AI-native Enterprise TRiSCM™ innovator secures institutional backing, earns Leader recognition in GRC and Third-Party Risk Management, and accelerates global expansion

DALLAS, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DigitalXForce today announced the launch of the industry's first Enterprise TRiSCM™ (Trust, Risk, and Security Management) platform designed for the AI and Quantum era, introducing a new operating model for organizations to manage Trust, Risk, Security and Compliance through continuous assurance, operational intelligence and autonomous risk operation.

DigitalXForce, the AI-native Enterprise Trust, Risk, Security and Compliance Management (TRiSCM™) platform, today announced a strategic institutional investment from Arsenal Equity Group to accelerate global expansion, enterprise adoption and AI-powered innovation.

The investment follows a period of exceptional momentum for DigitalXForce, highlighted by three major milestones:

- IDC MarketScape Leader Recognition: DigitalXForce was named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Third-Party Risk Management Software 2026 Vendor Assessment (Doc #US53007725, September 2026), following its Leader positioning in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Governance, Risk, and Compliance Software Vendor Assessment, 2025 (Doc #US53615325, June 2025).

- 514% Growth: DigitalXForce was recognized as the second fastest-growing technology company in North Texas in the 2026 Tech Titans Fast Tech Awards.

- Strategic Institutional Investment: Arsenal Equity Group's investment will support the company's next phase of global growth, product innovation and enterprise market expansion.

Together, these milestones reinforce DigitalXForce's evolution from an emerging GRC innovator into a rapidly scaling enterprise technology company advancing the shift toward continuous Digital Trust and AI-powered Risk Intelligence.

Institutional Investment to Accelerate Global Scale

The strategic investment from Arsenal Equity Group will support DigitalXForce's expansion across North America, the Middle East, Europe and Asia-Pacific, while strengthening its global enterprise sales, partner ecosystem and product engineering capabilities.

The company plans to accelerate investment in its unified Enterprise TRiSCM™ platform, including Automated GRC, Continuous Control Assurance, Third-Party Risk Management, AI Risk Governance, Enterprise Security Posture Management and X-ROC™ Risk Operations.

The funding also supports DigitalXForce's strategy to deepen relationships with global systems integrators, consulting organizations, technology partners and regional distributors.

CEO Perspective

"Our 514% growth, IDC MarketScape Leader recognition and Arsenal Equity Group's investment validate our vision. We are scaling AI-powered Enterprise TRiSCM and XForce Risk Operations Center (X-ROC) globally to redefine Digital Trust."

— Lalit Ahluwalia, Founder & CEO, DigitalXForce

Investor Perspective

"DigitalXForce brings together exceptional growth, differentiated AI-native technology and a compelling vision for enterprise risk management. Its industry recognition and global market momentum reinforce our conviction in the company's ability to scale and establish a leadership position in Digital Trust. We are excited to partner with Lalit and the DigitalXForce team as they enter their next phase of growth."

— Jason Rottenberg, Principal, Arsenal Equity Group

Recognized as a Leader in Two IDC MarketScape Assessments

DigitalXForce's latest recognition in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Third-Party Risk Management Software 2026 Vendor Assessment marks another significant milestone in its Enterprise TRiSCM strategy.

The assessment evaluated third-party risk management software providers based on their capabilities and strategies, positioning DigitalXForce in the Leaders category.

The recognition follows DigitalXForce's Leader positioning in the 2025 IDC MarketScape for Governance, Risk and Compliance software.

Together, the two assessments recognize DigitalXForce's competitive positioning across complementary enterprise risk management markets.

DigitalXForce's architecture brings third-party risk management, automated GRC and continuous control monitoring together on a unified platform, enabling enterprises to manage internal and external risk through connected evidence, common controls and continuously updated risk intelligence.

Transforming Third-Party Risk from Questionnaires to Continuous Intelligence

Traditional third-party risk management programs often rely on annual questionnaires, manual evidence reviews and periodic vendor assessments.

However, expanding supplier ecosystems, cybersecurity threats and regulations such as DORA and NIS2 are increasing the need for ongoing oversight.

DigitalXForce's Automated Third-Party Risk Management with External Risk View combines:

- Risk-based vendor classification and tiering.

- AI-assisted questionnaire and document analysis.

- Continuous external attack surface and cyber risk intelligence.

- Vulnerability, misconfiguration and breach exposure monitoring.

- Fourth-party dependency visibility.

- Automated risk scoring, remediation workflows and SLA tracking.

- Unified evidence mapping across regulatory and compliance frameworks.

Unlike standalone third-party assessment tools, DigitalXForce integrates supplier risk intelligence with an organization's internal security, compliance and enterprise risk posture.

This enables risk teams to move beyond periodic vendor attestations toward continuous, evidence-driven third-party risk management.

From Traditional GRC to Enterprise Digital Trust

DigitalXForce is building a unified operating model for enterprise trust, risk, security and compliance.

Its Enterprise TRiSCM™ platform brings together 15 integrated modules on a common data layer, with controls mapped across more than 50 compliance frameworks and supported by more than 250 technology integrations.

Two proprietary AI engines, AI JedAI and XForce GPT, support capabilities spanning evidence analysis, control testing, risk quantification, policy intelligence and remediation orchestration.

The platform is designed to help enterprises transition:

From Periodic GRC → Continuous Control Assurance

From Fragmented Risk Tools → Unified Enterprise TRiSCM™

From Vendor Questionnaires → Continuous Third-Party Risk Intelligence

From Reactive Risk Management → Proactive Risk Operations

From Compliance Reporting → Measurable Digital Trust

DigitalXForce is extending this vision through X-ROC™, its Risk Operations Center approach, designed to help organizations continuously monitor, prioritize and manage enterprise risk.

514% Growth Reinforces Market Momentum

DigitalXForce's 514% three-year growth and No. 2 ranking in the 2026 Tech Titans Fast Tech Awards reflect increasing market demand for automated, AI-native approaches to risk, cybersecurity and compliance.

Founded in North Texas in 2023, DigitalXForce has expanded into international markets, supporting organizations navigating complex enterprise risk, regulatory requirements and digital transformation initiatives.

Its hybrid deployment architecture also enables organizations to address regional data residency and sovereignty requirements while benefiting from centralized governance and AI-powered risk intelligence.

With institutional backing, two IDC MarketScape Leader recognitions and continued international expansion, DigitalXForce is positioned to pursue its next stage of enterprise growth.

Building the Future of Digital Trust

As organizations adopt AI, cloud technologies and increasingly interconnected digital ecosystems, traditional point-in-time risk assessments are becoming insufficient.

DigitalXForce believes the future belongs to platforms that continuously connect security, governance, compliance, third-party exposure, resilience and enterprise risk into a unified view of organizational trust.

From GRC to Enterprise TRiSCM™. From periodic compliance to continuous assurance. From managing risk to building Digital Trust.

With the support of Arsenal Equity Group, DigitalXForce intends to accelerate that transformation globally.

About DigitalXForce — We Stop Risk Before It Strikes.

DigitalXForce, Industry's first AI-Powered Enterprise TRiSCM (Trust, Risk, Security and Compliance Management) Platform, is pioneering the next generation of Automated GRC with Continuous Trust Assurance by converging AI, cybersecurity, compliance, operational resilience, and posture management into one unified Risk Intelligence platform. Designed with a modular and composable architecture, DigitalXForce delivers an integrated suite of capabilities spanning automated GRC, Enterprise Security Risk Posture Management (ESRPM), Third-Party Risk Management, Cyber Resilience, and Regulatory Compliance.

At the core of DigitalXForce is its AI-powered engine, which leverages intelligent agents, machine learning models, and a dynamic control library to autonomously monitor controls, map evidence, assess risks, and generate real-time insights. Trusted by global enterprises across healthcare, finance, critical infrastructure, and technology sectors, DigitalXForce delivers measurable value by reducing manual effort, accelerating audit readiness, and improving organizational resilience in today's fast-evolving threat and compliance landscape.

Learn more about DigitalXForce at https://digitalxforce.com

About IDC MarketScape

IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of technology and service suppliers in a given market. The research utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each supplier's position within a given market.

Credit-card-sized device extends My Notes beyond the screen with a single press, no phone or laptop required. Preorders open now, shipping November 1.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DTEN, a leading provider of intuitive collaboration solutions, today introduced the DTEN Action Card, a credit-card-sized device that brings Zoom My Notes to in-person conversations. Announced with Zoom at Zoomtopia 2026, the Action Card expands a hardware partnership of nearly a decade. It is available for preorder now and ships November 1.

A lot of work happens off the meeting link: a decision in a hallway, a client lunch, a customer call. The meeting ends, but the commitments made in those conversations don't, and until now they sat outside the notes people keep from their meetings.

The Action Card closes that gap. With a single press, and no other device, an in-person conversation goes directly to My Notes. AI can only help with what it knows, and the Action Card gives Zoom AI Companion more of the story. In My Notes, AI Companion turns each conversation into summaries, key takeaways and action items, alongside notes from Zoom meetings.

The Action Card is made for one person and ready for a whole team. Every card is managed in DTEN Orbit alongside the company's DTEN meeting and workspace devices, so IT sees and manages the cards and the rooms in one place.

"DTEN has spent years making the room work for the people in it," said Wei Liu, CEO of DTEN. "But work doesn't stay in the room, and many of the conversations that move it forward happen in a hallway or across a desk. The Action Card brings Thoughtful Design to those moments: one press, nothing in the way. It also reflects how closely DTEN and Zoom work together."

"Some of the most valuable conversations at work can happen away from the screen, and we want My Notes there too," said Jeff Smith, head of Product, Workplace AI, Meetings, and Spaces at Zoom. "DTEN has been building hardware in collaboration with Zoom for nearly a decade, and the Action Card brings My Notes into those moments with a single press — no phone or laptop required."

Pricing and Availability

The DTEN Action Card is available for preorder now at $189 and ships November 1, 2026. Learn more and preorder at www.DTEN.com/products/action-card.

About DTEN

DTEN builds workspace solutions guided by Thoughtful Design, rethinking problems the industry accepts as given, engineering the solution inside the product so the complexity stays hidden, and delivering systems that work intuitively for all users. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Silicon Valley, DTEN serves customers around the world. For more information, visit www.DTEN.com.

"Press Release Service" should be linked to https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/.

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Lovense Publishes the Distance Index 2026, a Startling Annual Report on Long-Distance Intimacy

5 Million+ Connections in a Single Year Reveal Some Surprising Facts About Couples Who Live Apart

SINGAPORE, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lovense today published the Lovense Distance Index 2026. Partners on the Lovense Remote app, the hub of the Lovense ecosystem, logged 5.036 million remote sessions between October 2025 and September 2026, averaging 20.4 minutes each. Added together, they come to roughly 196 years of connection, which is longer than the telephone has existed.

In 2013, Crystal Jiang and Jeffrey Hancock published a study in the Journal of Communication. The long-distance couples they surveyed felt more intimate than couples living close by. "The long-distance couples try harder than geographically close couples in communicating affection and intimacy," Jiang said. That study drew its conclusions from how couples felt. Now, with five million anonymized app records, the Distance Index goes further and looks at how technology lets partners experience physical intimacy across distance.

Key findings

Most long-distance couples choose to meet at 10 p.m. The day is over. The phone is on the pillow. Across the week, that is the hour they chose: activity peaked between 10 and 11 p.m. local time, by session end on the reporting side. "Before I fall asleep, it's always you I think of."

One connection a day is often not enough for couples apart. On 37.8% of the days a partner connected, they came back for a second session.

Connections peaked on Valentine's Day, yet the sessions were among the shortest?! Long-distance couples logged about 22,000 sessions on February 14, 49% more than on comparable weekdays. Then the surprise: the median session lasted only 6.6 minutes, below an ordinary day. But the next night, February 15, the median session stretched past 11.7 minutes! Valentine's Day, it seems, was only the foreplay. The day after was the main course.

In one country, couples apart find it hard to say goodnight once they start. Within a single country, couples in Japan stayed on longest. One session in ten ran past 62 minutes. As the report puts it, "some people, once they connect, can't bring themselves to say goodnight."

More than half of the busiest routes cross a border. Eleven of the top 20 routes link two countries. On the Australia–United States route alone, couples split between the two countries logged 11,800 sessions. At 10 p.m. in Sydney, it is not yet dawn in Los Angeles. The report asks how many "When are you coming home?" messages sit behind that one route.

Long-distance longing crosses time as well as distance

The report sets its total against a timeline that runs from the steam age in 1830 through the first phone call in 1876 to the internet in 1995. Over those years, people learned to send words and then voices across any distance.

But if they wanted to touch each other, couples apart were still out of reach.

Engineers in intimacy technology have worked on that problem since 1975, when the computing pioneer Ted Nelson coined the term "teledildonics." In 2015, the sex-tech developer Kyle Machulis described the process to VICE. "You have to turn on your computer, hook up the toy, hope the toy has drivers on there, hope the drivers will talk to the toy in the correct way…" Few couples would go through that on a weeknight.

Dan Liu, an engineer, founded Lovense in Singapore in 2010 to take those steps away, with long-distance couples in mind first. The company still works under the same three words: "Closing the Distance." Its first app-controlled toys went on sale in 2013. They were the first piece of what is now the Lovense ecosystem.

A session today needs two phones. When one partner taps the screen, the command crosses the internet to the other partner's phone and then reaches the toy over Bluetooth. Couples can do this during a video call in the same app. The person wearing the toy decides how long it runs and can stop it at any moment.

Couples can also sync the same devices to music, video, live streams, and games built with the company's Unity and Unreal plugins. Outside developers build their own apps on its public APIs. That is the Lovense ecosystem today, and every part of it runs on the same connection a couple uses at 10 p.m.

"When we started in 2010, long distance meant you could see and hear each other, and that was all," said Dan Liu, founder and CEO of Lovense. "This report shows what couples do once touch is possible. Twenty minutes before bed, often twice in a day, on an ordinary weeknight. Our job is to keep taking steps out of their way. And to make sure what happens between two people stays between them. Everything else in the Lovense ecosystem is built on that one connection."

A market with no official count

No government counts long-distance couples, so the report's five million sessions have no official total to sit beside. The United Nations counted 304 million international migrants in 2024, nearly twice the 1990 figure. In the United States, 12.5% of couples who married in 2023 were living apart from their spouse, according to researchers at Bowling Green State University.

Jobs, degrees and visas now put a border, or an ocean, between a great many partners. The couples in this report found a way across it in the Lovense ecosystem. Tonight, between 10 and 11, many of them will connect again.

Full report: https://lovense.com/distance-index

About the data

The Lovense Distance Index 2026 analyzes 5.036 million valid remote sessions on Lovense Remote from October 2025 to September 2026. Times use the local time of the session-end event on the reporting side. All data was aggregated and anonymized. The report does not identify individual users.

About Lovense

Lovense is a pioneering sex-tech company specializing in remotely controlled and interactive pleasure products, revolutionizing long-distance intimacy through cutting-edge technology. Since 2010, Lovense is dedicated to enhancing personal and shared experiences by leveraging cutting-edge tech to tackle the long-distance relationship challenge, offering unparalleled interactive intimacy experiences for couples worldwide. For more information, please visit www.lovense.com.

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wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum New York 2026: Empowering Italian Wineries to Captivate American Travelers

NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With American demand for wine tourism hitting record highs, the wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2026 in New York will unveil new strategies to help Italian wineries capture the high-spending US market. The two-day forum runs from 26–27 October 2026, in conjunction with Vinitaly.USA, and brings together producers, trade professionals, specialist travel agents, tour operators and other key stakeholders to explore how the Italian wine sector can leverage the lucrative American travel market.

Why Wine Tourism Matters to Italy

Wine tourism has become far more than a complement to wine sales. For Italian wineries it is now a structural part of the business, and a driver of local economies, employment and international visibility. Italy's vineyards, historic cellars, rural landscapes and food traditions are central to why visitors come, and wine and food are increasingly what shape those journeys.

The numbers reflect this:

- A major source of revenue- A Nomisma Wine Monitor and UniCredit report presented at Vinitaly 2026 found that wine tourism generated over €3 billion for Italian wineries in 2025, equal to an average of 21% of their turnover.

- Value for local communities- Research by the Italian Association for Food and Wine Tourism (AITE), and Studi e Ricerche per il Mezzogiorno (SRM) estimates that each wine tourism visit generates more than €150 in added value across agriculture, restaurants, retail, culture and crafts.

- A growing global market- The same research values wine tourism worldwide at $46.5 billion, with Europe accounting for more than half of the market.

The American Traveller and Italian Wine

The United States is a key source of wine-minded visitors to Italy. Recent studies suggest that more than half of Americans travelling to Italy now place wine, food or both at the centre of their itinerary. Yet most continue to visit the same regions and wineries, leaving enormous opportunity for producers and territories still outside the usual routes. At wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum, the conversation turns to who shapes those choices, and how Italian producers and regions can get onto the right radars.

Wine Tourism Sessions at wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum 2026

The Future of Wine Tourism in Italy: Who Decides Where American Wine Travellers Go Next?

Monday, 26 October 2026, 10:30–11:15 (local time), wine2wine Brooklyn room, Floor 0, Pier 36, New York

Increasingly, specialist travel agents, wine-focused tour operators and trusted itinerary builders are influencing where wine-interested Americans go, as consumers face choice overload and turn to experts to design memorable wine travel experiences. Susan Kostrzewa, Cristina Mariani, Riley Pearce and Seth Snider will lead a discussion with key voices in the specialist travel space, exploring how itineraries are built, which trends are emerging among American clients, and how Italian producers and regions can get onto the right radars.

From Winery to Itinerary: How the Global Travel Industry Sells Italian Wine Tourism

Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 11:15–12:00 (local time)

A great winery does not automatically translate into a great tourist attraction. To turn interest in Italian wine into an actual trip, a destination must be easily incorporated into an itinerary. Moderated by Sara Magro, the panel will bring together key players from cruise lines, hotel groups, specialized tour operators, and the luxury travel sector to understand how an itinerary is created and what criteria determine the inclusion of a winery or a region. The discussion will analyse the true commercial architecture of wine tourism, with a practical goal: to understand how to make Italian wine destinations easier to incorporate into an itinerary, book, and sell on the international market.

The Future of Wine Tourism in Italy: Destinations, Experiences and Opportunities for the Global Market

Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 12:00–12:45 (local time). Promoted by the Ministry of Tourism with the support of ENIT S.p.A.

The session will feature Hon. Gianluca Caramanna and Ivana Jelinic, CEO of ENIT S.p.A., and will introduce ENIT's Wine Tourism Hub, a new B2B platform showcasing the richness and diversity of Italy's wine tourism experiences, to be unveiled at the conference.

More from the 2026 Program

Alongside wine tourism, the preliminary program covers Italian wine in the American market and the wider Italian wine landscape, including:

- Regional focus-sessions on Sardegna (presented by Regione Sardegna) and on the many faces of Friuli Venezia Giulia (presented with ERSA FVG).

- Market strategy-how America's three-tier system really moves wine, three wine strategies for Texas, growing with Millennials and LDA Gen Z, and planning a US marketing plan for Italian wine with an AI assistant.

- Masterclasses-including sessions powered by Wine Enthusiast, Decanter and International Wine Center, and a masterclass on Italy's age-worthy white wines with Commonwealth Wine School.

- Vinitaly International Academy-the VIA NY Pinning Ceremony on 26 October and the VIA Advanced Tasting Session "Beyond the Basics – Tasting Italy with Sarah Heller MW" on 27 October.

- OperaWine-OperaWine 2027 Revealed: Wine Spectator Presents Italy's Selected Producers, on 26 October.

How to Participate

All sessions are free registration events and are held in English. To reserve a seat in any session, attendees must have an active account on the official Vinitaly.USA App. Those who have not yet completed their trade accreditation can apply at join.vinitalyusa.com to access the App and reserve their wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum sessions. The full program is available on the official website: https://www.vinitaly.com/en/events-calendar/wine2wine/wine2wine-vinitaly-business-forum-2026/

Please note that session times and schedule may change. Attendees are encouraged to check the App regularly for real-time updates.

About: wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum is a dynamic international wine industry forum organized by Veronafiere and held annually since 2014, in Verona, Italy, and in the United States in conjunction with Vinitaly.USA. The event is a key reference point for wine producers and wine professionals eager to develop and grow their wine business worldwide. wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum provides unique opportunities to share ideas on the most important issues facing the rapidly evolving wine industry and to connect with wine professionals and experts. The forum features keynote sessions, seminars, and interactive workshops which aim to equip participants with practical tools to improve their business. Speakers are renowned experts in their field and among the brightest minds in the wine world from Italy and abroad. Additional information is available at https://www.vinitaly.com/en/forum/wine2wine-business-forum/ or by emailing [email protected]

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RTX's Collins Aerospace launches Tower MicroELITE surveillance solution at San Bernardino International Airport

Advanced display technology enables controllers to manage rising traffic demands

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has announced the launch of its Tower MicroELITE (TME) surveillance solution, a secure, scalable digital display system that enhances air traffic controller situational awareness. San Bernardino Airport (SBD) became the first to deploy the new solution, providing the integrated surveillance data tracking needed to accommodate a rapid increase in airspace operations.

As a federal contract tower, SBD represents a growing segment of private and contract airports that continue to see rising traffic levels without the benefit of certified radar displays, underscoring the need for modern, reliable surveillance solutions.

"As air traffic continues to grow, airports need solutions that give controllers a clear and reliable view of what's happening in their airspace," said Nicole White, vice president and general manager of Connected Aviation at Collins Aerospace. "Tower MicroELITE delivers that clarity with an FAA-approved solution that's easy to integrate and scalable so operators can manage traffic demands with confidence."

The TME solution is architected from Collins' FAA-certified Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS), providing controllers a familiar, industry-standard interface to monitor and manage complex aircraft sequencing. Utilizing commercial off-the-shelf hardware, the TME system can be deployed at airports of any size – including regional and general aviation reliever airports, business aviation terminals and heliports – providing towers a compact, efficient and affordable enterprise-grade situational awareness tool.

TME has received FAA System Design Approval as an Airborne Position Reference Tool (APRT), making the system available for deployment at eligible FAA Contract Tower airports and privately operated air traffic control facilities. The solution advances Collins' broader vision for airspace modernization by connecting controllers with timely surveillance data and proven automation tools to help them manage increasingly complex operating environments.

About Collins Aerospace

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, provides advanced aerospace and defense solutions across avionics, aircraft interiors, aerostructures and engine components, mission systems, and power and control systems. Our global employees are dedicated to delivering innovative technologies to enhance aircraft performance, passenger comfort, operational safety and reliability.

About RTX

With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.    

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact [email protected].

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New controls evaluate quantum agility across the third-party ecosystem, helping organizations identify which vendors are quantum-ready or moving toward readiness

BOSTON, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Kite, the leader in third-party cyber risk management, today announced the release of Quantum Readiness, a new set of controls within the SSL/TLS Strength category of the Black Kite Cyber Rating that evaluates quantum agility across an organization's third-party vendor ecosystem. Quantum Readiness surfaces which vendors are quantum-ready or adopting quantum-safe encryption methods, providing an early indication of security maturity and preparedness for the post-quantum era.

Quantum computers capable of breaking today's encryption do not exist yet, but experts predict "Q-Day" could arrive as early as 2028. The risk is also retroactive: in "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks, bad actors are already collecting encrypted data to decrypt once quantum computers are powerful enough. Organizations need to prepare now – for many, the shift to quantum-safe encryption is underway, making quantum agility a key indicator of vendor security maturity and readiness.

"Third-party cyber risk management needs to account for where risk is going, not only where it exists today," said Ferhat Dikbiyik, Chief Research & Intelligence Officer (CRIO), Black Kite. "We built Quantum Readiness to give customers early visibility into quantum agility across their supply chains and help them understand which vendors are preparing for one of the most significant cryptographic transitions ahead."

Organizations transmit sensitive data to and through third parties every day, with limited visibility into whether those vendors are prepared to protect that data in the post-quantum era. Regulatory pressure further compounds the challenges organizations face. Post-quantum deadlines are now fixed. NIST's schedule deprecates RSA, ECDSA, and ECDH after 2030 and disallows them after 2035. OMB M-26-15 puts US agencies on post-quantum key establishment by the end of 2030 and digital signatures by 2031. Executive Order 14412 started the clock on a federal acquisition rule requiring covered contractors to meet NIST post-quantum standards by December 31, 2030.

In the European Union, Member States are expected to have national plans and cryptographic inventories in place by the end of 2026, with high-risk critical infrastructure migrated by 2030, while NIS2 already puts supply chain security and cryptography inside risk-management obligations today.

Organizations will need visibility into the cryptographic posture of their own systems and the vendors they depend on. Black Kite provides an external measure of vendor post-quantum readiness across the third-party ecosystem, helping organizations to answer a critical question: which vendors in my supply chain are quantum-ready, which are moving toward readiness, and which may be falling behind? As a result, they are enabled to:

- Evaluate quantum agility across their third-party ecosystem

- Identify which vendors are quantum-ready or adopting quantum-safe encryption

- Track vendor readiness over time as post-quantum adoption grows

- Prepare for emerging regulatory requirements, including U.S. federal post-quantum migration mandates and the EU's post-quantum cryptography roadmap

Key features include:

- New Quantum Readiness Controls: Assess observable signals of post-quantum cryptographic readiness, including hybrid post-quantum key exchange, certificate signature readiness, and assets without an identified migration path.

- Integrated into the Black Kite Cyber Rating: Incorporated into the SSL/TLS Strength category, bringing quantum preparedness into an organization's existing view of third-party cyber risk.

- Quantum Agility Across the Ecosystem: Evaluate preparedness across the third-party ecosystem at scale to understand which vendors are quantum-ready or actively moving toward readiness.

"Quantum readiness cannot stop at the agency perimeter," said Megan Rolander, Public Sector Director, Black Kite. "Federal agencies depend on complex networks of contractors and technology providers, and they need to understand how prepared those organizations are for the transition to post-quantum cryptography. Black Kite gives agencies visibility into quantum agility across that broader ecosystem before these requirements become more urgent."

"The uncertainty around Q-Day is exactly why organizations need to prepare now," said Konstantinos Karagiannis, Senior Director, Quantum Computing Services, Protiviti. "Cryptographic migrations take years, and sensitive information being transmitted today could remain valuable to attackers long into the future. Measuring quantum agility provides an important signal of how mature an organization's security program is and whether they are taking the steps necessary to prepare for the coming quantum era."

To see how Black Kite can help you evaluate quantum readiness across your third-party ecosystem, reach out to our team.

About Black Kite

Black Kite is an AI-native third-party cyber risk management platform built for the connected world. By distilling billions of external risk signals from millions of monitored organizations, Black Kite delivers the trusted intelligence that powers a connected defense network, enabling organizations to identify risk earlier, act faster, and move from isolated defense to collective resilience. With Black Kite, organizations benefit from greater control, earlier warning, and the confidence to work safely with third parties at scale. Black Kite has received numerous industry awards and recognition from customers. Learn more at www.blackkite.com, or on the Black Kite blog.

Media Contact:

Michelle Kearney

Hi-Touch PR

443-857-9468

[email protected]

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The Limited-Time Dot Cake Protein Smoothie and Dot Cake Protein Toast available starting October 27, while supplies last

DALLAS, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This spooky season, Smoothie King is giving one of 2026's biggest viral food obsessions a delicious and more nutritious twist with the launch of the Dot Cake Protein Smoothie and Dot Cake Protein Toast. With no tricks, just treats, fans will want to act fast to get a taste of the viral-inspired treats, as both the Dot Cake Protein Smoothie and Dot Cake Protein Toast will be available in limited quantities at participating Smoothie King locations, only while supplies last.

Known for its colorful sprinkles and satisfying crunch, the Dot Cake has taken over social feeds, inspired countless recreations and even drawn lines around the block. As consumers look to enjoy the viral trend without losing sight of their nutrition goals, Smoothie King is putting a more nutritious spin on the treat with the protein-packed Dot Cake Protein Smoothie and Dot Cake Protein Toast, available at participating locations beginning October 27.

"We're always looking for ways to tap into what consumers are excited about and put a uniquely Smoothie King spin on it. Dot Cake was the perfect opportunity to take a viral food moment and turn it into something colorful, craveable and protein-packed," said Lori Primavera, Vice President of RD & Product Marketing at Smoothie King.

Bringing more than 50 years of nutritional expertise to the viral trend, Smoothie King has done the nutritional work so consumers don't have to. The Dot Cake Protein Smoothie features bananas and Smoothie King's Slim-N-Trim™ Blend, packing 13 grams of protein, while colorful, artificial color-free Supernatural Rainbow Nonpareils Sprinkles deliver the signature Dot Cake crunch. The Dot Cake Protein Toast combines your choice of chocolate hazelnut or peanut butter spread on multigrain bread for 11+ grams of protein, topped with the same colorful crunch. It's everything consumers love about the internet-famous treat – colorful, craveable and fun – offering a more nutritious take on the viral treat.

As Smoothie King brings new and exciting innovations to its menu, the brand remains committed to its standards for clean blends and ingredients. That's why the Dot Cake Protein Smoothie and Toast feature Supernatural Rainbow Nonpareils Sprinkles, a artificial color-free option that delivers the colorful look and signature crunch of the viral treat while aligning with Smoothie King's ingredient standards. It's another way Smoothie King continues to prioritize delicious and nutritious ingredients.

The Dot Cake Protein Smoothie and Dot Cake Protein Toast will be available for a limited time, while supplies last, at participating Smoothie King locations nationwide beginning October 27. Guests can enjoy the offerings individually or pair them together for the full Dot Cake-inspired experience. For more information, visit smoothieking.com.

ABOUT SMOOTHIE KING FRANCHISES, INC.

Smoothie King Franchises, Inc., the original U.S. smoothie franchise, is a privately held, Dallas-based company with more than 1,200 units nationwide. It was founded in 1973 with the mission to inspire people to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Today, with over 50 years focused on making nutrition delicious and guided by a vision to make the world a better place by nourishing healthy habits, Smoothie King continues to design each smoothie from the ground up, working with their nutritional experts to balance nutrients and flavor. In April 2023, Smoothie King expanded beyond smoothies with the launch of Smoothie Bowls. In 2025, the brand introduced its Power Eats Menu, its first nationwide rollout of food items, which earned Nation's Restaurant News' MenuMasters Healthful Innovation award in 2026. Smoothie King also offers retail products that include sports beverages, energy bars, vitamins, supplements, and more.

Repeatedly recognized as a top franchise opportunity, Smoothie King was recently ranked #17 in Entrepreneur Magazine's highly competitive "Franchise 500" ranking for 2026, as well as #11 in Entrepreneur's 2025 Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners and #11 in its 2025 Top Franchises for Veterans feature. Smoothie King was also included in the 2025 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, Technomic's Top 500 Chains and Franchise Times 2025 Top 400.

Press Contact:

ALISON BROD MARKETING + COMMUNICATIONS

[email protected]

SOURCE Smoothie King

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Danaher Reports Third Quarter 2026 Results

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) today announced results for the third quarter 2026. All results in this release reflect only continuing operations and period-to-period comparisons are year-over-year unless otherwise noted.

Key Third Quarter 2026 Results

- Net earnings were $1.2 billion, or $1.71 per diluted common share, up 34.5% year-over-year.

- Non-GAAP adjusted diluted net earnings per common share grew 11.5% to $2.11.

- Revenues increased 8.5% year-over-year to $6.6 billion.

- Non-GAAP core revenue excluding respiratory revenue increased 5.5% year-over-year and non-GAAP core revenue increased 3.0% year-over-year.

- Operating cash flow was $1.9 billion and non-GAAP free cash flow was $1.6 billion.

Julie Sawyer Montgomery, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We delivered better-than-expected third quarter revenue, earnings and cash flow, and are encouraged by the improving trends we saw across our end markets. The continued acceleration in core revenue growth excluding respiratory revenue, together with DBS-driven execution drove double-digit adjusted EPS growth and underscored our ability to convert improving demand into strong financial performance."

Ms. Sawyer Montgomery continued, "Danaher has built a strong foundation, and the time I've spent with our teams and customers during my transition into the CEO role has only reinforced my conviction in the opportunities ahead. Looking forward, the opportunity for Danaher is clear: to become the defining leader in Life Sciences and Diagnostics–a company that unambiguously gains share, delivers sustainable profitable growth, and helps our customers improve outcomes for patients around the world."

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2026 Outlook

Danaher Corporation (the "Company") does not reconcile non-GAAP forecasted core sales growth, adjusted operating profit margin and adjusted diluted net earnings per common share to their respective, comparable measure prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) because (except for estimated amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of $0.5 billion for the fourth quarter and $1.9 billion for the year ending December 31, 2026 and the estimated impact of foreign currency on sales, which is estimated to be flat in the fourth quarter and increase sales by 1.0% in the full year, assuming the currency exchange rates in effect as of September 25, 2026) the additional elements that would be reflected in any such GAAP measures (such as the impact of currency exchange rates on profitability, future acquisitions, divested product lines, discrete tax adjustments, impairments, gains and losses on investments and the outcome of legal proceedings) are difficult to predict and estimate and are often dependent on future events that may be uncertain or outside of our control. The impact of these additional elements could be material to our results computed in accordance with GAAP.

For the fourth quarter 2026, the Company anticipates that non-GAAP core revenue excluding respiratory revenue will increase in the 4.0% to 5.0% range year-over-year. We expect respiratory revenue to be an approximately 150 basis point headwind, resulting in core revenue growth of approximately 3.0%.

For full year 2026, the Company is increasing its full year adjusted diluted net earnings per common share guidance to a range of $8.57 to $8.62 versus previous guidance of $8.45 to $8.60.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Danaher will discuss its third quarter results and financial guidance for the fourth quarter and full year 2026, including as applicable key assumptions with respect thereto, during its investor conference call today starting at 8:00 a.m. ET. The call and an accompanying slide presentation will be webcast on the "Investors" section of Danaher's website, www.danaher.com, under the subheading "Events & Presentations." A replay of the webcast will be available in the same section of Danaher's website shortly after the conclusion of the presentation and will remain available until the next quarterly earnings call.

The conference call can be accessed by dialing 800-267-6316, within the U.S. or +1 203-518-9783 outside the U.S. a few minutes before 8:00 a.m. ET and notifying the operator that you are dialing in for Danaher's earnings conference call (Conference ID: DHRQ326). A replay of the conference call will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and until November 4, 2026. You can access the replay dial-in information on the "Investors" section of Danaher's website under the subheading "Events & Presentations."

ABOUT DANAHER

Danaher is a leading global life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology innovator committed to advancing the power of science and technology to improve human health. Through a connected ecosystem of industry-leading businesses, the Company works closely with customers to solve many of their most complex scientific challenges by accelerating discovery, development and the delivery of life-changing therapies. Powered by the Danaher Business System and 60,000 associates worldwide, the Company strives for continuous improvement, operational excellence and Innovation at the Speed of Life. Explore more at www.danaher.com.

NON-GAAP MEASURES AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS

In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, this earnings release also contains non-GAAP financial measures. Calculations of these measures, explanations of what these measures represent and the reasons why we believe these measures provide useful information to investors, a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, where applicable, and other information relating to these non-GAAP measures are included in the supplemental reconciliation schedule attached.

In addition, this earnings release, the slide presentation accompanying the related earnings call, non-GAAP reconciliations and a note containing details of historical and anticipated, future financial performance have been posted to the "Investors" section of Danaher's website (www.danaher.com).

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION

Statements in this release that are not strictly historical, including the statements regarding the Company's anticipated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2026, the Company's expectations regarding business trends, opportunities, market share gains, sustainable profitable growth and improved patient outcomes and any other statements regarding events or developments that we believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things: the impact of the tariffs and related actions implemented by the U.S.

Affordable Korean Skincare Brands Worth Trying (2026): Stylevana Recognized for Accessible K-Beauty Options by Better Business Advice

NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Better Business Advice has named Stylevana a notable online destination for affordable Korean skincare in 2026. The assessment covers the retailer's catalog of Korean beauty labels, product sourcing practices, ingredient information, loyalty program, and options for building a skincare routine across several price levels.

Affordable Korean Skincare Brands

- Stylevana - an online retailer offering authentic Korean and other Asian skincare, makeup, hair care, and personal care products to international shoppers

The recognition addresses a practical issue for K-beauty shoppers: finding authentic products from multiple Korean labels without placing separate orders through several retailers. Stylevana sources most Korean beauty items directly from Korea, with daily shipments sent to its Hong Kong warehouse for order processing and fulfillment.

Why Does Affordability Matter in Korean Skincare?

Korean skincare routines may include several product types, such as cleansers, toners, essences, serums, moisturizers, masks, and sunscreens. Buying each category separately can make cost an important part of routine planning, especially for shoppers testing unfamiliar formulas or ingredients.

Stylevana carries products at varied prices, including travel sizes, single-use masks, full-size items, twin packs, and curated sets. This format lets shoppers compare routine steps and purchase quantities that fit their budget rather than committing immediately to larger packages.

Prices and availability can change, so shoppers may benefit from comparing product size, quantity, and cost per unit before ordering.

What Korean Skincare Brands Are Available?

The Stylevana U.S. storefront includes Korean skincare labels associated with sunscreens, serums, moisturizers, masks, and complexion products. Examples available through the retailer include:

- Beauty of Joseon, including rice-based sunscreens and niacinamide serums

- SKIN1004, including centella-based sun care

- Haruharu Wonder, including black rice sunscreen formulas

- Purito Seoul, including sunscreen sticks and BB cream

- ANUA, including hyaluronic acid and azelaic acid serums

Other Korean labels carried by the retailer include ILLIYOON, Mediheal, Round Lab, Laneige, Medicube, and Numbuzin. Inventory varies by market and product availability.

Stylevana's Business Model

Stylevana operates as a multi-brand online retailer connecting international shoppers with Asian beauty products through a single digital storefront. Its business model brings skincare, makeup, hair care, and personal care labels from several countries into one catalog, allowing customers to compare brands, ingredients, product sizes, and prices in one place.

The company works with reputable suppliers and authorized distributors. Most Korean beauty items are sourced directly from Korea and shipped daily to its Hong Kong warehouse for processing and fulfillment.

From a business perspective, Stylevana pairs international product sourcing with regional e-commerce websites, customer reward programs, promotional pricing, and complimentary samples for eligible orders. This model supports repeat purchasing while helping customers access beauty labels that may not be readily available through local stores. Ingredient lists, product details, and patch-test guidance also provide practical information for customers evaluating unfamiliar formulas.

How Does Stylevana Address Product Authenticity?

Stylevana works with reputable suppliers and authorized distributors. According to the retailer, every product sold through its store is authentic and genuine.

This sourcing information may be useful for shoppers who are unfamiliar with international beauty retailers or concerned about counterfeit skincare. Stylevana also publishes ingredient lists on product pages to help customers review formulas before making a purchase.

Ingredient disclosure does not replace individual safety precautions. Skin sensitivities differ, and the retailer advises customers to review product details, consult the manufacturer's website when needed, and perform a patch test before adding a new formula to a daily routine.

How Does the VANA Reward Club Work?

The VANA Reward Club is a tiered loyalty program with four membership levels: Beginner, Insider, Super Fan, and VIP. Enrollment does not require a fee.

Members earn one VANA Point for every dollar spent. Points may also be earned through activities such as subscribing to the retailer's newsletter, following its social media accounts, and writing product reviews.

Benefits vary by tier and may include coupons, birthday rewards, member sales, gifts with purchase, and priority sale access. VANA Points expire 180 days after they are earned. Accounts, points, and rewards are tied to the region in which they were issued and cannot be transferred across regional accounts.

Stylevana Members Discount

Stylevana members can use the affiliate coupon code AFFNICE25 on eligible orders. The code provides up to 25% off with a minimum order of US$99 or up to 20% off with no minimum order. The discount is available to members only.

What Makes Stylevana an Accessible K-Beauty Retailer?

Stylevana brings Korean skincare brands, varied product sizes, ingredient information, and region-specific shopping into one online catalog. Direct sourcing from Korea, relationships with reputable suppliers and authorized distributors, and detailed product pages give shoppers practical information for comparing unfamiliar formulas.

Affordable pricing, a tiered reward program, and members-only coupon savings further support the retailer's accessibility. Together, these elements explain why Better Business Advice named Stylevana a notable option for shoppers exploring Korean skincare in 2026.

For the full review, please visit the Better Business Advice website.

About Stylevana

Stylevana is an online retailer specializing in Asian beauty products. The catalog includes Korean and Japanese skincare, makeup, hair care and body care from established and emerging brands. Stylevana aims to provide a wide and affordable beauty selection while sharing information about Asian beauty products, ingredients and routines.

About Better Business Advice: Better Business Advice covers the news and strategies driving modern business success. The information provided by Better Business Advice does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only. As an affiliate, Better Business Advice may earn commissions from services mentioned in the links provided.

SOURCE BetterBusinessAdvice.com

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Commander, the AI Sales Engine of WasteTech, Triples ARR in 2026 and Names Dave Meizlik President & COO

Meizlik joined in February to lead go-to-market; platform has surfaced more than $70 million in new revenue opportunities for 100+ haulers, including 3 of the 8 largest in North America

MARINA DEL REY, Calif., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Commander, the AI sales engine for the waste, recycling, and scrap hauling industry, today announced that Dave Meizlik, who joined the company in February 2026 as President and Chief Operating Officer, is leading the company's go-to-market expansion after Commander grew annual recurring revenue 300% this year.

Since January, Commander's platform has identified more than $70 million in new revenue opportunities for its customers, and the company now serves more than 100 waste management companies, including three of the eight largest haulers in North America. Meizlik previously served as an investor and advisor to Commander.

"The waste industry runs on operational software built for routes, trucks, and billing. Nobody built the sales side, so haulers have been finding new business the same way for decades: manually," said Dave Meizlik, President and COO of Commander. "Commander changes that. We give haulers a sales engine that knows their market, tells reps who to call and why, and does the work of finding and closing new accounts. The results this year prove the model, and we are just getting started."

The Sales Engine for Waste

Commander unifies intelligence, action, and automation in a single platform built exclusively for haulers. The platform surfaces high-value prospects, such as new construction, business openings, and competitor contract expirations, prioritizes them for each sales rep, drafts outreach and quotes, and manages the entire pipeline in a CRM designed around how hauling companies actually sell. Commander complements the routing, billing, and back-office systems haulers already run by adding the revenue layer those platforms were never built to provide.

Commander recently launched its Open API, giving haulers and technology partners direct access to Commander's data and workflows, and its mobile app, putting the full platform in reps' hands in the field. Later this year the company will introduce Command Center, an AI-driven sales operations center that reviews every rep's pipeline, prioritizes the next move, and automates the outreach itself, so reps spend their time closing instead of prospecting.

Proven Operator and Go-to-Market Leader

Meizlik brings more than 20 years of experience building and scaling high-growth companies. He co-founded Sage Goddess, Inc. and served as its President and COO, growing it to more than $100 million in revenue and 150 employees as the largest e-commerce and e-learning provider in its market. He previously held leadership roles at Nexgate, a cloud-based social media brand protection and compliance company acquired by Proofpoint, and at Dome9 Security, acquired by Check Point Software Technologies.

"Dave turns potential into results. In seven months he has built a sales organization that is bringing Commander to haulers across the country and tripled our revenue," said David Berg, CEO and founder of Commander. "Our mission is to make every hauler in North America a better-run, faster-growing business. Dave is the operator who gets us there."

About Commander

Commander is the AI sales engine for WasteTech and the only go-to-market platform built exclusively for waste, recycling, and scrap haulers. Combining AI-powered prospecting, sales intelligence, and CRM in a single platform, Commander has generated more than $70 million in revenue opportunities for its customers and helps haulers of every size find, qualify, and close new accounts faster. Commander is headquartered in Los Angeles. Learn more at commanderai.com.

SOURCE CommanderAI

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