Author: sHq_LoGiNz

At Cisco and Splunk, we believe technology becomes truly transformative when it reaches the people solving our world’s toughest problems. That’s the principle behind the annual Splunkie Awards, where we recognize the partners and users across multiple categories — including those who push Splunk technology beyond business metrics into work that genuinely transforms how social impact organizations operate and serve their communities.

This year, bitsIO was named Splunk’s Social Impact Partner of the Year, marking the third time they have won a Splunkie Award. This recognition reflects years of dedicated work closing what we call the data divide: the gap that prevents nonprofits from accessing the same data-powered technology that major enterprises use to protect their operations and advance their missions.

“This award validates our team’s passion for using Splunk’s platform to create meaningful change. We remain committed to helping nonprofits and communities achieve their missions.”

– Kalpana Krishnamurthi, bitsIO Co-Founder and CEO

Delivering technical solutions tailored to nonprofit needs

Nonprofits operate complex systems that require managing sensitive donor data, coordinating services across multiple locations, and responding to evolving security threats. Most do so with minimal IT staff and constrained budgets. The challenge is particularly acute because the threats and compliance requirements nonprofits face are just as sophisticated as those confronting major enterprises.

bitsIO has built their practice delivering enterprise-grade Splunk services to corporations around the world, but they have also created a dedicated program to address the disparity facing the nonprofit sector. Under this program, bitsIO offers pro bono and discounted services to nonprofits, from initial setup and configuration to upgrades and ongoing technical support — all designed for organizations operating with constrained resources.

The technical work spans Splunk’s full ecosystem:

Splunk Enterprise Security (ES) and Security Essentials: Many nonprofits bitsIO works with gain real-time threat detection capabilities for the first time. Splunk transforms their security posture overnight, giving small teams the ability to detect, investigate, and respond to threats as they emerge.

Splunk IT Service Intelligence (ITSI): For resource-constrained IT teams, unified monitoring becomes essential for operational continuity. ITSI provides comprehensive environment visibility with intelligent alerts that enable proactive response.

Data Integration and Custom Dashboards: bitsIO builds custom data pipelines and dashboards that connect disparate sources into coherent insights, giving nonprofit leaders the visibility needed to make strategic decisions about programs, funding, and impact.

Every deployment prioritizes what matters most to these organizations — security, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability — and the results are evident across the organizations bitsIO has supported:

• bitsIO supported one nonprofit’s open-source platform that accelerates drug discovery for infectious diseases affecting underserved populations, building dashboards that save hundreds of research hours annually.
• For another partner that coordinates organ and tissue donation, bitsIO unified security data from 12 sources and automated regulatory evidence packaging, streamlining healthcare cybersecurity operations.
• At a workforce development organization, bitsIO centralized logs and automated threat detection, freeing IT resources for mission-critical work.
• Working with a community healthcare coordination organization, bitsIO deployed proactive monitoring and real-time alerts across their Windows environment, accelerating threat detection and response.

Expanding access to next-generation AI

We’re at an inflection point where AI is reshaping what’s possible across every sector, but access remains unequal. bitsIO is working to change that trajectory, bringing Splunk’s latest AI capabilities — generative AI that enables faster incident response, machine learning models that can quickly parse insights from massive datasets, automated compliance systems that adapt to evolving regulations — to nonprofits as they’re developed.

“Our new AI solutions will help us scale services and empower more nonprofits than ever before,” said Suman Gajavelly, CTO and Co-Founder at bitsIO. “Being named Splunk’s 2025 Global Social Impact Partner of the Year is a tremendous recognition of our commitment to social impact.”

Cisco and Splunk are proud to partner with bitsIO in building toward a more equitable, data-driven world. Their work demonstrates how investment in mission-driven organizations creates the conditions for breakthroughs — and why closing the data divide matters for everyone.

Learn more about how we’re turning data into action — and action into impact — through bitsIO’s nonprofit services work here.

View original content here.

At Cisco and Splunk, we believe technology becomes truly transformative when it reaches the people solving our world’s toughest problems. That’s the principle behind the annual Splunkie Awards, where we recognize the partners and users across multiple categories — including those who push Splunk technology beyond business metrics into work that genuinely transforms how social impact organizations operate and serve their communities.

This year, bitsIO was named Splunk’s Social Impact Partner of the Year, marking the third time they have won a Splunkie Award. This recognition reflects years of dedicated work closing what we call the data divide: the gap that prevents nonprofits from accessing the same data-powered technology that major enterprises use to protect their operations and advance their missions.

“This award validates our team’s passion for using Splunk’s platform to create meaningful change. We remain committed to helping nonprofits and communities achieve their missions.”

– Kalpana Krishnamurthi, bitsIO Co-Founder and CEO

Delivering technical solutions tailored to nonprofit needs

Nonprofits operate complex systems that require managing sensitive donor data, coordinating services across multiple locations, and responding to evolving security threats. Most do so with minimal IT staff and constrained budgets. The challenge is particularly acute because the threats and compliance requirements nonprofits face are just as sophisticated as those confronting major enterprises.

bitsIO has built their practice delivering enterprise-grade Splunk services to corporations around the world, but they have also created a dedicated program to address the disparity facing the nonprofit sector. Under this program, bitsIO offers pro bono and discounted services to nonprofits, from initial setup and configuration to upgrades and ongoing technical support — all designed for organizations operating with constrained resources.

The technical work spans Splunk’s full ecosystem:

Splunk Enterprise Security (ES) and Security Essentials: Many nonprofits bitsIO works with gain real-time threat detection capabilities for the first time. Splunk transforms their security posture overnight, giving small teams the ability to detect, investigate, and respond to threats as they emerge.

Splunk IT Service Intelligence (ITSI): For resource-constrained IT teams, unified monitoring becomes essential for operational continuity. ITSI provides comprehensive environment visibility with intelligent alerts that enable proactive response.

Data Integration and Custom Dashboards: bitsIO builds custom data pipelines and dashboards that connect disparate sources into coherent insights, giving nonprofit leaders the visibility needed to make strategic decisions about programs, funding, and impact.

Every deployment prioritizes what matters most to these organizations — security, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability — and the results are evident across the organizations bitsIO has supported:

• bitsIO supported one nonprofit’s open-source platform that accelerates drug discovery for infectious diseases affecting underserved populations, building dashboards that save hundreds of research hours annually.
• For another partner that coordinates organ and tissue donation, bitsIO unified security data from 12 sources and automated regulatory evidence packaging, streamlining healthcare cybersecurity operations.
• At a workforce development organization, bitsIO centralized logs and automated threat detection, freeing IT resources for mission-critical work.
• Working with a community healthcare coordination organization, bitsIO deployed proactive monitoring and real-time alerts across their Windows environment, accelerating threat detection and response.

Expanding access to next-generation AI

We’re at an inflection point where AI is reshaping what’s possible across every sector, but access remains unequal. bitsIO is working to change that trajectory, bringing Splunk’s latest AI capabilities — generative AI that enables faster incident response, machine learning models that can quickly parse insights from massive datasets, automated compliance systems that adapt to evolving regulations — to nonprofits as they’re developed.

“Our new AI solutions will help us scale services and empower more nonprofits than ever before,” said Suman Gajavelly, CTO and Co-Founder at bitsIO. “Being named Splunk’s 2025 Global Social Impact Partner of the Year is a tremendous recognition of our commitment to social impact.”

Cisco and Splunk are proud to partner with bitsIO in building toward a more equitable, data-driven world. Their work demonstrates how investment in mission-driven organizations creates the conditions for breakthroughs — and why closing the data divide matters for everyone.

Learn more about how we’re turning data into action — and action into impact — through bitsIO’s nonprofit services work here.

View original content here.

Complimentary Webinar:

From Diamonds to Gemstones: Important Proposed Updates to the SCS-007 Certification Standard

Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 10:00 AM PST (1:00 PM EST)

Register Here

The SCS-007 Certification Standard for Sustainably Produced Gemstones, originally introduced in 2020 as the Certification Standard for Sustainability Rated Diamonds, provides a uniform basis for assessing and certifying environmentally and socially responsible gemstone production and handling. Draft version 2.0 encompassing significant updates is now available for public review through January 30, 2026.

Join Victoria Norman, Executive Director and Rachel Boothby-Hentschel, Senior Associate, of SCS Standards and Assurance Systems on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 1PM ET (10AM PT) for a comprehensive update on this timely certification standard.

Key topics to be discussed:

• Additional gemstones covered under the revised standard
• Recognition of the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) certification for mined gemstones within the scope of the standard
• Proposal to replace requirements for fingerprinting conformity testing with blockchain technology for gemstone traceability
• Trailblazer categories for indicators that promote best practices, such as the use of 100% renewable electricity

Register Here

Complimentary Webinar:

From Diamonds to Gemstones: Important Proposed Updates to the SCS-007 Certification Standard

Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 10:00 AM PST (1:00 PM EST)

Register Here

The SCS-007 Certification Standard for Sustainably Produced Gemstones, originally introduced in 2020 as the Certification Standard for Sustainability Rated Diamonds, provides a uniform basis for assessing and certifying environmentally and socially responsible gemstone production and handling. Draft version 2.0 encompassing significant updates is now available for public review through January 30, 2026.

Join Victoria Norman, Executive Director and Rachel Boothby-Hentschel, Senior Associate, of SCS Standards and Assurance Systems on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 1PM ET (10AM PT) for a comprehensive update on this timely certification standard.

Key topics to be discussed:

• Additional gemstones covered under the revised standard
• Recognition of the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) certification for mined gemstones within the scope of the standard
• Proposal to replace requirements for fingerprinting conformity testing with blockchain technology for gemstone traceability
• Trailblazer categories for indicators that promote best practices, such as the use of 100% renewable electricity

Register Here

LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2026 /3BL/ – At CES^® 2026, LG Electronics reaffirmed its global circularity goals, outlining measurable progress and underscoring its commitment to embedding circular economy principles across the entire product lifecycle. Supporting its “Better Life for All” ESG vision, LG is focusing on innovation, partnerships and consumer engagement to help reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value to customers and society.

LG’s circularity mission was spotlighted today at a CES circularity session that explored the future of sustainable design, responsible resource use and cross-industry collaboration. The lively panel discussion reflected LG’s belief that meaningful progress toward a circular economy requires coordinated action across technology, policy, business and consumer behavior.

“Circularity is not a single initiative; it’s a system-wide transformation,” said LG Electronics USA Senior Vice President John I. Taylor, reinforcing the company’s role as a catalyst for change in building a more sustainable, circular future. “Through innovation, collaboration and transparent goals, LG is committed to the transition to a circular economy while delivering on our ESG commitments and our Better Life for All vision.”

Addressing Barriers to Circularity

While momentum around circularity is accelerating globally, LG recognizes that challenges remain. Among the most significant barriers is cost. Depending on material type, recycled or next-generation materials are typically 10-20 percent more expensive than conventional alternatives, impacting competitiveness. LG is investing in technology development and scaling up to help close this gap and make sustainable choices more accessible.

Consumer awareness also plays a critical role. LG is strengthening education and communication to encourage customers to take part in used product and packaging collection initiatives, providing clear guidance on how and where products can be returned and recycled responsibly.

Clear Targets, Measurable Progress Toward 2030

LG has set ambitious, transparent goals to advance circularity by 2030. The company aims to apply 600,000 tons of recycled plastics across its products by 2030, building on strong momentum with 188,000 tons already utilized as of 2024. In the same timeframe, LG targets the collection of 8 million tons of waste globally, having already surpassed 5.01 million tons cumulatively since 2006.

These commitments are supported by a comprehensive resource circulation system spanning four stages—Production, Use, Distribution and Disposal—each delivering tangible result:

• Production: Scaling Recycled and Eco-Friendly Materials. In 2024, LG used 74,079 tons of recycled plastics, representing a 36 percent year-over-year increase. To achieve its 2030 target, the company is expanding the use of recycled plastics to include exterior product components, supported by material innovation and quality assurance.

  LG is also accelerating the adoption of pulp mold packaging to replace conventional expanded polystyrene. An industry-first pulp mold technology developed by LG can withstand loads exceeding 44 pounds and is now used as cushioning for medium-sized products such as air purifiers and soundbars, reducing plastic consumption while maintaining product protection.

• Use: Extending Product Lifespan Through New Business Models. LG’s growing subscription business in South Korea is redefining product use by combining convenience with sustainability. Beyond rental, professional care managers provide regular maintenance, cleaning and replacement of consumable parts, extending products’ lifespan.

  Complementing this approach, LG’s “ThinQ UP” appliances, which allow customers to add new features via software updates after purchase, have recorded more than 20 million cumulative global upgrade actions. This innovation reduces premature replacement, enhances customer satisfaction and maximizes product value over time.

• Distribution: Sustainable Packaging and Closed-Loop Logistics. Across distribution, LG is transitioning to plastic-free packaging for small appliances, with internal cushioning materials being converted to pulp and corrugated cardboard to improve recyclability. The company is also expanding closed-loop recycling at logistics sites, collecting waste stretch film and recycling it into new logistics film, reducing virgin plastic use and operational waste.
• Disposal: Advancing Global E-Waste Collection and Responsible Recycling. LG continues to expand its global e-waste collection efforts. In 2024 alone, the company conducted collection campaigns in 56 countries, gathering 532,630 tons of waste electronics. Initiatives such as the “Battery Turn” campaign enable the recovery of valuable metals, including nickel and lithium, from used cordless vacuum batteries, while partnerships with organizations such as E-Circulation Governance provide free home collection services.

Taylor said the establishment of a circular economy is essential—and expected to become even more critical—for addressing resource depletion, protecting the planet and securing sustainable economic growth. In 2026 and beyond, the company’s Circularity Team is advancing high-strength pulp molds, high-content EPS alternatives, material-specific circular systems and component collection campaigns to support long-term impact.

# # #

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a smart life solutions company with annual global revenues of more than $60 billion. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and vehicle components. LG is an 11-time ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year. www.LG.com

Media Contact:

LG Electronics USA
Kimberly Regillio
kim.regillio@lge.com
+1 815 355 0509

LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2026 /3BL/ – At CES^® 2026, LG Electronics reaffirmed its global circularity goals, outlining measurable progress and underscoring its commitment to embedding circular economy principles across the entire product lifecycle. Supporting its “Better Life for All” ESG vision, LG is focusing on innovation, partnerships and consumer engagement to help reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value to customers and society.

LG’s circularity mission was spotlighted today at a CES circularity session that explored the future of sustainable design, responsible resource use and cross-industry collaboration. The lively panel discussion reflected LG’s belief that meaningful progress toward a circular economy requires coordinated action across technology, policy, business and consumer behavior.

“Circularity is not a single initiative; it’s a system-wide transformation,” said LG Electronics USA Senior Vice President John I. Taylor, reinforcing the company’s role as a catalyst for change in building a more sustainable, circular future. “Through innovation, collaboration and transparent goals, LG is committed to the transition to a circular economy while delivering on our ESG commitments and our Better Life for All vision.”

Addressing Barriers to Circularity

While momentum around circularity is accelerating globally, LG recognizes that challenges remain. Among the most significant barriers is cost. Depending on material type, recycled or next-generation materials are typically 10-20 percent more expensive than conventional alternatives, impacting competitiveness. LG is investing in technology development and scaling up to help close this gap and make sustainable choices more accessible.

Consumer awareness also plays a critical role. LG is strengthening education and communication to encourage customers to take part in used product and packaging collection initiatives, providing clear guidance on how and where products can be returned and recycled responsibly.

Clear Targets, Measurable Progress Toward 2030

LG has set ambitious, transparent goals to advance circularity by 2030. The company aims to apply 600,000 tons of recycled plastics across its products by 2030, building on strong momentum with 188,000 tons already utilized as of 2024. In the same timeframe, LG targets the collection of 8 million tons of waste globally, having already surpassed 5.01 million tons cumulatively since 2006.

These commitments are supported by a comprehensive resource circulation system spanning four stages—Production, Use, Distribution and Disposal—each delivering tangible result:

• Production: Scaling Recycled and Eco-Friendly Materials. In 2024, LG used 74,079 tons of recycled plastics, representing a 36 percent year-over-year increase. To achieve its 2030 target, the company is expanding the use of recycled plastics to include exterior product components, supported by material innovation and quality assurance.

  LG is also accelerating the adoption of pulp mold packaging to replace conventional expanded polystyrene. An industry-first pulp mold technology developed by LG can withstand loads exceeding 44 pounds and is now used as cushioning for medium-sized products such as air purifiers and soundbars, reducing plastic consumption while maintaining product protection.

• Use: Extending Product Lifespan Through New Business Models. LG’s growing subscription business in South Korea is redefining product use by combining convenience with sustainability. Beyond rental, professional care managers provide regular maintenance, cleaning and replacement of consumable parts, extending products’ lifespan.

  Complementing this approach, LG’s “ThinQ UP” appliances, which allow customers to add new features via software updates after purchase, have recorded more than 20 million cumulative global upgrade actions. This innovation reduces premature replacement, enhances customer satisfaction and maximizes product value over time.

• Distribution: Sustainable Packaging and Closed-Loop Logistics. Across distribution, LG is transitioning to plastic-free packaging for small appliances, with internal cushioning materials being converted to pulp and corrugated cardboard to improve recyclability. The company is also expanding closed-loop recycling at logistics sites, collecting waste stretch film and recycling it into new logistics film, reducing virgin plastic use and operational waste.
• Disposal: Advancing Global E-Waste Collection and Responsible Recycling. LG continues to expand its global e-waste collection efforts. In 2024 alone, the company conducted collection campaigns in 56 countries, gathering 532,630 tons of waste electronics. Initiatives such as the “Battery Turn” campaign enable the recovery of valuable metals, including nickel and lithium, from used cordless vacuum batteries, while partnerships with organizations such as E-Circulation Governance provide free home collection services.

Taylor said the establishment of a circular economy is essential—and expected to become even more critical—for addressing resource depletion, protecting the planet and securing sustainable economic growth. In 2026 and beyond, the company’s Circularity Team is advancing high-strength pulp molds, high-content EPS alternatives, material-specific circular systems and component collection campaigns to support long-term impact.

# # #

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a smart life solutions company with annual global revenues of more than $60 billion. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and vehicle components. LG is an 11-time ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year. www.LG.com

Media Contact:

LG Electronics USA
Kimberly Regillio
kim.regillio@lge.com
+1 815 355 0509