be the basic principle for any logo design, the designs might vary widely depending on the nature of business. For example, a financial institution might like to use a bold face font to express solidarity and stableness where as a courier service or transport company might prefer italicized fonts to express the speed and movement involved in their business. In addition, while specifying the design requirements for your logo you should consider the fact that you will probably have to use your logo on your fax cover and other places where it will be in black and white. You should ensure that your logo looks equally good and attractive in black and white. I would also suggest avoiding a very trendy look for your logo if you are planning for a long-term business because what we concern "modern" today might be backdated tomorrow. It is very important that your logo designer knows how to maintain this balance. While any professional logo designer should be able to create a custom logo design once you have provided them with your specifications, you should be careful to select an experienced designing company and not land up with some single designer start up venture. Last but not the least important factor is price. You are paying for your logo - something that is going to be used to establish your brand and represent your business for years, so you should be ready to pay a decent amount while it is also not necessary to pay some big amount like $350 for a logo. With the online logo design firms coming into business, now you have a wide choice of price for your logos and it should not be difficult to find a logo designer that fits your budget. Some logo design sites would even allow you to quote your own price for your logo. If you have still not got a logo for your business or are not happy with your existing logo, it's time you get your new logo. Wish you lucked with your logo hunt.

Selecting a name for your new business is not easy. A name does more than identify your company. It tells customers who you are, what you do, and more than a little about how you do it. Your name differentiates you from your peers, peaks customer interest, and invites further investigation - if you do it right. I didn't do it right. At least, not at first. All entrepreneurs make mistakes, and I made one of my first ones right off the bat. Thrilled with the fledgling business I was starting, this precious enterprise so near and dear to my heart, I christened my company Diadem Communications. Diadem means crown - a fitting name for what I felt was a crowning achievement. What does Diadem say to you? Does it evoke thoughts of me coming into your company, training your sales team to be the best booth staff ever, ensuring that every single trade show you attend turns out to be amazingly successful? Does it make me sound so good that you just can't wait to hire me? No. It doesn't say that to me either. And even worse, it didn't say that to any of my potential customers. Going by name alone, no one would be able to determine the least bit of information about me, my company, or the services we offer. The name said nothing, and it did nothing for me. The name had to go. More importantly, it had to be replaced by something effective. How do you come up with an effective name? Consider these six elements: An Effective Name 1. Tells Who You Are Your name should reflect your identity. This is an essential aspect of branding. You'll be promoting this name, getting it in front of as many eyes as possible as often as possible. How do you want the public to think of you? For some, that means integrating your personal name into the name of your business. This is very common in some professions: legal, medical, and accounting leap to mind. Others prefer a more descriptive name. One successful small baker runs her business under the name "The Cookie Lady" because that's how her first customers identified her. It's doubtful that most of the customers even know her first name (It's Pat) but everybody in her market knows "The Cookie Lady". 2. Tells What You Do It's incredible how many company names give little, if any indication of what type of work the organization actually does. Take the following examples: Smith and Sons Hulbert Brothers Only One Can you tell me what any of these companies does? Of course you can't. They're relying on customers already knowing who they are (a tricky proposition for new businesses!) or by having their name found in 'context', such as a yellow pages or on-line business directory. 3. Tells How You Do It Words are very powerful. By carefully selecting what words you use in your name, you can convey a great deal about your company's image. Consider the names of three different massage and bodywork centers: Champlain Valley Therapeutic Massage Clouds Above Massage Speedy Spa All three companies are providing the same service: massage therapy. Yet the first appears to favor a more medical approach, the second, a dreamy, luxury approach, and the third focuses on fast service. 4. Differentiates You From Your Peers Your company name is the first opportunity to tell customers how you differ from the competition. This can be done by emphasizing what makes you unique, pinpointing what aspect of your products and services can't be found anywhere else - or that you do better than anyone else. Consider the massage therapy example we looked at in number three. Each organization clearly has a different focus and approach to their customer base. They're attracting different types of clients, who are seeking fundamentally different approaches. All of which is conveyed in less than five words. 5. Peaks Customer Interest Creating customer interest is an art and a science. Think carefully about your target audience. What qualities of your services are of the greatest import to your customers? What kind of words are likely to appeal to them? Emphasize the important qualities in your name. For example, busy homeowners are drawn to the inherent promise of speed offered by "Bob's Instant Plumbing" while a reader in search of a good mystery will gravitate toward "Crime Pays Books". Word choice is also important. Two yarn shops can both specialize in specialty fibers, but the one who labels themselves "All Hemp All the Time" will draw in a decidedly different crowd than the one named "Natural Beauty: Organic Yarns". 6. Invites Further Investigation Customers are funny creatures. What one group finds to be funny and engaging turns another group off. You want your name to be inviting and approachable - as those qualities are perceived by your target audience. The best example of this may be seen in the individual investor segment of the financial services industry. Charles Schwab has spent years cultivating a classic, formal image - but now that the consumer base is changing from 'old people with money' to 'everyone with a 401K', Charles Schwab has launched the "Talk to Chuck" campaign in an effort to be more approachable. Make sure your name doesn't intimidate customers away! Some industries are more formal than others, but adopt pretension at your peril. After following a series of simple step-by-step instructions to match my corporate identity with my service offering, I came up with the quintessential name: The Trade Show Coach. This name instantly tells customers what I do - assist companies with trade shows - and a little of the manner in which I do it - coach, rather than dictate, direct, guide, or organize. See the difference? So did the buying public, some of who quickly became my best customers. The same thing can happen for you - if you pick the right name.

Hear you are, perfectly relaxed as you attend the farewell party of Joe. Your boss comes up and asks," Would you give the farewell speech to Joe in 10 minutes time?" "I can't'" you splutter, "my vocal chords are paralyzed." And the fear kicks in. "I can't do this!" I must be crazy!" That doesn't work so now you wait for the floor to open up and swallow you. That doesn't happen either. Public Speaking creates a great deal of anxiety in most people and arises when they face the prospect of giving a speech, particularly for the first time. The truth is that public speaking is always a mixture of terror and exhilaration. For everyone. It's just like snow skiing. When you start, all you can think about is how awkward you are, how dangerous it is and how you'll never be able to do this. You get one turn right, get up a little bit of speed, the snow starts to fly in the sunshine and a tiny bit of excitement pops up. Later, as you become a more accomplished skier, the balance between terror and exhilaration changes. Now you are zipping down the slopes, carving those turns and feeling like an Olympic Champion! But there is always that little bit of anxiety lurking, as you speed across the snow. Typically for beginners in public speaking, all we experience is the terror. Waiting for our turn to come, starting our speech, the terror remains. This seems to consume us, makes us irrational and we often feel paralysed. Then somehow we get through the presentation, come from the stage and as the numbness wears off, the next feeling we have is relief that the ordeal is over. However, we still retain a sneaking regard for our courage in making that speech and a small glow of exhilaration starts to burn within. Particularly if we can stop saying to ourselves, "how bad we were." In fact, as you walk from the spotlight, say, "Well done indeed," to yourself. Why? Because it's true. With more practice, the amount of terror reduces and the amount of excitement increases. Now you do another speech, another presentation and pretty soon you actually realise that you are enjoying this and you become amazed. And slowly you become hooked on the excitement of giving a speech. So much so that when you go to fridge in the night for a drink, the fridge light comes on, and you give a 5-minute presentation! And then the fun starts to creep in. And by the way. If you do not have any nervousness or excitement just before you speak, you will come across to your audience as flat. Did you know that some of the greatest orators in the world have been known to be physically sick, before giving a stirring speech. So, always be kind to yourself. You will get better, with every presentation that you make. But you have to make the presentations. So learn the information and then simply "do it!"

At the end of a Vincent van Gogh exhibit at Musée D’Orsay, the artist himself awaits visitors, dressed in a dapper blue jacket and ready to answer their questions. The Dutch painter, of course, died in 1890, but this digital version looks a whole lot like him, down to the ruddy beard, piercing blue eyes and partially missing left ear. And, thanks to generative AI, the digital twin knows the details of its lookalike’s life and can talk about them with curious museum-goers as part of an interactive experience titled “Bonjour Vincent.” AI van Gogh is chatting away in Paris as part of a larger exhibit focused on the final two months of the artist’s life, a highly productive period during which he delivered more than 74 paintings and 33 drawings before shooting himself in the chest with a revolver at age 37. The exhibit will be on display through February 4 and includes a virtual reality experience that immerses participants in van Gogh’s world and work. The question museum visitors have most often posed to AI van Gogh is why the painter killed himself, and answers vary according to the query’s wording. “I would implore this: Cling to life, for even in the bleakest of moments, there is always beauty and hope,” the AI van Gogh told The New York Times during an interview. Other common questions include why the artist, who famously struggled with mental unrest, cut off his ear and which of his paintings he likes best, according to Jumbo Mana, the French generative-AI startup that created the van Gogh doppelganger. “The overarching goal is to revive van Gogh through an AI that authentically echoes his unique expression, faithfully imitating his style while upholding the established truths of his life and work,” Jumbo Mana’s Fatma Chelly said over email. The company, which specializes in bringing historical figures to life using interactive, conversational and behavioral AI, trained its van Gogh algorithm on a repository of more than 800 letters penned by the artist. Wouter van der Veen, an art historian specializing in van Gogh, collaborated with the company to help ensure the AI’s adherence to the painter’s persona and its faithfulness to the syntax and vernacular of his time. Keeping History Alive Through Technology “Bonjour Vincent” represents another example of how technology can animate historical figures to make their stories more engaging and memorable. Life-size talking 3D holograms, for instance, let the crucial tales of Holocaust survivors live on as their numbers dwindle. And the National World War II Museum in New Orleans will launch an interactive experience that lets visitors converse with AI versions of military veterans. Van Gogh gestures in conversation. Digital van Gogh gestures in conversation. JUMBO MANA/GIF BY LESLIE KATZ Musée D’Orsay visitors touch a screen to begin chatting with van Gogh through a microphone. Sometimes the digital human presses a finger to its lips while appearing to ponder its replies, and it moves its hands around and somewhat awkwardly leans forward in its chair as it speaks. “Its answers will be faithful to the painter’s habits and ideas,” reads an introductory placard next to the screen, though the replies sometimes contain mistakes, the Times reports. Jumbo Mana says it’s actively working to improve the algorithm’s accuracy by reviewing van Gogh’s responses, particularly in instances when the avatar replies with “I don’t have an answer” or generates incorrect answers. “Our focus is on enriching our database with accurate information that addresses users’ inquiries,” Chelly said. Nope, AI Van Gogh Has Never Heard Of Forbes In its attempt to adhere to historical accuracy, the AI refrains from addressing events or concepts van Gogh couldn’t have known about. When asked about Forbes, for example, the AI apologizes and redirects the conversation. “I’m unfamiliar with Forbes,” it says. “It wasn’t part of the world as I knew it in my time.” (Um, did the AI miss the 19th-century French edition of Forbes on newsstands?) Painter Vincent van Gogh as a digital human has a full ruddy ruddy beard and intense blue eyes. Meet legendary painter Vincent van Gogh, the digital version. JUMBO MANA/SCREENSHOT BY LESLIE KATZ Jumbo Mana debuted its AI-driven van Gogh in June at Viva Technology, a Paris event for technology professionals and innovation enthusiasts. Once the exhibit at Musée D'Orsay ends, the van Gogh AI will reside through September 2024 at Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise, the 17th-century estate outside of Paris where the artist last lived. Jumbo Mana says it also plans to release the van Gogh AI program on Amazon’s Alexa smart-home device. In getting an artificially intelligent doppelganger, van Gogh joins a growing list of contemporary figures with AI-generated duplicates. Fans can chat with K-pop star Mark Tuan’s digital twin 24/7, for example, and with a suite of Meta chatbots bearing the faces of celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Kendall Jenner and Paris Hilton. But van Gogh and modern technology have crossed paths before. The traveling multimedia exhibit Immersive van Gogh steeps visitors in 65 million pixels of the artist’s most iconic works through digital projection, animation, light and music—from classical to original to Edith Piaf, who herself will soon be brought back to life with the help of AI.

Pinecone, the vector database company, has announced the launch of Pinecone Serverless, a cheaper, faster and multi-tenant database that helps in building modern, LLM-based applications. Pinecone was founded in 2019 by Edo Liberty, a former research director at AWS and Yahoo. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in New York and Tel Aviv. Edo Liberty, the CEO, leads a team of experienced professionals, including Lior Ehrenfeld (VP Finance & Operations) and Ram Sriharsha (VP Engineering), among others. Prior to founding Pinecone, Liberty was a Director of Research at AWS and Head of Amazon AI Labs, where he worked on building machine learning algorithms, systems and services for AWS customers. The company has successfully raised significant funding since its inception. It secured a $100 million Series B funding round in April 2023 from Andreessen Horowitz, ICONIQ Growth and existing investors Menlo Ventures and Wing Venture Capital. Prior to this, Pinecone had raised $28 million in a Series A round led by Menlo Ventures in February 2022, making the total funding raised by Pinecone $138 million. Pinecone's vector database technology is designed to power AI applications, providing long-term memory for high-performance AI applications. It serves fresh, filtered query results with low latency at the scale of billions of vectors. Applications that involve large language models, generative AI and semantic search rely on vector embeddings, a type of data that represents semantic information. Pinecone offers optimized storage and querying capabilities for embeddings, outperforming traditional scalar-based databases. The rise of LLMs has led to the creation of a new stack where vector databases have become the key building blocks. Structured and unstructured data that is typically stored in relational databases and data lakes is converted into a set of vectors that represent the semantic meaning of the content. The vector database acts as storage and a query engine with inbuilt search algorithms that can retrieve vectors that match the query. Searching vector databases and retrieving contextual data are critical to reducing hallucinations in LLMs. Retrieval augmented generation, a technique often used by AI assistants to respond with factual data, heavily relies on vector databases. The latest announcement, Pinecone Serverless, is a significant enhancement to the Pinecone vector database, offering a new serverless architecture that powers its service. Let’s take a closer look at Pinecone Serverless, its features and its benefits. Pinecone Serverless's truly serverless nature is one of its most notable features. It eliminates the need for developers to provision or manage infrastructure, allowing them to build GenAI applications with greater ease and speed to market. Pinecone's serverless architecture also enables it to run on as many nodes as necessary, providing scalability to handle massive amounts of data and queries. The introduction of Pinecone Serverless brings several enhancements to the database platform. It separates reads, writes and storage, which can reduce costs for users. The new architecture supports vector clustering on top of blob storage, resulting in lower latencies and the ability to support massive data. Pinecone Serverless also introduces new indexing and retrieval algorithms to enable fast vector search. Pinecone Serverless also offers a multi-tenant compute layer. This feature, combined with the ability to create and retrieve vectors using HTTP, Python or Node.js, makes Pinecone a versatile tool for developers. Performance tuning is another important aspect of Pinecone Serverless. It provides tips for getting the best performance out of Pinecone, such as switching to a cloud environment, deploying your application and your Pinecone service in the same region, reusing connections and operating within known limits. Pinecone Serverless is designed to be used with various AI and backend services, including Anthropic, Anyscale, Cohere, Confluent, Langchain, Pulumi and Vercel. This wide range of integrations makes Pinecone Serverless a flexible solution for various use cases. Pinecone Serverless is a powerful tool for developers working with high-performance AI applications. Its serverless architecture, scalability and integration capabilities make it a versatile solution for various use cases. It is initially available in AWS' US-West-2 region, with support for additional regions and cloud platforms in the pipeline. With Pinecone Serverless, developers can focus on building their applications without worrying about infrastructure management, making it a valuable tool in the world of AI and machine learning.

Is it safe to look at a total solar eclipse? It’s a question that will be asked a lot online in the coming months as the U.S., Canada and Mexico countdown to a rare total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. It is, however, a potentially confusing event, both in terms of what can be experienced and how safe or otherwise it is to look at. While the entire national will see a partial solar eclipse—for which solar eclipse glasses are required at all times—those in the narrow path of totality will be able to remove their solar eclipses glasses mid-way through the event, when it gets dark. Unfortunately, artificial intelligence—and its associated chatbots and large language models—is woefully inadequate to explain the complexities to a public that needs accurate expert information. Beware AI-Generated Content Take this article, entitled “Why shouldn’t we go out during eclipse?” which appears to be have been produced using AI. It states that: “Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse, even for a short period, can lead to severe eye damage, including permanent vision loss.” That’s true for a partial solar eclipse but not for the totality period of a total solar eclipse. In fact, removing your solar eclipse glasses to look naked-eye at the sun and its majestic corona during totality is the whole point of traveling to be inside the 115-mile wide path of totality on April 8. To make matters worse, this misleading article cites NASA, the American Astronomical Society, and the Royal Astronomical Society, though only in its footnotes. Spreading Misinformation Expect more misleading AI-produced articles like this to spread as interest in the total solar eclipse rises. “AI-generated articles often not only promote misinformation but also purport to cite reputable sources like the American Astronomical Society or NASA as they do so,” said Debra Ross, Chair, Rochester Task Force for Eclipse 2024 and Co-chair, AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force, in an email. “As always, the public should be suspicious of clickbait titles and sensationalistic claims from questionable media outlets.” The onus lies with readers to only read eclipse articles from trusted titles that contain precise information with links back to original sources and that quote credentialed experts in science and community eclipse planning. Exception For Totality The issue at the core of the problem is depressingly familiar to experts in any subject: the internet’s demise from the sum of all human knowledge to a den of misinformation. The large language models behind AI have been trained on what they find on the internet, which is so often wrong. Almost every article on solar eclipse eye safety says: “Never look at the sun without eye protection.” Very few say: “Except during the total phase of a total solar eclipse, never look at the sun without eye protection.” “The version of the warning, with the exception for totality, is the correct version, but only a small minority of websites—the most authoritative ones—include the caveat,” said Rick Fienberg at the American Astronomical Society’s AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force. “So if an AI program sees hundreds of warnings without the caveat and only a handful with it, they naturally ‘think’ that the former are correct and the latter incorrect.” Chatbots And Eclipses For example, ask Chat GPT “Is it safe to look at a total solar eclipse?” and it answers: “No, it is not safe to look directly at a total solar eclipse without proper eye protection.” Follow-up with “what about during totality?” and it does then reveal the truth, stating that “during the brief period of totality, in a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely covers the sun, it is generally safe to look at the sun with a naked eye.” So it gets there in the end, but only after a few prompts, which is likely to lead to confusion this spring.

AI enables startups and corporate departments with limited resources to scale their business initiatives quickly, without the need to hire and train new workers. AI workers can handle the day-to-day stuff — reviewing documents, testing products, and communicating with customers — but that’s not all. AI can assist in offering valuable objective advice. At the same time, there is an immutable truth about human-AI partnerships. It still takes people to create and see innovations through, and please don’t leave all interactions with customers to the machines. Plus, people with a sense of AI design, development, and model training are in more demand than ever. AI’s role is to serve as a way to get things off the ground. Current and aspiring business leaders "need to think of AI as something that can be hired to do a task," says says Leonard Dixon, assistant professor at the University of Denver. "While AI may be somewhat magical and a black box, it can be influenced to perform a task well." In the process, AI enables founders to launch businesses with fewer hires and resources. For those involved in launching new ventures, AI "is dramatically reducing the hurdles involved in starting a business – from automating the review of necessary legal documents, to developing a website,” says Kian Katanforoosh, CEO and founder of Workera and lecturer at Stanford University. AI usually doesn’t have an axe to grind, and may be able to serve as an unbiased advisor for business questions (not withstanding societal issues with AI bias). “Entrepreneurs often become emotionally invested in their ideas, which can sometimes lead to confirmation bias,” says Adrian McKnight, chief digital officer for WNS. “Generative AI can counteract this by offering objective and independent assessments,” he explains. “It can simulate various customer personas, providing realistic market testing and interactive feedback. This approach allows entrepreneurs to refine their ideas based on AI-generated insights, ensuring their concept is rigorously tested and validated.” Ultimately, the benefit of an AI co-founder is its ability to help rapidly scale ideas — and not just simply by expanding on an innovator’s original concepts. “While AI can improve the speed and quality of idea development, it is best used to augment their own thinking,” McKnight says. While people are the prime movers and decision-makers for any business idea, “they must look at AI as an extremely capable partner in co-creating their new business. It is the founder’s or entrepreneur’s responsibility to bring clarity of vision, and AI will always be the partner that needs their guidance and direction.” AI, by its very nature, “excels in analyzing and synthesizing vast amounts of data quickly and effectively,” McKnight adds. “This is invaluable for critically assessing new business initiatives and building robust business cases, leading to more informed and effective decisions.” The key to developing such a digital workforce is to "identify the tasks where AI may be of assistance and then decide what level of human intelligence is required with this task," says Dixon. With assisted intelligence, for example, "AI and humans collaborate on separate subtasks. An AI customer service agent could handle initial inquiries, with human agents addressing more complex issues," Dixon illustrates. "This setup allows for 24/7 service and multilingual support, potentially improving customer satisfaction." When launching a new venture, for instance, "non-technical founders often faced the challenge of finding a technical co-founder to even begin prototyping, creating a high barrier to entry and delaying the product testing phase," says Katanforoosh. As a result, "AI and humans can jointly tackle tasks, amplifying human capabilities," Dixon says. "Tools like ChatGPT or Microsoft Co-Pilot enable users to expedite tasks such as creating presentations, significantly reducing preparation time." This is where AI can be employed "to help create innovative ideas and AI strategies." Bringing AI to its full potential, there is autonomous intelligence in which "AI operates independently, with humans supervising," Dixon says. "Autonomous vehicles like Tesla are a great example because the car drives itself while still requiring human readiness to intervene if necessary." Dixon cites an example of AI playing the role of social media manager: a company could employ AI to "read all their company documentation to create a persona that could create post, video ideas, images, and more that are in line with company values. The AI social media manager could even extract moods and emotions from responses to publications which can help the AI perform better future tasks." While humans will always be the font of innovation and creativity, AI's positive impact on these processes cannot be underestimated. "With innovation often stemming from serendipitous opportunities, it’s a helpful reminder that technology is not a replacement to human creativity or relationships," says Katanforoosh. "That said, AI’s ability to systemize the mundane, busy work of many jobs will free up employees’ time for more impactful and meaningful work."

This comprehensive guide provides an invaluable tip for getting your website swiftly listed by leading search engines such as Yahoo, Inktomi, MSN, FAST, Altavista, and HotBot. It's a well-known fact that free search engines are a significant source of traffic, but getting your web pages indexed and listed can be a challenge. This guide offers a simple, effective, and free method to expedite this process, potentially getting your web page indexed and listed in less than 48 hours. The Importance of Search Engine Indexing Every webmaster understands the importance of free search engines as a significant source of traffic. However, even the most effective SEO techniques won't guarantee that your web pages will be spidered, indexed, and listed. A perfectly optimized page can rank high for its keywords, but it's practically useless if it's not discovered by the spiders. Traditional Methods of Indexing Traditionally, the process of a web page being discovered by the spiders can be facilitated by placing links to that website on other websites. This can be achieved through link exchanges, forum postings, or writing and submitting articles for free distribution. However, these methods can take months to yield results, requiring the webmaster to patiently wait. A Faster, More Effective Approach Fortunately, there's a more efficient method to expedite this process. This method is not only easy and quick to set up but also free of charge. Here's how to go about it: Setting Up a Blog Visit Blogger and sign up for a new account. This service is free and they even host the blog on their server at no cost. Name your blog and note this for later use. Navigate to 'Settings' and then choose 'Site Feed'. Ensure that the 'Publish Site Feed' option is set to 'Yes'. Copy the 'Site Feed URL' to the clipboard. You'll use this when setting up your My Yahoo account. Save your changes. Navigate to 'Posting' and create your first entry. The content isn't as important as including the URL of each page you want listed as live links. Adding Your Site's News Feed to My Yahoo Visit Yahoo and open a My Yahoo! account by following Yahoo's instructions. Click on the 'Add Content' button. Click the ' Add RSS by URL' link. Paste the 'Site Feed URL' you've copied earlier in the 'URL' field and hit 'Add'. Pinging Your Blog Visit Pingomatic. Enter your blog's name and URL. Select all the services to ping (including My Yahoo!) and click the 'Submit Pings' button. Navigate back to your My Yahoo! account and refresh your browser. You'll see your blog's feed appearing at the bottom of the page. The Final Step: Regular Blogging and Pinging With the spider bait ready, the final step is to regularly update your blog and ping the services. The more frequently you do this, the better. Each time you update your blog, remember to include links to specific pages on your website. This method has proven to be successful in getting websites indexed quickly by major search engines. So, here's to your success!

Gout disease is believed to be a painful kind of arthritis; this gout disease is treatable and preventable as well. The joints of the body begin having crystals like deposits that build because of an increased level or uric acid in the blood. Are pickles good for gout Pickles are generally not recommended for people with gout due to their high content of sodium and potential additives. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. Foods high in purines, a natural compound found in many foods, can contribute to increased uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks. Pickles are made through a process of fermentation or brining, often involving vinegar and salt. Both of these components can be problematic for individuals with gout: Salt (Sodium): Pickles are typically high in sodium due to the brining process. High sodium intake can lead to increased uric acid levels and may worsen gout symptoms. Vinegar: Some individuals with gout might be sensitive to vinegar, as it is derived from fermented alcohol. Vinegar has been associated with an increased risk of gout attacks in some cases. It's important for people with gout to manage their diet to help prevent gout attacks and manage symptoms. This usually involves avoiding or limiting foods high in purines, such as organ meats, shellfish, and certain types of fish, as well as moderating intake of alcohol, sugary drinks, and foods with high fructose corn syrup. Methods of gout treatment If you have gout, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to create a dietary plan that suits your specific needs and helps you manage your condition effectively. There are many different methods of gout treatment. Some of the gout treatments are through herbal remedies, medications and holistic treatments. And it has even been proven that is a connection between gout treatment and pickle juice. Researchers of gout treatment have proven that the pickle juice will detoxify the body. Gout disease requires to be treated correctly to overcome the pain. In order to treat the gout an affected person has some different options and treatments. Change in diet is also very important for the gout treatment. By taking too many purines will increase the uric acid level in your blood. The uric acid is a biggest cause of this gout disease. Pickle juice is very useful and effective gout treatment. This pickle juice helps the body in elimination itself of the poisons that can lead to the creation of uric acid crystals. Pickle juice will make an individual urinate more regularly. By adding pickle to your food you will not inserting a negative impact on your health. The biggest advantage of pickle is that it is fat free and it has very small amount of calories. A pickle is also very effective and useful for the digestive system and has antioxidants which can benefit your health. Adding pickle juice in foods provide you a healthy natural substitute for detoxifying your body and will help in keeping bacteria from becoming troublesome. Pickle juice will keep the expansion of bacteria to a controllable amount. And pickle juice also provides the immune system of a body a boost.

Establishing a world-ready website is more than just increasing your online presence; it is about establishing a digital place that connects with varied audiences, builds trust, and allows for smooth interactions. The process of entering a foreign market to acquire a more significant portion of the global market is known as international expansion or global expansion. Many brands leap right into trying to enter a foreign market without spending enough time building a strategy. While worldwide expansion is a great opportunity, it has hurdles. If you move too quickly, you risk entering a market where your product does not have an intense match. If you move too slowly, you risk losing out on critical opportunities for your competition. Companies must adjust their web tactics to regional audiences in the global market. Globalization has become a requirement, a strategy for reaching a larger audience with your product, brand, message, website, or service. Progressive businesses not only translate their website content into many languages, but they also improve the online experience for prospects and customers. Companies want to launch sites in several languages more quickly, with fewer resources and less upkeep. Businesses are no longer restricted by geographical boundaries in the fast-expanding digital landscape. The internet has created unprecedented prospects for worldwide expansion, allowing businesses to enter new markets and reach new consumers. However, having a world-ready website is not an option but a requirement for a successful worldwide company. Let's view the critical parts and techniques required to develop a website ready for worldwide success. Localization VS Globalization Localization is tailoring your product or service to the specific needs of a particular location or culture. Everything from language translation to cultural nuances and customs is involved. Globalization, on the other hand, entails developing content that a worldwide audience can consume without regard for regional or cultural boundaries. It's about creating material that can reach people from all walks of life, regardless of their background or region. While both tactics offer advantages, there are significant differences when determining which path to choose. Let's discuss the distinctions between globalization and localization and why it is the best plan for your company. What Exactly Is Globalization? Globalization is the free flow of people, ideas, knowledge, goods, and services across borders. And it connects countries more than ever before. Globalization can provide several advantages to organizations, such as additional consumers and resources. However, for global success, companies must consider the local norms and laws of each area in which they operate. Internationalization and localization come into play here! Businesses may better connect with people and prosper in the global economy by responding to the particular demands of each community. What Exactly Is Localization? Localization is similar to tailoring a suit, except it adapts content and design components to a particular culture or market instead of fitting a person. Understanding the local language, culture, and other characteristics that make information relevant and meaningful to the intended audience is essential. This implies that money, dates, colors, and designs are all considered! Localization is essential for reaching new customers and entering new markets. Businesses may build a tailored experience that resonates with their target audience by adapting to the local culture. People become devoted consumers when they believe a product or service speaks to them. In short, localization is a critical component of any worldwide marketing plan. Brands demonstrate a concern for local culture and a desire to engage with people on a deeper level. When brands get it right, they can achieve long-term growth and success in new areas. Strategies Required for Crafting a World-Ready Website Locally Adapted Content: Consider developing material that is suited to specific regions in addition to language translation. This includes tailoring product descriptions, marketing messages, and graphics to your target audience's cultural preferences. Localization extends beyond language to include the overall user experience. A tailored approach to content production guarantees that your message is comprehended and resonates with your target audience. Cultural Awareness: When expanding abroad, it is critical to understand and respect cultural nuances. Colors, symbols, and iconography can all have diverse connotations in different cultures. What is accepted in one area may be insulting in another. It is critical to tailor your website's appearance and content to meet the cultural expectations of your target audience. This indicates a dedication to knowing and honoring local beliefs, which fosters confidence among potential customers. Multilingual Skills: One of the first and most essential tasks in developing a world-class website is to ensure solid multilingual capabilities. While English is a global language, appealing to a broad audience necessitates a bilingual strategy. Providing content in your target markets' native languages improves user experience and develops a sense of inclusivity. It is not only about translation but also about cultural resonance and linguistic nuance. Investing in competent website localization services is critical for correctly communicating your message and avoiding cultural misunderstandings. Adaptive Design: A world-class website must be usable and accessible on various devices and screen sizes. A responsive design guarantees that your website looks and performs appropriately on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Mobile optimization is essential in emerging nations, where many internet users visit websites via mobile devices. A smooth and responsive design improves the user experience, increasing engagement and conversion rates. International SEO Strategy: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an essential component of any successful website, and it becomes much more critical when expanding abroad. Investigate and implement a global SEO plan that includes region-specific keywords, meta tags, and content optimization. This can increase the visibility of your website in search engine results across several locations, boosting organic traffic and improving your global online presence. Compliance with International Regulations: Navigating multinational legal and regulatory frameworks is challenging but vital. In each target market, ensure that your website complies with data protection laws, privacy regulations, and other regulatory requirements. This eliminates legal concerns and gives users trust in the security and privacy of their data. Building a website corresponding to global standards indicates your dedication to ethical business operations, fostering trust among your worldwide audience. Localized Payment Methods: Offering localized payment alternatives is critical to converting visitors into buyers regarding e-commerce. Payment methods vary by area; catering to these preferences can greatly increase your conversion rates. Whether credit cards, digital wallets, or local payment gateways, offering various options shows your dedication to client ease. It also contributes to trust by providing familiar and secure payment mechanisms. Summary Establishing a world-ready website is more than just increasing your online presence; it is about establishing a digital place that connects with varied audiences, builds trust, and allows for smooth interactions. As organizations seek worldwide prospects, investing in a website that represents cultural sensitivity, language diversity, and adaptability is a strategic move and a fundamental prerequisite for long-term success in the global arena. Companies that provide multilingual information and customer service boost brand loyalty because their customers sense that someone understands them and their demands. By incorporating these factors into your website strategy, you position your company for development by interacting with audiences worldwide in relevant and effective ways.

Data storage is important in today’s digital world, especially if you’re running a business. It ensures that important information is there when you need it with the click of a button. Unfortunately, many businesses discover that their data isn’t there when they click that button. Instead, it has to be hunted down, which can take a lot of precious time. Do yourself a favor and streamline your data storage strategy with these tips so your data can always be found quickly and easily. Storing your own data isn’t such a big deal when you don’t have a lot to store. However, the task can become monumental as your business grows. Instead of trying to maintain your own hardware and systems, you should migrate to the cloud. With a successful cloud migration strategy, you can enjoy benefits like: Reduced costs because you no longer have to maintain your own hardware and software Scalability so you can scale up or down your resources as needed Increased performance with cloud computing technology that is always up-to-date When you migrate to the cloud, you get the expertise and security of relying on experts who are always up-to-date on all the latest innovations and compliance associated with data storage strategies. Archive Appropriate Data All data shouldn’t be treated the same. Some data you have to access on a regular basis, while other data is accessed infrequently. Some data may never be accessed at all, but it needs to be stored in the event that it’s needed. Know which data is which so you can store it accordingly. Important, frequently-accessed data requires more attention in regards to backups and maintenance, but archived data does not. It can be stored on high-capacity disk drives or a cloud archive service. Not only does it keep your main system more usable, but these kinds of storage services are more affordable, which means you can save money when you add an archive to your data storage strategy. Backup the Right Data Backing up data is one of the biggest headaches associated with data storage. Knowing how to backup your data and how often is difficult, with many businesses paying the price for putting off backups. Turning to a cloud provider can make this easier, as they backup your data for you, but it can get costly. The more data you have to backup, the more money you’re going to spend, and the more complicated your data storage system gets. Instead, decide what needs to be backed up and what doesn’t. For example, you may decide that archived data does not need to be backed up. In addition, copies of files do not need to be backed up, and you may decide not to back up digital versions of information that is printed and stored in a filing cabinet. Get Rid of Redundant Data The larger your system gets, the more likely it is that you will create redundant data. It includes copies of files that are stored in different places, but it can also include portions of files that are stored in multiple places. If you have lots of redundant data, it can bog down your system and create a filing nightmare. Create a plan to tackle redundant data. Start by making sure that backup data is deduplicated. That way you don’t end up with new versions of files every single time they are backed up. It also includes deciding where a file should be located and deleting other places it is stored to help free up space. Consolidate Systems Data storage is relatively easy to manage when a business is young, but over the years, it's easy to pile on different systems as the company grows. Using a new system is an easy way to handle growing capacity needs, but years later, you're spending time, money, and resources to maintain separate systems. Although it takes time and money upfront, consolidating your storage systems into just one larger unit makes managing your data a lot easier. It gives you one place to access everything instead of trying to figure out what is stored where. Compress Big Files Large files can wreak havoc on your data storage systems. Not only do they take up a lot of space, but load times can be slow when you’re dealing with high-resolution images or long video files. Instead of storing those files as-is, compress large files instead. A compressed file takes up a lot less space, which means your system will run more efficiently. It also means you’ll need less data overall, which can save you money. It doesn’t compromise the quality of your files either. They can still be accessed in their original state. You can keep files that you would otherwise be tempted to delete, and you can more efficiently store important files without compromising the speed or efficiency of your system. Use an Organizational System That Works for You All the strategies in the world can’t make up for an unorganized system. No matter how you choose to store your files, it’s important to develop an organizational system that works for you. That means taking some time to think about how you will want to browse your files in the future. It means knowing how quickly you want to be able to access some of your data and knowing which data doesn’t need to be so readily available. Make a plan to organize your data, and then keep it organized as you go. It’s much easier to take a few moments to place files where they belong than it does to put it off until you have an entire digital pile of files that will take hours to organize. Data storage can get out of hand quickly if you let it. Not only will it cost you time, but it also puts you at risk of losing important files. Follow the tips on this list and you can create an efficient data storage strategy that works for you.

Collaboration is a powerful selling point for SaaS applications. Microsoft, Github, Miro, and others promote the collaborative nature of their software applications that allows users to do more. Links to files, repositories, and boards can be shared with anyone, anywhere. This encourages teamwork that helps create stronger campaigns and projects by encouraging collaboration among employees dispersed across regions and departments. At the same time, the openness of data SaaS platforms can be problematic. A 2023 survey by the Cloud Security Alliance and Adaptive Shield found that 58% of security incidents over the last two years involved data leakage. Clearly, sharing is good, but data sharing must be put in check. Most SaaS applications have mechanisms to control sharing. These tools are quite effective in ensuring that company resources aren't open for display on the public web. This article will look at three common data leakage scenarios and recommend best practices for safe sharing. Turning Proprietary Code Public GitHub repositories have a long history of leaking data. These data leaks are usually caused by user error, where the developer accidentally exposes private repositories or an admin changes permissions to facilitate collaboration. GitHub leaks have impacted major brands, including X (formerly Twitter) whose proprietary code for its platform and internal tools leak onto the internet. GitHub leaks often expose sensitive secrets, including OAuth tokens, API keys, usernames and passwords, encryption keys, and security certificates. When proprietary code and company secrets leak, it can put business continuity at risk. Securing code within GitHub repositories should be a top priority. Surprising Risks of Publicly Accessible Calendars On the surface, publicly shared calendars might not seem to be much of a security risk. Calendars aren't known for sensitive data. In reality, they contain a treasure trove of information that organizations would not want falling into the hands of cybercriminals. Calendars contain meeting invitations with videoconference links and passwords. Keeping that information open to the public could result in unwanted or malicious attendees at your meeting. Calendars also include agendas, presentations, and other sensitive materials. The information from calendars can also be used in phishing or social engineering attacks. For example, if a threat actor with access to Alice's calendar sees that she has a call with Bob at 3 o'clock, the threat actor can call Bob while posing as Alice's assistant and request that Bob email some sensitive information before the meeting. Collaborating with External Service Providers While SaaS apps simplify working with agencies and other service providers, these collaborations often involve members who come into the project for short periods of time. Unless managed, the shared documents and collaboration boards give everyone working on the project access to the materials for all time. Project owners will frequently create one user name for the agency or share key files with anyone who has the link. This simplifies administration and may save money in terms of licenses. However, the project owner has ceded control over to who can access and work on the materials. Anyone within the external team not only has access to proprietary project files but they often retain that access after they leave the company if they remember the username and password. When resources are shared with anyone with a link, they can easily forward the link to their personal email account and access the files whenever they want. SaaS Attack Surface Users retain access to shared Google Docs even after the employee who shared the documents has left the company. Best Practices for Safe File Sharing Sharing resources is an important aspect of business operations. SaaS Security firm Adaptive Shield recommends companies follow these best practices whenever sharing files with external users. Always share files with individual users, and require some form of authentication. Never share via "anyone with the link." When possible, the admin should disable this capability. When applications allow, add an expiration date to the shared file. Add an expiration date to file-sharing invitations. Remove share permissions from any public document that is no longer being used. Additionally, organizations should look for a SaaS security tool that can identify publicly shared resources and flag them for remediation. This capability will help companies understand the risk they are taking with publicly shared files and direct them toward securing any files at risk.

Cisco has released software updates to address a critical security flaw impacting Unity Connection that could permit an adversary to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system. Tracked as CVE-2024-20272 (CVSS score: 7.3), the vulnerability is an arbitrary file upload bug residing in the web-based management interface and is the result of a lack of authentication in a specific API and improper validation of user-supplied data. "An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by uploading arbitrary files to an affected system," Cisco said in an advisory released Wednesday. "A successful exploit could allow the attacker to store malicious files on the system, execute arbitrary commands on the operating system, and elevate privileges to root." The flaw impacts the following versions of Cisco Unity Connection. Version 15 is not vulnerable. 12.5 and earlier (Fixed in version 12.5.1.19017-4) 14 (Fixed in version 14.0.1.14006-5) Security researcher Maxim Suslov has been credited with discovering and reporting the flaw. Cisco makes no mention of the bug being exploited in the wild, but it's advised that users update to a fixed version to mitigate potential threats. Alongside the patch for CVE-2024-20272, Cisco has also shipped updates to resolve 11 medium-severity vulnerabilities spanning its software, including Identity Services Engine, WAP371 Wireless Access Point, ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent, and TelePresence Management Suite (TMS). Cisco, however, noted that it does not intend to release a fix for the command injection bug in WAP371 (CVE-2024-20287, CVSS score: 6.5), stating that the device has reached end-of-life (EoL) as of June 2019. It's instead recommending customers migrate to the Cisco Business 240AC Access Point.

Artificial intelligence will affect almost 40% of global jobs, with advanced economies facing greater exposure than emerging markets and low-income countries, according to an International Monetary Fund analysis. “In most scenarios, AI will likely worsen overall inequality, a troubling trend that policymakers must proactively address to prevent the technology from further stoking social tensions,” IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said in a blog post on the study. AI’s income inequality effect will largely depend on how much the technology complements high earners. More productivity from high-income workers and companies would boost capital returns, widening the wealth gap, Georgieva said. Countries should provide “comprehensive social safety nets” and retraining programmes for vulnerable workers, she said. While there’s potential for AI to fully replace some jobs, the more likely scenario is that it’ll complement human work, according to the analysis. Advanced economies may have about 60% of jobs affected, more than emerging and low-income countries. Georgieva’s take on artificial intelligence coincides with the meeting of global business and political leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where AI is a topic of discussion. Companies have been throwing cash at the emerging technology, sometimes sparking concern among employees about the future of their roles. One example is Buzzfeed Inc, which announced plans to use AI to help with content creation and closed its core news department, laying off more than 100 staffers. The European Union reached a tentative deal in December on legislation setting out safeguards on AI, while the US is still weighing its federal regulatory stance. – Bloomberg

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a "lightweight method" called iShutdown for reliably identifying signs of spyware on Apple iOS devices, including notorious threats like NSO Group's Pegasus, QuaDream's Reign, and Intellexa's Predator. Kaspersky, which analyzed a set of iPhones that were compromised with Pegasus, said the infections left traces in a file named "Shutdown.log," a text-based system log file available on all iOS devices and which records every reboot event alongside its environment characteristics. "Compared to more time-consuming acquisition methods like forensic device imaging or a full iOS backup, retrieving the Shutdown.log file is rather straightforward," security researcher Maher Yamout said. "The log file is stored in a sysdiagnose (sysdiag) archive." The Russian cybersecurity firm said it identified entries in the log file that recorded instances where "sticky" processes, such as those associated with the spyware, caused a reboot delay, in some cases observing Pegasus-related processes in over four reboot delay notices. What's more, the investigation revealed a the presence of a similar filesystem path that's used by all the three spyware families – "/private/var/db/" for Pegasus and Reign, and "/private/var/tmp/" for Predator – thereby acting as an indicator of compromise. That said, the success of this approach hinges on a caveat that the target user reboots their device as often as possible, the frequency for which varies according to their threat profile. Kaspersky has also published a collection of Python scripts to extract, analyze, and parse the Shutdown.log in order to extract the reboot stats. "The lightweight nature of this method makes it readily available and accessible," Yamout said. "Moreover, this log file can store entries for several years, making it a valuable forensic artifact for analyzing and identifying anomalous log entries." The disclosure comes as SentinelOne revealed information stealers targeting macOS such as KeySteal, Atomic, and JaskaGo (aka CherryPie or Gary Stealer) are quickly adapting to circumvent Apple's built-in antivirus technology called XProtect. "Despite solid efforts by Apple to update its XProtect signature database, these rapidly evolving malware strains continue to evade," security researcher Phil Stokes said. "Relying solely on signature-based detection is insufficient as threat actors have the means and motive to adapt at speed." Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.

It is "needless" for Google to cut hundreds of jobs when the tech giant earns billions, a union has claimed. Jobs are going on teams working on health tracker Fitbit, the voice-controlled Google Assistant and hardware such as augmented reality. The exact number of job losses is unclear, although Google confirmed to the Verge it had closed "a few hundred" roles across several of its teams. Google said it was "responsibly investing" in its biggest priorities. But in a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Alphabet Workers Union said the job cuts were not necessary, and it would fight them. "Our members and teammates work hard every day to build great products for our users, and the company cannot continue to fire our coworkers while making billions every quarter," it wrote. However, Google has defended the latest round of redundancies. "Throughout the second half of 2023, a number of our teams made changes to become more efficient and work better, and to align their resources to their biggest product priorities," the tech giant told the BBC in a statement. "Some teams are continuing to make these kinds of organizational changes, which include some role eliminations globally. We're continuing to support any impacted employees as they look for new roles here at Google and beyond." The firm made $76.3bn (£59.9bn) in revenue in the third quarter of 2023, according to its most recent figures, with a net income of $19.7bn. Fitbit and Voice Google purchased Fitbit for $2.1bn in 2019 at a time when many tech businesses were expanding into other areas. But now it has slashed jobs in the team - with Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman among those leaving the firm, according to multiple reports. Other major job cuts have come in the team working on Google Assistant, a voice-controlled technology similar to Amazon's Alexa. These job losses are again understood to be measured in the hundreds. It comes a few months after Google announced in a blog post that its artificial intelligence tool Bard would be powering future forms of Assistant.

**eBay has agreed to pay a $3m (£2.36m) fine to resolve harassment charges against bloggers critical of the company.**Executives at eBay sent live spiders and cockroaches to Ina and David Steiner, according to court papers.The couple were targeted for producing a newsletter the employees disliked, prosecutors said.The filings said the couple had been left "emotionally, psychologically, and physically" terrorised.The US Attorney's Office in the District of Massachusetts said Jim Baugh, eBay's former senior director of safety and security, had targeted the couple for producing EcommerceBytes, a newsletter that the company's executives were unhappy with.- 'Abominable' eBay harassment campaign ends in jail- Former eBay executives charged with cyber-stalkingBaugh and six associates led a campaign to intimidate the Steiners, the court papers say.The acts of intimidation included sending live insects, a foetal pig and a funeral wreath to the Steiners' home in Natick, Massachusetts.Baugh and his associates also installed a GPS tracking device on the couple's car and created posts on the website Craigslist inviting sexual encounters at their home, according to the filings.The employees in question were fired by eBay shortly after the incident.In 2021, employee Philip Cooke was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The following year, Baugh was sentenced to nearly five years.Baugh's lawyers said he faced pressure from former eBay CEO Devin Wenig to rein in the Steiners over their coverage of the company.Mr Wenig, who stepped down in 2019, has not been charged in the case and denies knowledge of the harassment campaign."eBay engaged in absolutely horrific, criminal conduct," acting Massachusetts US Attorney Josh Levy told the AP news agency by email."The company's employees and contractors involved in this campaign put the victims through pure hell, in a petrifying campaign aimed at silencing their reporting and protecting the eBay brand."