Boomi Named Leader in Forrester iPaaS Report

Boomi Named Leader in Forrester iPaaS Report

Friday, August 29, 2025

The race toward AI-driven business automation just got more interesting—and Boomi™ is leading the charge. The company was recently recognized as a Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS), Q3 2025, earning the highest score in the strategy category among the 10 vendors evaluated. This recognition highlights Boomi’s strong vision, relentless focus on AI and APIs, and commitment to helping businesses build future-ready enterprises powered by automation.

Why Boomi’s Recognition Matters

For businesses in the Philippines and around the world, integration has become the backbone of digital transformation. Companies rely on iPaaS solutions to unify applications, systems, and data—essential for creating seamless customer experiences and driving AI adoption.

According to Forrester, Boomi’s focus on AI-driven automation makes it a standout choice for organizations that view integration as the foundation of their AI and automation strategies. With Filipino businesses increasingly investing in AI-enabled solutions, this recognition signals that Boomi is positioned to support companies looking to scale intelligently.

Boomi’s Strengths in the Forrester Wave Report

In the latest Forrester evaluation, Boomi received the highest scores in 10 criteria, which included vision, innovation, roadmap, and supporting services. Highlights include:

Strategic Focus on AI and APIs – Boomi sharpened its strategy with acquisitions (like Thru for managed file transfer) and a roadmap geared toward AI agents.

Clear Vision – A unified platform that accelerates time-to-market, reduces costs, and enhances customer experiences.

Robust Roadmap – Investments in AI agent tools, data integration, event streaming, and wider connector support.

Partner Recognition – Praised as “the best iPaaS vendor” by a leading global systems integrator.

Ease of Use – Tools for building, testing, and governing AI agents, backed by a strong service-level agreement (99.99% uptime with financial credits).

Customer-Centric Model – Hands-on support from embedded technical consultants ensures enterprise clients get expert guidance.

What Boomi Leaders Are Saying

Boomi executives view this recognition as validation of their long-term strategy. Ed Macosky, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Boomi, explained:

“We’re honored to be named a Leader in the Forrester Wave — and especially proud to receive the top score in the strategy category. For us, this recognition validates our belief that integration is foundational to delivering meaningful, production-grade AI. We’re investing heavily to help our customers build intelligent, scalable, and future-ready enterprises through agentic transformation.”

What’s Next for Boomi

Boomi continues to invest heavily in AI and automation, building on its reputation as a trusted platform for integration. With an emphasis on scalability, innovation, and simplicity, Boomi aims to help businesses worldwide—including enterprises and SMEs in the Philippines—achieve agility in their digital journeys.

For organizations ready to explore how integration and automation can reshape their business, the full Forrester Wave report is available here: Boomi Forrester Wave Report.

Being recognized as a Leader in the Forrester Wave™ with the highest strategy score reinforces Boomi’s role as a frontrunner in the iPaaS industry. For Filipino businesses navigating digital transformation, this recognition highlights a reliable partner for unifying systems, harnessing AI, and unlocking automation-driven growth.

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ManageEngine Adds DEX to Endpoint Central

ManageEngine Adds DEX to Endpoint Central

In today’s hybrid work era, every second counts when it comes to digital tools and devices. Slow boot-ups, app crashes, or login delays can stall productivity and frustrate employees. To address this, ManageEngine, the enterprise IT management division of Zoho Corporation, has introduced Digital Employee Experience (DEX) capabilities to its flagship platform, Endpoint Central. This upgrade pushes the platform closer to autonomous endpoint management while giving IT teams the ability to proactively resolve issues, reduce support tickets, and ensure smoother employee experiences.

Why DEX Matters for Filipino Businesses

Employee productivity in the Philippines, like everywhere else, is increasingly tied to the quality of their digital experience. According to Gartner’s 2024 Digital Worker Survey, nearly 90% of employees feel that their workplace technology enables them to perform tasks efficiently. Yet, common frustrations like apps freezing in the middle of an important report or laptops lagging during online meetings often remain unnoticed until employees raise support tickets.

With DEX, IT teams can catch and fix these issues before they snowball into major disruptions, helping companies improve both efficiency and employee satisfaction. For Filipino businesses embracing hybrid work setups, this capability can be a game-changer.

Smarter Insights, Faster Fixes

The new DEX capabilities enhance Endpoint Central’s unified endpoint management features by transforming raw data into actionable insights. Here’s what IT teams can now expect:

Experience Monitoring & Insights – Detect early warning signs such as CPU spikes, memory overload, and disk issues.

Root Cause Analysis – Pinpoint whether poor performance stems from hardware wear-and-tear or resource-heavy apps.

Prioritized Alerts & Remediation – Address the most pressing issues first with one-click or automated workflows.

Experience Scoring & Benchmarking – Rate device and app performance against organizational baselines to measure ongoing improvement.

By consolidating these into a single platform, Endpoint Central eliminates the need for multiple IT tools, reducing costs and complexity.

Expert Insights on the Future of IT

Industry experts believe this move reflects a broader shift in IT management. As Chirag Mehta, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Constellation Research, explained, “Hybrid work has made the digital experience a defining factor in employee productivity and retention. Buyers are seeking integrated visibility and automation that enable IT teams to transition from reactive support to proactive engagement.”

ManageEngine echoes this vision. Mathivanan Venkatachalam, Vice President of ManageEngine, highlighted that their long-term goal is autonomous endpoint management: “Our North Star is autonomous endpoint management delivered through a unified platform that proactively ensures all endpoints adhere to policies, maintain optimal performance, and remain secure—with IT intervention required only by exception.”

Looking Ahead: AI and Automation

The roadmap for Endpoint Central goes beyond monitoring. Future upgrades will bring predictive analytics, stronger self-healing automation, and AI-powered workflows, enabling IT teams to prevent problems before they even occur. ManageEngine also plans to expand ecosystem integrations and strengthen proactive controls—ensuring adaptability in fast-changing workplace environments.

Availability and Free Trial

The DEX capabilities are available now in two formats:

DEX Manager Plus – a stand-alone SaaS product

Add-on for Endpoint Central – for organizations already using the platform

Businesses of all sizes,from SMEs in the Philippines to global enterprises, can try these features with a free trial at www.mnge.it/DeX.

For Filipino companies navigating hybrid and digital-first workplaces, digital employee experience (DEX) is no longer optional, it’s essential. By giving IT teams real-time visibility and automation tools, ManageEngine’s Endpoint Central empowers organizations to boost productivity, reduce downtime, and keep employees happy. If you’re an IT leader, now’s the time to explore how DEX can transform your workplace.

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YouTube Shopping Boosts Filipino Creators

YouTube Shopping Boosts Filipino Creators

Filipinos love watching, sharing, and discovering on YouTube and now, the platform is opening even bigger doors for creators and brands. Just two months after launching in the Philippines, YouTube Shopping, in partnership with Shopee, has already transformed how Pinoys connect culture, content, and commerce. With over 20% of eligible creators now monetizing their videos through product tags and affiliate links, this signals a powerful shift in how Filipinos shop and earn online.

A Fast-Growing Video Commerce Hub in the Philippines

When YouTube Shopping officially rolled out in April 2025, the appetite for shopping-related content was already strong. In fact, from February 2024 to February 2025, watch time for shopping videos in the Philippines spiked by over 70%. This surge reflects how Filipinos are increasingly turning to creator-driven recommendations before making purchases.

Today, the Philippines is one of only six countries where YouTube Shopping is live and it’s proving to be one of the most dynamic markets. More than 550,000 products have already been tagged across 240,000 videos, giving brands instant access to engaged audiences while providing creators with a sustainable income stream.

Why Creators Are Thriving on YouTube Shopping

For Filipino creators, the benefits go beyond extra earnings. YouTube remains the #1 video platform in Southeast Asia, reaching more than 93% of the country’s online population aged 18 and up. An Ipsos survey even shows that Filipino users are 98% more likely to trust YouTube creators’ recommendations than ads from other platforms, proof of how influential creators are in shaping consumer decisions.

Kristian PH, one of the creators leveraging YouTube Shopping, has already seen success by combining his reviews with shoppable product links. This seamless integration allows viewers to discover, trust, and purchase without leaving the platform, making content creation a real livelihood.

New Features to Enhance Shopping Content

To make things even more exciting, YouTube has launched new features based on feedback from its creator community:

Stickers on Shorts – eye-catching product tags that pop up in short-form content.

Timestamps – product tags appear exactly when they’re featured in the video.

Chrome Extension – a convenient tool that lets creators save and tag Shopee products directly.

These updates are designed to make product discovery more natural for viewers while keeping content engaging.

Partnership Built on Trust and Convenience

Shopee sees this collaboration as a game-changer for both sellers and shoppers. Jack Ng, Head of Commercial at Shopee Philippines, emphasized that YouTube is helping Filipinos shop more seamlessly: “Through YouTube Shopping, Shopee is helping brands and sellers connect with shoppers in a more seamless way, while giving creators new opportunities to bring value to their audiences.”

With creators at the center, YouTube and Shopee are creating a stronger ecosystem that blends storytelling, trust, and commerce.

From K-drama reviews to gadget unboxings and PBA highlights, Filipinos already turn to YouTube for entertainment and trusted recommendations. With YouTube Shopping, these passions now translate into opportunities—not just for content creators, but also for brands and everyday shoppers.

If you’re a creator, this could be the best time to explore YouTube Shopping and start turning your content into a business. For brands, the platform offers direct access to an engaged Filipino audience ready to click, trust, and shop.

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UnionBank and SSS Launch MySSS Card for Members

UnionBank and SSS Launch MySSS Card for Members

Thursday, August 28, 2025

 

A Game-Changer for Filipino Workers and Pensioners

For millions of Filipinos, claiming Social Security System (SSS) benefits has always been part of life milestones—whether it’s pensions, loans, or refunds. Now, accessing these benefits is about to get a whole lot easier.

The Social Security System (SSS), in partnership with Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), has introduced the MySSS Card, a 2-in-1 functional SSS ID and UnionBank Visa debit card. This innovation builds on a successful card rollout from 2022 and is designed to bring faster, safer, and smarter financial access to millions of members across the country.

What Makes the MySSS Card Different?

Unlike traditional SSS IDs, the MySSS Card isn’t just proof of membership. It doubles as a UnionBank-powered debit card, making it both a government-recognized ID and a tool for everyday transactions.

With this card, members can:

Receive SSS benefits directly whether pensions, loans, or refunds—into a UnionBank savings account.

Access a Visa debit card that works worldwide for ATM withdrawals, digital payments, and mobile banking.

Apply easily online via the UnionBank Online app, making enrollment fast and hassle-free.

SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. De Claro explained that this partnership makes government services more accessible: “The MySSS Card empowers our members with a secure and convenient way to receive their benefits, while also serving as an official SSS-recognized ID.”

Opening Financial Doors for More Filipinos

UnionBank President and CEO Ana Aboitiz Delgado highlighted the card’s role in expanding financial inclusion. With the integration of Philsys ID, over 40 million Filipinos can soon be eligible to apply for the MySSS Card.

Delgado noted: “Together with SSS, we are once again reimagining what banking can be like for millions of Filipinos. This initiative enhances financial inclusion and empowers more Filipinos with access to essential financial services.”

This card is particularly helpful for the unbanked population—those who have never had a savings account before. With the MySSS Card, they gain direct access to secure banking, making government benefits more efficient to claim.

For many Filipino workers, retirees, and beneficiaries, this development is more than just a new card—it’s a step toward digital convenience and financial empowerment. No more long lines for claiming checks or manual processing; the MySSS Card puts transactions right at your fingertips.

It’s also a sign of how public-private partnerships can make everyday services better for ordinary Filipinos. By combining UnionBank’s digital expertise with SSS’s commitment to member welfare, this card reflects progress in building a more inclusive financial system.

The MySSS Card is shaping up to be a must-have for every member who values convenience, security, and efficiency. If you’re an SSS member with a Philsys ID, keep an eye out for its official release—you wouldn’t want to miss out on this smarter way of managing your benefits.

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EastWest Wins Double at Asian Banker Awards 2025

EastWest Wins Double at Asian Banker Awards 2025

A Big Win for Filipino Banking Customers

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is starting 2025 strong with a prestigious double win at The Asian Banker Philippine Excellence Awards. The bank was recognized for Best Foreign Exchange Service and Best Digital Ecosystem & Platform—a testament to its commitment to creating innovative and customer-first solutions that make banking simpler, safer, and more rewarding for Filipinos.

These honors aren’t just shiny trophies. They represent real progress in how Filipinos can experience financial services—whether that means getting the best rates for currency exchange or enjoying seamless, digital-first banking wherever you are.

Leading the Way in Foreign Exchange Services

EastWest’s recognition for Best Foreign Exchange Service highlights its strong position in the market. By offering competitive rates with a much lower buy-sell spread compared to competitors, the bank ensures that customers get more value when converting their money.

Despite global economic uncertainties, EastWest reported record-high FX performance in 2024, driven by consistent growth in transactions, customer base, and trade volume.

To further improve the customer experience, EastWest has rolled out several enhancements:

e-Forex on EasyWay – launched in 2024, allowing convenient online USD/PHP conversions.

e-Signature and e-Document submission – streamlining paperwork for hassle-free transactions.

Expansion in 2025 – plans to offer FX third currencies for both individual and corporate clients.

This focus on accessibility and transparency makes EastWest a top choice for Filipinos who want reliable and cost-effective forex services.

Building a Future-Ready Digital Ecosystem

The award for Best Digital Ecosystem & Platform recognizes EastWest’s people-first approach to digital banking. Rather than simply offering apps, the bank has created a connected ecosystem designed to meet the needs of different customer groups.

Some of the standout innovations include:

EasyWay – a platform with multi-currency tools, consolidated account views, wealth management features, and in-app customer support.

Komo – a fully digital account offering competitive interest, affordable transfers, and access to personal and salary loans.

ESTA – the Philippines’ first AI-powered credit card chatbot on Facebook Messenger for real-time updates, installment conversions, and limit adjustments.

EastWest Pay – the country’s first Visa-certified tap-to-pay app for NFC-enabled Android devices.

Digital adoption has been impressive by the first half of 2025, over 44% of existing EastWest clients were already using digital services. From teachers using Komo to everyday savers on EasyWay, more Filipinos are finding ways to bank conveniently and securely.

With AI-driven fraud detection, biometric authentication, and proactive security features, EastWest has made sure that convenience doesn’t come at the cost of safety.

Banking in the Philippines has long been challenged by accessibility and efficiency issues. EastWest’s recognition shows how far local institutions can go in giving Filipinos world-class financial tools without unnecessary complexity. From OFWs looking for the best forex deals to digital-savvy millennials who prefer mobile-first solutions, EastWest’s innovations are designed to fit into real, everyday needs.

As EastWest continues to innovate, it strengthens its place as a trusted partner in every Filipino’s financial journey—making banking truly the “EasyWay.”

EastWest’s back-to-back wins prove that Filipino banks can stand out on the global stage while keeping local customers at heart. If you’re exploring better ways to manage your money—whether through reliable forex services or digital banking platforms—EastWest’s award-winning ecosystem is worth checking out.

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From Nigeria to the Philippines: How Bimbo Adewoyin Built a Tech Startup That’s Changing the Game

From Nigeria to the Philippines: How Bimbo Adewoyin Built a Tech Startup That’s Changing the Game

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

What does it take to turn grit, family, and passion into a thriving tech business? For Nigerian-born entrepreneur Bimbo Adewoyin, the answer lies in hard work, resilience, and a dream that started with curiosity about an old computer. Today, as the CTO of Doublesquare Networks Inc., he leads a company that’s making a strong impact in the Philippines—thanks to technology, teamwork, and the support of partners like PLDT Enterprise.

This inspiring story was recently featured in ROI’d to Success, a podcast by PLDT Enterprise in collaboration with Hustleshare, highlighting how entrepreneurs use digital solutions to scale and thrive.

Humble Beginnings, Big Ambitions

Doublesquare Networks didn’t begin as a big tech firm—it started small, focusing on surveillance systems and network design. Over the years, Adewoyin and his team grew it into a trusted provider of wireless equipment, structured cabling, and connectivity solutions for schools, local government units, enterprises, and commercial establishments across the country.

Adewoyin’s spark for technology came from an unexpected place. Growing up in Nigeria, his mother ran a school where an American friend donated old computers. What started as simple curiosity soon grew into a passion. “Watching a printer work for the first time felt like magic,” he recalled in the podcast. From tinkering with computers at home to late nights at internet cafés with his brother, he discovered the power of technology—and never looked back.

Family as the Driving Force

When Adewoyin moved to the Philippines for university, he had no idea he would one day build a startup from scratch—with no capital and a child on the way. But instead of giving up, he used family as fuel.

He shared, “My dad told me to double my hustle because I had a family to provide for. My son became my biggest motivation.” That advice stuck with him. Starting out with a small office in Cubao, Adewoyin pushed forward, canvassing for projects with his cousin, distributing Ubiquiti products, and slowly building a reputation for solving tough infrastructure challenges.

Powering Growth Through Reliable Connectivity

As Doublesquare Networks scaled, so did the demands of its clients. From enterprise-grade internet to 24/7 customer support, stable connectivity became the backbone of their operations. This is where PLDT Enterprise stepped in with iGate and broadband solutions, ensuring seamless coordination between teams and clients.

“Reliable connectivity is the backbone of our operations,” Adewoyin explained. With PLDT Enterprise powering their systems, the company saw a 20% boost in sales and client retention, thanks to faster response times and fewer disruptions.

Building for the Future

These days, Adewoyin has shifted from daily operations to exploring new technologies and innovations that can drive growth. With a strong team managing service delivery and client accounts, he now focuses on strategy, expansion, and nurturing new tech talent.

Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Revenue Group at PLDT Enterprise, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “Doublesquare Networks’ story is a powerful example of how technology and entrepreneurship can transform lives and communities. At PLDT Enterprise, we are proud to support visionaries like Bimbo Adewoyin.”

As the company continues to expand its service footprint, Adewoyin remains committed to bridging the connectivity divide, especially for businesses and communities in underserved regions of the Philippines.

Bimbo Adewoyin’s journey is more than just a success story—it’s a reminder of how passion, grit, and family can push us to achieve more than we ever imagined. With the right partners and the right mindset, local startups can go from humble beginnings to nationwide impact.

Catch his full story in the latest ROI’d to Success podcast episode on Spotify, brought to you by PLDT Enterprise and Hustleshare.

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Google.org and ASEAN Foundation Launch AI Class ASEAN to Equip 5.5 Million Learners

Google.org and ASEAN Foundation Launch AI Class ASEAN to Equip 5.5 Million Learners

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tech buzzword—it’s rapidly becoming part of everyday life, from social media filters to workplace automation. In Southeast Asia, where digital adoption continues to surge, the question is no longer if we should prepare for AI, but how fast. This is why the ASEAN Foundation, with the backing of Google.org, has introduced AI Class ASEAN, a groundbreaking e-learning platform that promises to upskill more than 5.5 million learners across the region—including thousands of Filipinos.

A Regional Milestone for AI Literacy

Unveiled during the 2nd Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, the AI Class ASEAN is one of the major outcomes of a 2.5-year regional program supported by a USD 5 million grant from Google.org. The platform’s mission is clear: to make AI literacy inclusive, accessible, and future-ready for ASEAN’s diverse communities.

The initiative brings together youth, parents, and educators, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to understand AI responsibly. With 70 localized modules, AI-powered chatbots, multilingual support, and collaborative forums, learners can access training in ways that suit their unique cultural and linguistic contexts.

Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, emphasized during the launch that AI readiness is about more than just technical skills—it’s about opportunity and inclusion. “Empowering communities with the right knowledge ensures a future-proof ASEAN. AI Class ASEAN offers shared progress and connectedness for the entire region.”

A Summit to Shape the Future of AI

Held under the theme “Bridging AI Literacy and AI Safety: Building Responsible AI in ASEAN”, the two-day event brought together policymakers, educators, youth leaders, and private sector experts. The launch itself was marked by a ceremonial button-press, symbolizing ASEAN’s commitment to safe and ethical AI adoption.

Notable attendees included:

H.E. Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital of Malaysia

H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN

Ms. Sapna Chadha, VP for Southeast Asia & South Asia Frontier, Google Asia Pacific

The presence of top leaders highlighted the weight of this initiative—not just for technology, but for the future of education and economic growth in the region.

Local Impact: AI Literacy in the Philippines

For the Philippines, AI Ready ASEAN is more than just a digital program—it’s a step toward bridging the digital divide. Local Implementing Partners (LIPs) such as Break The Fake Movement, Limitless Lab, AYO PH, Cyber Guardian, and SmartCT have been crucial in making AI concepts understandable and accessible for students and communities.

The Break The Fake Movement, in particular, is taking the lead in integrating AI literacy with media and information literacy (MIL) to combat disinformation. Working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd), they’ve onboarded 100 Master Trainers to roll out Hour of Code sessions in schools and universities nationwide.

Paolo Miguel Ordonio, Executive Director of Break The Fake Movement, stressed that coding should not be seen as an exclusive skill for computer scientists. “Coding teaches critical thinking and problem-solving. By demystifying AI, we’re showing that it’s a skill anyone can learn—students, professionals, even parents.”

Why This Matters for Filipinos

With the Philippines’ young population and fast-growing digital economy, initiatives like AI Class ASEAN can be transformative. As AI reshapes industries—from BPO to education—Filipinos who are AI-literate will have a competitive advantage in the global job market.

Moreover, by teaching responsible and ethical AI use, the program also addresses concerns about misinformation, online safety, and inclusivity—issues that are especially relevant in the country’s highly active digital landscape.

AI Class ASEAN isn’t just another online course—it’s a movement to prepare Southeast Asia for an AI-driven future. For Filipinos, this means gaining the skills to thrive in an evolving economy while ensuring technology is used responsibly.

If you’re a student, teacher, or simply curious about how AI is changing our world, this initiative is worth exploring. The future is AI-powered, and with programs like this, we can make sure it’s also inclusive and ethical.

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