By Christopher Cole ( March 20, 2025, 8:27 PM EDT) — Attorneys general from more than half the states and Washington, D.C., are urging the full Eleventh Circuit to reverse a panel decision that nixed a federal rule restricting the use of comparison shopping sites to generate robocall leads…. Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence. Over 200 articles are published daily across more than 60 topics, industries, practice areas and jurisdictions. A Law360 subscription includes features such as Daily newsletters Expert analysis Mobile app Advanced search Judge information Real-time alerts 450K+ searchable archived articles And more! Experience Law360 today with a free 7-day trial. source

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Technology service spending will reach $2 trillion in 2028, rising 4.6% year over year globally, much faster than GDP growth. We recently analyzed the earnings of six technology service providers and surveyed over 2,300 enterprise service decision-makers (with both business and IT titles) from 11 countries around the world to find out what’s going on out there. We have done a three-part analysis of the state of technology services: 1) co-innovation services; 2) provider selection, pricing, and management; and 3) strategic partnerships. Here are some highlights: Strategic service providers must be co-innovation partners, not just job shops. The primary driver of change in services is co-innovation. In this model, providers share risk and are motivated to achieve specific outcomes. They help you coordinate internal stakeholders and orchestrate cloud, software, and AI ecosystem providers. At the heart of co-innovation partner relationships is trust, which, at 47%, is the most important factor in selecting a provider. Providers’ growth stems from demand for core transformations … The days of random projects that didn’t move the needle on business growth or profitability are over. After 15 years of projects, firms are consolidating into core systems and laying the software, data, and process groundwork for the next wave of growth. In a recent earnings call, Cognizant emphasized “large deals” (code word for transformation or outsourcing) driving “fourth-quarter bookings [increasing] 11% year over year.” … and for a new wave of AI business investment. Almost half of respondents we surveyed say that AI is the most important technology for third-party services help — internet of things came in a distant second at 9%. During a December 2024 earnings call, Accenture CEO Julie Sweet reported $1.2 billion in new AI bookings and went on to say, “Those who really want to go into AI are more prioritizing spending as opposed to spending more.” Firms want results — not just people — and they’re willing to pay to achieve it. The survey reveals how prominent performance-based pricing models have become as a way to achieve outcomes, motivate providers, and share risk. In 2024, 45% of services decision-makers expected to expand their use of performance-based pricing and 46% expected to increase fixed-price contracts. We expect providers to make more fixed-price bids as they build generative AI-powered delivery platforms that improve delivery speed, quality, and predictability. Providers respond by amping up asset-driven business models. Thirty-five percent of North American and 38% of Asia Pacific respondents see data, content, and software assets as key benefits to working with service providers. Interestingly, only 25% of European services decision-makers are focused on a provider’s assets. With genAI disrupting service delivery economics — more value at lower cost — it’s important that providers bring more assets and solutions to help enterprises gain an AI advantage. Manage Service Providers To Maximize The Value They Bring The survey provides solid benchmarks for effectively managing providers, including these best practices: Regularly meet with your providers. Fifty-two percent of service decision-makers hold quarterly or even monthly meetings with providers to plan the roadmap for the next phase of their projects. By maintaining open lines of communication between providers and employees, organizations establish an integration strategy that fosters collaboration and ensures a cohesive approach toward objectives. Track quality and financial metrics to assess provider engagement levels. Survey respondents report that their organizations monitor key metrics such as quality (54%), financial performance (48%), and end user experience (47%). Organizations should develop a repeatable scoring method based on these metrics as a best practice to align their organizational goals with their partner’s plan. Ensure that providers satisfy stakeholders. Forty-one percent of decision-makers assess providers’ engagement using senior stakeholder satisfaction. Involving stakeholders in the evaluation process provides diverse senior-level management perspectives and helps gather insight into their performance and partnership qualities. If you want to dig deeper into co-innovation to maximize the value of partners, please reach out to me by scheduling a guidance session or an inquiry via email: [email protected]. If you have an offering that moves the needle on co-innovation, performance-based pricing, AI-powered delivery, or ecosystem orchestration, please consider scheduling a briefing: [email protected]. source

Although not a new technology by any stretch, web application firewall (WAF) solutions continue their evolution. Today, WAF solutions are cloud-based and protect applications and APIs in hybrid and multicloud environments. WAF solution vendors have expanded their remit to address API attacks and layer 7 DDoS and are working to integrate WAFs with bot management, API security, and client-side security tools to offer complete application protection platforms. This is good news for security pros, who continue to face an onslaught of application-based attacks. To execute successfully, security teams must operate more efficiently than ever and rely on a WAF solution that will limit/eliminate false positives, avoid performance lags, prevent outages, and more completely block attacks that would threaten their credibility with the product team and the business as a whole. Customers purchasing new WAFs or looking to upgrade their current WAF must consider: The best range of features to protect business-critical apps. WAF solution deployments struggle when false positives and false negatives threaten an application’s effectiveness and business value — and cause product leaders and developers to mistrust the security team. An effective WAF protects the application while allowing it to serve customers as intended with minimal friction. This requires solid detection, protection of apps and APIs from a range of attacks, automated policy updates, the ability to effectively create and test new rules, and simple management and configuration features that don’t disrupt the application’s performance and efficacy. The breadth and depth of automation and integrations. All vendors offer infrastructure-as-code (IaC) integrations and APIs to help customers scale WAF deployments and management functions. But security pros will want to check that vendors fully support APIs and IaC templates and keep them up to date with new features and functions. Also, check that integrations with security operations (SecOps), development and operations (DevOps), application scanning, and vulnerability management tools are easy to implement. For SecOps tools like security incident and event management (SIEM) and security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR), ask about granular data feed options, which help minimize data storage costs, and supported preconfigured dashboards. The vendor’s application protection platform strategy. A few years ago, most WAF solution vendors had acquired or built out adjacent solutions like API security, bot management, and client-side code protection and offered customers a portfolio of loosely coupled solutions. Today, many of these vendors are moving to turn these portfolios into true platforms with a unified management UI, shared context, and simplified pricing model. Security leaders should look at their WAF vendor’s platform strategy to see how it can grow with them and streamline their efforts in one or more adjacent categories. The Forrester Wave™: Web Application Firewall Solutions, Q1 2025, evaluates 10 of the top WAF vendors’ current offering and strategy and is available now! Forrester customers looking for a deeper dive can also set up an inquiry or guidance session. source

If your business needs immediate funding, short-term loans can be a good option to cover cash flow gaps or expansion plans. Loan amounts typically range from $2,500 to $500,000, with repayment terms of three months to two years. While interest rates can be higher than traditional loans, approvals often happen within 24 hours, making it very convenient for quick financing. The best loan depends on your needs, credit profile, and funding speed. Since terms vary by lender, comparing rates, fees, and repayment options is crucial. We evaluated loan amounts, approval speed, credit requirements, and repayment flexibility to help you choose the right option. Here are our top picks for the best short-term business loans: Best short-term business loans quick comparison Below, I summarized the top features I considered for the six lending providers. Here is our list of the best short-term business loans. Bluevine: Best overall short-term business loan Image: Bluevine Bluevine is a financial technology (fintech) company offering an outstanding line of credit with limits of up to $250,000. With interest rates starting at 7.8% and same-day funding, it’s ideal for managing cash flow and covering short-term expenses. Businesses can borrow as needed and only pay interest on the amount used, making it a fast and flexible financing solution with minimal paperwork. Over the past decade, Bluevine has served over 500,000 businesses, providing $14 billion in loans to support growth. See how business lines of credit differ from business loans. Why I chose it I chose Bluevine’s line of credit as the best short-term business loan for its flexibility, fast funding, and competitive rates. With high credit limits, low interest, and same-day financing, it’s a cost-effective way to pay off sudden expenses or go after growth opportunities. The simple online application, minimal paperwork, and no prepayment penalties make it even more appealing. Plus, opening a fee-free Bluevine Standard business checking account can streamline the process while earning you up to 1.5% APY on qualifying balances. Loan details Loan amount: Up to $250,000 Interest rates: 7.8% Terms: 6 or 12 months Funding speed: 24 hours How to qualify Business operation for at least 12+ months Have at least $120,000 in annual revenue Have a 625+ personal FICO credit score Must be a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) Have no bankruptcies in the past year Have good standing with your Secretary of State Business operation or incorporation in an eligible US state, ineligible states include Nevada, North Dakota, and South Dakota Have an active bank connection or statements from the last three months Pros and cons Pros Cons Line of credit with low rates PShort minimum time in business requirement Potential funding in 24 hours Ineligibility for Nevada, North Dakota, and South Dakota companies Limited eligibility to corporation or LLC entities Lendio: Best for newer businesses Image: Lendio Considered a free online loan marketplace, Lendio helps link small business owners with a network of over 75 lenders, including banks and online lenders. Rather than providing loans directly, it helps businesses compare diverse financing options to find the best fit. Among these are short-term business loans, which offer speedy funding to support your immediate business needs. Aside from short-term loans for business, Lendio also provides access to lines of credit, invoice financing, and other financing solutions. Why I chose it Lendio’s vast lender network and flexible qualifications make it one of my top choices for short-term business loans. The variety of lending options boosts approval chances, even for borrowers with credit scores as low as 550 (for certain loan products), making it ideal for newer businesses with limited operational history. It offers fast funding within one to two days, pre-approvals in 24 hours, and no loan matchmaking fees. Plus, a lending team member (called a funding manager) helps you find the best business loan and assists you in completing your application. Loan details Loan amount: $10,000 to $5 million Interest rates: 8.49% Terms: 6 months to 7 years Funding speed: One to three business days How to qualify A credit score of 600 Minimum time in business is 12 months Business annual revenue of over $96,000 Pros and cons Pros Cons Wide lender network, increasing approval chances Variety of loan options No fees for loan matching Rates, fees, and repayment terms depend on the lender you match with Not a direct lender, loan approval will remain on third-party providers Clarify Capital: Best for large, unsecured loans Image: Clarify Capital Clarify Capital is a lending firm that partners with over 75 lenders to help small and medium-sized businesses secure funding. Through a single application, a business owner seeking financing can check multiple loan options to compare rates and terms to identify the most suitable match. Loan options include term loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing. Why I chose it I chose Clarify Capital as the best for large, unsecured loans because it can connect businesses with lenders offering high loan amounts, up to $5 million, without requiring collateral. With a vast lender network, the approval chances increase for businesses needing substantial funding. Beyond short-term business loans, its unsecured loan options include business lines of credit, working capital loans, and merchant cash advances. They also have financial advisors guiding you through the entire process. Plus, applying takes just two minutes. Loan details Loan amount: Up to $5 million Interest rates: As low as 6% Terms: Varies; flexible. Funding speed: One to two days How to qualify Minimum $10,000 in monthly revenue A minimum credit score of 500+ Business is operational for at least 6 months Have a US business account Three to four months of recent bank statements to verify revenue Pros and cons Pros Cons Transparent, competitive financing. Funding within 24 hours Flexible repayment options are available Loan terms can vary with multiple lenders Not a direct lender QuickBridge: Best for easy application and fast approval Image: QuickBridge QuickBridge is a direct online lender that provides fast and easy short-term business lending. Known for its streamlined application process and quick

Image: mixmagic/Adobe Stock The EU suspects that Apple has breached the Digital Markets Act due to the company not allowing third-party hardware to connect with its platforms. Fines for noncompliance with the DMA can be up to 10% of the company’s total worldwide turnover, rising to 20% in cases of repeated infringement. The DMA applies to “gatekeeper” organisations that have a major economic impact in the EU (at least €7.5 billion in annual revenue in the EU per year for the last three fiscal years) and have more than 45 million monthly active users in the E.U., or more than 10,000 yearly active business users for at least three fiscal years. Must-read Apple coverage E.U.’s guidance for Apple about interoperability compliance Apple has been slapped with two sets of guidance on how to comply with the Commission’s interoperability requirements, relating to iOS connectivity features and the process for handling interoperability requests from developers, respectively. In the first set of measures, the Commission demands improved compatibility between nine iOS connectivity features and third-party devices such as smartwatches and earbuds. These features include notifications, automatic Wi-Fi connections, AirPlay, AirDrop, NFC features, and automatic Bluetooth audio switching. SEE: UK Watchdog Slams Apple & Google for Stifling Mobile Browser Innovation The second set of measures suggests how Apple should make its process for third-party app developers requesting interoperability within iOS and iPadOS features more transparent and predictable. This includes providing clear information about its internal features, giving timely request status updates, and setting a timeline for reviewing requests. E.U.’s decisions mark the end of a six-month investigation into Apple In September 2024, the Commission initiated two proceedings under the DMA to push Apple to enhance interoperability between iOS, iPadOS, and third-party devices to promote competition. Two months later, it presented its preliminary findings and proposed remediations to Apple, which, as of yesterday, have been officially adopted. If the Cupertino-based company doesn’t allow its users to connect Internet of Things devices made by third parties, it will never have real competition and will therefore not be incentivised to innovate and provide the best possible products. The same applies to Google and competing services, such as travel sites and shopping platforms. SEE: Advocacy Groups Criticise European Commission for Weak Regulation of Apple, Google A spokesperson for Apple told TechRepublic: “Today’s decisions wrap us in red tape, slowing down Apple’s ability to innovate for users in Europe and forcing us to give away our new features for free to companies who don’t have to play by the same rules. It’s bad for our products and for our European users.” In December 2024, Apple warned that granting third parties access to its technology stack could compromise privacy and security. It highlighted how Meta had made 15 requests for access to Apple’s software tools, including messaging and iPhone mirroring, under the DMA. If accepted, these requests would allow a company that “has been fined by regulators time and again for privacy violations” with swathes of sensitive user data, Apple argued. source

By Sadia Mirza, Casselle Smith and Charlene Goldfield ( March 21, 2025, 3:33 PM EDT) — On Feb. 20, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced the creation of the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit, which will replace the Enforcement Division’s previous Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit.[1]… Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence. Over 200 articles are published daily across more than 60 topics, industries, practice areas and jurisdictions. A Law360 subscription includes features such as Daily newsletters Expert analysis Mobile app Advanced search Judge information Real-time alerts 450K+ searchable archived articles And more! Experience Law360 today with a free 7-day trial. source

This week we published a new report looking at how generative AI (genAI) can bring fresh energy to an enterprise content management (ECM) program. Unlock The Potential of Your Documents With Generative AI is a call to action for content management leaders to explore new ways to engage with and exploit the value of their managed content.  Vendors in this market have been on an innovation hot streak, as evidenced in our recently published report, The Forrester Wave™: Content Platforms, Q1 2025. All evaluated vendors had genAI capabilities and roadmaps to support genAI’s ongoing evolution. Bring AI To Your Content Instead Of Bringing Your Content To AI  Enterprises with well-governed content repositories should have an unfair advantage with genAI success compared with businesses with poor content hygiene. Benefits include:  Protection of corporate content from training models. ECM vendors are adopting retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architectures to shield internal documents and avoid copying or uploading them to external models.  Respect for existing access controls and security policies. ECM systems provide access controls and other security policies to restrict access to roles/groups. Embedded genAI from ECM providers respect these existing permission structures and ensure that users get responses to their AI queries only if they have rights.  Reduced inaccuracy with AI queries and actions grounded in context. Vendors are exposing their genAI interfaces in workspaces, folders, or search results to ground a query or prompt in a subset of the content, providing more specific responses and links to source documents.  GenAI Can Create Value Across The Content Lifecycle  Where do we even start? Customers are still in early days of adoption of genAI in the context of their content management systems. This report provides specific examples of how genAI can add value across the content lifecycle, including:  Creation and collaboration Approvals and publication Archiving and disposition Want to talk further about genAI in the context of ECM? Or looking to invest in a modern content platform? Forrester clients are encouraged to set up a guidance session or inquiry to learn more.   source