News Briefs

Lenovo announced it has reached record annual AI infrastructure revenue of over US$2 billion and unveiled the next phase of its growth strategy, with an additional US$1 billion investment over three years to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) deployment for businesses around the world. Fueled by increased global digitalization and demand for IT infrastructure upgrades, Lenovo is simplifying the often-complex implementation of new AI capabilities by delivering AI to the source of data and harnessing its vast network of best-in-class partners to build next-generation turnkey solutions that enable computing intelligence directly at the edge. The investment will further expand the company’s industry-leading AI-ready portfolio of smart devices, infrastructure solutions and services to help accelerate innovation, enabling the use of generative AI and delivering cognitive decisions at scale throughout remote locations across financial, manufacturing, healthcare, retail and smart city applications. 

As part of the additional investment, Lenovo is committing US$100 million to grow the Lenovo AI Innovators program, which has delivered a record 150+ cutting edge AI solutions created with 45 leading ISV partners in the program’s first year. Leveraging the AI Innovators end-to-end ecosystem, the new solutions are bringing AI from the lab to scale and enabling the dramatic technology shifts underway within high-growth sectors. With the new solutions, customers can more rapidly deploy and leverage cutting-edge AI capabilities, like generative AI, computer vision, voice AI and virtual assistants.

“Building on our more than 150 AI solutions, this pivotal investment further expands the development of AI-ready infrastructure solutions that will help customers overcome deployment complexities and more easily implement AI to deliver transformative services and products to the market,” said Kirk Skaugen, President of Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group. “As we continue our path to become the world’s largest end-to-end infrastructure solutions providers, Lenovo is committed to being the most trusted partner and empowering our customers’ intelligent transformation by bringing AI to the source of their data, at the edge.” 

Enabling AI Discovery and Accelerating Adoption

AI is driving a new wave of opportunities for businesses, but many companies face implementation challenges due to resource limitations and infrastructure complexities, stalling its rollout. The Lenovo AI Innovators program includes an ecosystem of best-in-class software partners collaborating with Lenovo to provide customers with tailored, proven and ready-to-deploy AI solutions for their end-to-end operations, including computer vision, audio recognition, prediction, security, and virtual assistants for every industry. 

Across its solutions, Lenovo is helping customers harness the value of their data, deploying purpose-built, AI solutions to transform their business with more predictable outcomes. As the retail, food service and hospitality industries adapt to the post-pandemic era, businesses are reimagining front-end and back-end operations to enable improved customer service, mitigate waste and address shifts in the labor market. Lenovo is partnering with DeepBrain AI to offer an end-to-end solution for generative AI virtual assistants that can be paired with powerful large language models (LLMs) to deliver 24/7 automated concierge service in hospitality and retail settings. With Lenovo and Vistry, quick service restaurants around the globe use computer vision to automate cook times and help predict supply quantities to prevent food waste, ensuring quality standards while helping improve customer retention and profitability. 

As manufacturing operations around the globe seek digitalization to drive future growth and differentiation amidst economic disruptions, innovative AI solutions from Lenovo and Guise help industrial customers reduce unplanned downtime with up to 14 days of advanced prediction, as well as understand customer behavior and optimize processes with computer vision, predictive maintenance, and anomaly detection on the production line. 

Lenovo is also delivering its AI  solutions via TruScale Infrastructure as a Service for ultimate flexibility as the company continues its service-led transformation. AI Innovators partner, Al Hathboor Bikal.ai and Lenovo are pioneering the service-based rollout of an AI-enabled data center at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Leveraging Lenovo TruScale HPC and AI as a service, the collaboration is providing public and private organizations with the ability to access AI capabilities to support citizen safety and security through digital transformation projects across education, R&D, retail, oil & gas sectors. The AI-enabled data center’s computing resources will also help organizations bring the benefits of advanced AI features, like GPT-3 to their own operations. Designed to align with the UAE Net Zero 2050 policy, the data center is the first in the region to use industry-leading Lenovo Neptune™ direct water-cooling to deliver enhanced performance and efficiency while lowering power consumption. 

“Al Hathboor sees this collaboration as a way to give the UAE a technological advantage to the innovation ecosystem, create jobs and opportunities for our youth and develop tech for solving regional and global challenges. Lenovo, NVIDIA and Intel with SRTIP gives us a joint capability in tech transfer and we look forward to working with our universities, businesses, and government,” said Mohammed Al Hathboor, Management Committee Member of Al Hathboor Bikal.ai. 

The new Lenovo AI Discover Center of Excellence provides access to Lenovo data scientists, AI architects and engineers to help explore, deploy and scale AI solutions. The service also guides customers to the most appropriate software partners, AI-optimized infrastructure and responsible AI guidance through the Lenovo Responsible AI Committee. As companies learn to deploy AI, the committee helps customers with their approach to designing, deploying, and using AI ethically, helping organizations understand and address privacy, fair usage, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility considerations. 

Bringing AI to Your Data

As the amount of worldwide data grows exponentially, next-generation infrastructure technologies that deliver data center-like computing to the edge are critical to empowering AI for improved emergency response, public safety, accessibility, tourism and retail experiences. With more enterprise data being processed outside of the data center, Lenovo is committed to supporting AI workloads everywhere, ensuring purpose-built performance for remote settings. 

Today, Lenovo extends its comprehensive portfolio of AI-ready infrastructure to over 70 products, with new AI-optimized edge-to-cloud server platforms that help address any AI workload. With emerging innovations like LLM and the continuous expansion of computer vision deployments, more processing power is needed where the data is being generated to run real-time inferencing at the edge. 

The new Lenovo ThinkEdge SE360 V2 is the latest purpose-built edge server that delivers more power to enable AI solutions ranging from computer vision, voice AI and generative AI. Whether for a store, factory or office, the new server provides extended accelerated computing supportive of Intel Data Center GPU Flex Series, the NVIDIA L4 Tensor Core GPU, the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform and Qualcomm® Cloud AI 100 platforms to enable intense workloads at the source of data creation. The ThinkEdge SE360 V2 delivers the highest GPU density in the smallest form factor available and is at least twice as quiet compared to competitive products, allowing edge AI to be deployed in the most remote and rugged sites. 

The new range of AI-ready edge solutions also includes the Lenovo ThinkEdge SE350 V2 for hybrid cloud and modern HCI deployments, offering twice the storage capacity and leveraging the Intel Xeon® D processor to help customers run AI while easily consolidating workloads, data backup, collaboration and content delivery in the smallest form factor on the market. 

In the data center, the new Lenovo ThinkSystem SR675 V3 is the most versatile, accelerated computing platform on the market and purpose-built for AI with three server configurations in one, including support for NVIDIA HGX 4-GPU systems, or 4-DW PCle GPU or 8-DW PCle GPU servers in a compact 3U footprint. As fully simulated digital replicas of entire buildings, factories, distribution centers, retail stores or cities, digital twins are combined with AI to generate improved business processes and design outcomes. Lenovo is collaborating with NVIDIA on its latest NVIDIA OVX system for building and operating virtual worlds, delivering powerful performance for Omniverse Enterprise workloads in the data center. The ThinkSystem SR675 V3, based on the OVX architecture, features up to eight NVIDIA L40 GPUs to maximize performance and deliver the most advanced ray tracing with RTX-accelerated graphics and AI capabilities in a robust and scalable platform, allowing customers to explore and unlock the full potential of digital twins for businesses of all sizes. 

Beyond infrastructure, Lenovo is implementing AI from the pocket to the cloud, with cutting-edge smart devices and solutions, that ensure data science is accessible across all industries in the new hybrid and remote work era. For improved collaboration, new Lenovo ThinkPad commercial laptops include a new Lenovo View application, offering AI-enabled computer vision technology for enhanced video image quality and tools. Lenovo ThinkReality XR solutions help users access immersive simulations, while purpose-built Lenovo ThinkStation and ThinkPad P Series Data Science workstations deliver the high-performance necessary for mission-critical AI model development, data prep and training tasks.

With its AI-ready servers, cutting-edge smart devices and ecosystem of leading ISVs, Lenovo will bring pre-validated, performance optimized AI solutions to the source of customer data, even in the most unique edge settings. Together, these advancements serve to simplify the rollout of AI, making it accessible to organizations of all sizes and enabling transformative intelligence across all industries.

Visit https://lenovo.com/nextlevelAI to learn more.

For electric vehicle owners in British Columbia, Tim Hortons is now fueling road trips in more ways than one.  The company has announced the expansion of its electric vehicle charging station pilot launched earlier this year in Oakville, Ontario, by unveiling six new charging stations at restaurants throughout  British Columbia.

Tim Hortons announced the pilot in February in an effort to study the technology, its usage and opportunities.

"We have been thrilled with the results of the pilot so far.  Usage of the charging station in Oakville has surpassed our expectations and we received many calls with requests to expand the pilot," said Paulo Ferreira, Senior Director, International Strategic Restaurant Design and Building Standards, Tim Hortons. "With more than 3,300 eligible restaurants across the country, we continue to look for opportunities to expand the pilot and contribute to the EV infrastructure."

The BC expansion, supported by the Province of BC's Community Charging Infrastructure Fund and Koben Systems Inc. (KSI), placed charging stations strategically in Nanaimo, Langford, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Abbotsford and Coquitlam to create paths within the province, allowing guests to travel from restaurant to restaurant strictly on electric power.

Tim Hortons offers charging stations as a courtesy to guests at six locations.  As of March 31st, 2013, Tim Hortons had 4,288 system-wide restaurants, including 3,453 in Canada, 808 in the United States and 27 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. 

The City of New York has set a minimum pay rate for app-based restaurant delivery workers.

Starting July 12, app-based restaurant delivery workers in New York City will be paid $17.96 per hour, approximately 30 cents per minute before tips.  The hourly rate will increase to $19.96 when it is fully phased-in on April 1, 2025, and will be adjusted annually for inflation.

Restaurant delivery apps will also have flexibility in how they pay the gig workers the new minimum rate. According to the statement, apps have the option to pay delivery workers per trip, per hour worked, or develop their own formulas, as long as their workers make the minimum pay rate of $19.96, on average. Apps that pay workers for all the time a worker is connected to the app. Apps that only pay for trip time (the time from accepting a delivery offer to dropping off the delivery) must pay at least approximately 50 cents per minute of trip time in 2023, not including tips.

According to a statement by the NY Mayor's Office, the city's estimated 60,000 delivery drivers make an average of $7.09 per hour.  Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)  considered all comments submitted during the public comment period. For more information visit DCWP's website.

Breezeway, the property operations platform, has launched 24/7 guest support, allowing hosts and property managers to deliver memorable hospitality experiences in person, knowing that comprehensive guest assistance is readily available around the clock. 

The team at Breezeway Assist recognizes the importance of the human touch in hospitality, answering phone calls and text messages 24/7, 365 days a year. Breezeway leverages AI technology to gather accurate information and promptly deliver personalized responses to guests within a few minutes. 

Breezeway Assist uses data from guest reservations, messaging, property guide, and operational tasks to respond to guests. Property managers and hosts can choose to use Assist whenever they want — as an after-hours service, handling all guest interactions, or as a way of taking the pressure off in peak season. 

When guests reach out, the Breezeway Assist staff will address guest questions and create tasks in property managers’ workflow so they can see what interactions have taken place, even escalating urgent issues when necessary. 

The idea for Assist was borne out of the knowledge that guests who feel taken care of are far more likely to leave positive reviews, make referrals, and even book a return visit. The vast majority (95%) also prefer text rather than voice communication, opening up an incredible opportunity to leverage data stored on Breezeway’s platform to provide premium customer support at scale.

Breezeway Assist is the embodiment of People Powered AI, helping small businesses operate more efficiently and freeing up valuable time so teams can do more. Early results are incredibly promising. In fact, one Breezeway customer enjoyed a 78% improvement in guest sentiment after implementing Breezeway Assist. "We are getting 10X the value compared to a generic after-hours answering service,” stated Jacqueline Wilson, President of Biloxi Biloxi Beach Resort Rentals. “I trust Breezeway. They understand the industry, and onboarding with Breezeway Assist was seamless."

Jeremy Gall, CEO and Founder of Breezeway, explains: "Assist represents the continued expansion of Breezeway’s operations platform; another example of how hosts and managers can leverage operational data and workflows to drive more consistent hospitality experiences.” 

To learn more about Breezeway, visit https://www.breezeway.io/assist-demo. 

PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips professional displays and complementary solutions, is proud to have made a winning start at InfoComm 2023, with the Philips Tableaux digital signage series being named winner of the inaugural sustainability category at the annual SCN Installation Product Awards.

Held on the eve of the show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, leading manufacturers from around the world gathered for the coveted and hotly contested annual award ceremony, which recognises the most innovative commercial AV products launched in the past 12 months, with winners determined by a public vote.

PPDS has taken a leadership stance in developing technology to significantly reduce power consumption of both new and existing products, without compromising quality of performance. The Philips Tableaux is a prime example of these efforts, providing incredible benefits for hospitality environments, including hotels, kiosks, bars, restaurants, cafes and other food and beverage establishments.

A new generation of digital signage

On display for the first time at InfoComm 2023 on Philips booth 929, Philips Tableaux marks the introduction of a brand new digital signage category for PPDS, becoming the first global display manufacturer to introduce a full size, Advanced Colour ePaper (ACeP) solution.

Already a multi award winner, Philips Tableaux is a pioneer for the full colour (including blue), energy efficient and eco-friendly digital displays, available at launch as a 25” 16:9 display, and with more sizes quickly due to follow. The groundbreaking displays deliver vivid content while running unplugged, using zero power to show an image 24/7/365. A super low power source is only required when content is being updated (just 0.0025kWh for one image change) – via USB, LAN or Wi-Fi connection – and power consumption immediately reverts to zero when the new image has been uploaded. Content updates can be managed manually or entirely remotely, using PPDS’ in-house or third party display management platforms.

Global appeal

Philips Tableaux are ideal for businesses seeking to effortlessly digitise paper-based signage, or to swap out existing digital displays showing static content more energy efficiently, with no refresh rates and no back light needed.

Martijn van der Woude, VP Global Marketing and Business Development at PPDS, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this fantastic award here in the US, adding to the accolades for Philips Tableaux in Europe and showing it is a winning product across the continents. Having been voted a winner by the public also gives us an additional sense of pride. Sustainability is a key focus for PPDS, and something we, as a team globally, are incredibly passionate about. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to InfoComm 2023 here in Orlando.”

Franck Racapé, VP Global Commercial, added: “On behalf of PPDS, I would like to thank everyone who voted for Philips Tableaux for this prestigious award. The interest and excitement around this product have been overwhelming, and this, in tandem with this new award, is further validation that our strategy to deliver highly impactful and sustainable solutions is the right one. We can’t wait to show the Philips Tableaux, along with our other digital signage, dvLED (including the new Philips In-Room LED 6300 series) and interactive solutions to the North American market.”

Cvent Holding Corp. (“Cvent”), an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, announced the completion of its acquisition by an affiliate of private equity funds managed by Blackstone ("Blackstone") for $8.50 per share in cash, representing a total enterprise value of approximately $4.6 billion.

The transaction, which was previously announced on March 14, 2023, includes a significant minority investment from a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and participation from existing stockholder Vista Equity Partners (“Vista”). As a result of the transaction, Cvent's common stock has ceased trading and will be delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Reggie Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Cvent, commented: “Events are more important and more complex than ever before. We believe this partnership with Blackstone positions Cvent to continue leading the market for best-in-class technology to maximize event ROI and impact. We will continue to aggressively invest in the innovative solutions organizations need to more deeply engage with their customers, prospects, and employees that are so critical to their success.”

David Schwartz, a Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, said: “Cvent has long been a go-to event management partner for organizations of all kinds, enabling them to embrace technology solutions in an increasingly digital world. We’re thrilled to support its continued growth and product advancements, bringing Blackstone’s global resources to bear and leveraging the firm’s deep expertise and thematic focus on hospitality, events and real estate.”

“Vista is proud of the partnership we’ve built with Reggie; the transformative change that Cvent has driven in the meetings and events ecosystem is a testament to how we help founders realize their company vision,” said Monti Saroya, Co-Head of Vista’s Flagship Fund and Senior Managing Director. “Both he and his leadership team are torchbearers of innovation, ingenuity and culture, and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.”

 

Advisors

Qatalyst Partners acted as financial advisor to Cvent, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to Cvent.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as financial advisor to the Special Committee, and Goodwin Procter LLP acted as legal counsel to the Special Committee.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acted as legal counsel to Blackstone, and Evercore, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and UBS acted as financial advisors to Blackstone.