Aspen Technology AZPN has been securing notable customer wins on the back of its strength in asset optimization and management solutions.Recently, the company announced that Thailand-based SCG, a provider of comprehensive packaging solutions intends to deploy Aspen Mtell software to reduce unplanned downtime.Aspen Mtell enables customers to augment asset utilization by providing a robust set of solutions which supervise health of the machinery, identify failure symptoms in real time, analyze the root-cause of the problem and provide valuable feedback to avoid equipment failure.Notably, Aspen Technology acquired Mtelligence Corporation (also recognized as Mtell) in October 2016, with an aim to strengthen its asset performance optimization software suite with robust prescriptive and predictive maintenance capabilities.Mitigating Unplanned Downtime: Key CatalystAspen Technology reveals that 82% equipment failures cannot be dealt in a specific scheduled maintenance framework. The real-time monitoring of equipment using robust technical methodologies assists asset-intensive enterprises to mitigate unplanned downtime risk to a greater extent.Furthermore, per estimates as revealed by Aspen, losses of $1.4 trillion arise from unplanned downtime.These factors drive adoption of Mtell, which provides comprehensive predictive maintenance software solutions. This in turn favors the company’s top line.Aspen Technology, Inc. Revenue (TTM) Aspen Technology, Inc. Revenue (TTM) | Aspen Technology, Inc. QuoteManagement remains elated on the growing clout of Mtell offering which is strengthening the company’s presence globally. Mtell was selected by Europe-based Borealis in a bid to enhance reliability in its Polyethylene Production processes in April 2018.Additionally, the market opportunities for Mtell seem to be plenty. According to MarketsandMarkets, the predictive maintenance market is projected to increase at a CAGR of 28.4% to reach $4.9 billion in 2021 from $1.4 billion in 2016. We believe that the company is well poised to gain from this robust growth prospect.To ConcludeAspen Technology is benefiting from robust adoption of its Asset Performance Management suite. The company is also witnessing increased demand from E&C customers and Latin America customers.However, stiff competition in the asset management market is a major headwind. Further, integration risks remain a concern.Zacks Rank & Key PicksAspen Technology carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Twitter, Inc. TWTR, Upland Software UPLD and Intel INTC are some stocks worth considering in the broader technology sector. All the three stocks flaunt a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Long-term earnings growth rate for Twitter, Upland Software and Intel are currently pegged at 22.1%, 22% and 8.4%, respectively.Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.It's not the one you think.See This Ticker Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Twitter, Inc. (TWTR): Free Stock Analysis Report Upland Software, Inc. (UPLD): Free Stock Analysis Report Aspen Technology, Inc. (AZPN): Free Stock Analysis Report Intel Corporation (INTC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research