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NEST’s Founders Named Ambassadors of Philanthropic Division

NEST

NEST, the leading national integrated facilities management company, announced that the company’s founders Robert Almond, Sr. and Dee Almond will lead philanthropic efforts as Ambassadors of NEST Nurtures. NEST established NEST Nurtures last year with the goal of expanding on charitable endeavors that the company has conducted since they were founded in 1994. “My parents have always stressed the importance of philanthropy since they founded NEST over 25 years ago,” said Rob Almond, Jr, who was named CEO of NEST in 2015. “Despite the uncertainty in 2020, we were proud to continue that tradition throughout the pandemic on a national level. We look forward to spreading goodwill into the future with my parents in this important role.” Since last summer, more than 25 charities have benefited from over $100,000 in cash donations through NEST Nurtures. The recipients were selected by NEST’s retail partners as a way to support charities doing important work across the country. Beneficiaries of the initiative include Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (selected by Five Below), Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition (selected by JOANN), Ticket to Dream Foundation (selected by Mattress Firm) and The Doe Fund (selected by Steve Madden). Additionally, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Ronald McDonald House Charities have been longtime beneficiaries of NEST. At the end of 2020, three notable donations were also made by NEST Nurtures on behalf of the employees, who were able to achieve company goals in the fourth quarter. As a result of their work, Women Against Abuse in Philadelphia, the Domenica Foundation in New Jersey, and the Taste of Immokalee in Florida received added assistance from NEST. Since the pandemic hit the U.S. and Canada, NEST has played an important role to keep retailers’ doors open and maintain consumer confidence. From implementing new janitorial procedures to decreasing facility management expenses through an integrated approach, NEST is developing industry leading facility management strategies for more than 40 retail clients. NEST manages approximately 60,000 individual retail locations in North America. NEST is the pioneer of the Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) industry in the United States and Canada since 1994. NEST’s Integrated Facilities Management solution pairs financial acumen and business analytics with a strategic consultative approach. Real-time data, reporting and analytics technology empowers business leaders and facility management teams with the informed insights that enable them to make smarter decisions. To learn more about NEST, visit enterNEST.com or follow NEST on LinkedIn. Contact Details Eric PR & Marketing, LLC Eric Nemeth +1 602-502-2793 nemeth@ericpr.com Company Website https://www.enternest.com/

March 25, 2021 08:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time

California Leads the Nation by Connecting More Than 1.4 Million People to Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program as it Celebrates 10-Year Milestone

Comcast West Division

Comcast today announced it has connected more than 10 million people to its Internet Essentials program, which is marking its 10-year anniversary. Internet Essentials offers internet access for low-income families and individuals for $9.95 per month, along with digital literacy training programs and access to low-cost computers. California continues to lead the nation with more than 1.4 million individuals benefiting from the Internet Essentials program since its inception. Fresno and Sacramento, respectively, have the most Internet Essentials subscribers in the state. Rounding out the top 10 in California (in order) are Stockton, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Salinas, Santa Maria, Modesto and Madera. “While the pandemic has shone a bright light on the need for greater digital equity, this is an issue Comcast has been aware of and working on diligently with our partners for a decade,” said John Gauder, Senior Vice President, California Region, Comcast. “We could not be prouder that California continues to lead the nation in connecting low income families to the program. We look forward to continuing to do even more through our Internet Essentials program, our Internet Essentials Partnership Program, Lift Zones and more – for the next 10 years and beyond.” “We applaud Comcast’s decade-long commitment to finding solutions for comprehensive, digital equity and Internet adoption programs to support low-income communities,” said Diane Carbray, President/CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County. “We are thrilled that Fresno is the No. 1 city for Internet Essentials in California and are so proud to be a key partner in creating that amazing outcome. We all know that there is much more hard work ahead of us, but this milestone is tremendous and we celebrate Comcast and our Fresno families for achieving this important outcome.” “PIQE’s (Parent Institute for Quality Education) mission is to engage, empower and transform families by providing the knowledge and the skills to partner with schools and communities to ensure their children achieve their full potential. Comcast and its Internet Essentials program dovetails so perfectly with PIQE’s mission and together we have accomplished some incredible results on our collective path toward creating greater digital equity in our communities,” PIQE President and CEO, Gloria Corral said. “We applaud Comcast on its 10-year milestone with Internet Essentials and we are delighted to continue our ongoing partnership over the coming years as we work to reach even higher heights.” Comcast Corporation also announced today that it would invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income Americans the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Comcast’s $1 billion commitment will include investments in a number of critical areas, including: additional support for its ongoing Lift Zone initiative, which establishes WiFi-connected safe spaces in 1,000+ community centers nationwide for students and adults by the end of 2021; new laptop and computer donations; grants for nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Americans, particularly in media, technology, and entrepreneurship; and continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program. It is estimated that these new commitments will impact as many as 50 million Americans over the next 10 years. In 2021 alone, Comcast estimates students will be able to complete more than 25 million hours of remote learning lessons to further address the “homework gap” at the hundreds of Lift Zone locations that have already opened or will open soon. A 10-Year Progress Report on Internet Essentials, released in conjunction with today’s anniversary, also highlights other key metrics about the program, including: Increased Internet Essentials speeds six times, from 1.5 Mbps in 2011 to 50 Mbps today, without ever increasing the price of the program, which has remained $9.95/month. Launched its Lift Zones program, which aims to connect more than 1,000 community centers with free WiFi by the end of 2021. Developed an Internet Essentials Partnership Program that has signed up hundreds of schools, school districts, and other organizations that have come together to help connect tens of thousands of students to the Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Offered 60 days of free Internet service to any new Internet Essentials customer who needed to get online during the coronavirus outbreak. Expanded the number of languages our Internet Essentials call center agents can speak to more than 240, plus American Sign Language, to help ensure we break down language barriers that can prevent people from applying or getting online. Built up an online learning center that includes more than 200 digital literacy training videos, guides, and reports that are free to anyone to use, including non-customers. Developed an employee network of 3,000 Internet Essentials Ambassadors who volunteer their time to help spread the word about the program in their communities. This new commitment comes on the heels of a series of initiatives announced during the COVID-19 pandemic that reinforced the company’s commitment to addressing the digital divide and the homework gap by upping speeds to 50 Mbps without changing the program’s $9.95/month price. The company also continues to offer 60 days of free Internet service to new Internet Essentials customers who sign up before June 30, 2021. About Internet Essentials Internet Essentials is Comcast's signature digital equity initiative and the nation's largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. In 10 years, it has helped connect 10 million low-income Americans to broadband Internet at home, most for the very first time. Internet Essentials has a comprehensive design that addresses each of the three major barriers to broadband adoption. This includes: multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in person; the option to purchase a heavily subsidized, low-cost Internet-ready computer; and low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month, plus tax. The program is structured as a partnership between Comcast and tens of thousands of school districts, libraries, elected officials, and nonprofit community partners. Comcast has never raised the price of the program. For more information about Internet Essentials and Comcast's commitment to education and digital equity, please visit https://corporate.comcast.com/education. To apply, visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish. Contact Details Joan Hammel +1 925-519-4874 Joan_Hammel@comcast.com Company Website https://california.comcast.com/

March 24, 2021 11:15 AM Pacific Daylight Time

EagleTEQ Advisors Joins as Consulting Partner for Cloud Conventions 2021

Convey Services

The Cloud Conventions 2021 virtual trade expo is teaming up with EagleTEQ Advisors, a consulting group of senior channel executives, to help direct event strategy and program design for the largest and most innovative virtual event in the telecom/cloud channel, running virtually May 12-14. In its second year, Cloud Conventions 2021 connects channel partners and professionals in the telecommunications, cloud and IT services industries to information, strategies, and insights to navigate the “New Normal” as business emerges from the pandemic. EagleTEQ joins media partner, TR Publications and event management firm MCI Group in supporting this one-of-a-kind channel expo. “There are no more highly-qualified industry strategists than the partners at EagleTEQ Advisors,” said Carolyn Bradfield, CEO of Convey Services, the platform provider for Cloud Conventions 2021. “In a time of accelerated changes that dramatically impact both channel sellers and providers, EagleTEQ’s real-world experience in addressing industry business challenges will be key in ensuring Cloud Conventions 2021 delivers the right message, at the right time, to our attendees.” “Virtual events in this industry have often missed the mark in providing attendees and sponsors with an engaging, connected and information-rich experience,” said Curt Allen, partner in EagleTEQ Advisors. “The ‘New Normal’ dictates a business environment where digital transformation and channel engagement is even more critical. Our team is excited to provide resources and guidance to strengthen the mission and ensure that every participant walks away with strategies to grow their business in a scalable and sustainable way.” Cloud Conventions 2021 is co-sponsored by TR Publications and managed by the MCI Group. MCI is committed to growing the Cloud Conventions 2021 event and returning in the spring of 2022 with a live, plus hybrid industry-focused experience. Attendance at Cloud Conventions 2021 is free to qualified industry professionals. Exhibitors and attendees can sign up at the Cloud Conventions 2021 site. The Cloud Conventions 2021 expo is hosted and managed on the industry-leading Cloud Conventions™ virtual event platform, powered by Convey Services. XXX About EagleTEQ Advisors EagleTEQ Advisors is focused on enabling technology solution providers and distributors to grow revenue, expand distribution channels, and transform market position. The EagleTEQ Advisors team has over 150 years of combined real-world experience and expertise in addressing virtually every business opportunity and challenge. With proven leadership in sales, marketing, product, channel, and go-to-market planning and execution, we help businesses with profitable revenue growth strategies supported with executable, repeatable tactics. EagleTEQ founding partners include Curt Allen, Ken Bisnoff, Steve Braverman, Mike Cromwell and Cardi Prinzi. www.eagleteq.com About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Community™, Cloud Kickoffs™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

March 24, 2021 12:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program Has Now Connected More than 340,000 People in Oregon/SW Washington Over the Past 10 Years

Comcast West Division

Comcast Cable Commits to Investing $1 Billion Over Next 10 Years to Reach 50 Million Low-Income Americans With Tools and Resources to Succeed in Digital World On the 10th anniversary of its Internet Essentials program, Comcast today announced it has connected more than 10 million people over the past ten years. Of that number, more than 340,000 are in Comcast’s Oregon/SW Washington region. The Portland metro area, including Hillsboro and Vancouver, comprise the bulk of that number, with 244,000 people connected through Internet Essentials over the decade. Internet Essentials offers internet access for low-income families and individuals for $9.95 per month, along with digital literacy training programs and access to low-cost computers. "Internet Essentials is bold and responsive,” said David Tashjian, Regional Vice President of Comcast Oregon/SW Washington. “It was a big idea when it was first conceived more than a decade ago. And it has evolved to meet the needs of our community, increasing speeds and broadening availability, all at the same price as when it was launched in 2011.” Ten years ago, Governor Brown (then serving as Oregon Secretary of State) joined with Comcast and other local leaders for the launch of the Internet Essentials program. Today, after a year in which a record numbers of families have benefited from Internet Essentials, the Governor spoke about the shared focus on closing the digital divide, “This past year has shown us that high-speed internet access, regardless of income level or zip code, has never been more important. It facilitates distance learning for our kids, and is a driver of economic opportunity at a time when remote work is becoming widely adopted. But the fact is, not everyone can afford it, and equitable, affordable, and high-speed access is critical. This is why I’m committed to investing in broadband expansion statewide—in both rural and urban communities that currently lack access—with a focus on providing access to communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and last year’s historic wildfires. I am pleased that Comcast is also focused on further closing the digital divide,” said Oregon Governor Kate Brown. “Congratulations to Comcast on the 10-year birthday of Internet Essentials,” said Paul Lumley, Executive Director of NAYA. “NAYA was one of the original community partners at the launch of this impactful program. The need for connectivity has never been more obvious, and I commend Comcast for the positive impact they’ve made on the Native community through Internet Essentials.” “Internet Essentials has made a huge impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Angela Phinney, assistance executive director of The Arc of Lane County. “Many of the people The Arc serves lack internet access to due to financial constraints. Internet Essentials has opened their lives to a whole new world. Having internet allows adults with disabilities to apply for jobs online, build social networks, and enjoy opportunities that many of us take for granted.” "Internet Essentials has been extremely beneficial to our families,” said Rachel Schutz, Vice-President of the Portland Boys and Girls Clubs. “It’s clear, now more than ever, that internet is a basic household necessity, and enabling access for everyone is critical. With Internet Essentials, parents are able to get their children online for school, and themselves online for work, with as few barriers as possible.” Comcast Corporation also announced today that it would invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income Americans the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. “While progress has been made on digital equity, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that more needs to be done to truly close the digital divide,” said Multnomah County Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson. “I’m pleased that Comcast is extending their commitment to connecting the unconnected with another 10 years of investment so more people can be successful in this digital world.” Comcast’s $1 billion commitment will include investments in a number of critical areas, including: additional support for its ongoing Lift Zone initiative, which establishes WiFi-connected safe spaces in 1,000+ community centers nationwide for students and adults by the end of 2021; new laptop and computer donations; grants for nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Americans, particularly in media, technology, and entrepreneurship; and continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program. It is estimated that these new commitments will impact as many as 50 million Americans over the next 10 years. In 2021 alone, Comcast estimates students will be able to complete more than 25 million hours of remote learning lessons to further address the “homework gap” at the hundreds of Lift Zone locations that have already opened or will open soon. “Ten years is a remarkable milestone, signifying an extraordinary amount of work and collaboration with our incredible community partners across the country,” said Dave Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Cable. “Together, we have been able to connect millions of people to the power of the Internet at home, and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides. Today, we are rededicating ourselves to this mission to ensure that the next generation of students in America has the tools, resources, and abilities they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.” Other salient facts: Comcast has increased Internet Essentials speeds six times, from 1.5 Mbps in 2011 to 50 Mbps today, without ever increasing the price of the program, which has remained $9.95/month. Launched its Lift Zones program, which aims to connect more than 1,000 community centers with free WiFi by the end of 2021. Developed an Internet Essentials Partnership Program that has signed up hundreds of schools, school districts, and other organizations that have come together to help connect tens of thousands of students to the Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Offered 60 days of free Internet service to any new Internet Essentials customer who needed to get online during the coronavirus outbreak. Expanded the number of languages our Internet Essentials call center agents can speak to more than 240, plus American Sign Language, to help ensure we break down language barriers that can prevent people from applying or getting online. Built up an online learning center that includes more than 200 digital literacy training videos, guides, and reports that are free to anyone to use, including non-customers. Developed an employee network of 3,000 Internet Essentials Ambassadors who volunteer their time to help spread the word about the program in their communities. This new commitment comes on the heels of a series of initiatives announced during the COVID-19 pandemic that reinforced the company’s commitment to addressing the digital divide and the homework gap by upping speeds to 50 Mbps downstream without changing the program’s $9.95/month price. The company also continues to offer 60 days of free Internet service to new Internet Essentials customers who sign up before June 30, 2021. About Internet Essentials Internet Essentials is Comcast’s signature digital equity initiative and the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. In 10 years, it has helped connect 10 million low-income Americans to broadband Internet at home, most for the very first time. Internet Essentials has a comprehensive design that addresses each of the three major barriers to broadband adoption. This includes: multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in person; the option to purchase a heavily subsidized, low-cost Internet-ready computer; and low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month, plus tax. The program is structured as a partnership between Comcast and tens of thousands of school districts, libraries, elected officials, and nonprofit community partners. Comcast has never raised the price of the program. For more information about Internet Essentials and Comcast’s commitment to education and digital equity, please visit https://corporate.comcast.com/education. To apply, visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, Peacock, NBC News, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Oregon/SW Washington Amy Keiter +1 503-605-6350 amy_keiter@comcast.com Company Website https://corporate.comcast.com/

March 24, 2021 11:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

SMART SHOOTER moving forward on IWTSD Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) program using advanced Fire Control System

Smart Shooter

Unveiled for the first time - New IWOO system combines an advanced optical system, including automated detection and targeting of traditional ground targets as well as small UAS hard-kill capability, all to make the force stronger, faster, more accurate and lethal In February 2020, the US Department of Defense’ Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) selected SMART SHOOTER, a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems, to develop the solution for its Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) project. Last November, SMART SHOOTER reached an important milestone in successfully completing the IWOO Critical Design Review. This means the IWOO design has been approved by IWTSD and will now move to prototype production with delivery of the first functional system next Fall. The IWOO program was initiated by IWTSD to provide tactical operators overmatch capability against long range static and moving targets, both day and night. SMART SHOOTER won the competition and began development using proven technologies from its SMASH line of Fire Control optics and inserting new capabilities such as a variable x1- x8 zoom - all stitched together with combat-proven fire control algorithms to assure the hit. The IWOO system automatically detects, highlights, and tracks potential targets – including drones – using a see-through display which enhances the user situational awareness. Built-in fire control processing continuously calculates the optimal firing solution to provide the user with clear, discreet guidance, firing only with the best chance of neutralizing the target, delivering first-round hit capabilities time after time. "We value this important opportunity to partner with IWTSD to develop the IWOO system, and are honored to provide operators with an unmatched optic capability against modern threats and the types of terrorist attacks that we are increasingly seeing on streets and battlefields around the world" Ms. Michal Mor, CEO of SMART SHOOTER said. “We are very pleased with the progress SMART SHOOTER has made with the IWOO design” said Michael Trexler, Special Operation Forces Combat Support Coordinator / Program Manager, at IWTSD. “We look forward to conducting operational testing and evaluation using the dual-capabilities of IWOO prototypes in 2021 against ground targets at increased ranges and to take-down drones.” Click on the link below to view ASD SO/LIC IWTSD C-sUAS Training Video https://www.cttso.gov/AdvancedC-sUAS.html About SMART SHOOTER SMART SHOOTER is a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems that significantly increase the accuracy and lethality of small arms. With a rich record in designing unique solutions for the warfighter, SMART SHOOTER technology enhances mission effectiveness through the ability to accurately engage and eliminate ground, aerial, static or moving targets during both day and night operations. Designed to help military and law enforcement professionals swiftly and accurately neutralize their targets, the company's combat-proven SMASH Family of Fire Control Systems increase assault rifle lethality while keeping friendly forces safe and reducing collateral damage. With a unique technology that makes it possible for every battlefield element to be connected with every other battlefield element, SMASH creates a micro-tactical network that dramatically enhances real-time situational awareness and ensures that the entire platoon shares a common operational picture. The company's experienced team of engineers combine electro-optics, computer vision technologies, real-time embedded software, ergonomics, and system engineering to provide cost-effective and easy-to-use solutions for modern conflicts. Fielded and operational, Smart Shooter SMASH family of solutions provides end-users with a "One Shot – One Hit" capability across multiple mission areas, creating a significant advantage for the infantry soldier and ultimately revolutionizing the world of small arms and optics. For more information about this program or other products offered in the U.S., please contact Scott Thompson at scott@smart-shooter.com or by mobile +1 (952) 913-2568. You can also visit www.SMART-SHOOTER.com Contact Details Smart Shooter Kim Laronne +972 52-471-4002 kim@edenpr.co.il Company Website https://www.smart-shooter.com/

March 24, 2021 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast And YWCA Partner to Help Women and Families of Color Access Free WI-Fi Resources

Comcast West Division

Comcast and YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish today announced WiFi-connected Lift Zones at four Puget Sound area sites. Each site will have high-speed Internet service to help communities in need access online resources. The Comcast Lift Zones will reach upwards of 140 families living in YWCA permanent housing, supportive housing, and emergency shelters. More than 1,000 community members who use YWCA’s computers will be able to access educational resources and advance their careers. The Lift Zones will also give kids a safe place for distance learning. Lift Zones will enhance YWCA’s efforts to break down barriers in the most critical areas of people’s lives through Internet connectivity and technology access. The partnership will make housing, education, healthcare, financial literacy and employment services more accessible at the following YWCA sites across King County and Snohomish County: Greenbridge Learning Center - White Center The Willows - South Seattle Somerset Village Apartments - Lynnwood Passage Point - Maple Valley “Comcast Lift Zones are an invaluable resource for the women and families YWCA serves,” said Maria Chavez-Wilcox, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish. “As the COVID-19 pandemic has increased people’s reliance on technology to meet their basic needs, online connectivity has become an essential lifeline for work, distance learning, telemedicine, and other critical services. We’re grateful for the partnership of Comcast in helping narrow the digital divide for women and BIPOC communities in our region.” The YWCA Lift Zone at Greenbridge Learning Center delivers a WiFi network that extends outside the building, bringing faster connectivity for community residents in the area and enabling participation in a wide variety of programs. Services are available in multiple languages by YWCA and community partners, and classes include computer literacy, vocational training, financial literacy, free tax filing, and more. The YWCA Lift Zones at Somerset Village Apartments, Passage Point, and The Willows support women and families living in permanent housing, supportive housing, and emergency shelters. This new source of free Internet access will meet a critical need for parents and families. “As a parent, I know how hard distance learning can be. A reliable Internet connection plays a huge part in that,” said Jason Aqui, Director of Information Technology, YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish. “Lift Zones are a game-changer. They help us ensure that everyone we serve is able to build a healthy life and reduce digital inequities faced by women and BIPOC communities.” Working with its network of nonprofit partners, Comcast has been building Lift Zones statewide since fall 2020 to help communities find safe spaces to get online, participate in distance learning and access important resources. The company plans to complete 80 Lift Zones in Washington by the end of 2021. “The YWCA plays an important role in bringing equitable resources to women and BIPOC communities across our region,” said Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President, Comcast Washington. “Through this partnership, we can extend the Lift Zone program to more families that need access to Internet connectivity.” Comcast Lift Zones are an extension of the company’s Internet Essentials program, the largest and most comprehensive low-cost Internet adoption program for low-income Americans. Since 2011, it has connected 85,000 low-income households statewide, many for the first time. The program offers access to free digital literacy training resources, the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for less than $150; and low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax. Internet Essentials is structured as a partnership between Comcast and tens of thousands of school districts, libraries, elected officials, and nonprofit community partners nationwide. For more information, or to apply for the program in seven different languages, please visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376. Spanish-only speakers can also call 1-855-765-6995. For more information about Comcast’s comprehensive connectivity program for low-income Americans visit https://corporate.comcast.com/values/internet-essentials About YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish YWCA is the region’s oldest and largest organization focused on the needs of women, and provides services and advocacy to support stable homes and economic advancement, reduce violence and improve health, and promote racial equity and social justice. With programs that serve more than 10,000 people each year, YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. To learn more, please visit our website: ywcaworks.org. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Washington Nick McDonald +1 425-977-5565 Nick_McDonald@Comcast.com YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish Annalee Schafranek aschafranek@ywcaworks.org Company Website https://washington.comcast.com/

March 24, 2021 06:02 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Applied Insight's SHIFT Now Enables Uncleared Development for MS Azure Government Secret

Applied Insight

Applied Insight, a market leader in solving complex technology challenges for federal government customers, announced an important update today regarding its award-winning cloud emulation platform, SHIFT™, which will open more opportunities for commercial software vendors to support national security missions. In addition to supporting classified regions of other cloud service providers, SHIFT will now emulate Azure Government Secret, Microsoft’s cloud region for workloads and data classified as secret. “We’re excited to announce the release of SHIFT’s emulation of Azure Government Secret because it will enable more commercial software innovators to support our intelligence and defense customers’ critical missions,” said Dede Dascalu, CEO of Applied Insight. “We’re now able to provide full-scale emulation of this classified region, backed by our Azure expertise, certifications, and partnership with Microsoft. We will continue to expand our multi-cloud offerings to better serve the national security mission and ensure our customers can access the best commercial software and services.” SHIFT is an emulation and testing platform used by government and commercial customers to develop, test and remediate software prior to deploying it in the classified regions of government clouds. Without SHIFT, software used in commercial cloud regions does not usually function as designed when used in classified cloud regions, due to advanced security configurations. This SHIFT update means that mission-focused software engineers can build applications in commercial Azure regions with confidence that their code will work in the Azure Government Secret region, because it allows them to first test their workloads with SHIFT. With the government increasingly seeking multi-cloud solutions, software vendors and systems integrators need to ensure that they can successfully deploy their applications and products in Azure’s restricted regions. Applied Insight recently became a member of the Microsoft Partner Network. This membership partners Applied Insight with Microsoft to enable the development of successful Azure solutions. Applied Insight has also attained the Silver Cloud Platform Competency (Azure Consumption) and is a member of the Azure Government Cloud Solution Provider Program. Applied Insight’s growing Azure credentials enable public sector customers in the U.S., from large federal agencies to small-town governments, to select from a range of cloud computing services. For more information, please reach out to SHIFT@applied-insight.com to see how this new capability can benefit you and your team! About Applied Insight At Applied Insight, we deliver pragmatic solutions for federal missions that cannot wait. We work closely with agencies and industry to overcome technical and cultural hurdles to innovation, empowering them with the latest cloud, data and cyber capabilities. Our solutions help people work better, faster and more securely – no matter where they are. To learn more about us, visit applied-insight.com. At Applied Insight, we deliver pragmatic solutions for federal missions that cannot wait. We work closely with agencies and industry to overcome technical and cultural hurdles to innovation, empowering them with the latest cloud, data and cyber capabilities. Our solutions help people work better, faster and more securely – no matter where they are. Contact Details Kristina Messner +1 703-678-6023 kmessner@focusedimage.com Company Website https://www.applied-insight.com/

March 24, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Chia Launches Eco-Friendly Blockchain & New Digital Currency

Chia Network

Highlights Chia Reinvents Digital Money with Energy Efficient At-Home Farming Rewards Chia Blockchain Full Node Count approximates 2,000 in the last 24 hours and exceeds 12,500 since Launch Chia Network Inc. (“Chia”) today introduced its revolutionary eco-friendly blockchain, its new digital currency known as “chia,” as well as a new breakthrough smart transaction on-chain programming language called “Chialisp”. Chia’s blockchain is a global open-source decentralized network that operates a payment settlement system using chia, its native cryptocurrency. The Company expects its blockchain will be used in a range of transactions, including cross border payments, issuing financial assets, and stable coin issuance. Chia intends to sell software service and support for its open source blockchain and smart transaction software to governments, financial institutions, corporations, and large buyers and sellers of storage. “We are very excited to launch Chia’s new blockchain and smart transaction platform which is easier to use, more energy efficient, and more secure than existing digital money alternatives. Improving upon Proof of Work’s shortcomings around centralization, electricity consumption and poor programmability, Chia’s blockchain has the potential to become the core of a new monetary architecture,” said Bram Cohen, Chia’s CEO. As of March 2021, Chia’s blockchain has approximately 2,000 full nodes in the last 24 hours and 12,500 full nodes since launch as compared to Ethereum with 6,800 full nodes. According to Bram Cohen, a robust amount of independently-operated nodes is considered essential to the success of Chia, as its fundamental value relies upon its ability to remain decentralized. Farming will allow even the smallest farmer running a node a chance to win rewards for validating the network. Running a node is also a more secure way to self-custody chia. "Bram Cohen is one of the greatest living protocol designers (BitTorrent), right up there with Satoshi and Vitalik” -- Naval Ravikant Chia is the answer to Bitcoin’s climate problem Banks and currencies are susceptible to routine shocks from governmental mismanagement, global financial crises, and generally run on antiquated technologies. Bitcoin was launched during one of these banking crises to try to address these ongoing issues. But Bitcoin now expends approximately 64 terawatt-hours per year, a level of energy consumption comparable to the nation of Switzerland. This level of energy usage is controversial and could get worse as bitcoin adoption and energy prices increase. Further, Bitcoin script is very limited, slow to develop, and has generally required significant changes in the Bitcoin protocol that can take years to be deployed. These delays and limitations have hampered building custody and controls into the Bitcoin blockchain. Ethereum shares Bitcoin’s reliance on “wasteful” mining and has additional problems. Almost every deployed Solidity smart contract that has attracted large balances has in some way been compromised. The Solidity scripting language makes it easier to write software than to secure it. Ethereum has mostly become known for the fundraising mechanism known as an “ICO”, where the fundraiser creates new tokens on the Ethereum network to sell for bitcoin and ether - many of which have uncertain regulatory compliance. Environmentally green chia (XCH) aims to save the planet Chia ’s blockchain offers functional and environmental advantages to Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple’s existing platforms. The Chia blockchain is more open and accessible than existing financial institutions, more efficient and less wasteful than the Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchain, and better designed for secure smart financial transactions than the Ethereum blockchain while being more decentralized than Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple. Chia’s blockchain replaces “Proof of Work” which is the consensus method that Bitcoin and Ethereum use, with the first of its kind “Proof of Space and Time” which uses significantly less energy and leads to a more decentralized and more secure blockchain. Proofs of Space harnesses unused disk space, rewarding owners of empty space for “ farming ” and Proofs of Time add security and time predictability to the network. As Bitcoin uses Bitcoin Script and Ethereum uses Solidity for programming transactions, Chia’s blockchain uses Chialisp. Chialisp, is a newly developed blockchain programming language and on-chain smart transaction development environment that will unleash the security, transparency, and ease of use that cryptocurrencies promise. Applications running on Chia’s blockchain are intended to have functionality appropriate for banking. The primary focus for the initial launch will be on core functionality such as financial controls, payments clearing and settlement, and managing the issuance of various assets. One of the primary use cases for chia is in international payments - especially in regions whose governments or financial systems are particularly volatile. The Company expects that the Chia blockchain and Chialisp will facilitate a range of transactions, including facilitating cross border payments, issuing financial assets, and stable coin issuance with best in class custody and controls. Chia - the easiest digital money to farm - is “the people’s choice” Compared to the existing modern finance platforms, chia is the easiest digital money to farm. In contrast to the technically proficient skills required to join a miner community, all people can “farm” chia at home for a fraction of the cost. Learn more about chia farming and the chia farmer reward schedule in Chia’s business Whitepaper. Earn your chia (XCH) rewards today It is straightforward to install the Chia blockchain for Windows, MacOS, and many other platforms as well. Download the Chia blockchain and earn your chia (XCH) rewards now. To learn more about Chia’s blockchain, please watch the Company’s mainnet launch video. Exchange trading - stay tuned Please expect an initial six week period where transactions will be frozen and farmers will only be receiving farming rewards. The Chia blockchain will soft fork in final transaction capabilities during this period in a 1.1 release. The soft fork will be a required upgrade before the six-week period ends. Read all about it in Chia's release notes. About Chia Network Chia Network Inc. was founded by Bram Cohen, the inventor of the BitTorrent protocol. Chia is a state-of-the-art open-source decentralized blockchain, digital currency, and smart transaction platform. Using the first new secure Nakamoto consensus algorithm invented since Bitcoin, Chia aims to operate an eco-friendly, more secure and user-friendly payment system for cross border payments, issuing financial assets, lending, escrow payments, institutional custody, and distributed identity. Chia’s “Proof of Space and Proof of Time”-based blockchain reduces waste in “Proof of Work”-based blockchains. Built to run Chialisp, the company’s newly developed on-chain smart transaction programming language, Chia’s blockchain allows its users to build and execute smart contracts and enable peer-to-peer applications. Chia believes that “digital money” should be easier to use than cash, harder to lose, and nearly impossible to steal. The Company is funded by leading venture capitalists including Slow Ventures, a16z, Naval Ravikant, Galaxy Digital, Greylock, True Ventures, MetaStable, Stillmark, DCM, and others. The Company’s Advisors include Dr. Dan Boneh, Research Partner at a16z and Applied Cryptography Professor at Stanford University; and Dr. Krzysztof Pietrzak, Cryptography Professor of IST Austria; and Ms. Katie Haun, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Investor Relations Contact: Gretchen Lium. For more information, visit https://chia.net and connect with us on Twitter (@chia_project), Facebook, GitHub and LinkedIn. Contact Details Gretchen Lium +1 303-638-9185 gretchen@chia.net Company Website https://www.chia.net/

March 24, 2021 06:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

EXAWARE COLLABORATES WITH AMDOCS TO DEPLOY OPEN DISAGGREGATED ROUTING SOLUTIONS FOR GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS

Exaware

Exaware, a leading provider of carrier-grade, open network routing solutions, today announced a collaboration with Amdocs, a leading provider of software and services to communications and media companies, for designing and deploying open-networking routing solutions for global mobile and fixed communications service providers (CSPs). This new engagement enables Amdocs to design and deliver integrated routing solutions based on ExaNOS, Exaware’s feature-rich, carrier-grade and high-scale network operating system (NOS), with the right choice of hardware suited to the desired application. Designed for mobile backhaul, cell site gateway, peering, edge and core applications, Exaware’s field-proven and robust NOS serves the needs of large-scale networks that require end-to-end disaggregated routing solutions. “Our collaboration with Amdocs is a significant step forward for Exaware. Amdocs has extensive experience meeting the increasingly complex needs of global CSPs that require reliable, innovative and cost-effective open solutions, in their network transformation journey,” said Ben Afshari, Vice President of Sales & Business Development at Exaware. “Leveraging Amdocs’s global reach and deep expertise, together we can offer reliable and open routing solutions based on ExaNOS, Exaware’s fundamental building block of disaggregated networks.” Contributing to industry developments, Exaware notably has taken an active role in the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) Disaggregated Cell Site Gateways (DCSG) working group, which has provided solutions for the cost-effective and scalable deployment of 5G networks. Exaware is also active in TIP’s Disaggregated Open Routers (DOR) working group, led jointly by KDDI and Vodafone, to provide solutions for core and edge applications. A long-time partner in TIP initiatives, Amdocs recently announced its selection as a system integrator to set up the first end-to-end TIP Community Lab in Southeast Asia. “As a TIP system integrator, collaborating with Exaware enhances our ability to efficiently design and deploy open-network routing solutions by allowing customers to select the best hardware and software to meet their needs from a vast open ecosystem of vendors. The open approach enables rapid innovation in network functions and applications, avoids vendor lock-in and drives cost down.” said Parag Shah, Customer Business Executive at Amdocs About Exaware Exaware is a leading provider of carrier-grade network routing solutions for mobile and fixed telecom service providers. Founded in 2007 (as Compass Networks) and headquartered in Israel, Exaware has redefined routing software that is engineered specifically for carrier networks. With incredible scale potential and unprecedented rich features, Exaware's open NOS software is ported to low-cost white-box equipment. With extensive experience in real-world applications, the Exaware team of world-class software developers and network engineers has developed a best-in-class open NOS software that is set to revolutionize the telecom routing market. For more information, visit www.exaware.com. About Amdocs Amdocs’ purpose is to enrich lives and progress society, using creativity and technology to build a better connected world. Amdocs and its 26,000 employees partner with the leading players in the communications and media industry, enabling next-generation experiences in 85 countries. Our cloud-native, open and dynamic portfolio of digital solutions, platforms and services brings greater choice, faster time to market and flexibility, to better meet the evolving needs of our customers as they drive growth, transform and take their business to the cloud. Listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, Amdocs had revenue of $4.2 billion in fiscal 2020. For more information, visit Amdocs at www.amdocs.com. Contact Details Exaware Ben Afshari +972 52-400-7095 ben.afshari@exaware.com Company Website https://www.exaware.com

March 23, 2021 10:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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