What to Look for in an Online Casino

February 3, 2022

iGaming and the entire online gambling industry allow you to try your luck and play your favorite games from the comfort of your home. It also gives you a fantastic chance to win some great cash prizes. Therefore, it is no surprise the industry has grown so popular.

If you are new to gambling online, however, you may feel slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of great online casinos. Each of these offers unique features to try and incentivize you to sign up with it rather than the competition.

In this guide, we will look at what to look for in an online casino. From security to available payment methods, we will cover everything that you should make sure your chosen online casino has.

Security

The most important thing that you should look for when finding an online casino is how secure it is. Playing with a secure casino ensures that you and your money are safe and that you can enjoy the benefits of winning.

As a standard, any online casino that you decide to play with should have an official gaming license. These are usually issued by places like the UK Gaming Board or the Curaçao Gaming Commission. These licenses mean that the site is operating fairly and legally.

While this is the first check to see if a site is secure, we should note that online crypto casinos don’t strictly require a gaming license to operate—unlike traditional online gambling sites.

This is because of the ingrained secure nature of cryptocurrency and the fact that these sites usually tend to operate with more player anonymity than regular casinos.

That being said, it is best to check the basics of any site—whether traditional or crypto—such as whether the site is SSL secure whether the payment methods available are recognized providers.

Games Offered

The next thing to look at is what games the casino offers—and more specifically, who the software developers behind the games are.

The iGaming industry has many trusted game providers, such as NetEnt, PariPlay, Visionary iGaming, and Real Time Gaming. Almost any site that offers games from these providers is usually a safe site that puts effort into securing the best possible games.

The attention to procuring the best games usually means that the site pays attention in all areas and will offer you a great gaming experience.

Payment Methods

Even the greatest online casino can be useless if it doesn’t offer you proper ways to credit your player account. This is why the available payment methods are such an important thing to look at when looking for a casino to play on.

Most online casinos offer a wide variety of internationally recognized payment options—the most common being Visa and Mastercard. Therefore, always try ensuring that you play with a casino that caters to your specific deposit needs.

Crypto sites may work slightly differently in this area. However, these sites usually make payments incredibly simply by giving you a deposit address and letting you add funds to your account by sending your crypto to that address. These payments are also usually instant.

Finding the best sites that accept Bitcoin and/or other altcoin can, however, be tricky. Therefore, it is best to check sites like Crypto Gambling to learn which crypto casinos are legitimate and worth your time.

Doing this will ensure that you will be able to deposit easily and that you’ll never find yourself being unable to play due to payment hang-ups.

Withdrawal Terms

The one thing that is commonly overlooked when choosing an online casino to use is the terms and conditions regarding withdrawals. However, this is something that can either improve or worsen your experience with a casino.

Always ensure that you fully understand the withdrawal terms of the casino you want to use. This includes the times it takes for withdrawals to process, any fees that may be attached to withdrawing, and if there are any limits on withdrawing.

Welcome Bonuses and Promotions

While almost every online casino offers a decent welcome bonus and plenty of promotions, not all of these are created equal. In fact, having a decent welcome bonus could be a factor great enough to overlook some other shortcomings of an online casino (such as a smaller game library).

Finding an online casino that offers a great welcome bonus that allows you to really benefit can go a long way in making your gambling experience better.

Decent welcome bonuses also give you a great chance to win money without having to necessarily spend too much or any of your own.

Loyalty and VIP Clubs

Another thing that you should look out for is any loyalty programs or VIP clubs run by an online casino. These are a great way to get rewarded just for playing and can usually offer you access to exclusive benefits.

While not every online casino offers a program for loyal players, many sites do. Making sure you know about all the benefits offered by a particular site’s loyalty benefits can go a long way in helping you decide which casino sites to play on.

Online Reputation and Rating

The last thing to look at when searching for an online casino is what the casino’s reputation and rating are online. This is usually a great way to find out the truth about how a casino operates.

This is because the ratings are usually written by previous players who have first-hand experience in dealing with the casino. Therefore, you can gain some great insights into the way the casino treats its customers—without having to bear the brunt of any bad experiences.

It is also a great idea to read any reviews of the online casino you’re considering joining. Online casino reviews usually do a thorough job of digging deep into the site to identify any shortcomings. These can help you avoid any pitfalls you may otherwise experience.

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What You Should Expect from Minimum Deposit Casino

February 3, 2022

There are many ways to play at online casinos. You can play for free through no deposit casino bonus, promotional offers, or even in demo mode, sometimes referred to as free play. Other players prefer to play an online casino no deposit bonus free spins, and to hit the jackpot; in other ones, you are supposed to be playing for real money and, of course, also make a deposit.

Deposit Limits at Minimum Deposit Casinos

What are the limits to expect in a minimum deposit casino? The scene is pretty competitive when it comes to online minimum deposit casinos. As you must have seen from numerous reviews of platforms of this type, there are a large number of sites where you can play with smaller amounts. Often you can even join for $1.

$20 is the maximum that can be requested. Other fees that can be requested as a minimum deposit are $1, $5, or $10.

What are the Biggest Advantages of Online Minimal Deposit Casinos?

But why should you consider playing on an internet portal of this type? Why shouldn’t you rather play for the big cash prizes and spend your money freely? Indeed, some gamblers prefer the high roller lifestyle, which often leads to losses.

An online casino minimum deposit can have many advantages:

Less risk when gambling;
Much fewer losses on a losing streak;
Less pressure or stress;
The ability to focus on enjoying the gaming experience.

As a rule, platforms of this type offer first-class entertainment. Since you are risking smaller amounts like $5 or $10, you don’t have to worry too much about the game’s outcome. Thus, you will be able to enjoy the game. And best of all, you can stay in control of your budget and not lose too much accordingly.

If you enjoy playing instead of worrying about winning all the time, this type of platform is for you. For some, this is the perfect solution. You are free to register however you want, make a few small deposits, and enjoy the experience.

Minimum Deposit Casino Bonus

Regardless of whether you need a minimum deposit to play at an online casino, bonuses and promotions are always a good idea.

Here are some low deposit casino bonuses for you to enjoy at a minimum deposit casino:

The deposit bonuses;
The match deposit bonus for new customers;
Free spins;
Deposit 1 dollar and play with 20 dollars;
Pay 10 dollars, get 50.

If you would like to claim an online casino minimum deposit bonus, you should take the time to study the terms and conditions. There you will find all of the instructions that you will still need. As a rule, you will either be forwarded to the website via a link or have to enter a promo code.

You can use bonuses and promotions only once unless otherwise stated. It’s also worth mentioning that they only apply once per person or IP address. Read the terms and conditions, make sure you don’t waste your money, and apply for your bonus money smartly.

What Games Can Be Played at Minimum Deposit Online Casinos?

If you choose to play low deposit online casinos, you will undoubtedly find a game to suit your taste. Without a wide and varied selection of games, things can quickly get boring. Fortunately, the internet portals at minimum deposit casinos have the best games to offer.

The categories available to choose from are usually as follows:

Video slots / video poker;
Table games;
Live dealer games;
Bingo / Keno.

Video Slots / Video Poker

Video slots and video poker are among the favourites of a multitude of gamblers. The colourful layout, the simple gameplay, and the engaging themes leave no one indifferent. Most platforms, whether we’re talking about online casinos with or without a minimum deposit, offer everything from traditional 3-reel machines to 5-reel slot machines and progressive jackpot machines.

Table Games

Along with slots and pokies, table games are an indispensable part of the gaming world. Roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, and craps are very popular. Most of these games are about patience, attention, and a bit of luck. In minimum deposit casinos, the stakes can stay quite low – for example, you can gamble with just $5 or $10.

Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games offer real thrills. They are popular because they make your heart beat faster, your hands get wet, and your mouth dry. In these games, you can interact with living people and watch them deal cards or spin the wheel, and the stakes can also be kept low – in minimum deposit casinos, for example, just $5 or $10 are enough.

Bingo / Keno

Bingo and Keno are perfect for gambling in minimum deposit casinos. You don’t have to spend a lot here to find it. And with a bit of luck, you can bag a nice price.

Minimum Deposit Casino Payments

The best internet portals for players provide an attractive selection of banking options. Regardless of the sum of the amount, you should be able to top up your account effortlessly and withdraw costs from the account just as easily. Therefore, the platform should offer several banking options to choose from.

Visa
MasterCard
Bitcoin
Litecoin
Ethereum
Skrill
Neteller
EcoPayz
SticPay
Neosurf
AstroPay Card
Trustly
Rapid Transfer
eZeeWallet
Paysafecard

Deposits

When playing on a portal with low deposit limits, payment methods are extremely important. Sure, you top up by placing a small deposit, but you still want to do it quickly and easily.

The most common methods provided are:

Visa debit card
Visa credit card
MasterCard
Skrill
Neteller
PaySafeCard
PayPal
Bank Transfer

Visa is one of the best options for smaller amounts of money. There are no fees at all, so you can deposit as much as you want. The other payment options are also perfectly acceptable. Usually, they are not associated with any fees. It would be annoying to pay an extra 5% for a $10 deposit.

Payouts

When playing on a platform with low withdrawal limits, means of payment are also of great importance. You should be able to withdraw your costs from the account regardless of the amount of money.

The funds made available for withdrawals are the same as those made available for deposits. But before you decide on one, you should find out about the fees and the other details.

Licenses and Certifications

To trust a minimum deposit mobile casino, you should learn something about their licenses. The games libraries that can be described as trustworthy are regulated. This, in turn, means that these casinos obey certain rules. They are regularly checked and audited.

Some of the reputable regulators in the world of gambling include:

UK Gambling Commission
Curacao Gaming Control Board
Malta Gaming Authority
Kahnawake Gaming Commission

Also, check to see if the minimum deposit casino has any certifications in the areas of transactions and security. This is a great way to tell if your financial and personal information is being encrypted well.

Conclusion

Having the freedom to deposit and play at a minimum deposit casino is a good thing and one of the greatest advantages of online casinos. You can even find providers where you can deposit $1 and receive $15. That’s a whopping 1500% bonus. I recommend such casinos, especially for beginners, to get their first experience of playing with real money. Since large and well-known online casinos also offer deposits from 1 dollar, you can even play at the top casinos.

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Why Conducting a Software Audit is Important to Your Business

February 3, 2022

Audits are one of those uncomfortable necessities in business, so it’s better to get accustomed to the process sooner than later.

A good analogy would be setting an appointment for a cleaning at the dentist. We know we have to do it, we dread it, but when the time finally comes, we simply get it over with and we’re happy it’s over. Plus, the experience is short and never that bad!

That’s exactly how we need to treat business audits of all kinds – especially a software audit. Software moves so fast, with huge implications for all aspects of business, so managing everything from SaaS subscriptions to large enterprise systems is key.

Here is why conducting a software audit is so important to your business, and some practical tips for how to make your next audit be smooth and successful.

Compliance and Legal Protection

We love all the things that software can do for our business, but if mismanaged, it can lead us to legal trouble. This brings us to rule no. 1 of software – don’t get in trouble!

“The audit mechanism is a way of coming to say, ‘Are you actually adhering to what we’ve set out in the terms and conditions?’” said Martin Thompson, Owner and Founder of IT Asset Management Review. “It’s a bit like a ticket inspector, walking down the train, and inspecting that you’ve got the correct ticket, yes, you might have bought a ticket, but are you on the right fare, or using the right sort of ticket, etc. Or it’s a bit like a house inspection, if you’re renting a house, they rented your house on certain conditions, and they pop around to make sure you’re looking after the property.”

Audits might seem unnecessary to you as you’re conducting daily activities, but remember that these software assets are the lifeblood of the companies that create and license them.

“We often don’t read the fine print when we install new software on our personal computers and smartphones, but the stakes are a bit higher in business,” said Jared Hines, CEO of Acre Gold. “Software audits are important because they teach us that the fine print actually matters. It puts positive pressure on us to make more informed decisions and not just blindly click through the agreements set out for us. And overall, an audit saves us from major legal issues that just aren’t worth fighting most of the time.”

Maximizing Efficiency and Expenses

It’s not just legal concerns that should convince you to take software audits more seriously. Saving time, money, and improving your business are more reasons to audit early and often.

“You can get some big breakthroughs and revelations about your business from a simple software audit, even if it’s just calculating the value versus cost of these assets,” said Jason Boehle, CEO of QuaGrowth. “Maybe you’ll discover that certain programs aren’t operating at peak capacity, or you need to reconsider your software strategy altogether. Without an audit, these discoveries may never come to light.”

It should come as no surprise that many companies underutilize their software licenses, which can be a reminder to make the most of these investments.

“We tend to buy software for one particular feature or use case, but forget about the many other things it can do,” said Jason Wong, CEO of Building Blocks. “Audits remind us to use the full range of features and let nothing go to waste. This can end up benefiting your business in new ways, or help you make smarter purchases moving forward.”

In an era of constant digital transformation, a well-timed audit can also teach us that “less is more” when it comes to software for business.

“One common outcome of a software audit is simply canceling a SaaS subscription or ditching an enterprise software suite that doesn’t appear to be worth the cost and effort,” said Chris Bridges, CEO of VITAL Card. “When you run the numbers and see how much of a time sink these programs can be, you realize it can’t be justified. It’s easy to get stuck in our ways when it comes to software, so an audit is a perfect mechanism to zoom out, weigh the pros and cons of these tools, and determine whether they should be kept or abandoned.”

Minimizing Risk and Security Threats

In case you need another reason to perform regular software audits, just consider the cybersecurity risks you face by neglecting this important practice.

“Enterprise software is different from consumer tech in terms of security, and companies are often tasked with keeping these systems secure and updated,” said Kashish Gupta, Founder and CEO of Hightouch. “It’s not as simple as pressing a software update on your phone or changing a password. Only with a software audit can you assess the security threats that you face in the IT environment, how to mitigate those risks, and prevent a worst-case scenario.”

It’s not just external threats that must be accounted for with an audit. Factors like human error within your own ranks (employees and team members) need to be addressed as well.

“Nobody is infallible, even those who have a natural aptitude for technology and are given the best training,” said Amaury Kosman, CEO of Circular Ring. “When you audit all the software in your company, you’re also reminding people of best practices and setting the bar higher for how they approach security and compliance generally. This is always a good idea, especially as people start working from home more and become less careful about these policies. A software audit keeps the pressure on everyone to stay smart and safe no matter where they are.”

We don’t need to look far to see the potential consequences of weakened security systems. Don’t let preventable mistakes happen to you.

“Data breaches are still common, and they can quickly destroy a company’s reputation,” said Heather Pulier, CEO of Outset Financial. “You can protect yourself by performing internal audits and bringing in other teams to help you. If the answer isn’t clear, look for assistance. Software creators know their tools best, so they can guide you in the right direction for performance and security.”

Aligning Key Business Goals

So much can be revealed when conducting a software audit, so let this be a way to illuminate new objectives and bring various teams within your business onto the same page.

“It’s possible that a software audit leads you to discover some major disconnects between departments, or redundancies that need to be eliminated,” said Rob Bartlett, CEO of WTFast. “Sometimes these realizations require the input of a third-party team, or just looking at things from a different perspective. That’s why you should never shy away from software audits, even if they seem inconvenient at the time. There are silver linings to be found if you are observant and look for opportunities.”

Instead of viewing a software audit as a painful process that doesn’t make a difference, see it as a major potential catalyst for change around the corner.

“Many companies start a software audit for basic security or compliance reasons, then find out later that there are some deeper, underlying issues related to how the business uses software in general,” said Eric Gist, CEO of Awesome OS. “Audits can also help you clean up your habits in terms of record-keeping and documentation, which is an important part of growing as a business. There’s always something to learn from an audit, even if it doesn’t appear immediately before your eyes.”

Setting High Standards and Best Practices

The old expression says, “how you do one thing is how you do everything”. This applies to software audits and their impact on the rest of your business.

“You will quickly see the ripple effect that a software audit has throughout your organization,” said Dan Bladen, Co-Founder and CEO of Kadence. “You will start calculating the costs and benefits of software more acutely. You don’t let things slide anymore. Everything is accounted for and you aren’t taking unnecessary risks. It’s a sign of evolution.”

Finally, remember to reflect on every audit instead of just burying it in the archives. This is how you maintain those high standards moving forward and make the next audit even easier.

“Think about what you’ve learned during this audit experience,” said Vida Sirmeniene, Product Manager at Ivanti. “Use this as an opportunity to be even better prepared for the inevitable next time. Update your IT policies and software asset management strategy. Apply the same knowledge for other vendor license management and resources within your business. Maintain documentation of all the data provided and audit outcomes. What you gather from a software audit can help you improve business practices across the board.”

We get it – software audits can be a bit like pulling teeth. But once you recognize the many benefits of a software audit, you’ll be eager to jump into the next one, making the most of this technology for your business.

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5 Bad Business Habits You Should Quit Right Now!

February 2, 2022

Bad business habits can be the death of a company, especially one that just took off the ground. Many startups fail because of owners and managers making terrible choices. Professionals took shortcuts because they did not know any better, either because they were new or tasked with doing everything themselves. Smarter decision-making comes with time, experience, and knowledge. Still, it’s best to ditch certain practices that could land you in trouble early on. So, if you want to ensure your business thrives, we’ve listed a few things you should NOT do!

1. Micromanaging

You simply can’t micromanage because you can’t be involved in every detail of your business. And trying to do so will only make you crazy! If you don’t trust your employees to handle their job, they will notice and won’t like it. They may become stressed or resentful or stop taking the initiative because they feel you don’t trust them enough.

As a business owner, you must learn to draw the lines. It is essential to delegate responsibility and hold employees accountable for their work. That’s how different teams work together to achieve business objectives. So you must know when to manage and when to lead in business to reduce your chances of failure. Assign tasks to different teams, and manage teams collectively instead of managing each person in each group.

2. Defaming competitors

Most businesses experience competition, and marketing strategies sometimes require putting down the competition to draw attention to you. While this may seem like an effective strategy, it is not in your best interest to defame your competition intentionally and falsely. Business owners with bad ethics will always find a way to badmouth their competitors. It was common in the past, but it has been made easier now because of the boom in technology.

Instead of defaming your rivals and facing litigation, focus on your business’s USP. Healthy and humorous competitive positioning helps to stir some buzz. But it is equally essential to tell potential customers why you’re better and not why your competition isn’t.

3. Blame others

Business owners and managers often resort to playing the blame game when a project goes south. This is terrible! It is easy to point the finger at others and save your reputation. But you need to take some ownership of the things you do wrong. It will help you understand why something went wrong and how you can prevent those same mistakes from happening again.

Trying to blame others for your mistakes is not only a bad habit, but it also gives off a wrong impression of who you are and what your business is about. When you make excuses for things that are not working out, you come across as someone who does not know how to be accountable and responsible for their actions. You also appear very weak-minded when you try to pass the responsibility on someone else when something goes wrong. If you are willing to accept responsibility for your own mistakes and take steps to correct them, you will emerge as a better leader. It will help avoid making costly business-related mistakes in the future.

4. Poor marketing

Bad marketing will hurt your business in the long run. Suppose you fail to tell potential customers how your business idea improves their lives. In that case, they may never be willing to invest their money in your vision. Poor marketing can run your business dry of money, and you’ll have to close shop if there’s no return on your investment. So, it is essential to market your business the proper way. Know your target audience, understand what they need, and tailor your offerings to this information.

Also, explore your options when marketing your business. This will help you optimize your content and channels to generate more leads and conversions. In today’s age, going digital seems like the obvious choice. But should you invest in PPC, social media, or provide an omnichannel experience? That’s the tricky question answer, which brings us to our next bad habit.

5. Trying out all platforms and tools

We’re not saying curiosity is terrible or that you shouldn’t explore all your options. But how about a little bit of focus? Why? If you try out every new platform or tool under the sun, you may end up spreading your resources too thin and gain no substantial benefits. You have no chance of becoming good at anything by being average at many things. If you constantly experiment with platforms and tools without knowing why, you will waste valuable time figuring out what’s worth your bucks.

Conclusion

While sticking to these habits might provide some short-term gains, they ultimately lead to counterproductive behavior along the road to success. What’s more, many of them are difficult to correct, yet the effort is worth it. Take inventory of your bad business habits and see if you can make a change for the better. It may not be easy at first, but you will soon learn that this practice helps you identify shortcomings and grow as a business person.

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Be Very Careful About When and How to Pursue a Vertically Integrated Strategy

February 2, 2022

By Howard Yu

The surging market capitalization of Tesla, Nio, and BYD demonstrates the reward of vertical integration—when it’s needed. But be careful. Its misapplication can be equally costly. Intel’s woes tell us all.

To prepare for a future is to learn new skills. No industry illustrates such dynamics better than the automotive one. In the global auto industry, executives scramble to buy enough semiconductors. It’s the biggest bottleneck in production. Production lines are stopped because of the lack of input components. Sorting out that supply chain is now seen as strategically important as finding the next CEO. The procurement of chipsets is dominating the discussion from the boardroom to the factory floor.

Except for Tesla. Elon Musk boasted that the company’s vehicle production had increased by an average of 71 percent a year over the past half-decade. That didn’t happen because Tesla stockpiled chipsets. That’s not how it prepares. But Tesla was able to “substitute alternative chips, and then write the firmware in a matter of weeks.” Musk explained, “It’s not just a matter of swapping out a chip; you also have to rewrite the software.” Tesla’s deep expertise in software and electronics translated into flexibility in production. That, in turn, helped the company deliver a record 241,300 vehicles in the third quarter. Net profit soared 389 percent from the previous year, reaching $1.6 billion, its highest ever.

In other words, a car is already supercomputer on wheels. Mechanical engineering belongs to the past. What other automakers must master is knowledge of software, electronics, and electric drivetrains.

So, who is the next Tesla?

To Be Future Ready Is to Build Cars Differently

At IMD’s Center For Future Readiness, we rank publicly listed companies based on their preparedness for what is to come. We do so by taking a set of rule-based, objective measurements. We calculate a composite score for each player and then compare it to the industry average.

The ranking relies on hard data. It includes financial reporting, investors’ calls, LinkedIn profiles of the management team, CrunchBase, Factiva, and other publicly available information. We call this ranking the Future Readiness Indicator. (You can check out other indicators for banking and fashion here.)

Two Chinese EV-only automakers, BYD and Nio, share similar origins. They are also battery-first and electronics-heavy. And yet, Nio did not even appear on our list until 2019, and BYD ranked 18th as recently as 2016. Like Tesla, these are young brands. Most car brands are century old. And like Tesla, NIO and BYD have pursued a vertically integrated strategy. It’s a specific type of integration very different from those of traditional automakers.

At Palo Alto headquarters, visitors can observe the myriad manufacturing activities that Tesla carries out in-house. Those are operations that traditional carmakers tend to outsource.

Tesla seeks to master battery chemistry. Its Gigafactories in Shanghai and Nevada are producing batteries at previously unseen volumes. By solving hard problems internally, Tesla delivers a new type of consumer experience. And this directive is also reflected in how a passenger car is architected.

Tesla has radically redesigned the electronic architecture under the hood to reduce its complexity. The company splits the overall architecture into four controlled domains. There’s the autopilot. Then the central information display and the instrument cluster. And last, the drivetrain and the energy storage.

Configured in this way, the architecture optimizes always-on connectivity. It allows for over-the-air software updates that mimic the way you get pushed anti-virus updates. This means new firmware in the car can get fixed without the driver heading down to a repair shop.

It’s a kind of product architecture that’s geared for data collection. It enables algorithm testing. And it facilitates interaction between a Tesla and city infrastructure. All the while, it makes rooms for future features to be developed.

In contrast, at most traditional carmakers, the electronic architecture reflects their past experience. It’s a design that fits the setup among different suppliers. The five historic domains are the power train and chassis, driver assistance systems and safety, infotainment, climate and comfort, and connectivity. It’s hard to update them. Too many features are “hardwired” into the physical parts.

Now we can see that Tesla does not only have an advantage at the product level. Another advantage is its production flexibility, which comes from its unique integration of firm activities.

BYD is another car company with an integrated supply chain. BYD feeds itself not only with batteries, but also with semiconductors. And it’s smart enough to follow the playbook of TSMC—the world’s biggest semiconductor manufacturer. BYD doesn’t just compete against other carmakers; it also supplies critical components to FAW and Toyota. At the time of writing, BYD is spinning off its semiconductor operations to raise additional capital. Those are a crown jewel that it wants to scale, and the reason BYD said it “fared better than its peers when facing chip shortages this year.”

Here’s When You Should Not Integrate Vertically

What the semiconductor shortage has triggered is the desire for government to make its own manufacturing capacity independent of foreign supplies. The White House is looking to Intel for a solution. Intel, in turn, has vowed to spend $20 billion on a new factory in Arizona that will come online by 2024.

But here’s the hard truth: Intel, the last American tech company that knows how to fabricate advanced chipsets, is not its former self.

Below is our latest ranking of the technology sector.

Intel didn’t rank well. It’s hard to imagine Intel alone can turn the tide. It’s too much to ask from one company.

Now, you may be curious how other US chipmakers are doing. Aren’t AMD, Nvidia, and QUALCOMM prime examples of innovation powerhouses? Haven’t they led the latest hardware advancement in areas like A.I., mobile, or video gaming?

The answer is a resounding yes. But they’ve done so by shedding the manufacturing aspect. They all rely heavily on Taiwan’s TSMC to manufacture their leading-edge products. And because they are factory-less, or fab-less, they don’t inherit any sunk costs. They are asset-light compared to Intel. And so they can afford to be “agile.”

The fundamental issue is this: Semiconductor production has a very defined roadmap. The entire industry is driven by an engineering determination to to double the number of transistors about every two years. It does so by shrinking the size of a microprocessor. For over five decades, the industry has delivered on its promise without missing a beat. This pace has been immortalized under the name of Moore’s law—named after Intel’s co-founder, Gordon Moore. Without Moore’s law, there would be no Google, no Facebook, no Uber, and no Amazon. All of Silicon Valley would just be like Napa Valley.

But Moore’s law is also Intel’s biggest problem.

The clarity of the industry also means companies emerge to “specialize” in the value chain. TSMC and Samsung specialize in manufacturing. AMD and Nvidia focus on chipset design. Then you have companies that package and test chipsets for others.

The value chain, once highly integrated, has fragmented so that specialized players can concentrate innovations in their own chosen areas. Everyone innovates in parallel. This is how Apple can concentrate on designing the most cutting-edge chipset for its MacBook, for example. The company doesn’t need to worry about fabricating it. It doesn’t even touch assembly of any laptop.

The truth is, no one can be good at everything once the industry matures. Once a product architecture is developed, smart companies take only a slice of it. So that they can drive innovation at the component level to the next level. Trade happens for good reason.

The problem with Intel is that it is the only player that doesn’t play this game. It designs CPUs for personal computers. It manufactures them. It packages and sells them to HP and Lenovo. It even runs its own advertisements. Intel does the sort of vertical integration that worked wonders in the past. Like self-driving electric vehicles today, CPUs were still developing back in the 90s and early 2000s. But today, the product architecture of a chipset is mature. The source of innovation is specialization, not integration.

That’s how AMD, Nvidia, and TSMC are in full rage. Nvidia has moved on from only deploying its graphic processors in the gaming sector. It’s now leading in designing chipsets for A.I. applications. Qualcomm has become the undisputed leader in mobile. AMD used to be an underdog that was on the brink of bankruptcy in 2014. It is now providing the industry with the most powerful gaming processors.

Vertical integration has caused Intel to get stuck with making CPUs for personal computers.

And so if the US wants to have its own supply of semiconductors, it should not push Intel to build more fabs. Rather, it should get TSMC or Samsung to put new factories on the US soil.

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About the Author

Howard Yu is the LEGO chair professor of management and innovation at IMD business school in Switzerland. He’s also the director for IMD’s Center of Future Readiness, and the author of the award-winning bestseller, LEAP: How to Thrive In a World Where Everything Can be Copied. At the Center, Jialu Chan is the Research Fellow, Angelo Boutalikakis is the Research Associate, Lawrence Tempel is the Research Assistant, and Zuriati Balian is the Data Science Intern.

Dov Katz and 2130 Labs are Here to Help You!

February 2, 2022

Who is Dov Katz and what does he do?

Dov Katz has a doctorate in Artificial intelligence and Robotics from the UMass Amherst and Carnegie Mellon University.

Dov currently lives in Ramat Hasharon in Israel. He is married and has 3 children and expecting another one. He works in Israel with a start-up company that he leads in the field of herbal medicine/medical equipment. Professionally, he has great experience and knowledge to lead technological teams and companies in the fields of AI, robotics, and computer vision. Dov Katz focuses on the big picture and has the technical capability to descend to the last detail. He enjoys developing teams and helps people to realize their true potential and grow professionally.

What is 2130 Labs and what solutions does it offer to the everyday life of the individual?

2130 Labs focuses to build medical equipment to work with natural extracts. We are in the progress of building a device that appears like an inkjet printer. This device can combine a collection of units of organic materials to deliver customized treatment for every individual. After every use, the device receives the feedback and according to the feedback, our AI adapts the treatment for the next time so that ultimately there is an accurate match for every individual. The device is very similar to Spotify in music, even though it is for the field of mental wellness. We wish to assist people with this device who are suffering from anxiety, overweight, depression, sleep problems, concentration, energy, etc.

Dov Katz has created 2130 Labs with the single vision in mind. Although the organic medicine market is a multibillion-dollar market per year and it acts with good intentions, the application of science and technology is very little. So, our goal is to make the change by focusing on those missing elements, where we use the science and technology and combine them both, by creating a hardware/robot with AI that looks like an inkjet printer, that uses accurate and exact measurements and creates customized solutions to each individual that suffers from the problems we had mentioned above.

Dov Katz what is your goal with 2130 Labs?

Our goal at 2130 Labs is to help people who are suffering from anxiety, sleep problems, depression, overweight, energy, concentration, etc. by using natural medicine, together with scientifical studies and AI that helps create specific solutions for each individual without the use and side effects as well as harm of traditional medicine.

For more information on Dov Katz and his work, please click here to read about his professional background or resume

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6 Advantages of Applying for a Poor Credit Loan Online

February 2, 2022

Oftentimes, individuals who have poor credit history are not able to benefit from bank loans. However, this shouldn’t stop you because other companies focus on poor credit loans which can help you get hold of the money you need. If you also have a bad credit score but want to have a large amount of money in hand, read on.

Loans for low credit scores are readily available online if only proper application is done. Despite having a poor credit profile being blacklisted or even being declared bankrupts don’t matter because these companies are open for everyone regardless of their present status. Here are some advantages when taking out a loan with companies that cater to people with prior financial problems:

Flexibility in Payment Terms

Unlike borrowing through credit cards where you have to pay the money within only a few months, some lenders give more leeway when it comes to repaying your loan. For individuals who are applying for unsecured loans, there is no need to worry about the repayment because most of them will let you choose how often you want to make your payments. You can either pay in full on an agreed date so you don’t have to deal with any kind of late fees or penalties or opt for installments until the entire amount has been covered. Also, when you choose an online lender, you can easily modify the terms of your loan when you need something different.

Fast Approval Time

Online loans for individuals with poor credit history can be easily obtained if you have a stable income and have an active checking account. As long as your request is done online, it will get processed earlier than expected, usually in the next day or two since you will already be able to get your cash within 24 hours after approval. The majority of the same day loans also have a same-day cash advance where you can access the money as soon as possible. This is particularly helpful if you’re having problems with your bills that you need to pay ASAP or other financial emergencies.

No Collateral Required

Most loans are given with the collateral of property or any other valuable asset that can be easily converted into cash. This can be a hassle for people with bad credit because they don’t have any kind of available collateral. Fortunately, this problem is no longer an issue when applying for loans specifically designed for individuals with bad credit profiles. Other than not having to provide something valuable in return, lenders are also more open to giving these types of loans even without being employed. This means that borrowers can easily have a low credit score because of unemployment, medical emergencies, and other financial troubles or barriers.

Less Documentation Needed

When dealing with a bank, not having a credit score can be a problem. Because of this, even if you have applied for a loan and were approved you need to fulfill some requirements first before getting your cash – like providing proof of employment or income – then the whole process will take longer. With online loans for individuals with bad credit history, most lenders don’t require any kind of documentation. Everything is done through the internet so it’s extremely convenient for those who want to get approval fast. Additionally, there are no complicated forms to fill out as well as additional documents that you need to attach.

Great Customer Service

Those who have had problems with banks, loan companies, and other financial institutions, know that online lenders usually provide better customer service than what is offered by traditional brick and mortar companies. You can easily reach a representative by phone any time of the day so you won’t suddenly deal with unavailable customer support staff when you need help most – during an emergency or time of financial crisis. This means that bad credit borrowers will not be neglected and left hanging when they want their money ASAP.

Improve Your Credit Score

One of the most effective ways in improving your credit score is by paying for bills on time each month. If you successfully pay back your loan on time, this will reflect positively on your credit history and eventually get your score up higher than before which means that it will be easier for you to apply for future loans with better repayment terms. With online loans specifically designed for people who have bad credit, even if some lenders ask for collateral or requirement documents, approval chances are still high because they see the borrower’s financial records through their websites themselves. This way, borrowers can immediately improve their credit history and gain back their trustworthiness.

As you can see, bad credit loans are a great help for those who need money quickly and only have poor credit to offer. By applying for this type of loan, even your credit score will be improved because of timely repayment. So if you need fast cash and none of the banks that you’ve applied to before can approve your loan, make sure you do your research and find online lenders who provide this type of financial help. It will greatly help you get your finances back on track and make things a lot easier when it comes to seeking financial support in the future.

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Dennis Lynch, Jr. (Marshall) Believes in Setting Trends When Picking Top Stocks

February 2, 2022

Investing in stocks is heavily influenced by market hype with many fund managers chasing trends to find the top stocks. Dennis Lynch, Jr. (Marshall) believes in setting trends, not following trends, to reap the best dividends from investing in stocks. Dennis continues to be a trend-setter on Wall Street by investing in non-traditional and disruptive stocks. According to the Wall Street Journal, he is considered one of the best stock-choosers in the U.S. Rather than going with popular brands, such as investing in Tesla, Dennis prefers to invest in innovative companies and technology such as Zoom and cryptocurrency.

About Dennis Lynch, Jr. (Marshall)

Dennis Lynch, Jr., who also goes by the name Marshall Lynch, has almost three decades of experience in the financial investment industry. He currently works as the Head of Counterpoint Global for Morgan Stanley. He has been with the company for over 20 years.

Raised in Rumson, New Jersey, Lynch earned a bachelor’s degree in government from Hamilton College and completed his MBA at Columbia Business School.

Dennis has an AA rating from Citywire and was chosen as the Wall Street Journal Winners’ Circle for 2020 for his investment choices. He oversees $130 billion in assets. His unconventional approach of investing in disruptive stocks has yielded a 142%-150% return on his funds in 2020 alone. Dennis has received several awards and recognition for outstanding work in the industry, including being named Fund Manager of The Year by Morningstar.

Dennis Lynch Investment Strategy

Dennis Lynch does not believe in investing in only one industry. He has invested in healthcare, digital, and technology. He is not interested in trends and hype behind big names. According to Lynch, his current investment strategy is based on three ingredients:

Crypto is future-proofing: The uncertainty of the U.S. dollar has many people looking at alternative currencies. Dennis is particularly interested in investing in cryptocurrency: he believes that is the next frontier for the industry and is here to stay. While several fund managers dismiss cryptocurrency as a fad, Dennis believes in the long-term prospects of the blockchain, especially Bitcoin, to continue delivering promising returns. Although Dennis has not put all his money into crypto, he has added crypto investments to his portfolio.
The remote work boom: It is not surprising to witness the remote work boom as a result of the COVID pandemic. Dennis invested in Zoom in 2019, the perfect time to get in, right before a pandemic led to millions relying on this platform for their remote work a year later. Dennis had predicted the rise of Zoom but the pandemic expedited the rise. Dennis expects Zoom to continue performing well and evolve into a multi-site solution.
Tesla is too good to be true: Although Dennis owned Tesla stock in the early days and made a decent return selling his shares, he doesn’t believe in the long-term potential of the company. According to Dennis, the EV (Electric Vehicle) market has too many unknowns and Tesla requires too much capital. Dennis is a fan of the innovation of Elon Musk but believes he is a wild card. He also believes that there is no clear market leader in the EVs segment, with Tesla competing against auto-makers with longer track records.

Choosing Stocks for 2022 and Beyond

Dennis recommends creating your path for investment in stocks. He expects long-term holdings, persistent trends, and pandemic market investments are going to continue to be the top picks for the future.

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Which Betting Sites Accept PayPal

February 2, 2022

In this write-up I will see some main good sites that accept PayPal as a transaction system. So basically, PayPal is a particular type of transaction system and operates many online payment systems in different countries with outstanding efficiency.

PayPal started in 1998 and is considered excellent for sending and receiving money. Some websites don’t support PayPal, but on the other hand, https://cad.casino/ help you in online transactions. Moreover, there are many casinos and sportsbooks that accept PayPal. Let’s move forward, and see which sites can help you if you want to pay with confidence while using PayPal for your E- Sports. So here are some sites that accept PayPal.

1. FanDuel Sportsbook

Strong offers across multiple markets and bet types
Low bet requirements
Availability of contest books in 22 states

FanDuel is a solid unified brand founded in the United States that accepts PayPal and makes transactions very easy. FanDuel shifted most of its focus to sports betting in 2018 after legalizing sports betting across the country also is one of the best sportsbooks that accept PayPal. FanDuel launched the online racing book in late 2019 and will initially be broadcast in two countries.

Professional
Strong offers across multiple markets and bet types
Low bet requirements
Availability of contest books in 22 state
Trusted Brand

2. Bet365

Bet on all the top E-sports
Super easy site navigation
E-sports betting available.

Big guns have just started following modern gambling, which means we’re seeing better E-sports offerings on these big sites than ever before. What are you waiting for? Dive in — or head straight to Bet365 for a very generous welcome bonus!

The best opportunities for E-sports tournaments are almost always available
Good website, easy to use even for beginners who are not familiar with online gambling
Fully licensed and regulated betting
There is no particular focus on E-sports, although major games and markets are covered

3. 888.com

Enjoyable user experience for beginners
Maybe better — but we won’t be disappointed
Quality customer service
New bonus offers for customers
The best NFL market available worldwide
Quality customer service

After checking all the information about 888, as we do with all our betting reviews, we can give you some good stuff. Whether you’re looking for a free bet bonus or a free signup bonus at 888 Casino, we’ve got you covered.

4. MansionBet

Part of the award-winning betting giant Mansion Group
Hundreds of markets, including American football and sports
New offers for customer deposits and free bets
Partial withdrawals and withdrawals are possible
You bet with an established betting brand
Great starting bonus to get you working
Playing in MansionBet Champions League Cup

How to Receive the Mansion Bet Welcome Bonus

MansionBet offers very generous exclusive offers when you register your account via Paypal. When you make your first deposit of £10, you can receive £20 in free bets.

Look at that,

There’s also something called the MansionBet Champions League Cup, and it’s always nice to see the operators work hands-on with something unique that doesn’t happen every day. It’s all about creating the best bet to win a share of £20,000 cash available regularly. You have to place your bet of £1 or more in a Champions League group match, and if he wins, you will be set on the table. It’s about asking for one bet that offers higher odds than another for a given week or month to win a portion of the pot.

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A Brief Glossary of Real Estate Terms

February 2, 2022

Real estate is a lucrative industry. Whether you’re an investor or a homeowner looking to create additional opportunities by leveraging your home’s equity, there are a variety of unique and highly potent opportunities in the real estate marketplace. But for anyone thinking of taking advantage of the capital gains that real estate can facilitate, there is some essential learning to be done before any new profits can be reaped.

With this short glossary of essential real estate terms, you can jumpstart this learning process and cut to the profits faster than ever before. Read on to soak up the knowledge that you simply must have in order to capitalize on the real estate market with ease and speed.

Home Warranties

A home warranty is a great addition to any home. With the help of the best home warranty in Arizona, Nevada, or California, homeowners in Scottsdale, Tempe, Sacramento, or Las Vegas can live with additional peace of mind knowing that their protection plan will cover any sudden emergencies that the home may present. With optional add-ons like roof leak coverage, you can be sure that your major home systems will remain in good working order without any additional cost to you for repairs or service calls from a technician. Home warranty plans offer a service contract to homeowners as well as emergency coverage for a variety of different issues that can affect the home. By selecting a coverage option that best suits your family’s needs, you can expand the payments out over the course of the year into monthly payments while enjoying the routine maintenance and protection that your home requires.

Mortgage Loans

A mortgage loan comes in two primary varieties. Homeowners can take advantage of either a fixed-rate loan or a variable rate. Each offers its own unique benefits, depending on your outlook on the near future of the market. A new buyer will want to lock in a fixed rate if they think the federal interest rate is at a trough and expect it to rise in the coming years. Alternatively, a variable rate is a great option for those who believe the volatility of the market will drive interest rates down in the coming years. Naturally, when selecting a rate class, it’s crucial to do your research on the market trends and your local real estate space in order to make the appropriate decision for the financial climate and physical location that you are buying in.

REITs

A Real Estate Investment Trust, or REIT, is a great alternative to the traditional property market. Investors who want to take advantage of the real estate space but don’t have the requisite down payment capital or a great credit score that will net them a favorable interest rate might consider the ongoing REITs vs real estate debate. REITs trade within the stock market and operate in a similar manner to index funds and ETFs. But unlike these commodities, the basket of assets that a REIT will hold is made up of real properties all around the United States or the world—rather than an agglomeration of company stock.

REITs are federally mandated to invest in certain types of assets, and they must pay out 90 percent of their earnings as dividends to shareholders. This means that a REIT fund can act as a fantastic dividend generator in the same way that an investment property used as a rental income creator will. However, with the addition of these funds, you won’t have to actively manage your portfolio of assets. This can provide a unique addition and a fantastic opportunity for growth over the long term without the added stress of becoming a landlord.

With these terms firmly in the back of your mind, it’s time to get started in the real estate space.

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