Tag: VAR and IT Consulting News
Collaborative Agile Solutions LLC Provides Enterprise Agile Strategist Support to ISR/SOF Directorate | National News
DAYTON, Ohio /California Newswire/ -- Collaborative Agile Solutions LLC (CAS) has teamed with Apogee to provide the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces (ISR/SOF) Directorate with Enterprise Agile Strategist Support. Working closely with Senior Leadership, CAS will lead the implementation of innovative efforts, aimed at improving current programmatic operations and achieving the organization's vision for Digital Material Management (DMM).
Todd Henne, Expert in Helping Businesses Meet Financial Goals, Joins TAG CXO | National News
PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 1, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- TAG CXO is thrilled to announce Todd Henne as a new addition to our fractional advisory team. Henne is a highly accomplished, results-driven senior accounting and financial management executive with more than 40 years of progressive experience in accounting, finance, and operations management within start-ups and global multi-million-dollar organizations.
Avenu Insights & Analytics Launches Avenu | Records: Transforming Document Management for Local Governments | National News
CENTREVILLE, Va., July 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Avenu Insights & Analytics, a leading provider of revenue recovery and software solutions for state and local governments, announces the launch of Avenu | Records, an innovative SaaS solution designed to revolutionize document imaging and indexing processes for municipalities. With Avenu | Records, Avenu continues to set the standard for delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance efficiency and streamline operations for our clients.
Teal in Top Best Managed Service Providers by Channel Futures | National News
WASHINGTON, D.C. and MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., July 2, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Teal has been named one of the world's top-performing managed service providers in the prestigious 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings. The Channel Futures MSP 501 list, a technology industry benchmark, ranks companies based on their growth, profitability, and innovation.
Imagine IT Launches Redesigned Website and Brand Identity to empower Midwest Businesses with Next Generation IT support | National News
BLOOMINGTON, Minn., April 23, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NDWSWIRE) -- Imagine IT, a leading provider of managed IT services in Minnesota, Kansas, and Michigan, today announced the launch of its redesigned website, featuring an all-new design and the adoption of a new, streamlined URL: IMIT.com. The updated website and brand identity reflect the company's commitment to delivering innovative IT solutions.
By Light Announces Strategic Market Expansion into the United Kingdom | National News
LONDON, U.K., April 2, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light), is excited to announce its market expansion into the United Kingdom. This move represents a significant step in By Light's strategy to deliver modernized simulation, training, and cyber expertise globally, with a special focus on supporting the U.K. Ministry of Defence's (MoD) training and cyber needs.
Strategic Response Systems Rebrands as Stratify IT: Empowering Businesses for Over 20 Years | National News
NEW YORK, N.Y., March 14, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- After over two decades of leading the industry with exceptional Managed IT, Cybersecurity, and GRC (Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance) services, Strategic Response Systems proudly announces its transformation into Stratify IT. This significant rebranding initiative reflects our commitment to continuously evolving and providing strategic technology solutions that empower businesses to excel in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Small Business Expo D.C. – You’re Invited: Earn Chances To Win A Free iPad From Teal | National News
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 7, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Teal, a managed service provider for organizations that value responsive support and cybersecurity, invites business leaders to visit their booth at the Small Business Expo for three chances to win an iPad on April 4, 2024. Additionally, Teal staff will hand out free resources to help professionals improve their IT strategies.
TEAL Announces Jill Paulus As Director Of Finance, Procurement | National News
WASHINGTON, D.C., and MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Jan. 22, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Teal, a managed IT service provider for small- to medium-sized organizations that value genuine partnership, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jill Paulus as Director of Finance, Accounting, and Procurement on January 2. Bringing over a decade of diverse experience in the managed IT services sector, Jill exemplifies a unique blend of technical acumen and strategic business insights.
IVIONICS Achieves SOC 2, Type I Compliance as a Commitment to Protecting Client Information | National News
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Jan. 12, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- IVIONICS, LLC., an information and technology management firm, announces that it has achieved System and Organizational Controls 2 (SOC 2) Type I Compliance. Headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, with offices in New York City, Newark, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington. The company serves clients nationwide.
Collaborative Agile Solutions LLC Provides Enterprise Agile Strategist Support to Global Hawk | National News
DAYTON, Ohio, Nov. 14, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Collaborative Agile Solutions LLC (CAS) has teamed with DCS Corporation to provide the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) High Altitude Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Division with Enterprise Agile Strategist Support.
By Light Awarded $4M Army National Guard Contract | National News
MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 17, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light), a renowned provider of IT services and simulation solutions, is excited to announce its continued collaboration with Warhorse Training Solutions to provide cutting-edge recruiting systems to the U.S. Army National Guard (ARNG). This newly awarded contract, valued at $4,040,361, is set to significantly expand the deployment of By Light's recruiting experiences from 252 to an impressive 954 systems.
Rapid Deployment Solutions Announces Sponsorship of the 2023 Special Olympics Race for Inclusion – Miami | National News
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 9, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Rapid Deployment Solutions ("RDS") - a leading implementation partner with SAP Solutions for OpenText - is announcing its sponsorship of the 2023 Special Olympics Race for Inclusion on December 8, 2023, in Miami, FL.
MSP Merge: Teal Delivers Elevated Service, Security to SMBs | National News
WASHINGTON, D.C. and MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Sept. 27, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Aligned Technology Solutions and TechGen Consulting, two award-winning managed IT service providers, merged to form a new company called Teal. This merger is a strategic alliance, built upon complementary strengths, to deliver elevated IT and cybersecurity services to small- and medium-sized organizations - especially those with heightened cybersecurity or compliance requirements.
Cole Engineering Services, Inc. Opens DoD Cyber Collaboration Facility | National News
HANOVER, Md., Sept. 6, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light Company, has a nearly 20-year history of developing and supporting complex training systems for the Department of Defense (DoD). CESI, an industry leader in the Modeling and Simulation (M&S) industry, holds large prime contracts to develop and field constructive, virtual, and cyber simulation systems that are used around the world. Responding to significant growth in their cyber training and operations business over the past five years,
Planet Defense LLC and UniDoc Health Corporation Collaborate to Deliver Smart Health Remote Clinics to Rural and Underserved Populations in the...
WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 23, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Planet Defense, a global leader in smart healthcare solutions, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with UniDoc Health Corporation (UniDoc), a North American-based firm renowned for its cutting-edge healthcare technologies. Together, the two companies will build and deploy Smart Health Remote Clinics - first in the State of Alaska and then nationwide.
For the 5th Time, Aligned Makes the Inc. 5000 at No. 2999 | National News
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 17, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Inc. revealed today that Aligned Technology Solutions ranks No. 2999 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic segment-its independent, entrepreneurial businesses.
TechGen Consulting, Inc. Makes the 2023 Inc. 5000 For The 4th Time in A Row at No. 4492 | National News
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Aug. 17, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Inc. revealed today that TechGen ranks No. 4492 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic segment-its independent, entrepreneurial businesses.
Planet Defense LLC Launches Nationwide Cybersecurity Assessment and Training Services for Municipal, County and State Governments
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 18, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Planet Defense LLC, a leading global provider of cybersecurity solutions, is pleased to announce the nationwide launch of its comprehensive cybersecurity assessment and training services tailored specifically for municipal, county, and state governments. This milestone represents a major step forward in strengthening the cybersecurity postures of government entities across the nation.
By Light Awarded $934,188 Army National Guard Contract
MCLEAN, Va., July 12, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light), a prominent provider of IT services and simulation solutions, is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with Warhorse Training Solutions to deliver advanced systems and upgrades to the Army National Guard. The contract, valued at $934,188, aims to enhance the existing vocational recruiting capabilities and introduce new third-generation Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) experiences.
Aero XR Solutions Awarded Seat on $32B Air Force TSA IV Contract in Unrestricted Category
ORLANDO, Fla., July 11, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Air Force (USAF) has awarded Aero XR Solutions "AXR" a prime contract position on the highly coveted Training Systems Acquisition IV (TSA IV) 10-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract in the Unrestricted Pool. AXR Solutions, a dynamic joint venture between Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light company, and Specular Theory, is providing the USAF with unparalleled products and support.
Planet Defense LLC, the City of Jacksonville Arkansas, and Rokee LLC Partner to Develop a Groundbreaking Innovation Hub in Jacksonville, AR
JACKSONVILLE, Ark. and WASHINGTON, D.C., May 9, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) ‒- Planet Defense LLC, in partnership with the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas, and Rokee LLC, is pleased to announce the launch of the Smart Arkansas Innovation Hub that is now being developed in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Currently, this very important, timely and advanced technology-oriented Public-Private Partnership (P3) includes the three Founding Partners named above along with numerous public and private sector sponsors.
Cole Engineering Services, Inc., Awarded $500M Simulator Production OTA
ORLANDO, Fla., May 4, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light Company, has been awarded the $500M Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT) Production Other Transaction Authority (OTA) award. The program originated in June 2019 with initial concept demonstrations, followed by a formal prototyping phase that included soldier evaluation to refine the fidelity and capability of the initial 19 Army ground and air platforms.
FormFree and Brimma Tech announce partnership to expedite matching of prospective homebuyers with best-fit loan products and lenders
RALEIGH, N.C., April 19, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Mortgage software development and solutions firm Brimma Tech (Brimma) today announced a strategic collaboration with ability-to-pay fintech FormFree®. The integration of Brimma's AI-enabled chatbot service into FormFree's Passport® mobile app will make it possible for prospective homebuyers to find their ideal loan product from the convenience of their mobile device, without the need to first complete a detailed loan application.
By Light, CompTIA, and Infosec Learning Partner to Offer Work Role Training for the Cyber Workforce
MCLEAN, Va., March 1, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- By Light Professional IT Services LLC announced today it is collaborating with CompTIA and Infosec Learning LLC to offer work role training courses that increase proficiency and prepare individuals for industry certifications. By Light integrates CompTIA's eLearning content and Infosec Learning's virtual labs on its unique Imerzi™ platform to provide focused, hands-on training.
With a Two-Year Revenue Growth of 149 Percent, Aligned Ranks No. 64 on Inc. Magazine’s List of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s Fastest-Growing...
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 28, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Aligned Technology Solutions, an IT and security service partner that provides comprehensive IT & cybersecurity solutions for small to medium-sized businesses, ranked No. 64 on Inc. magazine's fourth annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Mid-Atlantic list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Mid-Atlantic private companies, based in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
MSP Receives High Cybersecurity Rating, Driving Small Business Protection
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 17, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Aligned Technology Solutions, an IT and security service partner that provides highly customized solutions for small to medium-sized businesses, received a nearly perfect security score from a third-party risk rating vendor on February 3, 2022, showcasing its continual commitment to a strong security posture.
Intellimedia Networks Expands its Operations and Technology Solutions into Kenya
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Intellimedia Networks, an award-winning leading provider of technology solutions for government, educational institutions, and businesses, is excited to announce the expansion of its operations into Africa with a new presence in Nairobi, Kenya. This move follows several meetings with Kenyan government officials and the Kenyan business community at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC on December 13-15, 2022.
GridBright upgrades Oracle Network Management System (NMS) at Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative (MCEC)
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- MCEC, an early adopter of Oracle Network Management Systems (NMS), undertook a major NMS upgrade and re-integration with core operational systems of an ever-increasing complex electric grid. GridBright, in its upgrade of Oracle NMS at MCEC, further leveraged its proven NMS Configuration for COOPS that incorporates industry best practices from over thirty utility implementations.
Planet Defense LLC and Cape Fox Corporation Partner to Develop a Groundbreaking Innovation Hub in Ketchikan, Alaska
WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 18, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) ‒- Planet Defense LLC announced today its close partnership with Cape Fox Corporation (CFC) to develop and manage a technology Innovation Hub in Ketchikan, Alaska, starting immediately. This new project - a Public-Private Partnership - will strengthen Ketchikan's native community and local commercial businesses by providing them with emerging and smart technologies. This endeavor will particularly benefit the Alaska Native people living in the area.
ZenTek Consultants Becomes an Autodesk Service Provider
HACKENSACK, N.J., Nov. 14, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- ZenTek Consultants, a leading consulting firm that provides services and training for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction companies, is excited to announce it has joined the Autodesk Service Provider program. As a specialist partner in this program, ZenTek can help AEC firms optimize their workflows, standards, and finally realize the full potential of their Autodesk technologies.
Short-Term Rental Compliance Provider LTAS Technologies Inc. (Harmari) Acquired by Avenu
CENTREVILLE, Va., Nov. 10, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Avenu Insights & Analytics (Avenu), the global leader in revenue enhancement and administration solutions for state and local governments, today announced the acquisition of LTAS Technologies Inc. (Harmari®), a leading provider of short-term rental identification, monitoring and compliance software and services.
Appenate Steps Up to Help Ukraine Aid Organizations
QUEENSLAND, Australia, Nov. 7, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Ukraine Aid Ops is a group of civilians helping secure and distribute protective equipment to those in need. This is no small feat, given the size of the country and the sheer number of people caught in the conflict. Given the need, Appenate is sponsoring 50 Premium user licenses to those on the ground in Ukraine.
Tom Pires Appointed as Vice President at Aligned
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 4, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Aligned Technology Solutions, an IT and security service partner that provides highly customized solutions for small to medium-sized businesses, expanded their leadership talent by bringing on the innovative Tom Pires to be the company vice president on October 3, 2022.
Synergetics’ OpenFLIS Receives Provisional Authority to Operate (P-ATO) from the FedRAMP Joint Authorization Board (JAB)
FORT COLLINS, Colo., Oct. 27, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Joint Authorization Board (JAB), consisting of the Chief Information Officers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), General Services Administration (GSA), and Department of Defense (DoD), has given Provisional Authority to Operate (P-ATO) as a JAB MODERATE system to Synergetics Inc of Fort Collins, Colorado, and their product OpenFLIS™. This authorizes Synergetics as one of only 52 government-wide FedRAMP cloud service providers.
Rapid Deployment Solutions and M-Files Announce Sponsorship of the 2022 Special Olympics Florida Race for Inclusion – Miami
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 25, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Rapid Deployment Solutions (RDS), in partnership with M-Files, a global leader in information management, is announcing its sponsorship of the 2022 Special Olympics Florida Race for Inclusion on December 8, 2022, in Miami, Florida. Each year, Special Olympics Florida serves nearly 60,000 athletes from Key West to Pensacola.
IT Outsourcing Company, Radixweb Bags Gold in Business Excellence Awards by Globee
ARTESIA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Radixweb, a global leader in the field of IT Consulting and custom software development since 2000, has recently been conferred the Gold Globee award for superior IT Consultation at the 12th Annual Business Excellence Awards, 2022 edition.
A State-Of-The-Art Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC) Launched by Planet Defense LLC in Stafford County, Virginia
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 9, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The creation and implementation of a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC) that is a core element of the Virginia Smart Community Testbed based in Stafford County, Virginia, was announced today by Planet Defense LLC and its government and industry partners. Planet Defense LLC is a global cybersecurity consulting, engineering and training company headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia.
EnergyCAP Expands Executive Leadership Team in Denver, Colorado
DENVER, Colo. and BOALSBURG, Pa., Sept. 7, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EnergyCAP, a pioneer in energy and sustainability enterprise resource planning ("ERP") software, today announced the appointment of two additional executive leaders based in Denver, Colorado. These new leaders have extensive backgrounds in leading high tech - growth organizations.
Aligned Technology Solutions Ranks No. 2698 on the 2022 Inc. 5000 Annual List
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 17, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Inc. revealed that Aligned Technology Solutions is No. 2698 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic segment-its independent businesses.
Radixweb Aces Its 22-year Journey of Delivering Unparalleled Enterprise Software Solutions
AHMEDABAD, India, July 21, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Delivering insightful advisory, unparalleled software development services, and berserk tech transformations through stimulated development capabilities for over two decades time in the global 'tech-sphere,' Radixweb completes its 22nd year on July 21, 2022.
Cole Engineering Services to develop U.S. Army’s Next Gen Soldier Virtual Trainer
ORLANDO, Fla., July 14, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light Company, has been awarded an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) to prototype the United States Army's Soldier Virtual Trainer (SVT). This prototype project award will extend upon the U.S. Army's Synthetic Training Environment (STE) modular open systems architecture to deliver an immersive SVT capability that empowers Soldier-led training at the Point of Need.
GridBright completes Oracle Utilities Network Management System implementation at Colquitt EMC
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- State-of-the-art electric utility network management systems are no longer only possible in the realm of large utility organizations. The needed sophistication to manage the modern grid does not recognize any utility network as too small to pose operating challenges. But the cost of these systems can be too high for smaller utilities to absorb. GridBright, in its implementation of Oracle Utilities Network Management System at Colquitt, has changed the game for smaller but not less essential utility operations.
Aligned Technology Solutions Ranked on Channel Futures 2022 MSP 501 – Tech Industry’s Most Prestigious List of Managed Service Providers Worldwide
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 16, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Aligned Technology Solutions has been named as one of the world's premier managed service providers in the prestigious 2022 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings. MSPs that qualify for the list must pass a rigorous review conducted by the research team and editors of Channel Futures.
By Light Awarded $82M VA Contract
MCLEAN, Va., May 26, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light) has been awarded the My HealtheVet (MHV) Development, Security and Operations (DevSecOps) contract by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Valued at $82M over five (5) years, this contract provides for the continued support and development of VA's Veteran-facing Electronic Health portal.
By Light Awarded $2M Army National Guard Contract
MCLEAN, Va., May 12, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Army National Guard awarded a $2M follow-on contract to By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light) and its teaming partner Warhorse Training Solutions. Under this contract, By Light will provide 44 additional Recruiting Experiences to attract and educate young men and women about critical Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
WaveLink, Inc. Awarded $46B EWAAC Contract for Analytics to benefit the Air Force and Eglin AFB
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. and VALPARAISO, Fla., April 21, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- WaveLink, Inc., a woman-owned small business based in Huntsville, Alabama, has been awarded a $46 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force. Specializing in Aviation and Missile Defense programs, WaveLink, Inc. will perform work related to digital and model-based systems engineering, agile processes, open systems architecture, weapons, and enterprise analytics to benefit the Air Force and Eglin AFB.
Kennedy Intelligent Data Partners with Blueshift Cyber Security to Provide Data Security Services
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- With the threat of ransomware and cyber-attacks in general growing daily due to worldwide unrest and economic insecurity, Kennedy Intelligent Data (KID) has allied with Blueshift Cyber Security. This alliance allows KID to provide comprehensive and turnkey managed security services for companies like those in the auto industry that are at significant risk of data theft and financial harm to their customers.
With a Two-Year Revenue Growth of 70 Percent, Aligned Technology Solutions Ranks No. 118 on Inc. Magazine’s List of the Mid-Atlantic...
ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 15, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Inc. magazine today revealed that Aligned Technology Solutions is No. 118 on its third annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Mid-Atlantic list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies based in Washington, D.C., Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Mid-Atlantic region.
LANtelligence Acquired by Matrix Networks to Create a CX-Automation Powerhouse
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Matrix Networks announced its recent acquisition of LANtelligence to create a new business venture enabling a powerful combination of modern business technology. Having informally shared resources for more than 10 years, it just made sense for these two companies to come together in a more structured way.
