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Glassdoor

Glassdoor: The Story Behind the Biggest Online Review Portal for Job Seekers

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Years ago, people were practicing the traditional approach to finding jobs, i.e., through the newspaper classified section, local ads, brokers, or a reference from a friend or relative. But as the internet evolved with time, people started using online job portals, which became the most convenient method for all sorts of job seekers. Today millions of users, both employers and job seekers, can easily connect through such portals. In the same league, when one is looking for a job and gets an offer, they now can look for the company reviews on similar review-based websites, and easily make their mind on taking or not taking the offer. One such leading review-based online portal is Glassdoor.

Glassdoor is a review-based website that lets its users anonymously submit their reviews about a company, their experience, satisfaction with the company, salary, other workplace-related data, etc. This information is publicly available to job seekers, who want to know about the work environment of a certain company. The website also includes the feature to post or search for a job.

The Founders of Glassdoor

The co-founders of Glassdoor include Tim Besse, Robert Hohman, and Rich Barton. Both Robert Hohman and Rich Barton were working for Microsoft. Barton founded Expedia (a Microsoft spun-off company) in 1996, where Hohman was one of the team members. Later, after the spin-off, Barton became the chairman and Hohman the CEO of Expedia.

Glassdoor Founders
Glassdoor Founders: Robert Hohman, Tim Besse, and Rich Barton
Image Source: geekwire.com

On the other hand, Tim Besse met his future partners Hohman and Barton at Expedia only. He joined the company as his first job immediately after graduating from the Case Western Reserve University. Besse worked as the director of the Product Management and Online Marketing for the Asia Pacific division at Expedia.

The Story Behind

Rich Barton had been in the online business industry from before and had co-founded companies like Expedia and Zillow. He had a mind that would ask questions and try to answer them, even if he had to opt for an unconventional path. Going off track, with Expedia, he was providing airline ticket prices to the public and, with Zillow, he was revealing the exact real estate prices for the people. With Glassdoor too, he took an unconventional step.

During a brainstorming session for a new business idea in 2007, Barton and Hohman remembered an incident when Barton had left some employee survey data on the printer. This survey had information about employee satisfaction, their salaries, and reviews of their workplace. Though Barton’s assistant had grabbed that file safely, the two discussed the bad and the good aspects of that information going public. It was the trigger point for their new business idea. The two thought that even if that data had got revealed, it would have not caused any harm to anyone. In fact, if there was such a public platform, where people could submit such reviews of their companies, it would have been helpful for the job seekers to make better career choices.

The Working of Glassdoor

Tim Besse was impressed by the idea and left Expedia to join Hohman and Barton for their new business.  Finally, in June 2008, with an investment of around $10 million, they founded Glassdoor. The concept behind the platform was the anonymous rating of companies by the people who have worked with them. People now had a platform, where they could put their reviews on their experience with a company, how much they got paid, and how satisfied they were while working in it. Glassdoor also enabled the users to post any company-related media on the platform, to make their reviews more authentic.

The Platform uses smart technology and a team of people to filter the original reviews from original people so that the reviews are always trustworthy. With time, the platform started posting their rating for the companies, by averaging the reviews, salaries of employees, rating for the management, culture, etc. Later, based on the rating, Glassdoor started offering the ‘Best Places to Work Awards’ to the top listed companies.

The Journey of the Company in the Past Decade

In 2010, the company added a new feature to the website, i.e. Enhanced Employer Profiles. This new feature allows the users to add content other than reviews on the website. This feature is paid and offers the users to add content like social media links, interview questions, classified, etc. to their account. This paid content became useful for the people who wanted to prepare for a certain company interview. Glassdoor also provided features to submit a job opening for companies.

From 2012 to 2015, the company had raised around $160 million through venture capital. By 2015, Glassdoor had registered over 20 million users, and in the following two years, there were 41 million unique users at the platform. Glassdoor became a unicorn company within ten years of its founding. More than one-third of the biggest companies in the world have partnered with Glassdoor as its corporate clients. It has become the most trustworthy platform for job seekers. Glassdoor has been a winner of the Red Herring North America Award for Social Media Innovation 2013.

In June 2018, Recruit Holdings acquired Glassdoor for $1.2 billion in cash. Currently, Christian Sutherland-Wong is working as the CEO of Glassdoor.

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. 

Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom – Evolution of the business from being government to a private company

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Nowadays, most of the applications run on the internet. In fact, these applications are an integral part of our day-to-day life. Like chilling with Netflix, sending videos and images, connecting with friends online. As well, an internet connection is needed even for getting help from Alexa, Google assistance, and another similar device. However, for all this internet must be fast enough. As technology evolves the leads to many advances in devices. Thus, in such case, needed faster internet connectivity. It means both home and business need more data transfer at a higher speed.

While Deutsche Telekom is the one-stop for all such customer’s needs. Fulfilling the needs of 200+ million mobile users, and about 21 million broadband users, the firm also has over 27 million fixed network users. Started as a conventional telephone company, it has transformed into a new integrated telecommunication firm. Apart from the core business of selling networks and connections, it has also sought new opportunities from time to time. Thus, growing the business all across continents. Germany based firm Deutsche Telekom has its offices in 50+ countries.

About Deutsche Telekom

It is part of a group of leading integrated telecommunications firms on the planet. Primarily, it provides internet connectivity, fixed network, broadband, and other mobile communication services to the customers. As well, it offers IPTV products and ICT solution for small to large size businesses. Whereas, all services come with complete security storage, which is the need of the present world.

Deutsche Telekom
Image Source: asystems.as

On the international level, Deutsche Telekom is known for its efficient networks. In fact, its network solution is sufficient to meet the rising demand for broadband in the upcoming years. As well, it is way intelligent to kick start the new business. We can say it is sufficient enough to power up the entire industry. Like healthcare, the energy sector, the automotive industry, etc.

Services offered

Apart from offering the best service in network sales and connectivity, it also offers cloud-based services. In fact, it plunged into the new business fields as per the future requirements. Like IoT, M2M, and Industrial Internet. Deutsche Telekom is well-known for its wide range of integrated solutions, assist to shape other businesses.

How Deutsche Telekom is formed?

Well, it’s all get started in 1947. At that time, Germany was under the rule of the federal government. For the postal administration, the government created Deutsche Bundespost, which later on became west Germany’s key telephone firm. Meanwhile, in 1989, post office reforms in Germany gave birth to Deutsche Telekom. It was one of the parts of Deutsche Bundespost that were fragmented into three parts. Thereafter, the firm became private in 1996. Prior to that, Deutsche had a monopoly in Germany as a major Internet service provider. However, the firm has witnessed a major transformation in its business structure till 2005. In the same year, it started the Broadband /Fixed Network strategies business unit, out of the merger of its T-Mobile and T-Com units. Later on, this structure was also altered and it launched a new business unit called T-Home.

Triumphs of Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom and its other subsidiaries are working to accelerate innovation in the telecom sector. The launch of the Telecom Infra Project was one of the initiatives to do so. It was introduced in 2016 in association with big IT firms like Facebook, Intel, Nokia, and two others. On top of that, it joined a HAPS Alliance recently in 2020. With this, the firm is assisting to promote high-altitude vehicles for eliminating the digital divide. Recently, the subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile US acquired Sprint this year.

Based on the vision to offer more, the firm never compromised its commitment to sustainable development. For that, it has also started the “We Care for Our Planet” program. This initiative turned out as a milestone for climate and resource protection.

Later achievements under Timotheus Höttges

He is active as the CEO of Deutsche Telekom form 2014. Earlier, he was a member of the board of management at the firm. Timotheus played an important role to extend the broadband and fixed network business in Germany. One of the business segments of Deutsche Telekom, T-Home had dominated the telecom market under his policies. Also, he implemented several strategies to cut down the cost in business.  Well, his experience as a project manager, helped in acquisition strategies of Deutsche Telekom.

Rogers Communications

Rogers Communications – See how Father-Son Duo helped in commercializing the Radio industry in Canada

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Canada-based Rogers Communications is primarily operating in the field of wireless communications for a long time. The inventor of the AC heater filament cathode, Edward Rogers Sr. built the strong foundation of Rogers Communications, and the legacy is continued by his son Edward Jr. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, the firm us providing miscellaneous service in internet connectivity, cable television, and other telecommunication and mass media-related service.

In Canada, Rogers’s communications is a tough rival of Bell Canada, Telus, and Shaw Communications. As well, it is one of the communications providers in a region which dominates the market. Presently, it has many subsidiaries like Rogers Bank, Rogers Cable, Chatr, and Fido Solution. Rogers Telecom, Rogers Sports & Media, and Rogers Wireless are also some of the subsidiaries of the firm.

Rogers Communications Backstory

The roots of the foundation of Rogers’s communications were found in the establishment of the CFTO television station. Prior to that, Edward Rogers Sr. had enabled radios that can be powered by electric current. It was the result of his invention, the AC heater filament cathode for radio tube changed the whole scenario. This invention brought revolution and did a crucial role in commercializing radio reception. After establishing the CFRB radio station, he also focused on Television. But unfortunately, he died in the middle of his radar experiment.  Thereafter, his son Edward Jr. also known as Ted decided to follow in his father’s footsteps.

In the year 1960, Edward Jr. and his friend Joel Aldred acquired an FM radio station CHFI. Plus, this duo later established CFTO-TV as the foremost television station own by a private company. Back in 1967, they started Rogers Cable which was later renamed Rogers Communications in 1986. Just within 20 years, the firm has achieved popularity in the market. It also purchased the Canada based cable system in 1979. Thereafter, the firm has marked its name in the list of Toronto Stock Exchange.

The masterminds behind Rogers Communications success

Rogers Communications
Image Source: rogers.com

Edward Rogers Junior

Ted Rogers also famous as Edward Rogers Jr. has continued the legacy of his father and flourish the business built on his father’s dream. Apart from being a well-known businessman, he is a philanthropist and was among the richest persons in Canada. Born to a scientist and businessman, Ted also put his best efforts to follow the path of his father. Coming to his education, he attended Upper Canada College, Trinity College, and Osgoode Hall Law school. While studying, Ted purchased the shares in the home-grown radio station CHFI. After several hard works, he could collect the money to fulfill the dream venture of Mr. Edward Sr.    

Besides serving as a long time CEO and president at Rogers Communications, he was also appointed at several reputed positions. Such as the Grade of Officer of the order of Canada. He had been honored with the Golden Plate Award in 1990. It is one of the highest awards given by the American Academy of Achievement. As well, both father and son were inducted into the Telecommunication Hall of Fame of Canada.

Present CEO- Joe Natale

He is serving as the president and CEO at Rogers Communications. Joe Natale is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Rogers Communications. Prior to that, he served as Telus corporation’s CEO and President. He has put his efforts into building the globally recognized firm that Telus is today. After working at several leading firms in the wireless telecommunication industry, he is now driving the business of Rogers Communications. However, Joe entered the telecommunication industry in 1987, as an employee of Accenture. At that time, Rogers Communications was a dream company of many, which he became an important part of after working at several firms.

Studied at the University of Waterloo, Joe has a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science. Apart from that, he along with his wife involved in many social works.  He is one of the board trustees at Toronto’s Hospital for sick children. As well, the couple supports many arts and healthcare initiatives. Joe was also honored with the Top 40 under 40 Award, Canada.

Bottom Line

Today, Rogers Communications is one of the dominant wireless communication service providers in Canada. With the long list of old clients in telephony services, high-speed internet services, and other IT services, the firm has also followed the trends to acquire new customers. The firm has been not only dominating the Canadian wireless industry but also is one of the tough competitors in the international market.

Fiserv

Fiserv – The Dream of Dalton and Muma to build a national data processing firm in America.

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The whole world has been changing so fast that it demands newer technology in every part of life. No matter then it is healthcare service, or entertainment and traveling, or financial services. In this all, innovative technology raised the expectations of people, asking for the cut edge technology in every sector. When it comes to money transfer and data processing related services, Fiserv is one of the leading firms in the financial industry. It made it easy to transfer money as well as information to one another. With Fiserv’s platform, one can transfer money when and where as needed, at the point of thought. Thus, meeting all the expectations of the present high-tech world.

The best-known financial solutions it has enabled, assisting many individuals and businesses currently. Being a global leader, the firm is connecting consumers, merchants, businesses, and financial institutions with each other. This process has been done every minute of every day; we can say millions of times a day. Established in 1984 by George Dalton and Leslie Muma, having clients in more than a hundred regions all across the world. That strong foundation has led to the dominant financial service provider Fiserv is today. Despite having tough rivals, the firm has also offer tough competition through its innovative financial services and experience of more than 30 years in the field. Alltel Information Services, Affiliated Computer Services, M & I Data Services, and BISYS Group are some of the competitors of Fiserv. 

Fiserv Journey

Fiserv’s both Founders, and friend Muma and Dalton were in the business of data processing. But both were working separately. However, the idea of merging the businesses pop into their mind in the late 1970s. This idea turned into reality in 1984, the merger of the first data processing of Milwaukee, and Tampa’s Sunshine State System goes well. That, later on, resulted in the formation of Fiserv, which became the USA’s fastest-growing financial data processing firm in the near year.

Fiserv
Image Source: fiserv.com

Founders George Dalton and Leslie Muma’s role

The founders and presidents at Fiserv, Muma, and Dalton wanted to build a national data processing firm. Which later on they built in the form of Fiserv. It was the time when businesses’ mindset was to develop their own data processing system for limited deals. In this all, they had to pay big money and still no reliability in service. While Fiserv successfully changed this scenario under the guidance of Dalton and Leslie. Thus, the constantly escalating cost and insecurity had reduced, relieving the clients.  All the credit goes to George and Muma, who set the strong foundation of the firm.

George Dalton

Being well-experienced and well-reputed in the data processing industry, George served as the first CEO at Fiserv. He was one of them, who believes in hard work. Throughout his tenure, he built the policies based on thorough planning, implemented through hard work. Started the journey as a stock boy at some grocery store, Dalton, later on, learned German and served in World War II. While he shifted his focus on data processing during his high school days.

Thereafter, he joined Northwestern University, which he left to start working at the data processing unit of Bell & Howell Co. Despite a lack of banking knowledge, he handled the position of the data processing unit of Marine Bank. It was all due to his passion for and interest in data processing. Apart from that, he also served at Midland National Bank and First Bank System. With the helped of Muma, he then started his own dream business venture, Fiserv.

Leslie Muma

When he befriended Dalton in setting up Fiserv, Leslie was in his mid-30s, but having excellent knowledge of data processing system. His educational background helped him to work as a data processing consultant. A person who has studied theoretical mathematics, having a master’s in business administration, and top of that extremely knowledgeable in data processing, offered much more effort to raise the business of Fiserv. He became CEO of Fiserv after Dalton retired in 1999.

Boomed in the Financial industry

The top-notch service and acquisition strategy of the firm paid off soon. The business of the firm raised to 700 million dollars, reaching 800 financial institutions, and about 19 million individual clients. It also reduced the cost of financial service offering reliable and secure service to the customers. In fact, in the early 1990s, the firm has acquired a larger client base. One of the known acquisitions of Fiserv is the data processing division of Citicorp for 49 million dollars.

Thereafter, the firm managed to continued steady growth by providing innovative solutions to the clients. As well, the firm soon focused on abroad expansion of the business. Presently, it is one of the three largest data processing firms in America. Most importantly, it is the largest independent processor of checks in the country.

AT&T

AT&T – The subsidiary of Bell Telephone company that rise as an individual firm in a few years

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The telecommunication industry has experienced lots of changes in the near years. As well as it will further see tremendous changes in the upcoming year. In such a scenario, it will no doubt offers many opportunities for the firms working in this sector. AT&T is one of the largest firms in the telecommunication sector which inherently grabbing such opportunities since its emergence. Established in 1885, the firm has gained significant importance in the global market.

Apart from being a leading telecommunication firm, it is also providing services in multiple sectors. Such as television network service, film production, and premium pay services through WarnerMedia. Also, it is one of the well-known advertising services providers through its very own segment called Xandr. Moreover, the firm is expertise in local exchange and long-distance services.

Backstory of AT&T Establishment

The roots of AT&T’s foundation is in the establishment of Bell Telephone Company. In the mid of 19th century, Gardiner Greene Hubbard, A. Graham Bell, and Thomas Sanders set up Bell Telephone company. That time, in 1885, they acquired AT&T and made it one of the most important segments of the firm. AT&T stands for American Telephone and Telegraph Company, which remained the main firm even after it merged into Bell Telephone company. After a few years, the firm went to several reformations. In fact, U.S regulators limit its business to broke the monopoly of AT&T in the market.  It was the time when AT&T had to turned its regional subsidiaries into individual firms, known as Baby Bells.

The firm also renamed its name, which later on again replaced by original name i.e., AT&T. Today, it maps a large part of the Latin American telecommunication market.

Exploring the business

Even though the firm has experienced several breakups and reformations in history, it stood strong and compete with rivals like MCI and Sprint. Within 10 years, the firm has ranked 15th in the Fortune 500 list. The firm has acquired several businesses in the following years. It purchased Lusacell in 2014, and NII Holdings in the same year. Both were the top firms in the Mexican cellular and wireless business.

Recently, AT&T launched a mobile 5G network in 2018. Currently, available in 12 cities around America. After Verizon, AT&T became the second telecommunication provider to launch 5G. The success journey of AT&T has not been fulfilled yet. As per the vision and mission of the firm, it aims to become the most valuable and admirable firm on the planet. Presently, the firm is working in four segments called AT&T, Latin America, WarnerMedia, and Xandr.

Personalities involved in the success of AT&T

Gardiner Greene Hubbard-Founder

Born on 25 August 1822, Gardiner was a reputed financier, community leader, and lawyer in America. Apart from that, he was one of the founding members of Bell Telephony company, later on, served as the first president of the firm. As well, he was a founding member of the National Geographic Society and Journal Science. Despite being a lawyer by profession but Gardiner worked in almost all sectors.

Coming to his education, he studied at Phillips Academy. In 1841, he finished graduating from Dartmouth. Thereafter he joined Harvard to study law.

John T. Stankey-CEO

AT&T CEO
Image Source: variety.com

He is a well-known businessman in the USA and former CEO at WarnerMedia. Presently, serving as the CEO of leading telecommunication firm, AT&T. Before that, Jhon served in various positions in a similar firm. Jhon is graduated in finance and started his career at Pacific Bell. Thereafter, he got the chance to lead many positions. In fact, he shared a great contribution to the acquisition of DirecTV and Warner. These are some of the important acquisitions made by AT&T. Stankey currently guiding the policies of AT&T. Recently, the firm launched a 5G service, which he aims to explore further. As well, the firm has worked in streaming video services under Stankey’s policies.

Bottom Line

AT&T has a big name in the telecommunication industry, also captures a large part of the local and global market. The firm has grabbed the opportunities provided by the evolving telecommunication sector and strengthen its roots planted in 1885. Presently, it has huge importance in the industry and has millions of clients and customers. Through its top four segments i.e., AT&T, Latin America, WarnerMedia, and Xandr; the firm is playing a large role in the American telecommunication market.