January 25, 2022

GRAID Technology Secures $15M USD Series A Funding, Accelerates Growth in the Data Storage & Protection Market

Led by a key investment from Capital TEN, GRAID Technology will enhance and expand industry leading data protection solutions across the OEM and Enterprise markets.

GRAID Announces $15M USD Series A Funding

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GRAID Technology announced today that it has secured a $15 million USD Series A funding round, led by Capital TEN. Additional investors include Cathay Venture Inc., China Investment & Development Company Ltd., Huitung Investments, Neo Capital Investment Corporation Ltd., Paragon Investments Inc., and Yuanta Venture Capital Co. Ltd. This funding round positions GRAID to continue to deliver industry leading data protection products across worldwide OEM and Enterprise markets.

“GRAID is revolutionizing the way that end users look at data protection,” said Le-Chun Wang, President of Capital TEN. “The SupremeRAID™ solution offers unmatched flexibility and performance benefits for today’s data center workloads, plus the adaptability to handle the emerging workloads of tomorrow.”

GRAID Technology is an innovator in Software-Composable Infrastructure (SCI), where compute, storage, and networking resources should be abstracted from their physical locations and managed by software through a web-based interface. SCI makes data center resources as readily available as cloud services and is the foundation for private and hybrid cloud solutions.

“Along with the emergence of NVMe SSD and NVMeoF technologies, we clearly see SupremeRAID™ as a foundational SCI technology to disaggregate storage resources without sacrificing performance and latency,” said founder and CEO of GRAID Technology Leander Yu. “Our investors are focused on growing disruptive technology with huge market potential. We believe that the SupremeRAID™ solution is the most disruptive technology introduced to the storage industry in the last 20 years.”

GRAID Technology is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California with an office in Ontario, CA and an R&D center in Taipei, Taiwan. Named one of the Ten Hottest Data Storage Startups of 2021 by CRN, GRAID SupremeRAID™ performance is breaking world records as the first NVMe and NVMeoF RAID card to unlock the full potential of your SSD performance: a single SupremeRAID™ card delivers 16 million IOPS and 110GB/s of throughput.

Additional Resources:

For more information on GRAID Technology visit www.graidtech.com or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Andrea Eaken (PR/Marketing)
Email: andrea.eaken@graidtech.com
Tel: 1-800-GRAID-10

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

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GRAID Announces $15M USD Series A Funding

January 25, 2022

IIBA Data Analytics Research Shows 3X ROI for High Performing Organizations

New IIBA Global Research reveals high performing organizations realize increased ROI on data analytics initiatives by integrating data science, technology, and business analysis teams.

Achieving More with Data

The critical role of Business Analysis in becoming a data-driven organization

TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The International Institute of Business Analysis™ (IIBA®), the global association leading the business analysis community and professional standards, released the findings of its Achieving More with Data research, part of IIBA’s Global Research Program. This research provides insights into how high-performing organizations realize increased ROI with data analytics initiatives by having business analysis professionals lead key business data analytics (BDA) practices.

The five-part Achieving More with Data report answers the questions:

How do high performing organizations build a data-driven culture?
How can data analytics projects reduce failure rates?
How can building analysis capability improve outcomes?

“IIBA is excited to share what we have been learning from our global community, particularly the increasingly critical connection between how organizations deploy business analysis capabilities internally and the success of their data analytics initiatives. We believe this helps all of our understanding around the shift to data-driven cultures and value that is achievable from analytics work in high performing organizations,” said Delvin Fletcher, President and CEO, IIBA.

IIBA’s Global Research team conducted over two dozen interviews with executives involved in business data analytics and commissioned a survey of 300 business leaders to quantify capabilities leading to project success. The research examined the impact of business analysis in driving increased ROI and reduced failure rates across a range of BDA projects. IIBA reviewed these findings with an expert panel representing data science, global thought leaders in data management, and academia to validate the results.

The research found the most successful organizations closely integrate business analysis into a team structure including technology and data science to build a data-driven culture. “No amount of technology or data science will fix asking and answering the wrong business question,” said Keith Ellis, Chief Engagement and Growth Officer, IIBA, “and the business analysis professional knows the processes and nuance of the business and can maintain focus on how value is going to be realized.”

The gap is widening between high performers and industry laggards. Enterprise organizations with mature BDA practices experience three times more ROI than organizations not focused on these key areas. Companies that fail to involve business analysis professionals in leading BDA practices experience 2.8 times higher project failure.

Executives have faced challenges with business data analytics and know the disruptive potential if they get it wrong. IIBA’s findings narrow the problem to specific business analysis practices executives can focus on getting right, and through these practices, lead their companies through the transformation to become data driven.

IIBA’s research found business data analytics is critical for high-performing organizations and business analysis professionals are instrumental in helping these organizations build a data-driven culture.

To preview the key findings on the impact of business analysis, access the Achieving More with Data Summary Report at IIBA.org.

About IIBA
International Institute of Business Analysis™ (IIBA^®) is the professional association dedicated to supporting business analysis professionals to deliver better business outcomes. IIBA connects 30,000 Members, 120 Chapters, and 500 training, academic, and enterprise partners around the world. As the global voice of the business analysis community, IIBA supports recognition of the profession, networking and community engagement, standards and resource development, and comprehensive certification programs. For more information, visit IIBA.org

About IIBA Global Research
IIBA Global Research provides a broad view of topical information, insights, demographics, and trends that influence business analysis globally. As part of IIBA’s Global Research, Achieving More with Data analyzes the forces shaping the use of data and analytics at companies and the strategies, including the use of business analysis professionals, for transforming to a data-driven organization.

More details for media coverage can be found in the accompanying research reference guide.

Ann Cain, Director, Events & Communications, IIBA
(289) 275-6847 or (905) 867-4103 – ann.cain@iiba.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2dfd0ea1-73fa-4708-93dd-03bfd1cd6bd2

January 25, 2022

Sporting Events to Look Out for in Qatar 2022

Qatar Tourism

DOHA, Qatar, Jan. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the 300 days to go until the start of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022^TM, the country will welcome a series of elite international sporting events, continuing a tourism drive.

From an ATP tennis competition to European Tour golf and the MotoGP, Qatar has lots in store for adventure-hungry visitors looking for professional sporting action.

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Sport brings people together and hosting international sporting events allows us to be part of, and to facilitate, cross-cultural moments of human achievement and utility. The country’s ability to host these events demonstrates the trust in Qatar’s ability and health and safety measures to keep players safe when competing at world-class venues. We look forward to welcoming outstanding players, management teams, and of course all the fans to Qatar throughout the year.”

Qatar as a nation places a priority on sports and is one of the few countries to celebrate a National Sports Day as a bank holiday, which this year will take place on 8 Feb. For visitors looking to participate in, as well as watch, the action, Qatar Tourism has curated a Sports & Adventure package, in collaboration with 365 Adventures, to give sports enthusiasts a three-day fix of exciting activities.

Sports & Adventure Package

Sports & Adventure
Day 1
Morning	SUP tour of The Pearl-Qatar
Afternoon	Immersive horseback riding with the Al Shaqab Racing Academy
Evening	Sunset kayaking at the mangroves
Day 2
Morning	Round of golf / quad biking
Afternoon	Desert safari to Inland Sea
Evening	Overnight desert camping
Day 3
Morning	Scuba diving at GMC Reef
Afternoon	Sandboarding near Sealine camp
Evening	Relaxing spa experience

Book the package now at: https://365adventures.me/sports-and-adventure-packages/

Upcoming sporting events in Qatar

Katara International Horse Festival (2 – 12 Feb. 2022)

Discover Qatar’s rich equestrian heritage and learn how the country is a pioneer in breeding purebred Arabians at this 10-day event in Katara Cultural Village. The festival offers various activities for guests to experience, including a horse exhibition and parade, light show, art and painting exhibits, as well as numerous food and beverage stalls.

Qatar Masters (TBC 2022)

This European Tour golf tournament has been held in Doha since 1998, and rotates between Qatar’s two championship-level courses, Education City Golf Club and Doha Golf Club. Previously won by the likes of Ernie Els, Adam Scott, Paul Lawrie and Henrik Stenson.

The Qatar Open (14 – 19 Feb. 2022)

Part of the ATP 250 tour, this annual men’s professional tennis tournament is played outside on hard courts. Famous victors have included Boris Becker, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

Qatar Ladies Open (20 – 26 Feb. 2022)

This professional women’s tennis tournament is a WTA 500 event on the WTA Tour. Previously won by famous players such as Martina Hingis, Maria Sharapova and the defending champion Petra Kvitová.

Al Adaid Desert Challenge (TBC 2022)

The Al Adaid Desert Challenge is an extreme sports race that features on the International Cycling Union calendar. The gruelling event involves 60 kilometres for cyclists and 28 kilometres for runners, starting from the Sealine area and stretching to one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders: the ‘Inland Sea’, or Khor Al Adaid.

Grand Prix of Qatar (4 – 6 March 2022)

One of the most exciting events on the MotoGP calendar, the motorcycle race will take place at the impressive Losail circuit, which recently hosted the 2021 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix. Having hosted the first-ever floodlit MotoGP back in 2008, this location never fails to impress. Notable winners have included Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi.

To find out more information on new sporting adventures and developments in Qatar, visit: https://www.visitqatar.qa/en/things-to-do/adventures

Travellers set to transit through Qatar should look to combine their sports and adventure trip with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

Please note, final event dates may be subject to change regarding the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism’s Press Office on:

+974 7774 7863 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa

About Qatar:

Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East, with 80% of the earth’s population within a six-hour flight. Ranked the safest country in the world in 2022 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 95 countries can enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora, including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to high-rise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to world-famous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets. Travellers set to transit through Qatar should turn one holiday into two with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

About Qatar Tourism:

Qatar Tourism is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Qatar, facilitating the sector’s exponential growth. Qatar is a destination where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in arts, culture, sports, and adventure, catering to family and business visitors, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, grow local and international visitor demand, attract inward investment, and drive a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest growing destination in the Middle East.

Web: www.visitqatar.qa

Twitter: @VisitQatar

Instagram: @VisitQatar

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Image 1: Qatar Tourism

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Qatar Tourism

January 25, 2022

United-Guardian Board of Directors Announces Review of Strategic Alternatives

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Jan. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United-Guardian, Inc. (NASDAQ:UG) (“United-Guardian” or the “Company”), a fully-integrated research, development, manufacturing and marketing company that supplies unique and innovative products to the personal care, health care, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors, today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has launched a formal review process to explore strategic alternatives. The purpose of the review is to ensure that value is being maximized for shareholders and that the Company has sufficient scale and financial resources to take advantage of the growth opportunities available to the organization. These alternatives could include, among others, possible joint ventures, strategic partnerships or alliances, an outright sale of the Company, or other possible transactions.

Ken Globus, President of United-Guardian, stated, “As United-Guardian and the global economy continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that we select the best path forward for the next chapter of United-Guardian’s continued growth. Management and the Board of Directors are working to ensure that the Company is positioned to seize the numerous growth opportunities available to United-Guardian. The Company’s long history, leading product portfolio, and established relationships with the leading brands within our markets provide a firm foundation for future expansion. Maximizing value for our shareholders, ensuring stability for our employees, and positioning United-Guardian for continued success into the future are our priorities during this review.”

Capstone Partners is serving as financial advisor to United-Guardian, and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is serving as legal advisor.

There can be no assurance that the review being undertaken will result in a merger, sale or other business combination involving the Company, and the Company has not set a timetable for completion of the review process. The Company does not currently intend to disclose further developments with respect to this process, unless and until its Board of Directors approves a specific transaction or otherwise concludes the review of strategic alternatives.

For further information, interested parties may contact Vijay Balasubramanian, Managing Director at Capstone Partners, or Paul Janson, COO at Capstone Partners (phone: +1 (617) 619-3300; emails: vijayb@capstonepartners.com; pjanson@capstonepartners.com).

NOTE: This press release contains both historical and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements about the company’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events, such as financial performance, business prospects, and similar matters, are being made in reliance upon the “safe harbor” provisions of that Act. Such statements are subject to a variety of factors that could cause our actual results or performance to differ materially from the anticipated results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For further information about the risks and uncertainties that may affect the company’s business please refer to the company’s reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

January 25, 2022

Virtusa Named a Leader in Five Segments of Zinnov Zones Global ER&D 2021 Ratings

Company Also Noted as Breakout Contender in Industrial Segment

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass., Jan. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtusa Corporation announced today that it has been ranked a leader in five segments in the annual Zinnov Zones for Engineering R&D 2021 ratings that evaluates global ER&D Service Providers for their prowess and capabilities. The five segments include overall ER&D Services, Digital Engineering Services, ER&D – US, Enterprise Software, and Telehealth. Virtusa was also recognized as a breakout service provider in the Industrial vertical segment.

The comprehensive study titled, ‘Global ER&D Landscape and Evolving Enterprise Priorities – 2021’ evaluated 50 global ER&D Service Providers across various industry verticals and micro-verticals. The 2021 Zinnov Zones assessment was unique because of the geographic evaluation done across high spending countries such as US, Germany, and Japan, where the primary parameters analyzed include investments, client success, and delivery capabilities for Engineering Services.

“According to the study, the Global ER&D spend by organizations worldwide will grow at a 9% CAGR to reach USD 2.1 trillion by 2024, with Digital Engineering spend accounting for more than 50% of the Global ER&D spend by 2024,” said Samir Dhir, Global Markets and Industries CEO, Virtusa. “This is directly in Virtusa’s wheelhouse, and our leadership positioning in so many of the market segments is a testament to the strength of our engineering capabilities, our top notch partner ecosystem and focus on innovating for clients. The demand for digital services in nearly all industries will continue growing due to newer technologies, industry players, and changing customer, employee, and partner interactions and expectations. Our new business opportunities will hopefully expand as worldwide business leaders use this study to begin seeking exceptional partners for faster and more efficient deployment of ER&D-led services.”

Sidhant Rastogi, Managing Partner, Zinnov, said, “Virtusa’s strong suit in both digital experience and design thinking-led innovation is reflected in its investments in IPs and solutions such as vLife (Healthcare and Life sciences Applications Marketplace) and vDataAid (Data Modernization solution). This, augmented with its digital implementation experience across verticals and pre-build warehouse of digital elements and services, has helped Virtusa successfully accelerate product development for its enterprise customers, in turn strengthening its position in the 2021 ER&D Zinnov Zones.”

Zinnov Zones is an annual rating published by Zinnov which assesses Global Service Providers based on their competencies, capabilities, and market success. Since 2009, Zinnov Zones (previously known as GSPR – Global Service Provider Ratings) has become one of the most trusted reports globally, for both enterprises and Service Providers to better understand the vendor ecosystem across multiple domains such as Digital Transformation, ER&D Services, IOT, HIA, and Media and Entertainment.

This is the thirteenth consecutive year that Zinnov has assessed Service Providers for their ER&D capabilities. The detailed ratings and contact information of Service Providers are available at: https://zinnovzones.com/

About Virtusa
Virtusa Corporation is a global provider of digital business strategy, digital engineering, and information technology (IT) services and solutions that help clients change, disrupt, and unlock new value through innovative engineering. Virtusa serves Global 2000 companies in the Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Healthcare, Communications, Media, Entertainment, Travel, Manufacturing, and Technology industries.

Virtusa helps clients grow their business with innovative products and services that create operational efficiency using digital labor, future-proof operational and IT platforms, and rationalization and modernization of IT applications infrastructure. This is achieved through a unique approach blending deep contextual expertise, empowered agile teams, and measurably better engineering to create holistic solutions that drive the business forward at unparalleled velocity enabled by a culture of cooperative disruption.

Virtusa is a registered trademark of Virtusa Corporation. All other company and brand names may be trademarks or service marks of their respective holders.

Media Contact:

Matt Berry
Conversion Marketing
matt@conversionam.com