#estimating service cloud-based

[asestimationsconsultants]

Best Estimating Service for Contractors | A Detailed Comparison Guide

Choosing the right estimating service is essential for contractors who want to submit competitive bids, control project costs, and increase profitability. With so many estimating services available, selecting the best one can be challenging. Each service offers different levels of accuracy, turnaround time, software integration, and pricing.

This guide provides a detailed comparison of some of the top estimating services for contractors, helping you determine which one fits your project needs.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Estimating Service

Before comparing specific estimating services, it's important to understand the key factors that influence their effectiveness:

Accuracy – The service should provide precise cost estimates, minimizing errors that could impact project budgets.

Software Integration – A good estimating service should use advanced software like PlanSwift, CostX, or RSMeans.

Turnaround Time – Fast estimates are crucial, especially for bidding on projects with tight deadlines.

Pricing Structure – Some services charge per estimate, while others offer subscriptions or bulk pricing.

Industry Expertise – Experience in residential, commercial, or industrial construction can make a difference in accuracy.

Customer Support – Reliable communication and assistance can improve the overall experience.

Top Estimating Services for Contractors

1. RSMeans Data by Gordian

RSMeans is one of the most trusted sources for construction cost data. It provides detailed cost estimates based on industry-standard data.

Pros: Accurate cost data, regularly updated pricing, useful for large commercial projects

Cons: Requires subscription, learning curve for new users

2. PlanSwift

PlanSwift is a digital takeoff and estimating software that helps contractors quickly measure plans and calculate material costs.

Pros: Fast and easy-to-use interface, integrates with other estimating tools, ideal for contractors who need quick estimates

Cons: Requires purchase and training, may not be ideal for highly detailed estimates

3. ProEst

ProEst is a cloud-based estimating software designed for contractors, providing real-time collaboration and integration with project management tools.

Pros: Cloud-based, integrates with BIM, offers detailed cost breakdowns

Cons: Higher price point, best suited for mid-to-large construction firms

4. FastEST

FastEST is a powerful estimating tool designed specifically for mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors.

Pros: Industry-specific features, detailed labor and material estimates, good for subcontractors

Cons: Not as versatile for general contractors, requires software purchase

5. Square Takeoff

Square Takeoff is an online-based estimating tool that allows contractors to perform digital takeoffs from anywhere.

Pros: Web-based, accessible from any device, easy to use for small contractors

Cons: Requires a stable internet connection, limited advanced features

6. Outsourced Estimating Services

For contractors who don’t want to use software themselves, hiring a professional estimating service can be a better option. Some well-known outsourcing services include:

QTO Estimating – Specializes in quantity takeoff for residential and commercial projects

Sigma Estimates – Offers customized estimates for contractors of all sizes

Construction Cost Estimating LLC – Provides fast and detailed cost breakdowns

Which Estimating Service is Best for You?

The right estimating service depends on your business size, project type, and budget. Here are some recommendations based on contractor needs:

For small contractors – Square Takeoff or outsourced estimating services offer affordability and ease of use.

For general contractors – PlanSwift and ProEst provide powerful estimating features with good scalability.

For specialized trades – FastEST is ideal for mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors.

For large construction firms – RSMeans and ProEst provide enterprise-level accuracy and data integration.

Conclusion

The best estimating service for contractors depends on project requirements, budget, and business size. Whether using estimating software or outsourcing estimates to professionals, selecting a service that delivers accurate, timely, and cost-effective results is essential. Investing in a reliable estimating service can improve project efficiency, reduce financial risks, and help contractors secure more profitable bids.

[of-stars-and-dust]

Astronomy Picture of the Day

2005 April 21

G21.5-0.9: A Supernova's Cosmic Shell

Credit: Heather Matheson & Samar Safi-Harb (Univ. Manitoba), CXC, NASA

Explanation: The picture is lovely, but this pretty cosmic shell was produced by almost unbelievable violence - created when a star with nearly 20 times the mass of the sun blasted away its outer layers in a spectacular supernova explosion. As the expanding debris cloud swept through surrounding interstellar material, shock waves heated the gas causing the supernova remnant to glow in x-rays. In fact, it is possible that all supernova explosions create similar shells, some brighter than others. Cataloged as G21.5-0.9, this shell supernova remnant is relatively faint, requiring about 150 hours of x-ray data from the orbiting Chandra Observatory to create this false-color image. G21.5-0.9 is about 20,000 light-years distant in the constellation Scutum and measures about 30 light-years across. Based on the remnant's size, astronomers estimate that light from the original stellar explosion first reached Earth several thousand years ago.

Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (USRA)

NASA Official: Jay Norris.

A service of: EUD at NASA / GSFC

& Michigan Tech. U.

[mariacallous]

Geopolitical storm clouds are gathering at the far reaches of Pax Americana, and yet there is remarkably little sign that the U.S. government or the American people have awoken to the mounting dangers. The threat posed by China and Russia and their rogue nation allies rated only passing mention in last year’s presidential campaign, for instance, which in typical fashion revolved around domestic issues such as the economy and inflation. Asked to choose among five issues in an NBC exit poll, only 4 percent of the voters surveyed during last year’s presidential election named foreign policy as a priority.

President Donald Trump has talked a lot about restoring strong U.S. leadership in an increasingly unstable world, but in its first two months, his administration has mostly sown chaos at home and doubt abroad about the reliability of the United States as an ally.

The administration’s ready-fire-aim approach to national security and world affairs stands in stark contrast to the sense of very real urgency felt at the United States’ geographic military commands, which are positioned forward around the globe.

In essence, these military headquarters are sentries on the far battlements of the U.S.-led, post-World War II international order. From their vantage point, Washington’s military and security forces already find themselves stretched thin by intense combat operations, hybrid and proxy warfare, and tense military standoffs with an increasingly cohesive “axis of autocracies” that is spread out over six time zones that span the globe.

Listen closely to the warnings from these outposts, and you can detect the sound of alarms clanging while the United States continues listing even as geopolitical storm clouds darken.

From the hillside headquarters of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Honolulu, commanders can gaze down on the tranquil waters of Pearl Harbor, where the surface of the water has an oily sheen resulting from persistent leakage from the once mighty battleship USS Arizona, sunk by Japanese bombs more than 80 years ago. The locals refer to the sheen as “black tears,” in memory of the 1,102 U.S. service members still entombed in the wreckage below.

Pearl Harbor is a place for quiet contemplation, and from the nearby vantage point of Indo-Pacific Command, it is impossible not to reflect on the dangers that accumulate when rising powers—such as 1930s-era Japan and Germany—confront status quo powers—such as that era’s Great Britain and the United States.

Today, the Indo-Pacific Command is consumed by the meteoric rise of another superpower in Asia—one whose bullying and provocations toward the United States and its regional allies have increased in rough proportion to a military expansion that recently retired leader of the command Admiral John Aquilino characterized as “the largest military buildup that we’re seeing in history, both conventional and nuclear.”

China’s massive defense manufacturing base now churns out weapons systems at a pace estimated at five to six times as fast as its anemic U.S. counterpart. Beijing already boasts not only the world’s largest navy, but also a shipbuilding capacity roughly 230 times that of the United States, according to Office of Naval Intelligence estimates.

Not coincidentally, in the past year alone, China’s armed forces have held live-fire exercises bracketing Taiwan, a democratic country that the Chinese Communist Party considers a breakaway province. Beijing’s People’s Liberation Army also regularly attacks the ships of the Philippines—a U.S. treaty ally—near contested islands. According to the Pentagon, since the fall of 2021 there have been more than 180 incidents of Chinese warplanes performing “coercive and risky” maneuvers targeting U.S. military aircraft in international airspace.

In congressional testimony in May 2024, Aquilino, then the head of Indo-Pacific Command, said that “all indications point to” the Chinese military meeting leader Xi Jinping’s deadline of being ready for a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027.

Given that three of China’s standing war plans are built around that Taiwan scenario, the Pentagon has held classified war games testing the U.S. military’s readiness for such a contingency dating back a decade. Many Americans are not even aware that those secret war games consistently indicate that U.S. forces would not only lose that war, but also that they would lose it fast.

Contemplating the growing disparity in defense industrial capacity and Beijing’s aggressive claim of hegemony over the entire South China Sea, then- U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall III summarized conventional wisdom in September 2023 while speaking at a conference: “China is preparing for war, and specifically for a war with the United States.”

Remarkably, the theater-wide view from the village of Mons, Belgium, home to NATO’s sprawling Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), is equally alarming.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 set off the largest conflict in Europe since World War II, is now in its fourth bloody year. During that time, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates that Putin has transitioned the Russian economy to a near-total wartime footing, spending an estimated 7.1 percent of the country’s GDP on defense in 2024.

Despite mounting a large military resupply mission to help keep Ukraine in the fight, the United States and its NATO allies have been continually deterred from more decisive support by a level of nuclear weapons saber-rattling and brinkmanship by Moscow that the world has not seen since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. That brinksmanship escalated dramatically in November 2024, after Russia attacked Ukraine for the first time with a new type of intermediate-range ballistic missile that is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead as well as conventional ones.

The virulently anti-Western axis of autocracies that has come to Russia’s aid in its aggression against Ukraine and its challenge to the supposed U.S.-led, rules-based international order is increasingly alarming to U.S. security officials. China has lived up to its “no limits” partnership with Russia, which was announced just before the invasion, rescuing it from the isolation of Western sanctions with bilateral trade that soared to a record $240 billion in 2023. Beijing acts as a willing buyer for Russian oil while supplying Moscow with subcomponents such as drone and missile engines as well as the semiconductors that are critical to its burgeoning defense industry.

Despite its own conflict with Israel, the theocratic regime in Iran has also stepped in with shipments of ballistic missiles and thousands of lethal Shahed drones for Moscow’s war against its democratic neighbor.

The rogue regime in the so-called hermit kingdom of North Korea, a de facto nuclear weapons state and the most insular dictatorship in the world, has likewise provided Russia with short-range ballistic missiles and what South Korean authorities have estimated as 8 million artillery shells. And in a dramatic escalation of the conflict, U.S. intelligence officials revealed in late 2024 that Pyongyang had also sent an estimated 12,000 special forces troops to fight alongside their Russian counterparts against Ukraine. U.S. officials believe that in return, Moscow is sharing advanced air defense systems with Pyongyang.

In response to Western support for Ukraine, Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency has also greatly intensified its hybrid war against Europe, resulting in what Western intelligence officials characterize as a “an unprecedented rise” in acts of sabotage, arson, cyberattacks and attempted assassinations on NATO soil. In an article in Financial Times, the heads of the CIA and Britain’s MI6 described Russian intelligence activity as a “reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe.”

Western efforts to keep Ukraine supplied, even with fundamental war materials such as standard munitions and low-tech drones, have also revealed glaring deficiencies in industrial capacity in the once-vaunted U.S. “arsenal of democracy.” According to NATO intelligence estimates, Russia is on track to annually produce nearly three times as many artillery shells as the United States and its European allies combined (with 3 million shells versus 1.2 million, respectively). Russia has also dramatically increased its production of relatively cheap drones. Its close ally Beijing already dominates the worldwide market for commercial drones, with just one Chinese company accounting for approximately 70 percent of global production.

The view of the Middle East from the U.S. Central Command Forward Headquarters at al-Udeid Airbase in Qatar is no more reassuring. The war against Israel that the Gaza-based Hamas militant group launched to devastating effect on Oct. 7, 2023, quickly revealed itself as a coordinated attack on the United States’ closest ally in the region by Iran-led proxies that constitute Tehran’s so-called axis of resistance, which comprises Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria, and Houthi rebels in Yemen. The resulting war thus rapidly spread throughout the volatile region, including in the form of rare direct attacks between Israeli and Iran proper.

From the outset of the conflict, the U.S. military surged forces to come to Israel’s defense, with the Biden administration dispatching two aircraft carrier battle groups beginning in fall 2023. As a result, U.S. warships and aircraft were involved in the most intensive combat operations at sea since World War II, helping to protect Israel from missile attacks by Iran and its proxies, responding to attacks on U.S. bases and ships in the region, and engaging with Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen in an attempt to thwart their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

While Iran and its axis of resistance have been seriously weakened by the conflict, the intense strains of recent combat deployments on a historically small and overstretched U.S. military have been exposed for all to see. Defense Department officials have admitted struggling to find sufficient air defense systems to protect their allies in both the Middle East and Europe, and they are running short of key munitions such as surface-to-air missiles.

In late 2024, the Pentagon also announced the withdrawal of the last U.S. aircraft carrier deployed in the region. Asked about the redeployments and the gaps in presence they represent, Gen. Charles Brown Jr., the recently sacked chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, noted that the Defense Department had no choice but to “step back and take a look” at spiking demand and the impact of extended deployments on U.S. forces, “not just in the Middle East, but really around the world.”

Back home, the Trump administration continues to signal a realignment away from the United States’ traditional role as the so-called leader of the free world, even recently voting with Russia and North Korea at the United Nations against resolutions condemning Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. For its part, Congress continues in its nearly unbroken, decadelong streak of failing to pass a defense budget on time, severely curtailing efforts to stabilize acquisition programs and reorient the Pentagon’s strategic direction to confront rapidly growing threats.

In a report published in December and titled “Restoring Freedom’s Forge,” Republican Sen. Roger Wicker, the new chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, took note of the urgency of this moment. “Over the last four decades, the defense acquisition system has ground to a virtual halt, buried under a mountain of statutes and regulations from Congress and the Pentagon,” he wrote.

And a congressionally mandated Commission on the National Defense Strategy (NDS) report released in July 2024 backed that conclusion with its own stark warning: “The threats the United States faces are the most serious and most challenging the nation has encountered since 1945 and include the potential for near-term major war,” the report began, noting that the United States has not fought such a global conflict since World War II, nearly 80 years ago, and last prepared for such a contingency during the Cold War, 35 years ago. “It is not prepared today,” the authors added.

Retired Rep. Jane Harman, the former chairwoman of the House Intelligence Committee, also served as the chair of the recent NDS Commission review.

In the event of a conflict with China or Russia, Harman noted in a recent interview with the Defense Writers Group, “there will be a major cyberattack on our critical infrastructure. When the lights go out in our cities, and our ports close, and our transportation systems melt down, people will start to pay attention. So maybe we can help them pay attention” ahead of what would surely be a catastrophe.

[foodiithika]

Fast Casual Restaurant Market Growth Projected to Reach $337.8 Billion by 2032

Fast casual restaurant offer a self-service model, often with limited table service, and place a strong emphasis on in-house dining ambiance, which features upscale decor based on various themes. Quality is a key focus, with customers expecting higher-grade ingredients at a price point between fast food and full-service dining. Customization is central to the fast-casual experience, which allow customers to customize their meals from a range of different ingredients. Some fast casual restaurants such as Chipotle and Shake Shack even include alcoholic beverage offerings. 

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The fast casual restaurant market was valued at $124.50 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $337.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2023 to 2032.

The key players in the global fast casual restaurant market have implemented a range of strategic initiatives, which includes geographical expansion, product launch, innovation, and acquisitions. These key developments have significantly increased the market share, driven profitability, and strengthened their competitive position within the market. The key players operating in the fast casual restaurant market include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Wingstop Restaurants, Inc., EXKI SA, Panda Restaurant group, Inc., Five Guys Enterprises, LLC., Famous Brands Limited, Restaurant Brands International Inc., Zaxby’s Franchising LLC., Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop, and Tortilla Mexican Grill PLC.

In addition, there are numerous fast casual restaurant chains which include Panera Bread, Sweetgreen, MOD Pizza, and Chopt Creative Salad Company. These establishments cater to a range of customer who seek the combination of convenience, quality, and customization offered by fast casual dining, making it a prominent and rapidly growing segment of the restaurant market.

The advent of cloud kitchens has brought a rapid shift in the restaurant industry by significantly reducing capital expenditure requirements, which has thereby facilitated the establishment of fast casual restaurant market growth with greater ease. This lower financial burden, coupled with the prospect of higher profit margins, has fueled significant investments in the fast-casual restaurant segment. Fast-casual restaurants typically demand lower initial capital in the beginning that effectively lowers the financial barrier to entry for entrepreneurs and investors who seeks to enter the market. Fast-casual chains are characterized by their strategic adoption of technology, which supports the businesses to streamline operations, enhance customer convenience, enable online ordering, delivery services, and engage with various customers through data-driven decision-making. This tech-driven approach contributes to increased operational efficiency and helps to provide improved overall business performance. Thus, there is a steady growth in fast casual restaurant market size in recent years, along with increased fast casual restaurant market share in different regions. 

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Moreover, the increase in automation within fast-casual kitchen operations and the rise of food delivery companies that specializes in door-to-door service create plenty of opportunities for further growth and expansion of these kitchen concepts on a global scale. Furthermore, many fast-casual chains offer franchise opportunities that facilitates the replication of successful business models in diverse locations all around the world. This franchising approach accelerates the proliferation of fast-casual chains, which thus contributes to rapid expansion of fast casual restaurant market. Thus, the combination of low entry barriers, the potential for robust profits, technological advancements, automation, and franchising opportunities is poised to drive the swift growth of the market during the fast casual restaurant market forecast..

Fast casual restaurants face challenges during the fast casual restaurant market analysis owing to economic uncertainties, which includes the possibility of rising unemployment and inflationary pressures globally. Fast casual restaurants, known for their fresh and health-conscious menus, come with premium prices that exclude budget-conscious consumers from the target market. The differences in prices, in comparison to more budget-friendly quick-service restaurants such as Subway or McDonald's, curtail their customer base, which thus limit their ability to serve a broader audience in the global market.

The fast casual restaurant industry recognizes the imperative role of technology in operational optimization. Integration of scheduling software, digital inventory tracking, automated procurement, and digital reservation systems offers substantial enhancements in revenue generation, inventory control, and customer satisfaction. This trend presents lucrative opportunities for fast casual restaurant stakeholders to streamline critical processes and improve efficiency. Moreover, the adoption of robot-assisted cooking technology in prominent chains such as Chipotle, White Castle, and Wing Zone presents huge market growth owing to increased convenience, reduction in labor costs, and faster food preparation, which ultimately leads to quicker customer service. Thus, fast casual restaurant market opportunities are growing owing to the advancement, which has led to fast casual restaurant market trends to flourish in recent times.

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The rapid spread of coronavirus has disrupted the smooth functioning of fast casual restaurant industry, owing to which the companies faced a downfall in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, but soon they managed to maintain their revenues after the restrictions were lifted and everything was back to normal in different regions. The outbreak started in China resulting in lockdown and ceasing of dine-in activities across the country. Moreover, recent developments in resurgence of second wave of COVID-19 in China was one of the major challenges the country faced owing to complete shutdown of all activities. Other countries in Asia were also facing the same predicament. Stringent rules across the Indian subcontinent disrupted the supply chain and interrupt the production activities. The duration of the virus outbreak remained a key factor in assessing the overall impact of the pandemic, however, lack of workers and disruption in supply chain were the major challenges for the engaged stakeholders all around the world.

The fast casual market is segmented into food type, mode of operation, nature, and region. On the basis of food type, the market is segregated into burger/sandwich, pizza/pasta, Asian/Latin American food, chicken, and others. As per mode of operation, it is divided into dine-in and takeaway. By nature, the market is bifurcated into franchised and standalone. Region wise, it is analyzed across North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Asean, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa).

[mahamid110]

🌍 Dubbify AI Review: Paste ANY Video URL & Instantly Translate, Dub, & Profit in Any Language! 🎬🗣️💸

Welcome to the future of video localization! Introducing Dubbify AI — the world’s first AI-powered video engine that takes any video URL and automatically localizes, translates, and dubs it into any language — using the original speaker's voice, tone, and emotion with jaw-dropping accuracy. 🎯✨

This tool isn’t just a translator — it’s a money-making machine. With its built-in marketplace, you can sell your dubbed videos as a service and keep 100% of the profit. Perfect for creators, marketers, agencies, freelancers, and anyone looking to tap into global traffic and audiences.

CLICK HERE TO GET INSTANT ACCESS NOW >>

🛠️ Key Features:

✅ Paste Any Video URL 🔗 Just drop the link — from YouTube, Vimeo, or other platforms — no need to upload files.

✅ AI-Powered Voice Dubbing 🧠🎤 Replicates the original speaker’s voice, with full emotion, inflection & tone.

✅ 100+ Language Support 🌐 Dub videos into any major language — reach global audiences effortlessly.

✅ Real-Time Translation & Localization ⏱️ Automatically adapts text, tone, and timing to suit native-speaking audiences.

✅ No Recording or Voice Actors Needed 🎙️ Say goodbye to studios, mics, and expensive voiceovers.

✅ Built-In Private Marketplace 🛍️ Get access to thousands of buyers actively seeking localization services — and keep 100% profits.

✅ Subtitles + Closed Captions 📝 Auto-generate accurate subtitles in multiple languages for accessibility & SEO.

✅ 100% Cloud-Based ☁️ Nothing to install — works from any device, anywhere.

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✅ Pros:

Super easy — literally paste and click

Retains speaker’s exact voice and emotion

No need for expensive tools, freelancers, or editing

Tap into new markets and audiences globally

Sell dubbing services with no overhead

Ideal for YouTubers, course creators, agencies, and influencers

❌ Cons:

Voice replication may require high-quality source audio for best results

Some niche dialects or regional expressions may not be 100% accurate

Free plan (if available) may be limited in dubbing minutes or features

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💵 Pricing & Upsells (Estimated):

Front-End Access – $37 (One-time)

OTO 1 – Pro Edition – $67 (More languages, longer videos, faster processing)

OTO 2 – Agency License – $97 (Manage clients + commercial rights)

OTO 3 – Marketplace Booster Pack – $77 (Access premium buyers, templates, and outreach tools)

OTO 4 – Reseller Rights – $197 (Sell the software & keep 100% revenue)

🎁 Exclusive Bonuses:

🎁 Viral Video Translator Guide 🎁 Top 50 Niche Markets to Target with Dubbify AI 🎁 DFY Outreach Scripts to Land Localization Clients 🎁 Bonus Bundle: Multilingual Video Templates Pack

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🎯 Who Is Dubbify AI Perfect For?

🔹 YouTubers & Content Creators

🔹 Course Creators & Coaches

🔹 Agencies & Freelancers

🔹 Affiliate Marketers

🔹 Local Businesses Going Global

🔹 Anyone Wanting to Monetize Video Localization

🔥 Final Verdict:

Dubbify AI is an absolute game-changer in the video marketing and localization space. It offers unmatched ease of use with mind-blowing AI dubbing technology, making global video content creation and service reselling easier and more profitable than ever.

If you’re ready to go global, create viral content in any language, or build a full agency income — without showing your face or speaking a word — this is the tool to grab.

Just paste. Click. Profit. 🌐🔥

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[winklix]

How Much Does React Native App Development Cost in California?

With the growing demand for mobile applications, businesses are increasingly opting for cross-platform solutions like React Native to reduce development time and costs. California, being a tech hub, has a vibrant ecosystem of app development companies, but the cost of development can vary significantly based on several factors. In this blog, we’ll explore the cost of React Native app development in California and what influences the pricing.

Factors Influencing React Native App Development Cost

1. Complexity of the App

The complexity of your app plays a crucial role in determining the cost. Apps can be categorized into three levels of complexity:

Simple Apps – Basic apps with minimal features, such as a calculator or to-do list. ($10,000 - $30,000)

Medium Complexity Apps – Apps with additional functionalities like user authentication, API integration, and database management. ($30,000 - $80,000)

Complex Apps – Feature-rich apps with real-time data sync, AI, AR/VR, or blockchain integration. ($80,000 - $200,000+)

2. UI/UX Design

An intuitive and appealing UI/UX is essential for user engagement. Custom designs and animations can increase costs but significantly improve user experience. UI/UX design costs in California typically range from $5,000 to $30,000depending on complexity.

3. Development Team

Hiring a development team in California is costlier than in many other regions due to high labor costs. The pricing varies based on the team’s experience:

Freelancers – $30 - $100 per hour

Small Agencies – $50 - $150 per hour

Established Development Firms – $100 - $250 per hour

4. Backend Development & Third-Party Integrations

If your app requires a strong backend, the cost increases. Cloud-based solutions like AWS, Firebase, or custom-built servers influence pricing. Additionally, integrating third-party services (payment gateways, APIs, analytics tools) can add $5,000 - $50,000 to the development cost.

5. Maintenance & Updates

Post-launch maintenance is essential for app stability. Maintenance costs can range from 15-20% of the total development cost per year to fix bugs, update features, and ensure compatibility with the latest OS versions.

Estimated Cost Breakdown for React Native App Development in California

Basic App Development - $10,000 - $30,000

Medium Complexity App - $30,000 - $80,000

Complex App Development - $80,000 - $200,000+

UI/UX Design$5,000 - $30,000

Backend & Integrations - $5,000 - $50,000

Maintenance (Annual) - 15-20% of dev cost

Ways to Reduce React Native App Development Cost

Prioritize MVP Development – Focus on a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to validate the idea before investing heavily.

Outsource Development – Hiring offshore or nearshore teams can reduce costs while maintaining quality.

Utilize Pre-built Solutions – Use pre-existing UI components and third-party integrations to speed up development.

Choose a Cost-effective Development Partner – Partnering with an experienced yet cost-effective development firm ensures quality without overspending.

Final Thoughts

React Native app development costs in California can vary widely based on complexity, team expertise, and required features. While it’s a cost-effective alternative to native development, strategic planning is essential to optimize the budget. If you’re considering building a React Native app, consult a reputable development firm to get a tailored cost estimate based on your specific needs.

Need help with React Native app development? Contact us today for a free consultation!

[nexustechnoware]

Why AWS is the Best Cloud Hosting Partner for Your Organization – Proven Benefits and Features

More entrepreneurs like e-store owners prefer Amazon Web Services (AWS) for cloud hosting services this year. This article will single out countless reasons to consider this partner for efficient AWS hosting today.

5 Enticing Features of AWS that Make It Perfect for You

The following are the main characteristics of Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2024.

Scalable

The beauty of AWS is that a client can raise or lower their computing capability based on business demands.

Highly Secure

Secondly, AWS implements countless security measures to ensure the safety of a client’s data. For example, AWS complies with all the set data safety standards to avoid getting lawsuits from disgruntled clients.

Amazon secures all its data centers to ensure no criminal can access them for a nefarious purpose.

Free Calculator

Interestingly, AWS proffers this tool to help new clients get an estimate of the total hosting cost based on their business needs. The business owner only needs to indicate their location, interested services, and their zone.

Pay-As-You-Go Pricing Option

New clients prefer this company for AWS hosting services because this option lets them pay based on the resources they add to this platform.

User-Friendly

AWS is the best hosting platform because it has a user-oriented interface. For example, the provider has multiple navigation links plus instructional videos to enable the clients to use this platform.

Clients can edit updated data whenever they choose or add new company data to their accounts.

Unexpected Advantages of Seeking AWS Hosting Services

Below are the scientific merits of relying on Amazon Web Services (AWS) for web design and cloud computing services.

Relatively Fair Pricing Models

Firstly, the AWS hosting service provider offers well-thought-out pricing options to ensure the client only pays for the resources they utilize. For example, you can get a monthly option if you have many long-term projects.

Limitless Server Capacity

AWS offers a reasonable hosting capacity to each client to enable them to store as much company data as possible. Therefore, this cloud hosting partner ensures that employees can access crucial files to complete activities conveniently.

Upholds Confidentiality

AWS has at least twelve (12) data centers in different parts of the world. Further, this provider’s system is relatively robust and secure to safeguard sensitive clients’ data 24/7.

High-Performance Computing

Unlike other cloud hosting sites, AWS can process meta-data within seconds, enabling employees to meet their daily goals.

Highly Reliable

Unknown to some, over 1M clients in various countries rely on AWS for web development or hosting services. Additionally, AWS is available in over 200 countries spread across different continents.

Finally, AWS’s technical team spares no effort to implement new technologies to safeguard their clients’ data and woo new ones.

Summary

In closing, the beauty of considering this partner for AWS hosting is that it has a simple layout-hence ideal for everyone, including non-techies. Additionally, the fact that this partner is elastic ensures that this system can shrink or expand based on the files you add.

At its core, AWS offers various cloud services, such as storage options, computing power, and networking through advanced technology. NTSPL Hosting offers various features on AWS hosting aimed at improving the scalability of cloud infrastructure for less downtimes. Some of the services NTSPL Hosting offers include pioneering server administration, version control, and system patching. Given that it offers round the clock customer service; it is a good option for those looking for a solid AWS hosting solution.

Source: NTSPL Hosting

[mastergarryblogs]

Organizations Market Insights: 7 Game-Changing Innovations to Watch

Explosive Market Growth Driven by Institutional Demand and B2B Innovation

The global organizations market is entering a transformative phase, with projections estimating a surge from USD 7.19 billion in 2022 to over USD 1,374.15 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 35.5% from 2024 to 2031. This rapid ascent is propelled by the rising demand across public, private, and non-profit sectors for comprehensive operational solutions, digitization, and long-term service integrations.

This organizations market encompasses a diverse array of business-to-business (B2B) interactions, with organizations procuring vast volumes of goods and services essential for internal functions and external service delivery. The key distinguishing feature of this sector is its emphasis on value-driven procurement, strategic supplier relationships, and multi-layered decision-making structures.

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Organizations Market Segmentation: Diverse Needs, Unified Demand

By Organizational Type

Private Sector

Organizations in this segment prioritize return on investment, agility, and innovation. Tech firms, manufacturers, and service providers drive procurement, investing in automation tools, logistics, enterprise software, and cybersecurity solutions.

Public Sector

Governments at all levels invest in infrastructure modernization, citizen services, and digital governance, acquiring long-term solutions in healthcare, education, defense, and transportation.

Non-Profit Sector

Focused on mission delivery over profit, these organizations allocate budgets toward solutions that enhance social impact, such as community management systems, sustainability technologies, and donor engagement platforms.

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By Product and Services

Raw Materials: Core components like chemicals, metals, and polymers that feed manufacturing and construction.

Finished Goods: Includes machinery, IT hardware, medical devices, and other end-use assets.

Durable Goods: Vehicles, production machinery, and infrastructure components.

Consumables: Everyday operational inputs—paper, lab reagents, medical disposables.

Service Verticals:

Consulting: Strategic and operational optimization across sectors.

IT Services: Digital transformation, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, SaaS.

Maintenance and Support: Preventive servicing and troubleshooting to maximize uptime.

Training and Education: Skill enhancement aligned with emerging tech and regulatory requirements.

Sector-Specific Applications: Customization at Scale

Healthcare

Technology is redefining patient engagement, diagnostics, and operational workflows. Investments in Electronic Health Records (EHRs), medical IoT devices, and AI-powered diagnostic tools are pivotal.

Education

Demand for Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual classrooms, and administrative software is intensifying as institutions modernize and scale their operations globally.

Finance

Financial organizations are deploying advanced analytics, fraud detection systems, and compliance engines to manage increasingly complex portfolios and regulatory landscapes.

Manufacturing

Driven by Industry 4.0, manufacturers are integrating MES systems, automation robotics, supply chain monitoring, and predictive maintenance platforms.

End-User Landscape: Decision-Making Dynamics and Tailored Solutions

Enterprises

Large-scale operations demand integrated ecosystems—ERP, CRM, HRM systems, and IoT networks—all with cross-border functionality and data analytics capabilities.

Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs)

Cost-effective, scalable solutions are paramount. Cloud-based services, modular ERP systems, and affordable IT support are highly sought-after.

Government Agencies

Prioritizing transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric services, agencies procure enterprise-grade digital infrastructure, secure data platforms, and AI governance tools.

Educational Institutions

A shift towards smart campuses and digitized learning ecosystems is catalyzing demand for IT infrastructure, real-time student tracking systems, and data-driven learning analytics.

Competitive Ecosystem: Leaders Shaping Organizational Digitization

Prominent players are pioneering the evolution of the organizations market, leveraging robust product portfolios, cloud ecosystems, and international presence. These include:

IBM – Cognitive business and AI-driven transformation.

Microsoft – Cloud-first enterprise solutions and productivity software.

Oracle – Database systems and ERP platforms.

SAP – Business process optimization and automation.

Salesforce – CRM innovation and customer experience platforms.

Dell Inc. – Scalable IT infrastructure.

Cisco Systems, Inc. – Networking and security.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) – Cloud computing and AI services.

Accenture – Strategy consulting and digital execution.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) – Edge-to-cloud platforms and intelligent edge.

These firms, alongside emerging disruptors, are aggressively competing through innovation, ecosystem partnerships, and vertical-specific customizations.

Regional Organizations Market Dynamics: Global Influence, Local Adaptation

North America

Characterized by early technology adoption and mature infrastructure, with the U.S. leading government digitization, cloud migration, and enterprise IT transformation.

Asia-Pacific

Rapid industrial growth and digital inclusion initiatives in China, India, Japan, and ASEAN nations are catalyzing exponential market expansion.

Europe

Focus on compliance, sustainable procurement, and smart public services underpins robust demand in Germany, UK, France, and Italy.

Middle East & Africa

Smart city initiatives and public-private partnerships are pivotal to regional growth, particularly in the GCC nations.

South America

Increasing investments in public services and education, notably in Brazil, are enhancing the role of digital solutions in regional development.

Organizations Market Forecast Through 2031

This growth trajectory reflects the unprecedented convergence of digital transformation, globalization of service procurement, and institutional modernization. Procurement behavior is increasingly favoring long-term contracts, as-a-service models, and modular solution architectures, facilitating both adaptability and ROI.

Strategic Imperatives for Organizations Market Participants

Vertical Specialization: Offer sector-specific configurations for healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and public services.

Sustainability Integration: Align procurement solutions with ESG goals and circular economy practices.

AI and Automation: Deploy intelligent systems that reduce human error and increase operational speed.

Cloud and Edge Synergy: Combine the scalability of cloud with the real-time benefits of edge computing.

Cybersecurity First: Integrate zero-trust security architecture from procurement to deployment.

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Conclusion: The Future of Organizational Procurement

The organizations market is on an unrelenting growth trajectory, reshaping how institutions across sectors and regions invest in infrastructure, services, and digital tools. To remain competitive, stakeholders must embrace tailored innovation, ecosystem integration, and client-centric strategies. The era of reactive procurement is over—strategic, proactive, and data-driven engagement defines the future of organizational marketplaces.

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[unisonglobususa]

Get Ready for Tax Season: Your Complete Preparation Checklist

For CPAs, EAs, and accounting firms, tax season is the most demanding time of the year. With numerous deadlines, evolving tax laws, and high client expectations, preparation is key to ensuring smooth operations. By staying organized and leveraging the right tools, firms can increase efficiency, reduce stress, and enhance client satisfaction.

At Unison Globus, we specialize in providing outsourced tax preparation, bookkeeping, and CPA support services to help firms navigate the complexities of tax season with ease. Our CPA services are designed to assist accounting firms in managing high-volume tax filings, ensuring compliance, and optimizing operational efficiency.

This guide provides a step-by-step tax preparation checklist, covering key deadlines, essential document organization, technology integration, tax law updates, client communication strategies, and workload management tips. Whether you’re an independent CPA or part of a growing accounting firm, this checklist will help you stay ahead during tax season.

Understanding Key Deadlines

Federal Tax Deadlines 2025

Missing tax deadlines can result in consequences and unnecessary stress. Here are some critical dates to remember:

January 31, 2025 – Deadline for employers to issue W-2s and 1099s to employees and independent contractors.

March 15, 2025 – Filing deadline for S corporations (Form 1120-S) and partnerships (Form 1065).

April 15, 2025 – Individual tax returns (Form 1040), C corporation tax returns (Form 1120), and first quarter estimated tax payments are due.

June 15, 2025 – Second quarter estimated tax payments due.

September 15, 2025 – Third quarter estimated tax payments and extended deadlines for S corporations and partnerships.

October 15, 2025 – Final deadline for extended individual tax returns (Form 1040).

Read Also: Tax Planning for Individuals: The Proven Guide for 2025

State Tax Deadlines

Each state has its own tax deadlines and requirements. CPAs and accounting firms should verify:

State-specific tax filing dates

Quarterly estimated tax deadlines

Unique state regulations affecting deductions, credits, and compliance

By maintaining an updated state tax deadline calendar, firms can proactively manage client filings and avoid last-minute complications.

Organizing Client Information

Gathering Necessary Documents

Clients should provide all relevant financial documents in a timely manner. A tax document checklist should include:

ü  Income-related documents: W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, and investment statements

ü  Expense records: Mortgage interest (Form 1098), business expense receipts, and medical bills

ü  Tax compliance forms: Prior-year tax returns, state-specific tax documents, and IRS correspondence

Tip: Encourage clients to use secure portals for document submission to ensure data security and streamline the collection process.

Implementing a Document Management System

A digital document management system simplifies tax season preparation by:

ü  Reducing paper clutter and improving accessibility

ü  Enhancing data security with encrypted storage

ü  Facilitating quick retrieval of client records

Recommended tools:

Canopy – Secure cloud-based tax document storage

Drake Documents – Integrated solution for CPAs

Smart Vault – Easy file sharing for accountants

Investing in the best document management software for accountants ensures seamless client data organization.

Section 3: Leveraging Technology

Tax Preparation Software

ü  Choosing the right tax software is crucial for accuracy and efficiency. Best tax preparation software for 2025 should offer:

ü  Automated tax calculations for reduced errors

ü  Seamless e-filing for federal and state tax returns

ü  Client portals for secure document exchange

Top picks for CPAs:

UltraTax CS – Comprehensive tax compliance

Lacerte – Best for complex tax returns

Drake Tax – Affordable and user-friendly

Automation Tools for Efficiency

Using tax automation tools can help accounting firms streamline repetitive tasks, including:

ü  Automated data entry – Reduces manual errors

ü  AI-powered tax review – Identifies compliance issues

ü  Automated client reminders – Keeps clients on track

Recommended tax automation tools:

TaxDome – CRM & workflow automation

Xero Tax – Cloud-based tax automation

Karbon – AI-driven accounting workflow

By integrating tax software for CPAs and automation tools, firms can save time, enhance accuracy, and improve client service.

Real also: Assurance in Numbers: Dissecting Internal and External Audits During Tax Season

Staying Informed of Tax Law Changes

Federal Tax Law Updates for 2025

Recent IRS tax law changes impact deductions, credits, and filing requirements. Key updates include:

Changes to standard deductions and tax brackets

Modifications to business tax credits

New IRS compliance requirements

Stay informed: Subscribe to IRS updates and leverage tax research platforms like Checkpoint or Bloomberg Tax.

State Tax Law Changes

Tax regulations vary by state, with new laws affecting:

State-specific deductions and credits

Compliance rules for remote workers

Updates on corporate tax rates

Tip: Use state tax tracking tools like Avalara or CCH Answer Connect to stay up to date.

Enhancing Client Communication

Effective Communication Strategies

Clear and proactive communication helps manage client expectations. Best practices include:

ü  Sending tax reminders via email or text

ü  Hosting webinars on tax law changes

ü  Providing FAQs to address common tax concerns

Recommended tools for client communication:

Practice Ignition – Automates client engagement

Slack or Microsoft Teams – Improves internal and client collaboration

Client Education Resources

Educating clients about tax season improves compliance and trust. Provide:

ü  Downloadable tax preparation checklists

ü  Informative tax planning newsletters

ü  One-on-one tax season consultations

Tip: Offer a "Subscribe for Tax Tips" option to keep clients engaged year-round.

Managing Workload and Stress

Time Management Techniques

To avoid burnout, CPAs and accounting firms should:

ü  Prioritize high-value tasks and batch similar work

ü  Set realistic client expectations

ü  Take breaks to maintain focus

Delegation and Outsourcing

Outsourcing non-core tasks can help firms stay efficient. Consider: ✔ Outsourcing tax preparation to reliable third-party providers ✔ Hiring seasonal staff for administrative work ✔ Using virtual assistants for appointment scheduling

Why outsource?

1.      Reduces workload during peak season

2.      Improves turnaround time for clients

3.      Allow firms to focus on high-level advisory services

Read Also: Taming Tax Season: Solutions for CPA Firms Facing Talent Shortages

Conclusion

Preparing for tax season requires a proactive approach. By staying ahead of deadlines, implementing efficient document management, leveraging tax software, keeping up with tax law changes, and maintaining strong client communication, CPAs and accounting firms can streamline their workflow and enhance client satisfaction.

With the right strategies, tax season doesn’t have to be stressful.  Let Unison Globus assist you in optimizing your tax preparation process!

This blog was originally posted here: https://unisonglobus.com/get-ready-for-tax-season-your-complete-preparation-checklist/

[zerosecurity]

Operation Kaerb - A Global Sting Cripples Phishing Empire and Secret Chat Network

In a series of coordinated global raids, law enforcement agencies have targeted a phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) platform and an encrypted communications network. These operations have led to numerous arrests and disrupted illegal activities spanning multiple continents. Operation Kaerb: Takedown of iServer Phishing Platform Europol announced the successful takedown of an international criminal network that operated a PhaaS platform called iServer. This platform was primarily used to unlock stolen or lost mobile phones, affecting over 483,000 victims worldwide. The operation, dubbed "Operation Kaerb," involved law enforcement agencies from Spain, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Key points of the operation include: - Arrest of an Argentinian national responsible for developing and running iServer since 2018 - 17 total arrests and 28 searches were conducted - Seizure of 921 items, including mobile phones, electronic devices, vehicles, and weapons - An estimated 1.2 million mobile phones have been unlocked illegally to date

The iServer platform targeted Spanish-speaking nationals from European, North American, and South American countries. It offered a web interface that allowed low-skilled criminals, known as "unlockers," to harvest device passwords and user credentials from cloud-based mobile platforms.

How the iServer phishing SaaS worked Ghost Platform Dismantled in Global Action In a separate but equally significant operation, Europol and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced the dismantling of an encrypted communications network called Ghost. This platform facilitated serious organized crime activities worldwide, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent acts. Highlights of the Ghost takedown include: - 51 suspects arrested across multiple countries - Seizure of weapons, drugs, and €1 million in cash - Takedown of a drug lab in Australia - Infiltration of the platform's infrastructure by the AFP The Ghost platform, which operated on custom Android smartphones, used three encryption standards and offered message self-destruction capabilities to evade detection. Cryptocurrency-Related Law Enforcement Actions In addition to the phishing and encrypted network takedowns, authorities have been active in combating cryptocurrency-related crimes: - German authorities seized 47 cryptocurrency exchange services that enabled illegal money laundering activities for cybercriminals, including ransomware groups and darknet dealers. - The U.S. Department of Justice charged two suspects with conspiracy to steal and launder over $230 million in cryptocurrency from a victim in Washington D.C. Read the full article

[asestimationsconsultants]

Cybersecurity Considerations in Cloud-Based Estimating Service Platforms

Introduction The rapid adoption of cloud-based tools in industries like construction, manufacturing, and engineering has revolutionized how businesses handle estimating services. Cloud-based estimating service platforms provide immense benefits, such as accessibility, collaboration, and real-time updates, which help companies improve efficiency and reduce costs. However, the increased use of these platforms also raises significant cybersecurity concerns. Protecting sensitive data, ensuring platform reliability, and maintaining secure access are all critical components of ensuring the success of cloud-based estimating services.

This article will explore the cybersecurity considerations that organizations must take into account when utilizing cloud-based estimating services. We will highlight the importance of robust security measures, best practices for mitigating risks, and the role of the cloud service provider in safeguarding data.

Understanding the Cybersecurity Risks in Cloud-Based Estimating Services Cloud-based estimating services store vast amounts of sensitive information, including cost estimates, project budgets, pricing data, and contract details. This data is crucial for project planning, and its loss or theft could result in financial, legal, or reputational damage. The cybersecurity risks in cloud platforms include data breaches, unauthorized access, data manipulation, and service outages that can disrupt operations.

Hackers and cybercriminals may target cloud-based estimating services to access proprietary cost data, sensitive client information, or intellectual property. This makes cloud security a critical concern for businesses that rely on these services. Additionally, the remote nature of cloud access increases the potential for data exposure, especially if users access the platform from unsecured devices or networks.

Choosing a Secure Cloud Service Provider One of the first steps in ensuring cybersecurity for cloud-based estimating services is selecting a reliable cloud service provider (CSP) that prioritizes security. Reputable CSPs offer advanced security features, including end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and continuous monitoring of their networks. They should also comply with industry standards and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), depending on the industry.

Before selecting a CSP, organizations should thoroughly evaluate the provider’s security protocols, certifications, and track record. It’s also important to assess the provider’s ability to scale security measures as your business grows. A strong partnership with a reputable provider ensures that security is embedded into the platform from the ground up.

Data Encryption and Secure Storage Data encryption is one of the most effective measures for securing sensitive information in cloud-based estimating platforms. By encrypting data both during transmission and at rest, companies can ensure that even if hackers intercept the data, they cannot access or misuse it.

In addition to encryption, secure storage practices are crucial for protecting estimating data. Cloud service providers should store data in secure data centers equipped with physical security measures, such as biometric access controls, surveillance, and disaster recovery plans. These physical and digital safeguards help protect against both cyber threats and natural disasters.

User Access Control and Authentication Controlling user access is another essential aspect of cybersecurity in cloud-based estimating services. Businesses must establish strict user access protocols to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive project data and cost estimates. This includes defining user roles, limiting permissions, and requiring strong authentication methods.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a powerful tool for enhancing access security. By requiring users to provide additional verification, such as a code sent to their mobile device, alongside their username and password, MFA ensures that only legitimate users can access the platform.

Organizations should also regularly review and update user access permissions to ensure that former employees or contractors do not retain access to sensitive information after their engagement ends.

Data Backup and Disaster Recovery Plans Data loss is a major risk for businesses relying on cloud-based estimating services. Whether due to a cyber attack, natural disaster, or technical failure, losing critical estimating data can severely disrupt project timelines and budget management. Therefore, having a solid data backup and disaster recovery plan is crucial.

Cloud-based platforms should offer automated data backups to prevent loss of estimates and other project information. It is important for businesses to regularly test their backup systems and ensure that data can be quickly recovered in the event of an incident. The disaster recovery plan should also outline clear steps for restoring access to the platform, rebuilding project estimates, and ensuring continuity of operations.

Monitoring and Incident Response Continuous monitoring of the cloud environment is essential for detecting potential security threats. Cloud service providers should implement real-time threat detection systems to identify unusual activities, such as unauthorized access attempts or unusual data transfers. Monitoring tools can also track user behaviors, alert administrators about security anomalies, and provide insights into potential vulnerabilities.

In addition to monitoring, businesses should have a clear incident response plan in place. This plan outlines the steps to take in the event of a cyberattack, such as isolating affected systems, notifying affected parties, and coordinating with cybersecurity experts. A well-defined response plan helps minimize the impact of a security breach and ensures that the organization can recover quickly.

Employee Training and Security Awareness Even with the best technology in place, human error remains one of the largest cybersecurity risks. Employees who are unaware of security best practices may inadvertently compromise data by clicking on phishing emails, using weak passwords, or accessing the platform from unsecured devices.

To mitigate this risk, organizations should provide regular cybersecurity training to all employees who use cloud-based estimating services. Training should cover topics such as identifying phishing attempts, using strong and unique passwords, and securing devices. A culture of cybersecurity awareness helps reduce the chances of a successful attack and empowers employees to play an active role in protecting company data.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements Depending on the industry, businesses using cloud-based estimating services must comply with various regulations related to data security and privacy. For instance, the construction industry may need to adhere to data protection laws, while healthcare-related estimating services might be subject to HIPAA regulations.

Cloud service providers should be transparent about their compliance with these regulations, and businesses should ensure that they understand their obligations when using cloud-based platforms. By partnering with a provider that meets the required compliance standards, companies can avoid legal and financial penalties while safeguarding their data.

Conclusion As cloud-based estimating services become increasingly integral to project planning and execution, securing sensitive data and protecting against cybersecurity threats are paramount concerns. Organizations must take proactive measures, such as selecting reputable service providers, implementing data encryption, controlling user access, and creating robust backup and disaster recovery plans. With a focus on cybersecurity, companies can confidently leverage cloud-based estimating services while minimizing the risk of data breaches and service disruptions.

By investing in the right security tools, maintaining ongoing monitoring, and ensuring employee awareness, businesses can strengthen the cybersecurity of their cloud-based estimating platforms and protect the valuable data that drives their projects forward.

[of-stars-and-dust]

Astronomy Picture of the Day

2005 February 4

V838 Mon: Light Echo Update

Credit: Hubble Heritage Team, ESA, NASA

Expanding light echoes continue to illuminate the dusty environs of V838 Monocerotis, mysterious variable star near the edge of our Galaxy. This stunning image, produced from Hubble data recorded in October of 2004, adds to a unique series of space-based, high-resolution views. After detecting a sudden outburst from the star in 2002, astronomers have followed the flash expanding at the speed of light through pre-existing dust clouds surrounding the reddened variable star. While the expanding light echoes are dramatic, astronomers have struggled to understand where V838 Mon itself fits into the stellar life cycle. Studies indicate the V838 Mon is a young binary system with a massive star responsible for the outburst. The Hubble image spans about 14 light-years at the estimated 20,000 light-year distance to V838 Mon.

Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (USRA)

NASA Official: Jay Norris.

A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC

& Michigan Tech. U.

[mariacallous]

According to recent U.S. government estimates, approximately 315,000 Russian soldiers have either been killed or wounded in the ongoing war in Ukraine. In comparison, Kyiv has lost a smaller number of troops than that on the battlefield—as many as 200,000—but has probably suffered just as many overall losses when civilian casualties from Russia’s indiscriminate bombardments and shellings are taken into account. The pace of the bloodshed in 2023 appears, by the best unclassified estimates, to have been similar to that of 2022.

For some, these numbers would suggest that Ukraine, with only about 1/4 the population of Russia within its borders today, cannot achieve victory or even sustain this conflict much longer. As a BBC journalist put it flatly, “time is not on Ukraine’s side.” Reports of corruption within military recruiting commands have intensified concerns, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to replace many of his senior military recruiters this past year in response. By November 2023, after 20 months of fighting, the average age of a Ukrainian soldier had risen to around 43 years old—a stark shift from the average age of 30 to 35 years old just one month into the conflict in March 2022.

Ukraine is now considering lowering its minimum draft age from 27 to 25 and whether it should try to grow its nearly million-strong military by an additional 50%. Ideally, the proposed mobilization could break the current military stalemate in 2024 or 2025, while also allowing some of those who have been on the frontlines over the last two years, to get a break or finally conclude their service and return home to their families.

Our reading of the demographics and of military history suggests that Ukraine does indeed have a serious problem on its hands. Demographic trends aren’t in Ukraine’s favor and wavering Western support casts a huge cloud. Yet, despite these challenges, Ukraine is not facing an acute and immediate manpower crisis and is not at short-to-medium-term risk of losing the war due to a hollowed-out army.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that troops and society-as-a-whole, are exhibiting signs of fatigue. Yet tiredness must not be misconstrued as readiness to surrender, nor should lower morale be mistaken for irresoluteness. This is not the moment to make Ukraine’s projected long-term challenges a self-fulfilling prophecy of defeat.

Consider some analogies from past wars. By summer 1864, Union troops in the American Civil War were due to reach the end of their three-year enlistments en masse. General Sherman had yet to take Atlanta; Generals Meade and Grant were losing battles to General Lee on a regular basis. Relative to Ukraine’s current plight, Union forces represented twice as large a share of the nation’s population and were suffering fatalities at roughly five times the annual rate per capita. As historian Bruce Catton wrote of the nation’s military manpower system, “Once it brought in the country’s best men, and now it brought in the worst.” Yet the Union prevailed.

In World War I, a conflict of which the current Ukraine war evokes memories for many, loss rates for each of the major parties were several hundred thousand fatalities a year—roughly ten times greater than in the current catastrophe. Yet no major military started to break until three years into the struggle. No one is wishing a similar fate upon Ukrainians or even Russians today. Nevertheless, the capacity for human resolve in the face of immense suffering should not be underestimated, especially when the cause is just, and national survival is at stake.

Kyiv does not disclose official troop or casualty numbers, but Ukraine is believed to have raised nearly one million troops out of a population of about 37 million (excluding refugees who have left the country) by relying on volunteer fighters and a draft that includes healthy men between the ages of 27 and 60. Meanwhile, it has been losing about 100,000 troops per year as casualties. Sustaining the force at its current size—or even enlarging it—will likely not be possible absent a change in policy.

Approximately 215,000 Ukrainian men will turn 27 this upcoming year. However, many of the most qualified individuals have already volunteered, while many others have health issues or nationally required professional specialties that preclude service. And yes, some will try to game the system to avoid service, as we have seen in most of America’s wars, too (even the most righteous, like the Revolution and Civil War). Considering these factors, Ukraine will most likely struggle to find 50,000 recruits this upcoming year, based on past trends.

But the situation is a far cry from the prospect of imminent defeat. Kiev has options. Lower the draft age to 25, as officially proposed in a draft bill by the Ukrainian cabinet. This change could potentially render up to 395,000 men turning 25 and 26 this coming year eligible to be conscripted, in addition to the approximately 215,000 Ukrainian men turning 27. Lowering the draft age to 21 would make approximately 685,000 more men potentially eligible and lowering it to 18 another 490,000. Create more incentives for women to join. Address claims of mistreatment of soldiers. And, if Western aid will support it, pay troops better so as to increase the proclivity to serve (we do not consider it inappropriate to employ such tools within America’s own military, nor should the Ukrainians). With such steps, Ukraine could, if necessary, sustain the current fight through the decade.

None of this is to suggest Ukraine should fight this war indefinitely, of course, and at some point, Ukrainians may decide that an imperfect peace (if negotiable with Russia) is preferable to more carnage. But in a fight for Ukrainian national survival, we should be reticent to make that judgment for them just yet. And nothing about core demographic fundamentals suggests they should feel forced to reach it themselves anytime soon.

[elsa16744]

The Role of Data Analytics Consulting in Business Growth 

Professional data analysts guide corporate clients in modifying operations, attracting customers, and solving business problems. Therefore, they can assist brands in increasing operational efficiency for better profit margins and crafting exceptional growth strategies. At the same time, integrating new tech advancements like large language models (LLMs) empowers analytics consultants to process qualitative data for comprehensive insights. This post will elaborate on the crucial role of data analytics consulting in business growth and competitive resilience.  

What is Data Analytics? 

Data analytics employs computer-aided statistical models to discover reliable industry trends, competitor tactics, and consumer insights. Its input datasets comprise consumer purchase history, supply chain details, and regional market entry challenges. 

A consulting analyst might utilize proprietary and open-source programs to develop statistical models and flexible reports to deliver insights based on clients’ instructions. Therefore, experts in data analytics consulting services will find the best approach to cost reduction without losing data integrity. They might also help share the digital governance liabilities amid the rise of privacy and investor confidentiality regulations.  

Understanding the Role of Data Analytics Consulting in Business Growth 

1| Creating a Data Strategy to Accomplish Business Goals 

Relevant data is essential for responsible decision-making, clever milestone determination, and strategy innovation. Data analytics allows organizations to check how a data point relates to its long-term vision and performance. 

For instance, prioritizing tangible results helps make reports more impactful. Eliminating data points that do not align with business goals can help reduce resource consumption for storage and visualization. After all, streamlined computing is a prerequisite for operational efficiency. 

2| Forecasting Scenarios for Risk Assessment and Mitigation  

Data analysts interpolate data points to estimate the missing values in a database. Likewise, they leverage machine learning (ML) models to offer predictive analytics consulting services for revenue, risk, and industry projections. 

Related forecasting report creation programs require powerful computing hardware. Otherwise, enterprises use cloud platforms for scalability and expert-assisted tech maintenance. Letting a data analyst team oversee these developments will also enable brands to benefit from outsider perspectives during risk or resilience management. 

3| Making Reports More User-Friendly with Precise Performance Insights 

Complex and over-tabulated reports make employees spend more time performing standard tasks like sharing a record or comparing identical series. Data analytics consultants can revise reporting methods and presentation styles to boost the ease of navigation. They will guide your team in efficiently using recognized and emerging analytical tools. 

Consultants must also demonstrate command over performance metrics monitoring through straightforward, real-time updates. When they quickly capture anomalies, promptly tracing and rectifying inefficiencies becomes possible.  

3| Gathering Relevant Intelligence 

Data quality managers consider relevance to business objectives essential for responsible decision-making and preventing wasteful resource usage. Therefore, experienced data analytics firms refrain from employing data mining methods without adequate programming for relevance-based filtering. 

When you store irrelevant business intelligence (BI), you increase the risk of slowing data sorting and query-led quick retrieval. After all, your IT resources must scan vast datasets before providing the best output or insight. The related role of analytics consulting in business growth encompasses devising methods to restrict irrelevant BI processing. 

4| Finding Unique Customer Experience Insights 

Several consultants offer customer analytics comprising engagement metrics and customer experience (CX) enhancement ideas. They can also evaluate whether a customer will help increase brand awareness through word-of-mouth promotions. 

Companies can leverage heatmaps and website engagement metrics to ascertain user interactions and intents. For instance, many consumers prefer surfing the web and reviewing businesses’ online presence for informational and commercial intent. You want to customize landing pages to match the intent and design programs based on frequent usage for CX improvements. Telemetry and usage analytics specialists will help your designers test and optimize the required elements. 

5| Helping Manage Workers and Data Culture 

Human resource insights describing how employees contribute to organizational initiatives allow managers to reward the top performers. Simultaneously, they can determine which employees need further guidance on efficient workflows and team coordination. 

Examining employee performance through ML-assisted analytics necessitates secure data pipelines because employees’ personally identifiable information (PII) also attracts cyber threats. Consider identity theft attackers stealing and forging virtual IDs to hijack enterprise IT systems for corporate espionage. 

Therefore, you are better off collaborating with established human resource analysts and data culture veterans. They can facilitate comprehensive insights without hurting your company’s governance standards. 

6| Accelerating Innovation and Monitoring Patents 

A company’s intellectual property (IP) rights demonstrate its domain expertise and unlock additional revenue through licensing or sublicensing regimes. However, as markets mature, multiple brands will inevitably promise identical or commoditized offerings. This situation makes it harder to differentiate these brands based on standard specifications. 

Innovation engineering, a discipline inspired by the systems approach for hybrid tech tools, is essential to making your branded offerings attract investments and demand. At the same time, data analytics consulting is indispensable for uncovering innovation opportunities to ensure clients’ business growth. It reduces the time spent tracking registered patents and predicting legal conflicts in securing IP rights. 

The Methods in Data Analytics for Steady Business Growth 

Time series analysis describes a business’s past performance and forecasts future growth potential. Furthermore, you can apply it to market intelligence, competitor insights, and investor relations. 

Regression analysis establishes or investigates the relationship between dependent and independent variables to create statistical models. These models can later help explore specific predictions. 

Cluster analysis often groups data points based on similar attributes to streamline conditional sorting, visualization, prioritization, and multi-model methods. 

Meanwhile, factor analysis emphasized data reduction to highlight latent variables. These variables explain the underlying data structure, informing data leaders’ strategies for efficient modeling. 

Predictive and prescriptive analyses deliver scenario simulations. You want to define constraints related to favorable and unfavorable decision outcomes. Next, exploring the risk-reward aspects will help discard potentially harmful decisions or strategies. Prescriptive methods give risk mitigation ideas concerning internal and external threats. 

Conclusion 

Data-centric business growth depends on responsible data source selection, safe data storage, fast validation, and short time-to-insight (TTI). Accordingly, professional data analysts recognize these requirements, sharpening their skills and augmenting their toolkits to deliver smart insights and meet client expectations. 

A supply chain analytics expert will help reduce the delays between material acquisition, production, inventory replenishment, remote delivery, and final distribution. At the same time, a human resource analyst categorizes employees and suppliers based on their key performance indicators (KPIs). A financial analyst can provide practical cost reduction recommendations, and a risk analyst will devise resilience-ensuring mitigation strategies.  

As a result, leaders must identify what type of data analytics consulting role will let them accomplish business growth objectives for the given quarter. Do they want to solve a problem involving in-house operations or plan to enter a new market? Similar considerations will impact how you select analytics partners and tools. This process might overwhelm you, indicating a need for experts’ oversight from the beginning till the project completion. 

[techhy-simpson]

Smart Growth: Cost-Saving Expansion Tactics for Startups

For any growing startup, scaling up in a cost-effective way is a dream and a dilemma. These young businesses aim to boost their reach and operations. The big question is: Can they increase their team size without burning through their budget? This is where staff augmentation comes in. It's a practical, flexible method that lets startups grow without breaking the bank.

A Look at Startup Expansion Pitfalls

Take a fictional startup, ByteWave, as a case in point. Three university pals had a fantastic idea for a cloud-based service and ByteWave was born. After a year, their user base ballooned to 50,000. This explosive growth brought a heap of operational headaches. ByteWave's tiny 12-member team was swamped, battling to stay afloat amidst demands for customer support, software updates, and fresh feature rollouts.

Traditional hiring seemed the logical move. However, it's a costly option. The Society for Human Resource Management estimates the average cost of recruiting a new U.S. worker is $4,129, taking an average of 42 days. For a startup like ByteWave, this approach was simply out of reach in terms of time and budget.

The Benefits of Staff Augmentation

Staff augmentation is a far more efficient solution. It gives startups the flexibility to temporarily hire skilled personnel for key roles. ByteWave could quickly bring in specialist developers and customer service agents for specific projects. This gave the founders the ability to dynamically scale their team, tackling particular problems without the delays and costs of full-time recruitment.

A Smart Financial Move

Staff augmentation brings significant savings. Deloitte's research shows businesses can save as much as 30% in labor costs by adopting flexible staffing models. These cost cuts result from reduced essential overheads like benefits, office space, and training costs. Plus, it speeds up time-to-market. Deloitte's study also discovered projects are completed 20-25% quicker with staff augmentation, giving startups a crucial competitive edge.

Success Stories

Numerous real-world examples demonstrate how startups have used staff augmentation effectively:

Airbnb: To boost user appeal, Airbnb brought in freelance photographers to produce quality property listings, enhancing the platform's appeal without having to recruit full-time photographers.

Slack: During a critical period of rapid growth, Slack used remote contractors to provide 24/7 customer support, avoiding the costs of a large, permanent team.

Uber: Expanding into new locations, Uber used local contractors for tasks such as driver onboarding and market research, allowing fast growth without the long-term overheads of permanent local staffing.

Steps to Implement Staff Augmentation

If you're a startup considering staff augmentation, follow these practical steps:

Be Transparent: Define the needed skills and roles. This helps you find the right talent.

Choose Wisely: Partner with reliable staffing agencies or platforms that are familiar with your industry. They can quickly hook you up with vetted professionals.

Foster a Team Spirit: Treat augmented staff as integral team members. Make sure they attend meetings, have the necessary tools and keep communication lines open.

Be Clear: Set out the scope, deadlines, and deliverables for each project. This ensures all parties are on the same page and promotes effective collaboration.

Share Knowledge: Ensure the knowledge and experience that the temporary staff bring is shared with your permanent team.

Challenge Navigation

Staff augmentation, while beneficial, is not without its obstacles. Here's how to address them:

Building the Team: Temporary staff might not naturally fit into your company culture. To bridge this gap, include them in team activities and clearly communicate your values and aims.

Maintaining Standards: Keep high-quality work by setting clear quality benchmarks, and conducting regular work reviews.

Data Protection: Safeguard critical information with strict NDAs and limit access to crucial systems.

Employee Relations: Permanent team members might feel uneasy about temporary staff. Be clear about the roles of augmented staff and stress that they are an additional resource, not a threat to the core team.

The Way Forward

The move towards flexible work arrangements is increasing. An Upwork study predicts that by 2028, 73% of all teams will include remote workers. This factors make staff augmentation an appealing option for startups. Tools for remote project management and communication like Trello, Asana, and Slack are helping facilitate this shift, allowing efficient collaboration regardless of location.

Conclusion

Staff augmentation can be a lifesaver for startups trying to expand while preserving their budgets. It permits them to bring in specialized skills as needed, accelerate growth, and compete effectively without long-term financial commitments.

[scloudsg]

What Palworld Teaches Us About Gaming and Cloud Resilience

Palworld, a gaming sensation blending open-world survival crafting with monster collection mechanics, has stormed the gaming charts, amassing a player base exceeding a staggering 19 million. Yet, this triumph is not without its challenges, particularly in the realm of server infrastructure. The CEO of Pocket Pair, Takuro Mizobe, recently shed light on the substantial financial commitment required to maintain Palworld’s servers, sparking discussions on the intricate interplay of server costs, overloads, and innovative solutions.

Palworld Server Struggle: A Costly Triumph

Palworld’s ascent to gaming glory has been nothing short of phenomenal, with millions of copies sold on both Steam and Xbox. However, this meteoric rise has brought forth a unique set of challenges, primarily centered around the game’s server infrastructure. Mizobe, in a candid post, disclosed that the server maintenance alone has incurred a whopping 70 million yen, equivalent to approximately $475,000. This revelation underscores the significant financial investment required to sustain the game’s expansive player base.

The humor injected into Mizobe’s acknowledgment of the potential for bankruptcy from server fees hints at the substantial burden these costs impose on Pocket Pair. Despite the game’s enormous success, with over 19 million players, the monthly server fee is rapidly approaching $480,054, translating to an estimated annual expenditure of nearly $6 million. This financial strain raises questions about the sustainability of maintaining such an extensive and active player community.

Navigating to Avoid Palworld Server Overload

The unprecedented success of Palworld, while a cause for celebration, has not been without its share of challenges, notably in managing server overloads. The surge in player numbers during the game’s launch phase resulted in a less-than-ideal initial experience, with bugs and limitations impacting the seamless gathering of in-game companions, known as Pals. Furthermore, the multiplayer aspect of Palworld on Xbox currently supports only 4-player co-op, presenting a bottleneck for players seeking larger collaborative experiences.

Despite these challenges, Pocket Pair has exhibited resilience, remaining committed to delivering an optimal gaming experience for its player community. The dedication to ensuring service continuity is evident in Mizobe’s proclamation to never let the service go down, coupled with substantial investments in server infrastructure to accommodate the game’s growing popularity.

Cloud Solutions from Hyperscalers: Navigating the Showdown

Recognizing the need for additional server capacity to address overload issues and sustain Palworld’s thriving player base, Pocket Pair took an unconventional approach. They encouraged players to explore private servers, a move that sparked a cloud computing showdown between Alibaba Cloud and Tencent Cloud in China.

Released on Steam on January 19 this year, Palworld’s popularity skyrocketed, selling over 8 million copies in under six days. The ensuing server overload challenges prompted Alibaba and Tencent to step in with dedicated server plans tailored for Palworld players in China. Alibaba’s plans cater to groups of eight or 20 players, offering monthly fees ranging from 26.5 yuan to 271.8 yuan. Tencent mirrored these prices, showcasing the competitive landscape in China’s cloud computing market.

This strategic move by Alibaba and Tencent not only addresses the immediate server challenges faced by Palworld but also highlights the intense competition between the two tech giants in the rapidly evolving cloud computing space.

Factors for Players in Choosing a Private Game Server Provider

For players considering the transition to private servers for Palworld, several key factors should guide their decision-making process.

Capacity is a critical consideration, ensuring that the chosen server provider can adequately handle the demands of Palworld’s expansive player base.

Cost-effectiveness is another vital factor, with players weighing the pricing structures of different private server plans.

Reliability takes center stage, as an uninterrupted gaming experience is paramount.

Technical support and additional resources offered by the hosting provider play a crucial role in maintaining a smooth operation.

The geographic reach of the server provider is a practical consideration, ensuring accessibility for players in various regions.

The competition between Alibaba Cloud and Tencent Cloud provides players with diverse options, allowing them to tailor their hosting solutions based on these key factors. As the cloud computing giants engage in a pricing and service feature showdown, players stand to benefit from a variety of choices to enhance their Palworld gaming experience.

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Conclusion

Palworld’s journey to gaming stardom has unveiled intricate challenges related to server infrastructure. The financial implications of maintaining a massive player base, coupled with server overload issues, have prompted innovative solutions from cloud computing giants Alibaba and Tencent. As players explore the realm of private servers, thoughtful consideration of key factors will ensure a seamless and enjoyable Palworld gaming experience in the ever-evolving landscape of online gaming.

Source:

https://wccftech.com/palworlds-server-costs-are-astonishing-but-live-service-experience-is-critical-pokemon-like-mod-is-out/

https://www.theloadout.com/palworld/servers-xbox

https://www.breakinglatest.news/technology/microsoft-and-pocket-pair-work-hand-in-hand/

https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/02/36909275/alibaba-tencent-spark-cloud-computing-showdown-with-server-offers-for-palworld-a-hit-game-compared-t

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This article is re-published from: https://www.scloud.sg/resource/what-palworld-teaches-us-about-gaming-and-cloud-resilience/