One of the relatively unsung benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) is that it can power companies whose business models are multi-sided platforms. That's the primary reason why there are massive numbers of AI applications at Facebook, Amazon, Uber, Airbnb and Google--you can't run a platform business without AI. The technology is critical for making the match between buyers and sellers, for knowing who's buying and selling what and for servicing large numbers of customers. Firms whose business models were not previously platform-based are noticing that they are an effective route to faster growth and higher valuations. This gives rise to the "platform pivot"--changing the primary business model to a platform, or at least adding it to existing business models.

Cognex CGNX recently announced the acquisition of Seoul-based SUALAB, a developer of deep learning-based vision software. Although the financial terms of the acquisition have been kept under wraps, per a Pulse article the transaction price is estimated to be $168.6 million. Deep learning allows Cognex to solve the most complex vision application operations in factories faster, easier and in a cost-effective manner. The addition of SUALAB's Intellectual property and highly skillful engineering team, which specializes in deep learning, is expected to strengthen the company's product portfolio. The latest acquisition will help Cognex to reap benefits from strong prospects of the global deep learning system software market.

Cognex CGNX recently announced the acquisition of Seoul-based SUALAB, a developer of deep learning-based vision software. Although the financial terms of the acquisition have been kept under wraps, per a Pulse article the transaction price is estimated to be $168.6 million. Deep learning allows Cognex to solve the most complex vision application operations in factories faster, easier and in a cost-effective manner. The addition of SUALAB's Intellectual property and highly skillful engineering team, which specializes in deep learning, is expected to strengthen the company's product portfolio. The latest acquisition will help Cognex to reap benefits from strong prospects of the global deep learning system software market.

Charleston, S.C. – October 1, 2019 – Benefitfocus, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNFT), a leading cloud-based benefits management platform and services provider, today announced several product and catalog enhancements designed to boost consumers' education around benefits and make it easier for employers to streamline the benefits selection process. The upgrades demonstrate Benefitfocus' commitment to creating and expanding on its hyperconnected ecosystem for employers, suppliers, consumers and brokers, leveraging data and artificial intelligence (AI) designed to enable more meaningful interactions and new sources of value to customers. Workflows utilizing the BenefitSAIGE artificial intelligence (AI) platform offer data-driven, tailored insights and an easily-managed communication system around their employer's benefit options. For the first time, in addition to the industry-leading pre-configured health, wealth, property and lifestyle products available as part of Benefitfocus' BenefitsPlace, consumers will have the opportunity to access personal auto insurance underwritten by national insurers. Employers will also be able to offer employees an alternate payment method via their personal credit card, thus reducing the administrative payroll burden for HR Administrators.