DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11...

14
Announcement DC5m United States software in english 11 articles, created at 2016-11-29 12:00 articles set mostly positive rate 7.8 (0.01/1) 1 0.0 Ubuntu 16.04.2 LTS Lands January 19, 2017, with Ubuntu 16.10's Linux 4.8 Kernel The distro is adopting a rolling HWE kernel model 2016-11-29 01:45 2KB news.softpedia.com 2 2.6 AT&T shares DirecTV Now pricing, special offers and more AT&T provided new details regarding upcoming streaming television service DirecTV at a press event in New York City. Here’s everything you need to know about DirecTV Now – and two other streaming products – ahead of the November 30 launch. … 2016-11-29 05:22 3KB www.techspot.com 3 1.7 Intel to provide computing power for Delphi autonomous cars In August, Delphi announced that it had joined with Israeli software maker Mobileye to develop the building blocks for a fully autonomous car in about two years. Delphi makes its own radar and laser sensors and uses Mobileye's cameras and software. It also relies on Ottomatica... 2016-11-29 05:02 3KB www.cnbc.com 4 0.0 HPE demonstrates memory-driven computing prototype HPE has successfully demonstrated that its memory-driven computing prototype works, taking it one step closer to redefining the future of computing architecture. 2016-11-29 04:21 3KB www.zdnet.com 5 2.6 Microsoft releases details on Skype for Business integration with iOS CallKit Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app with the CallKit API on iOS 10. Calls from the app now behave like regular calls and can be answered directly from the lock screen. 2016-11-29 03:06 1KB feedproxy.google.com 6 5.3 Commercial Bank of Dubai to launch digital-only bank Dubai bank will soon launch a digital only bank that will b e mobile phone based 2016-11-29 03:00 2KB www.computerweekly.com 7 1.9 Master & Dynamic’s MW50 on-ear headphones are comfy but costly The MW50 are on-ear headphones that perform like a pair of over-ears. They're nice to look at, comfortable and, at $449, pretty pricey. The headphones are.. 2016-11-29 01:50 2KB feedproxy.google.com

Transcript of DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11...

Page 1: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

AnnouncementDC5m United States software in english 11 articles, created at 2016-11-29 12:00 articles setmostly positive rate 7.8

(0.01/1)

1 0.0 Ubuntu 16.04.2 LTS Lands January 19, 2017, withUbuntu 16.10's Linux 4.8 KernelThe distro is adopting a rolling HWE kernel model 2016-11-29 01:45 2KB

news.softpedia.com

2 2.6 AT&T shares DirecTV Now pricing, special offers andmoreAT&T provided new details regarding upcoming streaming television service DirecTVat a press event in New York City. Here’s everything you need to know about DirecTVNow – and two other streaming products – ahead of the November 30 launch. …2016-11-29 05:22 3KB www.techspot.com

3 1.7 Intel to provide computing power for Delphiautonomous carsIn August, Delphi announced that it had joined with Israeli software maker Mobileye todevelop the building blocks for a fully autonomous car in about two years. Delphimakes its own radar and laser sensors and uses Mobileye's cameras and software. Italso relies on Ottomatica... 2016-11-29 05:02 3KB www.cnbc.com

4 0.0 HPE demonstrates memory-driven computingprototypeHPE has successfully demonstrated that its memory-driven computing prototypeworks, taking it one step closer to redefining the future of computing architecture.2016-11-29 04:21 3KB www.zdnet.com

5 2.6 Microsoft releases details on Skype for Businessintegration with iOS CallKitMicrosoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app with the CallKit API oniOS 10. Calls from the app now behave like regular calls and can be answered directlyfrom the lock screen. 2016-11-29 03:06 1KB feedproxy.google.com

6 5.3 Commercial Bank of Dubai to launch digital-only bankDubai bank will soon launch a digital only bank that will b e mobile phone based2016-11-29 03:00 2KB www.computerweekly.com

7 1.9 Master & Dynamic’s MW50 on-ear headphones arecomfy but costlyThe MW50 are on-ear headphones that perform like a pair of over-ears. They're niceto look at, comfortable and, at $449, pretty pricey. The headphones are..2016-11-29 01:50 2KB feedproxy.google.com

Page 2: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

8 1.0 Google releases 'Featured Photos Screensaver' appfor MacGoogle and photography seem to go hand in hand. The company's new Pixel and PixelXL smartphones take very high-quality pictures, while its Photos app for Android andiOS is a brilliant way to both store and categorize images in the cloud. Google andphotography... 2016-11-29 01:26 2KB feeds.betanews.com

9 0.5 Amazon is finally cracking down on counterfeitproductsAmazon has been doing some cleaning up lately to provide a safer shoppingexperience to its users. After stepping up its efforts to clamp down on incentivizedreviews, the company is now looking to fight fake products from appearing on…2016-11-29 01:15 2KB www.techspot.com

10 6.7 ESET releases Crysis ransomware decryptor toolESET security researchers have created and released a free decryption tool to helpcombat Crysis ransomware. 2016-11-29 00:15 1KB www.pcauthority.com.au

11 3.2 How to estimate a company’s health without reallytryingWithin the past few months, NetSuite, Marketo, LinkedIn, FleetMatics and LogMeInhave each been acquired or merged for a combined value of more than $50..2016-11-29 00:00 5KB feedproxy.google.com

Page 3: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

ArticlesDC5m United States software in english 11 articles, created at 2016-11-29 12:00

1 /11 0.0 Ubuntu 16.04.2 LTS Lands January 19, 2017, with

Ubuntu 16.10's Linux 4.8 Kernel (0.01/1)

As you might know, Ubuntu16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus) isa long-term supportedrelease, which means thatit will receive security fixesand software updates forfive years, until April 2021.During this time, the OSusually gets a total of fivepoint releases. Currently,Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and16.04.1 LTS are poweredby the LTS Linux 4.4 kernelbranch.

That's about to change with the release of Ubuntu 16.04.2 LTS, as Canonical plans ondelivering a newer HWE (Hardware Enablement) kernel based on the one used in the Ubuntu16.10 (Yakkety Yak) operating system. In other words, Ubuntu 16.04.2 LTS will be powered byLinux kernel 4.8, and will also adopt a rolling HWE kernel model.

"The biggest change is that we are moving to what we refer to as a 'rolling HWE kernel; model,"said Leann Ogasawara. "Essentially, consumers of an HWE kernel will automatically beupgraded to the next HWE kernel offered in subsequent point releases until reaching the finalHWE Kernel offered in 16.04.5. "

Another change that will happen with next year's release of Ubuntu 16.04.2 LTS is that theUbuntu Server ISO images contain both the GA and the HWE kernels, the former being enabledby default. On the other hand, the Ubuntu Desktop ISOs are shipping only with the HWE kernel.

Those of you who can't wait until January 19 to update their Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus)installations to the 16.04.2 release can now get an early taste of the Linux 4.8 HWE kernelported from Ubuntu 16.10 (Yakkety Yak) by running the following command in the Terminal appafter enabling the "Proposed" channel in the Software Sources utility.

Ubuntu 17.04 Slated forRelease on April 13, 2017,Final Beta Lands March 23

news.softpedia.com

Page 4: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

2016-11-29 01:45 Marius Nestor news.softpedia.com

2 /11 2.6 AT&T shares DirecTV Now pricing, special offers and

moreAT&T provided new detailsregarding upcomingstreaming televisionservice DirecTV at a pressevent in New York City.Here’s everything you needto know about DirecTVNow – and two otherstreaming products –ahead of the November 30launch.

DirecTV Now programmingpackages are as follows:

AT&T notes that HBO and Cinemax can be added to any base programming package for anadditional $5 per months. It’s also worth mentioning that early adopters who sign up for the GoBig package can get it for $35 per month and retain the rate as long as they keep the plan(subject only to “reasonable” programming price increases, we’re told).

At launch, DirecTV Now will be supported on a number of devices including Amazon Fire TVand Fire TV Stick, Android mobile devices, iOS mobile devices and Apple TV, Chromecast,Google Cast-enabled LeEco TVs, Vizio SmartCast Displays and via Internet Explorer, Chromeand Safari web browsers on your computer. Support for other devices such as Roku streamingplayers, Roku TV models, Amazon Fire tablets and Samsung Smart TVs will come in 2017,we’re told.

Fullscreen, the social- and mobile-first streaming service with more than 1,500 hours of contentthat launched earlier this year, can now be enjoyed by select AT&T Mobility customers free ofcharge for a full year. Once the free year expires, Fullscreen will command a monthly rate of$5.99. More details on that service can be found on the Fullscreen website.

FreeView, meanwhile, is a highly curated, ad-supported video service that lets anyone enjoyunique and exclusive content absolutely free. Users can access FreeView via the DirecTV Nowapp. Unfortunately, this is all that's known about FreeView as of writing.

AT&T mobile customers will be able to stream video from all three services over the carrier’scellular network without it counting towards their monthly data caps. Each account will supportup to two concurrent streams.

In addition to a 7-day free trial, newcomers can opt to receive a free Amazon Fire TV Stick withAlexa Voice Remote for pre-paying for one month of DirecTV Now service or a free Apple TVwith Siri Remote in exchange for a three-month commitment. The full channel lineup is expectedto go live on Wednesday when DirecTV Now launches. No word yet on whether or not DirecTVNow will allow customers to purchase and view Pay-Per-View events.

Page 5: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

Lead image courtesy Richard Drew, Shutterstock

2016-11-29 05:22 Shawn Knight www.techspot.com

3 /11 1.7 Intel to provide computing power for Delphi

autonomous carsDETROIT (AP) — Autoparts and electronics makerDelphi Corp. has signed adeal with Intel to buy high-powered computerprocessors for Delphi'sfuture autonomous-vehiclesystems.

Delphi says Intel's addedcomputing capacity will beneeded as autonomous-carsystems gather and storemore and more information while expanding their ability to deal with situations on real roads.

In August, Delphi announced that it had joined with Israeli software maker Mobileye to developthe building blocks for a fully autonomous car in about two years.

Intel Corp. will supply Delphi with high-capacity computers needed to process input from radar,cameras and laser sensors as well as maps of roadside landmarks.

Glen De Vos, vice president of Delphi's business-services unit, says the Intel deal gives thecompany everything it needs to develop an autonomous-driving package to sell to automakers.Delphi makes its own radar and laser sensors and uses Mobileye's cameras and software. Italso relies on Ottomatica, a spinoff from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, to developartificial intelligence for autonomous cars.

A fully autonomous car will need far more computing power than Delphi now has in a semi-autonomous driving system that's being rolled out by Audi soon, De Vos said.

Delphi also said it would unveil a system that uses landmark mapping and sensors to take anautonomous car through complex urban and freeway environments. The system was to beshown off in a short drive in Pittsburgh on Tuesday and with a longer drive at the CES gadgetshow in Las Vegas in January.

De Vos said the system will work without costly and data storage-intensive high-definitionmapping that other companies are developing. It relies on the cars gathering measurementsfrom landmarks to make sure the cars are within their driving lanes.

"The more efficient you can be about mapping the better overall from a performance and coststandpoint," De Vos said.

The Intel deal was worked out during the Thanksgiving weekend. Terms were not disclosed. De

Page 6: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

Vos said it will help Delphi and Mobileye get the autonomous system ready for use on realroads sometime in 2019.

The companies already are testing autonomous cars in a Singapore business district and planto bring the technology to the U. S. and Europe for tests starting next year.

2016-11-29 05:02 CNBC www.cnbc.com

4 /11 0.0 HPE demonstrates memory-driven computing prototype

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) hasdemonstrated its memory-drivencomputing architecture The Machine ,bringing its vision for the future ofcomputing closer to fruition.

The idea behind the project, which hasbeen running for five years, is to combinememory-driven computing, photonics, anda new fabric that can together deal withvast amounts of data.

The working components that HPEshowcased included compute nodes thatshare a pool of fast and permanent

memory; photonics-based data links; and the custom-built software required to make it all work.

While it's still at a proof-of-concept stage, HPE sees the demonstration as a major milestone thatwill open "the door to immediate innovation".

Simulations from the design phase suggest that a memory-driven computing system is "multipleorders of magnitude" faster than current computers -- potentially up to 8,000 times faster. Theprototype will require additional nodes and memory to achieve similar results, according to HPE.While the technology can be used to improve the performance of small Internet of Things (IoT)devices, the company said it will focus on high-end computing tasks.

The future HPE envisions is one where computers are able to turn massive amounts of data intosecure, actionable insights in a cost- and energy-efficient manner. For example, computers ofthe future may very well remember everything about our history, inform real-time contextualdecisions, and enable us to predict, prevent, and respond to situations in ways previouslyinconceivable.

HPE intends to commercialise technologies developed within the non-volatile memory, fabric,ecosystem enablement, and security categories by 2018 to 2020.

In a meeting with analysts in October, HPE CEO Meg Whitman said the company will invest incomposable infrastructure and software-defined tools -- such as edge devices and IoT -- on thehybrid cloud market.

At the meeting, Whitman portrayed HPE as a company that's nimble and innovative as itcompetes with larger rivals such as Dell Technologies .

Page 7: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

"Hewlett Packard Enterprise is in the strongest position it has been since I joined the companyfive years ago," said Whitman. "It has been a journey to get here. We have a clear strategy. "

Last year, Hewlett-Packard split into two companies , HP and HPE.

The company then said it would "spin-merge" its non-core software assets with Micro Focus, asoftware company based in the United Kingdom, in a transaction worth around $8.8 billion.

Since the split and spin-off, HPE has laid off a number of developers .

"These changes are part of a company-wide strategy to give HPE the needed workforce to be amore nimble customer and partner-centric company," an HPE representative said at the time.

In mid-October at HPE's securities analyst meeting, general manager Chris Hsu hinted at a shiftin resource allocation.

"We are implementing a new product segmentation strategy that will ensure we are putting theright resources behind the highest-value opportunities while continuing to invest in the mission-critical applications that our customers rely on," Hsu said.

2016-11-29 04:21 Tas Bindi www.zdnet.com

5 /11 2.6 Microsoft releases details on Skype for Business

integration with iOS CallKitThis past month, Microsoftannounced notable Skypenews, including a newrelease version for Linux ,the ability to use Skypeonline without an account ,and the Skype InsiderProgram. Now, on thecorporate side of the fence,Microsoft has fullyintegrated its Skype forBusiness app with theCallKit API on iOS 10. Thecompany brought these features to the consumer version of Skype earlier in September.

In a blog post, the Skype for Business team wrote :

The update allows users to accept calls directly from the lock screen, while full app features areaccessible via an icon in the call interface. Microsoft says that the app will also display contactinformation as if it were a normal call.

The post further details settings for how calls are handled, including the option for users to fullydisable mobile integration. Data and Wi-Fi settings for video and meeting content are present aswell, which can be set by group policy or by the individual user.

Page 8: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

The mobile app update is available today for iOS or it can be downloaded from the Skype ForBusiness website .

Source: Microsoft

2016-11-29 03:06 Ben Moore feedproxy.google.com

6 /11 5.3 Commercial Bank of Dubai to launch digital-only bank

Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) is targeting the digital-savvy citizens ofthe United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a mobile app-based bank.

The digital-only bank, which will launch early in 2017, will be known asCDB NOW and will be based on a customer’s mobile phone.

Murray Sims, general manager personal banking group at CBD, said this approach to bankingwill change the relationship between bank and customer.

“CBD NOW will redefine what a bank should be. It is built around customers and offers a uniqueexperience that is simple, smart and safe, whereby everything can be done by smartphone,” headded.

The launch will target the generation known as Millennials, who carry out much of their dailyactivity through a smartphone.

Mobile banking is being used more than any other form of online bankings. For example, in theUK, which has a more mature digital banking economy, the British Bankers Association recentlyrevealed research showing that there were 11 million log-ins to banking apps every day in2015, compared with 4.3 million log-ins to internet banking through bank websites.

According to a recent report from FinTech Week , only 0.1% of global finanical technology(fintech) investment originates from the Middle East. However, these organisations are behindtheir western equivalents in fintech, there are signs of acceleration of its adoption in the UAE.

In October 2016, UAE telco Etisalat launched a mobile wallet to enable its customers to makepayments and money transfers on their smartphones, using a platform from OberthurTechnologies.

Meanwhile, the fintech development on everyone’s lips at the moment – blockchain – is alsobeing adopted in the region. ...

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange recently said it would provide access to documents on listedfirms via mobile devices through a blockchain-based system. Emirates NBD banking group alsorecently announced a pilot for the use of blockchain for transactions between the UAE and India.

2016-11-29 03:00 Services Editor www.computerweekly.com

7 /11 1.9 Master & Dynamic’s MW50 on-ear headphones are

comfy but costly

Page 9: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

The MW50 are on-ear headphones that perform like a pair of over-ears. They’re nice to look at,comfortable and, at $449, prettypricey. The headphones arelightweight, but are ultimatelyacoustically inferior to their over-earcounterparts. If you’re looking for apair of those, Master & Dynamic alsooffers the MW60.

The design is similar to older M&Dmodels: mesh grilles on the exterior,with great attention to detail in thecushioning, hinges and headband.The new headphones also sportUSB-C for charging and firmware updates. On the other driver exists a 3.5mm audio jack, youronly wired alternative to Bluetooth connectivity.

I tend to steer clear of on-ear headphones. No matter the brand, headphones like these areoften restricted by form factor: With less material to encapsulate the ear, music doesn’t sound aswarm.

Thankfully, that’s not case here: The MW50 does a solid job of pairing the Beryllium drivers withmemory foam and lambskin. The feeling of plush memory foam against the ear is reallycomfortable. The sound profile is nearly as good as the company’s flagship MW60 headphones.Battery life is rated at a solid 16 hours and I can say I’ve nearly gotten that much. This isn’t a pairof wireless headphones that you’ll need to charge every time you use them after a commute,work or generally just for leisure; an international flight seems more likely.

Your buying decision really boils down to what materials you’re willing to pay for, along withhaving Bluetooth functionality. Master & Dynamic has a solid pair of headphones here — even ifthey cost about as much as a round-trip plane ticket.

2016-11-29 01:50 Stefan Etienne feedproxy.google.com

8 /11 1.0 Google releases 'Featured Photos Screensaver' app for

MacGoogle and photography seem to go hand in hand. The company's new Pixel and Pixel XLsmartphones take very high-quality pictures, while its Photos app for Android and iOS is abrilliant way to both store and categorize images in the cloud.

Today, Google takes its passion for photography to another level with an all-new app formacOS. Dubbed 'Featured Photos Screensaver' it creates a screensaver using images that aresourced from user photos which were uploaded to Google+. Don't worry about privacy, folks --these are images that users have agreed to share. Google+ photographers can choose to opt-out if they prefer.

"From striking skylines to captivating vistas, talented photographers share beautiful, eyecatching work on Google+ every day. To bring these photos to a wider audience, we've longshowcased a selection of them on TVs and monitors around the world via Google Fiber and

Page 10: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

millions of Chromecast devices",says Neil Inala, Google+ ProductManager, Google.

Inala further explains, "we'repleased to be able to make thesebeautiful photos by our memberseven more accessible by bringingthem to your computers andphones. With our new FeaturedPhotos screensaver for Mac, youcan display stunning, high-resolution photography from ourGoogle+ members whenever your

computer is inactive".

What types of photographs will be featured? Google shares the requirements below.

For whatever reason, Google has not made the 'Featured Photos Screensaver app' available forWindows 10. This is quite strange, as there are far more users of Microsoft's desktop operatingsystem then there are for macOS. Maybe if it proves popular, Google will make a version forWindows too.

Want to try this new app? You can download it here .

2016-11-29 01:26 Brian Fagioli feeds.betanews.com

9 /11 0.5 Amazon is finally cracking down on counterfeit

productsAmazon has been doingsome cleaning up lately toprovide a safer shoppingexperience to its users.After stepping up its effortsto clamp down onincentivized reviews, thecompany is now looking tofight fake products fromappearing on its website,by setting up teams in theU. S. and Europe that willwork with manufacturers toestablish a registry ofrecognized sellers.

According to a report by Bloomberg , Amazon has made fighting fakes a major goal for 2017.The news outlet’s sources claim that the company's new teams will seek out brands, even thosethat don't sell through Amazon, to register with it. Once a trademark name is registered, anymarketplace seller who lists one of the products will be forced to provide proof they have the

Page 11: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

brand's permission.

The system would in theory reverse the current situation by going directly to brands when sellerswant to list a product, instead of brands reporting counterfeit goods to Amazon and waiting for aresponse.

This has become an increasingly troublesome issue for Amazon. According to Bloomberg, thecounterfeit problem has prevented the MLB and the NFL from selling its merchandise on thesite, while Apple recently sued US-based firm Mobile Star LLC for trademark infringement,alleging that it has been selling counterfeit goods using Apple logos and product images in itsAmazon listings.

When it comes to electronics, buying one of these fakes means you could be putting yourself atrisk. Apple noted counterfeits are often poorly built with inferior or missing parts, flawed designs,and inadequate electrical insulation. They have the potential to cause fires or even “deadly”electric shocks.

The creation of a brand registry would mark Amazon’s biggest push against counterfeits yet, butthe company has tried other policies recently, including a $1,500 fee for sellers who want to sella major brand — something legit businesses would be willing to pay while fending offcounterfeiters. It also filed two lawsuits against merchants it says are selling counterfeit goods.

2016-11-29 01:15 Jose Vilches www.techspot.com

10 /11 6.7 ESET releases Crysis ransomware decryptor tool

ESET security researchers havecreated and released a freedecryption tool to help combatCrysis ransomware. ESETsecurity researchers havecreated and released a freedecryption tool to combat Crysisransomware based on themalware's master decryptor keysthat were made public earlierthis month. , which joins onedeveloped by Kaspersky Labs,uses information and firstreported by Bleeping Computer.

The security firm has detected variants of Crysis appearing in 123 countries since it wasreleased in May 2016 with people in France, Spain and Brazil being victimised most frequently.Cyber-criminals use a variety of methods to spread the malware, including spam and infectedads found on social networks. Bleeping Computer founder Lawrence Abrams believes thedecryptor master keys posted on Pastebin are possibly from the malware's creator because theycontain the C header files.

2016-11-29 00:15 Doug Olenick www.pcauthority.com.au

11 /11

Page 12: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

11 /11 3.2 How to estimate a company’s health without really

tryingWithin the past few months,NetSuite , Marketo ,LinkedIn , Fleetmatics andLogMeIn have each beenacquired or merged for acombined value of morethan $50 billion. At this rate,public SaaS companiesmay become anendangered species.Clearly, PE investors andlarger technologycompanies senseopportunity and value.

The Rule of 40 is a common VC and management trick to distinguish the best-run SaaScompanies at scale from the rest of the pack. The Rule of 40 is incredibly simple to calculate —just add a company’s current growth rate and its profitability. This simple calculation lets youcompare a company growing at 100 percent with -60 percent profit margins to a companygrowing at 40 percent at break-even or a company growing 10 percent but with 30 percentprofits.

We’re often asked by our portfolio companies and prospective investments how to balancegrowth and profitability. Naturally, companies are focused on growth, but growth does come at acost. Therefore, we’ve taken a new approach to the long-standing Rule of 40 to optimize for“efficient growth.”

Enter the Bessemer “Efficiency Score,” which measures a company’s efficiency by taking thesum total of a company’s percent growth + percent free cash flow (FCF) margin. This simplecalculation quantifies the growth efficiency of a given cloud business. At different stages of acompany’s life cycle, their Efficiency Score changes. But for the average public company a fewyears after IPO, an Efficiency Score above 40 is considered great.

For example: Public SaaS companies’ 2016 projections average 28 percent annual growth with3 percent FCF margins, for an Efficiency Score of 31 percent. Slightly fewer than half of thecurrent public SaaS companies have a combined growth and FCF margin above 40 percent.

But does the Efficiency Score actually mean anything, or is it just an easy discussion point atboard meetings?

In reality, we found that a company’s Efficiency Score has a greater than 70 percent correlationto a public SaaS company’s revenue multiple, which is a company’s valuation divided by theirrevenue, and a standard metric for how investors price stocks. The top quartile of public SaaScompanies by revenue multiple have an average Efficiency Score of 44 percent; the bottomquartile have a score of just 9 percent.

Public investors agonize over where to put their money, but with just two numbers and 15seconds you can have a good sense of how a company will be valued.

Page 13: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app

Are companies getting better?

Over the past four years, SaaS companies have been surprisingly consistent in their averageEfficiency Score — from 28 percent to 31 percent. However, the composition of the score haschanged a lot as public SaaS companies have matured. Whereas in 2012 the average publicSaaS company was growing at 55 percent a year and losing -28 percent in FCF, by 2016 growthwas down to 28 percent and with average profitability at 3 percent. This shift is fairly predictable— as companies like Salesforce and Workday have gotten bigger their growth has declined andprofitability has improved.

In fact, SaaS companies usually have the best Efficiency Score in the years preceding their IPO.Current cloud companies had an average Efficiency Score of 73 percent three years before theirIPO, versus a mid-30s level post-IPO. The best cloud companies (those that go public) areincredibly efficient when they’re young and growing fast. As they mature, FCF grows as growthfalls, but companies tend to become less efficient overall as increases in profitability rarely makeup for stratospheric growth.

So what?

It’s not just public investors who are paying attention to the Efficiency Score. The following chartis a list of public SaaS companies, ranked by their 2016 Efficiency Score score. Four of thesecompanies, Fleetmatics, LinkedIn, LogMeIn and Marketo, have been acquired (or, in the case ofLogMeIn, merged). Three out of the four were in the top 11 companies ranked by their EfficiencyScore when they were acquired. These companies were in entirely different industries — fleetmanagement, social networking and remote connectivity, respectively — but their growth andrelatively profitability made them top performers.

What’s more: All of these companies were trading relatively cheaply compared to their EfficiencyScore. The top 10 Efficiency Score companies trade on a median of 8x, but Fleetmatics wastrading at 4.8x, LinkedIn at 6.9x and LogMeIn at 6.9x. No wonder strategic acquirers saw abargain!

So, which public SaaS company could be next?

Our pick would be Qualys , a network security company. Qualys is in the top 10 Efficiency Scorecompanies with 23 percent FCF margins and 21 percent growth, but trading at just 5.5xrevenues, a steep discount to where similar companies are trading.

2016-11-29 00:00 Jeff Epstein feedproxy.google.com

Total 11 articles.

Items detected: 12, scanned: 12, accumulated: 11, inserted: 11, empty media: 2, not matchedlimits: 3, skipped: {total: 1, by unique value: 0, by limits: 0, by similarity: 1, by unicity: 0, dates: 0,by classifier: 0, by blacklist: 0, by mandatory tag: 1}, bad dates: 0, similar from same domain: 1;the same images URLs found 7 times; total 2 languages detected: {u'en': 27, u'id': 1}; {u'text':{u'chars': 108434, u'bytes': 438780, u'words': 11456, u'sentences': 122}}

Created at 2016-11-29 12:00

Page 14: DC5m United States software in english Created at 2016-11 ...d.digests.nhub.news/2016/11/29/12/usa_software_en.pdf · Microsoft has now fully integrated its Skype for Business app