By Rick Heicksen Vice President of Sales at Chetu

Nothing is permanent when it comes to business and technology. Certainly, that is true at the nexus of both. There is no better proof of this than Oracle’s recent moves toward cloud-based solutions. This growing versatility has encompassed everything from Microsoft Azure to Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud. It is a new world, and a pioneer like Oracle understands the power of the cloud.

So, what does this mean for PeopleSoft, the on-premise enterprise Human Resources software?

Welcome to Oracle Cloud

So, to get down to brass tacks, PeopleSoft isn’t a cloud-centric product, and that creates some interesting questions when we talk about migrating PeopleSoft to the wider universe of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.

The good news is that there is a light at the end of the transition tunnel. Oracle Cloud offers many benefits that easily offset any challenges its learning curve poses.

Let’s start by talking about the one topic nearest and dearest to the heart of any business – the price tag. Oracle Cloud doesn’t come with any unpleasant expense surprises. By contrast, a product like PeopleSoft can require a certain amount of care and feeding to keep it upgraded and functioning in top form. The expense transparency of Oracle Cloud should allow for a few sighs of relief from the corporate boardroom when IT outlays are being figured.

But, just as important as cost is the key question that smart enterprises ask of any solution: How well does it work? The answers with Oracle Cloud are reassuring. Without the limitations imposed by the necessity of upgrades, the product can grow more organically as your business and your needs do. That means no lag between when you need growth and when you get it.

Better yet, Oracle Cloud doesn’t just stay current with your business requirements but with those imposed by the evolving government privacy rules and the ever-mutating universe of cyber threats as well. The power of the cloud means a solution that adapts without a lot of the handholding that one finds with an on-premises asset. It does that work for you and ensures that it finds and eliminates vulnerabilities without needing a lot of attention.

Perhaps best of all, up-to-date cloud-based software means easier integration with the most advanced assets and paradigms on the scene today. With breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and the exciting and dynamic world of machine learning, you want software ready to meet and cooperate with the modern world of programs, apps, and technologies that are coming into existence as we speak.

The Difficulties of Change

Of course, like anything worthwhile, the move from one platform to another has some issues to overcome. There will be a few tough moments. Remember the cardinal rule with any data migration. Accidents can happen, so take the journey carefully and protect your information.

Customization is another issue. Businesses can become comfortable with the old system and have probably developed unique or specialized ways of doing things with it. Such shortcuts and customizations could be lost in the transition and could require rebuilding, so try to leave a little wiggle room with the expectation that things will not go perfectly.

Any new system will still need the one thing any transition can’t do without. Staff will have to be instructed on how to use Oracle Cloud. The educational component will necessitate time and patience.

Doing it Right

Still, don’t be dispirited. A smooth transition is in sight, especially if you use a qualified software solutions provider to guide you through the process. Here are things you can do to make the process work:

• Have a blueprint. Don’t just barge into the process willy-nilly. Create a strategy and understand how each phase of the process will work and how long you might need to invest in each one.
• Stage regular assessments. Stay on top of how things are going and how the plan is coming together.
• Get help. Asking a software solutions provider skilled in PeopleSoft and Oracle Cloud isn’t a sign of weakness. Get the right people on your side to make things happen.

Chetu has the expertise you will need. Importantly, the company is an Oracle Partner. We’ve been in the trenches and have the people to make your migration process as easy and trouble-free as possible. That includes support after the process and consulting on the best ways to acclimate staff.

The Time is Now                                                                                

Migrating PeopleSoft to the cloud means you are utilizing all that Oracle has to offer. The tech giant is pointing the way to the future. Will you be at the forefront of the change, or will your organization lag behind?

Based in Tempe, Rick Heicksen is the Vice President of Sales at Chetu, a global software solutions and support services provider.

About Chetu: Founded in 2000, Chetu is a global digital intelligence and software solutions provider. Chetu’s specialized technology and industry experts serve startups, SMBs, and Fortune 5000 companies with an unparalleled software delivery model suited to clients’ needs. Chetu’s one-stop-shop model spans the entire software technology spectrum. Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Chetu has 13 locations throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

LG Energy Solution has selected Honeywell to provide building automation services for its electric battery manufacturing plant under construction in Queen Creek, the South Korean company announced Tuesday.

Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) will deploy its building automation technologies — including cybersecurity services, fire alarm systems and facility monitoring — to enhance operations and improve safety at the 1.3-million-square-foot cylindrical battery manufacturing plant, which is slated for completion in 2026.

LG Energy Solution’s battery plant will utilize Honeywell Forge, an Internet of Things platform that ensures resiliency of critical systems, helping reduce “unplanned reactive work” and lower energy costs, according to the company.

“By developing and delivering solutions that blend cutting-edge technology and energy management, we are driving the future of automation,” Billal Hammoud, president and CEO of Honeywell Building Automation, said in a statement. “Honeywell’s collaboration with LG Energy Solution demonstrates how advanced building automation can help empower companies to achieve operational excellence in their facilities while also accelerating the shift to a more secure energy future.”

LG battery facility halfway complete

Construction of the LG Energy Solution’s $5.5 billion battery manufacturing facility is about halfway complete, the company announced last month.

LGES aims to begin sample production in mid-2026, followed by commercial production of its 46-Series cylindrical batteries for automakers by the end of the year at its Queen Creek facility. The company recently secured a series of supply agreements with leading automakers for its 46-Series cylindrical batteries, which will be manufactured in Arizona.

LGES’ construction milestone of its Arizona battery plant comes on the heels of its efforts in the first quarter to reallocate its production capacity in North America to respond to market demands and uncertainties, according to a company announcement.

While LGES’ plans remain on pause for an energy storage system battery factory in Arizona, the company will utilize existing capacity at its Michigan plant, beginning with production of lithium iron phosphate batteries this year.

LG Energy Solution also has several joint venture facilities with prominent automakers that are currently operating or under construction in the U.S., according to the company.

Battery-focused accelerator program trains LGES workers

LGES in April began training its initial team of workers at Arizona’s battery-focused Future48 Workforce accelerator, which launched last month in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Pinal County, and Central Arizona College.

Located at Central Arizona College’s Superstition Mountain campus, the 19,850-square-foot accelerator provides hands-on workforce training focused on manufacturing cylindrical batteries for electric vehicles and other applications.

“We will create 1,500 new employment opportunities overall by 2027, significantly thriving the local economy and further cementing Arizona’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing,” Richard Ra, president of LG Energy Solution Arizona, said in a statement. “This workforce training center at CAC will be a cornerstone of our effort, preparing a highly skilled workforce for the jobs of tomorrow for Arizonans by awakening their infinite potential.”

LGES was not immediately available for comment on the number of employees hired so far for the Queen Creek plant. LGES has 11 open positions for engineers, technicians and environmental specialists for its Queen Creek battery facility, according to the company’s website.

The battery-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator is the second training center launched in partnership with Central Arizona College and Pinal County. In 2021, state officials launched Drive48, an automotive training assembling facility in Coolidge.

The Future48 Workforce Accelerators are supported by a $30 million investment from the Arizona Commerce Authority to build advanced manufacturing training facilities across the state in partnership with local community colleges.

The Future48 network includes six training centers across Coolidge, Apache Junction, Yuma, Kingman, Phoenix and Mesa focused on industries such as automotive, batteries and semiconductors.

 

 

Illume News

E Source, a utilities-focused consulting, research, and data science company, has acquired IILLUME Advising, LLC, a research and strategy consultancy specializing in the energy sector. The acquisition boosts E Source’s ability to help its utility clients by providing deeper insights, tailored solutions, and richer engagement, building on the company’s deep expertise in North America’s utility sector.

ILLUME is a provider of people-centered research and consulting in the energy sector, founded in 2013 by Anne Dougherty and Sara Conzemius. Over the years, it has expanded to include more than 45 experts with diverse skills in social sciences, data science, engineering, strategic planning, and policy implementation.

E Source has been a solution partner to utilities for over 35 years. In 2019, it was acquired by Align Capital Partners (ACP), a growth-oriented mid-market private equity firm. The company has since grown organically and through acquisitions to create the most comprehensive solution partner in the utility industry.

Commenting on the acquisition, Joe Eazor, CEO, E Source, said, “I am thrilled to welcome the ILLUME team to E Source. This acquisition enhances our talent pool and depth of offerings, allowing us to create a more connected and holistic client experience across services. Anne and Sara have built an incredible company with a portfolio of trusted solutions that, combined with E Source’s scale and capabilities, will enhance the value we offer clients. We are thrilled to have their leadership on our journey to being the solution partner of choice in the utility industry.”

From behavioral economics and human-centered design to applied engineering and building science, ILLUME’s multidisciplinary expertise will further enhance E Source’s deep technical knowledge and trend-tracking capabilities across all utility verticals.

Anne Dougherty, ILLUME founder and co-owner, said, “At ILLUME, we’ve always believed in the power of rigorous research, strategic insight, and deep partnership with clients. E Source is the perfect match to help us scale that vision. Their data science, consulting, and solution-driven capabilities beautifully complement our work. We’re excited for what’s ahead, and confident our clients will see immediate value.”

The companies are now going through a systematic integration process, until the completion of which ILLUME will operate semi-independently as an E Source company.

“Anne and I are thrilled to be joining forces with E Source—a company we’ve long admired,” said Sara Conzemius, ILLUME founder and co-owner. “Their commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and customer-centered solutions deeply aligns with our mission at ILLUME. Together, our teams are positioned to deliver a next-generation set of services to help utilities navigate the energy transition with clarity, purpose, and impact.”

Align Capital Partners was advised by McGuireWoods and ILLUME was advised by the Environmental Financial Consulting Group and Murphy Desmond S.C.

About E Source
E Source combines industry-leading research, data science, and consulting to help utilities make and implement better data-driven decisions that positively impact their customers, their bottom line, and our planet. Headquartered in Boulder, CO, E Source has teams across the US and Canada. Learn more at www.esource.com.

About ILLUME Advising, LLC
ILLUME is a research and strategy consultancy specializing in people-centered consulting to advance, re-envision, and transform the power sector. As energy specialists, ILLUME empowers utilities, regulators, and industry leaders to tackle complex challenges and accelerate innovation. ILLUME offers a holistic consulting approach grounded in four areas of expertise: Affordability, Access, and Resilience; Emerging Opportunities; Evaluation and Success Planning; and Human Insights. With headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, and Tucson, Arizona, ILLUME has teams located in 15 states across the US. Learn more at www.illumeadvising.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Drip campaigns nurture leads through consistent, automated email communication
• Focus on growing an organic email list through website sign-ups and exclusive offers to improve engagement
• Engagement rates, such as click-through rates, provide better insights than open rates for email campaign success.
• Personalizing subject lines and content boosts open and engagement rates in email marketing.

Email marketing remains one of the most effective tools for tech businesses to connect with clients, build relationships, and drive conversions. For C-level executives and managers, understanding how to execute successful email marketing campaigns is key to maximizing results. Here are some essential tactics for boosting your email marketing efforts.

Utilize Drip Campaigns

Drip campaigns are scheduled emails sent in a series to subscribers over a set period. These targeted emails help nurture leads by delivering relevant content at the right time and guiding recipients through the sales funnel. Setting up personalized drip campaigns ensures that your prospects receive consistent and engaging communication. Learn from brands that send exemplary email newsletters to improve your own strategy.

Building an Email List

Building a quality email list is the foundation of any successful email marketing campaign. Instead of purchasing lists, focus on growing an organic list through sign-ups on your website, gated content, or exclusive offers. Having a list of engaged subscribers who opted in to receive your content leads to higher engagement and conversion rates. Check out these tips on building customer relationships through email.

Open Rates vs. Engagement Rates

While open rates are a useful metric, engagement rates (such as click-through rates) provide a clearer picture of how recipients interact with your emails. To optimize both, use clear subject lines, personalize the content, and experiment with sending times. Read about how to optimize your email open rates to improve the effectiveness of your campaigns.

Discover More Opportunities

For more strategies on improving email marketing, explore Intero Digital’s email solutions. The Arizona Technology Council also offers great opportunities for networking and marketing insights—check out our upcoming events.

Start refining your email marketing tactics today to convert more leads into clients!

 

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PR Newswire

PacketWatch, a leader in packet-level network analysis for cybersecurity, announced a strategic partnership with Eide Bailly, a Top 20 CPA and business advisory firm. The collaboration will expand their mutual clients’ access to cybersecurity and compliance services.

The modern digital landscape requires comprehensive services that combine cutting-edge technologies with cybersecurity expertise and business strategy. PacketWatch’s proficiency in cyber incident response, threat hunting, and managed services complements Eide Bailly’s consulting experience in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC).

Partnership Highlights:

• Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR): PacketWatch provides sophisticated forensic analysis and rapid incident response using proprietary packet-level network tools.
• Clients’ Cybersecurity Posture: Complementary consulting and managed services with proactive threat hunting strengthen client cyber resiliency and reduce business risk.
• GRC Excellence: Eide Bailly’s deep industry knowledge provides clients with GRC strategies and best practices for complying with industry and regulatory standards.

“This partnership with Eide Bailly represents a transformative step for PacketWatch, as it strengthens our ability to help our clients with governance, risk, and compliance services,” said Chuck Matthews, CEO at PacketWatch. “Combining our Incident Response skills with Eide Bailly’s GRC competency allows us to offer a more robust approach to cyber risk management.”

“We’re excited to collaborate with PacketWatch, bringing their exceptional DFIR capabilities and managed services to our clients,” said Rob Else, Director of Cybersecurity Services at Eide Bailly. “This partnership empowers us to provide our clients with an enhanced security posture equipped to handle the complexities of today’s threat landscape, backed by effective compliance and risk management strategies.”

About PacketWatch:
PacketWatch implements packet-level network analysis and proactive human threat hunting to find risks and malicious activities that conventional cybersecurity tools may miss. As a boutique cyber incident response firm, our platform empowers our experts to quickly identify, contain, and remediate sophisticated attacks after a breach. Our managed services utilize these same techniques on a daily basis to prevent major incidents and strengthen an organization’s security posture. We believe that deep network visibility and proactive hypothesis-based threat hunting differentiate our approach, allowing our team to identify and contain threats before they trigger alerts in other cybersecurity tools. For more information, visit www.packetwatch.com.

About Eide Bailly:
Eide Bailly is a leading CPA and business advisory firm that offers a comprehensive range of services including audit, tax, consulting, and more. Our mission is to help organizations optimize performance, safeguard what they’ve built, and plan for future growth — so they can be stronger today and even stronger tomorrow. For more information, visit www.eidebailly.com.

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Register for the Council’s upcoming Phoenix and Tucson tech events and Optics Valley optics + photonics events.

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Solar Builder Magazine

The first three months of 2025 have seen $8 billion in investments canceled and 16 new large-scale factories and other projects abandoned or downsized in the renewable energy industry, according to a new report.

E2’s latest Clean Economy Works monthly update shows that escalating market uncertainty is taking a toll on renewables as Congress begins debate on repealing tax credits and other incentives. The $7.9 billion in investments withdrawn since January are more than three times the total investments canceled over the previous 30 months combined, the report shows.

Still, companies continue to invest in the potential of America’s clean economy. Businesses in March announced more than $1.6 billion in investments for new solar, EV and grid and transmission equipment factories across six states — including a $200 million investment by Tesla to build a battery factory near Houston that is expected to create at least 1,500 new jobs. Combined, the 10 projects announced in March are expected to create at least 5,000 new permanent jobs if completed.

“Clean energy companies still want to invest in America, but uncertainty over Trump administration policies and the future of critical clean energy tax credits are taking a clear toll,” said Michael Timberlake, E2 communications director. “If this self-inflicted and unnecessary market uncertainty continues, we’ll almost certainly see more projects paused, more construction halted, and more job opportunities disappear.”

March’s announcements bring the overall number of major clean energy projects tracked by E2 to 390 across 42 states and Puerto Rico. Companies have said they plan to invest more than $133 billion in these projects and hire 122,000 permanent workers. (These figures reflect ongoing revisions and updates.)

Since federal clean energy tax credits were passed by Congress in August 2022, a total of 34 projects have been cancelled, closed or downsized, according to data from E2 and Atlas Public Policy. Over 15,000 jobs and $10 billion in investments were connected with the abandoned projects.

But the rate of cancellations increased dramatically in the past two months. In February and March alone, 13 projects and more than $5 billion in connected investments were cancelled or downsized — including Bosch’s cancellation of a $200 million hydrogen fuel cell factory in South Carolina and Freyr Battery’s cancellation of a $2.5 billion battery factory in Georgia.

Republican congressional districts, which have benefitted the most from the Biden-era clean energy tax credits, also are seeing the most cancellations. More than $6 billion and over 10,000 jobs have been cancelled in Republican districts so far.

Through March, over 62% of all clean energy projects announced — along with 71% of all jobs and 83% of all investments — are in congressional districts represented by Republicans.

A full map and list of announcements is available at e2.org/announcements/. Cancellation data will be incorporated in the coming weeks.

Click here for a list of March clean energy announcements tracked by E2 along with totals by state, sector, congressional district, and industry type for projects announced, cancelled, downsized, and closed since E2 began tracking in August 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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• Free SEO tools can offer powerful insights into website performance and visibility.
• Google Search Console helps tech businesses monitor keywords, indexing, and technical issues.
• Intero Digital’s GRO Score™ provides a comprehensive evaluation of digital visibility and performance.
• Tracking the right SEO metrics is essential for refining strategy and improving results.
• Using free tools is an effective way for tech startups to begin optimizing for search engines.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for tech companies that want to increase visibility, generate qualified leads, and stay competitive online. Fortunately, you don’t need to invest in expensive software to get started. These three free SEO tools offer powerful insights that can help your business make savvy, data-driven decisions.

1. Google Search Console

Google Search Console remains one of the most valuable free tools for understanding how your site performs in organic search. You can monitor keyword rankings, page impressions, and technical issues that may affect your visibility. Not sure how to leverage it effectively? Here’s a deeper look at how to improve your content with Search Console Insights.

2. Intero Digital’s GRO Score™

Developed by Intero Digital, GRO Score™ is a free AI-powered tool that provides a comprehensive snapshot of your online presence. It evaluates SEO, content, and digital authority to help identify areas for improvement and prioritize your next steps. Learn how the GRO Score™ works and what it can reveal about your digital presence.

3. Track the Right SEO Metrics

Understanding what to measure is key to SEO success. Whether it’s bounce rate, click-through rate, or organic traffic, knowing which metrics matter most helps refine your strategy. To make sense of it all, check out Intero’s guide to measuring SEO effectiveness.

Discover More Opportunities

Intero Digital offers expert SEO strategies to help your business go further, faster. Explore their full range of digital marketing solutions to take your SEO to the next level. Looking to connect and grow within Arizona’s innovation ecosystem? Don’t miss out—explore Arizona Technology Council’s upcoming events for marketing insights and networking opportunities.

With the right tools and expert guidance, your tech business can build a stronger, smarter SEO strategy—starting today.

 

 

 

 

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AZ Family

About 7% of Americans own an electric car. However, no one owns a solar-powered car, but that could soon change as one company is close to releasing the first-ever solar-powered car.

In 2019, engineer Steve Fambro co-founded Aptera with the goal of creating a car that can run solely on solar power. In 2025, that dream became a reality, with its vehicle having its first test drive in northern Arizona, which started in Flagstaff.

“We basically covered the whole thing with solar that we could drive 30-40 miles a day just from solar and that’s what most Americans drive every day,” Fambro said. “So that would mean that most people just wouldn’t have to plug it in.”

Fambro said new solar panel technology was key to making the car run.

“The ability to really make them into reliable, smooth curved panels like you see on the vehicle there in the picture, it didn’t really exist,” he said. “So we had to invent that technology. Our focus is making every journey powered by the sun.”

The car can drive over 300 miles on a single electric charge and then generates more power from solar while driving or parked.

Route 66 is an icon in Arizona from old Americana to connecting the country for almost 100 years. So, it was the perfect place for the first long-distance test ride of the first-ever solar-powered car.

“There’s lots of history and just to be a part of that, with an American company, an American vehicle that we built, and getting to drive on this iconic American highway,” Fambro said.

Fambro drove over 300 miles from Flagstaff through iconic Arizona and ended in Southern California while charging the car with solar.

“I think just having people see this for the first time,” he said. “It just to see it on the road with them, you know, we were in the morning traffic in Flagstaff.”

With the first road trip under Fambro’s belt, they’re confident people worldwide will be driving the car soon. The company is in its final testing phase and should start selling the vehicle by early 2026.

“It was emotionally a very good feeling, and not only for myself, but I think for the company,” Fambro said. “It’s actually working. It’s a real thing. It’s a real company, it’s a real product.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Prism Global Marketing Solutions

Written by: Elyse Flynn Meyer, Prism Global Marketing Solutions

Companies must adopt strategic approaches to drive organic growth, generate leads, and acquire customers in the competitive technology industry landscape. Traditional outbound marketing methods, such as cold calling and mass advertising, are becoming less effective as buyers increasingly seek information and solutions on their terms. This shift makes inbound marketing a crucial strategy for tech companies seeking to attract, engage, and convert high-quality leads.

What is Inbound Marketing?

Inbound marketing is a powerful strategy for technology companies, where buyers often conduct extensive research before making a purchase decision. Unlike traditional outbound tactics, which interrupt potential customers, inbound marketing focuses on attracting and engaging them through valuable, relevant content and personalized interactions.

In a competitive and rapidly evolving industry, trust and credibility are essential. Technology buyers seek in-depth insights, educational resources, and proof of value before committing to a solution. Inbound marketing helps tech brands position themselves as industry thought leaders, offering the knowledge and guidance prospects need throughout the decision-making process. By delivering targeted content and fostering genuine engagement, companies can build meaningful relationships with potential customers and earn their trust over time.

Additionally, inbound marketing supports long-term, sustainable growth. Instead of relying on short-term campaigns or aggressive sales outreach, tech brands can continuously generate and nurture leads by aligning their messaging with customer needs. This approach not only improves brand awareness and lead quality but also shortens sales cycles by equipping buyers with the right information at the right time.

Key Benefits of Inbound Marketing for Tech Companies

• Organic Growth: Tech companies can increase their visibility and attract high-intent prospects by producing valuable content and optimizing for search engines.
• Lead Generation: Inbound marketing strategies help capture leads by offering gated content, webinars, and email sign-ups.
• Customer Acquisition: Engaging prospects through personalized content and nurturing workflows improves conversion rates and customer retention.
  

5 Strategies for Technology Companies to Get the Most from Their Inbound Marketing Efforts

1. Develop a Strong Content Marketing Strategy

Content is at the core of inbound marketing. Tech companies should create high-value content that addresses their target audience’s pain points and showcases their expertise.

• Blog Posts: Regularly publish insightful articles on industry trends, product updates, and solutions to common challenges.
• Whitepapers & Ebooks: Offer in-depth research and expert insights that establish your company as a thought leader.
• Webinars & Videos: Leverage video tutorials, product demos, and live webinars to engage audiences visually.

2. Optimize for SEO to Increase Organic Visibility

Search engine optimization (SEO) ensures your content is easily discoverable by potential customers searching for relevant solutions.

• Keyword Research: Identify industry-specific keywords that align with customer search intent.
• On-Page SEO: Optimize meta descriptions, headings, and content structure for search engines.
• Link Building: Earn backlinks from reputable sources to boost domain authority.

3. Leverage Social Media for Engagement

Tech companies can use social media to amplify their content, engage with their audience, and drive traffic to their website.

• LinkedIn: Share industry insights, case studies, and thought leadership content to connect with B2B audiences.
• Twitter/X: Engage in industry conversations and share real-time updates.
• YouTube: Create product tutorials, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content.

4. Implement Lead Capture & Nurturing Workflows

Capturing leads through inbound marketing requires a well-structured approach to nurture them through the sales funnel.

• Gated Content: Offer valuable resources (e.g., whitepapers, webinars) in exchange for contact information.
• Email Drip Campaigns: Send targeted emails with relevant content based on user behavior and interests.
• Personalization & Automation: Use CRM tools to personalize interactions and automate follow-ups.

5. Utilize Data Analytics to Refine Strategies

Data-driven decision-making helps tech companies optimize their inbound marketing efforts and increase their return on investment (ROI).

• Website Analytics: Track page views, bounce rates, and conversions to measure content performance.
• Lead Scoring: Prioritize high-quality leads based on engagement levels.
• A/B Testing: Experiment with different messaging, call-to-action buttons (CTAs), and email formats to determine what resonates best.

Inbound marketing is a powerful tool for technology companies seeking sustainable growth, generating high-quality leads, and improving customer acquisition. By developing a robust content strategy, optimizing for SEO, leveraging social media, implementing lead nurturing workflows, and using data analytics, tech companies can position themselves as industry leaders and attract the right customers. Investing in inbound marketing today will drive long-term success and help businesses stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can leverage inbound marketing at your organization, we invite you to reach out to Prism Global Marketing Solutions. They offer AZTC members a free inbound marketing assessment (or HubSpot audit if you’re a HubSpot user), and 10% off any digital marketing services. Get in touch.

About Prism Global Marketing Solutions

Prism Global Marketing Solutions is an award-winning inbound marketing agency and HubSpot Solutions Partner specializing in helping technology companies accelerate growth through strategic, data-driven marketing. With deep expertise in content marketing, lead generation, marketing automation, and CRM optimization, Prism partners with B2B tech brands to attract high-quality leads, engage decision-makers, and drive measurable ROI. Leveraging the power of inbound strategy and HubSpot’s full suite of tools, Prism delivers scalable marketing solutions that align with the way today’s tech buyers research, evaluate, and purchase. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KJZZ Phoenix

The top Republicans in the Arizona Legislature want the federal government to cut back regulations on the nuclear energy industry.

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) and House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-Goodyear) are proponents of small modular reactors, or SMRs, which are currently subject to the same standards as much larger nuclear reactors.

Specifically, the federal rule – created by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission – requires construction and operating licenses for all reactors in the U.S.

Petersen claims that federal rule is unlawful.

He and Montenegro are now parties to a lawsuit against the NRC, along with Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Utah and a handful of other states and some energy companies.

“This is a textbook case of Washington bureaucrats getting in the way of American progress,” Montenegro said in a statement. “America is behind the modern world when it comes to nuclear advancement. We have had this technology for decades, yet the NRC has not let us advance, stifling innovation. Arizona House Republicans are pushing back. We’re standing up for American innovation, lower energy costs, and true energy independence.”

Petersen said if the government cuts down on regulations over nuclear energy, it will open the door for Arizona utilities to get into the market and ultimately provide affordable energy to residents.

“Arizona’s utility companies want to pursue SMRs, but their hands are tied with red tape, as it could take decades and an unreasonable amount of money to establish plants under the current rule,” Petersen said in a statement.

“I’m hopeful that through this litigation, we will be able to eliminate unnecessary and outdated regulations to unleash greater American energy production, as President Trump has promised is a top priority for his administration. This lawsuit is a first step on a pathway to energy independence,” he added.

 

By Rick Heicksen Vice President of Sales at Chetu

Microsoft Dynamics GP has been a useful tool for businesses seeking to efficiently run essential business processes such as supply chain or financial management. However, with Microsoft having recently announced end of life for GP, choosing to migrate from Dynamics GP to Microsoft’s cloud-based ERP solution, Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC), is an important strategic decision to keep operations running at maximum performance.

Based on a study by Forrester Consulting, GP to Business Central migration promises to offer your business as much as $466,000 in benefits for 162% ROI over only three years. With the help of a Microsoft partner and expert in Dynamics migrations, businesses can smoothly make the transition from GP to Dynamics Business Central to support business growth and leverage the benefits of an on-cloud business management solution, reducing costs and boosting security, accessibility, and scalability.

How to Migrate from GP to Business Central

Microsoft helpfully suggests a distinct series of steps to support your Business Central migration.

• Migration Assessment: Assess your system prior to migration, using Microsoft’s migration assessment tool to evaluate the readiness of your deployment for the cloud.
• Preparation and Cloud Migration Setup: After preparing a detailed migration plan and cleaning your data, you can connect the on-premises database to the online database to get ready for migration.
• Configure Dynamics GP Company Migration: Select which data and categories you wish to migrate from the legacy GP platform.
• Data Replication and Upgrades: Migrate data online, running upgrades to complete the process.
• Completion and Follow-Up: Optimize your online environment, setting up user access before going live.

By carefully following these GP to Business Central implementation steps, your Dynamics GP upgrade can go as smoothly as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Migration Challenges

However, any migration from on-premises systems to the cloud can come with potential setbacks. Here’s how a skilled partner can combat specific GP to Business Central migration challenges:

• Data Migration: Implement security measures to handle data complexity during migration.
• Incompatible Customizations: Rewrite existing customizations from GP in BC to preserve original rules and criteria.
• Integration Challenges: Carefully integrate with Microsoft products and third parties for enhanced collaboration across platforms.
• Adoption Difficulties: Develop and provide user training to support the adoption of BC.
• Errors and Bugs: Harness consistent health checks, monitoring, and testing to minimize migration disruption.
• Breaking Budget: Save money by avoiding the need for third-party tools or overcomplicated reworking procedures.
• Depreciated GP Features: Make sure to replicate functionality by using existing BC alternatives.

By planning for these concerns, you can enjoy a seamless transition from GP to Business Central and access all the benefits of a cloud-based solution.

Dynamics GP vs. Dynamics 365 Business Central

Dynamics GP varies from Business Central in ways that affect business success. First, it is hosted on local servers, limiting accessibility. Additionally, it requires a one-time payment for a perpetual license, limiting cost-optimization. Moreover, reporting and integration takes a more significant effort, while Business Central offers more modern features and greater flexibility.

Luckily, there’s no need to worry about losing GP data when you migrate to Business Central. All the necessary Dynamics GP data can be migrated to BC using cloud migration tools. For example, data from “fiscal periods setup” in GP is called “accounting periods” after migration to Business Central. Similarly, actions and information about customers, vendors, inventory, transactions, sales orders and more can all be easily replicated in BC with the help of an adept developer, enabling you to unlock the benefits of BC without losing out on GP functionality.

Cloud vs. On-Premises

To elaborate, as an on-premises solution, Microsoft Dynamics GP is limited in terms of accessibility, cost structure, scalability, and integration. Additionally, software licensing, implementation, hardware, IT, maintenance, and upgrades can all skyrocket the expense of maintaining and using an on-premises solution like GP. Finally, GP’s required manual updates and limited scalability and integration further hinder cost efficiency.

What are the benefits of upgrading from GP to Business Central? Offering elevated flexibility, modernity, and scalability, migrating to Business Central eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure, minimizing the associated costs to save your business money. Furthermore, BC seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products and offers customer relationship management functions in addition to ERP applications. Finally, it leverages AI technologies to provide advanced analytics otherwise unavailable in GP.

It’s clear why nearly 90% of Dynamics 365 customers prefer an in-cloud deployment. With lower set-up and ongoing maintenance costs, cloud-based Dynamics 365 Business Central allows businesses to elevate their procedures for less.

Why You Should Migrate from GP to Business Central

With Statista predicting the market will reach $476 billion in value by 2028, cloud computing solutions are only growing in importance. If you’ve been dealing with siloed systems, duplicate data, insufficient reporting, security concerns, or other issues in GP, Business Central promises to greatly improve productivity and operational efficiency for your business.

Microsoft’s cloud-based business management solution is transforming the way operations are run. Partnering with a Microsoft Dynamics expert can facilitate a smooth transition so that your business can fully optimize ROI and reduce costs for the best Dynamics 365 Business Central experience.

Based in Tempe, Rick Heicksen is the Vice President of Sales at Chetu, a global software solutions and support services provider.

About Chetu: Founded in 2000, Chetu is a global software solutions and support services provider. Chetu’s specialized technology and industry experts serve startups, SMBs, and Fortune 5000 companies with an unparalleled software delivery model suited to clients’ needs. Chetu’s one-stop-shop model spans the entire software technology spectrum. Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Chetu has 13 locations throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.chetu.com.

Cybersecurity Readiness Advisors

By Dara Gibson, CEO Cybersecurity Readiness Advisors

inBusiness PHX

City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., celebrates the opening of City of Hope’s newest location at One Scottsdale Medical. The approximate 30,000-square-foot facility is on the first floor of the Class-A, multi-tenant 101,136-square-foot medical building. City of Hope will offer medical oncology exams, infusion treatments, radiation oncology, and lab and imaging services, including mammography and ultrasound. City of Hope Cancer Care Scottsdale brings 50+ jobs to this location, expanding access to premier care in the Scottsdale community.

“Bringing City of Hope to Scottsdale and it’s residents, is another example of how we are making hope a reality for all touched by cancer,” said Dr. Kevin Tulipana, president, City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix. “The level of personalized, leading-edge care that our physicians and staff provide is nation leading and we want everyone to have access. That is why we have expanded our footprint throughout Arizona and why we are dedicated to serving everyone.”

City of Hope Cancer Care Scottsdale will expand City of Hope’s footprint in Arizona, joining City of Hope Phoenix, a comprehensive cancer hospital in Goodyear; outpatient care clinics in North Phoenix and Gilbert; and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), a Phoenix-based affiliate of City of Hope and nonprofit medical research institute dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life-changing results.

“City of Hope’s arrival in north Scottsdale will significantly elevate access to world-class cancer care in this market at a time when it is needed more than ever,” said Jaime Northam, senior vice president of healthcare development, Ryan Companies. “Patients will also benefit from the accessibility of this core community location; the comforts of the space’s innovative design and the leading-edge research and technology City of Hope brings to treat cancer.”

Conveniently situated just north of the Loop 101 and surrounded by three area hospitals, including HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center directly across the street, One Scottsdale Medical offers exceptional access to healthcare services. The surrounding area also includes retail centers, several restaurants, a hotel, and residential communities. Inside, the building is thoughtfully designed with 16-foot floor-to-ceiling heights, a grand main lobby entrance and two covered drop-off and pick-up canopies, all aimed at enhancing the patient experience and providing more aesthetic appeal of the building.

One Scottsdale is a 120-acre mixed-use development which is planned to include 2.86 million square feet of commercial space, 2,000 residential units, and 400 hotel rooms.

One Scottsdale Medical was built and developed by Ryan, and designed by Ryan A+E, Inc., the design studio of Ryan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FPT

Building Arizona’s Smart Future, Together

In the heart of Arizona’s booming technology ecosystem, cities are embracing the future, driven by the transformative power of the Internet of Things (IoT). But navigating the complexities of smart city development requires more than just vision—it demands a unique blend of global expertise and specialized engineering. Enter FPT, a global technology powerhouse with over 3,000 IoT engineers, and Cardinal Peak, a Colorado-based team renowned for its deep product engineering capabilities. Together, we’re not just building solutions; we’re crafting the connected future of Arizona’s municipalities. This April, at the 9th Annual Smart City + IoT Conference at ASU SkySong Innovation Center, we’ll be showcasing how.

The Power of Collaboration: FPT and Cardinal Peak’s End-to-End IoT Solutions

Our partnership is built on the understanding that successful IoT products require a holistic approach. From the initial spark of an idea to the seamless deployment of a fully integrated system, we cover every stage. Cardinal Peak’s expertise in connected device engineering – the intricate dance of electronic product design and embedded software development – lays the foundation. This is then coupled with FPT’s mastery in cloud application development and intuitive user interface design, including mobile apps and web portals. To understand our approach better, take a look at Cardinal Peak’s IoT engineering services landing page, where we detail the three critical components of any successful IoT product: [https://www.cardinalpeak.com/expertise/iot-engineering].

The main IoT case study can be found here: [https://www.cardinalpeak.com/product-development-case-studies/connected-iot-and-smart-home-product-designs].

Real-World Impact: Transforming Arizona’s Smart Cities

Our collaborative approach has already delivered tangible results across Arizona’s urban landscapes. Imagine intelligent transportation systems that ease congestion, public safety monitoring that enhances community security, energy management that promotes sustainability, and smart infrastructure that improves citizen services. These aren’t just concepts; they’re realities we’ve helped create. The results speak for themselves: improved operational efficiency and enhanced citizen experiences. For a comprehensive look at our projects, explore our full range of IoT case studies: [https://www.cardinalpeak.com/product-development-case-studies/connected-devices-iot].

The Business of IoT: A Guide to Profitability

We understand that innovation must be sustainable. That’s why we partnered with Parks Associates, a leading connected product market research firm, to create “Consumer IoT Product Development: Managing Costs, Optimizing Revenues.” This white paper is more than just a guide; it’s a roadmap to profitability. It provides holistic insights into IoT product design, operations, and sales, helping you craft the best value proposition. We cover everything from non-recurring development costs to production and operations, and revenue generation methods. It is the guide we wish we had years ago.

Addressing Arizona’s Unique Challenges

As Phoenix continues its digital transformation journey, we’re here to address the unique challenges that arise. We’re excited to connect with Michael Hammett, Director of the Office of Innovation for the City of Phoenix, at the Smart City + IoT Conference, to discuss municipal technology adoption. Our solutions are designed to align with Phoenix’s vision, ensuring that technology serves the needs of its citizens. The recent blog on Overcoming IoT Product Design Challenges: Insights from Expert Engineers, and our smart cities blog, are great resources.

Join Us: Shaping Arizona’s Connected Future

We invite you to join us at our conference table to explore how our combined expertise can address your specific smart city challenges. From concept development to deployment and ongoing support, we’re here to partner with you. Let’s build a smarter, more connected Arizona together.

By Rick Heicksen Vice President of Sales at Chetu

AI chatbots are no passing fad, and there are an array of reasons why companies in a variety of industries are turning to the development of this technology to remain competitive and increase efficiency. This change promises to be as widespread as it is transformative, and comprehending its implications and its implementation will be a must for anyone working to keep their enterprise on the cutting edge.

The Benefits of AI Chatbots

The best use case for chatbots may be the most obvious. Automated response systems of any type can allow a business to field questions and maintain contact with their customers much more affordably and efficiently than if every interaction required human intervention. Neither time of day nor volume of work keeps a chatbot from its appointed tasks, leaving businesses with a constant point of contact for dynamic interchanges of information. Nobody wants to be put on hold or have a badly scripted one-size-fits-most interaction.

By contrast, an effectively used AI chatbot can vastly improve a company’s ability to provide fast, helpful customer service. AI chatbots are much more than a glorified answering service. They provide critical business intelligence by collecting customer data that supercharge marketing initiatives. Finding the right audience for your message is a perennial challenge for businesses of all sizes. In fact, an analysis by Forrester Research estimates that 37 percent of a company’s advertising dollars are not targeted at the correct consumer demographic.

Chatbots can help rectify this deficiency by turning interactions into opportunities that inform a company what its customers are doing and why. That, in turn, can lead to better decisions on where advertising dollars are best utilized. An AI chatbot isn’t just a way for your customer to learn about your company but a way for the company to learn about them – and to decide on its next promotional steps to ensure that a given message reaches the intended audience exactly when and where it is needed.

What Does an AI Chatbot Look Like for You?

This is a question that goes well beyond finding off-the-shelf software. It speaks to the basic underpinnings of your business needs and aims. An effective AI solution isn’t just a feat of programming. It is about knowing what you want as much as it is how you achieve it. Does your business need to boost sales, collect more data, generate more leads, or bridge customer service gaps?

Once the aims are defined, an enterprise can move on to the question of means. For a given chatbot, a menu of choices exists, and it often boils down to three. The solution can be rule-based, AI-powered, or a combination of the two technologies.

The benefit of an AI product is that it incorporates Natural Language Processing (NLP) as well as Machine Learning (ML). These characteristics help ensure that the people at the other end of a conversation feel they’ve been given a useful and comfortable interaction that meets their expectations and serves their needs.

Boosting the Numbers

New leads are the lifeblood of many enterprises and generating them is the holy grail of every marketing executive or CEO. Fortunately, AI chatbots can play a part in that search. A chatbot that collects data can form that information stream into individualized portraits that paint a picture, not just of the interaction but of the potential customers themselves. This allows decision-makers to craft a proper strategy and order sales teams to direct their energies where they are likely to yield the best results. Those results positively affect the bottom line. CASES Media, a publication that deals with industry trends, surveyed businesses and found a 67 percent increase in sales credited to chatbots.

Making it Happen: Buy, Build, or Hybrid

Businesses that want to implement AI Chatbots have several options. They can buy a third-party software product or build a customized version. By purchasing, companies may save on upfront costs and deploy faster. However, third-party products often offer generic features, ongoing subscription costs, and problems integrating with existing systems.

In contrast, a trusted software solutions provider will tailor the AI chatbot to meet the business’s unique needs and will seamlessly integrate it with existing programs. Companies will own the intellectual property and code, have full control over the platform, no recurring licensing fees, and have the ability to easily scale up as the business grows.

The hybrid approach combines the best aspects of buy and custom solutions. Businesses can have a vetted software solutions provider, who is a partner with major tech brands, customize the third-party product to meet their operational needs.

Regardless of whether businesses buy, build, or customize a product, AI chatbots will continue giving companies a competitive advantage by compiling data, improving customer service, saving ad dollars, creating a more effective marketing strategy, or generating better leads; AI chatbots can make a massive difference in how businesses operate.

Based in Tempe, Rick Heicksen is the Vice President of Sales at Chetu, a global software solutions and support services provider.

About Chetu: Founded in 2000, Chetu is a global digital intelligence and software solutions provider. Chetu’s specialized technology and industry experts serve startups, SMBs, and Fortune 5000 companies with an unparalleled software delivery model suited to clients’ needs. Chetu’s one-stop-shop model spans the entire software technology spectrum. Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Chetu has 13 locations throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.chetu.com.

 

 

 

 

 

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KJZZ Phoenix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FPT

Beginning as a small team of 13 scientists, FPT has transformed over the past three decades. We’ve not only scaled in size but also sharpened our focus on four strategic areas: Artificial Intelligence, Automotive, Semiconductors, and Digital Transformation. Today, FPT stands at the forefront of innovation, helping enterprises across the globe unlock the potential of emerging technologies.

Powering Industries with AI – From Healthcare to Logistics

At the heart of FPT’s journey lies our belief in the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Across industries, our AI capabilities are reshaping how businesses operate, from diagnostics to driving experiences.

In healthcare, FPT is pushing the boundaries of what AI can do. Our pioneering work in Pneumothorax detection and the Kidney and Tumor Dice projects showcases how machine learning and computer vision can support clinicians in making faster, more accurate diagnoses.

In the automotive space, we’re delivering intelligent software solutions that are steering the industry toward the future of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Our experienced automotive team empowers leading automakers, OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, and semiconductor firms to innovate and stay competitive—navigating industry volatility, supply chain disruptions, and fast-changing market demands.

We’re also applying AI to logistics, optimizing everything from warehouse management to last-mile delivery. Our AI solutions help businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and respond faster to changing demands.

Building a Responsible AI Future – Together

As we continue to lead, we know we’re not doing it alone. FPT is proud to collaborate with global AI pioneers including Landing AI, AI Alliance, and Mila. These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to developing AI responsibly.

Beyond technology, we are passionate about positioning Vietnam as an emerging AI powerhouse. Our work with international research institutions and tech leaders is helping place Vietnamese talent and innovation on the global AI map providing broader expertise globally.

Stop by at DeviceTalks Boston 2025!

We’re excited to announce that FPT will be attending DeviceTalks Boston from April 30 to May 1! This event is a premier gathering for the MedTech community, and we can’t wait to showcase our AI-driven healthcare innovations. Whether you’re exploring new technology partnerships or looking for transformative AI solutions, we invite you to connect with our team in Boston.

Stay Tuned – More AI Stories to Come

In the coming weeks, we’ll be publishing a series of blog posts that take a deeper dive into how FPT AI solutions are revolutionizing healthcare, automotive, and financial services. Stay tuned to learn how we’re applying next-gen technologies to solve real-world problems and future-proof businesses.

 

 

 

 

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inBusiness PHX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

inBusiness PHX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

inBusiness PHX

Cybersecurity Readiness Advisors

By Dara Gibson, CEO Cybersecurity Readiness Advisors

^{Arizona State University has $1 billion of construction projects on its plate, including the Novus Innovation Corridor in Tempe.}

Phoenix Business Journal

Arizona State University has $1 billion of construction projects on its plate throughout metro Phoenix — and that level of activity is slated to continue in the future.

“Arizona State University has been growing continuously for some time,” said Morgan Olsen, executive vice president, treasurer and CFO for ASU. “That hasn’t stopped. Enrollment continues to grow, sponsor research volume continues to grow, we continue to have more people coming to our campuses for various reasons. That drives the need for increases in our built environment.”

When classes started last fall, ASU broke multiple enrollment records, welcoming 40,800 new students. Of the 17,000 first-year students, a record 9,170 are Arizona residents. In total, ASU welcomed 181,000 new students from Arizona, an increase of 9% from the prior year.

As a result of ASU’s enrollment growth, student housing and academic buildings are under construction on its Valley campuses, while future development includes a $200 million medical school in downtown Phoenix and an innovation zone at its Polytechnic campus in Mesa.

Construction of the ASU Health project at the Phoenix Biomedical Core campus in downtown Phoenix will begin in 2026, Olsen said.

“Consistently for about the last decade, we’ve had $1 billion of capital projects in some phase of planning, design or construction every year,” Olsen said. “We expect that will continue yet for a while.”

Plans also call for expanding the student union at the Polytechnic campus in Mesa in 2026, he said.

“We also have other projects we’re still working on where it’s too early to talk about publicly,” Olsen said.

Restaurants opening at Novus Place

ASU just opened several popular restaurants at its Novus Place mixed-use development along Rural Road and E. Sixth Street in Tempe, including North Italia, Flower Child, Blanco Cocina+Cantina and Blue Sushi Sake Grill.

“We have five more restaurants opening by fall,” Olsen said, adding it is too early to identify the names of the restaurants.

A 300-acre innovation zone next to the Polytechnic campus in Mesa will be an intellectual property collaboration with the private sector, faculty and students, similar to ASU’s SkySong development in Scottsdale and ASU Research Park in Tempe, Olsen said.

According to the most recent economic impact reports, ASU SkySong was creating $1.3 billion in annual economic impact and the ASU Research Park was projected to generate more than $2.6 billion in economic impact annually at full buildout, said Danny Court, principal and senior economist at Elliott D. Pollack & Co.

Skysong has been an anchoring catalyst for a substantial amount of redevelopment and new construction in south Scottsdale, Court said.

“It is so difficult to place a value on all of the ways that ASU has positively impacted our regional economy, but it’s massive,” Court said. “They are a critical institution for our ongoing economic development efforts.”

Not only has ASU provided a consistent and growing talent pipeline of qualified employees for high-value industries and companies the metro competes for, but the institution is continuously expanding unique development opportunities for both students and companies that integrate with the benefits of an onsite university partner, Court said.

The economic impact of the innovation zone next to Polytechnic campus will overshadow its ASU Research Park and Skysong innovation zones, ASU’s Olsen said.

Overall, ASU generated a gross product of $6.1 billion, labor income of $3.8 billion and employment of 55,688 in fiscal 2024, according to its economic impact report.

ASU’s construction projects are being financed by charitable gifts and revenue generated by the university, Olsen said.

“Our ability to do that is because people value what Arizona State University does,” he said. “They are expressing their confidence in that.”

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Register for the Council’s upcoming Phoenix and Tucson tech events and Optics Valley optics + photonics events.

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Leading BPO Research Company Recognizes Chetu as a Leading AI/ML Solutions Provider

Tempe, AZ – Chetu, a worldwide digital intelligence and software solutions provider, has been recognized by Everest Group, a leading global research firm, in its 2025 “Data and AI Services for Mid-Market Enterprises PEAK Matrix^® Assessment.”

“We are honored that Everest Group has acknowledged our expertise in data and AI in its 2025 PEAK Matrix^® Assessment,” said Rick Heicksen, Vice President of Sales at Chetu, a global provider of software solutions and support services. “This recognition underscores our commitment to delivering advanced and scalable AI/ML solutions that empower mid-market clients across more than 40 industries with data-driven decision-making.

“Beyond mid-market businesses, Chetu also brings the same level of excellence to enterprise clients,” added Heicksen, who is based in Tempe. “Our AI and data solutions encompass advanced analytics, data management, predictive modeling, AI-driven decision-making tools, and cloud-based services.”

Everest Group acknowledges data and AI leaders who have developed innovative solutions that drive tangible results.

Click here to download a free copy of the PEAK Matrix^® report.

About Chetu:

Founded in 2000, Chetu is a global digital intelligence and software solutions provider. Chetu’s specialized technology and industry experts serve startups, SMBs, and Fortune 5000 companies with an unparalleled software delivery model suited to clients’ needs. Chetu’s one-stop-shop model spans the entire software technology spectrum. Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Chetu has 13 locations throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.chetu.com.

Disclaimer:         

Licensed extracts taken from Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix^® Reports, may be used by licensed third parties for use in their own marketing and promotional activities and collateral. Selected extracts from Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix^® reports do not necessarily provide the full context of our research and analysis.  All research and analysis conducted by Everest Group’s analysts and included in Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix^® reports is independent and no organization has paid a fee to be featured or to influence their ranking.  To access the complete research and to learn more about our methodology, please visit Everest Group PEAK Matrix^® Reports.

About Everest Group:

Everest Group is a leading global research firm helping business leaders make confident decisions. Everest Group’s PEAK Matrix^® assessments provide the analysis and insights enterprises need to make critical selection decisions about global services providers, locations, products and solutions within various market segments. Likewise, providers of these services, products, and solutions, look to the PEAK Matrix^® to gauge and calibrate their offerings against others in the industry or market. Find further details and in-depth content at www.everestgrp.com.

Media Contact:
[email protected]
954-355-6282

^{First place winner, Ink’d Greetings}

inBusiness PHX

Arizona’s longest-running pitch competition, Venture Madness by Invest Southwest features early stage and emerging growth companies and offers participants exclusive access to the region’s most active, accredited angel investors and venture capital firms. At the event held on April 3 in Tempe, companies competed in head-to-head pitches.

This year’s competition featured 16 finalists selected from a pool of 125 applications. Following presentations, the judges selected three winners, with first place winning $12,500; second place winning $7,500 and third place winning $5,000.

The 2025 Venture Madness winners are:

• 1st Place: Ink’d Greetings, a Phoenix-based automated greeting card kiosk startup. Users can browse hundreds of designs, personalize, and add gift cards to their greeting cards at one of their kiosks located in Arizona and nationwide.
• 2nd Place: HemaSense, a Flagstaff-based medical device manufacturing startup. HemaSense is developing an access site monitor which is used during patient recovery to provide early alert bleed detection.
• 3rd Place: Parent Projects, a Tempe-based media and technology platform where family, friends and professionals who are advocating on behalf of a senior citizen can connect with senior-oriented businesses.

“Congratulations to this year’s exciting Venture Madness winners,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Each year, Venture Madness showcases Arizona’s vibrant innovation ecosystem and highlights outstanding startups. We’re proud to continue to partner with Venture Madness to support our talented entrepreneurs.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the selected presenting companies and attendees to this year’s annual Venture Madness Conference, where innovation and ambition collide,” said Karen Katzorke, President and CEO, Venture Madness. “In addition to the companies pitching for prize money, we are excited to showcase four exceptional growth company presenters. These companies embody the very best of Arizona’s entrepreneurial spirit. Our goal is simple: to highlight and celebrate the brightest minds and most promising startups in Arizona, and to connect them with the investors, resources, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive. We are also incredibly grateful to the Arizona Commerce Authority, our Diamond Sponsor since 2014, for their ongoing support in making this event a success year after year.”

In addition, the Conference featured presentations from Growth Track Companies seeking to continue on their growth trajectory. The companies include digital therapeutics company Aventyn, battery and solar generator systems company NUE, AI-powered heath tech company MiiHealth, and french fry maker Frites Street.

The 2025 Venture Madness Conference featured visionary entrepreneur and author Gregory Shepard as the keynote speaker. The event also included a dedicated Expo area, where Presenting Company Finalists, along with other emerging growth companies, had the opportunity to showcase their products and services to attending accredited investors from across the country.

Venture Madness has helped raise over $1 billion in capital funding since 1992. Previous Venture Madness winners include Ellucian (formerly CampusLogic), Televeda, Homie and SaiOx.

KGUN9 Tucson

A Tucson couple recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers about preserving federal solar energy tax credits. Gwenn and Malcolm Herman, who installed solar panels on their home in 2022, say the credits were crucial in making their transition to renewable energy affordable.

Phoenix Business Journal

Amazon has dozens of warehouse operations across Arizona, but the e-commerce giant still grapples with challenges in the Valley as it navigates one of the most competitive places in the country for warehouse workers.

Amazon has 20 fulfillment and sortation centers and 12 delivery stations in Arizona which employ more than 36,000 people. The company is Arizona’s third-largest employer, and within the last year it has opened three new warehouses in Glendale, Buckeye and Goodyear.

Combined, those three new West Valley warehouses need to have 1,500 employees to operate at full capacity. But they are also located in a sea of warehouse operations that also need employees and, in an environment where workers move quickly from one warehouse to another when better hours, more pay and better benefits are available.

So how does Amazon compete? The Business Journal sat down with J. Ofori Agboka, Amazon’s vice president of people experiences and technology, during a recent visit he had in Phoenix where he spoke at the I4CP: Next Practices Now conference. Beyond benefits the Business Journal asked Agboka about the company’s stance on diversity, equity and inclusion hiring practices and efforts to unionize warehouses.

The following conversation was edited for clarity and brevity.

Amazon is in the final year of its Upskilling 2025 initiative, which is an $1.2 billion investment in upskill training for current employees. Do you have a favorite aspect of this six-year-long program? We believe wherever we go, we want to have great pay, we want to have benefits from day one with health care, vision and dental – the same benefits of health care that I enjoy as a vice president. We want to invest in [employees] and provide opportunities with career choice. If you don’t have a high school diploma, we’ll help you get a high school diploma. If you want to improve your English, we’ll help you improve your English. … There is a Mechatronics and Robotics Apprenticeship that is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor that is an upskilling program to get people certified and trained and get the proper credentials to work on robots, to work with AI technology, to maintain robots, to troubleshoot, to help us just explore and make those robots even better. … People walk away with new careers and new jobs. People have seen as high as 40% increase in wages based on those skill sets.

Amazon’s warehouses have more than just human employees working inside them. What’s the balance of using machines alongside human workers? Our robots are working hand-in-hand with our people to make the work experience better, safer, more efficient and more ergonomically friendly. Now as an employee, I can be in more thought-provoking, thought-engaging job activities, tasks and objectives. The robots take away things that are monotonous and get employees into more engaging activities.

In Phoenix’s West Valley, there are so many warehouses looking for employees. How do you make Amazon stand out for potential employees? We want to make it a fun place to work and make sure people understand all the benefits, and make sure they understand what they’re part of. You may work at a building, but we want people to be proud of working for Amazon. Amazon’s doing a lot of great things and we’re part of many industries and you can be a part of that success. … I can’t speak for what other companies do, but [Amazon offers] prepaid college tuition – registration, books, fees, – and if you choose to opt out, there’s not a repayment requirement. We put a lot out there. We have employee recognition events. We celebrate different affinity groups and do different things for each month, and we want to grow and learn together.

You mentioned the celebrating different groups at Amazon warehouses, but recently the company omitted a section, which was included in previous years, in its annual report that looked at the company’s “inclusion and diversity” in hiring. How important is DEI when it comes to hiring at Amazon? We do not lower standards or bars of hiring … and we don’t change the standards for any particular demographic group of people. People who have earned their way through merit to be a part of our team, we celebrate them. As people join, we celebrate their uniquenesses, their differences and their cultures that make us all successful. Our employees represent our customers. We believe that does help us in our quest to be successful and be Earth’s best, safest employer.

There has been talks and calls for Amazon warehouse employees to unionize. At the same time, company has pushed back on the need for unions and has frequently increased benefit packages. How do you feel the current offerings from Amazon compete with what unions are arguing for? What unions are claiming to offer, our employees already enjoying – great wages, a safe, inclusive work environment, career advancement opportunities, health care and benefits from day one. … Our employees have had the right to choose [to unionize]. We favor that direct relationship because we believe – and we know and [have] proven – that we can solve opportunities that we can learn and innovate together.

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Gateway Community College

Cadets from Civil Air Patrol’s Sky Harbor Squadron ranked first in Arizona in the All Service Division Gold Tier in the Air and Space Forces Association’s CyberPatriot competition. This was the first year the team reached the semifinals. The All Service Division includes high school students in the Civil Air Patrol, JROTC, or U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

CyberPatriot is a National Youth Cyber Education Program established by the Air and Space Forces Association to motivate K-12 students to explore careers in cybersecurity and other vital fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for the future of our nation. At the heart of this program is the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, where middle and high school teams compete. Participants take on the role of newly hired IT professionals responsible for managing networks in a small business. Throughout various competition rounds, CyberPatriot teams engage with a range of virtual operating systems, identifying and resolving cybersecurity vulnerabilities while ensuring the network remains operational.

Laura L. Ellington, an adult squadron member, supported the four cadets: Cadet Col. Cynthia Liu, Cadet Capt. Prithika Chauhan, Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Victoria Ball, and Cadet Tech. Sgt. Vincent Lovell Lujan. Two coaches, John R. Nash and Elio Grieco, assisted Ellington. Each cadet focused on specific areas to streamline the competition, from securing Windows and Linux computers to virtual networks. Through a collaboration with Gateway Community College and Technology Education Collaborative, the cadets trained on state-of-the-art computers at their Advanced Cyber Systems Lab. The final competition was at the University of Advancing Technology.

CyberPatriot equips students to protect themselves on the Internet and teaches students skills that can be used in college and the workforce.

About Civil Air Patrol

Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.

Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.

To learn more at the Cybersecurity options at GateWay Community College, visit https://www.gatewaycc.edu/degrees-certificates/networking-and-security.

 

Comcast Business

By Rick Heicksen

Vice President of Sales at Chetu

A massive boon for industries across the board, artificial intelligence (AI) has eliminated countless hours of costly and tedious work by streamlining or automating processes that previously required human labor.

The percentage of companies utilizing gen AI in one or more functions increased from 56% in 2021 to 72% in early 2024, according to the latest McKinsey research.

Still, among the most pervasive questions hanging over the fledging field is the issue of privacy. Can AI platforms, the lifeblood of which is often drawn from public information outlets, really be trusted to safeguard data in a manner consistent with client expectations and, in some instances, government regulations?

One potential solution is Private AI or AI Enterprises. This approach avoids the shared spaces and cloud-based arrangements of public AI models like ChatGPT or Google Gemini in favor of a more secure paradigm that elevates confidentiality and data privacy.

Not only does this emphasize best practices for proprietary and client information, but it can also help cultivate a more regulatory-friendly approach, a concern as stricter regulations come increasingly into play whether through American health care laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or European data security rules like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

More privacy isn’t the only benefit

The simple advantage of Private AI isn’t difficult to see. Information requiring AI analysis or usage does not need to be spread to other platforms or released to third-party providers. Data custody can remain under the company’s roof. That leaves less danger of it escaping beyond an organization’s oversight.

That extra measure of control can also afford the company the opportunity to avoid other pitfalls associated with public AI models. For instance, bias is a persistent issue in AI. Still, when an organization can choose the training data and create its own guidelines related to ethics and maintain anonymity, a tighter handle on the information might mean the ability to reduce inherent biases that could harm marginalized groups. In contrast, internal developers can create useful measures to understand and test for prejudices that could otherwise go unnoticed.

Who can benefit from Private AI adoption?

While Private AI has many potential use cases and applications, four industries stand out as top contenders:

• Finance: Money is one area where everyone wants their information protected. However, it is also a place that can profit from artificial intelligence. Hence, Private AI is a natural fit. Important data can remain protected within the organization while AI hunts for illegal or fraudulent transactions and assesses risks more easily than a human can. Mundane tasks related to loan processing or KYC verification can be delegated to AI while avoiding exposure of customer data.
• Healthcare: Patients expect privacy. More importantly, so does the law. From doctor discussions to clinician notes, everything is charted and ends up as data that must be kept safe. Private AI eliminates the need to move electronic health records off-site to access powerful AI tools that are revolutionizing care. AI’s growing role in hospitals and clinics is unlikely to ebb, and it will be the responsibility of administrators to utilize its power to help diagnose illness, create treatment plans, and manage care without compromising the data privacy that every patient deserves and regulations like HIPAA mandate.
• Manufacturing and retail: It isn’t just bankers and doctors who are using AI products. Increasingly complex and fragile supply chains are creating strong pressures to keep a closer eye on inventory management than in the past, and storefronts, big and small, can look to predictive algorithms to forecast demand before customers even walk in the door. Keeping that kind of information from leaking out into the hands of competitors has never been more vital.
• The Law: If there is one area that demands confidentiality, it is the legal arena where custody of data is paramount, and breaches of information can lead to ethics complaints or worse. Yet, AI’s vast benefits may be greatest for lawyers where painstaking research into cases, contracts and compliance issues can consume massive amounts of billable hours for attorneys and paralegals alike. Promoting internal processes through Private AI can harness its abilities to handle mundane housekeeping work without forcing information onto external platforms.

How does Private AI really work?

Several components can make up Private AI including natural language processing, generation and understanding as well as semantic and deep learning. It utilizes self-learning and real-time analytics to create greater efficiency, reduce workload, and support smarter choices through a variety of features. Data privacy ensures that both the data and the AI models they train on remain within the organization’s control while differential privacy and homomorphic encryption can create greater security. Meanwhile, Edge AI keeps information away from cloud-based platforms, which ensures that it stays more secure.

Private AI can also be customized to tailor itself to individual businesses so that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Plus, AI models can train on decentralized data through a process called Federated Learning.

However, those who want the power and accessibility of public AI may also wish to examine Hybrid AI models which works to combine the power of public paradigms with the control of private models. Where securing data is paramount, Private AI may be the best choice. But some information provides less risk for exposure. In these cases, public AI might work just as well.

Use cases

Private AI is making clear headway in the field. When Acme Financial found itself dealing with problems related to excessive fraud, the bank used its records to create its own product to sniff out difficulties. In just half a year, fraud detection rose by 35 percent and false positives fell by a fifth.

Department store Target is a success story for implementation of a hybrid AI solution. It does indeed take advantage of public AI chatbots in dealing with the day-to-day demands of its consumer base. However, the enterprise used customer data to build a Private AI solution for functions like inventory or personalized recommendations. The results were unambiguous. The company celebrated a 15 percent boost in satisfaction rates for customers while costs for inventory dropped by a tenth.

These aren’t isolated cases. In fact, the Enterprise AI Initiative documented that more than seven out of every ten companies saw improved task-specific accuracy with use of Private AI versus their public counterparts.

Whether it is Private AI, public AI or a hybrid solution composed of both, artificial intelligence is changing the way business works in fields from healthcare to retail. Deciding the correct blend of components for an individual organization is no easy task. That’s true even when a company knows its needs and has the best personnel.

For many organizations, Private AI presents a new way to keep privacy and security at the top of mind while still taking advantage of the revolutionary cutting-edge tools that are completely reshaping industry after industry by creating greater efficiencies than anything that could have been imagined just two decades ago.

Contact a software service provider with extensive experience in AI development to help your business implement the right Private AI system to meet your needs.

Based in Tempe, Rick Heicksen is the Vice President of Sales at Chetu, a global software solutions and support services provider.

About Chetu: Founded in 2000, Chetu is a global software solutions and support services provider. Chetu’s specialized technology and industry experts serve startups, SMBs, and Fortune 5000 companies with an unparalleled software delivery model suited to clients’ needs. Chetu’s one-stop-shop model spans the entire software technology spectrum. Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Chetu has 13 locations throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.chetu.com.

Phoenix Business Journal