Investment Rating - The report indicates a stable investment outlook for IT budgets, with the US expected to grow by 2.7% and Europe by 2.3% over the next twelve months, despite some downward revisions due to tariff impacts [2][29]. Core Insights - Data modernization and Generative AI (GenAI) have surpassed cybersecurity as the top investment priority for CIOs, reflecting a shift in focus towards analytics and digital transformation projects [3][36]. - The overall macroeconomic sentiment has worsened slightly, with 49% of US respondents expecting a decline in macro conditions, which may impact business services budgeting [10][40]. - CIOs have revised their IT budgets down by an average of 3% due to tariff impacts, with 42% expecting no impact from tariffs on their budgets [24][46]. Sector Summaries Software - Data analytics/GenAI is now the top investment priority, followed by digital transformation projects and customer-facing applications [36][8]. - Spending on public cloud infrastructure is expected to grow by 6.6% over the next twelve months, indicating strong demand driven by GenAI workloads [24][62]. Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity has dropped to the second investment priority, with a projected growth rate of approximately 5.3%, which is still higher than the overall IT budget growth [3][10]. - The emphasis on data analytics/GenAI is expected to benefit cybersecurity vendors that can secure GenAI deployments [11][19]. Communication Services and Infrastructure - Despite tariff uncertainties, the US budget for communication services remains resilient at 2.7%, with opportunities for digital transformation and GenAI adoption [10][23]. - Network infrastructure is expected to be negatively impacted by tariffs, ranking second among categories affected [10][49]. Hardware - Spending on PC storage and networking infrastructure is trending positively, while server spending is declining [27][28]. - A mixed recovery in IT hardware spending is noted, with 53% of respondents not expecting GenAI to impact their hardware budgets [28][91]. European Technology - European CIOs have shown increased caution, with a 3% negative impact on IT budgets due to tariffs, although growth expectations remain stable [24][33]. - Financial software and ERP applications are gaining prioritization, indicating resilience for companies like SAP [24][10]. GenAI Trends - Microsoft is the preferred vendor for GenAI investments, followed by Amazon, OpenAI, and Google, with a notable shift in budget allocation towards these technologies [4][67]. - 54% of CIOs expect GenAI investments to lead to a reduction in overall headcount within the next 1-2 years [26][75].

Choice Hotels geht mit einer kühnen digitalen Transformationsstrategie voran, die darauf abzielt,das Gästeerlebnis zu verbessern, Franchisenehmer zu unterstützen und Abläufe zu rationalisieren  AMSTERDAM, 25. April 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International führt Mews als Option für ein Property Management System (PMS) für internationale Franchisenehmer ein. Die Plattform ist so gestaltet, dass sie mit den firmeneigenen Tools und Systemen von Choice Hotels verbunden werden kann. Sie nutzt das PMS von ...

Choice Hotels continues to lead the way with a bold digital transformation strategy designed to enhance guest experiences, empower franchisees and streamline operations AMSTERDAM, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International is introducing Mews as a property management system (PMS) option for international franchisees. The platform is designed to connect with Choice Hotels' proprietary tools and systems using Mews' PMS for enterprise-scale hospitality brands and offers robust integrations, int ...

HONG KONG, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GPTBots.ai, a leading enterprise AI agent platform provider under Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ:JG), is showcasing its cutting-edge AI solutions at the inaugural GITEX Asia 2025 in Singapore (April 23-25). As Asia's premier technology and innovation event and the Asian debut of GITEX GLOBAL, the summit themed "AI Everything Singapore," attracts senior executives seeking innovative technologies. GPTBots stands out by offering tailored AI applications that empower enterpr ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subscription revenue for Q1 2025 was $3,005 million, growing 20% year over year in constant currency, slightly above the high end of guidance [36] - Current Remaining Performance Obligations (RPO) was $10,310 million, representing 22% year over year constant currency growth, a 150 basis point beat versus guidance [36] - Operating margin was 31%, approximately 100 basis points above guidance, while free cash flow margin was 48%, significantly above the rule of 50 for the quarter [8][43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The number of deals greater than $1 million in net new Annual Contract Value (ACV) was 72, up from 63 a year ago, with nine deals over $5 million [8][39] - Technology workflows had 36 deals over $1 million, including two over $5 million, indicating strong performance across the ServiceNow solutions portfolio [9] - The number of customers generating over $5 million in ACV increased to 508, up from 425 a year ago, highlighting the momentum in large enterprise deals [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The public sector grew over 30% year over year, with significant contributions from US federal agencies, including 11 federal deals over $1 million [17][85] - Manufacturing delivered standout performance, growing net new ACV over 100% year over year, while healthcare and life sciences grew over 70% year over year [36] - CRM and industry workflows continued to show strong momentum, contributing to 16 of the top 20 deals with nine deals over $1 million [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving business transformation through its AI platform, with a strong pipeline and positive demand signals [12][13] - ServiceNow aims to expand its addressable market by integrating AI across various workflows, enhancing its position as the operating system for enterprises [20][21] - The intent to acquire Moveworks and Logic AI is part of a strategy to enhance employee self-service and CRM capabilities, respectively, driving further growth [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties, emphasizing strong demand and a healthy pipeline [55][86] - The guidance for 2025 was raised, reflecting a positive outlook despite potential risks from geopolitical factors [46] - The company remains focused on operational efficiency and enhancing digital governance for federal customers, which is expected to drive growth [46][87] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $10,900 million in cash and investments, and repurchased approximately 316,000 shares as part of its share repurchase program [44] - The number of pro plus deals quadrupled year over year, indicating strong customer adoption of AI-driven solutions [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on federal customer opportunities and decision-making delays - Management noted that demand remains strong among federal and enterprise customers, with a focus on future growth and cost efficiency despite geopolitical uncertainties [54] Question: Impact of Moveworks acquisition on ServiceNow's capabilities - The acquisition is expected to enhance AI expertise and provide a unified user experience, allowing for broader customer engagement and solution delivery [62] Question: Aspirations in the front office market and CRM strategy - Management expressed ambitions to lead in the CRM space, emphasizing the integration of sales and service operations to improve efficiency and time to revenue [75][76] Question: Clarification on public sector growth and guidance context - The 30% growth in the public sector was in net new ACV, and management acknowledged the uncertain environment while maintaining a positive long-term outlook [85][87] Question: Trends in Pro Plus adoption and growth initiatives - Pro Plus adoption is expected to continue growing, supported by strong customer interest in AI solutions, alongside other key growth initiatives [108][110] Question: AI driving operational efficiencies and margin expansion - Management highlighted that AI is driving significant operational efficiencies, contributing to confidence in maintaining and expanding margins [120]

Core Viewpoint - LivePerson, Inc. is set to release its first quarter financial results on May 7, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for the same day to discuss the results [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The planned release of the first quarter financial results will occur after market close on May 7, 2025 [1]. - CEO John Sabino and CFO & COO John Collins will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day [1]. Group 2: Conference Call Details - The conference call will be available via live simulcast on the investor relations section of LivePerson's website [2]. - Participants can join the call by dialing in five to ten minutes before the start time, with specific numbers provided for domestic and international callers [2]. - A replay of the teleconference will be available approximately three hours after the call until May 21, 2025, with access details provided [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - LivePerson is recognized as a leader in enterprise conversational AI and digital transformation, serving major brands like HSBC, Chipotle, and Virgin Media [3]. - The company facilitates nearly a billion conversational interactions monthly, offering data analytics and safety tools to enhance business outcomes [3]. - LivePerson has been named the 1 Most Innovative AI Company in the world by Fast Company [3].

Press release April 22, 2025 – Austin, Texas – Trifork today announced a new partnership with TD SYNNEX, a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. Through this partnership, Trifork will deliver advanced digital solutions to TD SYNNEX's new and existing customers, helping them accelerate digital transformation and drive measurable business outcomes. About Trifork Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovat ...

Core Insights - Vonage has been recognized as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) 2025 Vendor Assessment for the fourth time, highlighting its commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions [1][2][3] Company Overview - Vonage is a global leader in cloud communications, helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation with a comprehensive set of engagement solutions [6][8] - The company offers a diverse CPaaS platform with a geographically balanced client base across the Americas, Europe, and Asia/Pacific regions [2] Product and Service Offerings - Vonage provides a unified API platform that includes identity, messaging, voice, video, and network APIs, enabling developers to embed these capabilities into existing products and workflows [2][7] - The introduction of Vonage Network APIs aims to simplify network complexities while enhancing flexibility, accessibility, and security for developers and enterprises [2][3] Market Position and Strategy - The recognition from IDC reflects Vonage's mission to enable businesses to create meaningful customer experiences and differentiate their brands through scalable, AI-enhanced solutions [3] - With global coverage in over 200 countries and territories, Vonage leverages its integration with Ericsson's telecommunications ecosystem to empower businesses across various industries [2][3]

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Creative Realities, Inc. (NASDAQ:CREX) (the "Company" or "CRI), a leading provider of digital signage and media solutions for the food and beverage industry, has been selected by a well-known, upscale Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) chain, with over 1,000 locations across more than 25 U.S. states, to lead the transformation of its indoor and outdoor menu boards. The restaurant chain is nationally recognized by its cooked-to-order food, farm-fresh ingredient ...

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is Attractive, with a strong appeal due to growth potential in IT and software sectors [5][9]. Core Insights - IT spending for digital transformation (DX) is booming, driven by the declining working-age population in Japan, which necessitates increased IT investment as a manpower substitute [9][24]. - The report highlights several investment themes, including cloud services (SaaS/data centers), Windows 10 upgrade demand, increased defense spending, and government digitalization initiatives [10][35][39]. Summary by Sections Industry Overview - The report anticipates minimal direct impact from the increase in US tariffs on the industry [2]. - Cash flow levels at firms have risen significantly, indicating strong financial health [3]. - The working-age population decline is exacerbating labor shortages, prompting a greater focus on digitalization among management [7]. Investment Themes - Key investment themes include: - Cloud business (SaaS/data centers) [10]. - Demand for Windows 10 upgrades as support ends in October 2025 [38]. - Increased defense budget, projected to rise to approximately ¥43.5 trillion [39]. - Government initiatives for digital transformation in public administration [39]. Financial Performance - The report notes that valuations in the industry do not appear overheated, allowing for a focus on fundamentals and thematic stocks [9]. - The expected growth in IT spending is projected at a 5-year CAGR of 8% through 2028, with software investment growing at 10% and IT services at 7% [23][26]. Company Focus - Preferred stocks include: - OBIC Business Consultants (OBC), with a strong shift to cloud business and high recurring revenue [11][40]. - NTT Data, expected to see significant profit increases from its data center business [47]. - NEC, benefiting from the defense budget expansion and government digitization projects [51]. Market Trends - The report indicates that cloud spending in Japan is only 12% of total IT spending, compared to 37% globally, suggesting substantial growth potential [38]. - The overall IT spending in Japan is projected to reach ¥8,491 billion by 2025, reflecting a growth of 9.5% [33].