#software development timeframe

[ajmishra]

Custom Software vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions: What’s Best for Your Startup?

Struggling to choose between custom software and off-the-shelf solutions for your startup? Explore the pros and cons of each option in our comprehensive guide, and discover which approach best aligns with your business goals and budget.

[charseraph]

who are the main characters of Bad Ending? i think that setting is sooo cool and sooo horrifying so i'd love to know more about it. peak sci-fi in my heart

Here are the most developed of Bad Ending’s individuals. There is no story nor a single timeframe, since Bad Ending takes place between the modern day and the death of all life.

Earthlings

Bitedown agents Intel & Close-quarters combat (Molar)

Intel is prenatally nooengineered to rapidly and eagerly absorb information from senses of customizable priority. Typically this is vision, but he can be attuned to scent, sound, touch, and specific ranges of each. This was managed via a nootically mapped and tactically modified form of autism.

Molar is also prenatally nooengineered to scope rooms out for weapons and maneuverability. She does this passively and without stress, but can be activated into a hyperaggressive state where she uses any means to kill designated targets. Her molars have been replaced and her reinforced adductors can break bone. She is unemotive and docile, requiring very little mental stimulation.

Sunflower Complex is the piloting system for a brown windowless reconnaissance jet.

Floret 1 & 2 are two surgically linked meshes that are clones of the same donor. Floret 1 is the conscious pilot of the Complex’s aircraft. Floret 2 is subconscious and serves as redundant support for the Complex’ reflexes and vital organs.

Floret 3 is a small mustard seedlet that pilots the jet if the organic florets are incapacitated or ejected.

MOUS

A surgically modified surveillance agent with built-in sonar, LiDAR, and FLIR capabilities. He is capable of standing very still for extended periods of time thanks to locking artificial muscles. His mechanical insides are cooled by two intakes either side of his neck, filtering into his lungs.

GOSSIP RING

A surveillance satellite housing a dozen nootically linked meshes. They analyze data amongst themselves.

GOD’S FAVORITE

A large wormlike mobile particle accelerator and cenote sensor. Cenotes are holes in time’s past strata.

Balanceaban, “BAAL”

Mexico’s adept war coordinator seedlet. He spearheads resource distribution, medicine, and weapon lethality, sharing his research freely with the world that he brought to its knees.

Cygnet

The US’ war seedlet in response to BAAL. It is daunted by its assigned task of recovering the military footing of a collapsing nation that sits beside the world’s deadliest superpower.

Throneroomers

<Harvest feeds many> “Harvest”

Model-turned-editor for a magazine of fashion and physicality for the Ministry of Arts, a pangovernmental collective promoting every corner of the Thronal supercontintent’s artistic expression.

<Five summers> “Five”

A fashion and physicality model, and Harvest’s closest friend.

<Little bell>

Harvest’s only birthed child, now a software engineer for the Pursuit of Sleep superproject, a global pooling of intellectual and material resource to eliminate the distant threat.

[mariacallous]

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is paying software company Palantir $30 million to provide the agency with “near real-time visibility” on people self-deporting from the United States, according to a contract justification published in a federal register on Thursday. The tool would also help ICE choose who to deport, giving special priority to “visa overstays,” the document shows.

Palantir has been an ICE contractor since 2011, but the document published Thursday indicates that Palantir wants to provide brand-new capabilities to ICE. The agency currently does not have any publicly known tools for tracking self-deportation in near real-time. The agency does have a tool for tracking self-reported deportations, but Thursday’s document, which was first reported by Business Insider, does not say to what degree this new tool may rely on self-reported data. ICE also has “insufficient technology” to detect people overstaying their visas, according to the Department of Homeland Security. This is particularly due to challenges in collecting "biographic and biometric" data from departing travelers, especially if they leave over land, according to Customs and Border Protection.

The agency says in the document that these new capabilities will be under a wholly new platform called the Immigration Lifecycle Operating System, or ImmigrationOS. Palantir is expected to provide a prototype of ImmigrationOS by September 25, 2025, and the contract is scheduled to last at least through September 2027. ICE’s update to the contract comes as the Trump administration is demanding that thousands of immigrants “self-deport,” or leave the US voluntarily.

ICE and Palantir did not respond for comment.

According to the document, ImmigrationOS is intended to have three core functions. Its “Targeting and Enforcement Prioritization” capability would streamline the “selection and apprehension operations of illegal aliens.” People prioritized for removal, ICE says, should be “violent criminals,” gang members, and “visa overstays.”

Its “Self-Deportation Tracking” function would have “near real-time visibility into instances of self-deporation,” the document says. The document does not say what data Palantir would use for such a system, but ICE says it aims to “accurately report metrics of alien departures from the United States.” The agency stipulates that this tool should also integrate with “enforcement prioritization systems to inform policy” but does not elaborate on these systems or policies.

Meanwhile, the “Immigration Lifecycle Process” function would streamline the “identification” of aliens and their “removal” from the United States, with the goal of making "deportation logistics” more efficient.

In a “rationale” section, ICE claims that it has an “urgent and compelling” need for ImmigrationOS’s capabilities. Without them, ICE claims, it would be “severely” limited in its ability to target the gangs MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, and abide by President Donald Trump’s executive order to expedite deportations.

Palantir, ICE claims, is “the only source that can provide the required capabilities and prototype of ImmogrationOS [sic] without causing unacceptable delays.” ICE says the company has developed “deep institutional knowledge of the agency’s operations over more than a decade of support.”

“No other vendor could meet these timeframes of having the infrastructure in place to meet this urgent requirement and deliver a prototype in less than six months,” ICE says in the document.

ICE’s document does not specify the data sources Palantir would pull from to power ImmigrationOS. However, it says that Palantir could “configure” the case management system that it has provided to ICE since 2014.

Palantir has done work at various other government agencies as early as 2007. Aside from ICE, it has worked with the US Army, Air Force, Navy, Internal Revenue Service, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. As reported by WIRED, Palantir is currently helping Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) build a brand-new “mega API” at the IRS that could search for records across all the different databases that the agency maintains.

Last week, 404 Media reported that a recent version of Palantir’s case-management system for ICE allows agents to search for people based on “hundreds of different, highly specific categories,” including how a person entered the country, their current legal status, and their country of origin. It also includes a person’s hair and eye color, whether they have scars or tattoos, and their license-plate reader data, which would provide detailed location data about where that person travels by car.

These functionalities have been mentioned in a government privacy assessment published in 2016, and it’s not clear what new information may have been integrated into the case management system over the past four years.

This week’s $30 million award is an addition to an existing Palantir contract penned in 2022, originally worth about $17 million, for work on ICE’s case management system. The agency has increased the value of the contract five times prior to this month; the largest was a $19 million increase in September 2023.

The contract’s ImmigrationOS update was first documented on April 11 in a government-run database tracking federal spending. The entry had a 248-character description of the change. The five-page document ICE published Thursday, meanwhile, has a more detailed description of Palantir’s expected services for the agency.

The contract update comes as the Trump administration deputizes ICE and other government agencies to drastically escalate the tactics and scale of deportations from the US. In recent weeks, immigration authorities have arrested and detained people with student visas and green cards, and deported at least 238 people to a brutal megaprison in El Salvador, some of whom have not been able to speak with a lawyer or have due process.

As part of its efforts to push people to self-deport, DHS in late March revoked the temporary parole of more than half a million people and demanded that they self-deport in about a month, despite having been granted authorization to live in the US after fleeing dangerous or unstable situations in Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela under the so-called “CHNV parole programs.”

Last week, the Social Security Administration listed more than 6,000 of these people as dead, a tactic meant to end their financial lives. DHS, meanwhile, sent emails to an unknown number of people declaring that their parole had been revoked and demanding that they self-deport. Several US citizens, including immigration attorneys, received the email.

On Monday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s move to revoke people’s authorization to live in the US under the CHNV programs. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called the judge’s ruling “rogue.”

[fe-smashorpass]

So I've been thinking about when will the new mainline (this includes a potential remake) Fire Emblem game will be released.

So it's been confirmed that the Switch 2 is releasing this year. While the exact date when it'll come out is unknown, there's going to be a Switch 2 Direct on April 2nd. With this in mind, I'm predicting that the Switch 2 will come out either in October or November.

Now to what this post is about. FE has historically released the next mainline game within a 1-3 and a half year timeframe. That means there's most likely going to be an announcement for a new mainline game this year. If so, the game is most likely going to release some time between mid 2026 to late 2026. BUT, there's a chance that the new game will release in early 2027 for 2 reasons.

(This is all just speculation, so take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt).

One: There were leaks in early 2022 claiming that Engage was actually finished in 2021. While some of things the leaker claimed about the game turned out to be true (it being not being a remake, the protagonist having blue and red hair, and the concept of the Emblems), there is one thing the leaker was wrong about. They claimed that Koei Tecmo and their subsidiary studio Gust also worked on Engage. No where in the game's credits mentions Koei Tecmo, nor in any interview with the developers claimed their involvement. From what I could find, only Intelligent Systems worked on Engage. So the validity of the claim that Engage was finished in 2021 can be called into question. What I'm trying to say that there's a chance Engage was still being worked on during 2021 and 2022. Also, logically speaking, why would they just sit on an already finished game for roughly 2 years? This means, unless some other studio was working on FE18 while Engage was being developed, InSyst was putting most of their attention towards Engage. There is a chance that InSyst was also working on the next game alongside Engage, but I have a feeling that InSyst was much more focused on Engage's development.

Two: The whole controversy with Unity. Basically in 2023 Unity announced a change in how developers would be charged when using Unity and developers who use Unity are mad. Here's quote from this article that basically explains what the change would be and why developers are mad:

"Instead of charging developers a set monthly rate based on the number of users utilizing the software, it would implement a pay-per-download scheme that charged developers every time their game was downloaded. That meant instead of paying a flat, predictable rate to Unity, payouts could fluctuate, resulting in potentially higher fees. This news caused a massive uproar in the game development community with developers voicing their frustration on social media. Developers argued that the pricing model was implemented without adequate warning, forcing them to either pay the new fees that can’t be adequately budgeted for or make a costly and time-consuming switch to new software. They also claimed the per-download model could be exploited by malicious actors to run up fees on developers they don’t like."

Why am I mentioning Unity? This is because Engage is the first game to use a non in house made engine for FE, meaning that there is a chance InSyst will continue to use Unity for future FE games. The problem is because of the aforementioned Unity's new method of charging developers. While the same article did state that Unity has now since revoked this change, it still probably affected the development of FE18. This is because it took a full year for Unity to revoke the change meaning that there is a chance that InSyst changed to different engine, causing a delay in the progress of the game being made.

Now this part isn't that relevant to my speculation on when FE18 will come but I just wanted mention this: While the Switch 2 is going to be backwards compatible with Switch 1 games, there's still a chance the new mainline Fire Emblem game is going to be Switch 2 exclusive. This is all dependent on when FE18 is coming out. Also if Nintendo is going to treat the Switch 2 like a true next gen console and phase out making game for the Switch 1 into the Switch 2's lifespan, or if they're going to treat it like DSI and New 3DS situation and only have a few games exclusive to the Switch 2 while still making games for the Switch 1.

Anyways, this has been on my mind for a couple of days and just wanted to share my thoughts on the matter.

[johnyqt]

Week 1: Introduction to Software Design and Engineering

January 13-17, 2025

This week marked the start of our Software Design and Engineering course. Our first session was on Monday, where our instructor introduced the course, outlining expectations and objectives for the semester. Afterward, we were divided into teams, and I chose to collaborate with my former classmates. Our first task was to brainstorm project ideas that leverage technology to solve real-world problems while also having business potential.

Exploring Project Ideas

One of our initial ideas was an Order Queueing Web App for internet cafes. We recognized a common issue—gamers often need to pause their game to place food orders, which can be disruptive for them and inefficient for the staff. Our proposed solution was a web app that allows customers to browse the menu and place orders directly from their gaming stations, with real-time notifications sent to the cashier to ensure a seamless experience.

We also considered a Job Hunting Website, but we soon realized that its broad scope would be difficult to manage within our timeframe. After further discussion, we pivoted to a more practical option: a Smart Inventory Management System for Small Businesses. This system would enable businesses to monitor inventory in real time, receive alerts for low stock, generate sales analytics, and automate reports—effectively addressing common challenges like overstocking, shortages, and inefficient tracking.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To better understand user needs, we conducted interviews with potential users. We visited Virtual Grounds, an internet cafe, to observe how customers and staff handled food orders. Additionally, we stopped by Minute Burger, a burger shop, to learn about inventory management challenges. These interviews provided us with valuable insights and helped refine our proposed solutions.

During class, we presented both project ideas. After discussing their feasibility and impact, we officially decided to move forward with the Smart Inventory Management System as our final project. It stood out as a more practical and scalable solution, with a clear market need and strong alignment with our course objectives.

With the first week behind us, we’re eager to dive into the planning and development phase. Excited for what’s next!

[alghulras]

𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

NOTICE: This document is classified under Level Gamma Protocols and has been flagged for unauthorised access attempts. Multiple inconsistencies detected. Proceed with caution.

[ACCESSING FILE...]

[SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED: LEVEL ███]

[AUTHORIZATION GRANTED]

–BEGIN DOSSIER–

SUBJECT: VERIFIED BUSINESS ENTITY

Legal Identity: Rahil Head 

Aliases & Business Titles:

Rahil Head (Commonly Listed)

Mr Head (Informal Reference in Business Circles)

Nationality: Unconfirmed—Records Indicate Middle Eastern Heritage

Date of Birth: Unlisted—Estimated Between 1950-40 (Discrepancies in Documentation)

Place of Birth: Unknown—Conflicting Reports 

Last Known Location: Believed to Operate in Private Estates Across the Middle East and Northern Africa

Status: ACTIVE—CIVILIAN BUSINESS ENTITY

Known Affiliations:

Founder of a Privately-Owned Conglomerate Specialising in Energy, Infrastructure, and High-End Real Estate Developments—Limited Public Record of Transactions

Significant, Though Indirect, Investments in European and Middle Eastern Technological Firms

Rumored to Have Private Ties to Historical Societies and Cultural Preservation Groups

Silent Partner in Multiple Gulf-Based Enterprises

No Known Criminal Affiliations

DESCRIPTION:

Height: Approx. 195 cm

Build: Lean, Well-Kept

Eye Color: Dark Brown

Hair Color: Black with Flecks of Gray—Varied Reports on Aging Process

BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT:

Maintains an Unremarkable Public Profile—Avoids Major Media Presence

Highly Reserved in Business Dealings—Prefers Private, Invitation-Only Negotiations

Has No Apparent Reliance on Digital Technology; Prefers Handwritten Correspondence and Direct Verbal Negotiations

No Public Record of Political Statements or Controversial Affiliations

RELEVANT INTEL

No official photographic records prior to 1995—older Images of ‘Rahil Head’’ do not seem to exist.

There is an absence of personal history—no medical records, no known educational background, and no confirmed lineage. Attempts to identify close relatives have resulted in inconclusive data, with one exception: a confirmed daughter, Talia Head, frequently seen alongside her father, and mother, Ruhayla Head, a renowned socialite and industrialist who serves as the public face of █████ █████.

Financial transactions indicate activity in multiple locations across the globe within impossibly short timeframes.

Facial recognition software has flagged similarities between Mr. Head and multiple historical figures in archived photographs dating back to the 19th century—though results remain inconclusive due to image degradation.

█████ █████ █████ operates a traditional corporate structure, including a board of directors and executive staff. However, all strategic decisions are deferred to Mr. Head himself, with no record of shareholder meetings or public disclosures.

The company has a history of acquiring failing businesses and revitalising them without clear external financing. Sources suggest private investors, but no names have been disclosed.

Despite operating within legal frameworks, █████ █████ █████ has repeatedly rerouted funds through offshore accounts with minimal transparency. Regulatory bodies have flagged these activities but have not pursued further investigation.

Personal financial records for Mr. Head are limited. No known assets are registered in his name, yet he maintains access to multiple high-value properties across the globe. Some of his offshore accounts tie back to defunct 19th-century banking institutions.

Maintains no official government position, but holds connections to politicians, monarchs, and military officials across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and other parts of Asia.

Suspected of influencing regional conflicts by subtly shifting investments to favour or destabilise specific economic sectors.

Regularly attends closed-door economic forums and high-level diplomatic meetings under the pretence of trade discussions.

His company has facilitated infrastructure projects in several developing nations, indicating some level of control in national policies.

Multiple historical estates and excavation sites acquired by █████ █████ █████ correspond to locations with rumored ties to the League of Assassins.

A monastery in Tibet, recently purchased under a shell corporation, has been linked to ancient alchemical research. Records of its acquisition were mysteriously wiped from local government databases.

Personal security team composed of former special forces operatives, many of whom have no recorded military discharge papers.

Domestic staff at private residences reportedly rotate every six months, with each new team having no knowledge of their predecessors.

THREAT ASSESSMENT:

RISK CLASSIFICATION: NEGLIGIBLE—NO VERIFIED CRIMINAL OR PARAMILITARY TIES

SUBJECT DESIGNATED AS LOW PRIORITY MONITORING

[WARNING: FILE CROSS-REFERENCED WITH ARCHIVED CASE ██-█████—INCONSISTENCIES NOTED]

ADDITIONAL NOTES

[SECURITY RESTRICTIONS DETECTED]

One anonymous source claimed Mr. Head never seems to age, but this statement was retracted, and the individual declined further interviews.

Official documents confirm a "Rahil Head" attended an exclusive financial summit in Zurich in 1991. A separate report indicates the same name appearing on a guest list for a 1973 archaeological conference in Istanbul—no photographic evidence exists from either event.

Despite no formal ties to political entities, Mr. Head appears to have access to exclusive diplomatic channels. Private jets linked to his company have landed in highly restricted airspaces without official clearance, yet no record of violation exists.

A classified intelligence document from 1977 references an individual with a near-identical description to Head, listed as a “non-hostile asset with unknown longevity.” Document has since been removed from official archives.

A confidential source in Dubai stated that "Rahil Head" does not attend public events, yet holds significant influence in elite circles. Attempts to trace his business dealings often lead to dead ends.

A low-resolution image from 2004 depicts Mr. Head at a private gala in Morocco. Upon further analysis, facial structure appears nearly identical to an individual in a 1982 diplomatic event in Istanbul—discrepancies in aging patterns remain unexplained.

A handwritten letter dated 1899 was recovered from a private estate auction. The signature—nearly identical to that of Mr. Head—was dismissed as a coincidence, though forensic analysis remains inconclusive.

[...FURTHER RECORDS RESTRICTED…]

THREAT ASSESSMENT REVISION

CLASSIFICATION: LOW TO MODERATE RISK

NOTE: UNRESOLVED ANOMALIES FLAGGED FOR FUTURE REVIEW

[...DATA RETRIEVAL INTERFERENCE DETECTED…]

Recommendation: Maintain passive surveillance. Direct investigation not advised.

[...DATA FRAGMENT ENDS…]

[CONNECTION LOST��SECURITY LOCKOUT INITIATED]

[DATA ACCESS REVOKED—FURTHER ATTEMPTS FLAGGED FOR REVIEW]

[LOGGING OUT...]

[SESSION TERMINATED]

–END DOSSIER–

[greenlightllc]

Binary Circuit - Open AI’s O3 Breakthrough Shows Technology is Accelerating Again

OpenAI model o3 outperforms humans in math and programming with its reasoning. It scored an impressive 88% on the advanced reasoning ARC-AGI benchmark. A big improvement from 5% earlier this year and 32% in September. Codeforces placed O3 175th, meaning it can outperform all humans in coding.

Image Source: ARC Price via X.com

Why Does It Matter? Most notable is the shorter development cycle. O3 launched months after O1, while previous AI models required 18-24 months.

Unlike conventional models that take months of training, o3 enhances inference performance. This means discoveries might happen in weeks, not years. This rapid technology advancement will require organizations to reassess innovation timeframes.

Impact on Businesses Many complex subjects can be developed faster after the o3 breakthrough.

Scientific Research: Accelerate protein folding, particle physics, and cosmic research

Engineering: Quick prototyping and problem-solving

Math: Access to previously inaccessible theoretical domains

Software Development: Enterprise-grade code automation

An Enterprise Competitive Playbook: Implement AI reasoning tools in R&D pipelines quickly. In the coming years, organizations will have to restructure tech teams around AI, and AI-first R&D will become mainstream.

Feel free to visit our website to learn more about Binary Circuit/Green Light LLC and explore our innovative solutions:

🌐 www.greenlightllc.us

[biggaybunny]

Modern software sucks shit because modern software development sucks shit. No one knows what they're doing and when they do they'll usually be told to do something else anyway. Non-transferrable skills are treated as transferrable; "programming" is an extremely broad field that we are still just beginning to map out. I'm not trying to oversell it here, I have no agenda, I just need to try and convey some perspective here that you can do a lot of different shit with computers, and lumping it all under "writing software" is kind of like lumping all "machines" together and expecting engineers who work with things like planes, cars, pumps, and cranes to be able to figure each other's shit out. There's some specialization happening in the field, but to be honest, most companies are pretty slow to catch on (outside of, yknow, searching resumes for whatever buzzword we're using now)

That's only the beginning of it, too. I don't know I could actually fit all the reasons software development sucks shit into one post. Basically, businesses hate the way software is made. They want software assembly lines, I've had as much said to me by a manager before. They want software products that are specced out, assembled, and shipped out. And that *really, really* doesn't work. Most of the time, when it comes to developing a software "product", they don't even know what they actually want or need. A lot of software bloat comes from early development work that had to be course corrected or repurposed; it's like being a sculptor and having someone behind you try to describe what they want sculpted, but also they're rushing you and don't understand what's even possible to do with sculpting in the first place.

The other thing companies hate about making software is that you can't throw just throw more people at the problem. It's like that math problem "If an orchestra of 50 people can play Beethoven's 5th in 40 minutes, how fast can an orchestra of 500 people play it?" That's how the people in charge want software to work, and after decades of absolute horseshit business paradigms (agile, kanban, scrum, agile-at-scale, extreme programming yes it's called that, etc) it's very clear that this will NEVER be the case, but by god that's not going to stop companies from trying. Because it's about maximizing profits, right? You couldn't possibly get better returns by like, investing in employee retention (dogshit in the business btw) or employee QoL. Just get more people fresh out of a javascript bootcamp and throw them at the issue until something works. So software development gets diced up into thousands of little pieces that can be worked on simultaneously and then glued back together, and as you'd expect end up as dysfunctional Frankenstein monsters. Plus, none of your employees are actually improving at software development because they're only allowed to see such a small piece of the puzzle.

And at the end, it just has to work. Not be good, work. Which is why companies skimp on QA all the time, and then undermine the QA they do invest in. The corner cutting is everywhere. Because it saves costs, you see. Why invest in QA? Just don't write broken code, obviously (this is not how this works). How much security do we need, really? Corner cut, corner cut, corner cut. Rush, rush, rush. Is it any wonder that the cleanest pieces of software tend to be made by small teams or even individuals, working on their own timeframe?

I could've summed up this entire post with "capitalism sucks" but I wanted to explain more. Software development isn't going to get good in a couple years. It's not going to get good in ten years. It's going to suck absolute shit for the foreseeable future. Corporate software, anyway. Maybe if open-source software got a little more love and support... well, who knows.

[beardedmrbean]

The recent amendments to the rules for obtaining a driver's license in Bulgaria have sparked mixed reactions among the public. According to new regulations published on September 10 in the State Gazette, which will take effect on December 10, 2024, prospective drivers will be allowed a maximum of four attempts at both the theoretical and practical tests.

Seven organizations involved in driver training have expressed strong opposition to the proposed changes, particularly concerning the introduction of electronic driving hour cards and limits on practical test attempts. Trendafil Marinov, the chairman of the Bulgarian Driving Instructor Union, confirmed plans for a protest scheduled for tomorrow, September 25.

Marinov voiced concerns during an interview with BNR, arguing that the new regulations do not align with existing educational standards. He criticized the push towards digitalization, labeling it "complete ambiguity" and questioning how the proposed changes would improve road safety.

He highlighted the additional financial burdens the new requirements would impose on driving schools, noting that each training vehicle would need to be equipped with specific devices that maintain a permanent Internet connection, necessitating contracts with mobile service providers.

Currently, the Automotive Administration employs inspectors who can effectively verify the validity of paper driving cards on the road, according to Marinov. He pointed out that these cards include essential identification information and photographs.

Additionally, Marinov raised issues regarding the limited number of examiners available to provide practical driving tests, leading to potentially long waiting periods. He questioned the rationale behind limiting attempts to four and the six-month timeframe for testing, calling for a collaborative working group with industry representatives to address these concerns.

Concerns about potential corruption have also emerged, with Marinov asking why a single company should develop the required software instead of promoting competition through multiple software solutions.

The protest is set to take place in front of the presidency, with activities planned from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Krasimir Georgiev, manager of the Association for the Qualification of Motorists in Bulgaria, offered a contrasting perspective during a discussion on the national radio. He argued that the new regulations will effectively eliminate corrupt practices, which he claims opponents are afraid of.

Georgiev emphasized that the exam should serve as a test to assess knowledge gained during training, rather than as part of the training itself. He suggested that driving schools fearing the new requirement of four exams within six months indicate they are not adequately preparing their students.

He noted that after years of stagnation, reform is finally underway. "If the existing requirements were followed, there wouldn’t be so many driving schools. Many only had a classroom to obtain permits, while their actual operation occurred in their cars, which often served as family vehicles."

He further explained the prevalent practice of maintaining two sets of training cards: one for the instructor and student, and another that reflects the full 30 hours of required instruction, often fabricated to satisfy inspections by the traffic police.

Georgiev dismissed concerns regarding the financial burdens that driving schools would face, arguing that they often do not invest or reinvest profits, and are unfamiliar with tax concepts such as "Profit" or "Dividends."

He also mentioned that some civil servants work as driving instructors, asserting that there are sufficient examiners available.

Georgiev announced plans for a procession to support the reforms, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Alexander Battenberg Square. He noted that over 12 NGOs focused on road safety are backing the rally, which will culminate in a declaration supporting the reforms to the Ministry of Transport leadership.

[elsa16744]

How Do Market Research and Competitive Analysis? – Types with Examples 

Products that do not satisfy customer needs and wants fail to perform well in market dynamics, affecting your sales revenue. However, market research and analytics help you estimate consumer behavior. Corporate leaders also create competitive strategies using customer insights discovered by market research consulting partners. So, this post will explain how to do market research and competitive analysis. 

What is Market Research? 

Market research involves interviews, surveys, social listening, and media coverage analytics to acquire valuable customer insights. Therefore, businesses employ market research consulting firms to improve their understanding of consumer preferences. 

The obtained insights allow companies to revise their pricing strategies and marketing efforts to attract new customers and retain existing ones. Besides, such data-driven pricing, marketing, and innovation strategies are less vulnerable to human errors, a significant drawback of empirical business development methods. 

Enterprises use market research to minimize product launch risks. A marketing analytics company also delivers transparent and flexible reports to research what promotional strategies drive the most engagement from target customer profiles. 

What is Competitive Analytics? 

Competitive analytics leverages statistical modeling and automation technologies to identify methods to help you overcome your competition and increase your market share. For example, marketing research and analytics firms can guide you in optimizing your internal operations to compete more aggressively. 

Consider how inefficient allocation of resources affects all enterprises. If two companies target the same customer segment, the more efficient company will succeed. After all, corporate competitiveness improves when a business reduces the irresponsible use of company resources. Later, it can transfer the related financial benefits to the customers, i.e., rationalizing prices. 

Simultaneously, you want to know how your competitors plan to increase their market position. However, they will not share such confidential intelligence on public platforms. 

Therefore, market research consulting teams will develop machine learning (ML) models to process your competitors’ press releases. ML facilitates modern predictive analytics and helps companies forecast how competitors plan to grow their business. 

How to Conduct Market Research and Competitive Analysis? 

Goal determination is the first step in conducting market research or competitive analysis. If a business invests in market research consulting without clearly communicating its envisioned objectives, it will experience disappointment due to directionless competitive analysis or macroeconomic surveys. 

Later, study the available technologies and how implementing them will affect the company financially. For example, standard marketing analytics tools benefit a regional company. Similarly, a global business firm will require scalable, automated analytics software to generate high-quality reports. 

Finally, you want to specify a timeframe. Otherwise, monitoring the progress of your market research efforts will become daunting. Moreover, the risk of scheduling conflicts increases without time-bound activities. Financial planning also depends on the time factor for interest estimations associated with borrowed capital resources. 

Organizations have distinct business objectives, risk dynamics, and data processing requirements. Therefore, study the following market research and competitive analysis techniques. 

Part 1 – Types of Market Research Services 

1| Primary Research 

It is primary market research when a marketing analytics company interviews customers, suppliers, and employees. After all, the collected customer insights originate at the source, enhancing the quality of your competitive analytics operations in market research. You also get ownership rights to the resulting databases. 

Such original research helps you create thought leadership content, establish authority, and acquire unique strategic foresight. Sometimes, primary research integrates into whitepapers, case studies, and investment relations (IR) disclosures, increasing the trust in the brand among stakeholders. 

2| Secondary Research 

Finding customer insights through social listening and media coverage analytics for secondary research primarily concentrates on publicly available intelligence gathered by somebody else. Also, the scope of market research consulting teams revolves around magazines, social media platforms, consumer discussion forums, and global news publications. 

Secondary market research relies on already available intelligence resources. Therefore, most data in a secondary research project will have third-party owners. The hired marketing analytics company might use the editorial reproduction freedoms often governed by fair use or educational intent principles to help you in your marketing efforts. 

Still, organizations must practice proper caution since different secondary data sources can be prone to manipulative content and misinterpreted perspectives on business-critical ideas. Assessing the authoritative qualities and historical reputation of each data source can become easier with the help of a market research consulting firm. 

3| Manual Research 

Small businesses and young social media accounts can evaluate their growth, revenue, and competitiveness using simple analytics for customer insights. Remember, they generate fewer data points, eliminating any necessity for extensive database processing. 

Nevertheless, manual market research suffers from a more prominent risk of exposure to human errors. For example, psychological issues and physical limits often prevent your team members from developing holistic data models efficiently. So, manual research efforts are no longer relevant. Besides, enterprises have adopted advanced marketing analytics. 

4| Automated Research 

Machine learning allows for self-learning software applications, i.e., they can learn multiple tasks that usually require human intervention. Likewise, artificial intelligence (AI) enables automated marketing research and analytics through abilities similar to idea synthesis. 

Market research consulting will offer data gathering, validation, and cleaning automation. You will have access to more extensive data throughout the day and night. 

Corporations save a lot of time and human effort when ML models extract customer insights via analytics. Additionally, such technologies eliminate ambiguity in competitive analysis and market research by facilitating accelerated data validation. 

5| Qualitative Research 

Customers might complain about a product feature in their social media posts or consumer discussion forums. Some users will also give you meaningful feedback using highly descriptive texts. Additionally, you want to analyze product ratings and reviews if you operate an e-commerce business division. 

However, software applications need more help understanding meaning and emotions when processing qualitative consumer responses. Qualitative marketing research implements natural language processing (NLP) algorithms for sentiment analytics. Therefore, categorizing unstructured data becomes seamless. 

6| Quantitative Research 

The customer rating system varies from website to website. Still, it contains numerical data manageable using straightforward mathematical programs. So, quantitative market research gathers more structured data. 

Analyzing properly structured data does not require extensive computing resources. Businesses utilize quantitative research in financial modeling and total quality management (TQM) instead of sentiment analytics. They prioritize the quantitative methods for these two operations because the core reporting systems are well-structured and standardized. 

Moreover, it does not make any business sense to use a lot of computing power when the marginal gains in performance contribute little to ultimate goals, like revenue enhancement and market share increment. Therefore, professional consulting firms specializing in market research technologies assist enterprises in deciding when to use quantitative or qualitative analytics for customer insights. 

Part 2 – Types of Competitive Analytics 

1| Internal Competitive Research and Analysis 

Every established marketing analytics company treats an organization’s competitiveness using a systems approach. So, internal competitive analytics investigates how an enterprise manages its supply chain, professional networks, business units, and investor relations. 

For example, a business might suffer above-average employee attrition during a specific financial year. It can ask a competitive analytics company to inspect how such problematic events in retaining talent affect its performance. 

The consulting analysts will then reveal the impact on the company through statistical modeling. Later, the business can revise its talent acquisition processes, employment contracts, and workplace environment to counter the adverse effect of employee attention using the consultants’ insights. 

2| External Competitive Analytics 

A company’s performance relies on factors outside its direct control, and consulting firms research these external market forces. It is external competitive analytics with a broad scope of data gathering, validation, modeling, and reporting global customer insights. 

Consider how currency fluctuations influence the financial planning done by import-export businesses. Likewise, natural disasters introduce systemic issues across transportation, communication, and healthcare infrastructure. 

How can an organization become more resilient against the losses resulting from earthquakes, avalanches, tsunamis, landslides, or other catastrophes caused by malicious actors? Competitive analysis and market research can give you the data necessary to evaluate such business queries. 

Most market research consulting teams consider the socioeconomic and political stability indicators for such inquiries. After all, enterprises of all scales must be attentive to external competitive risks. 

3| Competitor Analytics 

Competitor analysis has a narrower scope since it concentrates all the marketing research and analytics activities on your top business rivals. It is a subset of a more holistic competitive analysis. Therefore, it takes less time, consumes a few computing resources, and delivers reports fast. 

You can utilize computer analytics for peer benchmarking in a target industry. This activity allows enterprises to compare their performance with how their business rivals perform in the same industry. However, computer analytics becomes more complex if a company serves multiple customer segments, leading to the application of advanced tools to acquire insights. 

5| Descriptive and Diagnostic Analysis for Competitive Intelligence 

Descriptive analytics explains a company’s past performance so that the leadership, management, marketing, and sales teams can learn how their strategies have contributed to business objectives. 

Diagnostic analytics adds value to historical performance records by identifying methods to improve productivity, capital efficiency, and risk assessment. It helps companies solve the problems encountered in the preceding business quarters. 

6| Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics 

Predictive analytics utilizes machine learning to estimate how market forces, consumer preferences, regulatory policies, and competitor strategies will evolve. Corporations also use it to eliminate the gaps in market research and competitive analysis databases. 

Prescriptive analytics offers practical solutions to combat business risks identified by predictive ML models. It is vital to preventing or mitigating the potential losses attributed to market volatility, the introduction of new laws, and macroeconomic events. 

Conclusion 

Leveraging analytics to identify customer insights is the most prominent advantage of marketing research. Besides, enterprises utilize primary research in authoritative content. Additionally, secondary market research finds valuable trends across social media platforms and review sites. 

Qualitative research differs from quantitative analytics since the raw datasets vary in structure. Meanwhile, automated aggregation tools have replaced manual data collection procedures. If you want to do market research and competitive analysis, consider these developments before hiring a consultant. 

A leader in market research consulting, SG Analytics supports enterprises in extracting customer insights by performing analytics on primary and secondary data sources. Contact us today if you want outcome-oriented technological assistance with automated aggregation capabilities. 

[doublefreegames]

Travel DevLog 2 - Working with the devil on my shoulder.

Week 2 of development has been going well on Travel Devil 2. We’re setting it straight after the first game so you get to see how the dynamics of Tornacense and Kirby are changing as they get used to being around each other.

Tornacense and Kirby facing an unhinged street preacher in the first game.

It’s great returning to these characters. I’m trying to make their drawings more exciting and dynamic. I’ve got a lot more time to make the character drawings now as I’m not working to game jam timeframes. I’m also going to learn to use the Renpy Action Editor to add more options to the movements in the game.

I’ve been working on many different aspects of the Travel Devil 2 to keep things interesting and motivating. Here’s what I’ve been up to:

Many more concept sketches were drawn. Now I need to get them looking swish on the computer.

Backgrounds and video footage of Amsterdam have been sourced to showcase in the vlog parts of the game.

Set up a Bluesky profile – now I just have to learn to use it :S

Spent a lot of time updating software – yay!

Planned some fancy menus for 1st game recap, unlockables and character profiles

Coded some of the game framework in Renpy

Drank a lot of tea (Woo rock and/or roll!)

I've been using the plot outline to build the framework for the game. Robert has been working away on the writing. He's already written the recap of the first game and the opening scene which we’ve been hammering out together.

We’re hoping to get Travel Devil 2 out this year if we can. However if you can’t wait, you can pop on the old humask and check out the (short) first installment here on itch.io.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope March is treating you well!

[mercyjuliet1512]

The Path to Selenium Proficiency: How Long Does It Take to Master?

Learning Selenium, a widely-used automation testing tool for web applications, is a goal many aspiring software testers and developers share. However, the journey to Selenium mastery varies from person to person and depends on several factors. These factors include prior experience in programming and testing, the complexity of the web applications to be automated, and the depth of knowledge one wishes to acquire. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the typical timeframes required to learn Selenium at various levels of proficiency. We will also discuss the importance of structured training and how institutions like ACTE Technologies play a vital role in expediting the learning process.

The Roadmap to Selenium Proficiency:

1. Basic Understanding (1-2 Weeks):

Prior Experience: If you have a foundational understanding of software testing concepts and some programming experience, you're off to a good start. With this background, you can expect to grasp the basics of Selenium in approximately 1-2 weeks.

What to Learn: During this phase, you'll learn how to set up Selenium, write simple scripts, and perform basic web automation tasks. You'll become acquainted with Selenium WebDriver, a core component for automation, and its functions. This is where your Selenium journey begins.

2. Intermediate Level (2-3 Months):

Prior Experience: If you are relatively new to programming or testing, or if you need to work on more complex web applications, you might need more time to reach an intermediate level.

What to Learn: The intermediate phase involves a deeper dive into Selenium. You'll master various locators like XPath, CSS selectors, and more, which help you identify and interact with web elements on a page. You'll also learn how to handle different types of web elements, such as buttons, text fields, and dropdowns. Additionally, this is the stage where you can explore test frameworks like TestNG or JUnit, which work well with Selenium and help you manage and organize your test cases more effectively.

3. Advanced Topics (3-6 Months):

Prior Experience: If your goal is to become proficient in Selenium and handle complex web scenarios, such as handling frames, alerts, dynamic content, and complex web elements, this phase may take 3-6 months of consistent learning and practice.

What to Learn: In the advanced phase, you'll delve into the intricacies of Selenium automation. You'll learn how to handle web elements within frames and deal with browser alerts and pop-ups. You'll gain expertise in automating complex web elements like tables and dynamic content. This is the stage where you can work on more challenging real-world projects and gain hands-on experience.

4. Best Practices and Advanced Techniques (6 Months+):

Prior Experience: To truly excel and apply best practices for test automation, code organization, maintainability, and reporting, your Selenium journey becomes a continuous learning process that extends beyond 6 months.

What to Learn: In this phase, you'll go beyond basic automation tasks and focus on optimizing your Selenium scripts. You'll learn how to create a robust automation framework that can be applied to various projects. This phase involves exploring advanced techniques, tools, and methodologies for test automation. Continuous learning and improvement are essential as the field of test automation is continually evolving.

In your pursuit of Selenium proficiency, the timeline for learning varies based on your prior experience and the level of mastery you aim to achieve. Whether you're aiming to grasp the basics or delve into advanced automation techniques, your journey to Selenium mastery can span from a few weeks to several months. Throughout this learning process, ACTE Technologies stands as a valuable partner, offering structured training programs that cater to learners at all levels. These programs provide hands-on experience and real-world examples, ensuring you gain practical skills in Selenium automation. ACTE Technologies is your catalyst for efficiently achieving your Selenium learning goals.

[ireviewuread]

How to Teach Children About Business and Finance Through Free Online Browser Games

Financial education is often overlooked in the education system, much like other crucial life skills such as home maintenance and tax filing.

This oversight poses a significant problem as children grow up to become financially illiterate adults. As a result, they face ongoing financial struggles, limited opportunities for economic growth, and vulnerability to scams and predatory practices.

Ted Beck, the president and CEO of the National Endowment for Financial Education, emphasizes the importance of financial literacy for children, as it is a skill that will serve them throughout their lives.

"We all need to know how to manage our money," asserts Beck, noting that while some fortunate students learn about it in schools, it is essential to ensure that all children are equipped to handle their financial futures.

Beck even suggests that parents should begin teaching financial literacy to their toddlers, as this skill should be progressively nurtured throughout childhood. An effective way for children to grasp the concept of money as a "medium of exchange" is through educational games and activities.

How to Teach Children About Business and Finance Through Free Online Browser Games

It's a well-known fact that children are drawn to video games because they find them exciting and rewarding. Building on this, you can motivate your child to learn while having fun by introducing them to free online finance and business browser games available on Mortgage Calculator.

These games provide an entertaining and interactive platform through which your child can develop essential financial literacy skills.

Free Money Games on Mortgage Calculator

Mortgage Calculator is a versatile website that caters to both adults and children. While adults can use it to budget for their mortgage, children can engage in educational play.

The website offers a wide range of interactive money games, covering topics such as grocery shopping, cryptocurrency, software development, and real estate. This diverse selection ensures that children can learn not only about financial literacy but also explore areas like software development and block coding.

No Downloads, No Ads, No Worries

The games available on Mortgage Calculator are conveniently hosted directly on their website, allowing your children to play them directly in the browser without any need for downloading. 

These games are completely free of in-game advertisements, ensuring that your children can focus on playing and learning without any distractions. Moreover, these games are also compatible with mobile devices, allowing you to enjoy them on the go.

Additionally, after careful analysis of the website, it can be confirmed that there are no advertisements present on the entire site. Therefore, you can rest assured that your children would not accidentally click on any unwanted ads while browsing the website.

Money Game – Grocery Cashier

I highly recommend children give Grocery Cashier a try, as it is an engaging finance game that immerses players in the role of a cashier at a grocery store. In this game, players are responsible for processing payments from customers, allowing them to practice and improve their basic mathematics skills, such as addition and subtraction while using a virtual cash register that doubles as a calculator to input the correct amounts.

To add an element of challenge, each customer has a time limit, which progressively decreases as the game progresses. This feature encourages players to think quickly and make accurate calculations within a limited timeframe.

I appreciate the fact that players have the opportunity to learn more about the game before deciding to play it. Additionally, the inclusion of basic tutorials in every game ensures that players have a clear understanding of how to play and maximize their learning experience.

Overall, Grocery Cashier not only provides an entertaining gaming experience but also helps children strengthen their mathematical skills and develop quick thinking in a simulated real-world scenario.

Software Development Game - Code Panda

Mortgage Calculator goes beyond financial games. It also features block coding games, a prominent part of modern school curricula. These games help children understand basic concepts of coding and improve their cognitive functions.

One such game is Code Panda, where children are encouraged to use block codes to guide a panda through a grid and reach the bamboo. With 32 unique stages available, the game offers ample opportunities for children to engage and delve deeper into the world of block coding.

By playing Code Panda and similar games, children not only have fun but also develop essential problem-solving skills and logical thinking. These games provide a hands-on experience in a playful environment, making it easier for children to grasp coding concepts.

STEM Game – We Bare Bears Develobears

We Bare Bears Develobears is one of my top picks from the game list. It's an engaging STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) game designed to educate children about the various elements involved in creating a video game.

What I particularly enjoy about this game is the inclusion of a diverse range of mini-games that enable players to progress through different stages. As you play, you'll witness the bears' environment gradually improving, which adds to the overall experience. Moreover, the fact that it revolves around my favourite cartoon characters makes it even more appealing.

I strongly believe that this game has immense value for children as it helps enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. By immersing themselves in the game, they'll acquire valuable skills that can be applied beyond the virtual world.

How to Teach Children About Business and Finance Through Free Online Browser Games

The education system often overlooks financial education, resulting in many adults lacking financial literacy. It is vital to expose children to money management at an early age.

Mortgage Calculator addresses this issue by providing free online finance and business browser games that combine learning with enjoyment.

The games on Mortage Calculator empower children to acquire practical knowledge and develop valuable skills beyond the virtual realm. Ultimately, they equip children for a financially secure future by enabling them to make informed financial decisions.

Start your child's financial education journey today by exploring the games on Mortgage Calculator and helping them build a strong foundation for a lifetime of financial literacy.

[sireenproperties]

How Long Are Intellectual Property Rights Good For in the USA?

If you've ever written a book, developed a product, designed a logo, or created music, your work is protected under intellectual property rights in the USA. But one of the most common questions that arises is: How long do these rights last? In this guide, we'll break down the intellectual property rights duration in the USA, including how long copyrights, patents, and trademarks are valid. You'll also learn about intellectual property law time limits in the USA so you can plan effectively to protect your creative and commercial work. What Are Intellectual Property Rights? Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind. These include inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce. IP laws exist to protect the rights of creators and ensure they benefit from their innovations. In the US, the primary types of intellectual property are: - Copyrights - Patents - Trademarks - Trade Secrets Each of these has a specific duration of protection, and understanding these timeframes is crucial if you're involved in any form of innovation or creativity. Why Intellectual Property Rights Duration Matters The duration of IP protection determines how long you have exclusive rights to profit from your work or innovation. Once protection expires, others are free to use, reproduce, or sell your creation without needing your permission. Whether you're launching a product, writing a book, or building a brand, knowing the intellectual property law time limits in the USA helps you protect your work and your profits. How Long Do Copyrights Last in the US? Copyrights protect original works such as books, movies, music, art, software, and more. In the United States, the length of copyright protection depends on when and how the work was created. Works Created After January 1, 1978 - Duration: Life of the author plus 70 years - If there are multiple authors: 70 years after the death of the last surviving author Works Made for Hire or Anonymous/Pseudonymous Works - Duration: Either 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever comes first Works Created Before 1978 - The duration can vary significantly based on publication date and renewal status. - Most works published before 1929 are now in the public domain. In summary: If you're wondering how long copyrights last in the US, the general rule is the author's lifetime plus 70 years, with exceptions for corporate and anonymous works. Patent Protection Length in the USA A patent grants inventors exclusive rights to use, make, or sell their invention for a specific period. The patent protection length in the USA depends on the type of patent you receive. Utility Patents - Cover inventions like machines, processes, and manufactured items - Duration: 20 years from the filing date - Maintenance fees are due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years Design Patents - Protect the appearance or design of a product - Duration: 15 years from the date of grant (for patents filed on or after May 13, 2015) Plant Patents - Cover new plant varieties that are asexually reproduced - Duration: 20 years from the filing date Important note: Patents cannot be renewed. Once expires, anyone can use your invention freely. Trademark Validity Period in the USA A trademark protects names, logos, slogans, and other branding elements that identify your products or services. Unlike copyrights and patents, trademarks can last forever but only with proper maintenance. Initial Duration - Valid for 10 years from the date of registration Maintenance Requirements - You must file a Declaration of Use between the 5th and 6th year - Renewal is required every 10 years - If you fail to file or show continued use, your trademark can be canceled In short, the trademark validity period in the USA is unlimited if you actively maintain it and continue to use the trademark in commerce. Trade Secrets: Unlimited Protection Trade secrets include confidential information like formulas, recipes, processes, and business methods that give a company a competitive edge. Duration - Unlimited as long as the secret remains confidential and reasonable steps are taken to protect it - There is no formal registration required Once a trade secret becomes public knowledge, protection ends. Therefore, companies often use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and internal security measures to guard these assets. Summary Table: Intellectual Property Rights Duration in the USA Type of IPDuration of ProtectionRenewable? Copyright Life of the author + 70 years / 95–120 years for corporate works No Utility Patent 20 years from filing date No (maintenance fees required) Design Patent 15 years from grant date No Plant Patent 20 years from filing date No Trademark 10 years (with renewals every 10 years) Yes Trade Secret Indefinite (as long as kept confidential) Not applicable What Happens When Intellectual Property Rights Expire? Once IP protection ends, your creation enters the public domain. That means: - Others can freely reproduce, distribute, or build upon your work or invention - Trademark rights may be lost if the brand is no longer in use or renewal is missed - Formerly patented inventions can be manufactured by anyone, including competitors Losing these rights can significantly impact revenue, market share, and brand identity. That's why it's vital to monitor and manage IP expiration timelines carefully. Can You Extend Intellectual Property Rights? The ability to extend IP rights depends on the type of protection: - Copyrights: Cannot be extended beyond the legal limit - Patents: No extensions; duration is fixed - Trademarks: Can be renewed indefinitely as long as use is maintained - Trade Secrets: Remain protected indefinitely with proper secrecy If your business depends on long-term protection, trademarks, and trade secrets offer the most flexibility for lifetime value. How to Keep Your IP Protected for as Long as Possible Here are some tips to maximize the lifespan and value of your intellectual property: - Register IP early to secure your rights from the beginning - Track deadlines and renewal dates to avoid expiration - Actively use your trademarks to maintain eligibility for renewal - File maintenance documents and fees for patents and trademarks on time - Use legal agreements to protect trade secrets and ensure confidentiality - Consult an IP attorney to develop a tailored protection strategy With the right systems in place, your intellectual property can serve as a lasting asset for your brand and business. Common Misunderstandings About IP Duration Let's clear up a few widely believed myths about intellectual property duration: - "My copyright lasts forever." - is not true. Copyrights have a defined legal expiration and cannot be extended. - "Once I register a trademark, I never have to worry about it again." - You must continue to use and renew your trademark at regular intervals. - "Patents can be renewed like licenses." - Patents have fixed terms and cannot be extended or renewed. Being informed helps you avoid costly mistakes and better manage your intellectual property portfolio. Conclusion: Know Your Rights and Protect Your Creations Understanding how long intellectual property rights are good in the USA is critical for creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Whether it's determining how long copyrights last in the US, planning for patent protection length in the USA, or managing the trademark validity period in the USA, knowledge is power. Your IP is one of your most valuable business assets. Protect it wisely, monitor expiration dates, and make informed decisions to extend your brand's life, profitability, and legacy. If you're unsure about how to register, maintain, or renew your intellectual property, consider speaking with an experienced intellectual property attorney or a legal advisor to guide you through the process. Faqs 1. How long do copyrights last in the United States? In the US, copyrights generally last for the life of the author plus 70 years. For works made for hire or anonymous works, protection lasts 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter. 2. What is the duration of patent protection in the USA? Patent protection in the United States varies by type: - Utility and plant patents last 20 years from the filing date - Design patents last 15 years from the grant date (for applications filed after May 13, 2015) - Patents cannot be renewed, but maintenance fees are required for utility patents. 3. How long are trademarks valid in the United States? A registered trademark in the US is initially valid for 10 years, but it can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years. However, the trademark owner must file maintenance documents and continue to use the mark in commerce to keep it active. 4. Are intellectual property rights renewable after they expire? Not all intellectual property rights are renewable: - Copyrights and patents are not renewable - Trademarks can be renewed indefinitely as long as they remain in use - Trade secrets stay protected as long as confidentiality is maintained 5. What happens when intellectual property rights expire? When intellectual property rights expire, the work typically enters the public domain, meaning anyone can legally use, reproduce, or sell the creation without permission. For trademarks, if not renewed, the rights are lost, and the brand identity may become vulnerable to misuse. Read the full article

[jpgacademy]

Build Your Creative Career with JPG Academy’s 6-Month Diploma Courses

JPG Academy offers intensive 6-month diploma courses designed for individuals aiming to build a strong foundation in creative and media fields.

These short-term programs are ideal for students and professionals who want to gain practical skills in a focused timeframe and step confidently into the media and entertainment industry.

The diploma courses cover key areas such as video editing, visual effects (VFX), multimedia design, graphic design, and animation.

Each course includes hands-on training with industry-standard tools and software, preparing students for real-world job roles.

The curriculum is structured to balance theory and practice, guided by experienced faculty with industry exposure.

JPG Academy ensures that every student receives individual attention, portfolio development support, and career guidance.

The 6-month diploma is perfect for those looking to upgrade skills, switch careers, or begin their journey in the creative industry without committing to long-term programs.

With a practical, project-based approach, JPG Academy’s 6-month diploma courses empower students to enter the professional world with confidence and skill.

For more details 📍:

JPG Academy

8778745099

jpg-academy.com

#JPGAcademy #DiplomaCourse #CreativeEducation #MediaTraining #VideoEditingCourse #GraphicDesignDiploma #AnimationTraining #LearnVFX #ShortTermCourses #CareerInMedia

#MaduraiAcademy

[beyondblogs786]

How to Build a Winning Project at a Hackathon: Step-by-Step Guide

Participating in a hackathon is a thrilling challenge that pushes your creativity, technical skills, and teamwork to the limit. Whether you’re competing in a major event like those hosted by Hack4Purpose or a local hackathon, building a winning project requires strategy and smart execution.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build a hackathon project from scratch that stands out and impresses judges.

Step 1: Understand the Theme and Problem Statement

Every hackathon has a theme or a set of challenges. Before diving into coding, carefully analyze the problem you want to solve.

Visit the official hackathon page for insights, rules, and guidelines to ensure your project aligns with expectations.

Step 2: Brainstorm and Validate Your Idea

Gather your team (or work solo) and brainstorm multiple ideas. Evaluate each idea based on feasibility, innovation, and impact.

Validate your top idea by doing quick online research to check for similar solutions and identify gaps.

Step 3: Define Your MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Set clear boundaries on what you will build within the hackathon timeframe.

Focus on creating an MVP—a simple version of your project with core functionalities. This helps you deliver a functional prototype without getting overwhelmed.

Step 4: Divide Roles and Plan Your Workflow

Assign roles based on team members’ strengths—coding, UI/UX design, testing, and presentation.

Use tools like Trello or Google Sheets to plan tasks and deadlines. This keeps everyone aligned and maximizes productivity.

Step 5: Set Up Your Development Environment Early

Prepare your laptop, install necessary software, and set up repositories (e.g., GitHub) before the event starts.

Having your environment ready saves precious time during the hackathon.

Step 6: Build Iteratively with Frequent Testing

Start by building core features, then progressively add enhancements.

Regularly test your project to catch bugs early. This iterative approach prevents last-minute crashes and improves stability.

Step 7: Design a Simple and User-Friendly Interface

Even a functional app loses appeal if the UI is confusing.

Keep your interface clean and intuitive. Use free design tools like Figma or Canva to mock up screens quickly.

Step 8: Prepare Your Demo and Pitch

Plan a short demo showcasing the problem, solution, and how your project works.

Craft a concise pitch that highlights what makes your project unique and impactful.

Rehearse your presentation multiple times.

Step 9: Leverage Mentors and Community

Take advantage of mentorship sessions often provided in hackathons like Hack4Purpose.

Seek feedback, ask questions, and iterate your project accordingly.

Step 10: Submit Early and Follow Up

Avoid last-minute submission issues by uploading your project ahead of deadlines.

After the hackathon, stay engaged with the community on platforms like Hack4Purpose.

Final Thoughts

Building a winning project at a hackathon is as much about smart planning and teamwork as it is about coding skills.

By understanding the theme, defining a clear MVP, organizing your team, and practicing your pitch, you increase your chances of success dramatically.

Ready to get started? Visit Hack4Purpose and register for the next exciting hackathon!