Official figures show some jobs saw bigger pay rises than others with publicans and PR directors also earning more.

Travel agents lead pay rise league despite cost of living squeeze

Agents and navigators recommend starting your search well before December to avoid a deadline crunch that hits when most enrollment windows begin to close. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

It’s time to buy health insurance through the marketplace. Experts suggest doing your research first

Holiday travel can be taxing even without the added stress of disruptions such as cancellations, flight delays or lost bags.Last winter, Southwest Airlines' holiday travel meltdown left millions of tr

Should You Buy Travel Insurance for Holiday Travel?

Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies in Chesapeake, Va. In Chesapeake, we recommend Virginia Farm Bureau, State Farm, Erie, Auto-Owners and Travelers for car insurance. These companies have rates that are lower than average for both minimum and full coverage ...

Cheap Car Insurance in Chesapeake, Va.

Airbnb's travel insurance doesn't cover issues with your rental property, just issues with your trip itself. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us.

Is Airbnb Travel Insurance Worth It?

Travel insurance is becoming increasingly popular, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Many Canadian travelers experienced the disruption and financial loss caused by the pandemic and ...

Best Travel Insurance Canada: Protect Your Trip with Comprehensive Coverage

Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy. Trawick International offers the best travel insurance for seniors, according to our analysis. We evaluated 53 travel insurance plans to ...

Best travel insurance for seniors in October 2023

Great site and I always use them for comparison of insurance, loans and credit cards. You can get around $250 a day if your luggage is delayed by the airline. Many also cover stolen or ...

Travel Insurance: Compare and Save

Travelers Insurance sells car, boat and property protection policies, as well as other coverages. It offers liability, collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection, medical payments and ...

Travelers Auto Insurance Reviews

That said, it’s smart to make sure your trip to Italy is covered with a comprehensive travel insurance plan. With the right kind of coverage, you can ensure your financially protected in ...

Italy Travel Insurance: Trip Requirements, Tips & Safety Info

Get the most recent info and news about Travelers on HackerNoon, where 10k+ technologists publish stories for 4M+ monthly readers.

The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United states and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. The Business Insurance segment offers workers' compensation, commercial automobile and property, general liability, commercial multi-peril, employers' liability, public and product liability, professional indemnity, marine, aviation, onshore and offshore energy, construction, terrorism, personal accident, and kidnap and ransom insurance products. This segment operates through select accounts, which serve small businesses; commercial accounts that serve mid-sized businesses; national accounts, which serve large companies; and national property and other that serve large and mid-sized customers, commercial trucking industry, and agricultural businesses, as well as markets and distributes its products through brokers, wholesale agents, and program managers. The Bond & Specialty Insurance segment provides surety, fidelity, management and professional liability, and other property and casualty coverages and related risk management services through independent agencies and brokers. The Personal Insurance segment offers property and casualty insurance covering personal risks, primarily automobile and homeowners insurance to individuals through independent agencies and brokers. The Travelers Companies, Inc. was founded in 1853 and is based in New York, New York.

Travelers

In the hot and bustling city of Lagos, where cars honk filled the air and merged with hurried footsteps, lived Adebola, an unassuming tech enthusiast. Adebola spends a considerable chunk of his days with the hum of his laptop, exploring the digital world, fueled by the relentless curiosity for today's technology's mysteries. Today was no different from any other day, but something interesting happened. Adebola, sitting comfortably in his worn-out armchair, was on his smartphone and came across articles that talked about Bitcoin mining. While on his phone, he clicked on a pop-up that promised to unravel the secrets of  Bitcoin mining. Little did he know that this pop-up wasn't a mere tutorial but rather a portal that defied the boundaries of time and space. And Zapped! A sudden surge of energy came from his phone, pulling him into this captivating journey across time we are about to take. Each Bitcoin mining era Adebola will explore will talk briefs on the various innovations and milestones that have shaped the evolution of Bitcoin mining. The Genesis Block (2009-2011) Adebola landed on January 3, 2009, The day that changed everything. He sees a couple of people working on their CPUs, and what he assumes is the mining process taking place. Their CPU-powered computers hummed and vibrated in the background. However, Adebola couldn’t see their faces as the soft glow of the computer screens illuminated them. He can hear them talk about how they first mined Bitcoin's genesis block (block number 0) using regular computer processors and how this rewarded them with 50 bitcoins. This was done by Satoshi Nakamoto (almost certainly a pseudonym). Also, interestingly embedded in this genesis BTC block was the text: . This text, however, refers to the . The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on the brink of the second bailout for banks Bitcoin Whitepaper published on January 3, 2009 Question:  Why was Nakamoto able to mine with just a simple computer? They were literally the only ones in the Bitcoin network. So, a simple CPU device could handle the computational power needed. Intrigued by this, Adebola tried to ask one of the women in the room a question. But all of a sudden, before he  could, he was zapped into another room. He looked at his watch, and the time was 12:35 AM. He sees a young Laszlo Hanyecz, a Floridian programmer, on his laptop navigating a forum. He was trying to buy on May 18, 2010. 2 pizzas for 10,000 BTC The pizzas were worth around $25, and Bitcoin was worth less than 8 cents back then. For context, This was the first transaction with Bitcoin; the day will later be known as Bitcoin Pizza Day. This also led to the appreciation of Bitcoin to 8 cents later in July and 10 cents later in October. Right before Adebola could say Damn! He got zapped into…. The GPU Revolution (2011-2013) Adebola wakes up in Orlando, Florida. He looks up and sees "BitPay" boldly written on the banner. He sees some young men in shorts and shirts getting into a room. I guess there is a meeting happening. He follows them. Discussion about their new milestone of 10,000 merchants is taking place and what this means for BitPay. They also discuss how much funds are left from the $2 million raised in May via the Founders Fund. One of the men in the room, deeply engrossed in the discussion, is taking notes. He's jotting down something about Nakamoto's mysterious disappearance and how he is rumored to have mined about 1 million bitcoins before handing the project to developer Gavin Andresen. Another interesting thing they were talking about is the Bitcoin halving. When Bitcoin was first mined in 2009, a block would earn 50 BTC. Later, that was halved to 25 BTC (In 2012), 12.5 BTC (2016), and 6.25 BTC (2020). Why? That is because Bitcoin has a capped supply of 21 million coins. So halving happens every 4 years or after every 210,000 blocks mined. The next one should take place in 2024. The whole idea behind the Bitcoin halving is to control the supply of new Bitcoin and manage any inflation. He tried to pick up the note and well got zapped again. Adebola finds himself in someone's basement. He isn’t quite sure who, however he can see a young lady walking down the stairs. She switched on the light, and he was amazed at the sight. It is a technological renaissance. Computers with GPUs and parallel processing capabilities are lined up. This must be the GPUs era; GPUs were the preferred mining hardware at some point. He had just read about this before he started his time journey. In this era, mining pools flourished, allowing miners to share success and create communities like Mining City. He hears another voice coming down the stairs, seemingly asking about exploring the new field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) tech and how they are much faster than GPUs, but he trips. As soon as the coffee was about to spill on Adebola, his reflexes kicked in. He used his hand to shield his face to prevent the scalding liquid from pouring on him, but luckily, he got zapped. why GPUs? GPUs were better optimized and great for parallel computing simple mathematical operations (like mining). This is much better than CPUs. Also, remember that new coins like XRP are popping up in this era, and new miners are now competing among themselves on the Bitcoin network. Question: The ASIC Age (2013-Present) As Adebola carefully withdrew his hands, he was gripped by the realization that he was in a different place. From the writing on the wall, he seems to be in China. The Television in the room is luckily on CNN. The headline reads, " "  From the news, this new technology outperforms GPUs and CPUs, revolutionizes the mining landscape, and increases the Bitcoin network's hash rate. They were built just for mining, and their chip technology has dramatically decreased in size—from 130 nm in 2013 to 7 nm in 2020. China-based computer hardware manufacturer Canaan Creative released the first set of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for bitcoin mining. He sees some documents on the table and tries to pick them up and get zapped again. This time, Adebola sees himself in an office in 2021. The name on the desk reads “Mark Zalan,” and some documents are named “GoMining.” In an attempt to pick up these documents, Adebola gets zapped, and this time, he is… Back to Reality (Present) He is back in his room. Awakened by the loud noise of the passing cars and heavy traffic outside the window. Damn! The light also went off, plunging his room into an inky blackness. It had finally dawned on him that he was back from his trip. Still curious, he picks up his laptop and searches for . He learns about how they are making Bitcoin mining more accessible to all through . Thus, he can join the mining industry without buying and maintaining any hardware; he can mine using GoMining’s Bitcoin-mining equipment at their data center. GoMining NFTs and the Liquid Bitcoin Hashrate (LBH) protocol Question: But How? By exploring their NFT mining model. You buy some NFTs (a unique token that gives one the right to own a digital asset- pictures, videos, game characters, or music- with the digital space) using . the GoMining token (GMT) Having satisfied his curiosity with a thorough web search, Adebola navigates to the Play Store and taps the download button to download the GoMining application. While he waits, he remembers the . He scrolled through, thought about his trip, and laughed as he read the comments. People were arguing about how the 10,000 BTC was small for the 2 pizzas Laszlo wanted. If only they knew how much 10,000 BTC would be worth right now, Adebola thought. Right before he closed the page, he spotted and read the last comment: " " Pizza forum discussion from Laszlo's era It is so remarkable how far this economy has progressed in such a short time; this breaks every record that I can think of. He looks back at his phone, opens the app, and starts onboarding as he anticipates the new mysteries he is about to begin within GoMining’s universe. Learn more: You can join the and learn more about . You can buy their using this . community GoMining’s project from their website GMT token Binance: Where & How to Buy Gomining (GMT) Guide

The Time-Traveler's Journey to Bitcoin Mining: A Tale Across Mining Eras

THE TWO TRAVELERS

245 Tools & Resources for Travelers and Digital Nomads

Ever wanted to plan a vacation without having to worry about flight options, places to stay, or what to eat—all while saving money? Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is turning this wish into reality, sparking a revolution across the travel sector through custom experiences for travelers. From trip itinerary planning to handling traveler details, A.I. now can impact every step of the journey. McKinsey’s survey estimates that generative AI (genAI) could unlock between $2 trillion to $4 trillion in annual value across various domains, and travel is no exception. A.I. is empowering consumers to make informed decisions through predictive analytics, reducing the guesswork often linked to planning trips. Moreover, according to a recent report by Statista, 40% of US adults are already using AI-powered virtual travel agents for trip planning in 2024. However, as AI becomes a bigger part of how we travel, it also raises significant concerns about consumer data privacy and whether we're losing the personal touch in our journeys. A.I.-Powered Travel Planning: The New Norm? In travel, A.I.'s impact seems twofold. On the consumer side, A.I. is reshaping ways for trip planning, a fragmented and time-consuming process for travelers. Travel booking platforms including Agoda are already harnessing A.I.-powered machine learning to recommend and optimize booking prices for flights, and lodging options to its customers. Historically, personalization in travel has been a challenging issue primarily because of the low purchase frequency and customer data spread being across various platforms. Each trip often carries a different motivation, making it difficult for traditional systems to understand and predict customer preferences based solely on previous clicks. This is where A.I. models play a crucial role. “The real challenge lies in efficiently gathering this context from users. Relying solely on traditional interfaces to extract such detailed information often led to high user expectations not being met by the website’s recommendations,” Amirali Mohajer, CEO and co-founder of A.I.-powered travel platform hostAI, told me. “Today’s AI-powered language models are adept at capturing context and interpreting text. They can significantly enhance travel personalization by understanding what a traveler seeks in their next adventure.” On the other hand, A.I. is providing travel brands with a significant opportunity to enhance their online presence and direct engagement with consumers. Dynamic pricing recommendations by A.I. are helping hotel owners maximize revenue and occupancy rates. “By automating personalization, even smaller accommodation providers can now effectively communicate their offerings, potentially shifting the industry towards a new standard of direct distribution. This innovation could fundamentally alter how travel services are marketed and sold, making them more accessible and efficient for both providers and consumers,” Mohajer told me. Can A.I. Replace Human Travel Agents? Achieving a level of A.I. that offers the warm, personalized touch of a human travel agent is no small feat and involves overcoming persistent technical challenges within the travel sector. For instance, Air Canada's chatbot misled a traveler by promising a discount that wasn’t available. The chatbot assured the consumer that he could book a full-fare ticket for his grandmother’s funeral and apply for a bereavement fare afterward. However, when the consumer sought the discount, Air Canada informed him that the chatbot's information was incorrect. This kind of error, where AI tools provide inaccurate or misleading information, is known as "AI hallucination." Despite such challenges, many major travel companies are adopting AI technology. Last year, Lufthansa Group launched "Swifty," a genAI-driven business travel assistant designed to streamline corporate trip planning and booking processes. Powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 language model, Swifty can overhaul travel experiences for consumers — from planning and payment to solving consumer queries in real-time, all within a single chat interface. Data privacy remains another significant concern across various domains, not just in travel but in broader A.I. applications as well. Recently, Australian travel agency Inspiring Vacations was accused of exposing sensitive customer data by accidentally leaving its database publicly accessible. Totaling 26.8 gigabytes, the database included potentially sensitive information such as passport images, travel visa certificates, itineraries, and ticket files. "AI systems frequently encounter hurdles with reasoning and taking effective actions because of hallucination. This limitation might pave the way for a revival of traditional travel agents, but with a new twist: they'll be enhanced by AI," Mohajer told me. “For technology deployments to succeed, particularly those aiming to foster intimate user relationships like AI chatbots, building and maintaining trust is crucial. Users need to feel confident that their data is handled responsibly.” The Future of AI in Travel: What's Next? AI is no longer just a futuristic concept in the travel industry—it's a present-day reality transforming how consumers plan and experience travel. As technology advances, Mohajer believes that A.I.'s role in the travel sector will likely evolve into a continuous, personalized travel companion. This companion would seek out the best opportunities for future trips and enhance the in-destination experience by eliminating the common frustration of navigating a new place. “Imagine an A.I. system that finds deals and recommends destinations tailored to individual preferences, possibly even lesser-known locales that might better match your interests. This shift could mitigate over-tourism by diverting travelers to less crowded areas and make travel more affordable and enjoyable overall," he added. “The vision is to create a seamless, personalized experience that eliminates the need for endless searches and planning across multiple platforms—a challenge that remains open yet highly pursued by industry giants and startups alike" Ever wanted to plan a vacation without having to worry about flight options, places to stay, or what to eat—all while saving money? Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is turning this wish into reality, sparking a revolution across the travel sector through custom experiences for travelers. From trip itinerary planning to handling traveler details, A.I. now can impact every step of the journey. McKinsey ’s survey estimates that generative AI (genAI) could unlock between $2 trillion to $4 trillion in annual value across various domains, and travel is no exception. A.I. is empowering consumers to make informed decisions through predictive analytics, reducing the guesswork often linked to planning trips. Moreover, according to a recent report by Statista , 40% of US adults are already using AI-powered virtual travel agents for trip planning in 2024. McKinsey McKinsey Statista Statista However, as AI becomes a bigger part of how we travel, it also raises significant concerns about consumer data privacy and whether we're losing the personal touch in our journeys. A.I.-Powered Travel Planning: The New Norm? In travel, A.I.'s impact seems twofold. On the consumer side, A.I. is reshaping ways for trip planning, a fragmented and time-consuming process for travelers. Travel booking platforms including Agoda are already harnessing A.I.-powered machine learning to recommend and optimize booking prices for flights, and lodging options to its customers. Historically, personalization in travel has been a challenging issue primarily because of the low purchase frequency and customer data spread being across various platforms. Each trip often carries a different motivation, making it difficult for traditional systems to understand and predict customer preferences based solely on previous clicks. This is where A.I. models play a crucial role. “The real challenge lies in efficiently gathering this context from users. Relying solely on traditional interfaces to extract such detailed information often led to high user expectations not being met by the website’s recommendations,” Amirali Mohajer , CEO and co-founder of A.I.-powered travel platform hostAI, told me. “Today’s AI-powered language models are adept at capturing context and interpreting text. They can significantly enhance travel personalization by understanding what a traveler seeks in their next adventure.” Amirali Mohajer Amirali Mohajer On the other hand, A.I. is providing travel brands with a significant opportunity to enhance their online presence and direct engagement with consumers. Dynamic pricing recommendations by A.I. are helping hotel owners maximize revenue and occupancy rates. “By automating personalization, even smaller accommodation providers can now effectively communicate their offerings, potentially shifting the industry towards a new standard of direct distribution. This innovation could fundamentally alter how travel services are marketed and sold, making them more accessible and efficient for both providers and consumers,” Mohajer told me. Can A.I. Replace Human Travel Agents? Achieving a level of A.I. that offers the warm, personalized touch of a human travel agent is no small feat and involves overcoming persistent technical challenges within the travel sector. For instance, Air Canada's chatbot misled a traveler by promising a discount that wasn’t available. The chatbot assured the consumer that he could book a full-fare ticket for his grandmother’s funeral and apply for a bereavement fare afterward. However, when the consumer sought the discount, Air Canada informed him that the chatbot's information was incorrect. This kind of error, where AI tools provide inaccurate or misleading information, is known as "AI hallucination." Air Canada's chatbot Air Canada's chatbot Despite such challenges, many major travel companies are adopting AI technology. Last year, Lufthansa Group launched " Swifty ," a genAI-driven business travel assistant designed to streamline corporate trip planning and booking processes. Powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 language model, Swifty can overhaul travel experiences for consumers — from planning and payment to solving consumer queries in real-time, all within a single chat interface. Swifty Swifty Data privacy remains another significant concern across various domains, not just in travel but in broader A.I. applications as well. Recently, Australian travel agency Inspiring Vacations was accused of exposing sensitive customer data by accidentally leaving its database publicly accessible. Totaling 26.8 gigabytes, the database included potentially sensitive information such as passport images, travel visa certificates, itineraries, and ticket files. Inspiring Vacations Inspiring Vacations "AI systems frequently encounter hurdles with reasoning and taking effective actions because of hallucination. This limitation might pave the way for a revival of traditional travel agents, but with a new twist: they'll be enhanced by AI," Mohajer told me. “For technology deployments to succeed, particularly those aiming to foster intimate user relationships like AI chatbots, building and maintaining trust is crucial. Users need to feel confident that their data is handled responsibly.” The Future of AI in Travel: What's Next? AI is no longer just a futuristic concept in the travel industry—it's a present-day reality transforming how consumers plan and experience travel. As technology advances, Mohajer believes that A.I.'s role in the travel sector will likely evolve into a continuous, personalized travel companion. This companion would seek out the best opportunities for future trips and enhance the in-destination experience by eliminating the common frustration of navigating a new place. “Imagine an A.I. system that finds deals and recommends destinations tailored to individual preferences, possibly even lesser-known locales that might better match your interests. This shift could mitigate over-tourism by diverting travelers to less crowded areas and make travel more affordable and enjoyable overall," he added. “The vision is to create a seamless, personalized experience that eliminates the need for endless searches and planning across multiple platforms—a challenge that remains open yet highly pursued by industry giants and startups alike"

Will an AI Help Plan Your Next Vacation?

Ethical Considerations in QAnon Authorship Attribution Research

As the holiday season approaches, with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, travelers worldwide are ironing out their vacation plans. But amid the excitement of visiting new places and reconnecting with loved ones, one question remains a constant concern: How do you stay safely connected while traveling abroad? In a world where navigation, staying in touch, and sharing memories all rely on a stable internet connection, finding a reliable and secure way to connect while on the move is crucial. However, travelers often face two key challenges: reliable data access and secure connectivity. Staying Safe on WiFi: The Common Tips Frequent travelers are no strangers to typical safety measures for WiFi use: Keep Software Updated: This is vital, yet it doesn’t always provide protection from more sophisticated threats.
Install Antivirus Software: Antivirus helps catch malware but doesn’t shield your data from prying eyes on unsecured networks.
Limit Personal Information Sharing: A good habit, though difficult to fully implement on unfamiliar networks. While these strategies are useful, they often fall short when it comes to modern travel needs. So, what’s the alternative? Roam: Revolutionizing Travel Connectivity Roam, a pioneering decentralized telecom solution that’s changing how travelers stay online safely. Roam's combination of a global WiFi network and an innovative eSIM technology means staying connected has never been easier or more secure—no matter where you roam. Safe WiFi Connections with the Roam App
Finding reliable WiFi while traveling is often challenging. Many public networks compromise user privacy, asking for personal information or displaying invasive ads before granting access.Roam changes the game by offering seamless access to over 3.5 million OpenRoaming hotspots worldwide through its decentralized WiFi network. Leveraging Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and Verifiable Credentials (VCs), Roam ensures a private, hassle-free connection. Users simply download the Roam App, skip lengthy logins, and securely connect—without sharing sensitive data.

Flexible, Secure Data with Roam's eSIM When WiFi isn't available, Roam's eSIM becomes an excellent alternative. An eSIM lets travelers activate data plans directly on their devices, without the hassle of buying a physical SIM card in another country. Roam's eSIM covers over 130 countries and offers affordable, flexible plans tailored for global travelers. What sets Roam apart is its innovative approach to global roaming—users can earn free data by checking in, referring friends, or engaging with Roam on social media. It’s not just about connectivity—it’s also about rewarding users for being part of the community. If you don't need data right away, you can opt for Roam Points as your reward. In the future, these points will be compatible with major international airlines and telecom operators, allowing you to redeem them for a variety of rewards, including gift cards. Why Roam eSIM? No Physical SIM Hassles: Activate plans instantly on your device.
Earn Free Data or Roam points: Participate in simple activities to earn roaming data or Roam Points.
Eco-Friendly: Go green by eliminating physical SIM waste.
Fast, Reliable Connectivity: Access millions of secure hotspots around the globe.
One-Stop In-App Management: Manage everything conveniently in one place. With Roam, travelers get fast, secure, and eco-friendly connectivity—making Roam the ultimate travel companion. Celebrating 1 Million Users: Free Data for All In November 2024, Roam hit an exciting milestone: surpassing 1.3 million registered users and connecting over 850,000 network nodes globally. Since the launch of eSIM in October, the user base skyrocketed from 750,000 to 1 million in less than 20 days and exceeded 1.3 million by the end of November. This not only highlights the practicality of Roam's technology but also underscores its strong appeal among travelers. To celebrate, Roam is offering 1GB of free international data to help you stay connected this holiday season—the perfect opportunity to experience seamless travel connectivity. Here’s how to claim your free 1GB data: (This guide uses Thailand as an example.) 1. Download or update the Roam App from the App Store or Google Play. 2. Log in, and click the promo banner on the home screen. Enter the code “Roamtheworld” (case-insensitive, no spaces) and submit. Choose your destination, select a data package, and confirm redemption. Activate Your eSIM, and start using your free data. This holiday season, let Roam keep you connected—easily and securely. This article is published under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging program. Do your own research before making any financial decisions. As the holiday season approaches, with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, travelers worldwide are ironing out their vacation plans. But amid the excitement of visiting new places and reconnecting with loved ones, one question remains a constant concern: How do you stay safely connected while traveling abroad? In a world where navigation, staying in touch, and sharing memories all rely on a stable internet connection, finding a reliable and secure way to connect while on the move is crucial. However, travelers often face two key challenges: reliable data access and secure connectivity. Staying Safe on WiFi: The Common Tips Staying Safe on WiFi: The Common Tips Frequent travelers are no strangers to typical safety measures for WiFi use: Keep Software Updated: This is vital, yet it doesn’t always provide protection from more sophisticated threats. Install Antivirus Software: Antivirus helps catch malware but doesn’t shield your data from prying eyes on unsecured networks. Limit Personal Information Sharing: A good habit, though difficult to fully implement on unfamiliar networks. Keep Software Updated: This is vital, yet it doesn’t always provide protection from more sophisticated threats. Install Antivirus Software: Antivirus helps catch malware but doesn’t shield your data from prying eyes on unsecured networks. Limit Personal Information Sharing: A good habit, though difficult to fully implement on unfamiliar networks. While these strategies are useful, they often fall short when it comes to modern travel needs. So, what’s the alternative? Roam: Revolutionizing Travel Connectivity Roam: Revolutionizing Travel Connectivity Roam, a pioneering decentralized telecom solution that’s changing how travelers stay online safely. Roam's combination of a global WiFi network and an innovative eSIM technology means staying connected has never been easier or more secure—no matter where you roam. Safe WiFi Connections with the Roam App
Finding reliable WiFi while traveling is often challenging. Many public networks compromise user privacy, asking for personal information or displaying invasive ads before granting access.Roam changes the game by offering seamless access to over 3.5 million OpenRoaming hotspots worldwide through its decentralized WiFi network. Leveraging Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and Verifiable Credentials (VCs), Roam ensures a private, hassle-free connection. Users simply download the Roam App, skip lengthy logins, and securely connect—without sharing sensitive data. Flexible, Secure Data with Roam's eSIM Safe WiFi Connections with the Roam App Finding reliable WiFi while traveling is often challenging. Many public networks compromise user privacy, asking for personal information or displaying invasive ads before granting access. Roam changes the game by offering seamless access to over 3.5 million OpenRoaming hotspots worldwide through its decentralized WiFi network. Leveraging Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and Verifiable Credentials (VCs), Roam ensures a private, hassle-free connection. Users simply download the Roam App, skip lengthy logins, and securely connect—without sharing sensitive data. Safe WiFi Connections with the Roam App Safe WiFi Connections with the Roam App Finding reliable WiFi while traveling is often challenging. Many public networks compromise user privacy, asking for personal information or displaying invasive ads before granting access. Roam changes the game by offering seamless access to over 3.5 million OpenRoaming hotspots worldwide through its decentralized WiFi network. Leveraging Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and Verifiable Credentials (VCs), Roam ensures a private, hassle-free connection. Users simply download the Roam App, skip lengthy logins, and securely connect—without sharing sensitive data. Flexible, Secure Data with Roam's eSIM Flexible, Secure Data with Roam's eSIM Flexible, Secure Data with Roam's eSIM When WiFi isn't available, Roam's eSIM becomes an excellent alternative. An eSIM lets travelers activate data plans directly on their devices, without the hassle of buying a physical SIM card in another country. Roam's eSIM covers over 130 countries and offers affordable, flexible plans tailored for global travelers. What sets Roam apart is its innovative approach to global roaming—users can earn free data by checking in, referring friends, or engaging with Roam on social media. It’s not just about connectivity—it’s also about rewarding users for being part of the community. If you don't need data right away, you can opt for Roam Points as your reward. In the future, these points will be compatible with major international airlines and telecom operators, allowing you to redeem them for a variety of rewards, including gift cards. Why Roam eSIM? Why Roam eSIM? No Physical SIM Hassles: Activate plans instantly on your device. Earn Free Data or Roam points: Participate in simple activities to earn roaming data or Roam Points. Eco-Friendly: Go green by eliminating physical SIM waste. Fast, Reliable Connectivity: Access millions of secure hotspots around the globe. One-Stop In-App Management: Manage everything conveniently in one place. No Physical SIM Hassles: Activate plans instantly on your device. No Physical SIM Hassles: Activate plans instantly on your device. Earn Free Data or Roam points: Participate in simple activities to earn roaming data or Roam Points. Earn Free Data or Roam points: Participate in simple activities to earn roaming data or Roam Points. Eco-Friendly: Go green by eliminating physical SIM waste. Eco-Friendly: Go green by eliminating physical SIM waste. Fast, Reliable Connectivity: Access millions of secure hotspots around the globe. Fast, Reliable Connectivity: Access millions of secure hotspots around the globe. One-Stop In-App Management: Manage everything conveniently in one place. One-Stop In-App Management: Manage everything conveniently in one place. With Roam, travelers get fast, secure, and eco-friendly connectivity—making Roam the ultimate travel companion. Celebrating 1 Million Users: Free Data for All Celebrating 1 Million Users: Free Data for All In November 2024, Roam hit an exciting milestone: surpassing 1.3 million registered users and connecting over 850,000 network nodes globally. Since the launch of eSIM in October, the user base skyrocketed from 750,000 to 1 million in less than 20 days and exceeded 1.3 million by the end of November. This not only highlights the practicality of Roam's technology but also underscores its strong appeal among travelers. To celebrate, Roam is offering 1GB of free international data to help you stay connected this holiday season—the perfect opportunity to experience seamless travel connectivity. Here’s how to claim your free 1GB data: Here’s how to claim your free 1GB data: (This guide uses Thailand as an example.) 1. Download or update the Roam App from the App Store or Google Play. 2. Log in, and click the promo banner on the home screen. Enter the code “Roamtheworld” (case-insensitive, no spaces) and submit. Enter the code “Roamtheworld” (case-insensitive, no spaces) and submit. Choose your destination, select a data package, and confirm redemption. Choose your destination, select a data package, and confirm redemption. Activate Your eSIM, and start using your free data. Activate Your eSIM, and start using your free data. This holiday season, let Roam keep you connected—easily and securely. This article is published under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging program. Do your own research before making any financial decisions. This article is published under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging program. Do your own research before making any financial decisions. Business Blogging

Roam Revolutionizes Travel Connectivity: A Milestone of 1 Million Users

Roam revoluciona la conectividad en viajes: alcanza el millón de usuarios

Roam revoluciona a conectividade de viaxes: un fito de 1 millón de usuarios

Roam מחולל מהפכה בקישוריות לנסיעות: אבן דרך של מיליון משתמשים

रोम ने ट्रैवल कनेक्टिविटी में क्रांति ला दी: 1 मिलियन उपयोगकर्ताओं की उपलब्धि

Roam Revolusyone Koneksyon Vwayaj: Yon etap enpòtan nan 1 milyon itilizatè yo

Roam が旅行の接続性を革新: ユーザー数 100 万人の節目を達成

Tarptinklinis ryšys kelia revoliuciją kelionių ryšiui: 1 milijono vartotojų įvykis

Roam revolutioneert reisconnectiviteit: een mijlpaal van 1 miljoen gebruikers

Roam Inabadilisha Muunganisho wa Usafiri: Hatua muhimu ya Watumiaji Milioni 1

Roam ปฏิวัติการเชื่อมต่อการเดินทาง: ก้าวสำคัญสู่ผู้ใช้ 1 ล้านคน

Roam ٹریول کنیکٹیویٹی میں انقلاب لاتا ہے: 1 ملین صارفین کا سنگ میل

I-Roam iguqula uQhagamshelwano lokuHamba: Imbali ye-1 yezigidi zabasebenzisi

Freedom has long been humanity's most persistent pursuit, a flame that has illuminated civilizations, revolutions, and personal transformations. My own journey reflects this quest, marked by achievements, setbacks, and profound realizations about the true essence of freedom. Throughout my professional life, I’ve embraced a lifestyle that many would envy, enjoying the ability to work from anywhere at any time. This seemed like the ultimate expression of liberty. However, I’ve come to understand that external mobility does not equate to internal freedom. True sovereignty is far more nuanced and complex than mere geographical independence. One of the most painful lessons I’ve encountered is the danger of over-attachment. We often become enslaved not by external forces, but by our own desires, obsessions, and expectations. When something we deeply care about is suddenly taken away, we find ourselves vulnerable, our sense of self shattered. This, I realized, is not freedom; it is a bondage of the most insidious kind. True sovereignty lies in cultivating a sense of self that remains unbroken, regardless of external circumstances. It involves recognizing that our worth is not defined by what we own, but by our capacity to adapt, to rise, and to transform in the face of adversity. In my understanding, true freedom rests on three fundamental aspects of life. First is the sovereignty of time, which allows me to choose how I invest my most precious resource. Second is the sovereignty of location, granting me the freedom to shape my environment rather than being constrained by it. Lastly, there is the sovereignty of financial aspiration, empowering me to design my economic destiny without being limited by traditional constraints. To deepen my understanding of freedom, I have delved into historical narratives of civilizations and individuals who have pursued sovereignty. From the philosophical resistance of the Stoics to the revolutionary spirits of indigenous cultures, and from the intellectual rebellions of enlightenment thinkers to the economic pioneers of our modern era, each story offers valuable insights into the nature of true liberation. These historical journeys reveal that freedom is not a destination but a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and redefining our boundaries. Ironically, the path to sovereignty requires a profound understanding of what we can and cannot control. It demands a delicate balance between ambition and acceptance, between striving and surrendering. We must learn to hold our dreams lightly, pursuing them with passion but not desperation. Currently, my life’s trajectory is focused not on conquering external worlds but on exploring the intricate landscapes of human potential. It involves discovering how individuals can craft lives filled with meaning, impact, and genuine freedom. This journey is not solitary; it is a collective exploration. It is about connecting with fellow travelers who understand that true sovereignty is not about standing alone but about creating meaningful connections that amplify both individual and collective potential. As I navigate this path, I am guided by a simple yet profound understanding: freedom is not a state to be achieved but a continuous dance of adaptation, learning, and growth. And so, the journey continues... Freedom has long been humanity's most persistent pursuit, a flame that has illuminated civilizations, revolutions, and personal transformations. My own journey reflects this quest, marked by achievements, setbacks, and profound realizations about the true essence of freedom. Throughout my professional life, I’ve embraced a lifestyle that many would envy, enjoying the ability to work from anywhere at any time. This seemed like the ultimate expression of liberty. However, I’ve come to understand that external mobility does not equate to internal freedom. True sovereignty is far more nuanced and complex than mere geographical independence. One of the most painful lessons I’ve encountered is the danger of over-attachment. We often become enslaved not by external forces, but by our own desires, obsessions, and expectations. When something we deeply care about is suddenly taken away, we find ourselves vulnerable, our sense of self shattered. This, I realized, is not freedom; it is a bondage of the most insidious kind. True sovereignty lies in cultivating a sense of self that remains unbroken, regardless of external circumstances. It involves recognizing that our worth is not defined by what we own, but by our capacity to adapt, to rise, and to transform in the face of adversity. In my understanding, true freedom rests on three fundamental aspects of life. First is the sovereignty of time, which allows me to choose how I invest my most precious resource. Second is the sovereignty of location, granting me the freedom to shape my environment rather than being constrained by it. Lastly, there is the sovereignty of financial aspiration, empowering me to design my economic destiny without being limited by traditional constraints. To deepen my understanding of freedom, I have delved into historical narratives of civilizations and individuals who have pursued sovereignty. From the philosophical resistance of the Stoics to the revolutionary spirits of indigenous cultures, and from the intellectual rebellions of enlightenment thinkers to the economic pioneers of our modern era, each story offers valuable insights into the nature of true liberation. These historical journeys reveal that freedom is not a destination but a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and redefining our boundaries. Ironically, the path to sovereignty requires a profound understanding of what we can and cannot control. It demands a delicate balance between ambition and acceptance, between striving and surrendering. We must learn to hold our dreams lightly, pursuing them with passion but not desperation. Currently, my life’s trajectory is focused not on conquering external worlds but on exploring the intricate landscapes of human potential. It involves discovering how individuals can craft lives filled with meaning, impact, and genuine freedom. This journey is not solitary; it is a collective exploration. It is about connecting with fellow travelers who understand that true sovereignty is not about standing alone but about creating meaningful connections that amplify both individual and collective potential. As I navigate this path, I am guided by a simple yet profound understanding: freedom is not a state to be achieved but a continuous dance of adaptation, learning, and growth. And so, the journey continues...

The Long Road Home: A Story of Loss, Learning, and Renaissance - PART 2

Die Langpad Huistoe: 'n Verhaal van verlies, leer en Renaissance - DEEL 2

Der lange Weg nach Hause: Eine Geschichte von Verlust, Lernen und Renaissance – TEIL 2

El largo camino a casa: Una historia de pérdida, aprendizaje y renacimiento - PARTE 2

הדרך הארוכה הביתה: סיפור על אובדן, למידה ורנסנס - חלק 2

長い帰路: 喪失、学び、そして復興の物語 - パート 2

The Long Road Home: Kisah Kehilangan, Pembelajaran dan Renaissance - BAHAGIAN 2

د لونګ سړک کور: د لاسه ورکولو کیسه، زده کړه، او بیا رغونه - 2 برخه

Wasi Karu Ñan: Chinkaymanta, Yachaymanta, Renacimientomanta Willakuy - 2 kaq PARTE

Dlhá cesta domov: Príbeh o strate, učení a renesancii - ČASŤ 2

Роҳи дароз ба хона: Қиссаи талафот, омӯзиш ва эҳё - ҚИСМИ 2

Uzyn ýol öýi: ossitirmek, öwrenmek we galkynyş hakda hekaýa - 2-nji BÖLÜM

The Long Road Home: A Story of Loss, Learning, and Renaissance - BAHAGI 2

As a Product Manager, you have great ideas! Ideas that could change the way people do things, ideas that could solve the world’s most pressing problems. And all you need to do now, is go ahead and build it! Let’s build an MVP (minimum viable product), sell the hell out of it (because the idea is super-disruptive in your mind) and then iterate. Soon to realize 6–8 months down the line that your product no longer has that level of adoption that you had expected, or that you now have to pivot to cater to the needs of your ‘revised’ audience because the initial market definition was too narrow. Product Managers are nothing but entrepreneurs, trying to launch their startup, pitching a business plan to internal stakeholders (your investors), gathering resources (creating a startup team), launching and selling to customers (marketing and launching your product). Thus, as we all know the fact that more than 80% of startups fail, the path to building a successful product should mimic the approach to launching a successful company. The Lean-product approach The Lean Startup approach discoursed by Eric Ries, has popularized the ‘fail fast, iterate often’ notion. This involves evaluating the problem the customer has with a prototype and then iterating with measured data from the feedback loop, using minimum resources. A core component of lean-startup methodology is the build-measure-learn feedback loop. I take this methodology and apply it to defining, validating and iterating to achieve the right product-market fit and create a rock-solid product strategy. Problem definition Innovative ideas lead to great solutions, however, without a deep understanding of the problem space, you are at a risk of getting ahead of yourself and building capabilities which do not receive customer traction. Defining your problem statement involves understanding of the problem space, the sense of urgency to solve the problem, the existing solutions in the market that have attempted to solve the problem all in the context of your target audience. “If I were given one hour to save the planet, I would spend 59 minutes defining the problem and one minute resolving it,” Albert Einstein said. One example of the many ways of framing a problem statement is by defining: What is the problem?
Who is facing this problem?
How often?
Why do you need to solve it? In your initial level surveys or focus group interviews, these are a few statements that could be derived: “I am a salesperson, constantly on the road and am always struggling with managing and submitting tiny paper receipts for reimbursement as I keep losing them.” Using our above framework we have our problem statement e.g. “Business travelers or salespersons (who) need a way to capture and manage their travel expenses (what) because they are always on the road (how often). We need a solution to make this process less-time consuming and less-cumbersome (why).” This, by the way, is the problem as identified by DePasquale, founder of Outtask that made an online tool, Cliqbook, that allowed workers to book and manage their online travel and which in 2006, was acquired by Concur. Target Audience In the problem definition we have identified who is facing the problem you are trying to solve. This is where you identify the core audience who will be using your product. Your user as well as buyer personas. It is important to be honest about sizing your market here. This is not your $2B TAM pitch to investors. Be realistic and as specific as possible. Core Value Proposition A value-proposition is not simply a list of your benefits. It explains what benefit you provide for who and how you do it uniquely well. It should be a single statement articulating what is the value promised to the customer? There are tons of frameworks to define and state your value prop in a concise way. The simplest, perhaps is the template from Steve Blank, “We help [X] to [Y] by [Z]” Some great examples are: Dollar Shave Club*: “A Great Shave for a Few Bucks a Month”*
Stripe*: “Scale faster by building your business on Stripe’s payment processing platform.”*
Uber*: “Everyone’s private Driver”* Once you have your value prop defined, it is extremely important to continuously evaluate and test it with potential customers, even before you start building your MVP. Why is your product offering unique? This is probably the most important question you need to ask while determining the customer’s ‘willingness to pay’ for your product. Why should the customer go for your product vs the competitors? This becomes even more important when you are trying to displace a largely incumbent or crowded space such as enterprise productivity tools or online food delivery. Also, remember, you do not need to differentiate on a fancy feature or capability. Sometimes the simplest of things such as a clean design and user experience is what customers may need the most. Figuring out what matters to your customers the most and then choosing to differentiate on that aspect should be the approach. There is a reason why Zoom has completely disrupted the video conferencing market with their focus on creating virtual experiences when it comes to digitizing the workspace. The current space consisted of a stack of products, some wider and some narrower and some part of a larger ecosystem (Skype and Cisco Webex). Zoom clearly understood the need to converge video, web and mobile. Zoom’s offering that integrated audio, web conferencing and mobile integration was a simple, straightforward solution to what customers needed. Also, their willingness to work with most platforms and devices coupled with their all-inclusive fremium model was different from how all the other players went to market. Product quality, technology, user experience, price, go-to-market model and customer-service are just a handful of factors that you can think of and choose to base your differentiation upon. Metrics Ries’s lean framework follows a build, measure, learn loop. However, defining what to measure and how to evaluate the success for your product needs to be done as early as possible. You should be able to answer the question “How is the product doing?” at any point in time. And defining the response in clear KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) helps you evaluate the progress in a very objective way. The AARM method defined by Lewis Lin is a good framework to pick your metrics in each of the areas of acquisition, activation, retention and monetization. However, you need to go beyond frameworks, pick the appropriate metrics and customize them for your product and growth stage. Metrics creation and measurement is a highly iterative process and hence you constantly need to set KPI goals, evaluate and track these goals, and create new ones as your product grows. Apart from coming up with metrics for areas of acquisition, engagement and monetization, what needs to be agreed upon from an early stage is the ‘North-Star Metric’ that is going to drive most product decisions. This topic needs a separate article so watch out for another blog from me, deep diving into defining and evaluating metrics. Example Uber is a classic example where there was instant product market fit. Uber quickly realized their problem statement was “Limited, inconvenient access to taxis and transportation options in urban areas”. To solve this problem, Uber used GPS-enabled mobile apps to match drivers with riders, providing a reliable, real-time way to find and book a ride. Uber built their technical architecture  focused on real-time data processing and location-based services, which supported their rapid request-response model. Geolocation Services: Built using Google Maps API and Mapbox for precise location tracking and route optimization.
Dispatch System: Microservices handling real-time dispatching of drivers based on location and demand, with APIs for matching, pricing, and tracking.
Data Layer: Uses Cassandra for high-availability, fault-tolerant storage and MySQL for relational data.
Queueing: RabbitMQ or Kafka for asynchronous communication between services, handling surge pricing, availability, and ride requests. Uber’s use of microservices and a modular data architecture helps ensure that their systems remain responsive and scalable in real-time. Conclusion In conclusion, a successful product identifies and tests the product-market fit hypothesis from the get go and throughout the process of building the MVP. The Lean Startup message sums it up well. “What differentiates the success stories from the failures is that the successful entrepreneurs had the foresight, the ability, and the tools to discover which parts of their plans were working brilliantly and which were misguided, and adapt their strategies accordingly”. As a Product Manager, you have great ideas! Ideas that could change the way people do things, ideas that could solve the world’s most pressing problems. And all you need to do now, is go ahead and build it! Let’s build an MVP (minimum viable product), sell the hell out of it (because the idea is super-disruptive in your mind) and then iterate. Soon to realize 6–8 months down the line that your product no longer has that level of adoption that you had expected, or that you now have to pivot to cater to the needs of your ‘revised’ audience because the initial market definition was too narrow. Product Managers are nothing but entrepreneurs, trying to launch their startup, pitching a business plan to internal stakeholders (your investors), gathering resources (creating a startup team), launching and selling to customers (marketing and launching your product). Thus, as we all know the fact that more than 80% of startups fail, the path to building a successful product should mimic the approach to launching a successful company. The Lean-product approach The Lean Startup approach discoursed by Eric Ries, has popularized the ‘fail fast, iterate often’ notion. This involves evaluating the problem the customer has with a prototype and then iterating with measured data from the feedback loop, using minimum resources. A core component of lean-startup methodology is the build-measure-learn feedback loop. Lean Startup I take this methodology and apply it to defining, validating and iterating to achieve the right product-market fit and create a rock-solid product strategy. Problem definition Innovative ideas lead to great solutions, however, without a deep understanding of the problem space, you are at a risk of getting ahead of yourself and building capabilities which do not receive customer traction. Defining your problem statement involves understanding of the problem space, the sense of urgency to solve the problem, the existing solutions in the market that have attempted to solve the problem all in the context of your target audience. “If I were given one hour to save the planet, I would spend 59 minutes defining the problem and one minute resolving it,” Albert Einstein said. “If I were given one hour to save the planet, I would spend 59 minutes defining the problem and one minute resolving it,” Albert Einstein said. “If I were given one hour to save the planet, I would spend 59 minutes defining the problem and one minute resolving it,” Albert Einstein said. One example of the many ways of framing a problem statement is by defining: What is the problem? Who is facing this problem? How often? Why do you need to solve it? What is the problem? Who is facing this problem? How often? Why do you need to solve it? In your initial level surveys or focus group interviews, these are a few statements that could be derived: “I am a salesperson, constantly on the road and am always struggling with managing and submitting tiny paper receipts for reimbursement as I keep losing them.” “I am a salesperson, constantly on the road and am always struggling with managing and submitting tiny paper receipts for reimbursement as I keep losing them.” Using our above framework we have our problem statement e.g. “Business travelers or salespersons (who) need a way to capture and manage their travel expenses (what) because they are always on the road (how often). We need a solution to make this process less-time consuming and less-cumbersome (why).” “Business travelers or salespersons (who) need a way to capture and manage their travel expenses (what) because they are always on the road (how often). We need a solution to make this process less-time consuming and less-cumbersome (why).” This, by the way, is the problem as identified by DePasquale, founder of Outtask that made an online tool, Cliqbook, that allowed workers to book and manage their online travel and which in 2006, was acquired by Concur. Target Audience In the problem definition we have identified who is facing the problem you are trying to solve. This is where you identify the core audience who will be using your product. Your user as well as buyer personas. It is important to be honest about sizing your market here. This is not your $2B TAM pitch to investors. Be realistic and as specific as possible. Core Value Proposition A value-proposition is not simply a list of your benefits. It explains what benefit you provide for who and how you do it uniquely well. It should be a single statement articulating what is the value promised to the customer? There are tons of frameworks to define and state your value prop in a concise way. The simplest, perhaps is the template from Steve Blank , “ We help [X] to [Y] by [Z]” Steve Blank We help [X] to [Y] by [Z]” Some great examples are: Dollar Shave Club*: “A Great Shave for a Few Bucks a Month”* Stripe*: “Scale faster by building your business on Stripe’s payment processing platform.”* Uber*: “Everyone’s private Driver”* Dollar Shave Club *: “A Great Shave for a Few Bucks a Month”* Dollar Shave Club Dollar Shave Club Stripe *: “Scale faster by building your business on Stripe’s payment processing platform.”* Stripe Stripe Uber *: “Everyone’s private Driver”* Uber Uber Once you have your value prop defined, it is extremely important to continuously evaluate and test it with potential customers, even before you start building your MVP. Why is your product offering unique? This is probably the most important question you need to ask while determining the customer’s ‘willingness to pay’ for your product. Why should the customer go for your product vs the competitors? This becomes even more important when you are trying to displace a largely incumbent or crowded space such as enterprise productivity tools or online food delivery. Also, remember, you do not need to differentiate on a fancy feature or capability. Sometimes the simplest of things such as a clean design and user experience is what customers may need the most. Figuring out what matters to your customers the most and then choosing to differentiate on that aspect should be the approach. There is a reason why Zoom has completely disrupted the video conferencing market with their focus on creating virtual experiences when it comes to digitizing the workspace. The current space consisted of a stack of products, some wider and some narrower and some part of a larger ecosystem (Skype and Cisco Webex). Zoom clearly understood the need to converge video, web and mobile. Zoom’s offering that integrated audio, web conferencing and mobile integration was a simple, straightforward solution to what customers needed. Also, their willingness to work with most platforms and devices coupled with their all-inclusive fremium model was different from how all the other players went to market. Product quality, technology, user experience, price, go-to-market model and customer-service are just a handful of factors that you can think of and choose to base your differentiation upon. Metrics Ries’s lean framework follows a build, measure, learn loop. However, defining what to measure and how to evaluate the success for your product needs to be done as early as possible. You should be able to answer the question “How is the product doing?” at any point in time. And defining the response in clear KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) helps you evaluate the progress in a very objective way. The AARM method defined by Lewis Lin is a good framework to pick your metrics in each of the areas of acquisition, activation, retention and monetization. However, you need to go beyond frameworks, pick the appropriate metrics and customize them for your product and growth stage. Metrics creation and measurement is a highly iterative process and hence you constantly need to set KPI goals, evaluate and track these goals, and create new ones as your product grows. Apart from coming up with metrics for areas of acquisition, engagement and monetization, what needs to be agreed upon from an early stage is the ‘North-Star Metric’ that is going to drive most product decisions. This topic needs a separate article so watch out for another blog from me, deep diving into defining and evaluating metrics. AARM method Example Uber is a classic example where there was instant product market fit. Uber quickly realized their problem statement was “Limited, inconvenient access to taxis and transportation options in urban areas”. To solve this problem, Uber used GPS-enabled mobile apps to match drivers with riders, providing a reliable, real-time way to find and book a ride. Uber built their technical architecture  focused on real-time data processing and location-based services, which supported their rapid request-response model. Geolocation Services: Built using Google Maps API and Mapbox for precise location tracking and route optimization. Dispatch System: Microservices handling real-time dispatching of drivers based on location and demand, with APIs for matching, pricing, and tracking. Data Layer: Uses Cassandra for high-availability, fault-tolerant storage and MySQL for relational data. Queueing: RabbitMQ or Kafka for asynchronous communication between services, handling surge pricing, availability, and ride requests. Geolocation Services : Built using Google Maps API and Mapbox for precise location tracking and route optimization. Geolocation Services Dispatch System : Microservices handling real-time dispatching of drivers based on location and demand, with APIs for matching, pricing, and tracking. Dispatch System Data Layer : Uses Cassandra for high-availability, fault-tolerant storage and MySQL for relational data. Data Layer Queueing : RabbitMQ or Kafka for asynchronous communication between services, handling surge pricing, availability, and ride requests. Queueing Uber’s use of microservices and a modular data architecture helps ensure that their systems remain responsive and scalable in real-time. Conclusion In conclusion, a successful product identifies and tests the product-market fit hypothesis from the get go and throughout the process of building the MVP. The Lean Startup message sums it up well. “What differentiates the success stories from the failures is that the successful entrepreneurs had the foresight, the ability, and the tools to discover which parts of their plans were working brilliantly and which were misguided, and adapt their strategies accordingly”. “What differentiates the success stories from the failures is that the successful entrepreneurs had the foresight, the ability, and the tools to discover which parts of their plans were working brilliantly and which were misguided, and adapt their strategies accordingly”. “What differentiates the success stories from the failures is that the successful entrepreneurs had the foresight, the ability, and the tools to discover which parts of their plans were working brilliantly and which were misguided, and adapt their strategies accordingly”.

TRAVELERS

travelers.com

10K+ employees

Since 1853

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TRAVELERS

EVERGREEN INDEX #1662

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TRAVELERS

travelers.com

10K+ employees

Since 1853

COMPANY RANKING

TRAVELERS

EVERGREEN INDEX #1662

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STORIES ABOUT TRAVELERS

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