The oil and gas sector deals with price volatility, tightening environmental regulations, and growing competition from renewables. Oil and gas software development has become essential rather than optional.

The number of active oil and gas drilling rigs in the United States declined once again this week, according to new data released by Baker Hughes on Friday.

U.S. energy companies kept the number of active oil and natural gas rigs unchanged this week, according to energy services company Baker Hughes (BKR.O).

Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is close to finalizing a $13.6 billion all-cash acquisition of Chart Industries (NASDAQ: GTLS), edging out a previous $19 billion all-stock merger agreement Chart had signed with Flowserve.

The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and Baker Hughes have signed a cooperation agreement.

Azneft Production Association, a SOCAR structure on oil and gas production, and Baker Hughes have agreed to set up a joint center for assembly and service of electric submersible pumps (ESP) in Azerbaijan.