Author: ninestars-admin

The American Library Association’s (ALA) 2024 annual conference in San Diego was a resounding success. It brought together over 13,000 attendees, including librarians, library staff, authors, publishers, educators, and exhibitors from around the globe. Amidst the beautiful backdrop of palm trees and ocean breeze, participants gathered to discuss educational initiatives for libraries, attend insightful panels, and listen to inspiring guest speakers.

The conference featured a stellar lineup of speakers, including Trevor Noah, Taraji P. Henson, Ali Velshi, Max Greenfield, and other high-profile authors and advocates. Opening Session speaker Trevor Noah, best known as the host of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central, discussed his upcoming book, “Into the Uncut Grass,” set to release in October 2024. Academy Award-nominated actress, producer, author, and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson spoke about her new book, “You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!)” released on June 18, 2024. Additionally, Max Greenfield shared insights on his book, “Good Night Thoughts,” releasing in September 2024.

The conference was a whirlwind of activity, and we’re thrilled to share some highlights from this incredible weekend! One of the most rewarding aspects was reconnecting with our customers such as Clarivate, ITHAKA, NewsBank, and EBSCO. These long-time partners have been with us for years, and meeting them in such an inspiring setting like ALA was truly special. ITHAKA‘s showcase in the tech show was particularly fascinating, highlighting their latest innovations and contributions to the field.

We spent a considerable amount of time in the exhibition hall, where the sheer number of booths and exhibits was overwhelming. Even after several days, we left feeling like there was more to explore! The event featured over 175 educational programs created and curated by library professionals, more than 500 speakers and authors, and nearly 550 exhibitors. These programs covered a wide range of urgent topics facing libraries such as artificial intelligence, health and wellness, intellectual freedom, strategic partnerships, and justice-involved services.

We were particularly interested in sessions like “Breaking Boundaries: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT to Transform Library Services” and “Demystifying AI for Business and Libraries,” which explored the transformative potential of technology in the library space.

At ALA, Ninestars proudly showcased AOTM, our suite of solutions designed to automate content and data processing environments with unmatched efficiency and precision. Visitors flocked to our booth (#2113) to discover our AI-powered automation solutions tailored for libraries and data-centric organizations. The excitement was palpable as attendees experienced firsthand how AOTM’s transformative AI and ML-powered solutions can streamline tasks and provide invaluable insights for smarter decision-making.

We showcased three key solutions: AOTM OCR, AOTM ICP, and AOTM GPT. AOTM OCR demonstrated its prowess in optical character recognition, while AOTM ICP impressed with its intelligent content processing capabilities. AOTM GPT, our custom-trainable GPT for large digital content repositories, sparked significant interest for its potential to revolutionize library operations. The positive feedback and enthusiasm from attendees were overwhelming, underscoring the impact of our innovative technology.

With over 25 years of expertise in digital content transformation, Ninestars has established global partnerships with esteemed organizations, including 13 national libraries and archives worldwide. We also collaborate with content aggregators, universities, and publishers in the United States and Europe. Our long-standing relationships with these partners are a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation.

If you visited our booth, thank you! If we missed each other (we understand how packed the event can get), we still want to connect with you at a convenient time. We believe technology is a game-changer and would love to introduce you to AOTM and its benefits. Please drop us an email to arrange a meeting.

What were your takeaways from ALA? We look forward to hearing from you about the opportunities you see in applying advanced tech to propel your organization forward. Meanwhile, you can learn more about AOTM and Ninestars to get to know us better.

The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg ushered in a revolution of knowledge dissemination. Today, the digital age has brought another transformation: the rise of eBooks. These portable books, and libraries if you will, accessible through smartphones and a variety of devices like Kindle, Kobo and iPad, have become an integral part of reading. However, for readers with diverse needs, navigating and enjoying eBooks can still be a challenge. Accessibility is one of the prime concerns for eBook publishers.

Understanding Accessibility

Accessibility can be defined as ‘the degree to which a product, device, service, or environment is available to as many people as possible.’ In publishing terms, the goal of accessible publishing is to facilitate readers of all abilities to access the same content with equal ease and without challenging boundaries.

Individuals with neurodiversity, vision impairment, or physical disabilities face barriers to accessing information. According to a study, almost 8 out of 10 public university academic libraries reported accessibility errors. Low colour contrast, for example, is a common accessibility issue, making it difficult for people with vision impairment to perceive the colour of the image. The outcomes of the study suggest that academic libraries around the world should continue improving their website accessibility.

Accessibility in Action

Making materials accessible involves identifying barriers and overcoming them using technological advancements in digital publishing. For instance, academic texts relying on complex graphs can be made accessible by providing detailed alt text for screen readers. Listening to eBook samples via a screen reader helps to understand the reading experience and identify any issues.

The Role of EPUB in Accessibility

EPUB, an open standard for eBooks, has revolutionized the landscape of digital publishing. EPUB 3, in particular, offers vast opportunities for accessibility, with features like reflowable layout, semantic markup, and accessibility metadata. EPUB 3 files are compatible across a spectrum of devices and software, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Accessible eBooks: Bridging the Gap for All Readers

Accessible eBooks, particularly those formatted using innovative frameworks such as Accessibility EPUB, are crucial for ensuring everyone can enjoy the benefits of eBooks. These formats break down barriers for readers with visual impairments, learning disabilities, or other reading difficulties, allowing them to engage with the written word on an equal footing.

Accessibility EPUB goes beyond just being a format; it embodies a commitment to inclusivity. It ensures equitable access to literature for readers with various abilities, fostering a more diverse and engaged reading experience for everyone.

Best Practices for Accessible EPUB

Creating accessible EPUB files requires adhering to standards like WCAG 2.2, using structured content, semantic markup, and providing alternative access to media content. It’s crucial to separate presentation and content, define the content of each tag, and ensure complete navigation for all readers.

Harnessing the Power of AI

Artificial Intelligence plays a pivotal role in enhancing accessibility, from text-to-speech technology to automated accessibility testing. AI supplements traditional accessibility efforts by automating tasks like digitizing printed materials and generating alt text for images.

Staying Compliant and Informed

Validating eBooks against the latest accessibility standards and staying updated on evolving guidelines ensures continued compliance and inclusivity. Organizations can explore shared knowledge platforms, engage with industry associations, and sign charters to embed accessible practices throughout publishing.

Expanding the Scope of Accessibility

As technology evolves, so do the opportunities for enhancing accessibility in publishing. Beyond traditional eBook formats, emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) hold promise for creating immersive and inclusive reading experiences. By leveraging these innovations, publishers can cater to diverse reader preferences and needs.

Educational Impact

Accessible publishing extends beyond leisure reading to encompass all educational materials. Ensuring accessibility in textbooks, scholarly articles, and educational resources is crucial for promoting inclusive learning environments. By incorporating accessibility features into educational materials, publishers empower learners of all abilities to thrive academically.

Global Reach

Accessibility knows no boundaries. As publishers embrace inclusive practices, they open doors to readers worldwide. By making literature accessible in multiple languages and formats, publishers can bridge linguistic and cultural divides, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Collaborative Efforts

Addressing accessibility challenges requires collaboration across the publishing ecosystem. Publishers, authors, technology providers, advocacy groups, and readers must work together to champion accessibility initiatives. By pooling resources and expertise, stakeholders can drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive literary landscape.

How Ninestars is Making A Difference

At Ninestars, we understand Accessibility EPUB represents a crucial step towards inclusivity in the digital realm. We pride ourselves on prioritizing accessibility in our digital publishing solutions. With a specialized team, cutting-edge automation tools, and meticulous QC and QA processes, we ensure our clients enjoy seamless delivery of accessible content.

We invite you to join us in harnessing the transformative potential of accessible publishing. As the journey towards accessibility progresses, fuelled by advancing technology and heightened awareness, there’s boundless potential for innovation. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and persistent enhancement of accessibility standards, publishers can genuinely democratize access to literature, enriching lives and fostering global communities.

We are delighted to share the exciting news of our debut participation at IBEX India 2024, set to take place in Mumbai from February 21-23! Join us as we introduce AOTM, our groundbreaking Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) solution designed to redefine the landscape of the financial sector.

Introducing AOTM: Your Partner in Intelligent Document Automation

The AOTM Advantage for BFSI:

• Faster Processing: Operating at 5X faster, it effectively addresses challenges of scale, large variability and complexity.
• Real-time Insights: Gain critical business insights in near real-time for faster, data-driven decisions.
• Cognitive Automation: Automates complex processes, ensuring seamless operations by replicating human intelligence in diverse scenarios.
• Adaptability: Adapts to specific BFSI needs, ensuring precision and speed for efficient processes.
• Accuracy: Achieves 100% Accuracy with Human-in-the-loop.

Experience the future of IDP first-hand! Visit us at Booth A115 @IBEX India and:

See AOTM in action: Explore live demonstrations and discover how it can transform your operations.

Discuss your challenges: Chat with our experts and discover how AOTM can address your specific needs.

Receive exclusive offers: Enjoy special discounts and customized solutions for your organization.

Get in touch if you would like to meet us at the IBEX event:

We value the opportunity to connect and discuss how AOTM can specifically address the unique needs and challenges of your organization. Whether you’re interested in a one-on-one consultation, a live demonstration tailored to your requirements, or simply wish to explore potential collaborations, we are eager to engage with you during the IBEX event.

Contact us at contact@aotm.ai or drop your message here to schedule a meeting with us.

We look forward to the prospect of meeting you at IBEX India 2024 and discussing how AOTM can elevate your document processing capabilities. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unlock the power of Intelligent Document Processing.

In the fast-evolving landscape of Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), the year 2024 is poised to be a transformative period marked by significant shifts in operational paradigms. The industry faces multi-faceted challenges, from the impacts of a slowing global economy to the dynamic forces reshaping traditional business models. As financial institutions navigate these challenges, the role of technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intelligent Document Processing (IDP), has become pivotal.

The Current BFSI Terrain

The BFSI sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation. With the convergence of disruptive forces, including the exponential pace of new technologies and the digitization of money, traditional revenue models are being tested. Amidst this landscape, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) anticipates modest global economic growth, emphasizing the need for banking institutions to exhibit resilience, agility, and innovative strategies to thrive.

AI as the Driving Force

Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a transformative force, with 77% of financial service providers recognizing its significant business advantage, according to a PwC report. This influence transcends conceptual boundaries, finding tangible applications that reshape the entire spectrum of banking operations. Concurrently, the rise of Financial Technology (Fintech) signifies a shift in the finance industry, challenging traditional banking models. Fintech innovators leverage technology for services ranging from mobile payments to cryptocurrency trading. Alongside, Generative AI, exemplified by chatbots, plays a pivotal role, as major institutions like Bank of America and Wells Fargo adopt it for personalized financial planning and bespoke investment strategies. Together, AI and Fintech not only drive innovation but also redefine the competitive landscape of BFSI, ushering in an era where adaptability, agility, and customer-centric solutions are paramount.

The Role of Intelligent Document Processing (IDP)

At the heart of this technological revolution is Intelligent Document Processing (IDP), a game-changer for the BFSI sector. IDP solutions, powered by AI technologies such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR), computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing, automate the processing of complex documents with unparalleled accuracy.

Trends in IDP

The IDP market, valued at US$700-750 million in 2020, according to Everest Group, has seen unprecedented growth over the last three years. The driving force behind it is the need for tangible benefits and improved operational efficiency. IDP solutions, leveraging core technologies, address key challenges such as invoice processing, Know-Your-Customer (KYC) information, insurance claims, and more.

AOTM IDP: A Versatile Solution for the BFSI Industry

As BFSI institutions grapple with the changing landscape, AOTM IDP offers a versatile and efficient solution that offers the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency necessary for future-proofing the BFSI sector.

Key Features of AOTM IDP:

• AI/ML models are trained with sample documents to ensure accurate data extraction.
• Core capabilities include extracting data from various document types, supporting multiple languages, and product configurability.
• Extraction capability for multiple languages.
• Seamless integration with enterprise applications and complementary technologies like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and cloud.
• Capabilities include monitoring software performance, assessing algorithm accuracy, and ensuring data confidentiality.
• Increasing maturity for processing unstructured documents.
• Pre-trained solutions for specific industries and easy accessibility.
• Software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings to lower Total Cost of Ownership and increase accessibility.
• Enhanced configurability, mobile applications, and benchmarking analytics.

In conclusion, as the BFSI industry leans into the transformative power of AI and IDP, it not only adapts to change but actively shapes the future of finance. AOTM IDP stands as a beacon, leading the industry toward a more secure, compliant, and data-driven future.

In today’s dynamic and data-driven media environment, staying ahead is not merely an advantage; it’s a necessity. Media intelligence teams are tasked with monitoring, analyzing, and interpreting vast amounts of information in real-time. However, the scale and complexity of modern media content have presented unprecedented challenges. This is where Generative AI emerges as a transformative force, reshaping the media intelligence landscape, and enabling teams and companies to not only thrive but to scale their operations efficiently.

The Evolution of Media Intelligence

Media intelligence, once a manual and time-consuming process, has evolved significantly to keep pace with the digital era. Today, it involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of diverse media data, including news articles, social media posts, multimedia content, and more. The need for real-time insights and accurate reporting has never been greater.

Challenges in Traditional Media Intelligence

Traditional methods of media intelligence has several critical challenges:

Information Overload: The sheer volume and diversity of media content overwhelmed human analysts, making it impossible to process everything effectively.

Timeliness: In a world where information travels at the speed of light, delays in accessing insights could be detrimental to decision-making.

Subjectivity: Human analysts’ interpretations could introduce bias, impacting the objectivity of reports.

 Scalability Issues: As data volumes grew, scaling traditional media intelligence operations required significant resources and often led to inefficiencies.

Generative AI: The Catalyst for Transformation

Generative AI, a subset of artificial intelligence, has emerged as a catalyst for change in media intelligence by addressing these challenges:

Automated Content Generation: Generative AI automates the generation of summaries, articles, and reports from extensive datasets, dramatically reducing the time and effort required for analysis.

Multimodal Analysis: It can process and analyze multimedia content, including images, videos and audio, providing a holistic understanding of media data.

Real-time Insights: Generative AI processes data at incredible speeds, delivering real-time insights that empower organizations to respond swiftly to emerging trends and events.

Objectivity: Generative AI operates without inherent bias, ensuring more objective analysis of media data.

Scalability: It scales effortlessly, handling large datasets efficiently, and allowing media intelligence teams and companies to expand their reach.

Scaling with Generative AI

Rather than making media intelligence teams and companies redundant, Generative AI enhances their capabilities and helps them scale effectively:

Efficiency: By automating repetitive tasks, Generative AI frees up human analysts to focus on higher-value tasks such as strategic analysis and decision-making.

Cost Savings: Reduced human effort and increased efficiency translate into cost savings for media intelligence operations.

 Real-time Monitoring: Generative AI enables real-time monitoring of a vast array of media sources, ensuring that nothing important is missed.

Competitive Advantage: Organizations that embrace Generative AI gain a competitive advantage by accessing insights faster and more comprehensively.

Personalization: Generative AI tailors insights to specific requirements, providing personalized and actionable data.

 A Bright Future for Media Intelligence

Generative AI is not rendering media intelligence teams and companies obsolete; it’s enabling them to thrive in an era of information abundance. As it continues to evolve, media intelligence operations will become more efficient, insightful and scalable, ensuring that organizations can navigate the ever-changing media landscape with precision and confidence.

Ninestars, with its decades of experience in media monitoring and media intelligence, is at the forefront of integrating Generative AI with enterprises. We are working tirelessly to harness the power of Generative AI and tailor it to the unique needs of media intelligence teams and companies. Our goal is to ensure that this transformative technology works seamlessly, enhancing your operations, and empowering you to scale your media intelligence efforts. Contact us today to explore how Generative AI, combined with our expertise, can elevate your media intelligence to unprecedented results.