Latest news with #Virtual
The Verge
2 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
How Donald Trump and Ryan Reynolds can easily sell you phone plans
Blame Ryan Reynolds. With a new wireless brand from the hosts of SmartLess emerging last week, and the debut of Trump Mobile this week, it sure seems like there's a hot new trend in Celebrities Selling Things: phone service. How did it come to this? Why can't they just stick to tequila? I talked to a couple of experts about the situation, and it's not entirely the Deadpool actor's fault. But also: it is kind of his fault. To be clear, none of these celebrities / political figures are building new cell networks from scratch. What they're launching are Mobile Virtual Network Operators, or MVNOs. These are companies that buy wireless service from the three big US carriers and re-sell it. It's a business model that has existed for decades, Techsponential analyst Avi Greengart tells me. 'They address market segments that carriers can't or don't want to address with their main brands,' he says. Older customers, people whose first language isn't English, people with bad credit — they're all prime targets for MVNOs. It's an attractive arrangement for the big carriers since they may have extra network capacity that would otherwise go unused. 'They get a guaranteed return on their network investment,' Greengart says. 'If you're T-Mobile for example, you might have spare capacity on the network that you've built. So it makes sense to basically rent some of it out.' 'Mint Mobile proved that you could build the business if you could generate your own audience.' MVNOs may be decades old, but I can't shake the feeling that I've been hearing about them a lot more recently. Gerrit Schneemann at Counterpoint Research says that 5G may be partially behind that. The additional capacity that 5G allows compared to LTE is helping more MVNOs get off the ground. 'Having 5G networks available, you have the capacity to actually run these [MVNOs] and to some extent, may not be as capacity constrained in some places,' Schneemann says. On top of that, MVNOs are more attractive to customers than ever. The rise of eSIM technology has also helped reduce the friction in signing up for an MVNO, Schneemann says. Also, since we're handling more and more of the services we use every day strictly online, people are also probably more willing to sign up for an MVNO than they were five or six years ago. And then there's the Ryan Reynolds of it all. In 2019 he bought an ownership stake in Mint Mobile, an MVNO using the T-Mobile network, and became the brand's spokesperson. The combination of clever ads and a unique pricing model won a lot of people over and turned it into a lucrative venture for Reynolds, who sold the business to T-Mobile — the company that was already running Mint's network — in a deal worth up to $1.35 billion. Greengart thinks that was a tipping point for the MVNO business, or at least, the celebrities-backing-MVNOs business. 'Mint Mobile proved that you could build the business if you could generate your own audience … And that has attracted other people who have or can create audiences.' That's how we wound up living in a world where the President's family's company sells wireless service, which I don't think is a scenario any of the Founding Fathers could have foreseen. And as weird as that concept is, Greengart thinks it's kind of a natural fit for Trump's whole business ethos. 'The Trump Organization is a branding operation, even in real estate.' He points to the company's licensing business model of charging developers to use the Trump name on their projects — without having to risk its own money on it. 'That's kind of what an MVNO is,' Greengart adds. Where there's a captive audience, there's a marketing opportunity; so the saying goes. Or something like that. Either way, I don't think this is the last time we'll hear from a public figure ready to sell us wireless service. Guess we have Ryan Reynolds to thank for that.
Business Journals
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
How refrigeration commissioning helps safeguard long-term performance and profitability in cold storage construction
As industrial refrigeration systems grow in complexity and cost, commissioning has emerged as an essential element for ensuring long-term efficiency, reliability and financial return. In industries where uninterrupted cooling is critical, such as cold storage, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals, commissioning is not just beneficial — it is vital. Understanding the role of commissioning in industrial refrigeration Refrigeration systems account for the highest energy usage in cold storage facilities, with maintenance, refrigerant management and energy costs comprising a large portion of lifecycle operational expenses. Traditional questions during planning phases — such as installation cost and schedule — fail to address deeper operational concerns like long-term serviceability, lifecycle cost, regulatory impact and energy efficiency. These factors directly affect profitability and should be prioritized early in project planning. A well-structured commissioning plan addresses these gaps, beginning at design conception and continuing through installation, startup and the first year of operation. The purpose is to validate that systems are installed and functioning according to the design intent and operational requirements, ultimately supporting consistent performance and reduced lifecycle costs. Modernizing practices: The value of early and thorough commissioning Historically, commissioning in refrigeration projects was minimal, often limited to post-installation punch lists. Today, enhanced technologies — such as commissioning software, Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) services, other software tools such as energy modeling, BIM and EMV (Evaluation, Measurement and Verification) — make it easier to justify early commissioning efforts. These tools provide a baseline design comparison, visibility into system integration and performance, improve energy efficiency and help avoid costly failures. Forward-thinking developers and owners increasingly recognize that robust commissioning plans significantly reduce emergency service calls, product losses and operational disruptions, especially in mission-critical environments like data centers, food production and health care storage. Core phases of a refrigeration commissioning plan 1. Planning and design Objective: Ensure the refrigeration system is designed to be commissionable. Key actions: Form a Commissioning (Cx) team with defined roles and responsibilities. Develop foundational documents: Owner Requirements (OR), Basis of Design (BD) and Construction Documents (CDs). Align Cx efforts with budgets and schedules early in design. 2. Construction and installation Objective: Ensure critical systems are installed correctly to meet operational and energy performance targets. Key actions: Define clear responsibilities across contractors and subcontractors. Plan for pre-functional testing and system integration early in scheduling. Maintain quality control over major refrigeration components and controls infrastructure. 3. Startup and operation Objective: Validate that the system operates as intended and supports long-term operational goals. Key actions: Perform thorough system startup procedures and documentation. Facilitate training for facility operations teams. Conduct post-occupancy evaluations and adjustments during the first year. Bridging design and execution: The CxA advantage A Commissioning Authority (CxA) serves as a critical bridge between design and execution. Their early involvement helps identify scope gaps — such as those related to refrigeration controls or electrical systems — that might otherwise go unaddressed until late in the process, leading to change orders or costly delays. By engaging a CxA at the outset, stakeholders benefit from proactive risk management and coordinated delivery. Stakeholder collaboration and accountability Commissioning thrives on cross-disciplinary collaboration. Owners, design teams, refrigeration contractors, engineers and CxAs must each understand their role within the Cx process. When clearly defined, this shared accountability helps prevent scope omissions and reinforces alignment throughout the project lifecycle. Commissioning as a competitive advantage In markets where reliability is paramount, commissioning can differentiate a project. It ensures that refrigeration systems support operational goals, adhere to regulatory codes and reduce total cost of ownership. Flexible designs with redundancy, room conversions and future expansion capabilities also elevate a project's long-term value. As cold storage and industrial refrigeration markets expand, facilities equipped with thorough commissioning protocols will enjoy enhanced reliability, energy efficiency and cost control. In an environment where downtime translates to direct financial loss, commissioning is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Brinkmann Constructors is the employee-owned leader in the construction industry with a passion for finding creative solutions that save time, minimize costs and deliver the greatest value. With five offices and a project footprint in over 40 states, our reach spans nationwide with a vast portfolio of projects in multifamily, senior living, industrial, cold storage, retail, automotive and more. Mike Bildner has approximately 20 years of construction management experience, most notably 10 years of experience designing and managing refrigeration mechanical projects for a leading full-service mechanical contracting firm before joining Brinkmann. As the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) manager, Bildner is responsible for managing and leading MEP subcontractors throughout the project, developing the CPM schedule for all MEP installation activities, reviewing and approving material and equipment for MEP systems before installation, monitoring the installation and startup of the MEP systems, and commissioning of the project with the engineer and owner.
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Innate Pharma Announces Its Participation in H.C. Wainwright and Wolfe Research Healthcare Conferences
MARSEILLE, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Innate Pharma SA (Euronext Paris: IPH; Nasdaq: IPHA) (' Innate ' or the ' Company ') today announced that members of its executive team will participate in the upcoming investor conferences, detailed below. H.C. Wainwright 3 rd Annual Immune Cell Engager Virtual Conference Dates: June 24, 2025 | Virtual Wolfe Research Virtual Biotech Day Dates: June 26, 2025 | Virtual About Innate Pharma Innate Pharma S.A. is a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company developing immunotherapies for cancer patients. Its innovative approach aims to harness the innate immune system through three therapeutic approaches: multi-specific NK Cell Engagers via its ANKET ® (A ntibody-based NK cell E ngager T herapeutics) proprietary platform and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Innate's portfolio includes several ANKET ® drug candidates to address multiple tumor types as well as IPH4502, a differentiated ADC in development in solid tumors. In addition, anti-KIR3DL2 mAb lacutamab is developed in advanced form of cutaneous T cell lymphomas and peripheral T cell lymphomas, and anti-NKG2A mAb monalizumab is developed with AstraZeneca in non-small cell lung cancer. Innate Pharma is a trusted partner to biopharmaceutical companies such as Sanofi and AstraZeneca, as well as leading research institutions, to accelerate innovation, research and development for the benefit of patients. Headquartered in Marseille, France with a US office in Rockville, MD, Innate Pharma is listed on Euronext Paris and Nasdaq in the US. Learn more about Innate Pharma at and follow us on LinkedIn and X. Information about Innate Pharma shares Disclaimer on forward-looking information and risk factors This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including those within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The use of certain words, including 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'can,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'may,' 'might,' 'potential,' 'intend,' 'should,' 'will,' or the negative of these and similar expressions, is intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including related to safety, progression of and results from its ongoing and planned clinical trials and preclinical studies, review and approvals by regulatory authorities of its product candidates, the Company's reliance on third parties to manufacture its product candidates, the Company's commercialization efforts and the Company's continued ability to raise capital to fund its development. For an additional discussion of risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors ('Facteurs de Risque") section of the Universal Registration Document filed with the French Financial Markets Authority ('AMF'), which is available on the AMF website or on Innate Pharma's website, and public filings and reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'), including the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent filings and reports filed with the AMF or SEC, or otherwise made public by the Company. References to the Company's website and the AMF website are included for information only and the content contained therein, or that can be accessed through them, are not incorporated by reference into, and do not constitute a part of, this press release. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by the Company or any other person that the Company will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified time frame or at all. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe to shares in Innate Pharma in any country.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Two CSCU campuses are going solar with hope to save millions over the next decade
Two CSCU campuses in New Haven will now be powered by solar energy after the construction of a massive new solar project aimed at saving the state millions over the next decade. Greenskies Clean Focus, a solar energy company in North Haven, announced the completion of a 2.32 megawatt solar project at 361 Old Tavern Road in Orange. The energy produced from the solar array will help power the campuses of nearby Gateway Community College and Southern Connecticut State University, according to the company. Officials said the distributive energy resource (DER) solar facility will help the CSCU system realize an estimated six million dollars in energy savings over 20 years of operation. A DER is a decentralized, grid-connected energy system—such as solar panels, wind turbines, or energy storage — that generates or stores electricity near where it is used, improving energy efficiency and resilience, according to Greenskies. The Orange solar project, a massive array of 4,290 panels, will leverage the state's virtual net metering program, which allows the energy generated at a remote site to offset its energy consumption at other locations. Virtual net metering allows a renewable energy system's owner to share the billing credits that are generated when the system produces more power than the owner uses. In Connecticut, the law limits virtual net metering to municipal, state agency and agricultural customers who meet certain requirements, according to officials. 'CSCU is excited to continue its partnership with Greenskies and identify ways to further offset electric utility costs at two of its campuses,' said CSCU Chancellor Dr. Terrence Cheng. 'CSCU is committed to finding ways of utilizing clean, sustainable energy and reducing operating costs across our system through public-private partnerships like this.' Officials said the solar system will generate over three million kilowatt hours of renewable energy each year, offsetting more than 1,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually — the equivalent of saving more than 156,000 gallons of gasoline burned. A CSCU spokesperson said the project aligns with the state's push toward renewable energy. 'This project represents another step forward in Connecticut's transition to a clean energy future,' said Ryan Linares, vice president of real estate for Greenskies Clean Focus. 'By leveraging solutions like Virtual Net Metering, we are helping institutions like CSCU reduce energy costs and carbon emissions while supporting the state's renewable energy objectives. We deeply appreciate CSCU's continued partnership, which has now resulted in over 14.5 MW successful distributed solar projects that demonstrate the power of collaboration in advancing sustainable energy solutions.' The cost-saving energy project comes amid fresh scrutiny over the CSCU system's finances. The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system — which includes four regional universities, the community college network and online Charter Oak State College — has historically pushed hard for state assistance since the pandemic in 2020. But those institutions are now sitting on nearly $1.1 billion combined in reserves, which has led some lawmakers to question whether those reserve funds should be tapped into. The state's solar push has also expanded to several state agencies including Connecticut prisons. Back in April, Gov. Ned Lamont announced the completion of seven solar projects in Enfield, Cheshire and Somers. The solar panels now bring power to parts of Cheshire Correctional Institution, Manson Youth Institute, Willard Correctional Institution, Carl Robinson Correctional Institution and Enfield Correctional Institution. All together, the solar panels are estimated to save $11 million in energy costs to the Department of Correction over 25 years, according to the governor's office. As large-scale solar projects increase across the state, with some drawing protests, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has also launched a new online tool for large-scale solar project siting in the state. The map tool, called the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool, uses Geographic Information Systems mapping to display data in an easy-access format. It is free to the public and does not require specialized GIS software, DEEP officials said. The goal of the mapping tool is to allow for a more transparent and efficient siting and permitting process for large-scale renewable energy projects, while at the same time protecting Connecticut's environmental and natural resources, according to DEEP. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
Business Wire
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
payabl. launches Virtual Business Cards to empower smarter business spending
LONDON & AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leading European financial technology provider, payabl. has launched its Virtual Business Cards service, a digital payment solution designed to give businesses greater control, security, and visibility over their spending. "With the launch of our virtual cards service, we're making it easier for companies to take greater control of their payments." Share Virtual cards are a digital alternative to physical credit or debit cards, offering real-time issuance, customisable limits, and transparent spending to streamline expense management and enhance financial oversight. Businesses can generate cards instantly, assign them to team members, set spending limits, and freeze/unfreeze access when needed. Built to simplify B2B payments, payabl.'s Virtual Business Cards are ideal for e-commerce companies needing extra transaction security, start-ups and scale-ups managing supplier budgets and global teams with travel and multi-currency expenses. The new proposition further strengthens payabl.'s Business Accounts offering and underpins the company's commitment to helping businesses stay ahead in today's rapidly evolving payments landscape. Ugne Buraciene, Group CEO of payabl., said: 'With the launch of our virtual cards service, we're making it easier for companies to take greater control of their payments. From improved oversight of spending, to the ability to set budgets and ensure the highest level of security, payabl. is removing the friction from payments so businesses can focus on what really matters: growing their businesses and better serving their customers and partners.' payabl.'s virtual cards service has been designed specifically to meet growing merchant demand and usage, with the total volume of virtual card transactions expected to reach 175 billion by 2028, rising from 36 billion in 2023*. The value that virtual cards bring to businesses is evident, with 94% of firms that use them saying their transactions are faster, more detailed, and more secure**. Breno Oliveira, Head of Product at payabl., added: "The virtual cards market is booming, with transactions now in the billions and set to rise significantly. While much focus has been on consumer use cases, the value they can bring to businesses in cutting admin time spent on payments and boosting productivity is evident. And at payabl., we're unlocking those benefits for more businesses.' Card issuance now sits alongside payabl.'s wide range of payment solutions, including card acquiring, local payment methods, and point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Its Business Accounts enable customers to send, receive, and manage multi-currency payments 24/7/365, with access to an all-in-one dashboard and dedicated client relationship managers. Notes to editors Find out more about payabl.'s business accounts: *Virtual Cards Market Statistics 2023-2028, Juniper Research: About payabl. Established in 2011, payabl. is a leading financial technology provider with offices in Germany, the Netherlands, Cyprus, and the UK. The company offers a comprehensive range of payment products, including card acquiring, business accounts, integration to over 300 local payment methods, and POS terminals. payabl. offers its customers a high-tech, high-touch approach, providing future-proofed payment solutions to merchants from a wide range of sectors around the world. With unrivalled experience in helping clients navigate the complexity of an ever-evolving payments environment, payabl. is the trusted partner for the world's most innovative merchants to unlock growth. To learn more, visit:
