Latest news with #SMB
Tahawul Tech
4 hours ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
ASUS elevates business computing with the ExpertCenter P400 AiO
ASUS recently announced the ExpertCenter P400 AiO (P440VA), an all-in-one solution that combines performance and style in a compact design. It features a 24-inch FHD touchscreen1 display with 100% sRGB colour gamut and a 93% screen-to-body ratio. Combined with immersive Dolby® Atmos audio, it provides a premium experience for multimedia tasks. ExpertCenter P400 AiO also integrates ASUS AI ExpertMeet to enhance videoconferencing experiences, adding value for businesses that rely on virtual collaboration. Its VESA1-mount compatibility and sleek form factor offer flexibility in any modern workspace, while business-grade security with ASUS ExpertGuardian and connectivity features ensure reliability in SMB environments. Designed with a sleeker profile, the ExpertCenter P400 AiO is 25% thinner2 than previous generations, making this ASUS' most compact all-in-one PC. It also includes a comprehensive lineup of ports, including an optional HDMI®-in port that allows users to connect their laptop for a bigger screen experience. Moreover, the height-adjustable stand (HAS)1 on the ASUS ExpertCenter P400 AiO offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustments, providing perfect viewing angles whether sitting or standing. Class-leading performance ASUS ExpertCenter P400 AiO is built to power through any task and offers streamlined management to reduce admin workload. Powered by up to an Intel® Core™ i7 processor, along with up to 64 GB DDR5 memory and up to 2 TB SSD, ExpertCenter P400 AiO delivers exceptional processing power. Businesses can experience lightning-fast connectivity on the ExpertCenter P400 AiO with Wi-Fi 73 that delivers speeds of up to 3x faster than Wi-Fi 6. Productivity enhanced by AI ASUS ExpertCenter P400 AiO has been engineered to take advantage of the latest AI tools. This includes ASUS AI ExpertMeet,4 which helps elevate the meeting experience, optimizing calls with AI noise-cancelling audio and AI camera. AI Meeting Minutes automatically transcribes meetings by turning audio into text, making it easy to review later. It can summarize key points of the meeting, as well as identify multiple speakers. Moreover, users can supercharge their productivity with Microsoft Copilot5 with commercial data protection. Featuring a dedicated key, one click means endless exploration, achieving more with less time and effort. Display of brilliance ASUS ExpertCenter P400 AiO features a 24-inch FHD edge-to-edge slim-bezel design with an impressive 93% screen-to-body ratio. Offering 178° viewing angles and a 100% sRGB colour gamut for vivid, lifelike colours, the screen also has anti-glare properties, TÜV Rheinland certification for low blue-light emissions to ensure optimal eye comfort under extended use. A retractable camera is included, which can be accessed by an intuitive push-and-pull design. This hides the camera completely when not in use and ensures that users know when the camera is active, giving an added layer of security and peace of mind. Business-grade security With robust security features, ASUS ExpertCenter P400 AiO shields personal data with multiple ASUS ExpertGuardian protections. This includes a commercial-grade and NIST SP 800-155 compliant BIOS with 5 years of ASUS BIOS and driver update support, plus an integrated biometric login with FIDO authentication that safeguards critical data from software, firmware and hardware. ExpertCenter P400 AiO also includes a complimentary one-year McAfee+ Premium membership to help protect businesses against evolving threats. AVAILABILITY & PRICING ASUS ExpertCenter P400 AiO is now available across the GCC. Please contact for more information. 1 Height-adjustable stand (HAS), touchscreen, and VESA are optional. 2 Based on ASUS internal testing. Unless otherwise stated, all performance claims are based on theoretical performance. Actual figures may vary in real-world situations. 3 Wi-Fi 7 is optional, and its availability may vary by country and their specific regulations. We recommend that you check with local retailers to confirm the options available. 4 For the full AI feature experience, 12 GB of memory is required. 5 a) Feature availability and rollout timing vary by market and device. b) Copilot in Windows (in preview) is rolling out gradually within the latest update to Windows 11 in select global markets. Timing for availability varies by device and market. Learn more: Copilot with commercial data protection requires Microsoft 365 E3, E5, Business Standard, Business Premium or A3 or A5 for faculty, or accessed using Microsoft Entra ID. Image Credit: ASUS
Finextra
7 hours ago
- Business
- Finextra
Sage expands embedded services to Europe and North America
Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced the global expansion of Sage Embedded Services. 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. Initially launched in the UK, Embedded Services is now available across North America and Europe enabling banks, fintechs, and software platforms to seamlessly build accounting capabilities directly into their products. This allows their small businesses and sole traders customers to save time, stay compliant, and make smarter business decisions. At the same time, it empowers platform partners to deliver branded accounting and related capabilities without the complexity or cost of developing their own solutions from scratch. Embedded Services aims to equip platform partners with capabilities that deepen customer engagement, drive loyalty, and unlock sustainable growth through enhanced user experiences. The expansion responds to a growing demand from small businesses for simplified business management capabilities embedded directly into their ecosystem within the applications they already use in daily operations. It enables access to key financial tools, like bookkeeping, reporting, and compliance, without switching platforms or disrupting existing workflows. 'Today's small businesses are demanding seamless, all-in-one solutions that streamline daily operations and manage money in real time within their natural digital habitat,' said Gordon Stuart, SVP Operations, Fintech & Embedded Services at Sage. 'By expanding Embedded Services across multiple regions, Sage is meeting the needs of banks and platforms looking to deliver accounting capabilities at the heart of the apps small businesses use every day.' Why it matters for platform partners Embedded Services offers banks, fintechs, and software providers a powerful way to differentiate their offerings by embedding accounting and compliance tools directly into their own products. This enables partners to meet more of their customers' day-to-day financial needs while delivering a unified, seamless experience. For platform partners, this is a chance to: • Accelerate time to market with Sage's headless APIs, reducing development time and lowering technical barriers to build and maintain. • Deliver tailored solutions with modular accounting capabilities, matching their specific customer needs. • Boost customer engagement by making their apps more useful, sticky, and central to daily workflows • Unlock new revenue streams through monetizable, value-added features Built for small businesses and the platform partner ecosystem Embedded Services is designed specifically for organisations that build digital products used by self-employed individuals and small businesses such as online banks, fintech providers, and industry specific software companies. The service is modular, allowing platform partners to directly embed: • Multi-dimensional general ledger • Real-time financial reporting • Customisable insights and analytics Depending on the region, additional functionality such as carbon accounting, collaboration with accountants and more may be available. All features are modular and white-labelled, letting partners control how they're branded and delivered, while benefiting from Sage's proven expertise.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Xthings Launches Major Upgrade to SECU365 Smart Workplace Management Platform, Available Now For Free to the First 50 Qualified SMB Users
AI-powered Solution Redefines Cost-Effective Security for Small Businesses FREMONT, Calif., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Xthings, a global leader in IoT innovation, today announced a groundbreaking upgrade to its SECU365 Smart WorkSpace Management Platform. Designed specifically for U.S. small businesses with under 200 employees, this AI-powered platform integrates physical security, personnel efficiency and visitor management into a single cost-effective solution. The company is now accepting applications for its first 50 qualified SMB seed users, preferably in the San Francisco Bay Area. Selected candidates will receive a complimentary hardware kit and six months of free platform access. The upgraded SECU365 platform leverages proprietary AI engines to deliver: Real-Time Threat Detection: On-device AI analyzes video streams for human presence/vehicle movement, triggering instant snapshots of suspicious events. Generative AI Verification: Critical alerts are enhanced with contextual analysis via cloud AI, reducing false alarms compared to conventional systems. Verified emergencies automatically escalate to integrated security partners for human confirmation and police dispatch. The solution delivers significant savings and operational efficiencies for Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) through: Lower Entry Costs: Reduces initial investment by 60% by eliminating professional setup fees through straightforward DIY (Do-It-Yourself) installation. No IT or Frontdesk Overhead: Operates as a cloud-native platform, removing the need for server investments and associated IT management. Streamlined Operations: Features a unified management console that combines access control (door and camera integrations), staff productivity tracking and visitor logs into one easy-to-use interface. "Where traditional security systems can bankrupt SMBs with complexity, SECU365 turns AI into a force multiplier," said Patrick Serrato, Xthings' Director of Ecosystem Business Development and Product Strategy "Our users will pioneer a new era – where a 10-person startup can afford enterprise-grade protection that actually improves their bottom line." Seed Program Details The Seed Program offers the first 50 qualified SMBs, preferably in the San Francisco Bay Area, a free hardware kit and six months of free platform access (a combined value of $3,800), priority hardware installation slots, and direct product team consultation. Applicants must apply on our registration page by July 15, 2025 to be considered. About SECU365 SECU365, an SMB solution by Xthings, is a workplace management kit that offers SMB owners turnkey access control, surveillance, time attendance and visitor management. It facilitates seamless oversight of personnel, assets and visitors through a real-time dashboard. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Xthings Inc.
Entrepreneur
2 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Stop Losing $500+ a Month — The Mistake Starts With a Missed Call
Every missed call could mean a missed customer, and over time, thousands in lost revenue. Discover how AI voice agents are helping SMBs stay responsive, scale faster and serve smarter. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. For many small business owners, the ringing phone is a lifeline. But what happens when it goes unanswered? According to a new survey by my company, Vida, 42% of SMBs estimate they lose at least $500 every month to missed calls. That's over $6,000 a year — vanishing without a trace. Yet despite growing awareness of the issue, only 22% have adopted AI-powered voice agents to help solve the problem. What businesses are doing When teams are stretched thin and customer demands keep growing, staying on top of inbound calls is tough, and usually means hiring more staff, which drives up costs. That's where AI voice agents come in. These tools step in to fill customer service and sales gaps, ensuring every call is answered, common questions are addressed, and new opportunities aren't missed. Many SMBs are already putting AI voice agents to work, handling inbound sales, responding to support inquiries and even serving customers in their preferred language, extending accessibility without the need for additional hires. Related: Is It Always PR's Job to Make the Phone Ring? Take Larry, for example, who runs an independent cleaning business. Before implementing an AI voice agent, Larry estimates he was missing 8-10 calls a week, often during jobs or after hours. Now, his AI agent books appointments, answers after-hours inquiries and provides updates to clients while his team is en route. He's not only retaining more leads but also improving customer satisfaction simply by being available, even when he can't pick up the phone. AI voice agents also offer a major advantage when it comes to scaling a business. Whether it's a seasonal surge or a promotional push, automation helps absorb spikes in call volume so staff can stay focused on more complex tasks. And it pays off — according to a global study by Qualtrics, customers who have a 5-star experience are 3 times more likely to recommend a business. Overcoming misconceptions Adoption still lags in part because many business owners associate AI voice agents with the clunky, robotic systems of the past, or feel overwhelmed by the idea of implementing them. There's also a lingering concern that customers will reject automation. But the reality? Most customers don't care how they get help, as long as they get it quickly and accurately. Today's AI tools sound natural, respond dynamically and work seamlessly alongside your team. Actually, Zendesk reports that 59% of consumers expect generative AI to change how they interact with companies within the next two years, highlighting just how quickly customer expectations are shifting. And the results speak for themselves. With the right setup, AI voice agents quickly go from a "nice to have" to a critical part of the team. How to get started Bringing AI voice agents into your business doesn't require a massive overhaul. In fact, the most effective implementations start small and scale up: Start small. Focus on high-volume, low-complexity tasks like scheduling appointments, qualifying leads or answering FAQs. Focus on high-volume, low-complexity tasks like scheduling appointments, qualifying leads or answering FAQs. Train your team. Help employees understand how to work with the AI agent, not against it. Help employees understand how to work with the AI agent, not against it. Scale gradually. As confidence builds, expand the agent's responsibilities to include other repetitive or time-consuming tasks. As confidence builds, expand the agent's responsibilities to include other repetitive or time-consuming tasks. Track and optimize. Monitor performance, gather insights and adjust workflows to improve outcomes over time. Getting started is easier than many business owners expect. Today's AI voice agents are built to plug into existing systems, whether a CRM, calendar or phone platform, making the transition minimally disruptive and requiring no technical expertise. Some solutions even allow business owners to simply forward calls to the AI agent. For business owners like Larry, setup took just minutes. He provided a bit of background, shared a few of his existing marketing materials and FAQ documents to help train the system, and the AI agent was ready to go. Now, it effortlessly handles appointment bookings, inquiries and client updates. And because these agents are adaptive, they learn and improve over time, creating more value the longer they're in use. According to Vida's SMB AI Voice Agent Adoption & Impact Survey, 97% of businesses already using AI voice agents reported increased revenue. Another 82% saw stronger customer engagement, and 80% saved five or more hours each week, time that can be reinvested into higher-value work. Related: How to Turn Your Key Employees Into Your Business Successors (and Avoid the Headache of Outside Buyers) Why it matters AI voice agents are becoming a strategic necessity for SMBs aiming to stay responsive and competitive. As more companies embrace digital tools, those who stay complacent risk falling behind. Small slips like a missed call might seem minor, but over time, they lead to lost revenue, missed connections and stalled growth. Forward-thinking businesses go beyond streamlining operations; they embrace intelligent systems that evolve alongside customer needs and technological change. In a world where speed, personalization and 24/7 availability are becoming the norm, AI voice agents help SMBs make every call count. Every missed call is a missed opportunity, one that your competitors may be ready to catch. Fortunately, staying competitive doesn't require a full operational overhaul. It starts with taking one smart step forward. And with the right AI voice agent in place, businesses can become more responsive, more reliable and more profitable, without burning out their teams or breaking the bank. The difference between a missed call and a booked customer is often just a few seconds. AI voice agents help you win those moments — and in business, moments matter.
The Standard
5 days ago
- General
- The Standard
Congo eyes US minerals deal by end of June, FT reports
A man displays a coltan ore at the SMB mine near the town of Rubaya in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, August 13, 2019. Picture taken August 13, 2019. (Reuters)
