June 21, 2023 – Business Observer

June 21, 2023

Zoom Scheduler, now generally available, allows users to align calendars with clients and contacts quickly and easily

Zoom extends free signup period for Zoom Scheduler to July 20

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Zoom announced general availability for its new Zoom Scheduler tool and the extension of the free signup period. Zoom Scheduler makes finding the perfect meeting time easier by sharing availability for others to conveniently book appointments.

“We heard again and again from our customers that they were looking for a convenient way to book appointments without leaving the Zoom platform,” said Joseph Chong, Head of Product, Solutions, and Industry Marketing, Zoom. “With Zoom Scheduler, they can. Based on positive feedback, we will be offering Zoom Scheduler for free for anyone to try for one more month.”

Zoom is known for simplifying collaboration tools, and its latest product has taken on everyone’s least favorite meeting task: aligning calendars. Sharing availability windows back and forth manually takes up valuable time and adds more friction to a workday. Meeting with potential customers or clients often compounds this problem, as external participants lack visibility into one another’s calendars. Zoom Scheduler allows hosts to generate windows of availability that others can use to book appointments. With Zoom Scheduler, users will be able to grow their businesses faster and get more done so they can spend more time on what matters: preparing for the meeting or taking a break.

Get together with Zoom Scheduler

Now generally available, Zoom Scheduler places a meeting on the host’s calendar with a Zoom Meetings link already included, saving both participants time. Hosts can use their preferred calendar: Zoom Scheduler works seamlessly with Zoom Meetings and Zoom Mail and Calendar and integrates with both Google Calendar and Microsoft 365.

Features of Zoom Scheduler include:

Ability to schedule one-on-one meetings or one-to-many group meetings and specify how many people can attend any available slot.
Choose recurring availability or custom availability for one-off meetings.
Generate slots of availability when any or all team members are available.
Automate and customize email notifications.
Collect preferred information during the attendee booking process.

Beta customers love how Zoom Scheduler saves time and consolidates meeting scheduling where it makes the most sense: in the middle of the communication platform they know and love.

“Zoom Scheduler offers an easy, no-effort integration with the rest of the Zoom platform,” said Gabe Moronta, Visla. “It has all the features, settings, and capability I need.”

Zoom Scheduler integrates with Zoom Calendar, which has become a resource for meetings both before and after. Zoom Calendar offers a sidebar view alongside the Zoom desktop client, so attendees can maximize their time by seeing if others have joined the meeting yet. After the meeting, shared files live in the Calendar invite for future reference.

Free and paid Zoom users can try out Zoom Scheduler for free anytime before July 19, 2023. On July 20, 2023, Scheduler will be available as an add-on for purchase for $5.99/month per user on Zoom’s website (add to any existing legacy Zoom plan or Zoom One plan), and will be included in the Zoom One Business Plus and Enterprise Plus plans.

About Zoom
Zoom is an all-in-one intelligent collaboration platform that makes connecting easier, more immersive, and more dynamic for businesses and individuals. Zoom technology puts people at the center, enabling meaningful connections, facilitating modern collaboration, and driving human innovation through solutions like team chat, phone, meetings, omnichannel cloud contact center, smart recordings, whiteboard, and more, in one offering. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ:ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Get more info at zoom.com.

Zoom Public Relations
Lacretia Taylor
press@zoom.us

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8862086

June 21, 2023

James Absalom Elevated to Chief Commercial Officer – International at ZRG

LONDON and NEW YORK, June 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZRG Partners, a leading global talent firm backed by private equity firm RFE Investment Partners, today announced the promotion of London-based executive James Absalom to the position of Chief Commercial Officer – International.

Absalom became part of ZRG when his previous firm that he founded as CEO in 2015, Walter James, was acquired in December 2021. In that time, revenues with the Walter James division have increased 23%. He has worked across numerous client verticals, including Consumer & Retail, Life Science, Industrial, Financial Services, Sustainability and Technology. His client portfolio includes global entities like Colgate-Palmolive, Gruppo Campari, SC Johnson, Unilever, Haleon, and Imperial Brands as well as numerous private equity and privately owned high growth organizations.

“James will be responsible for maximizing growth across all our business lines, including executive search, DEI, interim management, leadership & assessment consulting, and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) and showcase our truly collaborative, end-to-end talent advisory firm,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG. “We are confident he will help us grow our business practices all across the globe.”

In his new role, Absalom will oversee growth of ZRG’s international footprint in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Australia. In keeping with ZRG’s M&A focused growth strategy, he will also work closely with the board to identify, acquire, and integrate M&A targets internationally.

“I am excited to take on this newly created leadership role at ZRG Partners to grow our global client base,” Absalom said. “I am working with practice leaders, senior partners, and others throughout our worldwide network to provide best in class functional, geographical and sector expertise to ensure we can offer clients both a global footprint but also local partnership. My plan is to ensure we build long lasting, impactful, and value-driven business results where we focus on matching the right executives to the unique culture of our clients.”

Absalom will also continue to fulfil his senior partner role by originating and leading large searches across the C-Suite, managing his own clients, and bringing people in to grow the firm’s client base and business lines.

ZRG’s new Chief Commercial Officer’s experience includes working with complex global organizations in senior leadership positions that require both change and transformation.

Founded in 1999, ZRG, is one of the fastest growing global executive search firms in the search industry. With the financial backing of private equity investor RFE Investment Partners, ZRG provides a full suite of executive, middle-management, and customized search solutions through its offices in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. The firm finds leaders across a broad spectrum of business markets, including aerospace, consumer, education, healthcare services and solutions, industrial, life sciences, non-profit, private equity and venture capital, and technology.

Contact: John Mooney, Over the Moon PR, (908) 720-6057, john@overthemoonpr.com.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8861627

June 21, 2023

Pakistan Seeks US Help in Last-Ditch Effort to Revive IMF Deal

With the expiry of the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme looming, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar Wednesday requested US Ambassador Donald Blome to play his part in reviving the bailout programme.

This was the second meeting between the two in recent weeks where the discussions focused on the country’s struggles with the IMF, according to sources privy to the matter.

The official handout of the meeting issued by the Ministry of Finance said that the two sides exchanged views about areas of common interest and how the existing bilateral relations between the two countries can be enhanced further.

Dar informed the US envoy about the government’s budgetary measures to reduce the fiscal gap in order to meet its national as well as international financial obligations. He also informed the envoy about the progress on the ongoing talks with IMF and stated that the government is committed to completing the program.

Blome expressed confidence in the policies of the government for economic sustainability and the socio-economic uplift of the masses. He extended his support to further promote bilateral economic, investment, and trade relations between both countries.

Dar thanked the US envoy and reiterated the desire of the government to further deepen bilateral trade and investment ties with the US.

Source: Pro Pakistani

June 21, 2023

5G Launch in Pakistan Delayed Again, Confirms IT Minister

The launch of 5G technology in Pakistan has been delayed yet again as authorities first want to achieve 60 percent 4G penetration in the country.

While talking to ProPakistani on Wednesday, Minister of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT) Syed Aminul Haque disclosed that the current penetration of 4G services in the country stands below 60 percent which needs to be increased in order to make room for deploying higher technology as soon as possible.

He said the government has decided to first boost 4G coverage before executing the rollout schedule for 5G.

The minister informed that talks with telecom companies on the issues pertaining to the 5G launch are underway. In this regard, the IT Minister said he will meet with the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) to discuss policy and impediments to the rollout of 5G technology in the country.

In response to a query on the affordability of spectrum rates, Aminul Haque supported the idea to reduce spectrum costs in order to give more benefits to consumers. The minister said he will soon meet with the advisory committee on the auction of telecom services to discuss the prevalent matter.

Keeping in view the recent remarks made regarding MoITT’s Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, Aminul Haque said the bill is near completion and the ministry would be able to present it before the federal cabinet after 10 days.

The IT Minister thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for constituting a monumental incentives package for the IT industry under the budget for the fiscal year 2023-24.

Source: Pro Pakistani

June 21, 2023

HEC Bans Holi Celebrations in Universities Across Pakistan

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has issued a ban on Holi celebrations in educational institutes throughout the country, citing a deviation from the sociocultural values and Islamic identity of Pakistan.

The decision was prompted by the viral circulation of pictures and videos depicting Holi celebrations at Quaid-I-Azam University (QAU) in Islamabad earlier this month.

According to the notification, students are prohibited from observing this festival to uphold sociocultural values.

The HEC advises higher education institutions to distance themselves from activities that are incompatible with the country’s ideology and societal values.

Instead, the focus should be on academic pursuits, intellectual debates, cognitive learning, and the promotion of avenues for extra-curricular activities and rational discourse.

The Holi celebration at QAU, which was promoted as the “biggest Holi celebration in Pakistan,” received both praise and criticism from different quarters.

Source: Pro Pakistani

June 21, 2023

Prisoners in Punjab Jails to Get Internet Access Soon

The Punjab Prisons Department has initiated a pilot project to provide internet service to inmates, in line with the instructions from the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab.

This development aims to offer a range of benefits to the prisoners. Initially, each of the two jails in the provincial capital will have ten computers installed, granting inmates access to 22 specific websites.

The computers have been strategically placed in the children’s barracks of Camp Jail and the carpet factory within Kot Lakhpat Jail. The success of this pilot project will determine its potential expansion to other prisons across the province.

By introducing internet access to inmates, several advantages can be anticipated. Prisoners will have the opportunity to engage in educational activities, such as online learning courses and skill development programs, thereby enhancing their knowledge and improving their chances of successful reintegration into society upon release.

Furthermore, access to the internet can facilitate communication with family members, promoting emotional well-being and maintaining social connections.

The pilot project represents a step toward modernizing prison facilities and fostering positive rehabilitation outcomes for incarcerated individuals.

Source: Pro Pakistani