Latest news with #Tropos
Associated Press
02-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Cloudvirga launches Tropos, a modern borrower portal built for the future of digital lending
- Modular design, rapid deployment and a borrower-first experience help lenders stand out and scale smarter - IRVINE, Calif., May 1, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Cloudvirga, a Stewart-owned provider of digital point-of-sale platforms for lenders, today announced the launch of Tropos, a next-generation borrower portal that will empower lenders to deliver personalized, intuitive digital experiences from initial application through clear-to-close. Designed with the flexibility to support a variety of consumer lending products, Tropos enhances Cloudvirga's POS ecosystem with a modular, customer-first solution that helps lenders drive engagement, reduce time to close and establish lasting borrower relationships. Tropos isn't just a new portal. It's Cloudvirga's bold answer to what's been missing in digital lending: a unified borrower experience that adapts to a lender's real-world operations without requiring tech stack overhauls or lengthy implementations. 'With Tropos, lenders finally get what they've been missing: a smarter, more human loan application and processing experience that doesn't force tradeoffs between automation and connection,' said Maria Moskver, CEO of Cloudvirga. 'It's flexible enough to grow with your business, fast enough to implement in weeks and powerful enough to help you build loyalty from the very first click or tap.' Designed for real-world lending, not rigid templates, Tropos reflects direct input from Cloudvirga's lender advisory panel and was developed to address today's operational realities. It debuts with a strong value proposition for lenders looking to modernize the borrower experience across channels. Key features include: Fast to deploy, built to evolve Tropos is built for speed and flexibility, with a modern cloud-based architecture and infrastructure-as-code (IaC) approach that supports deployment in weeks—not months. Its lightweight design and product-agnostic integration layer allow lenders to connect Tropos with any existing LOS or third-party provider. Lenders can easily tailor application flows, tasks and notifications without the need for custom development or major IT investment. Tropos also gives lenders the tools to continuously optimize the digital experience, including A/B testing, real-time messaging updates and data-driven insights to improve borrower engagement over time. 'With Tropos, we're helping lenders move beyond transaction-based digital tools to a future where the portal becomes a trusted extension of their brand,' said Cloudvirga SVP of Product Strategy and Technology Operations Jessica Evett. 'It's about more than closing loans. It's about building trust, loyalty and lifetime customer value.' To explore how Tropos can elevate your borrower experience, schedule a personalized consultation at About Cloudvirga Cloudvirga is a leading provider of digital point-of-sale platforms designed to engage borrowers and increase lending efficiency. Its modular solutions help lenders streamline the loan process, improve accuracy and scale operations without sacrificing the human touch. Cloudvirga is a subsidiary of Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC), a customer-focused, global title insurance and real estate services company. For more information, visit Tags: @Cloudvirga #digitallending #fintech #consumerlending #mortgagetech #lending NEWS SOURCE: Cloudvirga Inc. ### MEDIA ONLY CONTACT: (not for publication online or in print) Leslie W. Colley Depth for Cloudvirga [email protected] (678) 622-6229 ### Keywords: Mortgage, Tropos borrower portal, Cloudvirga, digital point-of-sale platforms, fintech, IRVINE, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Cloudvirga Inc.) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P125893 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
Tatler Asia
25-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tatler Asia
Home tour: A nature-inspired lakefront retreat in Canada blends quiet luxury with seasonal beauty
Photo 1 of 2 Drawing from Ontario's culture of cottaging and the yearning to reconnect with nature Photo 2 of 2 The outdoor kitchen opens into the picturesque lakefront setting in the backyard Consequently, Chan and Khouvongsavanh's team drew inspiration from the rugged elegance of nature itself, considering Ontario's culture of cottaging and the yearning to reconnect with the natural world throughout the seasons. 'We embrace the property's distinct lakefront setting, adopting an inside-out approach that weaves together spaces for leisure and connectivity through natural, honest and organic materials,' they reveal. 'Narrative played a central role, with each room designed to evoke a specific emotion, a carefully orchestrated balance between visual beauty and human comfort.' Don't miss: 7 concrete masterpieces: The world's most striking Brutalist hotels now Earthen dialogue Above Canadian artist An Te Liu's Tropos sculptures reflect the evening sun in the wood-panelled entry gallery With an architectural foundation anchored in concrete and glass–materials that convey precision and permanence–the interior is characterised by raw, natural materials indigenous to the region and responds harmoniously to its surroundings. With sophistication and elegance as guiding principles rather than mere aesthetic choices, a dialogue between craftsmanship and materiality permeates the home through Ontario's native soapstone and accents of tactile quartzites. Read more: Home tour: A design couple's modern net-zero home in West Vancouver Above Monolithic concrete walls anchor the grand double-volume living room with grounding earthy-coloured furnishings Meanwhile, an earthy colour palette dictated by key architectural finishes unifies the space with the natural backdrop. Rich suedes in furnishings introduce vibrancy into each area, telling individual stories that foster diverse experiences as one moves through the property. Custom rugs with intriguing layout patterns and textures by Creative Matters and The Rug Company embody the region's different seasons while offering tactile quality to the surfaces. See also: Claudia Schiffer's elegant tribute to the English countryside with Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro Above Monster Flower by Polish artist Marcin Rusak tucked in the corner of the living room against the lakefront backdrop Above A 2,000-sq-ft rug combines four different designs to subtly divide four seating groups within the grand living area Above The colours and contours of the surrounding nature Above An emphasis on grandeur without sacrificing warmth In the double-height living room–a soaring space demanding both drama and intimacy–a 2,000-sq-ft rug combining four different designs is stitched together to anchor the four seating groups within this majestic area. Don't miss: Home tour: A four-storey minimalist residence in Beijing harmonising with nature's beauty 'Bringing a human scale to the volume, each grouping was arranged with intent, offering guests the choice to engage in conversation or retreat into the quiet, their view framed by the lakes beyond,' Chan and Khouvongsavanh elaborate. 'The goal was to emphasise its grandeur without sacrificing warmth, ensuring it remained the welcoming heart of the home,' they continue. Above The kitchen area with soapstone cladding native to Ontario Above The dining area is part of the majestic living area in the heart of the property Above A dialogue between craftsmanship and materiality in the stone-clad countertop On the upper levels, where a language of tempered warmth through wood joists and wire-brushed smoked oak panels softens the acoustics and lends a sense of rhythm, varied rugs and palettes bestow distinct identities to each bedroom, with every palette inspired by the seasonal variations in Eastern Ontario. Read more: 5 interior designer tips for kid-friendly bedrooms that grow with your children Into the woods Photo 1 of 3 The study room Photo 2 of 3 The wine cellar Photo 3 of 3 The cinema room ACDO also collaborated closely with art curation collective Hanabi to develop an art-filled narrative echoing the natural landscape, ensuring the interiors feel not only refined but intrinsically connected to the world beyond. Inspired by English writer and environmentalist Roger Deakin's quote: 'To enter a wood is to pass into a different world in which we ourselves are transformed,' the narrative conveys the concept of transformative passage–the transcendence from everyday life to another realm in a tranquil sanctuary imbued with nature's beauty. See also: Home tour: Krystina Lyon and Mark Budden's inviting Singapore home filled with Southeast Asian art and mid-century furniture Above The bathroom is a carefully orchestrated balance between visual beauty and human comfort Above Raw, natural materials indigenous to the region Above A calm respite that serves to revitalise 'A story told in a contemporary and sophisticated visual language, we commissioned artists–both local and international–who were exploring natural shapes, raw materials, and refined interventions in their practice,' explains Jamie Stagnitta, principal and founder of Hanabi. He continues: 'Specifically developed for the project to reflect the clients' interests and convey elements of their personalities, we sought artists who were exploring the tension between nature and technology, machine made versus handcrafted.' Don't miss: Inside the world's most extraordinary art homes: 5 residences where architecture serves priceless collections Photo 1 of 2 The colour palette of each bedroom drew inspiration from the seasonal variations in Eastern Ontario Photo 2 of 2 Expert wood craftsmanship in the guest room with bunk beds This is exemplified by Polish artist Marcin Rusak's Monster Flower in the living room–an oversized cast aluminum floral sculpture that examines genetic manipulation and our desire to seek perfection in nature. 'Rusak has taken all the ideal qualities that we desire in a flower and merged them into one hybrid floral creation that is transient, emotional and inspiring,' Stagnitta elaborates. Read more: Home tour: A multi-storey townhouse in NYC's Upper East Side filled with modern art pieces Above Varied rugs and palettes bestow distinct identities to each bedroom Above Furnishings that correlate with the lush landscape outside Above Tempered warmth of wire-brushed smoked oak panels Alongside other art pieces dispersed throughout the home, each work of art possesses a unique otherworldly aura that invites conversation and examination, creating a calm respite that serves to revitalise and engage family and guests through contemplation of the mysteries of the natural world. 'Guided by a commitment to refinement, each space was not only tailored to their needs but also aligned with a distinct, curated vision,' conclude the ACDO founders. 'The result was a home that felt both deeply personal and effortlessly sophisticated–a seamless intersection of intention and elegance. NOW READ 8 enviable homes where every day feels like a holiday getaway Biophilic luxury: 7 stunning nature-integrated resorts 5 Asian homes that celebrate nature in their design Credits Photography: Scott Norsworthy
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Time to re-boot for Chaska.net?
It has been more than five years now since began residential service in town. The city's wireless Internet utility has come a long way since then, as has Internet in general. And like the Internet, no one has a good idea of what exactly the future will hold for 'There are decision points coming up,' said City Administrator Matt Podhradsky. 'But I don't see not in existence.' Within the next three to four years, Podhradsky said the city will likely consider whether to invest more in the service or put it in private hands. With that notion on the horizon, city officials feel they have done what they set out to do several years ago – provide affordable connectivity. 'Our mission was not to be the sole provider [of Internet],' said Podhradsky. 'We see competition as meeting our mission.' History Rewind to 2004 – that was before Twitter, back when Facebook was a fledgling operation that few had heard of, and when saying you connected to the Internet using dial-up didn't get you laughed out of the room. Back then, city leaders dreamt of providing a service that gave businesses and residents an affordable way to connect to the Internet. 'We were tired of waiting for [cable companies] to provide bandwidth at competitive prices,' said Podhradsky. They opted to capitalize on a public/private partnership started five years earlier in 1999 when KMC, predecessor to CenturyLink, approached the city about installing fiber in Chaska right-of-way. The partnership allowed KMC to provide phone service, while the city handled data service. Chaska started slowly, connecting City Hall, the community center, the government center and municipal services. But soon, they yearned to go further. 'We asked, 'How can we use this for the city?'' said City Treasurer Noel Graczyk. The city moved forward to use the fiber to become an Internet Service Provider (ISP). It signed on the school district as its first customer. The question then arose as to if they could provide better bandwidth to businesses and a reasonably-priced service to residents. The city began building a point-to-multipoint wireless system. Antennas were installed on water towers, which allowed those line-of-sight customers to connect to the Internet. The service continues to this day, operating in Chaska, Chanhassen, Shakopee, Victoria, Waconia, Cologne and Norwood Young America, as well as providing service to 36 local business customers. While the point-to-multipoint worked well for those in line-of-sight, it didn't address a broader residential need, Graczyk said. In late 2003/early 2004, Chaska's then-IS manager Brad Mayer began to look at a mesh technology that wouldn't require users to be within an antenna's line-of-sight. 'Wi-Fi showed a lot of potential,' said Graczyk. The city opted to head into virtually uncharted waters. 'It was a very brave decision,' said Podhradsky. Hundreds of Tropos routers would be installed around town. Once operational, the routers would essentially 'talk to each other' and create greater opportunities for residents to connect to the Internet. 'It was a new and unproven technology,' said Graczyk. 'It was a very different way of connecting,' added Podhradsky. During the spring of 2004, the routers began appear on the tops of traffic signals and light poles. Meanwhile, city staff busied themselves building the systems to go along with including e-mail and Web hosting. The Wi-Fi network was initially left open to give people a chance to experience it before signing up for the service. Buzz generated quickly. 'The challenge was that we had no idea how many customers would take this,' said Graczyk. The first bridges were shipped to customers that June. 'We shipped 1,200 bridges the first day,' said Graczyk. 'But we were not sure how fast to ramp this up.' Officials predicted the service would build slowly up to about 4,000 customers. But by the time billing began, 2,000 households were signed up. Expectations did not meet everyone's expectations, though. Ryan Hagelstrom said was 'completely unreliable back in 2005.' 'It was terrible for us when it launched,' he wrote on the Herald's Facebook page. Hagelstrom wasn't alone. 'While I love the concept of city-wide Wi-Fi, our experience with was that it was too slow and not accommodating for a net-savvy household,' shared resident Greg Swan. 'When people started to connect, yes, they had problems,' said Graczyk. 'We were providing retail service on a scale that had not been tried before.' City staff soon became well-versed on what affected residents' abilities to get good Internet service including bridge placement and impediments like wire mesh embedded in stucco siding and metal in windows. 'After time, people got it,' said Podhradsky. But Chaska soon realized that the original routers were not meeting their own expectations. In 2005, Tropos came out with a new router that the city opted to trade for their old routers. 'It provided a better experience for customers,' said Graczyk. While they bargained on having to iron out some kinks in the service when they launched, city staff didn't realize they would be getting service calls from people who didn't know how to turn on their computers, much less configure them for wireless Internet. 'The service desk calls overwhelmed us,' said Podhradsky. 'There was a lot of 'We don't know how to use our computer.'' 'We were always meant to be a self service, low-cost service,' he added. Around that time, Chaska began expanding its fiber, adding lines along Audubon and Hundertmark roads. Those additions allowed the city to better serve eastern Chaska and Clover Ridge. Chaska also figured out ways to use the service more efficiently to its benefit, hooking it up to monitor other utilities, including water levels and sewer pumps, remotely. Comfortability By 2006, Chaska was getting more comfortable running an Internet utility. It had partnered with Siemens to outsource some of the service desk calls and network monitoring. That move provided the freedom to work on a proposal to build St. Louis Park's municipal Wi-Fi. 'That was an opportunity to make system improvements and operate both networks as one,' said Graczyk. St. Louis Park didn't select Chaska to build its Wi-Fi, though. Instead, they opted for a solar-powered model that never quite got off the ground. Chaska city staff maintains that St. Louis Park should have chosen them. For the most part, there is a greater confidence in these days. Bandwidth has increased (119 percent in the last year), signals have strengthened (thanks to more router gateways) and those with expectations of a system to rival cable at a dial-up price, have moved on. 'Some had to shake themselves out and find 'It's not for me,'' said Podhradsky. Others, like Hagelstrom, found themselves leaving only to give it a second chance after some time had passed. 'We tried it again a couple of years ago and have been with it ever since,' he wrote. 'They have a router across the street from our house so I'm sure that helps out our service. Speed is not as fast as cable, but sufficient for a multi-computer family. The price is right. I'm happy with it, but I can easily see people not being happy with it if they are not close enough to a router to get a good solid connection.' with around 2,100 customers, currently offers residential speeds of up to 1.2 Mbps for $19.99 a month. Future As technology continues to evolve, Chaska will soon have to decide whether to keep upgrading or put it in private hands. Small tweaks to the system have already taken place, between the outsourcing of service calls to Siemens to the migration of e-mail to Google. Despite the $3.3 million investment (including almost $1 million in fiber), the service has never been a money maker for the city. Over the next five years, operations are expected to turn a maximum annual profit of $807 in 2010. The city is still paying down the debt on the service. One advantage to being part of the public sector was that it didn't have to make a profit, it just had to break even, Podhradsky said. But if a private company could offer residents connectivity at an affordable price, the city would have to consider selling it. Last summer, the city of Moorhead, which launched its Internet utility just after Chaska, did just that. GoMoorhead was sold to 702 Communications for $1.2 million. When Minneapolis decided to move ahead with their massive wireless network, they partnered with USIWireless of Minnetonka. While USIWireless funds, builds and maintains the network, the city of Minneapolis, which owns the fiber optics used, agrees to serve as the anchor tenant, committing to $1.25 million of annual usage for the duration of its 10-year contract. St. Louis Park has abandoned its plans for municipal Internet. 'However, the city is planning a 2010 study of its fiber infrastructure to determine whether there are opportunities for its use beyond connecting city and school buildings,' wrote Clint Pires, St. Louis Park chief information officer, in an e-mail. 'In addition, the city has been approached by LocalLoop MAX, a private Internet provider which is interested in leasing some city-owned fiber to support its planned Wi-MAX offering.' Buffalo Bucking municipal trends is Buffalo – a town northwest of the Twin Cities, perfectly happy to retain control of their Internet utility. 'We're pretty comfortable,' said Buffalo City Administrator Merton Auger. After getting an early start in 1996 with a 900 megahertz point-to-multipoint system, the city is now looking at a fourth generation Wi-Fi product to keep pace with technology. 'We said if we're going to get into this, we're going to do this right,' explained Auger, who said he's also known as the CGO – 'Chief Geek Officer.' They paid attention to the problems Chaska faced as it launched and when Buffalo went to Wi-Fi mesh, it offered a free antenna to boost signal and serve as a wireless router. That move seemed to keep customers happy by minimizing connectivity issues. In the town of 15,000, Buffalo currently provides Internet to 1,300 residential and business customers. 'We've grown every month,' said Auger. In addition to growing their customer base, Buffalo has also made money with their Internet utility. The city made an initial investment of $1 million in fiber optics, but future upgrades were able to be paid for through subscriber fees. 'We always put money back into the system,' said Auger. To remain competitive, Buffalo recently lowered its monthly fees. Residential customers now pay as little as $14.99 a month for the city's Bison QuantumCONNECT, offering speeds of up to 512 Kbps. The move will ding the utility $10,000 in its first year, but then should bring them back in the black. 'We've embraced technology,' said Auger. 'It's effective and efficient for us and it's relevant to residents and businesses.' More businesses 'On a whole, it worked and it's still working,' said Graczyk, of Though city officials have tamed expectations to add just 60 new residential customers a year (down from 250), the city stands by its decision to develop an Internet utility. 'I think it was a very good decision, good investment,' said Podhradsky. 'It was real exciting, challenging to bring online,' said Graczyk. Business customers in the commercial and industrial realm remain a positive prospect for the city. 'Our goal is to grow corporate/industrial,' said Podhradsky. As the Biotech Center develops on the western edge of the city, Chaska plans to complete its fiber loop to service the area. 'There is still a need,' said Podhradsky. 'Especially for businesses.' Fiber is where the city sees a fruitful future. 'The technology has a long, useful life,' said Podhradsky. 'Perhaps in new ways.'
