GitHub enhances security features with npm
As a go-to spot for JavaScript packages — 5 billion daily downloads — node package manager (npm) is a necessary resource for developers all over the world. And in keeping in alignment with that status, GitHub announced new security enhancements for developers working with the package manager.
As of Tuesday, developers saw enhanced two-factor authentication (2FA) features go live. Along with 2FA, developers can also take advantage of these additional improvements:
- GitHub listened to user feedback and cleaned up the login and publishing experience when using the npm CLI.
- Users can now connect their Twitter and GitHub accounts to npm.
- They re-signed all packages on npm and added a new npm CLI command that allows users to audit their integrity.
The company stated they will continue to work on security enhancements for the npm registry. In the coming months they intend to enforce two-factor authentication for what they consider being high-impact accounts — managing packages with 500 dependents or 1 million weekly downloads.
Microsoft missed its quarterly numbers but cloud services offer stability
Microsoft released its Q4 numbers this week which fell below the estimates of many on Wall Street. But regardless of what the finance experts expected, the company showed another successful quarter supported by Azure and LinkedIn.
Overall, the company’s revenue was up twelve percent over Q4 2021. But the key reveal from the numbers report came from Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood. She stated Microsoft Cloud revenue was up 28% year-over-year at $25 billion. And the company grew its commercial bookings by 25%.
Even with this good news, the company added they had some struggles this quarter. The press release stated, “Evolving macroeconomic conditions and other unforeseen items had an impact on financial results beyond what was included in our forward-looking guidance provided on April 26, 2022.”
GitHub improves and launches the new Projects
Apparently it’s a double feature week here at the SaaSGenius News Digest. GitHub made the news twice as they also announced the launch of their new and improved version of Projects powered by GitHub Issues.
The previous version was stifling. But with this new version, GitHub aims to help users get more out of the charts, boards, tables, and other automation features.
The company intends for users to see Project as a team spreadsheet where they can sort, filter, pull requests, and group issues all in one place. With that, teams can plan feature updates, track sprints, and manage their large-scale releases.
Here’s an overview of what’s new and improved:
- Updated tables and boards that allow users to see data from multiple perspectives including: status, priority, assignee, stage, or a custom field.
- Users can customize data within Projects and define labels, priorities, OKRs, QA stages, reviewers, and assignees.
- The new quick charting features allow you to configure your tracking in a variety of ways.
- GitHub enabled users to enlist robots that can automate their spreadsheet updates for status reports with built-in workflows and APIs.
The company stated they’ll continue improving day-to-day scenarios on Project over the next two quarters.
Spresso launches as new Boxed Software and Services business unit
Everyone knows Boxed on the eCommerce side for their extensive product line of bulk and household goods. But this week, the company announced the relaunch of its software and services unit as Spresso.
With Spresso, the company will focus on using machine learning and advanced analytics to solve issues with data. The program offers innovative platforms and a suite of technology modules that enable eCommerce companies to use their data fully.
With their SaaS modules users can:
- Increase profitability and not affect conversion rates
- Optimize pricing
- Reduce churn by identifying high-risk customers
- Identify high-value customers
- Recommend relevant items as customers shop
- Reduce fulfillment waste
Overall, it’s a solid SaaS solution for any eCommerce merchant.
Frontegg raises $40M in recent funding round
B2B SaaS developers are adopting Frontegg as their go-to user management service. It’s a trend that’s not going unnoticed by investors. This week, the company announced it raised $40 million in a recent funding round led by Stripes and Insight Partners.
The new round brings their total value to $70 million and will allow them to further expand their business operations. The company says they’ll focus on bringing new product offerings to the table, updating its infrastructure, and scaling its go-to-market and R&D teams in San Francisco and Tel Aviv.
CEO Sagi Rodin stated, “With Frontegg, customers can go to market much faster — they can offer a product that is much more mature and gives them the freedom to even explore different go-to-markets and provide experiences to their users that are usually provided by companies at a much later stage.”
Veracode enhances platform capabilities
The European Union has a lot of regulation in place with cloud computing. With Veracode, users can meet those policy requirements and secure their software.
And this week, the company announced it is enhancing its Continuous Software Security Platform in Europe. With the new expansion, users can secure programs throughout their lifecycle and make use of both API scanning and dynamic analysis.
Ultimately, the Frankfurt-based Veracode offers a solid SaaS-based security solution that can support EU data residency.
Speaking on the expanded platform, EMEA Chief Technology Officer for Veracode, John Smith, stated, “Veracode’s cloud-native platform helps customers keep costs down and increase efficiencies by integrating multiple software security tools into one easy-to-use solution that also monitors policy compliance.”
Microsoft and Austrade partner to help SaaS partners expand internationally
Looks like Microsoft made it to the news twice this week as well. In Australia, the software giant announced a partnership with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) that will help local SaaS partners go global.
Beginning in September 2022, the two will launch their no-cost Go Global program that will offer services including:
- Preparation for entry into the US market with tech and trade and export workshops along with business mentoring.
- Access to Austrade’s Landing Pads program in San Francisco that offers a co-working space and offices for 90 days and support from participating entrepreneurs.
- US-centered marketing, sales, and fundraising boot camps.
If you have a SaaS business based in Australia, this is a great opportunity to look into!