Tech Republic

POS technology has impacted the retail industry far and wide ever since its debut in the 1970s. Before the modern POS system, transactions were manual, cash-based, and tangible. However, with the advent of technology, the POS has changed how retailers do business and how consumers do their shopping. Though the first POS was focused on processing cash payments in a clean, trackable way, it quickly evolved to facilitate credit and debit card transactions. And now? POS systems can do a whole lot more than just process payments. They’ve turned into mini business management command centers! So, what are the latest trends in POS systems? Below, I break down the POS retail trends of 2024 that are impacting the industry now and into the future. Cloud POS Business has transitioned to mostly cloud-based solutions — and that includes the POS. Cloud POS systems are increasingly becoming the norm, replacing the old-school traditional point-of-sale terminal that makes data difficult to access and manage. According to Straits Research, the global cloud POS market size was worth $3,987 million in 2022 and is forecasted to be more than $30,205 million by 2031 — that’s a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.7%. The cloud POS is a significant point of sale innovation​ because it has made data, agility, and mobility accessible to businesses of all sizes. Especially in a world where retail is no longer single-channel, cloud POS technology allows businesses to sync data and ensure operations run smoothly regardless of their business size or location(s). A retailer with 100 physical locations, its own website, and a thriving Amazon presence can benefit from the cloud POS just like the small mom-and-pop shop that’s managing a single retail location plus online channels. With cloud POS technology, you’re no longer tethered to a specific place or a hardwire connection. You can access your business technology from anywhere, at any time. AI and automation AI and automation are also changing virtually every aspect of the business landscape. I bet there are ways you already use these technologies that you don’t even realize! The trend is also impacting the POS — and in a good way. 100% of retail business owners surveyed by Square Future of Retail report say automation has improved their business in some way. That same survey found that tracking is the top area of automation for 43% of businesses, and the biggest benefit is an improved customer experience for 47% of businesses. Another 45% have seen improved employee retention and profitability thanks to automation. What role does AI play in modern POS systems? When it comes to POS technology, AI and automation happen in a ton of potential use cases: Automated reordering for inventory Fraud detection and prevention AI-powered pricing adjustments Loyalty and rewards programs Email marketing Shoppers from Square’s report say they’d support retailers automating: Checkout: 31% Product search: 22% AI-generated product descriptions: 22% Dynamic pricing: 21% Product recommendations: 18% Product reviews: 15% Seemingly, the possibilities are truly endless. I’m excited to see this trend play out and develop each year with innovative point-of-sale systems​. Payment options Today’s consumers like convenience and options. And this is true for payments made at the POS terminal. I remember when it was just a cash or credit world—now, customers can choose to pay for their purchases in many ways. According to Square, here’s how it breaks down in terms of the payment methods retailers accept: Cash: 58% Mobile wallet apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay: 57% QR code payments: 52% Traditional card payments: 47% Touchless card payments: 44% Buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) options like Clearpay: 43% POS technology is advancing in a way that accommodates these ever-changing payment preferences. In fact, modern POS trends show that the platforms have incorporated new features and functionality to process different payment methods and offer options like subscriptions, cryptocurrency, saved payments, bill splitting, and gift cards. Mobile POS Mobile POS, or mPOS, is another hot trend. The global mPOS market is estimated to be worth around $3.78 trillion, according to Statista. More than 2 billion mPOS users are expected by 2028. And nearly a quarter of shoppers want to use mobile checkout options. So why is this trending? Just like consumers are more mobile, so are associates. Now, associates can meet shoppers where they are on the sales floor and process the transaction on the spot. Customers don’t have to wait in line at the POS terminal — they can check out wherever they’re at. But this extends past transactions, too. An mPOS makes it easier for retail staff to perform various tasks, such as barcode scanning, inventory counts, etc. Customer self-serve Self-checkout is another trend in retail, and while it originally made its mark in grocery stores, other verticals are exploring the trend, too. This is largely consumer-driven — with Square Future of Retail reporting that two-thirds of shoppers prefer to do tasks independently, like checking out or seeing if a product is in stock. Consumers are increasingly feeling empowered to do things independently, influencing the future of POS. When asked what tasks they’d like to perform on their own with the help of technology as opposed to with a live staff member, here’s what the respondents said: Checking product inventory: 29% Ordering out-of-stock products: 26% Gathering information about a product: 26% Picking up an item ordered online: 24% Using mobile checkout or in-store terminals: 24% Arranging home delivery: 23% Why? They love the efficiency and convenience of being able to do things themselves. “Customers are looking for speed,” writes Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor. Self-checkout can provide that efficiency. These consumer preferences continue to impact point-of-sale market trends​. Biometric security Security should be a top concern for businesses — to protect both themselves and their customers. POS technology often comes equipped with security to safeguard all parties involved. PCI compliance, data encryption, and two-factor authentication are just a few examples. However, one security trend that will impact POS technology in 2025 and beyond is biometric security features.

Customer relationship management software is a sales and marketing tool that organizes imported data, manages lead pipelines, and optimizes business workflows. Build custom dashboards that reflect your sales process and track every client interaction, from lead generation to deal closing, in one hub. CRM software integrates with other tools, like calendars or email providers, and can automate mundane sales tasks while keeping the customer experience front of mind. Benefits of CRM Drawbacks of CRM Create effective processes and workflows. Monitor team and individual progress. Solidify data organization or segmentation. Can be expensive. The software might have a learning curve. Occasional technical difficulties. 1 monday CRM Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Calendar, Collaboration Tools, Contact Management, and more 2 Zoho CRM Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Calendar, Collaboration Tools, Contact Management, and more 3 HubSpot CRM Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Micro (0-49 Employees), Small (50-249 Employees), Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees) Micro, Small, Medium, Large What is a CRM? CRM software is a system or platform that tracks all lead and customer interactions and data. CRMs are meant to help identify and generate new leads and potential customers and then follow them through a business’s entire sales process from start to finish. This can include everything from marketing email campaigns and meeting notes to AI-generated content and sales rep performance analytics and business forecasting. CRM software can be completely customized to fit branding, user experience, collaboration needs, and customer workflows. They’re often desktop plugins or desktop applications with mobile app versions offered, allowing sales reps and users to access that same information on the go. Who is a CRM for? A CRM is software for salespeople, departments, or any client-facing business looking to manage customer relationships. While it is sales-forward software, I see CRM solutions as a great tool for closing the gap between marketing, sales, and customer support departments and teams. This is because a CRM acts as a one-stop-shop for all customer information so that there is a single source of truth for the team. A CRM can support any industry. The most popular CRM is typically generalized, meaning they’re made to fit core needs with a mix of basic and advanced features and functionalities. There are CRMs that cater to specific markets and industries, such as real estate, marketing firms, accounting firms, hospitality, technology, financial services, and so much more. Types of CRM Most CRM software scales to match the size, needs, and industry of the business implementing it. There are both general and industry-specific CRMs, all of which typically fall under four specific types of customer relationship management: analytical, operational, collaborative, and marketing. Analytical CRM Analytical CRMs take both internal and external data and turn it into actionable insights using advanced forecasting and AI features. Sales teams who want to better forecast future deals would benefit from this kind of CRM. Example sales analytics and productivity dashboard. Image: Creatio Operational CRM Operational CRMs support more administrative responsibilities, customer-facing tasks, and other back-office or day-to-day duties. They are best for businesses looking for a tool to monitor customer life cycles or who need more sales automation functionality. Create custom workflows with rules that trigger activities such as updating records, sending emails, and assigning duties. Sample lead sequence and custom workflow. Image: monday CRM Collaborative CRM Collaborative CRMs can facilitate company-wide collaboration between sales, marketing, and service departments by collecting and sharing customer data, such as touch points, all from one hub. These CRMs offer more advanced team management and permission features, making them great for customer support and sales teams generating and sharing leads. Example validation and advanced permission settings for CRM users. Image: Insightly Marketing CRM Marketing-focused CRMs assist with generating and nurturing online leads through social media, email, and other channels. In addition to basic email marketing, these CRMs can create drip campaigns, run social media campaigns, or help with landing pages and website creation. Sample email marketing campaign. Image: Zoho CRM How does CRM work? CRM software manages client contact data, supports entire sales pipelines, and coordinates marketing campaigns for both B2B and B2C businesses. CRM software collects data that matches an ideal customer profile and then generates detailed reports and leads profiles. These profiles and pipelines build out custom dashboards that continuously track individual or entire company sales progress. SEE: How to Create Effective CRM Strategy CRMs prioritize automating as much of the sales process as possible. This can include data entry tasks, sales forecasting, and even directly engaging with clients on a business’s behalf. They’re meant to house all client interactions in one place and consolidate communication such as form fills, emails, calls, and meetings. They can also store important documents, notes, and purchase history, allowing entire teams, departments, and businesses access to the same up-to-date data. CRMs are meant to take the burden of repetitive tasks from sales reps, such as miscellaneous calendar scheduling tasks or meeting follow-up, so they can generate and nurture leads and close deals quickly with great service. A CRM will scale its services to meet current needs while also spotting opportunities for growth and adjustments to get the business where it wants to be. More about CRM Benefits of CRM Even small businesses who start out using simple sales tools, spreadsheets and calendars will eventually need to adopt a CRM to help monitor growth and maintain clientele. Generally, CRMs are worth the investment for their help with automating and streamlining a sales process. For any industry and any size business, having one main tracking and pipeline management software that can integrate with your existing tech stack can be game changing. Some standout benefits of implementing a CRM are: Create effective workflows: Automate a variety of tasks through third-party integrations, like sending emails, calendar

Many security breaches can be avoided by applying software patches to known vulnerabilities as soon as they’re released by the vendor. Patch management software provides a centralized place for IT administrators to identify known vulnerabilities and deploy patches across most or all of the computer systems and applications in use across the organization. The best patch management software offers an intuitive interface, affordable pricing, and automation to improve efficiency while mitigating risk. In this guide, I compare my top choices for business patch management to help you make the right choice for your organization. 1 ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Access Controls / Permissions, Activity Tracking, Alerts / Notifications, and more 2 NinjaOne Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Small (50-249 Employees), Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Small, Medium, Large, Enterprise Features Monitoring, Patch Management Top patch management software comparison Every patch manager on my list provides centralized management for at least one administrator to scan, approve, and deploy updates for multiple machines at once. The main differentiating factors, feature-wise, are their cost, supported platforms, and automation capabilities. Our rating (out of 5) Starting price Supported platforms Centralized management Automation ESET project 5 $287 per year for 5 devices Windows, Linux, macOS Yes Scanning and deployments NinjaOne 4.8 Custom quote Windows, Linux, macOS Yes Scanning, approval, deployments, reboots, alerts, and notifications ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus 4.6 Free Windows, Linux, macOS Yes Scanning, testing, approval, deployments, and reboots SolarWinds Patch Manager 4.4 $2,274 per year Windows Yes Scanning and deployments Avast Business Patch Management 4.2 $16.42 per device per year Windows Yes Scanning Heimdal Patch & Asset Management 4.0 Custom quote Windows, macOS, Linux, routers, and more Yes Scanning, deployments, and compliance management ESET Protect: Best overall Our rating: 5 out of 5 Image: ESET ESET includes patch management capabilities as part of several ESET Protect security software bundles. Its patch management features include automatic scanning and prioritization of vulnerabilities and automatic deployment of Windows, macOS, Linux, and third-party software updates. Other security functionality depends on the plan package you select, but at a minimum, all patch management bundles include endpoint protection for workstations, servers, mobile devices, and cloud applications, as well as full disk encryption. You can also upgrade to an extended detection and response or managed detection and response plan for comprehensive security management. SEE: Patch Management Best Practices for IT Professionals (TechRepublic) Why I chose ESET Protect ESET provides a complete endpoint protection platform for businesses at a highly affordable cost. While I found the initial configuration to be a bit challenging, the Protect dashboard makes it easy to manage updates across operating systems and software applications. It provides comprehensive, instant reporting on your patch compliance and security posture. Pricing ESET’s patch manager comes bundled with three of the ESET Protect plans: ESET Protect Complete: Includes endpoint protection, server security, mobile device security, full-disk encryption, advanced threat defense, mail server security, and cloud app protection for $287.72 per year for 5 devices (promotional price). ESET Protect Elite: Adds extended detection, response, and multi-factor authentication; requires a custom quote. ESET Protect MDR: Adds managed detection, response, and premium support; requires a custom quote. Features Automated scanning with instant reporting. Severity-based prioritization of vulnerabilities. Automated and manual patching. Centralized visibility of endpoints and vulnerabilities. Additional business security features depending on chosen package. ESET PROTECT’s full disk encryption utility. Image: ESET Pros and cons Pros Cons Up-to-date CVE management. Initial configuration has a steep learning curve. Ease of use. Additional security features. NinjaOne: Best for beginners Our rating: 4.8 out of 5 Image: NinjaOne NinjaOne Patch Management is a standalone product that automatically identifies and deploys software updates for Windows, Linux, Mac, and third-party apps. It also automatically reboots systems to finish applying updates and generates automatic alerts and notifications when vulnerabilities are detected, or the vendor releases new updates. I appreciated that the NinjaOne dashboard includes remote remediation tools to help teams troubleshoot and fix patch installation problems or system hangs without needing anyone on-site. The only reason I didn’t give it a perfect 5 out of 5 is that I found some of the automation features a little buggy, which could be frustrating for beginners. SEE: Patch Management Policy (TechRepublic Premium) Why I chose NinjaOne Patch Management NinjaOne Patch Management is a beginner-friendly solution that provides many automation capabilities and remediation tools to streamline patch management for small, busy IT teams. NinjaOne also offers other endpoint security and device management products for those who need a more complete solution. Pricing NinjaOne does not publicly provide pricing information, requiring potential customers to request a custom quote. According to a Reddit user, the minimum spend is $180 per month. Features Automated patch identification, approval, and deployment. Remediation tools including remote terminal, registry editor, and remote access. Pre-emptive patch approval. Automated reboots. Visibility into endpoint security with per-patch data. Automated alerts and notifications. Patch activity logs and reporting. NinjaOne Patch Management’s automatic reboot options. Image: NinjaOne Pros and cons Pros Cons Easy to use for beginners. Some features can be buggy. Includes additional remediation tools. Pricing isn’t transparent. Provides lots of automation. ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus: Best free patch management Our rating: 4.6 out of 5 Image: ManageEngine ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus is a fully-featured patch management solution that businesses can use for free for up to 20 workstations and five servers. While all the other options on my list are cloud-only, ManageEngine’s software can also be deployed on-premises for businesses that want to keep everything in-house. Its paid options are affordable, and the Enterprise plan adds updates for antivirus definitions, device drivers, and BIOS, as well as automatic patch testing, approval, and bandwidth optimization. ManageEngine agents are easy to deploy, but the management dashboard is challenging to configure, and I found its error codes less than helpful. On

On Dec. 17, Salesforce unveiled Agentforce 2.0, the latest iteration of its AI-driven platform. It is designed to integrate a customizable “team” of semi-autonomous AI agents into enterprise workflows. Agentforce 2.0 includes enhanced reasoning and data retrieval capabilities that enable AI to respond to complex questions. Salesforce describes Agentforce 2.0 as “the digital labor platform for enterprises,” offering a “limitless” workforce powered by AI agents. These agents can be deployed across any department, equipped with a new library of pre-built skills, and can take action across systems or workflows. “Humans with agents drive customer success together,” Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said during a livestreamed presentation. Agentforce 2.0 will be released in full in February 2025. However, users can begin deploying Agentforce 2.0 in Slack in January. What’s new about Agentforce 2.0? Through Agentforce 2.0, users can pull from a library of agent “skills” — AI agents designed for specific tasks — or build their own using natural language prompts. These agents can execute multi-step plans and follow “if/then” instructions, offering flexibility across various workflows. The Skills Library suggests linked actions based on an agent’s role. Image: Salesforce Pre-built skills and workflow integrations allow for more effective customization. Agents built through Agentforce can seamlessly connect to tools like CRM, Slack, Tableau, Mulesoft, and Salesforce’s AppExchange. New, pre-built skills include: Sales Development. Sales Coaching. Marketing Campaign. Commerce Merchant. In Tableau, Skills for Analytics and Insight provide visualizations to track and analyze how well agents perform. Slack integration is another key highlight. With Slack Actions, users can automate updates by setting an agent to send project updates via direct message. Some of these features are already available: Tableau Semantic Layer, Skills for Sales Development, and Skills for Sales Coaching are available now. The latter two add $2 per conversation to your Salesforce bill. Skills for Tableau will launch on Dec. 18. Agent Builder provides a solution for customers who don’t find what they need among the pre-built agents. Using natural language prompts, users can design their own agents. Salesforce offered “’Onboard New Product Managers” as an example of a custom prompt. Agent Builder will also include pre-built Slack actions. How does Agentforce 2.0 integrate with Slack? In Slack, employees can message or mention the Agentforce agents just as they would a coworker. Users will also find a new Agentforce Hub within Slack. In this example, an agent designated as an “Account Insights Expert” answers a prompt with Slack. Image: Salesforce Generative AI enables Slack Enterprise Search, a new way to consider context from Slack DMs, channels, and canvases. Agentforce in Slack, Slack Actions in Agent Builder, and Slack Enterprise Search will all be available to the general public in January. SEE: Organizations need to understand the differences between types of AI to avoid unnecessary expenses — and sometimes, the job doesn’t call for generative AI. More must-read AI coverage How does the Atlas Reasoning Engine enhance Agentforce 2.0? “Reasoning” is the next frontier in generative AI, with models like Amazon Nova performing complex operations slightly more slowly than their peers to generate deeper answers. Salesforce’s contribution is advanced reasoning and retrieval-augmented generation in Atlas Reasoning Engine, the model behind Agentforce. Salesforce’s example of a question that might benefit from advanced reasoning was, “What would be the right investment vehicle for my child’s college fund based on my current income and risk preferences?” With RAG, Agentforce can pull unstructured metadata from elsewhere in the Salesforce Platform. Essentially, RAG checks the AI’s work. “Unity Environmental University is leveraging Salesforce’s Agentforce to expand our support beyond routine inquiries, allowing our employees to focus on learners who need more personalized guidance,” wrote Melik Khoury, president and CEO of Unity Environmental University, in a press release from Salesforce. “By integrating agentic AI into our workflows, we can quickly address standard questions like financial aid details or class registration while freeing our team to engage more deeply with students.” Enhanced reasoning and RAG in the Salesforce Platform will be open for business in February. Salesforce goes all-in on AI Salesforce has committed significantly to integrating generative AI into its products, including the enthusiasm for Agentforce that kicked off in September. “In the next few years, I’d expect we’ll be able to deliver more agentic experts,” Claire Cheng, VP of machine learning and engineering for Salesforce AI, said in a press release.”The reasoning engine should be one of the first factors enterprise organizations consider when comparing digital labor options.” source

A virtual private network (VPN) is a marvelous tool for protecting people and their data while browsing the internet, especially when working from unsecured or weakly protected networks like those at public libraries and coffee shops. From a business perspective, VPNs keep business data secure when employees work with sensitive material like trade secrets and proprietary information. VPN tunnels are also instrumental, as they provide users with an encrypted connection between their device and the internet. However, given the enriched data flow and volumetric information brought on by VPNs, you and/or your IT team should still monitor them regularly. The technical feedback you can gather by doing so will help you finetune and configure your VPN connections for optimal performance. As an alternative to VPNs, SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) offers businesses many more use cases. For instance, organizations that lean heavily on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone services can use it to simplify enterprise-scale network management. 1 RingCentral RingEx Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Medium, Large, Enterprise Features Hosted PBX, Managed PBX, Remote User Ability, and more 2 Talkroute Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Call Management/Monitoring, Call Routing, Mobile Capabilities, and more What problems does SD-WAN solve? I’m assuming most people interested in this post are comfortable with networking basics, like WAN (Wide Area Network) that spans a large geographic area, connecting multiple local networks (LANs) across cities, countries, or even continents. So we’re going to skip the basics. If not, check out this guide on essential networking fundamentals before continuing on. SD-WAN represents a logical progression from traditional WAN, providing benefits like dynamic traffic management with centralized control. It allows users to deploy different connection types interchangeably by using software to abstract the network layer. The fundamental benefit of SD-WAN over traditional WAN is its ability to intelligently route traffic across multiple connection types, optimizing performance, reducing costs, and providing greater flexibility and scalability. SD-WAN offers businesses improved network performance, cost savings, enhanced security, and greater agility by enabling dynamic, intelligent traffic routing across diverse connection types, making it a more scalable and flexible solution compared to traditional VPNs. Let’s walk through why Traffic optimization and improved network efficiency A key advantage of SD-WAN is its ability to avoid vendor lock-in by using a virtualized architecture, allowing businesses to combine various transport services. Unlike traditional network infrastructure, which is often rigid and hardware-dependent, the best SD-WAN vendors give organizations the flexibility to optimize bandwidth across multiple connection types, such as broadband, mobile, Wi-Fi, and satellite. This flexibility enables network administrators to prioritize critical traffic more effectively, reduce reliance on centralized data centers by eliminating backhauling, and create more efficient, direct routing paths to improve overall network performance. Providing cost-effective solutions Even though WAN connectivity has been around for a while, one of its peskiest challenges has always been figuring out how to connect widely dispersed data centers in a cost-effective manner. Technologies like MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), for instance, provided a respite — especially for organizations operating in rugged environments—but MPLS often brings a huge cost disadvantage. SEE: Discover other reasons to avoid MPLS and better alternatives.  SD-WAN, however, is more practical (to deploy) and much less expensive than MPLS because it doesn’t require specialized equipment to conduct routing over the internet. Another cost-effective aspect of using SD-WAN is its ability to aggregate multiple, less expensive internet connections (such as broadband, LTE, and Wi-Fi) to create a more reliable and efficient network. This reduces the need for expensive, dedicated leased lines or private WAN circuits, allowing businesses to use more affordable and flexible transport services while maintaining high performance. Increased control through application-level visibility Nothing jams up the efforts of network administrators and cybersecurity professionals more than a lack of control over their organization’s online traffic. That said, the application-level visibility provided by SD-WAN allows you to control traffic more effectively. For instance, SD-WAN allows administrators to fine-tune Quality of Service (QoS) by prioritizing VoIP traffic over less critical data, ensuring consistent call quality. With real-time monitoring and dynamic traffic routing, SD-WAN can adjust network paths to avoid congestion, and ensure optimal performance for VoIP applications even during peak usage times. Centralized management SD-WAN is the network tool of choice for enterprises with multiple office branches that want to maintain a centralized oversight. In general, a ton of network administrators face the challenge of having to orchestrate a gauntlet of deployed devices and endpoints, so SD-WAN is a logical choice because it makes networks more manageable and cost-effective. With centralized management to handle data packets and workflows between branches, network operations are simplified company-wide. Cybersecurity administration Because of its centralized network management, SD-WAN allows you to deploy uniform security measures including dynamic encryption tunnels, IP security (IPsec), and next-generation firewalls (NGFW) to ensure that all traffic is protected. Additionally, SD-WAN offers advanced features like network segmentation, which isolates critical parts of the network to reduce risk, and intrusion protection to detect and block potential threats. These built-in security features work together to provide end-to-end encryption, making SD-WAN a powerful solution for defending against network security threats, especially in environments with remote or distributed teams. By simplifying the process of managing network security, SD-WAN makes it easier for IT teams to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations. What Problems Does a VPN Solve? A VPN safeguards online activity by providing a measure of intrusion protection against unauthorized third parties and other rogue actors. They use encrypted data transmission to prevent the intercepting and eavesdropping of connections that can occur via packet sniffing and other snooping tactics. The best enterprise VPN services achieve this protection through VPN tunneling, which creates an encrypted connection between the user’s device and the endpoint or remote server they are accessing. If you are potentially in

The European Data Protection Board has published an opinion addressing data protection in AI models. It covers assessing AI anonymity, the legal basis for processing data, and mitigation measures for impacts on data subjects for tech companies operating in the bloc. It was published in response to a request from Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, the lead supervisory authority under the GDPR for many multinationals. What were the key points of the guidance? The DPC sought more information about: When and how can an AI model be considered “anonymous” — those that are very unlikely to identify individuals whose data was used in its creation, and therefore is exempt from privacy laws. When companies can say they have a “legitimate interest” in processing individuals’ data for AI models and, therefore, don’t need to seek their consent. The consequences of the unlawful processing of personal data in the development phase of an AI model. EDPB Chair Anu Talus said in a press release: “AI technologies may bring many opportunities and benefits to different industries and areas of life. We need to ensure these innovations are done ethically, safely, and in a way that benefits everyone. “The EDPB wants to support responsible AI innovation by ensuring personal data are protected and in full respect of the General Data Protection Regulation.” When an AI model can be considered ‘anonymous’ An AI model can be considered anonymous if the chance that personal data used for training will be traced back to any individual — either directly or indirectly, as through a prompt — is deemed “insignificant.” Anonymity is assessed by supervisory authorities on a “case-by-case” basis and “a thorough evaluation of the likelihood of identification” is required. However, the opinion does provide a list of ways that model developers might demonstrate anonymity, including: Taking steps during source selection to avoid or limit the collection of personal data, such as excluding irrelevant or inappropriate sources. Implementing strong technical measures to prevent re-identification. Ensuring data is sufficiently anonymised. Applying data minimisation techniques to avoid unnecessary personal data. Regularly assessing the risks of re-identification through testing and audits. Kathryn Wynn, a data protection lawyer from Pinsent Masons, said that these requirements would make it difficult for AI companies to claim anonymity. “The potential harm to the privacy of the person whose data is being used to train the AI model could, depending on the circumstances, be relatively minimal and may be further reduced through security and pseudonymisation measures,” she said in a company article. “However, the way in which the EDPB is interpreting the law would require organisations to meet burdensome, and in some cases impractical, compliance obligations around purpose limitation and transparency, in particular.” More must-read AI coverage When AI companies can process personal data without the individuals’ consent The EDPB opinion outlines that AI companies can process personal data without consent under the “legitimate interest” basis if they can demonstrate that their interest, such as improving models or services, outweigh the individual’s rights and freedoms. This is particularly important to tech firms, as seeking consent for the vast amounts of data used to train models is neither trivial nor economically viable. But to qualify, companies will need to pass these three tests: Legitimacy test: A lawful, legitimate reason for processing personal data must be identified. Necessity test: The data processing must be necessary for purpose. There can be no other alternative, less intrusive ways of achieving the company’s goal, and the amount of data processed must be proportionate. Balancing test: The legitimate interest in the data processing must outweigh the impact on individuals’ rights and freedoms. This takes into account whether individuals would reasonably expect their data to be processed in this way, such as if they made it publicly available or have a relationship with the company. Even if a company fails the balancing test, it may still not be required to gain the data subjects’ consent if they apply mitigating measures to limit the processing’s impact. Such measures include: Technical safeguards: Applying safeguards that reduce security risks, such as encryption. Pseudonymisation: Replacing or removing identifiable information to prevent data from being linked to an individual. Data masking: Substituting real personal data with fake data when actual content is not essential. Mechanisms for data subjects to exercise their rights: Making it easy for individuals to exercise their data rights, such as opting out, requesting erasure, or making claims for data correction. Transparency: Publicly disclosing data processing practices through media campaigns and transparency labels. Web scraping-specific measures: Implementing restrictions to prevent unauthorised personal data scraping, such as offering an opt-out list to data subjects or excluding sensitive data. Technology lawyer Malcolm Dowden of Pinsent Masons said in the company article that the definition of “legitimate interest” has been contentious recently, particularly in the  U.K.’s Data (Use and Access) Bill. “Advocates of AI suggest that data processing in the AI context drives innovation and brings inherent social good and benefits that constitute a ‘legitimate interest’ for data protection law purposes,” he said.  “Opponents believe that view does not account for AI-related risks, such as to privacy, to discrimination or from the potential dissemination of ‘deepfakes’ or disinformation.” Advocates from the charity Privacy International have expressed concerns that AI models like OpenAI’s GPT series might not be properly scrutinised under the three tests because they lack specific reasons for processing personal data. Consequences of unlawfully processing personal data in AI development If a model is developed by processing data in a way that violates GDPR, this will impact how the model will be allowed to operate. The relevant authority evaluates “the circumstances of each individual case” but provides examples of possible considerations: If the same company retains and processes personal data, the lawfulness of both the development and deployment phases must be assessed based on case specifics. If another firm processes personal data during deployment, the EDPB will consider if that firm did an appropriate assessment of the model’s lawfulness beforehand. If the data is anonymised after

Australia has announced plans to develop a national AI strategy to strengthen its AI capabilities and attract investment, aiming to unlock the economic productivity potential of these technologies. The strategy will focus on building AI skills, sovereign capabilities, and infrastructure, positioning Australia to seize the $600 billion boost to GDP that the government expects AI will deliver by 2030. Set to be developed in consultation with industry, the AI plan is expected to be released in late 2025 — after the next federal election, which is scheduled for the year’s first half. SEE: The Challenges of Demonstrating AI ROI In Australian Organisations Australia’s Federal Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, emphasized the plan’s role in driving AI investment, supercharging industries and creating well-paid jobs nationwide. “We need to scale up our capabilities in critical technologies in ways that work for businesses and their workers,” Husic said in a statement announcing the new AI plan. What will be contained in Australia’s new AI capability plan? The AI plan aims to develop a comprehensive strategy focusing on AI investment, existing strengths and advantages, skills development, and sovereign infrastructure and capabilities. Australia wants to grow AI investment The government plans to review how existing Australian state and federal government support mechanisms work together to hinder or enable Australia’s AI technology ecosystem. It will also identify ways to boost private sector innovation and investment in AI capabilities. A focus on strengthening AI capabilities The plan will identify areas of research and innovation strength within Australia’s universities and businesses that can support the growth of the AI industry. Additionally, the government will explore new opportunities for comparative advantage across key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, mining, and renewable energy. A strategy for AI skills and training The government wants to accelerate AI literacy by identifying new skills and training and re-training approaches. Efforts will also focus on enabling workers to reskill throughout their careers, helping them seize opportunities in new AI-driven jobs or retrain as AI automates parts of existing roles. Sovereign capabilities and infrastructure The government will consider where sovereign capability or infrastructure may be required for Australia to maximize AI technologies. It will also consider opportunities and risks of AI and digital inclusion in Australia and how AI will impact communities and workers. More must-read AI coverage How will Australia’s new plan be developed and finalised? Because AI will impact almost every industry, the government has said the strategy will be developed in consultation with various stakeholders — both in industry and the general public. As a result, the government will undertake both a targeted and public consultation period before finalising the plan. Australia’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources will conduct the process. When will the AI capability plan be finalised? The plan will not be released until late 2025. Given the fast pace of AI development, the Australian Information Industry Association declared this pace too slow to seize new AI opportunities. It argued that the government should accelerate its timetable. A federal election will take place during this period, which could impact the process if there is a change in government. Why has Australia embarked on the creation of an AI Capability Plan? The Australian Government has outlined its intention to build on the country’s existing comparative advantages in AI, emphasizing an “Australian-first” approach to grow the local AI industry for the future. In announcing the plan, the government highlighted that around 650 AI companies are already headquartered in Australia. Data released by the government indicates that, in the five years leading up to 2023, foreign investors contributed AUD $7 billion to Australian AI technologies. SEE: Dovetail CEO Argues for Balanced Approach to Innovation, Regulation “This plan will look to harness our AI know-how to secure our supply chains and strengthen our critical infrastructure,” Husic said. “This is something business is calling for and we’re delivering. We will work closely with firms, and with communities and workers, to drive investment in our AI capabilities.” What else is Australia doing to enhance its AI prospects? The government has been criticised for focusing on regulation and guardrails to protect citizens from AI, rather than supporting AI innovation, investment, and adoption. The AIIA called Australia a “slow adopter of AI across its economy by global standards,” due what it called “concerns and fears” with the technology. However, the government pointed out AUD $1 billion has been committed for critical technologies under the National Reconstruction Fund, while the Research and Development Tax Incentive supported nearly AUD $500 million worth of AI, computer vision, and machine learning projects from 2022 to 2023. The government has also established network of “AI Adopt” centres to upskill SMEs who want to understand and adopt AI within their businesses. The National AI Centre has also released a micro skill course, “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence,” delivered through TAFE NSW. source

Before choosing between a predictive dialer and a progressive one for your outbound call strategy, you should decide your business’s priorities. Are you looking to increase productivity? Do you want to drive up customer satisfaction scores? This tradeoff is implicit in the design of each system. The key difference between predictive and progressive dialers is how they start a call. A predictive dialer dials several numbers simultaneously, assigning each rep a number as soon as they end the previous call. A progressive dialer only dials one number at a time, which gives the rep time to research the potential client who will pick up the phone. In this post, we’ll cover the vital advantages and tradeoffs that come with using both dialers. Plus, we’ll look at alternative types of call center dialers, if neither a predictive or progressive dialer sounds like the right fit for your business. Both types of dialers are available with the leading business phone services and call center software. Typically, auto dialing capabilities are available as an add-on feature. You may also find standalone auto dialer software that integrates directly with your CRM software. 1 RingCentral RingEx Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Medium, Large, Enterprise Features Hosted PBX, Managed PBX, Remote User Ability, and more 2 Talkroute Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Call Management/Monitoring, Call Routing, Mobile Capabilities, and more Predictive dialers reach more people (with a catch) A predictive dialer is highly efficient because it can reach more people and reduce the amount of time agents spend waiting. It uses algorithms and predictive analytics to anticipate when agents will be available for the next call. The system automatically dials multiple numbers simultaneously and filters out unproductive connections, such as busy signals and voicemails, ensuring that agents are only connected to live calls. The system adjusts its dialing pace based on real-time call center metrics like agent availability and call success rates, which help to minimize downtime and increase agent productivity. By anticipating when agents will finish their current calls, the predictive dialer moves quickly to assign the next call, keeping agents busy without requiring manual input. This means that agents spend more time talking to customers and less time waiting for the next call, which can significantly increase call volume compared to manual or progressive dialing systems. Predictive dialers can lead to significant improvements in call volume, with some vendors claiming up to a 300% increase in productivity over manual dialing. However, the actual impact depends on factors like the quality of the contact list and agent readiness. In general, predictive dialers help ensure that agents are always connected to live calls, leading to more efficient use of their time. Hidden costs of predictive dialers Despite the benefits, predictive dialers come with hidden costs, including: Higher call abandonment rates: Due to faster dialing, there’s a greater risk of calls being dropped before an agent can answer, which may negatively impact customer satisfaction. Potential harm to customer satisfaction: A higher call abandonment rate may be particularly detrimental to existing customers, as they may feel neglected in favor of reaching new prospects. Compliance risks: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates that call abandonment rates must not exceed 3% over 30 days. Exceeding this threshold can lead to legal consequences, requiring businesses to carefully balance dialing speed and compliance. While predictive dialers offer the potential for greater efficiency, businesses must weigh these productivity gains against the potential downsides, ensuring they maintain a positive customer experience and stay within legal requirements. Progressive dialers have lower call abandonment (at a cost) Unlike predictive dialers, which dial multiple numbers at once, a progressive dialer calls one number at a time. It waits until the current call is completed before dialing the next one, giving agents more control over the calling process. One of the main advantages of a progressive dialer is its lower call abandonment rate. By dialing only one number at a time, it minimizes wait times for customers, making it more likely they will stay on the line. When customers hear a live agent right away, they are less likely to hang up. In contrast, if they are met with a recorded message or a long pause, the chances of abandonment increase. This improved customer satisfaction is another major benefit. With progressive dialers, customers are connected to agents more quickly, leading to a smoother experience and higher satisfaction rates. For businesses that prioritize customer relationships or work in complex sales environments, progressive dialers allow reps to handle calls more thoughtfully and attentively. In addition to customer benefits, progressive dialers offer compliance advantages. Because they only connect agents to live callers, they lower the risk of violating telemarketing regulations. Progressive dialers are inherently more compliant with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which governs automated calling systems. These dialers ensure agents are always speaking to a real person, helping businesses stay within legal limits for things like prior consent and abandoned call rates. For businesses that value personalization, deal with more intricate sales processes, or are looking to enhance contact center CX, a progressive dialer is a solid choice. Its lower call abandonment rate and higher level of control for agents make it ideal for creating a more tailored and compliant customer experience. The hidden cost behind progressive dialers Owing to the step-by-step approach to making calls, progressive dialers tend to exhibit lower total call volumes and productivity when contrasted with predictive dialers. The result is slower lead conversion rates and decreased operational efficiency for businesses that heavily depend on high call volumes. So, predictive dialers may be a more efficient choice if you work in telemarketing or lead generation companies or any business that requires many outbound calls to be made in a short span. Comparing predictive dialers vs. progressive dialers Let’s compare these

Best for managing volunteers and events: Pipedrive Best nonprofit CRM tool with integrations: HubSpot Best for nonprofit project management: monday CRM Best for omnichannel marketing: Zoho CRM Best white-label CRM for nonprofits: Bitrix24 Best for tracking donor behavior with data insights: Virtuous CRM software used within the nonprofit sector is designed to help organizations manage and grow their relationships with benefactors, organize outreach, and monitor activities. A CRM tool can improve productivity and create a streamlined process for marketing to donors, tracking revenue, and progressing toward goals. Top nonprofit CRM software comparison The best CRM software offers a range of marketing, sales, and support solutions. Those core features can also be used by nonprofits. Some notable features nonprofit CRM tools might prioritize include lead management for donors, payment receipts, revenue tracking, and a mobile app for field selling or canvassing. Our list of top CRM software for nonprofits includes popular providers like Pipedrive, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM, as well as some industry-specific platforms like Virtuous. Each option can be implemented into a nonprofit’s business based on needs, scalability, and budget. It’s also typical for providers to offer reduced rates or free versions to nonprofits that apply for discount programs. Software Star rating Donor management Payment/ invoice tracking Mobile app Native and third-party integrations Starting price* Pipedrive 4.3/5 Yes Limited iOS and Android 400+ $14 per user per month HubSpot 4.1/5 Yes Yes iOS and Android 1,500+ Free monday CRM 3.5/5 Yes Through integrations iOS and Android 200+ $12 per user per month Zoho CRM 4.3/5 Yes Through integrations iOS and Android 800+ Free Bitrix24 4.1/5 Yes Through integrations iOS and Android 600+ Free Virtuous 4.1/5 Yes Yes iOS and Android 100 Contact for quote *Price when billed annually. Pipedrive: Best for managing volunteers and events Image: Pipedrive Pipedrive’s CRM platform allows nonprofits to streamline operations by tracking donor activity, events, and volunteers. Users can create multiple workflows and automations to track the efficiency of marketing campaigns, estimate fundraising potential, and nurture long-term supporters for the organization. Users can maintain a database of current and former volunteers with custom fields to track events. The platform works as a volunteer management platform by streamlining volunteer communications, capturing signups from new donors, and logging touchpoints at events. Why I chose Pipedrive Pipedrive is a CRM tool that automates sales processes with visual pipelines for businesses to easily manage leads and deals. In addition to its intuitive interface, Pipedrive offers instant insights through precise, real-time data analytics. These reports can assist in monitoring performance and forecasting and tracking revenue or donations. Pipedrive has pricing plans designed for small to midsize businesses on the rise. While Pipedrive’s premium plans are competitively priced, there isn’t a free option for smaller nonprofits looking for a basic no-cost tool. If that’s the case for you, consider looking into HubSpot for its powerful free CRM. To learn more about this provider, check out our Pipedrive review. Pricing Essential: $14 per user per month, billed annually, or $24 per user when billed monthly. Advanced: $34 per user per month, billed annually, or $44 per user when billed monthly. Professional: $49 per user per month, billed annually, or $64 per user when billed monthly. Power: $64 per user per month, billed annually, or $79 per user when billed monthly. Enterprise: $99 per user per month, billed annually, or $129 per user when billed monthly. Features Goal tracking: Maintain progress toward goals with concrete and detailed reporting. Create goals based on deals or activities and track them by adding pipelines, durations, and assignees. Activity management: View individual or team calendars, manage activities like follow-up emails, phone calls, or meetings, and plan schedules efficiently. Email inbox: Create group emails from templates and handle email scheduling, tracking, and syncing with Pipedrive’s email inbox. Goal tracking dashboard view. Image: Pipedrive Pipedrive pros and cons Pros Cons 14-day free trial. Doesn’t provide a free version of the CRM tool. User reports of simple pipeline UX/UI. Limited customization options for reporting tools. 24/7 customer support. Limited email tools, such as group emailing or scheduling, in the Essential tier. Features Live chat software: Connect this feature to your organization’s website to convert new donors in real-time. Meeting scheduler: Schedule meetings quickly by eliminating back-and-forth emails and allowing donors to book a meeting time that works for everyone. Deal pipeline: Assign tasks to team members or volunteers within a deal pipeline where users can track performance. HubSpot website live chat builder. Image: HubSpot HubSpot pros and cons Pros Cons Provides free demos and product walkthroughs. Premium and enterprise-level plans can be pricey. Users report an intuitive interface. Community support isn’t available in the free tier. Advanced AI functionality. Users report limited field customizations. monday CRM: Best for nonprofit project management Image: monday CRM monday CRM offers nonprofit organizations all the tools to track and manage ongoing and upcoming projects. The detailed dashboards provide high-level visibility that instantly reports donation progress, fundraising figures, and team performance. Users can access all team activities, like calls and meetings, in one place to track performance, understand their capacity, and plan ahead. This helps manage any team’s quota attainment, track wins, and view goals for specific members or the entire team. With no-code automation, organizations can let the platform do mundane tasks. Why I chose monday CRM monday CRM is flexible project management CRM software that can manage entire sales processes, from lead or donor generation to fundraising. It supports powerful automations with no coding background necessary, making it an intuitive option for nonprofits that might not have the technical personnel to set up a platform’s back end. While monday CRM is full of features, only its WorkOS for nonprofits plan offers an easy-to-use, discounted nonprofit platform to eligible organizations. If your organization wants a feature-rich tool at a similar price or even lower, consider HubSpot or Pipedrive. Read our independent monday CRM review for more information. Pricing Free version: monday.com offers a nonprofit discount only for monday work management. It doesn’t yet

NVIDIA has introduced a new at-home supercomputer just in time for the holidays. The tech giant unveiled its new Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit, a powerful new platform that delivers generative AI 70% faster than its predecessor. The compact supercomputer offers cutting-edge features and enhanced computing power for developers and hobbyists looking to train and refine generative AI tools, agents, and robots. Owners of the Jetson Orin NX and Orin Nano can also achieve higher performance with a new software upgrade. The Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit currently costs $249. The NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit comes as new hardware, or developers can download a software update to make their existing kit “super.” Image: NVIDIA What can the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit do? According to NVIDIA, the new developer kit: Packages a Jetson Orin Nano 8GB system-on-module (SoM) and a reference carrier board. Comprises an NVIDIA Ampere architecture GPU with tensor cores and a 6-core Arm CPU. Performs at 67 INT8 TOPS (total operations per second), a 70% performance increase over the previous version. Includes 102GB/s of memory bandwidth, a 50% increase over the previous generation. Runs at just 25 watts of power. Can support up to four cameras for computer vision applications. Comes at a lower price ($249) than the previous kit ($499). In the video introducing the kit, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said the new kit “runs everything that the HGX does,” including large language models. More must-read AI coverage SEE: Last week, the Chinese government investigated NVIDIA for potential monopoly conditions around NVIDIA’s acquisition of interconnect provider Mellanox. The mini supercomputer is compatible with CUDA — NVIDIA’s software layer for harnessing GPUs together — and CUDNN, a library for building deep neural networks. Huang emphasized that NVIDIA intends developers to experiment with physical robots powered by generative AI. Jetson Orin NX and Nano get the same software boost The NVIDIA Jetson ecosystem, which offers software and developer tools for the Jetson family of embedded computing boards, is compatible with the new developer kit. Developers who already have the previous-generation Jetson Orin NX and Orin Nano series of systems on modules can access a software upgrade today that brings 1.7x generative AI performance. source