Month: March 2023

Space. The final frontier… 

You don’t have to be a Trekkie for those words to spark the imagination. There’s something about space that sets dreams aloft — even if we never get there ourselves. But application developers and software test automation specialists need not despair. One day, their work may well wind up among the stars.

And for a lucky few working on NASA’s Orion spacecraft projects, that dream has already become a reality.

Keysight Eggplant test automation software enables safer space travel

The centerpiece of NASA’s Artemis missions, the Orion spacecraft is an engineering wonder. It’s a symphony of software — with all systems operating in perfect harmony to shuttle passengers and payloads safely through the cosmos. And when it comes to essential software systems, few things are more crucial than the cockpit displays the astronauts rely on. A veritable nerve center for the spacecraft, they control everything from thrust vectoring to status-check monitoring.

Long before the first Artemis mission lifted off, NASA needed to ensure its highly complex software systems — including the cockpit display software — were ready for the rigors of spaceflight. That’s why they selected Keysight Eggplant test automation platform to test the Orion spacecraft’s three cockpit displays.

By using software test automation to emulate complex user behaviors — such as the hand motions used by the astronauts to display essential cockpit data — the Eggplant software helped NASA save precious time during development while minimizing the risk of human error. 

NASA adds real-world astronaut experience and expertise to the Orion team

NASA’s software team needed someone with firsthand astronaut experience and subject matter expertise, so they enlisted the help of now-retired NASA Chief Astronaut and Navy SEAL Chris Cassidy to help develop and test the spacecraft’s cockpit software. 

“I don’t think I was really appreciative of the level of effort and technical challenges that go into robust testing,” Cassidy said. “Problems are a lot easier to solve on the ground. That’s where you can take time to solve them, where you’re not going to hurt somebody.”

But that’s not all he has to say on the subject. Not by a long shot.

In an upcoming webinar, Mach Speed Software Testing for Safe Space Travel, Cassidy will share stories about his real-world experiences in spaceflight and software test automation.

REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR

Mach Speed Software Testing for Safe Space Travel 
with retired NASA Chief Astronaut and Navy SEAL Chris Cassidy 
Tue, Mar 21, 2023 · 12:00 PM | Eastern Time (US & Canada) (GMT -4:00)

Joining him are Keysight’s own Greg Patschke, General Manager of Aerospace, Defense, and Government Solutions, and Jay Epps, Solutions Engineering Manager. Boasting nearly a hundred years of combined experience across the aerospace, defense, and engineering sectors, the trio will answer a wide range of questions. Here are just a few.

• What are the best practices in software test automation for critical missions in space and defense? 
• How do you test for extremes and anticipate the human side of software use? 
• How will digital twin technologies put a communication network on the moon? 
• How do you test complex integrations for mission-critical 5G and satellite communications?

Humankind’s ongoing leaps into space will rely on software and test automation

It’s tempting to look at Orion as our next giant leap into the cosmos. But it’s just a small step towards the Artemis mission’s ultimate goal: Mars. Eighty-one million miles stretch between Earth and the red planet. But that’s nothing compared to the technological leaps needed to make the journey.

Although it’s fun to daydream about what those bold new technologies will look like, the truth is much more realistic. Systems like navigation, decision-making, and communications depend on software. As long as that remains the case, any future mission to Mars will rely — at least in part — on software test automation to help ensure safe space travel and mission success.

After all, you can’t afford to take shortcuts when lives are on the line. That’s why it’s so important to test early and often.

Sign up for the Mach Speed Software Testing for Space Safe Travel webinar here.

Read the NASA report: Software Verification of Orion Cockpit Displays. 

Ancestry®, the global leader in family history, published its second annual Impact Report, detailing the company’s corporate responsibility approach and announcing progress against goals in three core areas: ethical business practices; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); and community impact. Demonstrating a commitment to a better future, the 2022 report also introduces Ancestry’s implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“In 2022 we made great strides across our impact areas including the launch of Ancestry’s first-ever HistoryMakers National College Tour and scholarship, the addition of more than 440 new DNA communities to support more diverse customers globally, and a more than 32% reduction in carbon emissions across Ancestry’s footprint,” said Deborah Liu, Ancestry President and CEO. “We are proud of our progress, and we recognize there is still more to do. Ancestry remains committed to using our resources to build a more connected, resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.”

With the release of the 2022 Impact Report, Ancestry reaffirmed the impact goals announced in 2021 and issued several new targets across three key focus areas, building on last year’s achievements:

Ethical Business Practices

Surpassed 2025 emission reduction goal, reducing carbon emissions by 32.9% in 2022.Launched a new AncestryDNA® kit that has 35% less packaging and will result in a 40% reduction in supply chain emissions within the first 12 months of implementation.Published biannual Transparency Report that provides clarity to customers about information requests from the government and law enforcement.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Launched the first ever HistoryMakers National College tour with Historically Black Colleges & Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions.Added 8 new DNA ethnicity regions and 446 new DNA communities to support more diverse customers globally.Hosted the inaugural Global Day of Understanding event for more than 700 employees to learn from DEI experts.

Community Impact

Provided free access to Ancestry record collections to over 9 million students through AncestryClassroomTM, on track to reach 10 million students by 2025.On track to contribute $3 million to preserving and making at-risk history available at no cost by 2025, with more than 575,000 new free records published in 2022.Employees reported more than 2,300 hours of paid Volunteer Time Off to contribute time and talents to recognized nonprofit organizations of their choice.

To read the full report, view Ancestry’s baseline metrics and UN SDG goals, and learn more about the key initiatives within each impact area, visit https://www.ancestry.com/corporate/annual-impact-report.

About Ancestry

Ancestry®, the global leader in family history, empowers journeys of personal discovery to enrich lives. With our unparalleled collection of more than 40 billion records, over 3 million subscribers and over 23 million people in our growing DNA network, customers can discover their family story and gain a new level of understanding about their lives. Over the past 40 years, we’ve built trusted relationships with millions of people who have chosen us as the platform for discovering, preserving and sharing the most important information about themselves and their families.

Media Contact: 
mediarelations@ancestry.com

Read More

Global footwear and apparel brand Timberland has a longstanding commitment to support women in the workplace. By empowering all of its employees no matter their gender identity, Timberland encourages its workforce to live boldly and share diverse perspectives. The brand has implemented several programs and initiatives to promote gender equality in the workplace and empower women in their careers.

“I’m proud of the work Timberland is doing to support and empower women in the workplace,” said Noreen Kasper, Timberland’s Global Vice President, Human Resources. “We have incredibly talented women at every level of our organization – led by our global brand president, Susie Mulder. Each brings her own unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table, creating a stronger Timberland brand and community – one where all our associates can make an impact and feel confident in bringing their whole selves to work.”

The brand is committed to advocating for gender equality both internally and externally, with the understanding that gender equality is not only good for business but also a social responsibility. Timberland actively participates and partners with organizations that promote gender equality, such as Girl Scouts of America and Girls at Work. The brand also supports women in its global supply chain through partnerships with organizations including HERproject, a global nonprofit working to empower women in the workplace through education, financial literacy, and other programs.

At its global headquarters in New Hampshire, Timberland hosts an active chapter of parent company VF’s employee resource group called WOVEN (Women of VF Empowerment Network). WOVEN encourages women to learn from each other, share ideas, and help each other advance in their careers. It also hosts various events throughout the year, including speaker panels, social events, and initiatives to support organizations such as those mentioned above. Beyond WOVEN, Timberland offers numerous leadership development programs to support its employees in developing new skills to advance their careers.

Timberland supports and empowers women in the workplace and in the communities it serves. The brand’s commitment to employee mentorship, training, and advocacy for gender equality throughout the world is a testament to its dedication to create an inclusive workplace. Timberland’s commitments benefit not only women but also help orient the world toward a greener and more equitable future.

As a leader of responsible gaming at DraftKings, I’m pleased to join the National Council on Problem Gambling, state councils, and the gaming industry in marking Problem Gambling Awareness Month which is held each March. The 20th anniversary of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) comes just as many sports fans will be making a bet on the upcoming slate of basketball games, and as more states than ever before now offer a legal marketplace for sports betting or expanded gaming.

DraftKings wants its players to bet for fun and entertainment, and when if it’s no longer fun for a player, an awareness of problem gaming is key to accessing tools and resources to get help.

State councils have a unique role in serving as chief advocates for individuals and families impacted by problem gaming – and that’s why we’re honored to support their work through DraftKings’ State Council Funding Program, which represents a $1.5+ million commitment to further responsible gaming.

My colleague Julie Hynes, Senior Manager, Responsible Gaming, and I used to work for the Massachusetts Council, and prior to joining DraftKings, Julie served as Executive Director of the Oregon Council. From those experiences, we know how important funding is in the nonprofit sector, and we are proud that DraftKings is able to make an impact through the State Council Funding Program.

Fostering social impact with multi-year funding to local state councils 

As part of the program, DraftKings grants participating state councils $15,000 each year for the three year trial program. Councils have broad discretion on how to use the funds to best serve their community, including initiating or expanding programs and services, or exploring capacity to partner with adjoining states in which there is no council. Currently, more than thirty local nonprofit organizations participate in the program. Recently, we spoke with experts around the country to see how the program is going since its launch in 2022, and we’re already encouraged by the findings.

Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Advocacy

DraftKings, a Massachusetts-grown company and a platinum member of the National Council (NCPG), checked in with Phil Sherwood, Director of Communications at the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health and NCPG Board President, for his thoughts on DraftKings’ collaboration with state councils this March and year-round.

“DraftKings’ investment in state councils and nonprofits is a prime example of corporate responsibility in action. Their unwavering support has allowed us to expand our reach, increase our impact, and better serve the needs of those in our communities. We are proud to partner with such a responsible and forward-thinking company to make a tangible and positive impact on the communities we serve,” he said.

I’m grateful for this collaboration and Phil’s point about increasing impact resonates with me when I think about furthering responsible gaming. In the tech and gaming space, we tend to think about innovation as a technological and inventive process that leads to better outcomes for consumers. But what I’m finding is that in responsible gaming, collaboration across the industry and with the councils is key to progress in the field. Person to person connections, fostered by cross-organizational collaborations, are the secret sauce to innovation.

Promoting equity and inclusion in responsible gaming efforts – serving diverse populations 

Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the Illinois council, remarked that with the financial support from DraftKings, the council has provided over two hundred individuals with the education necessary for certification at the national and/or state level as a counselor, and the council also used some of the funds to support their first ever Latinx Conference. This speaks to the expanded reach the council is able to have – expanding certification opportunities for counselors to be able to serve their communities, including diverse populations, and adding a cross-cultural lens to the impact of problem gaming.

In fact, fostering diversity, equity and inclusion may be an opportunity for further innovation in the field Responsible gaming, like many other social impact and public health issues, has diversity concerns as gaming-related problems impact some groups differently. The Illinois council identified important data concerning the prevalence and impacts of problem gaming in the Latinx community, and with the State Council Funding Program, leveraged our financial assistance to convene professionals at its first ever Latinx conference. It’s critical that professionals in our space bring an equity lens in everything they do.

In Virginia, council President Carolyn Hawley reported that the funding has been valuable in not just allowing the council to host support groups for affected individuals, but also with completing professional trainings so that individuals have trained providers to assist them outside of the support groups. And in Indiana, Christina Gray, Executive Director of the state council, relayed that the funding has allowing the council to advertise in additional areas that were cost prohibitive in the past.

The examples above are just a few of the ways state councils are leveraging the State Council Funding Program; across the country, other councils are extending helpline services, training provider or council staff, hosting conferences, and running public service announcements. And, the funding is offered to any council in the country even if DraftKings does not offer gaming products in that state.

Marking the 20th Problem Gambling Awareness Month

As we mark Problem Gambling Awareness Month, DraftKings is grateful for the opportunity to support these grassroots organizations and looks forward to continued collaboration in the years to come. State councils, as well as the National council, have deep, decades-long experience in serving as advocates for individuals and families impacted by problem gaming, and serve as the first line of defense for state and community-level issues. From this experience, the councils are a tremendous source of knowledge and collaboration for operators like DraftKings.

To learn more about Problem Gambling Awareness Month, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website. To learn more about responsible gaming and DraftKings’ approach to addressing problem gaming, please visit DKsaferplay.com.