Latest news with #digitalfuture
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Gateway Fiber Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Launches High-Speed Internet Service in Cottage Grove
COTTAGE GROVE, Minn., July 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gateway Fiber marked a significant milestone with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 24, officially launching its high-speed fiber internet service for Cottage Grove residents and businesses. The event, attended by community leaders, residents, business owners, and Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce members, reinforced Gateway Fiber's commitment to bringing next-generation connectivity and community partnership to the area. Cottage Grove becomes the first St. Paul area community to receive Gateway Fiber's 100% fiber-optic internet service, marking a major expansion in the company's Minneapolis metro footprint. This milestone follows the City of Cottage Grove's Request for Proposal (RFP) process, in which Gateway Fiber was selected to design, construct, and deploy state-of-the-art fiber optic infrastructure throughout the community. "Today's ribbon-cutting ceremony is more than just the launch of service," said John Meyer, Chief Customer Officer at Gateway Fiber. "It's a celebration of Cottage Grove's digital future. We're proud to invest in this community and provide fast, reliable internet that empowers families, businesses, and schools." The ceremony at Oakwood Park, which was hosted in collaboration with the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomed guests to learn about Gateway Fiber's offerings, connect with company representatives, and enjoy refreshments in the community setting. Attendees had the opportunity to discuss the benefits of fiber internet with the Gateway team and local ambassadors. The expansion of Gateway's network will benefit residents and businesses with access to a new 100% fiber-optic network, delivering reliable, multi-gig symmetrical internet speeds far superior to cable, 5G, or telephone-based internet. Gateway Fiber's network offers symmetrical speeds up to 2 Gbps, enabling seamless remote work, online learning, streaming, and gaming. Gateway Fiber provides simple, flat-rate, month-to-month pricing with no fees, installation charges, or surprise rate hikes. The company also provides whole-home Wi-Fi and outstanding customer service, with ratings nearly 70 points higher than the industry average. Expanding services into Cottage Grove continues Gateway Fiber's commitment to investing in Minnesota by creating local jobs and supporting the local area, following recent launches in communities such as Shoreview, Plymouth, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, and Maple Grove. About Gateway Fiber Gateway Fiber is on a mission to positively impact communities through a better internet. As data requirements for residences and businesses continue to expand, Gateway is creating a leading, national fiber-to-the-home platform to serve this critical unmet need. Gateway provides faster, more reliable internet with a simple pricing model and industry-leading customer service. In February, Gateway Fiber announced a strategic merger with E-Rate leader WANRack and its residential subsidiary, KWIKOM Communications. The merger creates a more powerful, scalable organization with enhanced growth opportunities for its employees, while expanding the combined organization's offerings to meet the diverse internet needs of commercial, small and medium-sized businesses (SMB), and enterprise clients. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts For more information, press only: David WorkmanPR & Communications Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
17-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How The Protocol Stack Is Reshaping Software Distribution
Wesley is the CEO of FPBlock, helping clients with the latest techniques in functional programming, cloud, DevOps and containerization. In 2008, the App Store changed everything. It gave developers a storefront, users a single portal and platforms a 30% cut on the digital future. For a while, it worked. Developers got distribution. Users got convenience. Platforms got rich. But somewhere along the way, we forgot the internet wasn't meant to be a mall. It was meant to be a commons. Today, a new shift is underway. The future might not lie in apps bundled inside walled gardens. It may instead lie in protocols: composable, permissionless and potentially transformative. The age of the app store could be giving way to the era of the protocol stack. The Myth Of The Magical Middleman For 15 years, builders chased one dream: get featured, get downloaded, get paid. But that dream came with a leash. App stores define what you can build, discovery engines throttle your reach and payment rails dictate your business model. One policy update, one guideline change, and you could be out. This isn't just centralization. It starts to resemble digital feudalism where developers rent land from platform kings. And like all empires, the tax rarely goes down. Permissionless Protocols Protocols function independently. They don't require approval, take a share of revenue or interfere with your monetization strategy. They simply provide the infrastructure to support your application or service. Sign-in with Ethereum, for instance, offers a new approach to authentication, eliminating the need for usernames, passwords or reset links. For communication, XMTP isn't a messaging app, but a protocol that enables secure communication between wallets. Identity, too, is being reimagined. ENS goes beyond domain name assignment; it provides a persistent, portable identity across the web. These aren't apps in the traditional sense. They are building blocks. When combined thoughtfully, they can reduce dependence on centralized platforms and give developers the chance to become platforms themselves. Stack Over Store The app store model is vertically integrated. It tries to control every layer—user experience, data, payments, identity and distribution. The protocol stack takes a different approach. It's horizontally composable. Developers can combine and swap layers as needed. A protocol-powered application might use ENS or Farcaster for identity. It could rely on XMTP or Waku for messaging, and USDC or Superfluid for payments. For storage, it might use IPFS, Arweave or Ceramic. Logic is handled through smart contracts on the chain of your choice. No permission required. Just composition. The Protocol Stack Defined Think of it as a collection of decentralized infrastructure layers. Each one handles a basic internet function—identity, messaging, payments, storage or logic. Developers can assemble these layers to build applications without needing to rely on centralized marketplaces. Instead of a monolithic app owned by a single company, users interact with a network of open protocols. These components are interoperable, modular and often resilient to deplatforming. How Users Discover And Use These Apps Users access protocol-based experiences through wallet-enabled browsers like MetaMask and Rabby, or through services like WalletConnect. Social interfaces such as Farcaster and Lens create spaces for discovery. Aggregators organize and present protocol-enabled frontends. In this environment, distribution doesn't depend on app store ranking but on integration and network relevance. What Builders Need To build on this stack, developers need software development kits from decentralized protocols. They'll also need access to on-chain storage and reliable RPC infrastructure. Smart contract knowledge and frontend integration skills are essential, too. The tools are still maturing, and onboarding remains a hurdle, but the foundational pieces are there. Real-World Adoption Some early adopters are already showing what's possible. Farcaster uses multiple protocols to create decentralized social interactions. Its "frames" system works across different clients and interfaces. Zora focuses on NFT minting and marketplaces with minimal platform friction, offering infrastructure rather than a traditional app. Uniswap, working in tandem with WalletConnect, enables billions in transaction volume through its composable DeFi protocols. These examples show progress, though the trend is still early. Why This Might Win Protocols offer several advantages. They are difficult to deplatform. Builders can compose rather than start from scratch. Many protocols are designed to be multiplayer from the start, which helps generate organic network effects. Most importantly, distribution is no longer controlled by a central store. It happens wherever the protocol is integrated. This isn't just about open-source software. It's about shared state, persistent infrastructure and a foundation for new forms of collaboration. What This Means • For Builders: Start by integrating existing protocols like XMTP or ENS. Don't aim to build super apps. Focus instead on interfaces that highlight what these protocols can do. Be ready for growing pains—documentation is inconsistent, and the developer experience still needs refinement. • For Users: There will be friction at first. But over time, expect smoother experiences. Your digital identity and assets could soon move seamlessly between platforms. That brings more freedom and also more responsibility. • For Investors: Rethink platform-dependent apps. Look for teams that understand how to build with protocols instead of around them. The next big winner may not be a company. It might be an open protocol with a thriving developer community. A Chapter, Not The Whole Story App stores made discovery easier, but they also introduced new dependencies. The protocol stack offers a different model. Not a magic solution, but one that aligns more closely with the open nature of the web. The teams building it aren't waiting for permission. They're working in public. The tools are early, the audience is still small, but the direction deserves attention. Not because it promises success. But because it brings back the freedom to try. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Mail & Guardian
10-07-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Bridging the skills gap in South Africa starts with reimagining its approach to education
As the world hurtles toward a more digital, automated and interconnected future, the question that should be on our minds as a nation is – 'Are graduates being adequately prepared with the right skills to survive and thrive, now and in the future?' According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, employers anticipate that 39% of core skills required in the job market will change by 2030. Technological proficiencies such as AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy are projected to see rapid growth in demand. Human skills like creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, curiosity, social influence and environmental stewardship are also expected to rise in importance, underlining the importance of thinking about the increasing rise of AI in terms of a human-in-the-loop approach. 'Most universities are still largely geared toward traditional academic disciplines and theoretical learning, and while these remain important, they don't always translate into employability. What's needed is a mindset shift, from qualification-first thinking to skills-first education,' says Dr. Gill Mooney, Dean Academic Development and Support at The IIE, including Varsity College and Vega, educational brands of the Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). To bridge this growing gap between what the world of work demands and what education currently provides, South Africa must urgently reassess how and what is being taught in classrooms and lecture theatres alike. A future-focused education system can no longer be built solely on rote learning, or memorisation and limited application of theoretical knowledge, but must equip young people with the skills to think critically, adapt quickly and engage meaningfully, particularly in uncertain and rapidly evolving environments. Analytical thinking, resilience and emotional intelligence are no longer 'nice-to-haves', but are the very qualities employers now prioritise alongside technical skills like data literacy, AI proficiency and digital communication. Yet, in a country where youth unemployment remains stubbornly high and nearly half of 15- to 24-year-olds are not in employment, education or training (NEET), too many young South Africans are still entering the job market underprepared. This is not a problem unique to South Africa, but it is one that must be tackled head-on, says Mooney. 'It requires a shift in the philosophy of teaching itself. That means moving from qualification-first models to skills-first thinking, where knowledge is contextualised, debated and applied. It means placing more value on curiosity, creativity and problem-solving than on reproducing and applying facts in limited contexts.' Some local institutions have started responding to this challenge by reimagining what higher education looks like. For example, the IIE's teaching models across its campuses — including IIE Varsity College, IIE Vega and IIE MSA — are being adapted to centre learning on dialogue, engagement and real-world problem-solving. Students are encouraged to explore multiple perspectives and to test theory through diverse applications, whether in collaborative projects, simulated work environments or industry engagements. 'We must move from simply transmitting knowledge to fostering the kind of thinking that allows students to navigate ambiguity, work effectively in teams and continue learning long after graduation,' says Mooney. In a labour market where change is the only constant, South Africa's education system must evolve from producing graduates with more theoretical knowledge, to producing graduates who can adapt, lead and create, in order to build a more inclusive, resilient and future-ready workforce.
Malay Mail
11-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
‘Malaysia is open for innovation': Gobind woos UK tech investors in London
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — Malaysia has called on the United Kingdom (UK) technology businesses to join hands in building a dynamic digital future in the country. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, speaking at the UK-Malaysia Digital Gateway Forum in London, also positioned Malaysia as a regional powerhouse for innovation, digital investment, and sustainable technology development. 'Malaysia is open for innovation. Our vision is anchored on three critical enablers—world-class infrastructure, trusted data governance, and institutional trust. 'These are the foundations that make Malaysia a prime destination for high-value tech investment in the region,' he said in a statement today. Gobind is currently in London for London Tech Week, which also serves as a valuable platform for Malaysia to gain insights and forge partnerships in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) governance, smart cities, and digital sustainability. At the forum, he reiterated Malaysia's commitment to becoming a thriving, future-ready digital hub that welcomes international partnerships and is poised for high-value, sustainable growth. He cited Malaysia's strong digital growth trajectory, highlighting robust investment figures from the first quarter of 2025. 'During this period, 107 new companies were approved under the Malaysia Digital framework, representing a combined investment value of RM13.1 billion (GBP2.3 billion). 'These investments are expected to generate 4,199 new jobs over the next five years,' he said. Gobind also extended an invitation to UK partners to participate in Malaysia's upcoming flagship events, including the Asean Malaysia AI Summit scheduled for August 2025, and the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur, to be held in September 2025. — Bernama
Al Bawaba
29-05-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Mindware Expands Footprint into East Africa with Strategic Launch in Nairobi
As part of its strategic expansion, Mindware, a leading value-added distributor (VAD) in the Middle East and Africa, marked a powerful new chapter in its growth journey with the official launch of its East Africa operations, celebrated through a high-energy event in Nairobi on 27th May together over 200 channel partners, industry leaders, top vendor representatives, and channel partners, the event served as a clear declaration of Mindware's commitment to empowering East Africa's digital future. The Nairobi office, now fully operational, will serve as the company's strategic hub for East Africa covering Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia."This launch is not just about opening doors, it's about opening possibilities," said Spiros Rafailovits, Territory Manager, East Africa at Mindware. "We are here to co-create the future of technology in East Africa by investing in people, forging trusted partnerships, and delivering cutting-edge solutions that accelerate growth across the region."Since announcing its East Africa expansion earlier this year, Mindware has made bold strides; doubling its local workforce, onboarding regional vendors, and hosting partner enablement sessions across key markets. These actions reflect Mindware's strong momentum and growing relevance in the launch event went beyond the traditional format, with inspiring keynote addresses, forward-looking panel discussions, and networking sessions that enabled stakeholders to explore Mindware's expanded portfolio and strategic roadmap. In line with its partner-first strategy, Mindware has rolled out technical and sales enablement programs, and is working with vendors to deliver certification courses tailored to local market new partnerships already signed with regional ICT providers, Mindware is set to announce several new vendor collaborations in the coming weeks further expanding its portfolio in cloud, cybersecurity, networking, and enterprise Voices"Mindware's setup in Kenya has brought a new level of professionalism and opportunity to the local IT channel. Their commitment to partner success is evident in every interaction. As it is said, 'focusing on customer satisfaction is crucial to building lasting relationships', this is exactly the game changer that Mindware has brought to the Kenyan market. We can't ask for anything more.'- Cornelious Anjichi, Chief Finance Officer at Down to Earth Technologies'Mindware's setup in Kenya has brought a new level of professionalism and opportunity to the local IT channel. Their commitment to partner success is evident in every interaction. Working with Mindware has been a game-changer. Their local presence means faster support, better access to new technologies, and a new partnership approach that helps us grow.' - Peris Kabora, Supply Chain and Administration Manager at Sybyl Kenya Ltd.
