News

YouVersion's Bible App Takes God's Word from the Gutenberg Era to the Google Era, Hits 50 Million Installs

Launches http://now.youversion.com to track engagement across the world in real time

OKLAHOMA CITY, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With the Bible App by YouVersion surpassing 50 million installs this week, it is evident that the best-selling book of all time is not only still relevant and applicable, but is adaptable to the 21st century lifestyle. With their mobile device, users can share Scripture with their social circles and access the Bible in many versions and languages anytime, anywhere in the world.

A new webpage, http://now.youversion.com/ on YouVersion.com, tracks users' daily engagement with the Bible. Up-to-the-minute statistics display usage of the Bible App around the world--reading plans started in New Zealand, Bible chapters listened to in Tunisia, bookmarks created in China, and more.

"At every minute of the day, somewhere in the world, people are using the Bible App to spend time in Scripture," said Bobby Gruenewald, Innovation Leader at LifeChurch.tv. "Not only are people installing the Bible App in record numbers, they are using it, consistently on a daily basis."

The Bible App offers 294 versions of the Bible in 144 languages. YouVersion.com launched in September 2007 and the Bible App launched in July 2008. The Bible App allows users to bookmark verses; share Scripture through email, Twitter, and Facebook; journal their thoughts; and more. Since its creation, the YouVersion community has spent more than 22 billion minutes on the Bible App, creating more than 100 million bookmarks, and highlighting more than 80 million verses.

YouVersion and the Bible App were created by a team at LifeChurch.tv in Edmond, Okla., to help increase access and engagement with the Bible. YouVersion is in the top five downloaded apps in the reference category and is the No. 1 downloaded Bible on iTunes. The Bible App has been listed in the all-time top 10 apps for the iPad and the top 50 apps for the iPhone. For more information, visit http://www.youversion.com/press.

Note to Editors: For more information about YouVersion and the Bible App, please contact Julie Shutley at 972-267-1111 or e-mail julie@alarryross.com.

    FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
    A. Larry Ross Communications
    Julie Shutley                                  972.267.1111
                                                   214.457.1398
                                                   julie@alarryross.com
SOURCE  YouVersion

YouVersion

Web Site: http://www.youversion.com

School is Out, Learning Apps Are In: New Ways to Keep Reading and Math Skills Sharp During Summer

FREE Apps, Storia®, Sushi Monster(TM) and the Scholastic Reading Timer Reinforce Essential Skills in a Way That's Fun for Kids

NEW YORK, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Every summer, millions of kids suffer brain-drain and lose up to three months of math and reading skills gains they had achieved during the school year. This loss of skills, known as the "summer slide," affects all children who don't practice their math and reading skills during the summer months, and it can result in a lot of time wasted on reviewing last year's lessons when kids go back to school.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100907/SCHOLASTICLOGO )

To counter the "summer slide," Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, has launched three new, free apps that can help students keep their skills sharp - while still having fun!

    --  The Scholastic Reading Timer app for iPhone, iPad and Android
        smartphones helps kids keep track of how much they're reading;
    --  The Storia eReading app available for iPad and PC (with additional
        platforms rolling out soon) comes with FIVE FREE eBOOKS and helps kids
        read and interact with favorite children's eBooks;
    --  Sushi Monster for the iPad supports the development of math fact fluency
        for addition and multiplication facts.
To Keep Kids' READING Skills Sharp:

With the Scholastic Reading Timerkids can set personal reading goals, using the built-in stopwatch to reach their target number of reading minutes. Kids can then log their daily minutes and keep track of their cumulative time spent reading each day, week and month. From May 1 to August 31, kids can also register for the Scholastic Summer Challenge and use the app to log their reading minutes to help break the Scholastic world record for summer reading.  To keep kids motivated, there is a virtual prize wheel kids can spin to earn and collect fun rewards. Parents can use the app to check their kids' reading progress, and they can access book lists for all ages and daily reading tips provided by the literacy experts at Scholastic.

Storia®, the FREE eReading app specifically designed to support kids' reading, also helps parents monitor kids' reading progress. Storia, which comes with FIVE FREE eBooks, offers access to a wide variety of age-appropriate titles for children from toddler to teen. The selections are carefully curated to offer a range of children's digital picture, chapter and interactive eBooks on a variety of topics and reading levels that are presented in a way that is true to the original print versions. A selection of Storia eBooks are enriched with fun, educational activities including vocabulary games, comprehension activities and fun video content as a reward when kids finish the book.

On Storia, parents can set up individual bookshelves for each of their children, purchase new eBooks, and track a child's reading progress through each book. Parents can find out which words the child learned, how many pages they read, and how long their child spent reading each day.

To Keep Kids' MATH Skills Sharp:

Scholastic has also introduced the Sushi Monster(TM) app, a fun new game to practice, reinforce, and extend math fact fluency. Sushi Monster helps students build reasoning strategies for addition and multiplication by having kids choose numbers to reach a target sum or product. With correct answers, kids earn points, stars, and trophies, and unlock new levels. Sushi Monster consists of seven addition and five multiplication levels, and kids can replay each round with new numbers. The Sushi Monster game was created by leading educational game developers at Scholastic for FASTT Math® Next Generation, an adaptive, computer-based program for schools that helps students meet their Common Core fluency goals.

"Research has shown that teachers often spend four-to-six weeks every fall re-teaching skills students have lost during the summer," said Francie Alexander, Chief Academic Officer at Scholastic. "But by reading a few books every summer and playing math-based games like Sushi Monster, kids can keep their skills sharp."

For more information about Scholastic, visit our online Media Room: http://mediaroom.scholastic.com

SOURCE  Scholastic Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100907/SCHOLASTICLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Scholastic Inc.

CONTACT: Sara Sinek, Scholastic, +1-212-343-6899, ssinek@scholastic.com, or Tyler Reed, Scholastic Inc., +1-212-343-6427, treed@scholastic.com

Web Site: http://www.scholastic.com

TE Circuit Protection's Resettable LVR Device in "Plastic Box" is Suitable for Harsh Environments

LVB125 device's unique package solves design challenge in potted component applications such as power supplies, transformers, industrial controllers and motors

MENLO PARK, Calif., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TE Circuit Protection, a business unit of TE Connectivity, today announces a significant enhancement to its popular PolySwitch(TM) LVR (line-voltage-rated) product line with its new LVB125 device. Featuring a unique "plastic box" package, the LVB125 provides resettable circuit protection for product assemblies utilizing potting or encapsulating compounds. These may include power supplies, transformers, industrial controllers and motors used in harsh-environment applications.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110505/LA96464LOGO)

Historically, a resettable PPTC (polymeric positive temperature coefficient) device's functionality was restricted when a system's PCB was encapsulated to protect it from water, chemicals, oil, grease, dirt and other potentially damaging elements. To overcome this design issue, the new LVB125 device utilizes an innovative box-like package that reduces the pressure on the device when thermal expansion of the potting material occurs. By providing resettable circuit protection for these applications, the LVB125 device helps improve product reliability and reduce field service and warranty issues.

Unlike a single-use current fuse, the resettable LVB125 PolySwitch device can help protect against conditions where faults may cause a rise in temperature with only a slight increase in current draw. When installed on the primary side of the circuit, in proximity to potential heat-generating components such as magnetics, FETs, or power resistors, the LVB125 device can help protect against damage caused by both overcurrent and overtemperature conditions with a single component.

The package design of the LVB125 device allows it to operate over a wide temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) typical of extreme environments. The thermally active, flame-resistant device meets UL-94 V0 standards, provides excellent dielectric withstand characteristics and can be easily modified to suit customer requirements, such as package color coding. The package can also be reflowed on the PCB with plastic "posts" that easily affix the device to the PCB during the reflow process.

"By making it possible to use a resettable circuit protection device in potted applications, our new LVB125 device solves what was previously a vexing design issue," said Jasmine Hu, Product Manager. "This device expands our PolySwitch product line by providing robust overcurrent and overtemperature protection for electronic devices and systems that are exposed to harsh environments."

The LVB125 device is rated at 240VAC, permitting maximum voltages of up to 265VAC, and offers a 1.25A hold current. All PolySwitch LVR devices are Pb-free and halogen-free, RoHS compliant and are compatible with high-volume assembly procedures.

    Price:                            LVB125: $0.47/pc
    Availability:                     Now
    Delivery:                         6 weeks ARO
ABOUT TE Connectivity

TE Connectivity is a global, $14 billion company that designs and manufactures nearly 500,000 products that connect and protect the flow of power and data inside the products that touch every aspect of our lives. Our nearly 100,000 employees partner with customers in virtually every industry--from consumer electronics, energy and healthcare, to automotive, aerospace and communication networks--enabling smarter, faster, better technologies to connect products to possibilities.

PolySwitch, TE Connectivity, and TE connectivity (logo) are trademarks.

    Contact: Product Communications: Media Communications
             ----------------------- --------------------
             Jasmine Hu              Hope-Sutton Salvador
             Product Manager
                                     Global Manager Marketing Communications
             jasmine.hu@te.com
                                     hope-sutton.salvador@te.com
             860 216.106.7398        650.361.2160
SOURCE  TE Connectivity

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110505/LA96464LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
TE Connectivity

Web Site: http://www.te.com

StyleOwner turns fashion lovers into STYLEpreneurs

Social selling platform makes it fun to have your own online store

NEW YORK, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --StyleOwner, a new social-selling platform allows style-savvy individuals to create, curate, and market their own personalized online fashion boutique while earning a generous commission on all sales.  By harnessing the power of a personalized recommendation from friends, StyleOwner empowers the Facebook generation to become entrepreneurs while living the dream of running their own fashion retail site. Store owners range from fashion personalities and young working professionals, to college students and stay at home moms.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120510/NY05120 )

Today, the site announced that Anna Fuller, a University of Michigan college student, opened "Hava," StyleOwner's 5,000(th) store.  A self-proclaimed accessory lover majoring in communications and entrepreneurship, Anna defines her style as modern, simplistic, and distinguished.  "My online store was created as a starting point for my dreams of one day owning a retail clothing boutique of my own.   StyleOwner has given me the ability to do that.  My store is where I can highlight trending fashions while expressing my own personal style."

Fashion bloggers such as Sonia Evers of Runway Hippie, Cailianne and Samantha Beckerman of the Beckerman Bite Plate, and Lauren Behfarin and Julie from Born and Bread have all opened stores on StyleOwner.  Lauren and Julie from Born and Bread opened their StyleOwner boutique to make a richer experience for their readership and profit from their passion for styling.  "StyleOwner has allowed us to create an amazing store without the hassle of setting up an ecommerce site, buying inventory, and worrying about credit card payments and shipping.  StyleOwner takes care of all of this for us.   We are able to focus on what we do best-curate amazing product and put together looks we love from StyleOwner's "Master Closet" of over 2,000 incredible brands!  Plus we remain authentic to our blog while connecting with our readers in a new way." 

Julie Wax, a fashion enthusiast and mother launched her store, I Heart Heels, in February because of the entrepreneurial opportunity StyleOwner offers. She invests a few hours a week updating her merchandise and marketing her store to her loyal network.  "I love fashion and StyleOwner has allowed me to turn my passion into an easy to manage business.  I make my own hours and that flexibility is crucial while juggling my family and other work responsibilities," said Julie. 

"We have created the first true social commerce platform where everyone wins," said Joel Weingarten, CEO and founder of StyleOwner.  With a background in technology and a fascination with shopping behavior, Weingarten created StyleOwner to personalize the otherwise impersonal experience of shopping online.  "The customer gets a personalized curated experience, the store owners live out their dream to have their own fashion business, and the brands/retailers harness the power of social selling by turning consumers into brand advocates."

Anyone interested in starting their own store can visit http://www.styleowner.com and get started today.

SOURCE  StyleOwner

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120510/NY05120
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
StyleOwner

CONTACT: Jessica Sciacchitano, +1-646-443-2072, jessica@lividini.com

Web Site: http://www.styleowner.com

ING Investment Management U.S. Enhances ING Global Perspectives(TM) Website

New Capabilities Allow Advisors to Deliver Personalized Framework to Clients

NEW YORK, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ING Investment Management U.S. today announced enhanced functionality for its ING Global Perspectives website (INGGlobalPerspectives.com), which provides timely and concise insights into world markets and economies delivered by a team of experienced strategists.

ING Global Perspectives has become an increasingly popular resource for financial advisors who are looking for information that helps keep them and their clients up to date on the most important developments and views of today's financial landscape from Douglas Cote, chief market strategist, and Karyn Cavanaugh, market strategist.

ING Global Perspectives provides timely insights, including daily economic and market analysis, weekly summaries and statistics and monthly commentaries and outlook.  Its expert analyses seek to make sense of global markets and fundamentals.

The newly introduced online functionality allows advisors to:

    --  Access individual slides and data points that are now part of the
        website.
    --  Tag slides for customized presentations.
    --  Tailor presentations to client needs.
    --  Create a PDF of the presentation personalized with name and logo.
    --  Get questions answered, with online access to the market strategists.
"The online enhancements to ING Global Perspectives underscore our continued commitment to providing advisors with important information and tools that help them serve their clients," said Heather Neilson, head of Digital Marketing for ING Investment Management U.S.  "The ability to customize presentations allows advisors to highlight information that is tailored to their clients' unique needs and assists in the investment discussion."

In addition to print analyses, commentary and data, ING Global Perspectives also features video interviews and the opportunity for advisors to email questions to the strategists.

For more information, visit http://www.INGGlobalPerspectives.com.

About ING U.S.

ING U.S. constitutes the U.S.-based retirement, insurance and investment management operations of Dutch-based ING Groep N.V. (NYSE: ING).  In the U.S., the ING family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which includes life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits and financial planning.  ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves approximately 15 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit http://ing.us.

About ING Investment Management U.S.

As part of ING U.S., ING Investment Management U.S. (ING IM) is a leading U.S.-based active asset management firm. As of March 31, 2012, ING IM manages approximately $170 billion for both institutions and individual investors. ING IM invests across a broad array asset classes, geographies and investment styles. The division serves a variety of institutional clients, including public, corporate and union retirement plans, endowments and foundations, and insurance companies, as well as individual investors via intermediary distribution partners such as banks, broker-dealers and independent financial advisors.

SOURCE  ING U.S.

ING U.S.

CONTACT: Annette Bronkesh, +1-973-778-8648, annettec@att.net

Icertis Announces Global Availability of World's First Contract Lifecycle Management Product on Windows Azure

BELLEVUE, Washington, May 10, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

    Icertis today announced the launch of its Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) product
on Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Azure. The Icertis CLM product is a breakthrough solution
that delivers marked improvement in contracting efficiencies at a lower cost, with
increased collaboration, better compliance, and reduced risk.

    (Logo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120510/531301 )

    "Contracts are becoming more and more complex and involve numerous stakeholders spread
across multiple locations with various checks and balances to ensure compliance. Such
complexity makes it essential for organizations to manage their contracting process by
deploying a system that is robust, flexible, easy to use, and cost effective. Born in the
cloud, the Icertis CLM product leverages Windows Azure to deliver all this and more," said
Samir Bodas, co-founder and CEO of Icertis.

    Icertis CLM product is an end-to-end system that manages the entire contracting
process in a seamless manner. With its effective governance framework for managing both
templates and contracts, and a centralized record storage, the product helps eliminate
contract duplication and errors. The product's easy-to-use Metro-inspired UI, easily
configurable work flows, and in-built contract analytics, enhances enterprise operational
efficiency in the contracting process.

    "Windows Azure provides Icertis' customers with the nearly unlimited scalability of
the cloud, fast time-to-deployment, and worldwide availability," said Bob Kelly, Vice
President, Product Marketing, Windows Azure, at Microsoft. "The Icertis enterprise
contract lifecycle management solution on Windows Azure aims to help customers be more
agile, efficient, and competitive anywhere in the world."

    About Icertis

    Icertis is the #1 provider of enterprise solutions in the Microsoft Cloud - Office 365
and Windows Azure. The company's cloud native products and services address specific
enterprise business needs by fully leveraging the cloud's elasticity, ubiquity, and
availability. Icertis' product suite includes comprehensive ERP surround solutions for
Contract Lifecycle Management, Transportation Management and Partner Relationship
Management. Flexible deployment models (on-cloud, on-premise and hybrid) ensure that
diverse requirements for cost, availability and security are met. Icertis cloud native
services help customers build innovative, secure, and easy to use device-cloud-on-premise
applications leveraging prefabricated frameworks and data integration IP. Icertis products
and solutions are deployed in multiple Fortune 500 companies and have received great
reviews from both users and analysts alike. For more information, please visit
http://www.icertis.com.

   
    For more information, contact:
    Sanjay Menon
    Icertis Inc.
    Phone: +1-425-681-9851
    sanjay.menon@icertis.com

Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120510/531301

Source: Icertis

Otopy, Inc. Announces Availability Of Its Big Data(TM) Indexing And Search Solution With HP Cloud Services

LOS ALTOS, Calif., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Otopy, Inc. today announced that Otopy's Big Data(TM)( )IAS (Indexing and Search Solution) is now available for HP Cloud Services (http://hpcloud.com). Otopy's solution is ideally suited for cloud computing as it enables efficient indexing of large, highly complex datasets. Otopy's proprietary two-stage semantic compression process eliminates irrelevant data and speeds up search by several orders of magnitude.  Otopy's search algorithms are based on concepts and context rather than keywords and thus provide highly accurate results.

"We started Otopy with a mission to improve search results for users everywhere. Now, with our application included as part of HP's Cloud Services partner ecosystem, we are beginning to make that vision a reality," said Gene Feroglia, Otopy CEO. "Users of HP's public cloud service can now access our robust search capabilities on an as-needed basis, without having to make significant capital investments in server farms and data storage."

"Our solution contains a number of breakthrough technologies including heuristic concept search, inspired by how the human brain works," said Dan Kikinis, Chief Technical Officer for Otopy. "Our solution can discover non-obvious relationships among data and thus find information that most search engines fail to find."

Otopy's solution addresses a growing need for indexing, analyzing and searching large datasets that may include semi-structured or unstructured data.  Otopy's solution offers full Apache Hadoop integration, enabling easy scalability.  Otopy's Big Data Indexing and Search solution is available now. For a limited time, Otopy is offering a 30 day free trial through HP Cloud Services.  After the 30 day free trial period, customers can elect to continue use on a pay-as-you-go basis, or purchase a fully paid up license for unlimited use.

About Otopy
Otopy, Inc., based in Los Altos, California, was founded in 2003 with a mission to make Internet search easier and more effective. The privately funded venture is managed by a team of Silicon Valley veterans with expertise in search applications and advanced software technologies.  Otopy's Big Data Indexing and Search solution is covered by patents and pending patents.

For more information please visit http://www.otopy.com

SOURCE  Otopy, Inc.

Otopy, Inc.

CONTACT: Gene Feroglia, +1-650-815-1722, gene@otopy.com

Web Site: http://www.otopy.com

Just in Time for Summer Verizon Wireless Bringing the Power of Its 4G LTE Network to Jersey Shore May 17

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless today announced that just in time for the busy summer season, it is bringing the nation's largest 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to a large portion of the Jersey Shore May 17. With the 4G LTE network, customers can use 4G LTE wireless devices to access the Internet faster, listen to music or watch video, take advantage of thousands of applications, and stay in touch with family and friends, all with speeds up to 10 times faster than before.           

When Verizon Wireless turns on its 4G LTE network here, customers who live in, or visit shore points and surrounding communities including Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach, Belmar, Point Pleasant, Toms River, Atlantic City and into Cape May County will have access to the nation's fastest 4G network.

"The size of our 4G LTE network gives us a significant competitive advantage over competitors as it enables more residents, small businesses and local government to take advantage of the speed and connectivity benefits offered by this advanced technology," said Verizon Wireless Regional President Mario Turco.  "We are committed to continuing the aggressive rollout of our 4G LTE network in 2012."

4G LTE Devices and Plans
Verizon Wireless customers can choose from a variety of more than 20, 4G LTE-enabled devices, including notebooks and netbooks; hotspots and modems; and smartphones and tablets, including the new LG Lucid(TM), an easy-to-use smartphone offering 4G LTE speeds at a low price, and the soon to be launched DROID Incredible 4G LTE by HTC, which will allow users to shoot HD video and capture photos at the same time with its Video Pic feature, all over the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network.

The company also recently introduced HomeFusion(SM) Broadband, a solution that leverages the power and speed of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network to deliver high-speed, in-home Internet access for residential broadband, particularly in areas where Internet options are limited or are not currently available.

4G LTE Overview
Verizon Wireless introduced the globe's first large-scale LTE network on December 5, 2010, and currently offers service in 230 markets nationwide, and is on course to deliver 4G LTE to its entire 3G wireless footprint by the end of 2013. The company's 700 MHz spectrum gives Verizon Wireless specific advantages with 4G, including a contiguous, nationwide network license.

In real-world, fully-loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside a 4G coverage area, their devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless' 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network was named "Fastest 4G Network Yet" by Popular Science's 2011 Best of What's New Awards, and was ranked No. 1 on PC World's 100 Best Products of 2011. For more information about Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, please visit: http://www.verizonwireless.com/lte.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 93.0 million retail customers, including 88.0 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sheldon Jones
Verizon Wireless
215-638-5668; 215-219-8890 (cell)
Sheldon.Jones@verizonwireless.com
http://www.twitter.com/VZWSheldon

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com

YouChange Launches Back to School Electronic Collection Challenge

$10,000 Cash Grand Prize to the Schools that Collect the Most Electronic Items

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- YouChange Holdings Corp ("youchange(TM)") (OTCBB:YCNG), a leading Community for electronics collection, e-waste tracking, and re-Commerce, today announced the launch of its Back to School Electronics Collection Challenge. 

"After the success of our Earth Day Challenge, which included 30 schools representing more than 13,000 Phoenix area students, we knew we had to follow up with something bigger and better for the fall," said Derrick Mains, Executive Vice President of youchange. "The Back to School Challenge is just that - more schools, more cash and a wider area."

Youchange will allow up to 100 schools to participate throughout the Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff metro areas and will up the ante with a new Grand Prize Purse of up to $10,000!

Each participating school will hold a two-week electronic collection fundraiser during the months of September and October and youchange will pay the schools for the functional electronic items that are collected. The top three schools that collect the most items per student will win their share of the prize purse - for each participating school the jackpot grows by $100--so if 100 schools participate $10,000 will be distributed amongst the winners- 50% for first place, 35% for second place and 15% for third place.

"We have seen some schools raise between $500 and $5000 after completing our two week collection drives. Now, add to that a chance to win a piece of the $10,000 Grand Prize and the incentive is certainly there for students to collect electronics for cash all while helping to protect the environment!" said Dan Fogel, VP of Operations for youchange.

The contest is open to all schools in the Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff metro areas. To qualify for the contest, schools need to be one of the first 100 schools to register with youchange and choose a specified two week time period to run their respective collection campaign. Youchange will assist the schools in planning and launching their event and will provide collection bins, posters, and instructional material in addition to offering smaller prizes for the class that collects the most items.  Each school will also have their own custom page on the youchange website where they can invite friends and family to mail items directly to youchange.  These items will be tracked by the company's proprietary software which will credit each item to the respective school's total.

Schools will be paid for functional items in a number of categories including computers, cell phones, tablets, e-readers, game consoles, media players, digital cameras, print cartridges and even DVDs and Video Games.  All non-functional items will be responsibly recycled.

The top three winning schools will be announced on December 15th, 2012, and each presented with a check for their respective cash prize in addition to the cash they raised through their collection event.

For more details or to sign up for the challenge contact Dan Fogel via email at dfogel@youchange.com or call 480 947 3588.

"It starts with you...and ends in change."

About YouChange Holdings Corp

YouChange Holdings Corp provides collection, purchase, refurbishment, and resale of used consumer electronics to both consumers and business markets. The youchange(TM) platform includes paying cash and reward points to schools, charities,businesses and consumers for their used electronics; refurbishing and recycling those products; and the sale and re-Commerce of these products, as well as licensing of proprietary data through its back-end enterprise management software as a service platform. Some of these products include laptops, computers, cell phones, smart phones, PDAs, mp3 players, calculators, external drives, game consoles, digital cameras, streaming media devices, tablet e-readers, batteries and camera lenses.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks, assumptions and uncertainties include: the ability of the Company to raise capital, the ability to complete systems within currently estimated time frames and budgets; the ability to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving and price-competitive marketplace; changes in the nature of telecommunications regulation in the United States and other countries; changes in business strategy; the successful integration of newly acquired businesses; the impact of technological change; and other risks referenced from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:

Corporate:
YouChange Holdings Corp
Jeffrey Rassas, CEO
1-866-712-9273
CEO@youchange.com

Investor Relations:
Barry Gross (361) 949-4999

SOURCE  YouChange Holdings Corp

YouChange Holdings Corp

Verizon Wireless Is Bringing The Power Of Its 4G LTE Network To Paris, Texas

DALLAS, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless today announced it is bringing the nation's largest 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to Paris, Texas in the coming weeks.  With the 4G LTE network, customers can use 4G LTE wireless devices in Paris to access the Internet faster, listen to music or watch video, take advantage of thousands of applications, and stay in touch with family and friends, all with speeds up to 10 times faster than before.             

When Verizon Wireless turns on its 4G LTE network in Paris, customers who live in, or visit, Paris will have access to the nation's fastest 4G network.

"The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is bringing Paris customers a blazingly fast wireless data service that covers more than two-thirds of the nation, including 14 markets across the state of Texas," said Frank Antonacci, Central Texas region president for Verizon Wireless. "We invite the community to visit a Verizon Wireless store and learn more about 4G LTE devices that will enhance communications both personally and for businesses."

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is available to more than two-thirds of the U.S. population in 230 markets across the country and offers more than six times the geographic coverage of its nearest competitor's 4G LTE network.  Verizon Wireless customers looking to experience the nation's fastest 4G network can choose from a variety of 4G LTE devices, including tablets, smartphones, hotspots and more.     

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.   

Visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/lte for more information about the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network and a list of current markets.   

For Verizon Wireless Updates on Twitter
Stay in the know about Verizon Wireless news in Central Texas by following @VZWAudrey on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/vzwaudrey. For the latest network-related news, information and upgrades follow @VZWNews on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 93.0 million retail customers, including 88.0 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Audrey Lundy of Verizon Wireless, +1-972-444-5516, Audrey.Lundy@verizonwireless.com

Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com

Pimsleur Unlimited Now Available on NOOK® By Barnes & Noble

Free Lessons, Games, Upgrades for Pimsleur Unlimited for PC and MAC Subscribers, Access to Audio Chat Rooms and Much More

NEW YORK, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pimsleur® Language Programs is happy to announce that it has partnered with Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, to make the Pimsleur Unlimited NOOK App(TM) available on Barnes & Noble's award-winning NOOK Tablet(TM). The launch of this free NOOK App will give customers access to the Pimsleur Unlimited(TM) series directly on their NOOKs.  Pimsleur Unlimited combines the power of the time-tested Pimsleur Audio Method with a visual, interactive program that allows users to learn quickly, review easily, and confidently engage others with their new skills.  The NOOK App is available for Spanish, French, Italian or German.     

"We're very excited to have Pimsleur Unlimited on the NOOK platform, making all of the functionality of this exciting language software fully mobile for users," says Robert Riger, Director of Pimsleur Language Programs.

Available in the NOOK App Store (http://www.nook.com), the Pimsleur Unlimited App features all of the software from the series including the audio lessons and interactive games. When customers download the NOOK App, they receive two free lessons and can unlock a third free lesson when they bring their NOOK Tablet into their local Barnes & Noble store.  In addition, users can also cruise ahead and preview the images for all 30 lessons in the first level of the Pimsleur Unlimited series. If you own Pimsleur Unlimited for PC or MAC, you can upgrade the free NOOK App into a fully functional version of your software, unlocking over 45 hours of lessons and games. These users also gain access to Pimsleur's revolutionary audio-only chat rooms from their NOOK Tablet, allowing them to chat and practice their new skills with language ambassadors in real time.

"It's exciting to see the emergence of high end premium language learning tools like the Pimsleur Unlimited App, which brings an engaging learning and education model to all ages," said Claudia Romanini, Director of Developer Relations at Barnes & Noble. "The synergies with the app and the physical product allow NOOK users to take full advantage of their investment either on the go or at home," she added.

With visual features including Speak Easy, Flash Cards, and Quick Match, Pimsleur Unlimited reinforces the fundamental elements of the Pimsleur Method -- core vocabulary, graduated recall, anticipation, and organic learning -- to help users develop and maintain language skills. Pimsleur's familiar narrator guides users through the multi-level programs with ease, telling them in English what is expected of them every step of the way. The Pimsleur Unlimited program updates to add new features and developments, so users can benefit from ongoing efforts to create the best, most effective language learning experience available.

Pimsleur Unlimited is also designed to provide users with a deeper understanding of the language and culture they are studying. Users who purchase the Unlimited App are encouraged to join live sessions with native speakers in Pimsleur's all-audio chat rooms, allowing them to plunge into the intricacies of everyday life, travel, and culture. The chat sessions offer a real-world experience to help users navigate their new language with confidence and ease while also putting their newly-acquired skills to the test.

The Pimsleur Unlimited NOOK Apps are available on NOOK.com. Pimsleur Unlimited programs in Spanish, French, Italian, and German are available at Barnes & Noble stores or online at Pimsleur.com, PimsleurUnlimited.com, or BN.com.

Experience NOOK at any Barnes & Noble bookstore or at http://www.nook.com. 

For more on Pimsleur Unlimited, please visit: https://www.pimsleurunlimited.com/details.html.

­ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
Pimsleur® is the ultimate resource for spoken language learning. Pimsleur's Comprehensive Programs are the most effective language-learning programs ever developed. The company's programs utilize proven methods of learning based on extensive research of how people master languages. The Pimsleur Method is a patented method developed by Dr. Paul Pimsleur that allows users to learn a language the way native speakers do, integrating vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation into everyday conversations. The audio portion of the Pimsleur Unlimited programs is completely portable and can be listened to anytime, anywhere. Pimsleur is an imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio; a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc. PIMSLEUR® is a registered trademark of Beverly Pimsleur, used by Simon & Schuster under exclusive license.

Simon & Schuster Audio is a leading publisher of general interest audiobooks including bestselling fiction, nonfiction, business/finance, self-improvement, inspiration, language learning programs, original audiobook productions, and children's titles.  In addition to a list that includes such unparalleled authors as Mary Higgins Clark, Vince Flynn, Ernest Hemingway, Stephen King, Michael Lewis, and David McCullough.  Simon & Schuster Audio has produced audiobooks that have won seven Grammy Awards and earned thirty-five Grammy nominations since 1989.  For more information about Simon & Schuster Audio, visit our website at http://www.audio.simonandschuster.com.

Simon & Schuster, a part of CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at http://www.simonandschuster.com.

About NOOK® from Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble's NOOK brand of eReading products makes it easy to read what you love, anywhere you like(TM) with a fun, easy-to-use and immersive digital reading experience. With NOOK, customers gain access to Barnes & Noble's expansive NOOK Store(TM) of more than 2.5 million digital titles, and the ability to enjoy content across a wide array of popular devices. NOOK Tablet(TM) is Barnes & Noble's fastest, lightest tablet with the best in entertainment from top services and everything you want in a tablet at a great value ($199 for NOOK Tablet - 8GB, and $249 for NOOK Tablet - 16GB). Both NOOK Tablet and the award-winning NOOK Color(TM) ($169) feature a stunning 7-inch VividView(TM)( )Color Touchscreen to read all of the content you love, shop popular apps, connect via email, browse the Web and more. The NOOK Simple Touch(TM)( )($99) is the fastest, easiest to use reader with the world's best reading screen and the longest battery life. Barnes & Noble offers NOOK owners Always Free NOOK Support in any of its nearly 700 bookstores, as well as free Wi-Fi® connectivity to enjoy the Read In Store(TM) feature to read NOOK Books(TM) for free, and the More In Store(TM) program, which offers free, exclusive content and special promotions. Barnes & Noble was the first company to offer digital lending for a wide selection of books through its LendMe® technology, available through NOOK eReading products. Find NOOK devices in Barnes & Noble stores and online at http://www.BN.com, as well as at Best Buy, Walmart, Staples, Target, Radio Shack, Books-A-Million, OfficeMax, Fred Meyer, P.C. Richard & Son stores, Office Depot, Fry's Electronics and Systemax Inc. retailers.

In addition to NOOK devices, Barnes & Noble makes it easy for customers to enjoy any book, anytime, anywhere with its FREE NOOK Reading Apps(TM), available at http://www.nook.com/freenookapps. Customers can use Barnes & Noble's free eReading software to access and read books from their personal Barnes & Noble digital library on devices including iPad(TM), iPhone®, iPod touch®, Android(TM) smartphones and tablets, PC and Mac®. Lifetime Library(TM) helps ensure that Barnes & Noble customers will always be able to access their digital libraries on NOOK products and software-enabled devices and BN.com. Barnes & Noble also offers NOOK Study(TM) (http://www.nookstudy.com), an innovative study platform and software solution for higher education, NOOK Kids(TM) (http://www.nookkids.com), a collection of digital picture and chapter books for children, and NOOK Books en espanol(TM) (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ebooksenespanol), the first-ever Spanish language digital bookstore in the United States.

For more information on NOOK devices and eReading software, updates, new NOOK Book releases, Free Friday(TM) NOOK Books and more, follow us on http://www.twitter.com/nookBN and http://www.facebook.com/NOOK.

About Barnes & Noble, Inc.
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world's largest bookseller and a Fortune 500 company, operates 691 bookstores in 50 states. Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, also operates 641 college bookstores serving over 4.6 million students and faculty members at colleges and universities across the United States.  Barnes & Noble conducts its online business through BN.com (http://www.bn.com), one of the Web's largest e-commerce sites, which also features more than two million titles in its NOOK Bookstore(TM) (http://www.bn.com/ebooks). Through Barnes & Noble's NOOK(TM) eReading product offering, customers can buy and read digital books and content on the widest range of platforms, including NOOK devices, partner company products, and the most popular mobile and computing devices using free NOOK software. Barnes & Noble is proud to be named a J.D. Power and Associated 2012 Customer Service Champion and is only one of 50 U.S. companies so named.

General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained via the Internet by visiting the company's corporate website: http://www.barnesandnobleinc.com.

NOOK®, NOOK Tablet(TM),NOOK Simple Touch(TM), NOOK 1st Edition(TM), NOOK 1st Edition Wi-Fi(TM), NOOK Color(TM), Reader's Tablet(TM), PagePerfect(TM), Best-Text(TM), Fast Page(TM),(  )NOOK Books(TM),(  )NOOK Store(TM), NOOK Bookstore(TM), NOOK Newsstand(TM), NOOK Magazines(TM), VividView(TM), ArticleView(TM), NOOK Newspapers(TM), NOOK Comics(TM), NOOK Cloud(TM), NOOK Apps(TM), FREE NOOK Reading Apps(TM), PubIt!(TM), NOOK Discover(TM), ( )NOOK Kids(TM), Read and Play(TM), Read to Me(TM), Read and Record(TM), NOOK Digital Shop(TM), Read In Store(TM), More In Store(TM), NOOK Friends(TM), LendMe®, NOOK Library(TM), NOOKBoutiques(TM), The Barnes & Noble Promise(TM), NOOK Books en espanol(TM), NOOK Study(TM), Free Friday(TM), Lifetime Library(TM) and Read What You Love. Anywhere You Like(TM) are trademarks of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Other trademarks referenced in this release are the property of their respective owners.

Follow Barnes & Noble on Twitter (http://www.bn.com/twitter), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/barnesandnoble) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/bnstudio).

SOURCE  Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster

CONTACT: Lauren Pires, Publicity, Media & Marketing Manager, +1-212-698-7126, fax, +1-212-698-7664, Lauren.Pires@simonandschuster.com

Web Site: http://www.simonandschuster.com

GameSalad Brings Popular Mobile Game Creation Platform to China, Making Game Creation Accessible to the Masses

Revolutionary Code-Free Game Development Platform Set to Debut on Tencent's Platform

SAN FRANCISCO, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GameSalad Inc., which enables anyone to quickly develop and publish sophisticated iOS, Android and HTML5 games, is teaming up with Tencent, China's leading Internet and mobile services company, to bring GameSalad's popular game creation platform to China.  GameSalad streamlines the process for bringing mobile games to market by eliminating the need to code and allowing developers to publish to multiple platforms with the click of a button. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110331/DA74403LOGO)

The Tencent version of GameSalad's flagship product, GameSalad Creator, has been localized into simplified Chinese and seamlessly integrates local carrier billing for purchasing virtual goods, social functionality using QQ Game Center, and mobile advertising using Tencent's MobWin.  The Tencent-GameSalad partnership will generate an abundance of diverse mobile game content tailored for Chinese audiences and facilitate mobile game development for independent developers using the platform.

"China is the fastest growing smartphone market in the world and represents an incredible opportunity for mobile game developers," said Steve Felter, CEO of GameSalad.  "We are excited to introduce our platform to a whole new audience in China, while simultaneously providing access to the Chinese market for our existing top developers.  With the support of Tencent, and the invaluable expertise and resources they bring, GameSalad will play a key role in growing the mobile games ecosystem in China."

"We believe the partnership with GameSalad will help budding Chinese application developers bridge the technological gap for bringing their mobile game concepts to market," said Simon Li, Deputy General Manager of Tencent's Wireless Business Unit.  "By making it easy to create and distribute high quality mobile games, Tencent and GameSalad add value for both developers and players in China."

"Due to the significant differences in cultural tastes, Western companies entering the Chinese market often struggle in their attempts to deliver content that resonates with the Chinese people," said Michael Pachter, research analyst at Wedbush Securities.  "GameSalad is smart to partner with Tencent and empower the Chinese developer community to create mobile social games that are culturally relevant for local markets."

Since its debut in 2009, GameSalad has quickly grown to become a leading game development platform with over 300,000 developers.  To date, GameSalad Creator has powered more than 60,000 original titles across mobile and web platforms, including a #1 iOS game and more than 60 Top 100 Games in Apple's U.S. App Store.  In 2011, more than 15% of all new iOS games were built with GameSalad.

The Tencent version of GameSalad Creator is currently in private Beta, with a public release expected to launch in China this summer.

About GameSalad
GameSalad's Creator platform allows anyone to rapidly design, publish, and distribute sophisticated games for iOS, Android, and HTML5 while eliminating the need to code.  Since launching in 2009, over 300,000 developers have used GameSalad's accessible game creation platform to create over 60,000 games, including a #1 iOS game and more than 60 Top 100 Games in Apple's U.S. App Store. GameSalad is a privately held, venture-backed company headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with studios in Austin, Texas and Los Angeles, California.

SOURCE  GameSalad

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110331/DA74403LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
GameSalad

CONTACT: Tiffany Spencer of GameSalad PR, +1-310-795-1806, tiffany@gamesalad.com

Web Site: http://gamesalad.com

Lockerz Welcomes Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, Dia Frampton and Milo Ventimiglia to the First and Leading Online Community that Rewards Members for Sharing What they Love

Social Commerce Leader's New "Tastemakers" Feature Enables Members to Discover and Engage with Image Collections Created by Actors, Musicians and Stylists on Lockerz

SEATTLE, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockerz, the leader in rewarded social commerce, today announced the launch of "Tastemakers" a new site feature in which the most influential personalities in entertainment and fashion share what they are passionate about through collections of photos, images and videos at http://www.lockerz.com/tastemakers. Beginning today, Lockerz members can get inspired by fashion and beauty picks, favorite vacation spots, musical inspirations and much more from Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, Milo Ventimiglia and Dia Frampton. These celebs join a fast-growing celebrity community of more than 300 already engaging with Lockerz products daily.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120215/LA53813LOGO)

"Tastemakers builds on Lockerz true social commerce experience by giving members a new way to discover, collect and share content from their favorite artists and influencers," said Kathy Savitt, founder and CEO of Lockerz. "Earning rewards for this activity makes it unique to Lockerz, and all the more meaningful for our members."

The Lockerz Tastemakers join millions of Lockerz members who are discovering and creating Collections of photos, images and videos that become "Decalz." Lockerz members earn PTZ (points) for nearly everything they do on the site, including grabbing Decalz and creating Collections. These PTZ are then used to get the lowest prices on hundreds of products offered in the Lockerz Store. While Decalz have been part of the Lockerz experience since 2009, the new Lockerz user experience re-launched in December 2011, amassing more than 200 million Decalz in just four months. As these Decalz have been "grabbed" by Lockerz members across the globe, nearly 800 million PTZ have been earned, which can be redeemed for discounts on more than 150 brands for the Web's lowest prices.

Other Tastemakers include bands such as Neon Trees, Mayday Parade, Pierce the Veil and The Maine; as well as Boy Meets Girl founder and Lockerz chief fashion editor Stacy Igel and TV and film producer Russ Cundiff.

Since its founding in 2009, Lockerz' mission has been to revolutionize the way people discover and consume products and content. The company has focused on the most disruptive demographic in recent history, Generation Z.  Currently the site has millions of members in 195 countries, with 94% being between the ages of 13-35.

About Lockerz

Based in Seattle, Lockerz is the leader in rewarded social expression, striving to revolutionize the way the world discovers and consumes product and content. With a membership community of millions in 195 countries, Lockerz rewards its members with PTZ® (points) for engagement and following, including collecting, sharing, shopping and influencing their friends. Members use PTZ to drive down the prices of fashion, beauty, home decor, electronics and entertainment in the Lockerz Store. Lockerz was founded by former technology and retail executive Kathy Savitt, and is backed by Liberty Media Corporation, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, DAG Ventures and Live Nation Entertainment. For more information about Lockerz, please visit http://www.lockerz.com.

Contact:
Eugene Oh
eugene@lockerz.com
(206) 926-3520

SOURCE  Lockerz

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120215/LA53813LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Lockerz

Web Site: http://www.lockerz.com

B&O PLAY Launches Its First Television and Offers Straight Forward Design, Flexible Placement and Best-in-class Picture

BeoPlay V1 opens up unprecedented placement options with a breathtakingly real sound experience

DEERFIELD, Ill., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- B&O PLAY, Bang & Olufsen's new brand, announces the US arrival of its first-ever television, BeoPlay V1, which is specially conceived to deliver flexible placement options and outstanding audio and video performance - all in one solid design package.  BeoPlay V1 features a second-to-none sound quality with its deep bass, well-defined highs and articulated mid-range tones.  It provides breath-taking aural landscapes right out of the box. Human voices are rendered with exceptional fidelity. Soundtracks come alive from the lowest rumble to the brightest tweet, and music sounds like the original recording. BeoPlay V1 even detects the type of content you're enjoying on screen, and automatically optimizes sound performance to the source.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120510/CG04695)
(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060413/CGTU021LOGO-a)

BeoPlay V1 works without extra speakers, sub-woofers, wires or worries to provide an immersive audio experience. Bang & Olufsen's proprietary Class D ICEpower amps power up the speakers. All the sound most people will ever need is built right into the steel cabinet, but should you want to add extra speakers, the integrated 5.1 surround module and speaker/subwoofer connections are all there to go full 5.1.

Designed by Anders Hermansen, BeoPlay V1 has its roots in a Scandinavian idiom of no-nonsense industrial aesthetics. The rugged steel cabinet is powder coated so that it feels soft to the touch and it combines clean lines with exquisite metal joinery. The loudspeaker grill is stamped directly into the cabinet, below the screen. And the stainless steel stands connect unobtrusively and simply at all four corners.

According to Tue Mantoni, CEO for Bang & Olufsen, the new television is a strategic addition to the B&O PLAY brand portfolio - and he expects BeoPlay V1's combination of flexibility, performance, design and price points to win its way into new consumer segments for the Danish company. "BeoPlay V1 has been designed by studying the way people use televisions in their homes," Mantoni explains. "We want it to fit into people's lifestyles - so they don't have to fit their lives around a television. It can hang from the ceiling, stand on the floor or a shelf, or swing from the wall - but don't forget that it's from Bang & Olufsen. Even though it's easy to live with, BeoPlay V1 is absolutely uncompromising when it comes to audio and visual performance."

The picture stays clear no matter what else is going on in the room - and no matter what you're watching. The LED screen and powerful video engine keep things sharp, while contrast control adjusts to ambient light; dedicated film and game modes bring home the goods just as the director intended.  Users can also adjust color settings on their own in the advanced menu.

True to its Bang & Olufsen heritage, BeoPlay V1 is easy to live with. The graphic user interfaces are intuitive and simple. Connection to third-party devices is easy to achieve, and BeoPlay V1 lets you easily detect and configure connected set-top boxes, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, Apple TV2 (which can be placed inside the BeoPlay V1 cabinet), NAS servers and hard disks.  Additionally,  the integrated media browser lets you view photo collections or listen to music on a USB drive or NAS server and the dedicated remote not only makes setup and channel surfing simple: it also handles third-party devices such as DVD players and digital recording devices, so everything can be commanded from one place.

BeoPlay V1 is available in 32" and 40", in either black or white. Prices begin at $3249.00 and it is available exclusively at Bang & Olufsen showrooms in the US, Canada, and Mexico end of May 2012.

B&O PLAY from Bang & Olufsen provides premium listening and viewing experiences to digitally connected design fans. For more information, see http://www.beoplay.com and http://www.bang-olufsen.com

Apple TV is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and othercountries.

SOURCE  Bang & Olufsen/B&O PLAY

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120510/CG04695
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060413/CGTU021LOGO-a
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Bang & Olufsen/B&O PLAY

CONTACT: Monica Gartner, PR Consultant of Bang & Olufsen America, Inc., +1-847-590-4920, mcy@bang-olufsen.dk

Web Site: http://www.bang-olufsen.com

Bang & Olufsen Announces Wireless Update to its highly popular BeoSound 8 iPhone/iPad/iPod hi fi sound system

Offering clean lines, brilliant sound and undocked freedom

DEERFIELD, Ill., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bang & Olufsen is proud to announce its highly popular BeoSound 8 iPhone/iPod/iPad docking station will get a wireless update. The NEW BeoPlay A8 sound system, from Bang & Olufsen's new brand, B&O PLAY, extends the functionality of the best-selling BeoSound 8 by adding Apple AirPlay to connect ones iPhone or iPad to a flexible world of premium sound - instantly and wirelessly.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120510/CG04701)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060413/CGTU021LOGO-a)

Now customers can switch from listening to their favorite songs on the iPhone or iPad to a true Bang & Olufsen sound experience - without missing a beat or getting up from one's chair.

The new BeoPlay A8 intuitively streams music with Apple AirPlay.  BeoPlay A8 will recognize your iPhone or iPad, and then ask if you prefer to listen to your music through its balanced set of dynamic two-way speakers and formidable Class D amplifiers.

BeoPlay A8 builds on the achievements of BeoSound 8, which sold over 50,000 units in its first year and became Bang & Olufsen's most successful sound system ever. The two models share the same design, specs and outstanding sound. What makes BeoPlay A8 even better is the integrated AirPlay wireless connection - in addition to the removable Apple docking connector.

BeoPlay A8 has the power and acoustic authority to let your music shine, and also has the portability to turn any kitchen or summer cottage into a party zone.  Its connectivity is so seamless that your only question will be which song to play next.

Henrik Lorensen, VP for B&O PLAY, sees BeoPlay A8 as a logical addition to the B&O PLAY range of premium audio devices designed for the digitally connected.  "BeoPlay A8 packs an incredible acoustic punch for its weight, and its design is as easy on the eye as it is on the ear.  What it really does is let people connect to their music wherever they want to be."

BeoPlay A8 hides an impressive array of hard-working components under its stylish hood. The five-inch midrange/bass speakers output 70 watts of fully integrated Class D amplifiers, and the 3/4 inch tweeters are powered by 35 watts each.

Designed by David Lewis Designers, BeoPlay A8's clean lines and flat front conceal the 1.3 litre volumes of the speaker casings, whose shapely cones have no parallel surfaces to create standing waves.

One can adapt the sound mode to BeoPlay A8's location in the room to further enhance the startlingly true listening experience. A simple switch lets users compensate for wall resonance by choosing between three pre-programmed modes: wall, corner or freestanding positions. Users control the music with a dedicated remote or their iPhone and iPad.

BeoPlay A8 will be available in either black or white. Priced at $1149 and will be available in Bang & Olufsen showrooms, http://www.shopbangolufsen.com, or at the B&O PLAY online store.

Photos available for download at http://mediacenter.bang-olufsen.dk/

B&O PLAY from Bang & Olufsen provides premium listening and viewing experiences to digitally connected design fans. For more information, see http://www.beoplay.com and http://www.bang-olufsen.com

Apple AirPlay, iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and othercountries.

SOURCE  Bang & Olufsen/B&O PLAY

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120510/CG04701
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060413/CGTU021LOGO-a
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Bang & Olufsen/B&O PLAY

CONTACT: Monica Gartner, PR Consultant, Bang & Olufsen America, Inc., +1-847-590-4920, mcy@bang-olufsen.dk

Web Site: http://www.beoplay.com

New York Tutor Dr. Marie Mazza Debuts New Homepage Layout

The new layout provides visitors with a better experience, helping potential clients and those who already work with Dr. Mazza to more quickly and easily understand the tutoring services she offers.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Teacher and tutor Dr. Marie Mazza recently debuted a re-worked homepage. The old page had an eye catching design, but it didn't quickly and effectively connect users with the information they really wanted. The streamlined and fresh new appearance is designed to enhance the experience of everyone visiting the webpage. It now quickly provides key facts, including a full list of services. "My goal is to help children and adults be successful, whether that means assistance with a specific challenge or coaching to develop general skills. The new layout explains the many ways that a good tutoring and teaching plan can create real benefit for students of all ages," said Dr. Mazza.

Dr. Mazza offers a number of different teaching and tutoring services. Her work includes writing tutoring, reading assistance, coaching for dyslexia and other areas of challenge, evaluation services, and organizational training. Dr. Mazza is available throughout the afternoons, evenings, and weekends, allowing her to offer flexible hours for younger students and after-work tutoring for adults in Garden City, NY and beyond.

To help redesign her website, Dr. Mazza turned to Atlantic SEO, the local search division of internet marketing agency Customer Magnetism. Atlantic SEO provided the re-working of the homepage in addition to local SEO services to help Dr. Mazza connect with parents, other educators, specialists, and adults looking for tutoring assistance.

About Dr. Mazza: Dr. Marie Mazza is an experienced educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in a variety of settings. Her experience includes work with students of all ages from elementary school to college, including both special education and general classes. She is a certified teacher and licensed school district administrator. Her teaching methodology emphasizes customized learning plans, improving each student's individual strengths and weaknesses with interactive and multi-sensory techniques.

SOURCE  Dr. Marie Mazza

Dr. Marie Mazza

CONTACT: Dr. Marie Mazza, +1-516-739-4671

Web Site: http://www.learnwithdrm.com

New User-Friendly Website Therapists.com Aims To Remove Anxiety From Locating Local Therapists

Therapists.com launches to help prospective patients easily find a psychiatrist they will click with, as well as making marketing for therapists intuitive and accessible for the busy professional.

OAK PARK, Ill., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For many people, finding a good fit with a new therapist can be challenging, time consuming, and anxiety ridden. For many therapists, finding a website to clearly express your credentials, area of expertise and personality to potential clients can be nearly impossible. The launch of a new, easy-to-remember website, Therapists.com, addresses both of these issues, allowing a user-friendly comprehensive search function for the public to locate local therapists, and intuitive, rich profiles to enable effective marketing for therapists.

From the inventors of the original therapist search engine in 1996, Therapists.com provides an all-inclusive portal for the public to not only find a psychiatrist, but also to access articles, blogs, and helpful resources on mental-health concerns. After extensive polling of both patients and therapists on the features they found essential, Therapists.com helps therapists create a richer profile than any other site. This gives potential patients the exact information needed to make an informed decision.

"The developers of this website have combined mental-health knowledge and Internet expertise to develop a trusted online resource that both therapists and consumers need," said Chris Stout, Psy.D., MBA, Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

Consumers can search for therapists by proximity to address, allowing for pinpoint accuracy far above the typical zip code or city searches. Therapists can provide individual video interviews to give potential patients a real glimpse of their personality, as well as hearing from the therapist in their own voice. Research shows that the harder it is to find the right therapist, the less likely a person will get the help they require.

About Therapists.com:
Therapists.com is the brainchild of C.J. Newton, developer of the first therapist search engine in 1996. The site takes into account comprehensive polling feedback from consumers and therapists alike, and is taken to the next level using Newton's experience optimizing websites for corporate clients and managing national and local-marketing campaigns as founder of SEO Logic (http://www.seologic.com). The website functions as a complete mental-health portal, with social-media integration, blogs, and community interaction to create the ultimate resource.

SOURCE  Therapists.com

Therapists.com

CONTACT: Donna Mehrabi of Therapists.com, 1-877-735-6442, editor@therapists.com, http://www.therapists.com

Web Site: http://www.therapists.com

Risk Control Technologies Introduces iPad App for Loss Control Inspectors

TORONTO, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Risk Control Technologies Inc., the
industry-leading provider of loss control inspection software for
insurers, today announced the launch of an iPad app to provide an
additional option to field inspectors using the RC Inspection loss
control solution.

"This is big news for us as well as our clients," said David Hanley of
Risk Control Technologies, "although our clients have been utilizing
our offline Windows tablet application in the field for more than 8
years now, the excitement around the iPad made it impossible for us to
ignore the need for an app specific to this device".

The benefit of an app specific to Apple devices is that users can
complete their work in an offline state (if required), as well as
leverage the native iPad tools such as the camera, GPS and touch-screen
capabilities to even further streamline their field inspection
processes.  The RC Inspection Windows tablet application remains
available, but insurers now have the option of deploying iPads to some
or all field inspectors for use in the field.

The RC Inspection solution streamlines the loss control process for
insurers.  It allows mobile loss control inspectors to electronically
receive work requests and collect information in the field including
assessment data, recommendations, digital photos and diagrams.  Data is
then uploaded into a central database which allows underwriters to
utilize the information in making underwriting decisions.  The central
data repository offers data mining and reporting capabilities which
have traditionally been unavailable in the paper-based loss control
environment in which most insurers operate.

The Risk Control Technologies loss control solution is currently used by
loss control departments of leading insurers such as Shelter Insurance
Companies, Society Insurance, Allstate Canada and The Guarantee Company
of North America.

To view a 2-minute animated video about the solution, visit http://www.betterlosscontrol.com.

About Risk Control Technologies Inc.

Risk Control Technologies Inc. uses leading-edge technology to simplify
what are traditionally horribly onerous, paper-based processes in the
insurance industry.  Today, the loss control solution developed by Risk
Control Technologies is used by leading insurers throughout North
America. 

SOURCE  Risk Control Technologies Inc.

Risk Control Technologies Inc.

CONTACT:  visit www.riskcontroltech.com.

ParkMe, Magnifis Announce Partnership

Addition of Hands-Free Technology to Parking App a 'Game Changer'

LOS ANGELES, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ParkMe, a Los Angeles-based company that is the nation's leading provider of parking information to navigation companies and smartphones, announced today that it will partner with Magnifis to add its world-class parking information to its voice-based driver assistant application.

Magnifis' Android app, called "Robin," is a challenger to Evi and Apple's Siri. Robin is specifically designed to be the driver's personal voice assistant, the first of its kind (think KITT from the Knight Rider series). It aims to address the driver's needs in a distraction-free manner, at a high level of contextual awareness and overall user experience. Besides real-time parking guidance, Robin can help the driver with traffic information, navigation, local search, up-to-date gas prices and infotainment, all via a voice/gesture interface. The company says it employs "cut- above" intelligence because it can keep track of the conversation.

"ParkMe's renowned app and database of parking information, combined with Magnifis' capabilities, will provide our users with safe, hands-free information. It's a fantastic use of our parking information," Sam Friedman, CEO of ParkMe, said.

Magnifis CEO Ilya Eckstein believes the app's highlights are its simplicity and emphasis on safety. "The app can be activated by simply waving one's hand over the phone, optimizing the experience of driving and searching," Eckstein said. 

ParkMe's app includes a database of more than 26,000 parking locations through the U.S., Canada and Europe. It provides information on availability, rates, hours of operation and entry points. It also gives users the ability to reserve and pay for parking in select locations. Some real-time on- and off- street locations exist, with many more to follow.

Studies show that up to 30 percent of urban congestion is caused by people searching for parking. "ParkMe's app is helping to cut down on this problem by providing the best, most dynamic parking data in real time," Friedman said.

"This new app by Magnifis protects from the dangers of distracted driving. We are delighted that Magnifis has chosen ParkMe as its real-time parking provider," Friedman said.

About ParkMe

Based in Los Angeles, ParkMe is the leading provider of parking information to navigation companies and smartphones. Its mission is to make parking easier. ParkMe collects and aggregates data about both on-street and off-street parking and has built the world's most comprehensive parking database. This includes more than 26,000 worldwide locations in more than 500 cities, 19 countries and three continents. ParkMe's free app, ParkMe, helps drivers find parking in real time from their smartphones.

ParkMe is backed by a highly respected group of investors, including Fontinalis Partners and IDG Ventures. Fontinalis Partners is a leading transportation technology strategic investment firm founded by Bill Ford, Ralph Booth, Mark Schultz, Chris Cheever and Chris Thomas. IDG Ventures is a global network of venture capital funds with approximately $5 billion under management and a portfolio of over 220 companies built over the last 15 years. For more information about ParkMe, please visit: http://www.parkme.com

About Magnifis

Based in Palo Alto, Calif., Magnifis is a leading creator of conversational speech understanding solutions across multiple domains and languages. Magnifis is backed by private investors. For more information, please visit: http://www.magnifis.com.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-19882_3-57392489-250/new-android-voice-assistant-robin-rides-shotgun/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=title

Contact: Kevin J Blomberg
Kevin@parkme.com
310-451-9109

SOURCE  ParkMe

ParkMe

Web Site: http://www.magnifis.com

Row 44 and Wireless G Bring Cyberspace to South African Airspace

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. and HIGHVELD PARK, South Africa, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Row 44, Inc., provider of the world's leading In-Flight Broadband Entertainment Ecosystem, and its African partner, Wireless G, in association with Mango and Vodacom, launched G-Connect In-Flight Wi-Fi on Africa's first broadband Internet-enabled flight. The service provides Mango's passengers with full Internet connectivity through their personal WiFi-enabled devices. Services include email, web browsing, access to all social networks, and a web-based air-to-ground SMS service.

On the launch, Wednesday evening at Lanseria Airport near Johannesburg, Wireless G and its South African partners made the following statements:

"The G-Connect In-Flight Wi-Fi service is offered in a totally new, integrated model which is a first of its kind in the world and which can be regarded as a new carrier-grade telecommunications access medium," said Wireless G CEO, Carel van der Merwe. "Social networks and the tsunami of next generation Wi-Fi enabled devices and the related converged ecosystems makes in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity more relevant. Moreover, the specific way in which it is offered as an integrated telecommunications Internet access medium, is essential for our future convergence plans," said van der Merwe.

Mango CEO Nico Bezuidenhout said that the introduction of on-board connectivity fulfils the airline's on-going ideal of innovation in aviation and its desire for product differentiation. "In a highly competitive market where everything tastes like chicken, it's important to taste like beef. Innovation is a cornerstone of our business along with sustained affordable fares that are relative to the prevailing market."

Vodacom provides the satellite infrastructure to ensure that the G-Connect In-Flight Wi-Fi service will keep people connected even as they travel at over 800km/h. "This takes the notion of a mobile device to a whole new level - literally. We know how much customers value being connected; in fact 88% of people surveyed said they'd like to have broadband access when they fly. Vodacom prides itself on having the widest network coverage and thanks to our satellite technology the sky is no-longer the limit," said Sipho Maseko, CEO of Vodacom.

"Row 44 congratulates Wireless G and its partners, Mango and Vodacom, on this impressive accomplishment in being the first partnership to deliver a true in-flight broadband experience to South Africa, one of the world's most important commercial and cultural centers," said Row 44's CEO, John LaValle. "We are proud to be part of this partnership and look forward to supporting continued innovation with this team."

The roll-out of the G-Connect In-Flight Wi-Fi service is underway and Mango's entire fleet will be outfitted by the end of the year.

About Row 44, Inc.

Row 44, Inc. provides the world's leading In-Flight Broadband Entertainment Ecosystem for commercial airlines. The company's flying Wi-Fi hotspot -- which delivers the world's fastest aviation broadband speeds to passengers -- provides airlines with an unmatched selection of revenue-generating and experience-enhancing entertainment, shopping and destination services. The company is partnering with innovative airlines around the globe to improve the commercial flying experience -- including world-renowned Southwest Airlines and Market Leadership Award recipient Norwegian Air Shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.row44.com.

About Wireless G

Wireless G was founded in 2002 and has since established itself as a leader and innovator in the South African broadband market. Being the first to converge various networks, operators and platforms into a single revolutionary offering, Wireless G is fast evolving into one of South Africa's leading telecommunications enabling enterprises. Wireless G is also the only South African company who have converged and offers 3G, ADLS, Wi-Fi and In-Flight Wi-Fi on a single online platform.

For more information visit http://www.gconnect.co.za.

SOURCE  Row 44, Inc.

Row 44, Inc.

CONTACT: Row 44 Media Contact, Robbie Hyman, +1-818-917-4806, rhyman@row44.com, or Wireless G contact, alex@cerebra.co.za

Web Site: http://www.row44.com

Hadapt and Cloudera Deliver Big Data Analytics with Apache Hadoop

Hadapt Selects Cloudera Manager and CDH as Hadoop Foundation for Adaptive Analytical Platform

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hadapt, creator of the industry's only Big Data platform natively integrating Apache Hadoop and a relational DBMS, and Cloudera, the leading provider of Apache Hadoop-based data management software, services and training, today announced the integration of Hadapt's Adaptive Analytical Platform with Cloudera Manager and Cloudera's Distribution Including Apache Hadoop (CDH). This enables organizations to reliably store, process, and analyze big data on Hadoop.

"Organizations are looking to capitalize on the Big Data phenomenon and make business decisions via 'multi-structured' data analysis. Hadapt runs on top of the Hadoop market leader, Cloudera, to provide an integrated analytical offering that delivers greater insights and unparalleled performance," said Hadapt CEO Justin Borgman. "CDH and Cloudera Manager are widely adopted by our customers, and our partnership with Cloudera ensures our joint customers have the necessary support as they adopt Hadapt's analytics platform for structured and unstructured data."

"Hadapt's innovative approach to data management complements CDH by incorporating the benefits of a relational DBMS into the Hadoop stack. Hadapt's certification with CDH and Cloudera Manager enables customers to seamlessly analyze their structured and unstructured data within a single platform," said Tim Stevens, Vice President of Business and Corporate Development at Cloudera.

Many of the Big Data challenges facing enterprises today involve the analysis of a complex mix of structured and unstructured data, coupled with data silos and scalability issues. Hadoop's linear scalability allows organizations to cost-effectively store, process, and analyze all of their data within a single system. The industry's most widely adopted Apache Hadoop distribution, CDH is a 100 percent open source platform comprised of Apache Hadoop and more than one dozen additional open source components, integrated into a single enterprise-ready data management system. Cloudera Manager empowers organizations to more efficiently deploy, manage and optimize Hadoop clusters throughout their entire operational lifecycle.

Hadapt's Adaptive Analytical Platform is built entirely on Hadoop, and enables new kinds of analytical workloads across massive sets of multi-structured data. The product's unique architecture combines the scalability, fault-tolerance, and load-balancing of Hadoop with the native SQL support and fast query performance of a relational database, permitting rapid analytics at very large scale.

About Cloudera

Cloudera, the leader in Apache Hadoop-based software, services and training, enables data driven enterprises to easily derive business value from all their structured and unstructured data. Cloudera's Distribution including Apache Hadoop (CDH), available to download for free at http://www.cloudera.com/downloads, is the most comprehensive, tested, stable and widely deployed distribution of Hadoop in commercial and non-commercial environments. For the fastest path to reliably using this completely open source technology in production for Big Data analytics and answering previously un-addressable big questions, organizations can subscribe to Cloudera Enterprise, comprised of Cloudera Manager software and Cloudera Support. Cloudera also offers training and certification on Apache technologies, as well as consulting services. As the top contributor to the Apache open source community and with tens of thousands of nodes under management across customers in financial services, government, telecommunications, media, web, advertising, retail, energy, bioinformatics, pharma/healthcare, university research, oil and gas and gaming, Cloudera's depth of experience and commitment to sharing expertise are unrivaled. http://www.cloudera.com

About Hadapt

Originating from research at the Yale computer science department, Hadapt delivers the only big data analytics platform that natively integrates Hadoop with advanced database technology, allowing for the integrated analysis of structured and unstructured data. For more information, visit http://www.hadapt.com.

Media Contacts:
Amber Winans
cloudera@bhavacom.com
(510) 984-1526

Larry Bouchie
larry.bouchie@hadapt.com
(781) 620-0278

SOURCE  Hadapt, Inc.

Hadapt, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.hadapt.com

Gamesys: Lucky Gamer in Wonderland After Superb Win at Jackpotjoy!

LONDON, May 10, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

    Margaret N is the latest lucky winner of the fabulous multi line slot, Wonderland.
Found only on the UK's most popular gaming website, Jackpotjoy, Wonderland is an
enchanting game that's full of surprises. Margaret won GBP2,236 and was understandably
very surprised!

    Jackpotjoy's multi line slots games [http://www.jackpotjoy.com/online-slots ] are a
twist on the classic slot machine, and with such a successful and iconic history it's easy
to see why these games are so staggeringly popular. What makes the Multi Line slots unique
is the ability to win on more than one line. You simply select the number of win lines you
would like and your coin size is automatically multiplied by this number. It makes no
difference to the amount you can win because that's affected only by your coin size, so
it's really easy to manage the amount you want to wager.

    Wonderland is the most enchanting of all the multiline slots. You could win big at the
Mad Hatters tea party, or while painting all the roses red before the Queen appears.
There's really never a dull moment in this game, and if you're lucky enough you may even
win one of our Progressive Jackpots. They grow every time you play, so the prize can run
into thousands. With coin sizes starting at just 1p every level of spend is catered for
and it can suit any budget.

    Margaret was stunned to learn of her win, saying "it was a lovely win, and a lovely
surprise it has been indeed!" Congratulations Margaret and well done. We hope you enjoy
your win, maybe you could use it to visit Jackpotjoy again in the future.

    Come and join in the fun yourself. If you're unsure whether or not it's for you try it
in the free demo mode to get used to it first before you venture to win real money
[http://www.jackpotjoy.com/win-money ]. We look forward to seeing you soon, who knows, you
could win next.

    GAMESYS

    The Gamesys Group was founded by Noel Hayden in April 2001 with a small team of
developers. The aim was to build a profitable online entertainment business providing a
range of great online games and useful information such as the Irish Lotto Results. For
more information visit jackpotjoy.com or refer to our You Tube
[http://www.youtube.com/jackpotjoy ] or Twitter accounts.

Source: Jackpotjoy

Contact: Gamesys, Aga Reszka, +44(0)20-7478-8100,
press@gamesys.co.uk

European Commission: PAY.ONs routing gateway 'PayPipe' provides required variety of cross-border payment options

MUNICH, May 10, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

    In response to the European Commission's Green Paper 'Towards an integrated European
market for card, internet and mobile payments', the 'Ecommerce Europe' association demands
a broader range of payment systems. Most of all bottlenecks appear in the availability of
cross-border payment systems, especially in online banking. Therefore the association
calls for more innovation. With the global routing gateway 'PayPipe', the processing
provider PAY.ON offers already a ready-made solution that provides cross-border online
payments quickly and easy. Via 'PayPipe', payment market participants have also a direct
access to more than 100 international and European payment methods.

    According to 'Ecommerce Europe', the major obstacle to eCommerce growth is that
consumers in the single European market are not offered enough alternative, supranational
online payment methods. According to PAY.ON, this point of view falls to short, because it
does not take into account long-year shopper expectations. According to PAY.ON, it is with
regard to the check-out conversion rate of benefit that shop owners offer all respective
domestic payment methods the shopper is used to and trusted in. In the background, the
payment service provider has to provide each shop a simple and flexible global payment
solution from a single source. Payment providers which are connected to 'PayPipe' offer
their online shops a direct access to more than 100 international payment methods -
including European online payment methods. This way, online shops could match the
requirement of their foreign customers - simply and swiftly - over one interface.

    "PayPipe" is a routing gateway for global payment that connects payment service
providers, acquirers, risk management providers and other financial institutions over only
one API - including also Europe, of course. 'PayPipe' is one of the largest routing
gateways of its kind. More than 100 different international payment methods are ready for
connection. "PayPipe" covers all requirements - including nearly all alternative and
region-specific payment methods. In identifying the appropriate methods and partners
clients are supported by the 'PayPipe' management teams specifically.

    For more information, visit http://www.paypipe.com

    About PAY.ON:

    PAY.ON AG is the world's leading provider for web-based payment infrastructure
services and provider of the payment processing platform 'PaySourcing' (white-label
payment gateway) as well as of the routing gateway 'PayPipe'. 'PaySourcing' allows clients
to outsource all relevant eCommerce-typical payment and risk management processes into the
cloud or to become a payment service provider in a cost-, time- and resource-saving way.
'PayPipe' is a high-performance routing gateway, which connects payment market
participants worldwide by using only one API. 'PayPipe' accelerates the global
availability for all market participants like no other network. Accordingly, transactions
are processed in all payment methods in any currency across all systems. Every PAY.ON
system is PCI-DSS certified and therefore compliant with the international payment
standards and requirements. For more information, visit: http://www.payon.com

   
    PAY.ON AG - press contact:
    Wilhelm Fuchs
    Manager Press & Public Relations
    E-Mail: press@payon.com
    URL: http://www.payon.com
    +49-89-45-230-562

Source: PAY.ON AG

Axcient Launches Next Gen Platform to Provide Instant Cloud Recovery of Data, Applications, and Systems

Latest Release of Axcient Cloud Continuity Ensures an End to Downtime for SMBs

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Axcient, the leading provider of cloud-based data and application protection and uptime solutions for the Small and Mid-Sized Business (SMB) market today announced significant advances in its cloud-based business continuity capabilities. Axcient Cloud Continuity ends downtime for SMBs by enabling businesses to launch a virtual office in the cloud when primary systems go down. This ensures that no matter what happens, employees can continue working on their data and use their applications from any device at any location.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100504/AXCIENTLOGO)

Today's advancements make failing over systems to the Axcient platform instantaneous, delivering businesses their critical applications and data with only the time it takes a server to reboot. And because Axcient believes in bringing a consumer approach to enterprise IT, the next generation of Cloud Continuity includes additional intelligence and automation so that setup can be done with just a couple of clicks.   

"Traditional backup is an antiquated way of viewing the problem that SMBs face. SMBs want to ensure they never lose data, that they can access information from any device at any time, and that their critical systems and applications are always up and running, ensuring uninterrupted employee productivity," said Justin Moore, CEO of Axcient. "With this latest release of Cloud Continuity we not only ensure that SMBs can launch their critical servers and infrastructure in the cloud easily, we've made it so that they can do it instantly."

The latest release of Cloud Continuity also ensures a painless experience for the end user. Intelligent technology infers network settings to make it easy for end users to instantly virtualize their office. With the newest enhancements, users can establish secure connectivity between virtual and physical offices and fail back faster through concurrent restoration of servers. Advancements also bring the ultimate usability to IT providers, with additional user controls, alerts, and reports.

"We appreciate Axcient's ongoing enhancements and innovations, which allow us to bring the latest backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity technology to our customers," said Tim Lasonde, President of NSK Inc., a Boston-based IT services company. "Cloud Continuity allows us to protect our customers from data loss or system downtime, and it's one of the main reasons we decided to partner with Axcient."

About Axcient

Because downtime is never an option, Axcient ensures data and application uptime, all the time, with its hybrid cloud backup, business continuity, and disaster recovery solution. Axcient's patent-pending technology is built from the ground-up for the small and mid-sized business (SMB) market to deliver unparalleled ease of use and cost effectiveness. Currently protecting more than 2 billion files, applications and systems in the cloud, Axcient is used by more than 100,000 business professionals to ensure total productivity all the time. To learn more, visit http://www.axcient.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and our Blog.

SOURCE  Axcient

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100504/AXCIENTLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Axcient

CONTACT: Will Stickney, Horn Group for Axcient, +1-415-905-4025, william.stickney@horngroup.com

Web Site: http://www.www.axcient.com

Square Enix, Inc. and GameStop Put The Crosshairs On HITMAN: ABSOLUTION With Announcement Of Groundbreaking Pre-Order Initiative

Players Who Pre-Order HITMAN: ABSOLUTION at GameStop Can Immediately* Play Stand-alone HITMAN: SNIPER CHALLENGE Experience

LOS ANGELES, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, in association with GameStop®, the world's largest multichannel video game retailer, today announced HITMAN: SNIPER CHALLENGE(TM), a stand-alone sniper experience exclusively in North America for GameStop customers who pre-order HITMAN®: ABSOLUTION(TM). The HITMAN: SNIPER CHALLENGE pre-order promotion will be available starting May 15, 2012. HITMAN: ABSOLUTION will be available on November 20, 2012 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120510/LA04680)
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030403/SQUARELOGO)

Developed by IO Interactive A/S, a Square Enix studio, HITMAN: SNIPER CHALLENGE is not part of the main game, but a stand-alone experience to reward fans who pre-order HITMAN: ABSOLUTION. Players can don the suit of Agent 47 as he takes on an exclusive assassination assignment. From a balcony overlooking a rooftop gathering, players will be tasked with taking out Richard Strong, Jr., CEO of Stallion Armaments, along with his entire staff of bodyguards. Skilled players will capitalize on score multipliers, hidden secrets, unlock equipment upgrades and marvel at the many creative ways one can discretely dispose of a body while they work to fulfil their contract in the most efficient way possible.   

An online leaderboard allows players to compare their sniping abilities with monthly prizes, keeping the stakes high through launch. In North America, the top sniper at the time of HITMAN: ABSOLUTION's launch will win a trip for two to Copenhagen, Denmark where they will meet with the HITMAN development team and have their likeness incorporated into the next HITMAN game.  Keep an eye on http://www.HitmanSniper.com for more details. Additionally, the high-powered Kazo TRG sniper rifle used in the challenge can be carried over into the main game along with all the "Sniper Challenge" upgrades and unlockables earned.

"HITMAN: SNIPER CHALLENGE sets a new industry standard for pre-order incentives," said Mona Hamilton, vice president of marketing at Square Enix, Inc. "For all those HITMAN fans that just can't wait to play HITMAN: ABSOLUTION, they can immediately take part in an exclusive competition featuring the original assassin when they pre-order at GameStop."

Available May 15, HITMAN: SNIPER CHALLENGE will be downloadable exclusively for customers who pre-order through GameStop for the PlayStation®Network and Xbox LIVE®. The Windows PC version will be made available through Steam on August 1, 2012. For more information, please visit: http://www.HitmanSniper.com.

* Customers will be able to pre-order HITMAN: ABSOLUTION from May 15 and will be able to play HITMAN: SNIPER CHALLENGE from May 15 through access to Xbox LIVE or PlayStation Network. The PC version will be made available through Steam from August 1. Terms of the pre-order program will be set by individual retailers in each country where HITMAN: ABSOLUTION is available for pre-order. Please refer to retailers for full terms and details.

About HITMAN: ABSOLUTION
HITMAN: ABSOLUTION follows Agent 47, a cold-blooded assassin, who takes on his most dangerous contract to date. Betrayed by those he once trusted -- and now hunted by the police -- Agent 47 suddenly finds himself at the center of a dark conspiracy and must embark on a personal journey through a corrupt and twisted world.

Developed by IO Interactive A/S, a Square Enix studio, HITMAN: ABSOLUTION is not yet rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at http://www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

Related Links
HITMAN: SNIPER CHALLENGE Official website: http://www.HitmanSniper.com
HITMAN: ABSOLUTION Official Homepage: http://www.Hitman.com
HITMAN: ABSOLUTION Official Facebook® page: http://www.facebook.com/Hitman
Join the HITMAN community: http://www.barcode-society.com

About GameStop
GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME - News), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is the world's largest multichannel video game retailer. GameStop's retail network and family of brands include 6,683 company-operated stores in 17 countries worldwide and online at http://www.GameStop.com. The network also includes: http://www.Kongregate.com, a leading browser-based game site; Game Informer(R) magazine, the leading multi-platform video game publication; Spawn Labs, a streaming technology company; and a digital PC game distribution platform available at http://www.GameStop.com/pc.

General information on GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company's corporate website. Follow GameStop on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/GameStop and find GameStop on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/GameStop.

About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 59 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na.

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION © 2012 Square Enix, Ltd.  All rights reserved. HITMAN, HITMAN: ABSOLUTION, AGENT 47, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, FINAL FANTASY, IO INTERACTIVE, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of Square Enix Group. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE  Square Enix, Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030403/SQUARELOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120510/LA04680
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Square Enix, Inc.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Stewart, Square Enix, Inc., +1-310-846-0400, na.pr@square-enix.com, Marion Wallace, Bender/Helper Impact for Square Enix, Inc., +1-310-694-3151, marion_wallace@bhimpact.com

Web Site: http://www.square-enix.com

EMC Acquires XtremIO

HOPKINTON, Mass., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

News Summary:

    --  EMC acquires Flash storage pioneer XtremIO
    --  XtremIO's all-Flash, scale-out, enterprise storage architecture was
        designed to leverage Flash memory.
    --  XtremIO technology to complement the range of EMC Flash-based systems
        and software stemming from EMC's early entry into the Flash storage
        market.
    --  The all-cash transaction is not expected to have a material impact to
        EMC GAAP or non-GAAP EPS for the full 2012 fiscal year.
    --  Additional details will be presented at EMC World
Full Story:

EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) today announced that it has acquired privately held XtremIO. Widely regarded as one of the world's premier Flash storage architecture pioneers, Herzliya, Israel-based XtremIO provides an added dimension as EMC(®) continues to enhance and broaden its world-leading Flash storage portfolio. The all-cash transaction is not expected to have a material impact to EMC GAAP or non-GAAP EPS for the full 2012 fiscal year.

XtremIO's all-Flash, scale-out, enterprise storage architecture was designed to leverage the speed and unique abilities of Flash memory. The addition of XtremIO extends EMC's lead in developing and delivering networked storage infrastructures that are dynamically optimized for performance, intelligence, and protection for both physical and virtualized cloud environments.

Additional details will be provided at EMC World, which is being held May 21-24 at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

EMC Flash Leadership

The addition of XtremIO complements the range of EMC Flash-based systems and software stemming from EMC's early entry into the Flash storage market in 2008 when it became the first to integrate Flash drives into enterprise storage arrays.  In 2011, EMC shipped to customers over 24 PBs of Flash drive capacity.

Flash drives in the EMC VMAX , VMAXe , VNX, VNXe and Isilon storage arrays now enable customers to achieve an order of magnitude better performance than 15K HDDs  for those applications and data sets requiring the additional performance.  Placing Flash technology in the server on a PCIe card, as evidenced by EMC VFCache, can accelerate performance up to another order of magnitude than 15K HDDs. EMC has also announced "Project Thunder," optimized for high-frequency, low-latency read/write workloads. Project Thunder will build upon the advanced PCIe technology delivered in VFCache to leverage the power of Flash through a dedicated Server Networked Flash-based appliance. EMC FAST (Fully Automated Storage Tiering) software  enables customers to automatically move high-performance--or "hot"--data to enterprise Flash drives to improve application and storage system performance, and automatically move less-active data to SAS/FC and NL-SAS/ SATA storage tiers to reduce costs.

EMC Executive Quote

Pat Gelsinger, President and Chief Operating Officer, EMC Information Infrastructure Products

"XtremIO brings to EMC amazing technology with a fantastic team that's captured praise from early-view customers and many of the industry's foremost thinkers. We fully expect XtremIO technology, once introduced to market, to have a tremendous impact on our customer's ability to leverage the unique advantages of all-Flash storage across many of their most demanding applications."

About EMC

EMC Corporation is a global leader in enabling businesses and service providers to transform their operations and deliver IT as a service. Fundamental to this transformation is cloud computing.  Through innovative products and services, EMC accelerates the journey to cloud computing, helping IT departments to store, manage, protect and analyze their most valuable asset -- information -- in a more agile, trusted and cost-efficient way. Additional information about EMC can be found atwww.EMC.com.

Additional Resources

    --  News Release: EMC VFCache Signifies a New Era for Enterprise Flash
        Technology
    --  Watch the  Video: EMC Talks Flash
    --  Watch the Video: Wikibon on The Evolution of Flash
    --  Connect with EMC via Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and ECN
EMC, EMC VFCache, VMAX, VMAXe, VNX, VNXe and Isilon are registered trademarks or trademarks of EMC Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Federal Securities Laws.  Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risk factors, including but not limited to: (i) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions; (ii) delays or reductions in information technology spending; (iii) the relative and varying rates of product price and component cost declines and the volume and mixture of product and services revenues; (iv) competitive factors, including but not limited to pricing pressures and new product introductions; (v) component and product quality and availability; (vi) fluctuations in VMware, Inc.'s operating results and risks associated with trading of VMware stock; (vii) the transition to new products, the uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings and rapid technological and market change; (viii) risks associated with managing the growth of our business, including risks associated with acquisitions and investments and the challenges and costs of integration, restructuring and achieving anticipated synergies; (ix) the ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees; (x) insufficient, excess or obsolete inventory; (xi) fluctuating currency exchange rates; (xii) threats and other disruptions to our secure data centers or networks; (xiii) our ability to protect our proprietary technology; (xiv) war or acts of terrorism; and (xv) other one-time events and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in EMC's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  EMC disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

SOURCE  EMC Corporation

EMC Corporation

CONTACT: Dave Farmer, +1-508-293-7206, dave.farmer@emc.com

Web Site: http://www.emc.com

Motorola Mobility's New Optical Node Is Yet, Another Innovation in the Evolution of Networks and the Future of TV

Motorola to Unveil VSN200 Optical Node @ Cable Show 2012

HORSHAM, Pa., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) continues to drive the future of TV by making the network smarter and more efficient. Today, it announced yet another innovation to its leading Broadband Access Networks (BAN) product portfolio - the Motorola VSN200 Optical Node.

The VSN200 marks the latest in a series of innovations in Motorola's 1 GHz BAN product portfolio that enables cable operators to leverage their existing infrastructure to significantly, quickly and cost-effectively increase bandwidth capacity to offer the new, bandwidth-consuming entertainment services that their consumers crave.

About the VSN200

How do you economically provide ultra-broadband services, while optimizing your existing infrastructure, to deliver the future of TV? Motorola's BAN product portfolio provides cable operators with an end-to-end 1GHz solution that leverages existing network infrastructure while significantly increasing bandwidth capacity. Cable operators will be able to support additional HD channels, deliver more VOD support and provide faster up and downstream bandwidth services. The VSN200 1 GHz 2X2 Optical Node provides the smart solution to a complex issue facing service providers today.

The Motorola VSN200's flexible design is the key to offering tremendous network and economic efficiencies.  With the VSN200, operators can repurpose existing housings by efficiently installing the new system using only an Electronics Package (E-Pack) and Lid swap, avoiding the costly downtime of cutting out the entire node to make the upgrade. As a result, they can quickly upgrade their network, minimize installation times, and avoid costly downtimes associated with removing the entire node. TheVSN200 features enhanced Gallium Nitride performance that provides high RF output levels, making it equally well suited to deploy as a fiber-deep satellite node.

Key Benefits:

    --  Flexible Design
    --  Increased Network Performance/Expanded Capacity
    --  Cost Efficiencies
    --  Fast Upgrades
    --  Minimized Installation Times
    --  Appropriate for Fiber Deep Applications
"The recent advancements we've made in our BAN portfolio are yet another example of how Motorola continues to drive the evolution of TV and a smart, simple connected home. We will continue our relentless focus on innovating Optics and Network technology to empower our customers to meet increasing consumer demand for more video and connectivity across all of their screens," said Joe Cozzolino, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Motorola Mobility's Network Infrastructure Solutions business.

"Broadband networks are evolving and require flexible solutions that increase network performance instantly with minimal downtime to keep pace with the incredible consumer hunger for new advanced, bandwidth-intensive services," Cozzolino continued.

Motorola's new VSN200 Optical Node will be on display @ The Cable Show 2012 in Boston @ Motorola's Booth #733, as part of Motorola's leading BAN portfolio.

The latest innovations in Motorola's BAN portfolio also include:

Modular HUB (MOTr)

Motorola also recently announced its end to end optical transport and modular Hub solution, MOTr. Designed to keep network costs minimized, MOTr enables network simplification by replacing physical hub locations that house complicated Broadcast/Narrowcast designs with a field-hardened MOTr modular Hub enclosure that supports up to 64 nodes with Full Spectrum Multi-wavelength designs. Deploying MOTr solutions provides benefits such as reducing the quantity of physical hubs (reduced CapEx), simplifying operations over Broadcast/Narrowcast (reduced OpEx) and extending network reach to new subscribers (increased revenues).

The MOTr is designed to be easy to install, and is delivered to customers as a fully configured and tested product, minimizing the need for any field configuration.

The MOTr solution enables operators to achieve distributed network segmentation, balance passive losses, and add additional capabilities such as RFoG (Radio Frequency over Glass), Ethernet aggregation, and traditional HFC node functions.

Multi-Wavelength Transport Solutions

Motorola also recently announced its suite of multi-wavelength transmitters, which allow operators to further minimize segmentation costs by conserving fiber while providing best in class performance at every price point, for all digital and mixed analog/digital systems. The solutions maximize existing network capacity while also driving advancements for tomorrow's bandwidth needs. Motorola is expanding its portfolio of multi-wavelength and fiber deep solutions with the addition of Low Noise Full Spectrum optical receivers across the node portfolio.   Combined with the full portfolio of Motorola headend optics and scalable nodes, operators can deploy even more cost effective, flexible and high performance end-to-end multi-wavelength solutions.

Nextgen Digital Return System

Motorola also recently announced its next generation digital return system that provides cable operators with a flexible solution for increasing upstream bandwidth capacity and evolving their HFC networks. This high performance system supports DOCSIS 3.0 and 256 QAM modulation when deployed in 42 MHz, 65 MHz or 85 MHz return bands. No additional changes to the system are necessary when an operator is able to take advantage of the wider return band, protecting the operator's investment and making this a truly future proof innovation. Now Motorola announces customer shipments of its new digital return system are underway. Decision factors that were cited in the awards include beneficial features such as Motorola's use of pluggable SFP optics and the integrated status monitoring that provides node telemetry without the additional expense of a transponder.

About Motorola Mobility

Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE:MMI) fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people's lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.

Media Contacts
Jeanne Russo

+1 215-323-1880
jeanne.russo@motorola.com

Kalia Farrell

+1 215-323-1059
kalia.farrell@motorola.com

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. All other products or service names are the property of their respective owners.© 2012 Motorola Mobility Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE  Motorola Mobility, Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20020307/MOTLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Motorola Mobility, Inc.

Web Site: http://motorola.com/mobility

xG Technology Successfully Demonstrates High Quality Mobile Broadband Connection

xMax Cognitive Radio System Integrates Transparently with Off-The-Shelf Smartphones and Laptops

SARASOTA, Fla., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- xG Technology, the developer of a portfolio of wireless communications technologies, including cognitive radio networks, announced today the successful demonstration of the latest version of its next-generation xMax wireless broadband system. The xMax 2.0 system delivered wireless data at broadband speeds to a group of rural telco executives' smartphones and laptops while they were traveling in a moving vehicle near xG's Fort Lauderdale facilities.  Users were able to seamlessly access the Internet through the xMax system without using a commercial cellular connection or using any capacity from their cellular data plans.

"Independent telecom operators need to have a cost-effective and high-performance wireless capability if they are to remain relevant to today's consumers, who are demanding more mobile broadband connectivity and services in rural markets," said Townes Tele-Communications, Inc. ("Townes") Chief Executive Officer, Larry Townes, one of the executives present for the demonstration. "I was impressed by xG's progress, as well as the capabilities xG was able to deliver to my smartphone without using any of my cellular minutes or data allotment.  My managers like that xMax will allow them to deliver new services to their customers' existing mobile devices."

Townes recently completed xMax network trials in its Lewisville, Ark., market, as well as in one of its other rural markets in MacClenny, Fla. xG has also signed memoranda of understanding with additional independent telecommunications carriers to conduct deployment trials once sufficient quantities of the new generation of xMax equipment becomes available.

The xMax equipment demonstrated has application across a range of wireless markets since the system is able to deliver a broadband connection using free, unlicensed spectrum. The frequencies used in the demonstration were crowded and had significant interference; however, xG's newly developed multi-antenna technology was able to deliver increased range and connection reliability even under these harsh conditions. 

"These results have confirmed the performance predicted by the detailed propagation simulation models developed by xG's engineering team," said Scott Garlington, Engineering VP at xG.  "We continue to make steady progress in the integration and commercialization of our IP portfolio and it is great to see that the system is living up to our high expectations."

These new broadband data capabilities build upon xMax's proven voice and messaging features, and will enable xG to offer a single fully integrated mobile solution capable of delivering everything over Internet Protocol (EoIP) to any IP-enabled end user device. Customer demonstrations for xMax cognitive radio systems are expected to accelerate throughout the remainder of the second and third quarters of 2012, with commercial availability of xMax expected in early 2013.

ABOUT xG TECHNOLOGY

xG Technology is a leading developer of innovative and disruptive communications technologies for wireless networks.  Its patented intellectual property portfolio covers a broad range of applications, including smart wireless networks that can help address the looming global spectrum shortage.  The Company is commercializing some of these technologies to create xMax, the world's first carrier-class cognitive (i.e. smart) radio network. xMax's standards-based IP architecture minimizes network deployment, management and operational costs while simplifying the delivery of fixed and mobile services.  Using field-proven technology, xMax enables the delivery of mobile broadband services in both licensed and unlicensed bands.  xMax enables carriers and other wireless network operators to utilize and monetize free unlicensed spectrum to deliver high quality voice and data services.  Based in the U.S., xG has more than 60 U.S. and more than 130 international patents and pending patent applications.  For more information, please visit http://www.xgtechnology.com.

Contacts

xG Technology, Inc.

http://www.xgtechnology.com

John Coleman, Chief Executive Officer, +1 212 651 4219

Roger Branton, Chief Financial Officer, +1 212 651 4219

James Woodyatt, Investor Relations, +1 954 572 0395

SOURCE  xG Technology, Inc.

xG Technology, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.xgtechnology.com

SunGard Availability Services Consulting Introduces New Practice and Focus on Operational Resilience

WAYNE, Pa., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --SunGard Availability Services today announced the refocusing of its consulting organization to improve the resilience of its clients' operations.  SunGard Consulting helps organizations build the most effective strategy for managing operational risk while ensuring availability through innovative business continuity strategies, enabling technologies such as cloud computing, and improving efficiencies through high-performing IT operating models.

The SunGard Consulting practice leverages a combination of proprietary and industry best practices and tools to better assess, prioritize and manage controls for operational risks.  The practice utilizes SunGard's new proprietary Risk, Resilience and Recovery (R3) framework methodology and quantifiably measures risk by leveraging software tools such as the RiskView Business Risk Analytics(TM) solution from Rev2®.

SunGard has also established a partnership with The Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute to use their Resilience Management Model CERT-RMM, a management model for operational resilience.  "We are pleased to welcome SunGard Availability Services as an SEI Partner, with a staff trained, and a practice built, around leveraging the RMM model," said Lisa Masciantonio, manager of the SEI Partner Network.  "Our Partners are a valuable extension of the SEI, helping to meet the demand for SEI courses and services worldwide with a level of quality that matches the SEI's own."

"SunGard Consulting brings unmatched experience in the three pillars of operational resilience - business continuity/disaster recovery, security and IT operations," said Warren Zafrin, SunGard Availability Services, Service Lines and Solutions managing partner. "We can help customers measure their ability to control operational resilience, and determine how their organizations will perform under times of stress, disruption and changing risk environments.  This can enable them to improve their compliance posture and lower operational risks."

The SunGard R3 Framework takes a holistic approach to operational risk management.  It starts at the enterprise level to understand current maturity of the risk management posture, processes and tools of a client organization.  The framework provides an organization with useful risk data and analytics to better measure and align operational risk programs across the enterprise and promotes integration with the business' broader operational framework.

"SunGard is leveraging the best of both worlds: proprietary experience from their own high caliber availability experts, certification by industry leading resiliency models, and tools for operational risk," explained Jason Buffington, senior analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG).

SunGard's R3 Framework leverages existing risk data and industry-based operational risk management data, allowing practice consultants to reduce the time required for discovery phases.  In a client engagement, SunGard uses a tailored, highly repeatable framework of risk management processes that address the dynamics of the organization and its operational and strategic challenges.

Combining the theory framework of CERT-RMM with the R3 implementation model aligns risk appetite to business objectives and provides a transparent structure for driving operational resilience.  This approach gives the business the tools, training and guidance it needs to maintain operations before, during and after an event that impacts the business.

SunGard uses Rev2's patent-pending RiskView Business Risk Analytics solution to help reduce the client's organizational risk profile.  RiskView provides the ability to identify, compare and quantify vulnerabilities across an entire enterprise before they impact business performance.  RiskView identifies the materiality of risks according to their potential impact on business performance, helping clients to prioritize and schedule business process improvement, problem resolution and overall spending.  "We are thrilled that RiskView has been selected as a cornerstone of the R3 Framework initiative," said Rev2 CEO Robert Cruickshank.  "SunGard Consulting has developed an industry-leading operational resilience practice and we're looking forward to this opportunity to work with closely with the team."

About SunGard Availability Services

SunGard Availability Services provides disaster recovery services, managed IT services, information availability consulting services and business continuity management software to over 9,000 customers globally.  With approximately five million square feet of datacenter and operations space, SunGard Availability Services helps customers improve the resilience of their mission critical systems by designing, implementing and managing cost-effective solutions using people, process and technology to address enterprise IT availability needs. Through direct sales and channel partners, we help organizations ensure their people and customers have uninterrupted access to the information systems they need in order to do business. To learn more, visit http://www.sungardas.com or call 1-800-468-7483.  Connect with us on Twitter,LinkedIn and Facebook.

About SunGard

SunGard is one of the world's leading software and technology services companies.  SunGard has more than 17,000 employees and serves approximately 25,000 customers in more than 70 countries.  SunGard provides software and processing solutions for financial services, education and the public sector.  SunGard also provides disaster recovery services, managed IT services, information availability consulting services and business continuity management software.  With annual revenue of about $4.5 billion, SunGard is the largest privately held software and services company and was ranked 480 on the Fortune 500 in 2011. For more information, please visit http://www.sungard.com.

Trademark Information: SunGard and SunGard logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of SunGard Data Systems Inc. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries. All other trade names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

SOURCE  SunGard Availability Services

SunGard Availability Services

CONTACT: Chris Drago, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications, SunGard Availability Services, +1-408-410-4591, christopher.drago@sungard.com

Web Site: http://www.sungardas.com

Can We Talk? Verizon and Virtual Hold Technology Help Organizations Dial Down Hold Times

New Voice Call-Back Solution Improves Customer Experience

ASHBURN, Va., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Probably nothing is more frustrating to a caller trying to reach a customer service representative than having to endure a seemingly endless wait on hold. Now, a new service developed by Verizon Enterprise Solutions and Virtual Hold Technology can provide callers with another option: They can skip the wait, hang up and receive a call back.

The service, Voice Call Back, is available immediately to businesses and government agencies, and it aims to help organizations with call centers to achieve often competing objectives of higher customer satisfaction and cost management.  It uses advanced software from Virtual Hold Technology and is an enhancement to Verizon's cloud-based Hosted Interactive Voice platform in the company's Contact Center Services portfolio.   

"We know that callers are less inclined to complain about the wait when it's on their own terms," said Mike Palmer, vice president of marketing for Verizon Enterprise Solutions.  "This advancement to our contact center services platform will help our customers improve service delivery for their customers -- and transform their business by providing a better overall customer experience."

Here's how the service works:  During busy calling times, callers hear a recording notifying them of the estimated wait time and are given the option to receive a call back from a representative at a time and phone number they select.  Since customers know when to expect a return call, the service has a successful reconnection rate of more 90 percent.

The agreement between Verizon and Virtual Hold Technology combines Verizon's network and years of experience in providing contact center solutions to the enterprise market with Virtual Hold's feature-rich call-handling software.

The new service is already helping one federal agency that receives nearly 2 million inquiries each month improve customer response and reduce costs. Since the service is cloud-based, customers don't need to make large up-front capital investments.

Virtual Hold Technology's president and founder Mark Williams, said: "Verizon's well-established hosted IVR platform is a market-leader today, and we look forward to working together to deliver our enhanced capabilities to large business and government customers. Our new agreement with Verizon will enable Virtual Hold to reach new markets, and support the growing demand on the call center market."

About Virtual Hold Technology

Virtual Hold Technology® (VHT®) is the leading innovator of virtual queuing solutions worldwide. VHT solves the ubiquitous problem of hold time for customers on a variety of channels, including voice, mobile and web. VHT's virtual queuing solutions provide real-time tools and business analytics that save companies money, optimize customer interactions and transform the customer experience. To learn how VHT can help increase your customers' satisfaction and improve your contact centers' operational efficiency, visit http://www.virtualhold.com, call 877-886-8187 or email info@virtualhold.com.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with 93 million retail customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500.  A Dow 30 company with $111 billion in 2011 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 192,000.  For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news.  To receive news releases by email, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

SOURCE  Verizon

Verizon

CONTACT: Debbie Lewis, +1-215-466-6872, debbie.lewis@verizon.com, Stefanie Scott, +1-512-495-6730, stefanie.scott@verizon.com

Web Site: http://www.verizon.com