Blockchain
Companies Shift Emerging Tech Investments Amid COVID-19: KPMG Research
In the immediate wake of COVID-19, Global 2000 companies moved to slash funding for emerging technologies, such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and 5G, according to new KPMG International research. However, many executives are optimistic emerging technology spending will likely increase in the next 12 months, as enterprises recognize COVID-19 creates a burning platform to accelerate digital transformation and stimulate long-term growth.
The new report, a collaboration between KPMG International and HFS Research, Enterprise Reboot, surveyed 900 technology executives* to explore the current and future state of emerging technologies and demonstrates a dramatic shift in how businesses are approaching emerging technology now versus just a few months ago before the onset of COVID-19.
“This crisis isn’t affecting all industries equally, but for many of the industries facing crisis, managing the transition to a digital business model is imperative. However, doing so is made more complicated in a time where investments are critical, but cash must be preserved,” said Cliff Justice, Global lead for Intelligent Automation and U.S. lead for Digital Capabilities, KPMG.
Specifically, 59 percent of executives surveyed say that COVID-19 has created an impetus to accelerate their digital transformation initiatives, yet approximately four in 10 say they will halt investment in emerging technology altogether as a result of COVID-19. Executives have shifted their focus to must-have technologies, and 56 percent of those surveyed say cloud migration has become an absolute necessity due to COVID-19.
However, investments in a number of emerging technologies will likely increase over the next year, such as 5G (44 percent of respondents expect spending to increase compared to 26 percent who expect spending to decrease); process automation (43 percent expect an increase compared to 25 percent who expect a decrease); AI (39 percent versus 31 percent); hybrid cloud and/or multi-cloud (38 percent versus 28 percent); blockchain (34 percent versus 30 percent); edge computing (34 percent versus 33 percent) – with the exception of smart analytics (32 percent versus 35 percent).
“Emerging technologies and new ways of working can play a significant role in the transformation to a more digital economy. These technologies are helping companies maintain customer and stakeholder trust, keep remote workforces connected, ensure their business is resilient and prepared for disruptions, and build a strong foundation for future product and service innovation,” Justice said.
The case for emerging tech
Fifty-seven percent of respondents say COVID-19 has significantly changed their organization’s strategic priorities. The immediate focus is now on survival, which has become the number one objective for most emerging technology investments. The first phase of KPMG research showed that many organizations were deterred from significant emerging technology investment because of obstacles in the organizational culture to enterprise-wide adoption, and a fear that projects will fail. Since the onset of COVID-19, respondents in the second phase of research are more focused on making a strong business case for existing technology investments.
Other key findings include:
- Only 13 percent expected to “significantly increase” investments in emerging technologies amid COVID-19.
- Organizations making the highest investments see greater returns than those making the smallest; in fact, those in the highest quartile of investments were significantly more likely to say they have already realized tangible value.
- Nearly 65 percent of respondents believe that the combined use of emerging technologies is much more beneficial than using any of the technologies in isolation. “AI-powered” and “cloud-enabled” are emerging as the foundation and are featured in more than one-third of all technology solutions.
“Now more than ever, companies need to make smart investments in emerging technologies if they are to prevail in the medium to long term. Companies who don’t, risk threatening their own survival,” Justice said.
For more information about US data visit: https://info.kpmg.us/news-perspectives/technology-innovation/companies-shift-tech-investments-amid-covid-19.html
*Survey methodology
In March-June 2020, KPMG International and HFS Research conducted two global, cross-industry quantitative surveys. Comprised of 900 total technology executives, the surveys sought to uncover investment and adoption of emerging technology. All respondents held executive-level positions at Global 2000 enterprises with $1B+ annual revenue, operating across nine business sectors and nine countries, including the U.S., Germany, U.K, Netherlands, Japan, Australia, India, France, and Canada. Survey data was supplemented by qualitative interviews with enterprise leaders who oversee the investment and adoption of these emerging technologies in their organization.
Exverse, a free-to-play game bringing a fresh take on AAA first-person-shooters to Web3, announces the launch of its native $EXVG token on ByBit, a top-three crypto exchange by volume with over 20 million users. The ByBit launch will be followed by spot listings on the MEXC and Gate exchanges. Ahead of its full alpha launch in mid-May, Exverse hosted a soft-launch tournament for 5,000 early registrees on April 15 with cash rewards for top performers.
During the last bull run, Web3 games rose to prominence under the play-to-earn mechanism that made games like “Axie Infinity” so popular. As this model became widely replicated, many of these blockchain-based games prioritized the crypto elements at the expense of the actual game aspects. This trend could be seen in practice by many titles opting to undergo a token launch before even having a working demo, disincentivizing developers to build a quality game, and leaving users with no ecosystem or functioning game to play and spend or the native currency in.
With Exverse approaching its full launch, players can earn $EXVG by performing well while using the native token to enter matches, purchase premium items, and more. The $EXVG token builds on Exverse’s extensive beta and serves as the ecosystem’s currency while the game’s community witnessed a 20 percent growth in verified signups within a month. Supporting Exverse in their token launch are prominent launchpads and incubators that include Seedify, ChainGPT, and GameFi.
To build momentum for its upcoming alpha launch in mid-May, Exverse showcased its game by holding an exclusive deathmatch-style tournament for 5,000 early wait listers on April 15. The five-day tournament, which took place on the game’s ‘Battle Planet,’ gives players a chance to demonstrate their skills and win rewards via stablecoins and tokens. With $50,000 in total up for grabs, the top 100 performers earned at least $200. Top five finishers earnings were dispersed accordingly:
1st place: $4,000
2nd place: $2,000
3rd place: $1,500
4th and 5th place: $1,000
Built using Epic’s Unreal Engine 5, Exverse utilizes blockchain technology to strike a balance between enjoyable, realistic, and immersive real-time gameplay. The game prioritizes skill over pay-2-win mechanics, enabling players to earn rewards by staking tokens before a season’s kickoff. Top performers receive a share of profits from in-game NFTs such as cosmetics and skins.
To support the ecosystem’s development, expansion, and growth while rewarding the team and its early supporters, 400 million $EXVG will be minted.
“We are extremely excited about our token launch and proud to work with a great partner like ByBit to make it happen,” says Fei Ooi Hoong, CEO of Exverse. “We worked tirelessly to develop a diverse, engaging, and intuitive first-person shooter capable of revolutionizing how the public views blockchain-based gaming. Our talented team tapped into its background in traditional gaming to develop a rich and immersive gaming experience and then strategically implemented the NFT elements and in-game economics to enhance the user experience.”
The post Exverse debuts its token on Bybit ahead of the FPS game’s launch appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
According to a report from CoinTelegraph, nearly forty percent of institutional investors in Canada have exposure to cryptocurrency, as revealed by KPMG. This finding underscores the growing acceptance and adoption of digital assets among institutional investors in the country.
The report indicates that a significant portion of institutional investors in Canada are actively investing in or exploring opportunities in the cryptocurrency market. This trend reflects a shift in sentiment towards digital assets, with more investors recognizing the potential for long-term growth and diversification offered by cryptocurrencies.
KPMG’s findings highlight the increasing mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies among traditional investors, as well as the growing interest in blockchain technology and its potential applications across various industries. As institutional investors continue to enter the cryptocurrency market, they are expected to bring additional capital and liquidity, further fueling the growth and maturation of the digital asset ecosystem.
Overall, KPMG’s report signals a significant milestone in the adoption of cryptocurrencies in Canada, indicating that institutional investors are increasingly recognizing the value proposition of digital assets and integrating them into their investment portfolios. This trend is likely to accelerate the broader adoption and mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies in the country and beyond.
Source: cointelegraph.com
The post 39% of Canada’s institutional investors have exposure to crypto: KPMG appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
Blockchain
BounceBit (BB) Megadrop Now Open: Participate by Subscribing to BNB Locked Products or Completing Web3 Quests
The BounceBit (BB) Megadrop is now open for participation, as announced by Blockchain.News. This event presents an exciting opportunity for users to earn BB tokens by engaging in various activities, including subscribing to BNB locked products and completing Web3 quests.
Participants can join the BB Megadrop by subscribing to BNB locked products or completing Web3 quests, both of which offer different avenues for earning BB tokens. By participating in these activities, users have the chance to accumulate BB tokens and potentially benefit from the rewards associated with the Megadrop.
Subscribing to BNB locked products allows users to earn BB tokens by locking their BNB assets for a specified period. This not only provides users with an opportunity to earn rewards but also contributes to the liquidity and stability of the BounceBit ecosystem.
Additionally, completing Web3 quests offers users an alternative way to earn BB tokens by engaging in various tasks and challenges related to Web3 technology. These quests provide users with a fun and interactive way to learn about blockchain and cryptocurrency while earning rewards in the form of BB tokens.
Overall, the BB Megadrop presents an exciting opportunity for users to participate in the BounceBit ecosystem and earn rewards by engaging in activities that contribute to the growth and development of the platform. As the Megadrop progresses, participants can look forward to additional opportunities to earn BB tokens and potentially benefit from the rewards associated with this event.
Source: blockchain.news
The post BounceBit (BB) Megadrop Now Open: Participate by Subscribing to BNB Locked Products or Completing Web3 Quests appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
-
Blockchain Press Releases3 days agoDeFi Lens builds advanced Generative AI for Technical Analysis
-
Blockchain7 days agoCrypto fans count down to bitcoin’s ‘halving’
-
Blockchain7 days ago
Tether USDT stablecoin goes live on TON blockchain
-
Blockchain3 days ago
Venezuela’s Oil Giant Turns to Crypto as US Sanctions Bite Again
-
Blockchain3 days ago
Halving weakness sees $206 million exit crypto funds, Bitcoin miners pivot to AI
-
Blockchain7 days agoSupply Chain Finance Market Forecast to Reach $9.4 Billion by 2029: Increasing Emphasis on Sustainable Sourcing
-
Blockchain7 days ago
Crypto and Blockchain Weave Deeper Into the Biometrics Space – Identity News Digest
-
Blockchain2 days ago
Global Payment Gateway Industry Report 2024: Seamless Integration with In-Game Virtual Currency Systems Enables Payment Gateways to Contribute to the Monetization Strategies of Game Developers
