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Organizations Reduced Certificate-Related Incident Costs by $2.4M and Cut Renewal Effort from 30 Minutes to Seconds with the AppViewX Platform

 

NEW YORK, March 12 — AppViewX, a leader in automated Certificate Lifecycle Management (CLM) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) software, today released findings from a commissioned February 2026 Forrester Consulting Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study quantifying the operational and financial impact of lifecycle automation as SSL/TLS validity periods begin shrinking March 15 under the CA/Browser Forum schedule.

The study, available here, found that a composite organization representative of interviewed customers using the AppViewX platform achieved:

• 302% return on investment (ROI)
• $3.9 million in total three-year, risk-adjusted benefits
• $2.4 million reduction in certificate-related incident costs (three-year, risk-adjusted present value)
• Less than six months payback

“There were 15 major outages the year before, which dropped to three the next year after implementing AppViewX. In fact, these three outages were caused by certificates that we had decided not to migrate to AppViewX,” said a Senior Vice President of Data Protection at a financial services organization interviewed for the study.

As certificate lifespans compress and renewal frequency increases, the study highlights the operational risk of manual processes and fragmented tooling. Forrester found that manual certificate renewals required approximately 30 minutes per certificate, while automated renewals through AppViewX reduced that effort to approximately 0.25 minutes.

“The March 15 milestone signals more than a compliance change, it marks the beginning of a structural workload shift,” said Stephen Tarleton, Chief Operations Officer at AppViewX. “As validity periods shrink, renewal frequency accelerates and fundamentally changes the operating model for certificate management. Without centralized automation, enterprises risk diverting skilled engineers from higher-value security initiatives just to prevent certificate expirations.”

Operational Impact of Shorter Validity Periods

Under the CA/Browser Forum’s phased reduction schedule, certificate lifespans will continue to shorten in stages, increasing renewal frequency across hybrid, cloud, and machine identity environments. The Forrester study found that enterprises adopting centralized lifecycle automation materially reduced both the frequency and cost of certificate-related incidents while scaling certificate management without proportional staffing increases.

Organizations that adopt modern certificate lifecycle management benefit from:

• Greater protection against certificate-related outages
• Faster mean time to resolution
• Reduced application deployment cycles
• Improved audit and regulatory compliance

To address this complexity, the AppViewX platform centralizes and automates certificate lifecycle management through:

• Automated certificate discovery and inventory
• Policy-driven renewal and re-enrollment workflows
• Centralized governance and compliance reporting
• API-driven integration with DevOps and infrastructure pipelines

See 47-Day Readiness at RSA Conference 2026

AppViewX will demonstrate how enterprises are preparing for accelerated certificate renewal cycles at RSA Conference 2026, North Expo Booth #4236. Attendees can see how centralized lifecycle automation reduces renewal effort, mitigates outage risk, and strengthens governance as validity periods shrink.

New Delhi, Mar 12th: Voltas Limited, a Tata Enterprise, has entered a strategic partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to strengthen industry–start-up collaboration and accelerate innovation in India’s cooling and smart appliance ecosystem. The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dr. Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, Director, DPIIT, and Mr. Mukundan Menon, Managing Director, Voltas Limited, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

The collaboration aims to support start-ups working on next-generation technologies across areas such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), advanced control systems, power electronics, artificial intelligence and machine learning-based diagnostics, IoT-enabled smart appliances, and digitalisation across manufacturing and service operations. As part of the collaboration, Voltas Limited and Startup India will explore organising innovation challenges under the Bharat Start-up Grand Challenge platform and hosting targeted hackathons aimed at solving industry-specific challenges.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said the collaboration reflects the Government’s continued focus on strengthening industry–startup partnerships and promoting indigenous innovation in advanced manufacturing and deep-tech sectors. “Connecting start-ups with leading industry players will enable entrepreneurs to translate innovative ideas into scalable products and solutions with real-world applications,” he added.

Dr. Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, Director, Start-up India, said DPIIT will facilitate deeper engagement between Voltas and the broader Start-up India ecosystem. “This will include expanding programme outreach, encouraging participation from DPIIT-recognised start-ups, and enabling collaborative initiatives such as innovation challenges, hackathons, and pilot programmes focused on emerging technologies,” he said.

Mr. Mukundan Menon, Managing Director, Voltas Limited, said the partnership reflects Voltas’ commitment to strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem and supporting the development of next-generation cooling technologies. He further elaborated, collaboration with start-ups can play a key role in advancing energy-efficient cooling solutions, smart appliances, predictive diagnostics, and digital service platforms while enabling emerging technology entrepreneurs to scale their innovations.

Under the partnership, Voltas will work closely with the Startup India initiative to identify and support high-potential start-ups aligned with emerging industry needs. Startups selected under the programme will gain access to mentorship, technical guidance, research and testing infrastructure, and market linkages to help accelerate product development and commercial adoption. These may include areas such as energy-efficient cooling systems, air-quality monitoring and filtration technologies, advanced inverter controls, predictive maintenance solutions, refrigerant safety systems, and digital tools for installation and servicing.  Selected start-ups may also participate in structured Proof-of-Concept (PoC) programmes, where they will collaborate with Voltas engineering teams for product validation and technology integration. The partnership will also facilitate field trials through Voltas’s service network to support testing, refinement, and eventual commercialisation of innovative solutions.

New York, NY, March 12 — Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and S.N.J. Creations are pleased to announce the appointment of Andrea Lucille Pooler as Chief Operating Officer for the group’s divisions.

With more than 25 years of experience in the jewelry industry, Pooler combines strategic leadership with a deep understanding of both the artistry and business of fine jewelry. Her expertise spans manufacturing, retail, and wholesale channels, bridging creative direction with data-driven execution to help jewelry companies grow with structure and purpose.

 

Andrea began her career as a bench jeweler and designer and later owned her own retail jewelry store, gaining firsthand insight into craftsmanship, design, and customer experience. She went on to hold senior operations roles for one of the world’s largest B2C e-commerce jewelry brands, overseeing production, logistics, customer success, and process optimization for high-volume operations. Most recently, as Principal Consultant at Hill & Co., she led end-to-end business transformation and strategy projects for manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and designers, spanning operations and process improvement, financial strategy, branding, merchandising, technology implementation, and team development.

Beyond her executive work, Pooler remains an active voice in the industry. She currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of THE SOURCE for the Community for Ethical Jewelry, Chair-head of the Women’s Jewelry Association NY Metro Chapter, resident volunteer jewelry appraiser for a retail hospice store, and Business Coach. A passionate advocate for education, mentorship, networking, and leadership, she is committed to empowering individuals and organizations to thrive within a more connected and transparent jewelry ecosystem.

A frequent writer for industry publications, speaker, and educator.  Pooler has presented at JCK Las Vegas, international jewelry trade shows, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and a range of entrepreneurship and networking associations. Andrea will be presenting two talks at the upcoming JA NY  show, titled “AI without the Overwhelm” on March 15th at 1 pm, and “Curate Less, Run Lean: Why Merchandising and Operations Must Move Together” on March 16th at 1 pm.

“Modani Jewels is pleased to welcome Andrea Lucille Pooler as its new Chief Operating Officer, strengthening the firm’s leadership team as it continues to scale operations and accelerate growth,” said Sumit Modani, CEO. “Pooler brings extensive operational and strategic experience and will play a key role in driving Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and S.N.J Creations next chapter of expansion.”

“I’m thrilled to join Sumit and the incredible team at Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and S.N.J. Creations,” said Pooler. “This company has an inspiring heritage and a vision for the future that honors both tradition and innovation. I look forward to helping scale our operations, strengthen global systems, and expand our presence in key markets.”

Led by Sumit Modani, Soham Diamonds is a third-generation family enterprise known for its craftsmanship, innovation, and integrity. Over the past several decades, the company has evolved from a traditional gemstone and diamond business into a vertically integrated jewelry manufacturer and global organization through its three core divisions: Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and S.N.J. Creations, with offices in New York, Ohio, Mumbai, Hong Kong, and Dubai.

Chemical pesticides remain a cornerstone of modern agriculture because they are reliable and effective. However, growing concerns about environmental impact, increasing resistance, and long-term sustainability have intensified the search for safer alternatives. Biological pesticides offer clear advantages, yet many fail to perform consistently in the field, breaking down under strong sunlight or proving difficult to integrate with existing agricultural practices.

At National Kaohsiung Normal University, researchers set out to address this gap by rethinking how biological crop-protection agents are developed. Rather than relying solely on laboratory screening, the team focused on microorganisms that have already adapted to demanding natural environments. Led by Professor Chien-Yan Hsieh, the researchers isolated a strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens from mud volcano environments in southern Taiwan—areas characterized by intense sunlight and chemically challenging conditions.

These harsh environments act as a natural filter. Microorganisms that survive there must tolerate stresses similar to those encountered in open agricultural fields. The selected bacterium produces iturin A, a naturally occurring antifungal compound widely reported to be effective against plant diseases and to have low toxicity to humans and animals. While iturin A has been studied internationally for many years, producing it efficiently at scale and ensuring stability under real-world conditions have remained persistent challenges.

To overcome these barriers, the research team optimized fermentation processes across both solid-state and submerged systems, improving production efficiency while incorporating agricultural by-products, such as rice bran, to support more sustainable manufacturing. The formulation was also designed to tolerate ultraviolet exposure and remain compatible with commonly used chemical pesticides, allowing farmers to integrate the biological product into existing pest management programs rather than replacing them entirely.

Goa, Mar 12th: Sarvam, a Goa-based workplace culture and POSH awareness initiative committed to promoting safe, respectful and equitable workplaces, successfully hosted Dignity Dialogues 2026 – The Uncomfortable Truth Lab on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026. The national level virtual conclave brought together professionals, leaders and workplace advocates to discuss dignity at work, gender equity and the importance of POSH awareness in organisations. Participants joined the dialogue from states like Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Delhi, reflecting the growing national interest in conversations around safe and inclusive workplaces. The organisation has also recently expanded its presence with new chapters in Maharashtra and Karnataka, strengthening its engagement with companies across regions to build workplaces rooted in dignity, accountability and inclusion.

The conclave was initiated by Shivani Panigrahi, Regional Head – Karnataka at SARVAM for PoSH, and moderated by Ashwini Patwardhan, Founder of SARVAM for PoSH. The dialogue was thoughtfully conceptualised and curated by the SARVAM team under the expertise of Amit Jadhav, Regional Head – Maharashtra, reflecting the organisation’s continued commitment to meaningful conversations around workplace dignity.

A key highlight of the conclave was a live social experiment conducted through anonymous audience polls, allowing participants to reflect on their own workplace experiences. The findings revealed common professional patterns, reinforcing the need for deeper conversations around workplace behaviour and culture.

Insights from the social experiment conducted during the dialogue revealed a clear shift in workplace expectations: dignity at work is no longer seen as merely a compliance requirement. Instead, participants emphasised that the future of workplace culture will be defined not by the absence of complaints, but by the presence of dignity, trust and accountability embedded in everyday organisational behaviour.

Speaking during the session, she said, “Sarvam was created with the belief that workplace dignity should never be treated as a checklist item. Our goal is to help organisations build cultures where people feel safe to speak, leadership takes accountability, and respect becomes a lived workplace value. What emerged from this dialogue is that employees today are no longer willing to accept silence as the price of professionalism — the real shift now is the expectation that dignity at work must be visible, measurable and actively upheld by leadership.”

Opening the discussion, CA Pallavi Salgaocar, Finance Director at Geno Pharmaceuticals and Goa State President of Laghu Udyog Bharati, shared candid insights into the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and professionals. She highlighted the persistent gender bias in venture funding, noting that women founders are often asked personal questions unrelated to business performance during funding meetings.

Reflecting on these experiences, she emphasised the need for inclusive decision-making spaces where women leaders are respected for their expertise and vision from the outset.

“Women should not have to prove their credibility every time they enter a room. The room itself must be inclusive enough to recognise competence and leadership without bias,” she said.

Salgaocar further stressed that organisations must go beyond measuring productivity to actively assess fairness and representation, encouraging men to play a role in building inclusive cultures.

“Dignity at work is not a privilege it is a fundamental right. Conversations like these must continue beyond Women’s Day if we want to transform workplace culture in a meaningful way,” she added.

The dialogue also featured CA Priyanka Chaturvedi Agrawal, Director and Co-Founder of Ally of Inclusion, former Director at KPMG India and ESG Director at BNP Paribas Global. She spoke about the role of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework in strengthening workplace safety and highlighted how sexual harassment often stems from unchecked power dynamics and repeated microaggressions.

“In many workplaces, silence has been normalised. People hesitate to call out behaviour because they fear being misunderstood or labelled difficult. But silence allows microaggressions and power misuse to continue unchecked,” she said.

She further emphasised that prevention requires organisations to look beyond formal procedures.

“True prevention is not only about having policies or committees in place. It is about creating environments where employees feel heard and safe enough to speak even when the issue is still unformed or uncomfortable to articulate,” Priyanka added.

Notably, the session also saw strong participation from male professionals, reflecting the growing understanding that creating safe and respectful workplaces is a shared responsibility.

Amit Jadhav, Regional Head – Maharashtra, Sarvam, emphasised the importance of continuing such conversations across organisations.

“Workplace dignity cannot be built through policies alone. It is shaped by everyday behaviours, leadership accountability and the courage to question what has long been normalised. Conversations like Dignity Dialogues are meant to open that space where organisations can move beyond compliance and begin building cultures where respect and safety are lived values,” he said.

Following the dialogue, speakers also noted that conversations around workplace dignity are gaining urgency as organisations revisit their compliance frameworks. Recently, the Government of Maharashtra directed workplaces in the state to conduct a PoSH compliance audit within 30 days, reinforcing the intent of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 to ensure safe and respectful workplaces.

Responding to this growing need for awareness and compliance support, SARVAM for PoSH continues to work with organisations through training, advisory and culture-building initiatives. The organisation has also recently expanded its presence with new chapters in Maharashtra and Karnataka, strengthening its engagement with companies across regions to build workplaces rooted in dignity, accountability and inclusion.

Through initiatives like Dignity Dialogues, Sarvam continues to work with organisations across sectors to strengthen POSH awareness, conduct training programmes and facilitate leadership conversations that build safe and inclusive workplace cultures.

With participation from professionals across industries, the event concluded with a collective call for organisations to embed dignity and accountability into workplace culture, ensuring that conversations on gender equity and workplace safety continue long after International Women’s Day.

Kochi, Mar 12: Dr. Reenaa Mithun Chittilappilly has been appointed as Director of V-Guard Industries Ltd., one of India’s leading electrical and electronics brands. The Board of Directors had recommended her appointment as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director, which was subsequently approved by the majority shareholders through a resolution passed on March 8, 2026. The appointment reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its corporate social responsibility (CSR) vision and deepening its engagement with communities. Her appointment is for a tenure of four years from January 28, 2026, to January 27, 2030.

 Dr. Reenaa Mithun Chittilappilly currently serves as Director of the V-Guard Foundation, where she has led several initiatives focused on community development and social impact. Under her leadership, the Foundation has implemented projects such as Edam, a counselling centre supporting women’s mental health, and Nari Shakthi, a programme aimed at empowering widows and single mothers through livelihood and support initiatives.

In her expanded role on the Board, Dr. Reenaa Mithun Chittilappilly will contribute to advancing V-Guard’s CSR strategy and strengthening the company’s commitment to sustainable and socially responsible growth. The company believes her experience in driving community-focused initiatives will further deepen its engagement with society while reinforcing its long-term sustainability efforts.

Singapore, Mar 12th: In partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), today unveiled the third edition of its Singapore Superfans campaign, a multi-market campaign that flips the script on how Singapore’s most recognisable icon shows up in culture. Instead of serving as just a photo opportunity, the Merlion takes centre stage as a self-aware, slightly mischievous character that ‘nudges’ travellers to discover more of the city. As the airline that enables travel to Singapore, Scoot provides the way in, while the Merlion gets visitors exploring.  

The campaign’s launch film embraces high-energy nostalgia: a classic rock-inspired music video directed by acclaimed Singaporean director Peggy Goh, with music by Bumblebeat. In it, the Merlion ‘breaks character’; no longer a symbol in the background, but a protagonist with agency, urging viewers to go beyond the obvious and see Singapore through fresh lenses, in turn allowing him a well deserved break.

The campaign brings this personality to life across Instagram, Red Note and TikTok through content that showcases the Merlion’s character whilst encouraging audience participation. Combining innovative creative technology* with human storytelling, the approach creates an ongoing narrative that invites viewers to engage and respond, taking the campaign beyond traditional one-off advertising.

Mr Calvin Chan, Chief Commercial Officer, Scoot, said, “Travellers today are looking for experiences that feel personal, expressive and connected to culture, rather than being postcard perfect. This campaign reflects that shift by reimagining a familiar icon as an active character people can engage with and respond to. We’re creating new ways for audiences to connect with Singapore, whether they’re discovering it digitally or planning a future visit.”

The campaign aligns with STB’s broader ‘We Don’t Wait For Fun’ campaign, which specifically targets Early Career travellers aged 25-39 who prioritise authentic and spontaneous experiences. This demographic represents a key segment for both STB and Scoot, characterised by their desire for culturally immersive travel. By reimagining Singapore’s iconic Merlion as a relatable and engaging protagonist, the campaign speaks directly to this audience’s preference for engaging and shareable experiences.

Mr John Conceicao, Executive Director, Marketing Partnerships, Planning & Capability Development, Singapore Tourism Board, added, “For early-career travellers in particular, fun doesn’t wait for perfect plans or ideal moments. Fun starts when curiosity strikes. This collaboration captures that same spirit of ‘We Don’t Wait For Fun’, prompting travellers to explore our destination beyond our most familiar sights. Strategic partnerships, such as this collaboration with Scoot, amplify our reach to target markets whilst allowing us to engage with travellers in more impactful ways.”

Launching on 12 March 2026 across Australia, China, India, Indonesia and Malaysia, the campaign extends into a creator-led social challenge: #MerlionMadeMeDoIt. Key opinion leaders in each market will kick off the challenge as they respond to the Merlion’s plea to “pose somewhere else”. In turn, they invite their audiences to propose the next viral photo-op moment in Singapore that does not involve the Merlion. Top entries from each market win trips to Singapore worth up to SGD 3,500, including flight, accommodation and exclusive experiences.

To build on the momentum of the social activation, the campaign culminates in a limited-time sale designed to convert inspiration into travel. Travellers in Australia, China, India, Indonesia and Malaysia can enjoy special sale fares on Scoot flights to Singapore from 20 March to 27 March 2026, giving audiences who have engaged with the Merlion-led challenge a timely reason to turn curiosity into reality.