Optiv + ClearShark Launches FedRAMP Advisory Services to Enhance Cloud Providers' Work with U.S. Government
Services Focused on Strategy, Planning and Readiness
HANOVER, Md. , April 16, 2025 /CNW/ -- Optiv + ClearShark, a cybersecurity and IT solutions provider focused exclusively on serving the U.S. federal government, has launched FedRAMP Advisory Services to help organizations working with federal agencies securely align their cloud service offerings with the standardized approach.
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a government-wide program that promotes the adoption of secure cloud services across the federal government by providing a standardized approach to security and risk assessment for cloud technologies and federal agencies.
"With Optiv + ClearShark's vast portfolio, clients can leverage our world-class expertise in systems engineering, enterprise architecture, compliance, program management, product management, intelligence analysis and threat analysis as they move through the FedRAMP journey," said Daniel Wilbricht , president of Optiv + ClearShark. "Our customer-facing, vendor-agnostic approach within the federal space allows us to bring much-needed solutions like this to the market."
Learn more about Optiv + ClearShark's FedRAMP Advisory Services: https://www.optivclearshark.com/services/advisory-and-compliance/advisory-compliance-services-vendors#tab-link-successful-strategy-0
Optiv + ClearShark's FedRAMP Advisory Services help cloud service providers sell and operate their systems in a cost-effective manner while also meeting compliance standards. Benefits include:
Strategy: Understanding FedRAMP, target audience and authorization
Planning: Performing a full gap assessment of where their technology and organizational processes are today and where they need to be
Readiness: Training on passing the audit, spotting bad auditors and determining a go-to-market strategy
"FedRAMP is probably the world's toughest cybersecurity audit, and we've seen a lot of companies make costly mistakes over the years trying to pass it," said John Allison , Optiv + ClearShark's senior director of federal advisory services. "We don't want anything to stand in the way of making government more secure, and that's why, by partnering with us, clients can rely on us to help them achieve FedRAMP authorization."
FedRAMP Advisory Services is the latest offering by Optiv + ClearShark in a suite of cybersecurity solutions and services, including Zero Trust architecture compliance, AI and data intelligence and DevSecOps.
For the latest news and updates from Optiv + ClearShark, visit optivclearshark.com/company/news/.
Optiv Security: Secure greatness. ®
Optiv is the cyber advisory and solutions leader, delivering strategic and technical expertise to nearly 6,000 companies across every major industry. We partner with organizations to advise, deploy and operate complete cybersecurity programs from strategy and managed security services to risk, integration and technology solutions. With clients at the center of our unmatched ecosystem of people, products, partners and programs, we accelerate business progress like no other company can. At Optiv, we manage cyber risk so you can secure your full potential. For more information, visit www.optiv.com.
About Optiv + ClearShark
Optiv + ClearShark is a cybersecurity and IT solutions provider focused exclusively on serving the U.S. federal government. From the data center, cloud and to the edge, we have decades of experience securing and modernizing federal agency data and infrastructure. Our world-class advisory and engineering team is comprised of mission-focused, results-driven subject-matter experts with deep technology and agency domain knowledge and security clearances.
Part of Optiv, the cyber advisory and solutions leader, Optiv + ClearShark partners with federal agencies to advise, deploy and operate complete cybersecurity programs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Post
22-05-2025
- National Post
Docebo Achieves FedRAMP Moderate Authorization, Enabling Secure, Scalable Learning for U.S. Federal Agencies
Article content Article content TORONTO — Docebo Inc. (NASDAQ: DCBO, TSX: DCBO), a leading learning platform provider with a foundation in artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation, today announced that its LearnGov platform has achieved FedRAMP® Moderate Authorization, authorizing its use across U.S. federal agencies. This milestone reflects Docebo's commitment to the public sector and deploying cloud-based, secure, and compliant e-learning programs aligned with federal cybersecurity standards. Article content With its listing on the FedRAMP Marketplace, Docebo delivers a trusted platform that supports workforce development, compliance training, and upskilling initiatives across distributed and secure environments. The FedRAMP Moderate designation confirms Docebo's adherence to the rigorous security and privacy controls defined by the Federal Government. Article content 'FedRAMP Moderate isn't just a compliance milestone. It signals that Docebo meets the federal government's trust, security, and performance expectations,' said Alessio Artuffo, President and CEO of Docebo. 'We're ready to help agencies modernize learning in a secure and scalable way.' Article content The Docebo LearnGov solution is engineered to meet the unique requirements of public sector organizations by providing: Article content Robust Security & Compliance: The platform is designed to meet the rigorous security and privacy standards required by U.S. federal agencies, with hundreds of controls evaluated and authorized under the FedRAMP Moderate baseline. Connecting L&D goals to Federal Program Missions: Docebo's platform empowers Federal program offices to align learning and development initiatives with their unique mission objectives by delivering measurable, data-driven outcomes that support performance, compliance, and impact. Extensive API Ecosystem: Docebo empowers organizations to build deeply integrated workflows across their tech stack through a comprehensive suite of APIs. From user provisioning to content automation, our open architecture enables seamless data exchange and orchestration with mission-critical systems reducing operational complexity and driving efficiency. Operational Efficiency: Intuitive admin tools and streamlined workflows reduce overhead and enable agencies to scale training across departments and geographies. Article content 'Modern learning is no longer a luxury; it's necessary to maintain an agile and informed federal workforce,' said AJ Frickman, VP of Government and Public Sector at Docebo. 'We are proud to offer a platform that meets these evolving needs without compromising security or user experience.' Article content With its FedRAMP Moderate Authorization in place, Docebo is now positioned to support a broader range of U.S. federal, state, and local government agencies—as well as educational institutions adhering to federal security standards. This expansion builds on Docebo's broader mission to redefine how government agencies engage and develop their workforce. Article content Docebo (NASDAQ:DCBO; TSX:DCBO) is redefining the way enterprises leverage technology to create and manage content, deliver training, and measure the business impact of their learning programs. With Docebo's end-to-end learning platform, organizations worldwide are equipped to deliver scaled, personalized learning across all their audiences and use cases, driving growth and powering their business. Article content This press release contains 'forward-looking information' and 'forward-looking statements' (collectively, 'forward-looking information') within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, without limitation, statements regarding Docebo's ability to deliver secure, compliant solutions to US federal agencies and their workforce and the impact of achieving Moderate Authorization on Docebo's business. Article content This forward-looking information is based on our opinions, estimates and assumptions that, while considered by the Company to be appropriate and reasonable as of the date of this press release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, the Company's ability to secure and maintain a U.S. government agency sponsor, enter into contracts with such sponsor and other agencies, as well as those factors discussed in greater detail under the 'Risk Factors' section in our Annual Information Form, available free of charge under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at and on EDGAR at Article content If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the opinions, estimates or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Although we have attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to us or that we presently believe are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future results. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents our expectations as of the date specified herein and are subject to change after such date. However, we disclaim any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content
Globe and Mail
16-05-2025
- Globe and Mail
Cathie Wood Is Betting Big on This Hidden-Gem AI Stock
While Big Tech companies such as Nvidia (NVDA) and Microsoft (MSFT) are dominating the artificial intelligence narrative, several other high-potential stocks are flying under the radar in 2025. Noted Wall Street investor Cathie Wood is bullish on one such AI stock, a hidden gem. Valued at a market cap of $8.7 billion, GitLab (GTLB) provides a comprehensive DevSecOps platform that manages the entire software development lifecycle from planning to deployment. This single platform enables organizations to develop, secure, and deploy software across cloud environments while offering features for project management, source code control, security testing, deployment, monitoring, and analytics. In May 2025, Cathie Wood's ARK Invest has so far purchased close to $18 million worth of GTLB stock. Let's see why Wood is betting big on this AI stock. Is This AI Stock a Good Buy Right Now? GitLab went public in late 2021 and currently trades 60% below its all-time highs allowing you to buy the dip. In Q4 of fiscal 2025 (ended in January) GitLab reported revenue of $211.4 million, an increase of 29% year over year, while sales in fiscal 2025 rose by 31% to $759 million. Notably, GitLab significantly improved profitability with an adjusted operating margin of 18% in Q4, a 960-basis-point improvement year-over-year. Newly appointed CEO Bill Staples, who brings nearly 30 years of experience in developer tools and platforms from companies like Microsoft (MSFT) and New Relic, outlined three key objectives for fiscal 2026. These include winning new customers, delivering value faster, and focusing on customer-centered innovation. Staples emphasized that while GitLab has grown rapidly, the strategy going forward centers on fundamentals: acquiring more new customers, especially in mid-market and enterprise segments, improving customer experience, and accelerating innovation in core DevOps, security, and AI areas. GitLab's platform strategy continues to gain traction with Ultimate, its premium offering, now accounting for 50% of total ARR (annual recurring revenue). This milestone underscores the company's success in delivering comprehensive DevSecOps capabilities, with security and compliance driving customer adoption. GitLab Dedicated, its single-tenant SaaS (software-as-a-service) offering, grew approximately 90% year-over-year, reflecting strong demand from enterprises seeking cloud benefits and security controls. GitLab is strategically positioned to capitalize on the AI transformation wave with its GitLab Duo suite. Duo Pro provides code suggestions, while Duo Enterprise embeds AI throughout the entire software development lifecycle. In Q4, GitLab announced several significant Duo wins, including Barclays (BCS), CACI (CACI), Capgemini (CAPMF), and NatWest (NWG), demonstrating early customer adoption. GitLab also announced Duo Workflow entering private beta, representing its move from AI-assisted to AI-driven development through autonomous agents that can complete tasks like fixing bugs without human intervention. GitLab's dollar-based net retention rate remained strong at 123% in Q4, with seat expansion accounting for 75% of the retention rate. It added 123 customers with annual recurring revenue of $1 million or more, up 28% year-over-year, highlighting penetration among large enterprises. Is GitLab Stock Undervalued? For fiscal 2026, GitLab provided revenue guidance of $936 million to $942 million, up 24% year-over-year at the midpoint, with non-GAAP operating income of $109 million to $114 million. The company plans to maintain its focus on responsible growth while continuing to invest in R&D innovation, particularly in core DevOps functionality, security capabilities, and AI products. Management sees AI as a tailwind rather than a threat to developer seat growth, countering concerns that AI might reduce the need for developers. Staples argued that AI will actually increase the number of software creators and the amount of code generated, driving greater demand for GitLab's platform to manage the quality, security, and compliance of both human and AI-generated code. Analysts tracking the tech stock expect adjusted earnings to expand from $0.74 per share in fiscal 2025 to $2.01 per share in fiscal 2030. Comparatively, free cash flow is forecast to expand from $120 million in 2025 to $500 million in 2030. If GTLB stock is priced at 30x forward FCF, it should gain over 80% over the next four years. Out of the 26 analysts tracking GitLab stock, 20 recommend 'Strong Buy,' three recommend 'Moderate Buy,' and three recommend 'Hold.' The average target price for GTLB stock is $73.48, up 40% from the current price. With strong performance across key metrics, a growing portfolio of innovative products, and strategic focus on fundamentals, GitLab appears well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory and capitalize on the convergence of DevSecOps and AI as it approaches and surpasses the $1 billion revenue milestone.
Globe and Mail
15-05-2025
- Globe and Mail
Bank of America to Open Over 150 Financial Centers by 2027, Stock Up
Bank of America BAC plans to open more than 150 new financial centers across 60 markets by the end of 2027. With this move, the bank continues its aggressive expansion as part of a broader strategy to strengthen customer relationships and tap into new markets. BAC plans to open 40 new financial centers in 2025, in addition to 70 more in 2026. Since the announcement of this plan, shares of BAC have risen 3.2%. Strategic Rationale Behind BAC's Expansion Plan Bank of America currently offers banking services to nearly 250 million individuals in over 200 markets, representing approximately 82% of the U.S. population. With ongoing expansion, the company is increasing its physical footprint and adapting to evolving consumer behavior. Since 2014, the bank has steadily expanded its financial center network, entering 11 new markets. Since 2016, BAC has spent more than $5 billion on its financial centers network. The bank has added 471 centers in its existing markets since 2016 in response to changing client preferences. Additionally, the company completed the renovation of more than 3,000 financial centers last year, with plans to complete more than 500 additional renovations over the next two years. Notably, the bank has seen a surge in requests for in-person advisory services to discuss more complex financial issues, despite 90% of its customer interactions taking place online. In 2024, nearly 10 million appointments were scheduled with financial specialists in BAC's financial centers. This shift toward in-person advisory services seems to be driving the company's focus on opening new centers in key regions. Around 30% of the bank's financial centers are in low- and moderate-income communities, which act as a critical tool for deepening relationships with customers. Our Take on BAC's Expansion Strategy The bank's strategic investment in new financial centers and its expansion into new markets reflects a broader industry shift toward optimizing its networks to deepen customer relationships and tap into new business opportunities. The expansion underscores the bank's strategy to modernize its banking locations and enhance customer engagement, providing Bank of America with long-term leverage in the evolving banking landscape. Shares of Bank of America have risen 16.9% in the past year compared with the industry 's growth of 29.5%. Currently, BAC carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Other Banks Taking Similar Steps In November 2024, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. PNC announced plans to increase its branch investment by $500 million to open more than 100 additional financial centers and renovate 200 existing locations across the United States. This was followed by PNC's announcement in February 2024 to invest $1 billion to open more than 100 financial centers and renovate more than 1,200 existing locations by 2028. Similarly, in the same year, JPMorgan JPM announced its plans to open more than 500 new financial centers, renovate roughly 1,700 locations, and hire 3,500 employees by 2027. With this, the company is poised to bring affordable and convenient financial services to communities nationwide. This expansion will enable JPM to foray into several new markets, including low-to-moderate income and rural communities with limited access to banking services. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2024. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +143.0%, +175.9%, +498.3% and +673.0%. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM): Free Stock Analysis Report The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (PNC): Free Stock Analysis Report
