Streaming music lies at the basis of Arena Music’s business operations, but its success comes from taking that technology and giving it an innovative twist in the business plan. In fact, “It’s more about doing everything opposite,” says founder Damon Evans, referring to the major subscription-based music streaming platforms. “Arena is an on-demand merchandise storefront that … [More]
Locksmithing via Cloud
KeyMe takes a new approach to locksmithing, a $7.5-billion industry, using a digital scan that is securely stored in the cloud. KeyMe comes in the form of both a kiosk and an app, and allows users to store, share and duplicate their physical keys Customers can instantly make copies of their keys at a kiosk. Or use the app to digitally scan keys from their mobile device — … [More]
Partnering in Delivery
In a strategic partnership, OnTrac, which specializes in delivery services throughout the eight western-area states, and AB&R® (American Barcode & RFID) have joined forces to address issues in mobility and route management, and package tracking. AB&R is working together with OnTrac to move their devices over to AndroidTM devices. The Android operating system is … [More]
Investor-Entrepreneur Connection
Pitch Investors Live is a new app from 2UP Technology, Inc. that connects entrepreneurs looking to turn their idea into a reality with angel investors who are looking to find great new companies in which to invest. Using live video, it provides a practical yet virtual environment, for entrepreneurs to better understand angel investors and investors to learn about new … [More]
Properties Market Online
SetSchedule is a revolutionary technology-based real estate exchange marketplace that connects Realtors® with homeowners, buyers and investors who are looking to buy and sell properties. It aims to provide user-friendly communication tools to users. A recent round of financing from a team of angel investors will enable the company to better serve its wide membership of … [More]
Aggregate Tech News
Stack News is a news aggregator for all the tools in a developer’s tech stack — a personalized, curated feed of the latest news, articles and changelogs for all the tools in its user’s stack. It combines news from sites like Hacker News, and Reddit; pulls in thousands of RSS feeds; and intelligently detects the tools mentioned, ensuring developers always stay on top of their … [More]
3-D Transforming Business
Jack King, founder and CEO of DustRam LLC, has spent his entire career in flooring, and, 15 years ago, founded Arizona Home Floors, LLC. In 2008, high-end flooring took a huge hit when the market for new housing construction collapsed. Since remodeling became the only game in town, he went to work on an invention for dust-free tile removal. After several prototypes and … [More]
McDonald’s ‘Snaplications’
For the 250,000 restaurant employees McDonald’s and its independent franchisees anticipated hiring for the summer (4,200 in Arizona), McDonald’s implemented a modern approach to recruiting — Snapchat. “Snaplications,” a term coined by McDonald’s, is a first-to-Ωmarket hiring tool in the U.S. that allows job seekers to be served an ad and opportunity to begin the application … [More]
Tech-Enabled Collaboration
Bolste has joined Current, powered by GE’s partner ecosystem, aiming to provide collaboration and communication technology to customers and partners worldwide. Bolste’s all-in-one platform provides all the familiar collaboration tools a team needs for optimal alignment, increased productivity and cohesive, instant communication with those that matter most. The platform … [More]
AR Sky Writing
Skrite empowers users to create their own AR by leaving virtual messages in the sky, giving them the opportunity to “own the sky.” It is the first app to enable everyday users to create their own messages and explore others in the sky around them. Skrites — the pieces of content, users upload to the sky — can only be created in a user’s current location. Skrites are created … [More]
Wellness Scheduling On the Go
ThrivinU is a new app for the wellness community, being beta tested in the Phoenix area on iOS and Android. Scottsdale resident Dara Rummel modeled it after Uber, to connect providers of health and wellness services with consumers. She wanted an easier way to schedule appointments and have the option for a professional provider to come to her. ThrivinU is built around six … [More]
Key to Connect
EventKey offers a new level of connection at professional events from simple meetups to business seminars. The platform works through LinkedIn. Organizations can use EventKey to promote, sell tickets and do registration for events. Advantage to attendees is being able to access photos and more easily recognize other attendees, facilitating introductions. The app … [More]
Tech? Or Healthcare?
Oscar operates in the healthcare realm. But it identifies as a tech company. “We use data, technology and design to make healthcare easier for employers,” explains Paul Gazeley, VP of customer care for the company he describes as a healthcare insurer and tech startup. “We believe if we help inform members about all their options and help them use the healthcare system whenever … [More]
Return on Recognition
Vistance, new patent-pending technology from Rideau, Inc., uses predictive analytic employee recognition data to identify the return on recognition for companies and to create tailored education for managers by focusing on their individual needs around recognition and engagement dimensions for their employees. Built upon award-winning, state-of-the-art technology and validated … [More]
Automated Consulting?
Valley-based SaaS startup ForeIQ has created an app that offers a one-of-a-kind option for modern consulting companies looking to adopt automation. It was originally developed by Fuller Solutions founder Patrick Fuller and his team as an internal solution to automate the day-to-day business management of their own professional services firm, which realized a three-fold increase … [More]
Things To Do
Things 3 takes the popular task manager app to a higher level. An Apple Editor’s choice, it has all the bells and whistles. Multiple windows helps ensure things don’t get lost in the shuffle of a stack of memos, and the calendar view gives users a step up on time management — with reminders, too, so important items don’t get overlooked. Make to-do lists and checklists, and … [More]
Data Held Hostage – a Growing Problem
Ransomware is a form of malware that targets a user’s critical data and systems for extortion. Typically, ransomware encrypts data with a key known only to the attacker until a ransom (usually in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin) is paid. After the ransom is paid, the attacker will sometimes provide a decryption key. The FBI reports that approximately 4,000 ransomware … [More]
Top vs. Bottom Performers: What Role Does Technology Play?
Our IT firm was curious about the role technology strategies play in separating exceptionally successful firms from those that are stagnant in growth. We reviewed the business practices for dozens of local small and mid-sized businesses ranging from 20 to 500 employees, and we took an in-depth look at everything from mitigating risk and developing IT standards to budgeting, … [More]
