Your Tech Story

Jayshri

Jayshri is an Electronics Engineer, but her passion towards writing made her to be in this field. Apart from content writing, she loves reading, writing and surfing on various topics. In her free time, she likes to watch TV series and news. Sherlock Holmes is her all time favorite show. Jayshri loves cooking various Indian-western dishes.

Kronos

Kronos – Transformation from rising as foremost publicly held software firm to the private firm as Ultimate Kronos Group

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Every industry whether it is manufacturing, healthcare, banking, entertainment, or any other demands skilled personnel. Why not so? To grow the business, it is necessary to have a capable workforce. Else, hiring unqualified people can cause a huge loss in terms of business and ultimately to the economy of the country. The solution to this problem is a better workforce and human capital management. Workforce Management helps to get the right workers in the right workplace at a right time. Thus, improvising the efficiency of the workforce as well, lower the cost of the unnecessary workforce. While in this modern world, the modern solution is needed to deal with this as Kronos does.

Kronos Incorporated headquartered in Lowell was known for providing cloud-based workforce management services. It has done excellent work in this field as well; it has developed several other innovative products. However, it has merged with Ultimate software in April 2020. Since then, it is known as Ultimate Kronos Group. At the time when it was an individual firm, Kronos employed 6000+ job seekers all across the world.

Backstory of Kronos

Best known as an American multinational company, it primarily offers cloud-based workforce management and human capital management. Kronos Incorporated was established in 1977. It was founded by Mark S. Ain, who was MIT and Simon Business School’s student. He served as a CEO for a long time, thereafter, his brother Aron Ain stepped up a CEO in 2005.

Just after two years of establishment, the firm has designed the world’s first-ever time clock using a microprocessor. Apart from that, it has created a Pc-based attendance product in 1985. As a matter of fact, Kronos set the record to earn profit and sustainable growth for long period, in spite of being publicly held firm in the history of the software industry. In 1992, it has offered a public listing on NASDAQ. 

Kronos Journey from being Public to Private firm

Started as a private firm, Kronos started public offering in 1992. Since then, it has operated as a public listed firm. However, in the middle of 2007, Kronos got investment from Hellman & Friedman, and JMI Equity. Thus, helped it to become a private firm. Again in 2014, GIC and Blackstone, well-known private equities also offered investment in the firm. From that time, it has started to generate over 1-billion-dollar annual revenue.

Apart from the public to private changes, Kronos also prefer to shift the headquarters to Cross Point Town in Massachusetts. The purpose behind the location change was to combine multiple offices under a single roof. Recently, the firm has merged with Ultimate Software causing the name change to Ultimate Kronos Group. Though the whole company will be directed by Aron Ain.

Product and services

The firm entered the market by manufacturing Time Clocks using a microprocessor. But presently, it is mostly focused on software development and offers related services. This software is design for the human workforce and capital management. Apart from that, it offers cloud applications in a similar field.  As well, Kronos offers other support services, consulting, and training to its clients.

Aron Ain- CEO

Kronos CEO
Image Source: thriveglobal.com

He is presently leading the Ultimate Kronos Group, born out of the merger of Ultimate software and Kronos. Apart from being a well-known software technology executive, Aron is a well-known American Author. In 2005, he became CEO at Kronos after his brother’s retirement. Since then, he guided the policies of the firm and explored the business all across continents. Throughout his career, he has been awarded many times. Aron was honored with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year award. Moreover, he was included in the list of Top 100 CEO in the U.S. in 2019 (Glassdoor).

Bottom Line

Under both Ain brothers’ policies, Kronos has used an acquisition strategy to explore the business. Acquisition of Principal Decision system international, Stromberg, SaaShr.com is some of the major acquisitions in the company’s history. As well, The Workforce Solution Software division of SimplexGrinnell, Optilink, empower software solution are few noticeable acquisitions made by Kronos.

Recently, the firm was the topic of discussion for its automated report-generating tool. It turned out useful to analyze attendance and work record of Covid-19 positive workers. Thus, it gets easy to detect potentially affected co-workers amid the pandemic.

Epic Logo

Epic Systems – The result of Judith Faulkner’s vision to make healthcare facilities more advance

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In this pandemic, every individual realizes the importance of healthcare facilities. More healthcare facilities lower the risk to the patient’s life. Thus, making it an individual part of a human’s life. So, the firms that develop software to enable such healthcare services play an important role. Epic is developing healthcare software since 1979. It is a USA based firm whose developed software is used in most of the hospitals. More than 50% of patients’ medical records in America are stored in the Epic system’s software. Currently, it has offices in many countries, including, Netherland, UAE, Australia, and many more. As well, Epic’s office at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Melbourne, Singapore, and Denmark has significant importance there.

Backstory of Epic

In 1979, Judith Faulkner set up Epic in Madison in Wisconsin. At that time she put an investment of 70K dollars only. She only took help from friends and family to raise the fund and kept it as a private firm in the healthcare industry. Meanwhile, in 2005, the firm shifted its headquarters in Verona. The firm started as a small start-up grew into a large firm over the years. One more interesting thing about Epic is its theme infrastructure. The building of the firm has been designed like Harry Potter’s school building. As well, its cafeteria is designed to mimic the train station.

More about Epic

The firm is best known for developing software called Epic EMR. These are basically electronic medical record software. They are best known for chronicle database management. Other applications of the firm are design for registration, scheduling, and some other patient care purposes. As well, few are best known for clinical systems for emergency patients, doctors, nurses, and other care workers. Apart from that, it is also developing software for a medical billing system, pharmacies, radiology department, and many other hospital-related departments.

Other than that Epic is also active in cloud hosting. Thus, helping clients to maintain servers by themselves. It also provides optimization (Short term) through its very own Boost services. With all such services, the firm is rise as a tough rival to MEDITECH, Cerner, Allscripts, etc. In addition, IBM, McKesson, GE Healthcare, Siemens are other competitors of Epic.

Further exploration

As per the World report, many topmost hospitals use the software service of Epic. Kaiser Permanente, Cedras-Sinai Medical Center, UC Davis Medical center are some of the top medical facility providers that prefer Epic. Also, top hospitals like Johns Hopkins Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, and many Mayo clinics use electronic record systems of the firm. In 2015, Epic became part of a healthcare project with Partners HealthCare.

Controversies and Criticism faced by Epic

Care Everywhere, one of the information exchange software developed by Epic has been accused by many. Because Epic initially not allowed data sharing between non-epic systems. However, it, later on, charge money to transfer essential data to a non-epic system. This cost was as high as 5000$/year to an average size hospital. But later on, per transaction fees has canceled. Yet, customers have to pay a one-time fee to link Epic to non-epic systems. Other than this issue, Epic has faced many problems when its electronic health record system installation causes major failures in the UK.

This incident took place in 2015, where it had become unstable after sharing more than 2.1M health records. Thus, making the loss of 200 million euros to Cambridge University Hospitals NHS foundation trust, UK. Just after one year, Epic got stuck in more controversy due to improper translation causing incorrect medical reports.  Recently, about 90% of Epic’s employees raised a concern about the firm’s role in handling the covid-19 situation. They rigorously expressed dissatisfaction with Epic’s response to deal with a pandemic.

Judith Faulkner-Founder and CEO at Epic

Epic Founder and CEO Judith Faulkner
Image Source: healthcareitnews.com

Well-recognized businesswoman and billionaire in America, Judith is responsible for the re-shaping healthcare sector. In 1979, she built Epic under the name Human Services computing. The firm was set up to provide the service as per the name, i.e., human services computing. Her efforts make her the most powerful woman in healthcare, as per the Forbes 2013 report. As well, she got reorganization as one of the wealthiest self-made women in 2020.

Education and Career

Judith attended Moorestown Friends School for early education. Thereafter, she joined Dickinson College to study Mathematics. She also has a master’s degree in Computer science. Just after completing pf master’s degree, she plunged into entrepreneurship. As a result, established Epic aka Human Services Computing. Faulkner shares a great contribution to keep the firm as a private company since 1979.

AppFolio

AppFolio – A firm that revolutionized the way business grow with its topmost property and investment SaaS applications

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Over the years, Software-as-a-service i.e., SaaS is getting attention from all kinds of businesses. Because it offers multiple benefits over standard software installation methods, previously used in a business environment. There are several firms out there that provide SaaS applications, but a few provide such services to the real estate vertical market. AppFolio is one of such firms that offers SaaS applications and services to many businesses, including the real estate vertical. The firm is most active in cloud-based property management software solutions/services. Also, it works in data analytics for the real estate profession.

In 2006, the firm has started a journey to revolutionize the way of business growth. However, it explores the business by acquiring satisfied customers in a very short duration. Currently, it is active in LA, San Diego, Boston, etc. While it is headquartered in Goleta, California. 

How AppFolio is formed?

The foundation of business is laid on the belief to transform the way a business grows. Keeping in mind the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, the firm opens the office in 2006. After a year, they launched the AppFolio Property Manager as their first product. Soon, it has received a good response in a vertical market. Thereafter, the firm has launched another SaaS application for investment management. It doesn’t stop here, on top of that, it has acquired legal practice management software firm MyCase. However, it then sold in 2020 for 193 dollars to Apax Funds. 

In 2015, the firm has entered into the real estate software business with the acquisition of RentLinx. This acquisition helped AppFolio to get more clients and included its name in a greater listing presence. Moreover, it has acquired WegoWise and Dynasty Marketplace in consecutive years 2018-19. 

Products and services

AppFolio Property Manager offers an all-in-one platform for leasing, accounting, marketing, and management functionality. It is not made for only large size businesses. While it can be used for both professional and personal purposes. Recently, in 2018, the firm has launched its plus version. Apart from that, it has created a SaaS application for real estate investment management too.

Glimpse to masterminds at AppFolio

AppFolio Founders
Jon Walker and Klaus Schauser
Image Source: appfolioinc.com and prweb.com

Jon Walker

He is presently operating as CTO and holds an equal contribution as Klaus to enabling the digital transformation of the firm. As well, he is playing an important role to drive AI and technology vision for it. Before that, Jon leads various top positions throughout his career. Like senior technologist at many prestigious firms. Apart from that, he has dozens of patents on his name. As a matter of fact, Walker has guided world-known software used in 20+ million computers globally.

Coming to his education, he is honored with a B.S. in Economics and Business from Westmont College. Prior to his industrial career, he was active in the teaching profession. He was a professor at several colleges in a computer science subject. 

Klaus Schauser

One of the co-founders of AppFolio has also founded Expertcity. He holds the position as a Chief strategist at AppFolio at present. However, he is also serving as CEO at GoToMeeting which he created too. Apart from that, K. Schauser has also taught CS at California University.

Jason Randall-CEO

AppFolio CEO
Image Source: appfolioinc.com

He is serving as President and CEO at the firm. As well, he is serving as one of the board of directors. J. Randell helped in cultivating the vision of AppFolio and help in making it bigger and successful. Randell joined the leadership team at AppFolio in 2009, and since then he holds many leading positions. His leadership at AppFolio added the company’s name to the list of best places to work in 2020. As well, Glassdoor honored him by including his name in the Top CEOs list. Before starting his career at the firm, he worked at many SaaS application firms like Citrix Online. However, he studied B.S. in environmental studies at the University of California. 

AppFolio at present

In 2020, it received Glassdoors’ employee choice award. As well, it is amongst the fastest growing firms in North America. With innovative products, it has a grown number of customers over the years. Knowing the present market deeply, AppFolio is one of the tech leaders of forthcoming years.

Corning

Corning – How the firm has delivered many life-changing inventions including Gorilla Glass

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Corning, the best-known multinational company that specializes in material science has delivered several life-changing inventions. Particularly, glass and ceramic science as well as optical physics are the main areas of Corning. For manufacturing the best products, the firm has sustained investment in research and development. As well, Corning is popular amongst clients for trust-based relationships and commitment to delivered category-defining products. Display technologies, life sciences, specialty materials, environmental technology, and optical communication, are the foremost business sectors of the firm. Most importantly, Corning is world-famous for its Gorilla glass that finds useful to many smartphone companies. Since 2007, the firm has been working with Apple Inc as one of the main suppliers of the glass.

The backstory of Corning

In 1851, Amory Houghton set up Corning Glass Works in Somerville in Massachusetts. Later on, the firm has moved to Williamsburg, New York. At that time, it started manufacturing glass under the name Brooklyn Flint Glass Works. Once again, the firm has shifted to Corning, New York in 1868. Which later on became its world headquarters as well, recognized as Corning Inc. Meanwhile in 1908, the firm has started the first-ever industrial research lab that further expanded into an R&D facility.

Further exploration of the business

The firm has already acquired a huge market for its well-defined products. But the main turning point in the business of Corning’s business is seen when it started working with Apple. Apple, a giant smartphone firm made a deal with Corning to develop a robust display for its upcoming iPhone. At that time, many other well-known smartphone manufacturers including Nokia adopted the Gorilla glass screen of Corning. This made huge growth in Corning’s business, as well, enabled the firm to explore its R&D division.

Furthermore, the firm entered into manufacturing glass used in LCDs. In fact, the firm manufactures this kind of glass without heavy metals. Thereafter, it plunged into the communications industry with the production of optical fiber. It has started an optic fiber production unit called ClearCurve in 2007. The specialty of this unit was the use of nanostructure technology.

Corning’s contribution to industrial research and development

As of now, the firm has always innovated products that have shown useful results to simplify human’s life.  The firm also shares a major contribution in launching environment-friendly glass known as Lotus Glass. It is specially designed for the improvising performance of LCD and OLED displays.

Corning
Image Source: forbes.com

Recently, the firm has also engaged in research and development on green lasers’ impact on the glass. Likewise, Corning also involved in a research project on mercury abatement, microreactors, silicon, and photovoltaics reaction on the glass. Also, it is one of the supporters of life science research through its unique life science division. Mostly, life science research on stem cell culture products. Many people, unaware of the fact that almost 10% of Corning’s revenue is used for R&D. Apart from that, it has donated 300 million dollars for the expansion of the Sullivan Park research facility.

Other products

Other than manufacturing Glass and optic fiber, the firm has also manufacture ceramic emission control devices. These are generally used in gasoline engines of cars and light trucks.  Nowadays, it is also working to develop similar kinds of devices for diesel engines. Moreover, it is also manufacturing a low expansion glass. Such glass utilizes in space shuttles’ windows and in Steuben art glass.  In fact, Corning supplies all kinds of bulk or finished glass. Last year, Apple announced a 250 million dollars investment in Corning. So, most of the upcoming devices of Apple will be using Corning’s glass.

Wendell P. Weeks

He served in many prestigious positions at Corning. In 2005, he was appointed as Corning CEO while he is one of the board members since 2007. As well, he is one of the board directors at Corning. Wendell put immense efforts to make Corning a bigger and stronger company. Weeks associated with Corning since 1983, from handling financial to general management roles, he also played important role in the optical communication business. During his tenure as CEO, Wendell used acquisition strategy for many of its divisions. Such as Life sciences, Optical Communications, and Display technology. On top of that, he contributed to many innovations including Gorilla glass. Coming to his education, he holds a master’s in business administration from Harvard University.

Naspers

Naspers – Inspiring Journey of South Africa company to become the largest technology investor in the world

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South African companies are rarely the topic of discussion in the business world. However, it is untrue in the case of Naspers. Being one of the largest technology investors on the earth, Naspers is also a well-known internet and entertainment group in the world. Founded in 1915, the firm is responsible for building dozens of companies, directly or indirectly. Yes, it’s true! Today, dozens of companies are out there that Naspers has either invested, built, or acquired. Thus, many of us use the products and services from such firms that are linked somehow with Naspers. The firm is also listed on London Stock Exchanges and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. As well, it’s well-known in the global market as a long-term growth potential investor.

Naspers evolution of the business

Naspers
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org

Established to print Dutch newspapers in South Africa, Naspers has seen lots of structural and functional changes since 1915. Well, it is not easy to stand out for such a long period with the continuous growth that Naspers has achieved. Looking at the evolution of the Naspers’ business, one can notice how steadfastly it has risen as a global entertainment group. Started from producing a Dutch language newspaper, it then entered in book publications in the middle of the 1920s. While it maintained and grew the business in the same field for more than 50 years. However, this helped Naspers to become one of the leading media groups in the African region. Thereafter, it entered the Pay TV business in 1985. Meanwhile, at the beginning of 2001, the firm offered investment in Tencent Holdings. From that time, it marked the beginning of its rise as the leading entertainment and internet group in the world.

Investments and Acquisitions

Knowing the importance and future of the Edtech platform, Naspers invested in Udemy and Codecademy in 2016. Prior to that, it has also acquired majority shares in OLX to kick start the global online classifieds business segment. As well, the firm has an 80 million dollars investment in Swiggy, the online food delivery platform. In fact, it became the largest shareholder after investing in Delivery Hero. Moreover, Naspers is also active in the B2C eCommerce segment with the acquisition of Allegro, which later on disinvested for 3.253 billion dollars.

Naspers Foundry- Helping hand for South African Entrepreneurs

Naspers helped in growing the business of many leading firms those services used by millions of people on daily basis. However, it is also helping thousands of newbie entrepreneurs with its Naspers Foundry. Its an initiative started to helped skilled and ambitious entrepreneurs of South Africa. Keeping in mind the importance of local businesses, the company offers funds and knowledge to assist them succussed. The ultimate aim of this initiative is to boost the economy of the country. Thus, this initiative mostly preferred black-owned start-ups in the region.

Companies build by Naspers

The firm is best known for investing in various sectors across the world. Prosus is one such group supported by the company. It is among the largest technology investors in the world. Best known as a strategic investor, Prosus focuses on building high-tech companies based on long-term value creation. Consequently, contributing to improving the daily lives of people in a high-growth market.

Another firm Media24 is working in publication and is known as the leading media group in Africa. However, it is also working to build digital media and eCommerce business based on the evolving requirements of the field. Apart from that, Naspers also has a presence as an e-commerce retailer through its company Takealot. It is also the largest e-commerce retailer in southern Africa known for its customer-centric online shopping platform. Mr. D Food, PayU, Superbalist, Autotrader, OLX, and Property24 are some of the companies that operate under Naspers.

Naspers at Present 

Set up in 1915, the firm has transformed into one of the largest tech investors in the world. Over the years, it has also become a global consumer internet company. Apart from investing and building several global firms, Naspers always helped the South-African community in many ways. Like its Naspers Foundry, the firm has started Naspers Labs in 2019. Through this, the company is offering another helping hand towards South African Youths. An unemployed South African youngster between 17 to 25 ages, hailing from low-income families, and urban setting will be beneficiated through this program.

Bob Van Dijk – CEO

Presently, Bob Van Dijk is serving as CEO at Naspers since 2014. He joined the firm as Chief financial officer at Allegro in 2013. Within a year, Bob got promoted to the chief executive officer at Naspers. Graduated in MSc econometrics, he also holds an MBA from INSEAD. Dijk started his career at McKinsey & Company, and presently counted among well-experienced personnel in online growth of business and management.

Oppo

OPPO – How the firm became a leading smartphone brand providing cut-edge technology at affordable rates?

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When do we ask anyone what is the inseparable part of your life, then what will be the answer? Do you also think of a smartphone? Actually, it is expected to answer by more than 95% of individuals. Starting from the morning alarm, taking selfies to send good night texts; the smartphone is included in our daily routine. Nowadays, it is also a good medium to earn bread and butter as well. Yes, one can earn money through smartphones as it can do the tasks of a laptop. As well, it is easy to take anywhere. Most of the influencers, TikTokers, and those who use social media as an earning platform uses smartphones as well. So, no doubt, a smartphone needs to be super advance for such people. Also, selfiholics demand the best quality camera at an affordable price.

In this case, OPPO is the best smartphone loved by many youngsters. It of course provides a wide range of smartphones created using cut-edge technology. Apart from that, it also has a variety of product ranges. Such as smartwatches, amplifiers, headphones, and other smart devices. Other than that, the firm also provides internet services and operating system for the users. Today, it has a significant presence in over 40+ countries and has many customers in the Asiatic region. To deliver cut edge technology, it has 6 research centers and 4 R&D centers located all across the world.

About OPPO

OPPO
Image Source: youtube.com

It is one of the leading brands known globally for its smart appliances. Headquartered in Dongguan, Guangdong, the firm is popular as the chief smartphone manufacturer in China. Registered in 2001, OPPO now has expanded all over the world. In 2019, it was the top smartphone brand in China. On top of that, it was also ranked as fifth in worldwide market share. Mainly recognized for smartphones, OPPO also manufactures a wide range of smart devices. The first mobile phone of the firm was launched in 2008. Since then, it is working to deliver innovative technology with appealing satisfaction through its devices. OPPO smartphones are popular among youngsters for the best camera, super display, and supercharging.

History and exploration

Back in 2001, the firm has registered as OPPO in China by founder Tony Chen. But it actually entered the market in 2004. In 16 years of journey, the firm has expanded all over the world. The firm has launched its smartphones in Thailand in 2010, marked the beginning of the global expansion. Chinese youngsters favored OPPO after it launched a face beautification feature in 2012.

Evolution didn’t stop here, in 2013, OPPO set the record after launching the smartphone with a rotating camera for the first time in the world. Last year, it launched 1st 5G phone of the firm in the European market. Today, it is a tough competitor to Xiaomi and Vivo. Tony Chen is the founder and present CEO at OPPO, who is responsible for limits the iPhone wave in China.

OPPO as a sponsor and global partner

It sponsored the Indian national cricket team in 2017. As well, it was the partner in sponsorship to the French Open Tennis Tournament, 2019. Apart from being a sponsoring partner of Wimbledon (5 Years), it also a smartphone partner for League of Legends esports through 2024.

OPPO’s smart devices

As said earlier, it is well-known for smartphones, it is also providing a variety of other smart appliances. The high-end headphones and amplifiers of the firm also famous in the electronics market. Recently in 2020, the firm launched its first smartwatch in China’s market.

OPPO Reno4 Pro, OPPO Reno3 Pro, OPPO F17 Pro, OPPO F17, OPPO F15, OPPO A15s, and OPPO A15 are some well-known smartphone models of the firm. As well, its OPPO A12 is well known for storage capacity, and better performance. While OPPO A31 is one of the latest models launched recently. It also manufactures smart accessories like OPPO Enco W51, W11, and Free.

Bottom Line

Started in 2001, the firm is based on a vision to make the world better through its innovative approach in a sustainable manner. Presently, more than 20k employees serving at OPPO, worldwide. The firm has marked the beginning in China with a smartphone which was then included in the global smartphone industry. Presently, it has acquired most of the users because of its high-tech appliances that come at affordable prices.