#secure staffing software

[proaipath]

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[vistabusinessgroup]

The Vista process is designed to get you maximum value for your business, sell your business in a timely manner and find the right buyer for your business. Contact Vista today to learn more.

[gigflexsocial]

Tired of the Scheduling Headache? Here’s Why Security Teams Are Turning to Smart Software

IntroductionWhen you operate a security event—be it an elite occasion or a business location—you already have plenty to worry about. A scheduling nightmare is the last thing you need.

However, the reality is that organizing shifts, managing last-minute changes, and covering all posts can easily become a job on its own. And when you continue using spreadsheets, phone calls, and outdated systems, you’re likely wasting more time solving issues than preventing them.

That’s where security guard scheduling software steps in. Not as a buzzword. Not as another “solution” you’ll never actually use. But as a real, working system that takes a huge weight off your shoulders—and helps your team run smoother than ever.

The Real Problem: Scheduling That Doesn't ScaleYou know the drill.

Someone calls in sick. Another guard shows up at the wrong location. A shift gets double-booked. And just like that, your whole plan starts to unravel.

For growing security firms, these aren’t just hiccups—they’re costly, reputation-damaging issues. And they always seem to happen when you can least afford them: during peak hours, high-risk events, or when you're already stretched thin.

How Modern Software Actually HelpsThis isn’t just about saving time (though it definitely does that). It’s about giving your team the structure and tools they need to perform at their best.

Here’s how today’s best scheduling platforms, like GigFlex’s StaffWorks, make a real difference:

1. No More GuessworkThe system knows who’s certified for what, where they are, and when they’re available. So instead of assigning blindly, it suggests the right guard for each shift—automatically.

2. Fewer Calls, Fewer SurprisesShift reminders go out on their own. Guards check in through the app. You see real-time updates from the dashboard. And if someone doesn’t show up? You’ll know immediately.

3. Better Coverage, Less Running AroundWith built-in GPS and geofencing, you can be sure your guards are actually on-site—not "on the way" or stuck in traffic. And if someone wanders off? You’ll be the first to know.

4. Easier to ScaleWhether you're managing weekend events or around-the-clock coverage at a business complex, the system flexes with you. It’s built for the unpredictable reality of security work.

What This Means for Your BusinessAt the end of the day, your clients expect more than just guards at the door. They expect professionalism, punctuality, and peace of mind.

And that all starts with how well you plan behind the scenes.

When your scheduling works well, everything falls into place—guards appear on time, no gaps in the shifts, and you spend less time putting out fires and more time growing your business.

You also build trust. Clients notice when your team is organized and alert. So do your guards. When they know where to be, who to report to, and what’s expected, they perform better—and stay longer.

Not All Software Is Created EqualTo young or fast-growing security companies, scheduling issues aren’t just operational headaches—they’re expensive reputation killers. And they always seem to pop up at the worst times: during rush hours, high-risk events, or when your team is already stretched thin.

So, what should you look for?

Must-Have Features in Security Guard Scheduling Software:

Location-aware scheduling (not just time-based)

Real-time updates and mobile check-ins

Integration with your current systems

Admin dashboards that actually make life easier

Flexibility to handle both static posts and mobile patrols

GigFlex’s StaffWorks platform is built with all of this in mind. It’s not about adding more tech for the sake of it—it’s about simplifying what’s already complex.

You Deserve Better ToolsYou already put in the long hours. You handle pressure. When others step back, your team steps up. You shouldn’t have to wrestle with outdated tools just to keep things afloat.

Security guard scheduling software isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a shift in how you manage your team, your time, and your peace of mind.

If you’re still doing it the hard way, maybe it’s time to see what smart scheduling actually feels like.

[qa-programmer]

A Synopsis on Cybersecurity

Do you realize how dangerous, vulnerable, and imminent cyberattacks are becoming?

Businesses need to be more alert since these assaults are become more common and complex. The increasing audacity and cunning of attackers makes it harder to protect against them. Businesses are now losing millions of dollars annually as a result of data breaches; in the third quarter of 2022 alone, over 15 million records were compromised. Data breaches are becoming more expensive on average; by 2022, they will cost $4.35 million. This represents a startling 12.7% increase from 2020 and a noteworthy increase from 2021. Furthermore, fraud in decentralized finance (DeFi) is causing organizations to lose more than $3 billion by 2021. Businesses are also confronting a growing array of new challenges as cyber threats continue to emerge.

Businesses everywhere are being forced to reevaluate their cybersecurity infrastructures and develop critical strategies due to these concerning trends. The initial step towards enhancing network security is comprehending safety and security. Three concepts that are often used in cybersecurity—threat, vulnerability, and risk—are discussed in this article along with their relationships.

Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk All that constitutes risk is the potential for a cyber-attack to result in the loss, destruction, or damage of assets or data. That which heightens the probability of an adverse consequence, such a threat actor exploiting a flaw in your system, is referred to be a threat.

The definition of a vulnerability is a flaw that lets adversaries access your data and assets through your apps, infrastructure, or networks.

Things you need to do to prevent Cyber Attacks

-Establish and carry out security principles. Put into action a robust cybersecurity plan. -Employ firewalls and antivirals -Make backups of your data and apply security fixes. -Regularly verify the updates for CERT-In. -Utilize safe passwords and multi-factor authentication wherever possible. -Assist the IT department in thwarting assaults. -Adopt IT education and training programs. -Execute routine cybersecurity audits. -Limit who is able to access personal information. -Observe people and programs that are not affiliated with you.

Organizations and people may traverse the digital environment more confidently if they have a thorough awareness of the range of cybersecurity threats, risks, and vulnerabilities.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Caleb Ecarma and Judd Legum at Popular Information:

Several of Elon Musk’s associates installed at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) have received unprecedented access to federal human resources databases containing sensitive personal information for millions of federal employees. According to two members of OPM staff with direct knowledge, the Musk team running OPM has the ability to extract information from databases that store medical histories, personally identifiable information, workplace evaluations, and other private data. The staffers spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly and feared professional retaliation. Musk Watch also reviewed internal OPM correspondence confirming that expansive access to the database was provided to Musk associates.

The arrangement presents acute privacy and security risks, one of the OPM staffers said. Among the government outsiders granted entry to the OPM databases is University of California Berkeley student Akash Bobba, a software engineer who graduated high school less than three years ago. He previously interned at Meta and Palantir, a technology firm chaired by Musk-ally and fellow billionaire Peter Thiel. Edward Coristine, another 2022 high school graduate and former software engineering intern at Musk’s Neuralink, has also been given access to the databases.

Other Musk underlings embedded at OPM following President Donald Trump’s inauguration include the agency’s new chief of staff, Amanda Scales, who until January was a human resources staffer at xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence firm, and Brian Bjelde, who has spent the past 21 years at Musk's SpaceX, including the last 10 leading the human resources department. They are joined by Gavin Kliger, a former Twitter software engineer serving as a special advisor to the director of OPM, and Riccardo Biasini, a former software engineer at Musk’s tunneling venture, the Boring Company. OPM did not respond to a request for comment. Shortly after Trump took office, OPM installed Greg Hogan to serve as its new chief information officer (CIO). Hogan was tapped to replace OPM CIO Melvin Brown, who had accepted the job less than a month ago. The civil servants who oversee the OPM’s information technology services were then instructed to provide access to Musk's associates, according to the OPM staffers who spoke to Musk Watch. One of the OPM staffers received an email from the agency’s new leadership instructing them to give Musk’s team “access [to] the system as an admin user" and "code read and write permissions." “They have access to the code itself, which means they can make updates to anything that they want,” the staffer explained. USAJOBS, the federal government’s official hiring site, was one of the systems that Musk's associates were given access to. The database stores personal information — Social Security numbers, home addresses, employment records — provided by private individuals who have applied for federal jobs, regardless of whether the applicants went on to work for the government. Musk’s aides were also given access to the OPM’s Enterprise Human Resources Integration (EHRI) system. Contained within the EHRI are the Social Security numbers, dates of birth, salaries, home addresses, and job descriptions of all civil government workers, along with any disciplinary actions they have faced. “They’re looking through all the position descriptions… to remove folks,” one of the OPM staffers said of Musk’s team. “This is how they found all these DEI offices and had them removed — [by] reviewing position description level data.” Other databases Musk’s team has access to include USA Staffing, an onboarding system; USA Performance, a job performance review site; and HI, which the government uses to manage employee health care. “The health insurance one scares me because it's HIPAA [protected] information, but they have access to all this stuff,” the OPM staffer noted.

[...] A new server being used to control these databases has been placed in a conference room that Musk’s team is using as their command center, according to an OPM staffer. The staffer described the server as a piece of commercial hardware they believed was not obtained through the proper federal procurement process. There is a legal requirement that the installation of a new server undergo a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), a formal process to ensure the change would not create any security vulnerabilities. But in this instance, the staff believes there was no PIA. “So this application and corresponding hardware are illegally operating,” they added. On Friday, Reuters reported that some senior civil servants have been blocked from accessing the EHRI and other OPM systems, making it difficult for career OPM employees to know what Musk’s team has been examining or modifying. In the same report, the outlet revealed the team had moved sofa beds into the agency's headquarters to continue their work around the clock.

This should be a major national news scandal.

Elon Musk and the underlings he put in place at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) have jeopardized data privacy and national security.

[meret118]

Elon Musk's henchmen have reportedly installed a commercial server to control federal databases that contain Social Security numbers and other highly sensitive personal information.

. . .

"According to two members of OPM staff with direct knowledge, the Musk team running OPM has the ability to extract information from databases that store medical histories, personally identifiable information, workplace evaluations, and other private data," wrote investigative reporters Caleb Ecarma and Judd Legum. "The arrangement presents acute privacy and security risks, one of the OPM staffers said."

. . .

The government outsiders were identified as University of California Berkeley student Akash Bobba, a software engineer who graduated high school less than three years ago and interned at Meta and Palantir, and Edward Coristine, another 2022 high school graduate and former software engineering intern at Musk’s Neuralink.Musk also installed former xAI employee Amanda Scales as the OPM's new chief of staff, and he placed in the department longtime SpaceX employee Brian Bjelde, former Twitter engineer Gavin Kliger and former Boring Company software engineer Riccardo Biasini.

. . .

The civil servants in charge of the office's information technology services were instructed new chief information officer Greg Hogan, who took over after Donald Trump's inauguration, to grant full access – including "code read and write permissions" – to Musk's associates, according to the OPM staffers.“

They have access to the code itself, which means they can make updates to anything that they want,” the staffer said.Musk's associates now have access to federal government’s official hiring site USAJOBS and OPM’s Enterprise Human Resources Integration (EHRI) system, as well as USA Staffing, USA Performance and employee health care website HI, which together store Social Security numbers, home addresses, employment records, birthdates, salaries, private health information, job description and disciplinary actions.“

They’re looking through all the position descriptions… to remove folks,” said one OPM staffer. “This is how they found all these DEI offices and had them removed — [by] reviewing position description level data.""The health insurance one scares me because it's HIPAA [protected] information, but they have access to all this stuff,” the staffer added.

[nzminds]

Today’s companies need software that’s built around their unique goals, workflows, and customers. That’s where custom software development comes in, giving businesses the flexibility to create smart, scalable, and secure solutions tailored to their exact needs.

[insbytech9]

Insbytech – The Best Software Development Company in Noida for All Your Digital Needs

Insbytech stands out as the best software development company in Noida and Delhi NCR, offering top-tier software testing, staffing, and digital e-learning solutions tailored for business growth.

In the fast-evolving digital world, businesses need a tech partner they can rely on. Insbytech is recognized as the best software development company in Noida, known for delivering innovative, scalable, and secure software solutions. Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, our experienced team transforms your ideas into powerful digital products that drive real results.

As the best software development company in Delhi NCR, we specialize in custom software, mobile apps, and enterprise solutions that enhance efficiency and customer engagement. But we don’t stop there. Insbytech is also a trusted software testing company in Noida, offering manual and automated QA services to ensure your software is bug-free and performs perfectly.

Looking for the best staffing company in Noida? We provide flexible and effective staffing solutions to help you find the right tech talent. Additionally, Insbytech is celebrated as the best digital e-learning company in Noida, offering cutting-edge e-learning platforms and content development for educational and corporate training needs.

Partner with Insbytech—where innovation, quality, and reliability come together to support your digital success.

[gonzalez756]

12 Advantages and Disadvantages of ECommerce | Imagency Media

The rapid growth of eCommerce has transformed the way businesses operate, bringing both remarkable advantages and notable challenges. Understanding these can help businesses leverage eCommerce to its fullest potential or address its drawbacks effectively. Let’s dive into 12 key advantages and disadvantages of eCommerce.

Advantages of eCommerce

Global Reach eCommerce breaks down geographical barriers, allowing businesses to reach customers worldwide. This expansive reach helps businesses tap into new markets and grow their customer base beyond local limitations.

Lower Operational Costs Running an online store can be significantly cheaper than maintaining a physical storefront. Costs like rent, utilities, and staffing are greatly reduced, allowing businesses to reinvest savings into marketing and product development.

24/7 Availability Unlike traditional stores, eCommerce sites operate round the clock. This availability caters to customers in different time zones, providing a seamless shopping experience anytime, anywhere.

Personalization and Customer Experience eCommerce platforms can gather data on customer behavior, preferences, and purchase history, allowing businesses to offer personalized recommendations and improve the overall shopping experience.

Easy Scaling and Growth Scaling an online business is much simpler than expanding a brick-and-mortar store. Adding new products or services, targeting new demographics, and adjusting to market demands can be done quickly and efficiently.

Enhanced Marketing Opportunities Digital marketing strategies such as social media advertising, email marketing, and SEO are particularly effective for eCommerce. These channels allow businesses to target specific audiences and track results in real-time.

Disadvantages of eCommerce

Lack of Personal Touch Despite technological advances, online shopping often lacks the personal interaction found in physical stores. This absence of human touch can make it harder to build customer loyalty.

Security and Privacy Concerns With the rise in cybercrime, protecting customer data is a major concern for eCommerce businesses. Ensuring robust security measures is critical but can be costly and complex.

Dependence on Technology eCommerce heavily relies on technology, including websites, payment gateways, and software. Technical glitches, downtime, or slow-loading pages can lead to lost sales and damage to the brand’s reputation.

High Competition and Price Wars The ease of starting an online store has led to increased competition, making it difficult for smaller businesses to stand out. Price wars are common, often squeezing profit margins.

Shipping and Logistics Challenges While eCommerce allows businesses to reach a global audience, shipping products efficiently can be complex and costly. Issues like delayed deliveries, high shipping fees, and logistics mishaps can affect customer satisfaction.

Difficulty in Handling Returns and Refunds Returns are more prevalent in eCommerce, especially in fashion and electronics sectors. Handling returns and refunds can be costly and time-consuming, often eroding profit margins.

Conclusion

eCommerce offers vast opportunities for growth, flexibility, and global reach, but it also comes with challenges that businesses must address. By understanding these advantages and disadvantages, companies can better strategize and create a seamless, customer-friendly eCommerce experience.

Contact us

Imagency Media can help you navigate the eCommerce landscape, providing expert insights and tailored solutions to maximize your online success.

[unisonglobususa]

Why India is One of The Finest Outsourcing Destinations for Accounting Services

Offshoring in the accounting industry continues to rise, with over 66% of U.S. companies offshoring at least one business process by 2022, many looking towards India as a key destination. When it comes to Offshoring accounting services, India leads the pack due to its cost advantages, skilled workforce, and technological prowess, establishing itself as the “Offshoring Capital of the World.”

Cost Efficiency

One of the primary reasons U.S. firms choose India for Offshoring is the significant cost efficiency it provides.

Lesser Workforce Costs: Indian Offshoring offers access to a skilled workforce at a fraction of U.S. costs. For instance, the average salary for a qualified accountant in India ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 annually, compared to $70,000 to $100,000 in the U.S. This substantial difference translates to savings between 30% to 60%, allowing firms to invest those funds in other strategic areas.

Favorable Exchange Rates: Favorable exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Indian rupee further amplify cost benefits, making Offshoring to India a financially sound decision for U.S. accounting firms aiming to enhance revenue and efficiency.

Skilled Workforce

India’s talent pool is its most asset in the Offshoring industry.

Highly Qualified Professionals: India hosts the world’s largest accounting workforce, with over 10 million accountants and bookkeepers. This extensive pool includes globally certified professionals, future-proofing companies’ accounting needs with a skilled yet younger workforce.

Expertise in International Standards: Indian professionals have deep expertise in global accounting standards like GAAP and IFRS. This proficiency ensures seamless integration with U.S. firms’ existing systems, delivering high-quality outputs with minimal learning curves.

Advanced Technology Infrastructure

India’s technological infrastructure enhances the efficiency of outsourced services.

State-of-the-Art Technology: Indian Offshoring firms leverage the latest technology to streamline accounting processes. From advanced accounting software to secure cloud-based solutions, India remains at the forefront of technological adoption, improving service efficiency.

Data Security: With a strong commitment to data security, Indian firms comply with international data protection standards like GDPR and SOC 2. This compliance ensures that sensitive financial information remains safe, meeting global benchmarks.

Time Zone Advantage

India’s geographical time difference with the U.S. creates a strategic advantage for firms looking to optimize their operations.

Extended Work Hours: With a 9–12-hour time difference, Indian Offshoring enables 24/7 operations, reducing turnaround times and increasing service efficiency. This continuous workflow allows U.S. firms to maintain momentum and stay competitive.

Seamless Communication: India ranks 10th globally in English proficiency, facilitating clear and effective communication. Advanced project management tools and regular updates ensure alignment across different time zones.

Focus on Core Activities

Offshoring to India allows U.S. firms to strategically allocate resources toward core business activities.

Strategic Allocation of Resources: Firms that offshore routine tasks like bookkeeping and payroll processing can enhance efficiency by 20% to 40%. This enables them to focus on strategic growth initiatives, client relations, and advisory services.

Enhanced Productivity: Offshore staffing allows firms to respond quickly to market changes and client needs, boosting productivity by up to 40% and improving overall competitiveness.

Proven Track Record

India’s long-standing reputation in the Offshoring industry is supported by a proven track record of success.

Success Stories: Over 90% of Fortune 500 companies, including Big Four firms like Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, have established offshore centers in India. These firms benefit from India’s skilled workforce and reliable service delivery.

Industry Recognition: India’s accounting offshoring market continues to dominate globally, accounting for over 50% of the market share. This recognition underscores its position as the premier Offshoring partner for U.S. accounting firms.

Conclusion

India’s cost efficiency, skilled workforce, technological advancements, and proven track record make it the ideal Offshoring destination for accounting services. With projected growth rates of over 17% through 2028, India is poised to lead the global offshoring market.

If you’re a CPA, EA, or accounting firm in the U.S. looking to enhance your operations and scalability, consider India as your strategic partner. Leverage the right Offshoring strategy to achieve increased efficiency, cost savings, and business growth.

Ready to Raise Your Accounting Practice with Strategic Offshoring?

At Unison Globus, we empower CPAs, EAs, and accounting firms with reliable and cost-effective Outsourcing solutions. Our skilled team, state-of-the-art technology, and commitment to data security make us the ideal partner for your growth.

Don’t miss the opportunity to optimize your resources and focus on what matters most—building client relationships and scaling your practice. Schedule a consultation with our experts today by visiting our website at Unison Globus, or reach out via email at hello@unisonglobus.com.

Original Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-india-one-finest-outsourcing-destinations-accounting-wcisf/

Disclaimer The information and statistics presented in this article are based on research from reputable sources, including industry reports, surveys, and recognized organizations. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data, Unison Globus does not guarantee its completeness or timeliness. Readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with a professional advisor to address their specific needs and circumstances.

[beardedmrbean]

The technologically savvy older brothers of a slain Texas college student handed over data extracted from social media accounts later used to secure convictions in the case. 

Zuhyr Hamza Kaleem, 22, was shot dead then buried in a premeditated killing by former classmates in 2019, prosecutors said.

Jose Varela, now 24, was sentenced last week to 45 years in prison in the death of 22-year-old Zuhyr Hamza Kaleem. Eric Aguilar, now 25, was sentenced to life in prison on capital murder charges last November. 

Austin Walker, also charged with capital murder in the case, pleaded guilty and is scheduled for a presentencing information hearing on Thursday, Harris County District Attorney's Office Community Outreach Coordinator John Donnelly told Fox News Digital.

A fourth man, Gannon Gotlieb, was charged with tampering after admitting to burying and burning Kaleem's body on his property in Grimes County, per the office; the status of that charge is unclear. 

Varela, Kaleem and Aguilar grew up in the same area near Houston, where Varela and Kaleem were classmates at Cypress Lakes High School near Houston. 

Kaleem agreed to meet at Varela's home in Katy to buy two pounds of marijuana on April 27, 2019, per court documents. After closing the garage door, Varela restrained Kaleem and Aguilar shot him, prosecutors said. 

"This was a premeditated murder that left a family questioning what happened to their loved one for more than a year," Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said in a statement. "With help from the victim’s family and great police work, we were able to get justice in this horrible case."

CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE FLAUNTS AI IN CREEPY 'FRAUD-FOR-HIRE' COMMERCIAL MEANT FOR DARK WEB

The recovery of Kaleem's body and the group's arrests, nearly a year to date from the murder, were achieved in part due to the investigative work of the victim's older brothers. 

Baffled by the Lone Star College student's disappearance, software engineer Umayr Kaleem, 31, told Fox News Digital that his family did not "have the option to just turn the other way and quit" when their brother and his car disappeared. 

"We're brothers. We've always been hardworking, ambitious – that's how our parents raised us," he said on Tuesday. 

Brothers Umayr and Uzair, a software engineer and mechanical engineer, respectively, learned from a close friend that Kaleem intended to buy marijuana the last day he was seen alive.

After he uncharacteristically failed to return their calls and texts, the brothers accessed his Snapchat account to see with whom he was last in contact. 

Valera, saved in their brother's phone as "Jose Cylakes Bayliss Long Hair" – referring to the high school that both attended – was the last person Kaleem had spoken with before his activity on the messaging app came to a halt. After reading a message that was no longer viewable, per court documents reviewed by Fox News Digital, Valera deleted Kaleem as a contact. 

AUSTIN POLICE ASK ROBBERY VICTIMS TO CALL 311 AMID STAFFING SHORTAGE, CRIME CRISIS

The brothers accessed Kaleem's phone contacts via his laptop, found Valera's phone number and began researching.

"From there, we started asking around, looking on Facebook, Googling him," Uzair, 27, told Fox. "We found a Facebook profile and it was clear that this was the last person Z talked to – we gave that information to police."

It was "pretty evident," Uzair said, that his brother's killers "tried going into Z's phone to wipe it completely," per notifications on the slain college student's MacBook. Although they "knew they were trying to do some weird s--- on their end," their family "wasn't going to let that happen."

The day after Kaleem vanished, his missing vehicle was observed crossing the border into Mexico from Hidalgo, Texas, per court documents. Almost 10 hours later, Varela crossed back into the United States on foot, police said. 

Call records obtained by police showed that Varela had communicated with Walker that day. Snapchat messages between the two pulled by police showed that Varela had asked Walker to bring him clean clothes. 

After his arrest on April 24 last year, Aguilar claimed that the gun went off accidentally after Kaleem pulled it out in an argument during the drug deal – but prosecutors argued that the killing and subsequent robbery had been planned over a period of weeks based on harvested text and call logs. 

Moreover, the brothers told Fox News Digital, Gotlieb testified that, as he buried the man's body, he noticed Kaleem sustained a bullet wound to his hand as though he had raised it in defense.

"These defendants thought they had gotten away with murder and had moved on with their lives, but they had not counted on the victim’s brothers and law enforcement relentlessly pursuing Kaleem’s whereabouts," Assistant District Attorney Tiffany Dupree said in a press release. "This family went an entire year, pining away, praying for their loved one to come home only to find that his remains had been burned because of some marijuana and a couple of hundred bucks."

Uzair and Umayr told Fox News Digital that Valera's sentence – 45 years in prison with parole eligibility in 2033 – "didn't make any sense whatsoever."

"I think everybody in that courtroom was absolutely shocked," Umayr said. "Even just the prosecutors, there were tears in their eyes. The family is horrified. This person pleaded guilty to premeditated murder. [But] he'll be... on parole less than 20 years from today. He'll be right back on the street."

In light of the "absurdly light" sentence, he said, it's "incredibly hard to be happy." 

"The worst prison in the world is a home full of pain – that's all there is, just pain," Umayr said. "We go to birthdays, we try to celebrate things as a family, but it's always awkward. It's been years but that awkwardness, that pain is still there."

Uzair told Fox that his brother intended to transfer to the University of Houston and study business. The courtroom in both Aguilar and Valera's trials, he said, was "packed" with his brother's friends and family. 

[vistabusinessgroup]

Daydreaming about selling your business? Daydreaming about getting maximum value for your business? Daydreaming about selling your business in a timely manner? Daydreaming about finding the right buyer for your business? Vista can help make that a reality.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

#20yrsago TiVo’s new PC-viewing deliberately broken https://memex.craphound.com/2004/01/09/tivos-new-pc-viewing-deliberately-broken/

#20yrsago Doc Brite’s “fans” lock him out of fan-board for his own fiction https://docbrite.livejournal.com/2004/01/02/

#20yrsago Why can’t Homeland Security tell the difference between Al Quaeda and small children? https://www.salon.com/2008/08/11/security/

#15yrsago China’s astroturf army http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7783640.stm

#15yrsago Abandoned Prime Minister’s mansion in Beirut — infiltration photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/poisonbabyfood/sets/72157612306706777/

#15yrsago Mandelbrot the fractal teddy-bear https://web.archive.org/web/20090118205736/https://buttonsformouse.blogspot.com/2008/12/mandelbrot-fractal-bear.html

#10yrsago Google Glass is a borg mullet https://web.archive.org/web/20140208050826/https://medium.com/the-nib/4ac09b78f0bb

#10yrsago Insane Clown Posse and ACLU sue FBI over calling juggalos a gang https://www.techdirt.com/2014/01/08/insane-clown-posse-sues-fbi-calling-juggalos-gang/

#10yrsago When the FBI asks you to weaken your security so it can spy on your users https://www.pcmag.com/news/what-its-like-when-the-fbi-asks-you-to-backdoor-your-software

#10yrsago Great Firewall of Cameron: the worst of all worlds for British parents https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jan/08/david-cameron-great-firewall

#10yrsago Brilliant NSA scandal illustrations https://www.wired.com/2014/01/how-the-us-almost-killed-the-internet/

#10yrsago More experts pull out of RSA conference https://jeffreycarr.blogspot.com/2014/01/nsas-10m-rsa-contract-origins.html

#10yrsago Sardine in Outer Space: anarchic kids’ science fiction comic https://memex.craphound.com/2014/01/09/sardine-in-outer-space-anarchic-kids-science-fiction-comic/

#10yrsago EU invites Snowden testimony https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-25669448

#5yrsago Bell Canada asks Canadians for permission to harvest and sell their browsing, location, viewing and other data https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bell-customer-data-1.4969066

#5yrsago Medieval book opens six ways, revealing six different texts https://erikkwakkel.tumblr.com/post/74300240443/six-books-one-binding-heres-something-special

#5yrsago Cambridge Analytica pleads guilty, faces the first in a probable series of criminal convictions https://www.thedailybeast.com/cambridge-analytica-pleads-guilty-in-uk-data-trial

#5yrsago Samsung phone owners are upset because they can’t delete the Facebook app https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-08/samsung-phone-users-get-a-shock-they-can-t-delete-facebook

#5yrsago Someone’s finally going to jail over the Panama Papers: a Turkish journalist who reported true facts from them https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/jan/09/journalist-pelin-unker-sentenced-to-jail-in-turkey-over-paradise-papers-investigation

#5yrsago A history of the sprawling personality clashes over RSS https://www.vice.com/en/article/a3mm4z/the-rise-and-demise-of-rss

#5yrsago American towns survive by fining poor people, and use debtors’ prisons to make them pay https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/08/magazine/cities-fine-poor-jail.html

#5yrsago LA school district prepares for teachers' strike with army of expensive scabs https://www.latimes.com/local/education/la-me-edu-teachers-strike-staffing-20190107-story.html,/a>

#5yrsago Serbia erupts in nationwide protests after assassination attempts prompt fears of fascist resurgence https://globalvoices.org/2019/01/09/belgrade-protests-against-serbian-president-aleksandar-vucic-escalate-to-nationwide-demos/

#5yrsago Saudi law now requires sending a text to women after their husbands secretly divorce them https://www.loweringthebar.net/2019/01/saudi-women-text-message-divorce.html

[ajeetsgroup]

Engineering Hiring Agencies: Bridging the Talent Gap in a Competitive Market

As global demand for engineering expertise continues to rise, companies across industries face increasing pressure to find, attract, and retain top-tier technical talent. Whether it's infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, IT, or aerospace, the success of complex projects depends heavily on skilled engineering professionals.

However, sourcing the right talent is far from easy in today's competitive labor market. That's why many organizations are turning to engineering hiring agencies to streamline their recruitment process, access specialized candidates, and ensure long-term workforce stability.

Understanding Engineering Hiring Agencies

Engineering hiring agencies are specialized recruitment firms that focus exclusively on engineering and technical roles. Their core function is to connect employers with qualified professionals across various engineering disciplines, including:

Civil Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Structural Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Software & IT Engineering

Instrumentation and Control

Environmental Engineering

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

These agencies leverage deep industry knowledge, curated candidate networks, and strategic sourcing tools to deliver talent that fits both the technical needs and organizational culture of the employer.

Why Engineering Hiring Is Increasingly Complex

Recruiting engineers involves far more than reviewing resumes and scheduling interviews. Companies today face several critical challenges:

1. Skills Shortage

Many regions report a significant gap between the number of open engineering positions and available qualified professionals. Emerging technologies and rapid industrial growth have only widened this gap.

2. Time-Consuming Hiring Processes

Technical screening, credential verification, and role-specific assessments can take weeks. For time-sensitive projects, delays in hiring can result in financial loss and project setbacks.

3. Global Competition

Engineering talent is globally mobile. High-demand professionals often have multiple offers, making it difficult for companies to secure the best candidates without expert guidance.

4. Specialization Within Fields

Modern engineering roles often require highly specific skill sets — such as CAD expertise in civil projects, PLC programming in automation, or cloud infrastructure knowledge in software engineering.

Engineering hiring agencies help address these issues by providing fast, reliable, and targeted hiring solutions.

How Engineering Hiring Agencies Add Value

Working with an engineering hiring agency offers several key benefits:

1. Access to Pre-Screened Talent Pools

These agencies maintain a robust database of qualified, vetted engineers across multiple disciplines. This allows companies to significantly reduce time-to-hire and eliminate unsuitable candidates early in the process.

2. Industry-Specific Expertise

Engineering hiring agencies understand the technical language, compliance requirements, and project needs of different industries. This ensures better role-matching and reduces turnover risk.

3. Global and Local Reach

Top agencies source candidates both locally and internationally. Whether a firm is looking for local talent for a government contract or international specialists for overseas projects, agencies can provide scalable solutions.

4. Flexible Hiring Models

Agencies offer contract staffing, permanent recruitment, project-based hiring, and executive search — allowing companies to choose a hiring model that fits their business strategy.

5. Compliance and Documentation Support

Especially for overseas hiring, engineering agencies handle visa processing, background checks, certifications, and legal compliance, easing administrative burdens on employers.

Industries That Benefit Most from Engineering Hiring Agencies

While nearly every sector today requires engineering talent, some industries heavily rely on these agencies to meet large-scale or urgent workforce demands:

Construction & Infrastructure

Oil & Gas / Energy

Manufacturing & Industrial Automation

IT & Software Engineering

Telecommunications

Aerospace & Aviation

Renewable Energy (Wind, Solar, Hydro)

Automotive & Mobility Engineering

These industries often work on high-value, deadline-driven projects where even a small talent gap can impact profitability.

Best Practices for Partnering with Engineering Hiring Agencies

To maximize the value of an agency partnership, companies should:

Clearly define technical requirements and project goals

Provide accurate timelines for hiring and onboarding

Collaborate on interviews and assessments

Give feedback on candidate quality and fit

Choose agencies with a proven track record in relevant industries

This collaborative approach fosters transparency and ensures the agency can deliver the most suitable talent.

Future Trends in Engineering Recruitment

As technology reshapes industries, engineering hiring agencies are also adapting. Key trends include:

AI and automation in candidate screening

Increased focus on soft skills and leadership potential

Remote and hybrid engineering roles

Green energy and sustainability hiring

Use of project-based and freelance engineering talent

These developments reflect a dynamic shift in both workforce expectations and employer strategies.

Conclusion: Building the Future with the Right Talent

In a world where engineering innovation drives progress, having the right professionals on board is critical. Engineering hiring agencies act as strategic partners, helping organizations navigate the complexities of modern recruitment while delivering technical excellence and workforce agility.

By leveraging specialized expertise, global networks, and flexible hiring models, these agencies ensure that companies are equipped with the talent they need — not just to meet project goals, but to lead in their industries.

[gideonkorrell]

Gideon Korrell Discuss Pegasystems’ $2B Verdict Being Overturned

On July 30, 2024, the Virginia Supreme Court made a major decision in the case Pegasystems Inc. v. Appian Corp. It reversed a $2.036 billion jury verdict in favor of Appian Corporation. The court ruled that Appian failed to clearly identify the trade secrets it claimed Pegasystems had stolen. This case has become one of the most important trade secret rulings in Virginia’s history.

As legal expert Gideon Korrell explains, the decision shows that companies must be very specific about what their trade secrets are if they want legal protection.

Background: A Developer Working for Both Sides

Appian and Pegasystems are competitors in the software industry. Both provide low-code platforms that help companies build business applications.

In 2012, a developer named Youyong Zou was working with Appian through a staffing agency. At the same time, he was also hired by Pegasystems. Appian claimed that Pegasystems used confidential information that Zou learned while working with Appian to improve their own software.

A jury sided with Appian and awarded over $2 billion in damages. But Pegasystems appealed the ruling. The Virginia Supreme Court overturned the decision, saying the evidence was not strong enough.

Key Reason: Trade Secrets Must Be Clearly Defined

The court said Appian never properly explained what the trade secrets were. Instead of giving specific technical details, Appian used broad, vague descriptions like:

Tempo” user interface

Debugging tools

Code deployment features

Object structure for app building

These descriptions were too general. The court said Appian needed to show what exactly was secret and how it was different from what others in the industry already knew.

As Gideon Korrell notes, “Functional descriptions are not enough. Plaintiffs must show real technical content that’s confidential and valuable.”

The Three-Part Legal Test: Where Appian Fell Short

To win a trade secret case under Virginia law, a company must prove three things:

1. The Information Was a Trade Secret

Appian failed to prove that it had real, protectable trade secrets. It relied mostly on expert opinions and general product comparisons, but never gave specific details about what was secret.

Also, there was little evidence Appian took special steps to keep its secrets safe—just standard security and contracts.

2. The Secrets Were Misused

Even if there were trade secrets, Appian didn’t prove that Pegasystems used them. Appian pointed to the fact that Zou worked for both companies, but didn’t show any direct link between Appian’s technology and Pegasystems’ software.

There were no emails, code, or documents proving that secrets were stolen or reused.

As the court stated, “Speculation is not a substitute for proof.”

3. The Misuse Caused Harm

Since Appian didn’t prove that trade secrets were used, their damages claim also fell apart. The expert report assumed secrets were stolen—but without evidence of that, the $2 billion verdict had no legal basis.

Gideon Korrell adds, “Juries can’t decide on emotion. If the basic legal steps aren’t met, even big verdicts won’t survive.”

What This Means for Future Cases

This ruling sends a strong message to all companies involved in trade secret lawsuits:

Define your secrets clearly.

Don’t rely on vague terms or general industry tools.

Show clear proof of how secrets were used.

Document how you protect your confidential information.

For defense teams, this decision is a reminder to always challenge the other side’s ability to prove what the trade secret is and how it was misused.

Conclusion

The Virginia Supreme Court’s decision to reverse the $2 billion verdict in Pegasystems v. Appian is a landmark moment. It reminds us that specificity, clarity, and real proof are essential in trade secret cases.

As Gideon Korrell says, “This case teaches us that big claims mean nothing without clear evidence. In trade secrets, clarity is king.”