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Edinburgh Reporter
22-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Spam Checker: Why It Matters and How It Protects Business Communication
Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and spam remains one of the most common entry points for attacks. From phishing emails to spoofed numbers and fraudulent messages, spam can undermine communication security, damage brand trust, and expose a business to legal risks. A spam checker provides a practical way to detect and block these threats before they reach the end user. What Is a Spam Checker and How Does It Secure Business Communication A spam checker is a security tool that analyzes communication channels to detect and filter out unwanted or malicious content. It applies a combination of algorithms, real-time blacklists, and behavior-based analysis to assess message legitimacy. Effective systems operate across multiple platforms, including email, SMS, VoIP, and others. Key mechanisms include: Signature and pattern detection; Reputation scoring of sender domains and IPs; Inspection of links and attachments; Protocol checks (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) for email authentication. By identifying suspicious signals, the spam checker prevents malicious content from entering the company's communication flow. Identifying Key Spam Threats That Target Businesses Spam in today's world covers a lot more than advertising messages. Examples of common threats that impact the business are: Phishing emails attempt to obtain credentials or payment details. Fake sender identities are used in email and SMS spoofing. Attachments containing malware or ransomware; Robocalls and unsolicited VoIP traffic are disrupting operations. SMS-based social engineering is known as smishing. Data losses, disruption of services or reputational damage could occur after only one incidence. How Businesses Benefit from Proactive Spam Filtering The use of a professional spam checker is able to provide operational and security benefits right away: Stronger data protection : Prevent data leaks and malware infections. : Prevent data leaks and malware infections. Brand reputation management : Keep your domains, numbers, and sender IDs from being blacklisted. : Keep your domains, numbers, and sender IDs from being blacklisted. Better deliverability : Ensure legitimate messages aren't mistaken for spam. : Ensure legitimate messages aren't mistaken for spam. Regulatory compliance : Meet GDPR, HIPAA, and other global data protection standards. : Meet GDPR, HIPAA, and other global data protection standards. Lower support burden: Reduce the volume of user-reported spam issues. The presence of safe communication infrastructure promotes trust, security of intellectual property and enhanced productivity of everyday working. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Key Features to Look for in a Spam Checker Tool Choosing the right spam filtering tool involves more than just spam detection. Look for these essential features: Real-time filtering powered by global threat intelligence. Multi-layer security on email, SMS, VOIP and internal chat services. Whitelist and blacklist custom rule creation. Advanced trend monitoring, warning threats, and effect analysis. CRM and communication platform integrations for unified workflows. Multipurpose support and localization options of global operations. These features allow your team to stay protected without interrupting how they work. How to Choose the Right Spam Checker for Your Company The best spam checker is one that fits your business model, scales with your growth, and adapts to evolving threats. When comparing providers, the questions to consider are: Which of these communication methods should be secured (email, VoIP, SMS or all of them)? Does the tool allow you to maintain your compliance and security? Does it support your CRM, cloud PBX or contact center? Does it have multilingual filtering of international groups and customers? Does it have access to support, upties, and threat intelligence? DID Global spam checker is enterprise level spam filter technology, that offers scalable security, high levels of integration and is completely transparency based, where you can avoid fraud, client protection and business continuity in every world market. Final Thought: Stay Ahead of Spam Before It Damages Your Brand Spam attacks are not only disruptive, but dangerous. With the rise of digitalization and globalization of communications, data protection of key communication channels happens to be non-negotiable. The proper spam checker investment will guarantee your customers only what they deserve: safely, reliably and according to your conditions. Source: DID Global Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
17-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Optimizing Corporate Development with Boundeal's Data Room
In today's fast-paced business environment, corporate development is essential for driving growth and ensuring long-term success. However, managing complex deals, such as mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, requires secure, efficient, and organized systems. Boundeal offers an advanced data room solution that optimizes corporate development processes by providing a secure environment for document management and collaboration. With its cutting-edge features, Boundeal empowers teams to close deals faster and more securely, giving them a competitive edge in a highly dynamic market. The Challenges of Corporate Development Corporate development deals often involve a large volume of sensitive data, including financial statements, legal documents, contracts, and confidential strategic plans. Managing these documents while ensuring they are accessible to the right stakeholders at the right time is a major challenge. Traditional document-sharing methods, such as email and cloud storage, often lack the necessary security and organization needed for high-stakes transactions. As a result, corporate development teams can struggle with delays, miscommunication, and compliance risks. This is where a corporate development data room comes into play. Boundeal's secure virtual data room solution addresses the needs of corporate development teams by providing a structured, reliable platform for managing documents throughout the entire deal lifecycle. By combining advanced security with seamless collaboration features, Boundeal ensures that every deal is handled efficiently and securely. How Boundeal Streamlines Corporate Development Boundeal's data room is currently under development and is designed to offer a comprehensive set of features aimed at streamlining the corporate development process. The platform is being crafted to ensure that all stakeholders have access to the most up-to-date information when they need it. Below are the key features that will make Boundeal the preferred choice for corporate development teams: Robust Security Protocols Corporate development deals often involve highly sensitive information, making security a top priority. Boundeal's upcoming data room will be equipped with state-of-the-art security features, including end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and role-based access control. These features will ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data, preventing unauthorized parties from viewing or editing documents. Efficient Document Management The volume of documents involved in corporate development transactions can be overwhelming. Boundeal's data room will allow teams to organize, categorize, and store all relevant documents in one centralized location. With powerful search and indexing capabilities, stakeholders will be able to quickly find the documents they need without wasting time on manual searches or sifting through emails. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Real-Time Collaboration In high-stakes transactions, timely communication is key. Boundeal's data room will include real-time collaboration features, allowing corporate development teams to share documents, provide feedback, and work together on files simultaneously. With real-time notifications, stakeholders will always be up-to-date on document changes, ensuring that no information slips through the cracks. Audit Trails and Compliance Assurance Boundeal will provide detailed audit trails, tracking every document interaction, including who accessed specific files and when. This feature will not only ensure transparency but will also provide corporate development teams with the necessary tools to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements. Whether it's for a legal review or an internal audit, Boundeal's audit trails will simplify the process and ensure that all transactions are compliant. Role-Based Permissions Every corporate development deal involves multiple stakeholders with different levels of access. Boundeal's role-based permissions will allow administrators to grant access based on user roles, ensuring that sensitive information is only available to the appropriate parties. This feature will minimize the risk of accidental data exposure and ensure that each stakeholder has access to the documents they need to perform their role effectively. The Benefits of Using Boundeal's Data Room for Corporate Development Corporate development teams face the challenge of balancing speed with security. Delays in document review or missed opportunities can derail high-value transactions. By using Boundeal's secure data room, teams can streamline their workflows and close deals faster, with complete confidence that their data is protected. Boundeal's data room also enhances the overall deal experience by improving transparency, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that all parties have access to the latest documents. As corporate development teams continue to scale and manage more complex transactions, Boundeal provides the tools they need to stay organized, secure, and efficient. Conclusion: The Future of Corporate Development As the business landscape evolves, the role of corporate development teams in driving growth becomes even more critical. Boundeal's data room solution enables these teams to work smarter, not harder, by providing a secure, organized platform that fosters collaboration and accelerates the deal-making process. With its advanced security, document management capabilities, and real-time collaboration tools, Boundeal sets the standard for how corporate development teams should manage and execute deals in today's fast-moving market. Like this: Like Related
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Is generative AI all it's cracked up to be? Not yet and not without humans
Generative AI has promised similar seismic change but unlike those other technologies, it is actually here to stay. It is powerful and it is changing the way businesses operate. Is it all it's cracked up to be though? Not yet. Image: Gerd Altmann/Pixbabay It's been about two years since generative AI exploded onto the mass market and into the boardroom buzzword lexicon. What began as a curiosity has quickly snowballed into a business necessity. It might sound hyperbolic, but those who are not exploring how AI can support their businesses are already falling behind. But we've seen big tech ideas arrive, explode into the mass market and then quietly subside before. Remember when brands couldn't launch NFTs and Metaverse activations fast enough? Generative AI has promised similar seismic change but unlike those other technologies, it is actually here to stay. It is powerful and it is changing the way businesses operate. Is it all it's cracked up to be though? Not yet. What AI is doing well right now At Euphoria, we've been working with AI tools for a while and their value is clear. From a productivity standpoint, it's like having a hyper-intelligent colleague in the room. Except this one doesn't get tired, doesn't take smoke breaks and doesn't recoil at the thought of sifting through hundreds of data points on a spreadsheet. One of the biggest advantages for us has been in customer service analysis. Each day, our system generates hundreds of call transcripts which, when fed into an AI tool, allows us to identify poor tone or negative sentiment. A human, in our case our Operations Director Leonie Stanley, then reviews those flagged interactions each day and uses them as training opportunities. Without AI, reviewing those transcripts would take hours of manual work and problems would probably go undetected. What AI does exceptionally well is make the invisible, visible. It transforms masses of data, which might be ignored or under-utilised in a business, into useful insights that can help improve operations, drive efficiency or change behaviours. AI 's improvement areas There are some exciting generative AI use cases that are emerging but still need maturing. Voice agents, for instance, are improving rapidly and are capable of handling everything from ordering a pizza to directing calls. But there are aspects of the tech that aren't perfectly seamless yet, like the way even a one second delay between responses feels awkward to the human ear. Maybe it's because the human brain craves connection, and in an emotionally charged interaction, that delay is a reminder that you're speaking to an AI agent simulating empathy rather than a human being actually feeling it. I don't believe they'll ever fully replace the need for humans, but in scenarios where there is a choice between an AI agent and no help at all, AI agents can make a big difference. In call centres, we're seeing some businesses using AI agents to handle overflow calls and basic triage. This works, because it's an effective stopgap which removes the frustration that would come from long wait times. There's also a strong use case for AI agents in owner-run and small businesses where they just don't have the human resources to do it all. If they're missing calls and not getting to customers, an AI agent provides service where previously there was none. That's a win-win for both the business and the customer and I'm excited to see how small business use of generative AI develops. The future of generative AI Generative AI tools are developing rapidly and they're starting to be integrated everywhere from coding to virtual receptionists. In five years, the technology might be able to do almost anything. But that doesn't mean it should. We're on the brink of changes that will be more profound than the Industrial Revolution and now is the time where we need to decide what we want AI to do, and what we want to preserve for humans. There is growing evidence that rather than connecting humans, technology is making us lonelier. AI should make us more human, not less. That means handing over the grunt work to the AI, while protecting the value that comes from connection, intuition and creativity. It's a thin line to walk but if we want both humanity and generative AI to succeed, we need to embrace technology while always putting people first. Warren Hawkins, Managing Director, Euphoria Telecom Warren Hawkins, Managing Director, Euphoria Telecom Image: Supplied.
IOL News
18-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Old but gold: DRDGold still digs profit from a century of dirt
A few years after the JSE was formed to list companies that were rushing to pull gold out of the mine after it was discovered in 1886, DRDGOLD listed on the bourse. Image: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay A few years after the JSE was formed to list companies that were rushing to pull gold out of the mine after it was discovered in 1886, DRDGold listed on the bourse. It's now the oldest company still listed, having offered its shares to the public in 1895. Its operations have shifted over time, and it is now pulling gold dust out of mine dumps, which were the result of more than a century of mining and dumping the left-over dirt on the edges of mines. Initially, DRDGold, formerly Durban Roodepoort Deep, operated underground mines before transitioning completely from deep level underground mining to the large-scale retreatment of mine dumps and tailings dams. Although there is no information as to how much its stock was worth when it listed, IOL's calculations show that a R10,000 investment into the company five years ago would have reaped an additional R3 708 if dividends were reinvested. Although that's a return of 37.08% over the past decade, it's far less than the bourse's ALSI gain of 75.5% over the same period and worth only two-thirds of the average basket of household items based on May figures from the Household Affordability Index, published by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group. And, reinvesting dividends doesn't make much of a difference, because the total gain is only R3 582, a return of 35.83%. The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group's report indicated that the national minimum wage in May, based on 21 working days, is R4 836. The average cost of a household food basket, in the same month, is R5 466. In DRDGold's May press release on its operating performance for the quarter to end-March, it noted that it was celebrating its 130th anniversary of being listed. CEO Niel Pretorius, said in the statement: 'The idea of rolling back mining's environmental legacy aligns with the values of our people. Our people are not only working for the next month or year, but they are also working for the next generation and towards a better future. This is what sustainability is all about.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Macrotrends' information indicates that the all-time high DRDGold stock closing price was 48.32 on March 11, 1997. The discovery of gold on a Transvaal farm, Langlaagte, on the Witwatersrand in 1886 by two prospectors was a turning point in South African history. It changed South Africa from an agricultural society to become the largest gold producer in the world – although it has since lost this crown and isn't even in the top ten producers globally. China is now in first place in terms of gold producers. IOL
Edinburgh Reporter
11-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Maximizing results as an AI lead generating manager
In today's digital-first economy, the pressure to generate leads, convert prospects, and scale pipeline growth is higher than ever. Traditional lead generation methods—cold calls, static email lists, manual CRM updates—are becoming inefficient. Enter the AI lead generating manager, a new breed of professional using artificial intelligence to automate, optimize, and personalize the entire lead generation process. AI is not just an assistant—it's becoming the engine behind high-performing sales and marketing teams. This article explores how the role of the lead generation manager is evolving thanks to AI, which tools are essential, and how to use them to drive consistent, scalable growth. The evolution of lead generation with AI For decades, lead generation was largely manual. Sales reps and marketers relied on spreadsheets, bulk email campaigns, and trial-and-error targeting. With the rise of AI, the game has changed. AI systems can now analyze vast datasets, predict lead quality, personalize outreach, and even engage with leads automatically. An AI lead generating manager leverages these capabilities to identify ideal prospects, automate touchpoints, and nurture relationships at scale. The result is not just more leads—but better leads, faster conversions, and less wasted time. Why AI is a game-changer in lead generation predictive lead scoring: AI can evaluate historical customer data to predict which leads are most likely to convert. AI can evaluate historical customer data to predict which leads are most likely to convert. automated outreach: AI tools can send personalized emails or messages on LinkedIn based on lead behavior, job role, and other data points. AI tools can send personalized emails or messages on LinkedIn based on lead behavior, job role, and other data points. real-time data enrichment: AI can continuously pull updated data about companies and contacts from multiple sources, improving targeting accuracy. AI can continuously pull updated data about companies and contacts from multiple sources, improving targeting accuracy. workflow automation: Lead follow-ups, meeting scheduling, and CRM updates can be fully automated, freeing human reps to focus on strategy and high-touch conversations. Lead follow-ups, meeting scheduling, and CRM updates can be fully automated, freeing human reps to focus on strategy and high-touch conversations. multichannel optimization: AI tracks performance across email, social media, ads, and other channels to determine which ones are generating the most engagement and ROI. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 1. Apollo and ZoomInfo These platforms use AI to source accurate lead data and provide real-time enrichment. They help identify decision-makers, company intent signals, and contact details for outreach. 2. ChatGPT and Jasper AI writing tools like ChatGPT allow lead managers to generate tailored outreach messages, subject lines, value propositions, and follow-up scripts in seconds. 3. HubSpot and Salesforce with AI add-ons Popular CRMs now integrate AI features like deal prediction, next-step recommendations, and automated task generation to streamline lead management. 4. Lavender and Regie These tools use AI to analyze email quality and suggest real-time improvements. They help craft messages that are more likely to get opened, read, and replied to. 5. Clay and PhantomBuster Advanced automation platforms like Clay allow AI lead generating managers to build custom workflows for scraping, enriching, and engaging with leads across platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and email. Key responsibilities of an AI lead generating manager As AI becomes more embedded in lead generation, the role of the lead manager is shifting from execution to orchestration. Here's what the modern AI lead generating manager focuses on: tool integration: selecting and connecting the right mix of AI tools for sourcing, outreach, and analysis. selecting and connecting the right mix of AI tools for sourcing, outreach, and analysis. data management: ensuring lead databases are clean, enriched, and segmented for maximum effectiveness. ensuring lead databases are clean, enriched, and segmented for maximum effectiveness. message personalization: using AI to tailor communication while maintaining brand voice and tone. using AI to tailor communication while maintaining brand voice and tone. pipeline optimization: constantly reviewing performance data to refine campaigns and improve conversion rates. constantly reviewing performance data to refine campaigns and improve conversion rates. collaboration: working with marketing, sales, and operations to align AI workflows with broader company goals. Best practices for AI-powered lead generation start with ideal customer profiles (ICPs): AI works best with clear parameters. Define who your best-fit customers are, and train your tools accordingly. AI works best with clear parameters. Define who your best-fit customers are, and train your tools accordingly. use AI for scale, not for shortcuts: Automated messages still need to feel human. Personalization matters more than ever. Automated messages still need to feel human. Personalization matters more than ever. test, learn, and optimize: Use AI to run A/B tests, analyze results, and iterate quickly based on performance data. Use AI to run A/B tests, analyze results, and iterate quickly based on performance data. combine channels smartly: Use AI to synchronize touchpoints across email, LinkedIn, paid ads, and even SMS for maximum impact. Use AI to synchronize touchpoints across email, LinkedIn, paid ads, and even SMS for maximum impact. stay ethical and compliant: Ensure your AI workflows respect privacy regulations like GDPR and do not cross the line into spam or manipulation. Common mistakes to avoid Even with powerful AI tools, there are pitfalls. Smart AI lead generating managers are aware of these and avoid them: ignoring data hygiene: AI is only as good as the data it uses. Outdated or incorrect lead data leads to poor results. AI is only as good as the data it uses. Outdated or incorrect lead data leads to poor results. over-automation: Too much automation can create robotic experiences and damage brand reputation. Too much automation can create robotic experiences and damage brand reputation. not aligning with sales teams: AI should empower sales, not replace or sideline them. Constant collaboration is key. AI should empower sales, not replace or sideline them. Constant collaboration is key. neglecting human review: Always monitor AI-generated content and decisions for tone, accuracy, and appropriateness. Real-world examples and success stories One SaaS startup used a combination of Apollo, ChatGPT, and HubSpot to build a fully AI-powered outbound engine. By identifying high-intent leads and crafting custom sequences, they doubled their conversion rate in 3 months without hiring new SDRs. Another B2B marketing agency created a 'virtual SDR' using AI agents connected through Zapier and Clay. This system researched leads, drafted messages, and booked discovery calls autonomously, saving 20+ hours per week. These are just two examples of how the AI lead generating manager can radically improve results when the right tools and strategy are in place. The future of AI in lead generation Looking forward, AI will become even more predictive, autonomous, and conversational. We'll see virtual lead reps capable of managing entire segments of the funnel—from discovery to qualification to scheduling. Tools will become more integrated, using natural language to interface with CRMs, generate reports, and answer questions. The human manager will shift into a strategist and analyst role, guiding AI rather than micromanaging it. However, trust and personalization will remain essential. The most effective lead generation strategies will be those that use AI not to replace people, but to empower them to build better relationships—faster. Conclusion The AI lead generating manager is no longer a role of the future—it's already a necessity in today's digital sales landscape. By using AI to automate the repetitive, optimize the complex, and personalize the outreach, managers can drive significant results with fewer resources. Whether you're leading a team of SDRs or running solo as a growth marketer, embracing AI tools can help you outpace the competition, convert better leads, and focus on what matters most—building relationships and closing deals. In the end, AI is just a tool. But in the hands of a smart, ethical, and strategic lead generating manager, it becomes a game-changing advantage. Like this: Like Related
