News

PPC Associates Kicks Off Fitbit® ROI (Return On Intensity) Challenge

PPC Associates Believes All-Day Tracking Devices Bring Fun and Community to Office Health

SAN MATEO, Calif., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PPC Associates, a San Francisco Bay Area-based digital marketing company with over 60 clients and $85 million in annual spend, kicked off a company-wide Fitbit ROI (Return On Intensity) Challenge Thursday on April 16th to celebrate tomorrow's National Walking Day.

The eight-week corporate wellness challenge, which pits the company's Bay Area office against its Chicago office, measures each group's collective miles traveled, steps taken, and "active score" and compares totals on a weekly basis. The data is collected through each PPC Associates employee's individual Fitbit Ultra, the market-leading wireless activity tracker. The Fitbit Tracker monitors steps, distance traveled, and calories burned; information is automatically uploaded to individual online accounts. Because Fitbit.com offers the ability to connect with friends and family, PPC Associates team members will be able to track each other's progress. The company will announce weekly winners, and the office that wins the overall competition will receive a prize to be announced at the close of the challenge.

PPC Associates has nearly doubled its revenue and number of employees over the past year. The Fitbit ROI Challenge has two important purposes: to improve employee health awareness and build community.

"Outfitting our team with Fitbit Ultras is a pure stroke of genius, for which I deserve absolutely no credit," PPC Associates CEO David Rodnitzky said, deferring to Chicago office manager Brittni Hamman. "This has been a great way to build team unity, make us healthier, and have a little fun in the process. And with Fitbit Trackers and their online and mobile solution, creating such a program was very easy."

"It's great to see PPC Associates create such a fun, community-building wellness program with our product    They really embraced the key elements of a great program -- providing a device to employees that accurately tracks all-day activity, requires no effort to upload your information, and has the ability to share online to build a little competition," said Woody Scal, Fitbit's Chief Revenue Officer.

About PPC Associates
PPC Associates' roster of clients includes e-commerce, lead gen, private-sale sites, and B2B. The agency recently scored 91% on a Net Promoter System® study measuring client satisfaction and is accepting inquiries from savvy and growing prospective clients. Information can be found at http://www.ppcassociates.com or by emailing info@ppcassociates.com.

About Fitbit
Founded in 2007 in San Francisco, CA, Fitbit is dedicated to delivering simple, innovative health and fitness products and services that help people lead healthier, more active lives by giving them the tools to become more aware, more motivated and more fit every day. Fitbit's Ultra Wireless Activity + Sleep Tracker is the leading wireless fitness tracker on the market, with distribution at leading national retailers such as Amazon.com, Best Buy, Brookstone, Radio Shack, REI and Target.  Fitbit is funded by the Foundry Group, True Ventures and SoftTech VC. For more information, please visit http://www.fitbit.com or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Media inquiries
fitbit@oco.com
415-367-4102

    CONTACT: Hillary Read, PPC Associates Marketing Manager
             hillary@ppcassociates.com; 603 359-0039
SOURCE  PPC Associates

PPC Associates

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

GeoEye and Rolta Form Strategic Partnership to Develop Advanced Geospatial Solutions for Global Markets

Innovative Solutions Will Target Defense and Commercial Users

AMSTERDAM, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GeoEye, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEOY), a leading source of geospatial information and insight, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to partner with Rolta, a global, leading provider of innovative IT solutions. With this new partnership, Rolta gains access to GeoEye's high-resolution satellite imagery, services and expertise to develop innovative geospatial products and services. Rolta plans to offer these GeoEye-enabled solutions to its customers across high-growth global markets, beginning with India.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080625/LAW528LOGO)

Today's military commanders working in digital battlefield environments need intelligent maps derived from geospatial data and map-accurate imagery to make effective command and control decisions in the field. Rolta is exploring opportunities to leverage GeoEye's imagery service and predictive analytics' expertise to develop defense and homeland security solutions served from its Geospatial Fusion Platform to help users see, understand and anticipate change when lives are at risk.

Preetha Pulusani, Rolta's chief strategy officer, said, "Rolta has been engaged in providing geospatial solutions for over two decades. Imagery plays a critical role - especially for defense and homeland security - to enable users to rapidly analyze change, visualize impacts and make informed decisions in the field in a timely manner. We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with GeoEye to provide our customers with tools and content to meet their most challenging needs."

Rolta also plans to develop intelligent 3-D city solutions for commercial users in urban planning, construction and infrastructure development. Ninety percent of the fastest-growing metropolitan economies are located outside North America and Western Europe and in regions such as Southern Asia. Rolta intends to offer these high-growth global markets financially accessible 3-D model solutions developed from GeoEye satellite imagery.

Tony Frazier, GeoEye's senior vice president of Marketing, said, "Geospatial intelligence has become crucial to decision making. We are excited about this partnership and believe that our world-class imagery, information service capabilities and expertise, coupled with Rolta's product development and IT services track record, will produce innovative geospatial solutions that deliver clear, deep and timely insights to global government and commercial users."

About Rolta
Rolta is a leading provider of innovative IT solutions for many vertical segments, including Utilities, Governments, Transportation, Process, Power, Banking and Insurance. These enterprise level solutions are built around Rolta's intellectual property and domain expertise to offer unique business intelligence for impactful insights for effective decision making. Rolta's solutions framework includes Geospatial FusionTM, a suite to integrate disparate spatial and business data; Rolta OneViewTM, a BI solution for operational excellence; and Rolta iPerspectiveTM, a unique platform for SOA and "Cloud" enablement. Rolta's intellectual property repository contains cutting-edge software for mapping and earth sciences, providing the foundation for Defense and Homeland Security solutions including C4ISTAR information systems, Military Communications, Digital Soldier, and Vehicle Systems. Rolta is a multinational organization headquartered in India, which has executed projects in over 40 countries. Rolta has a countrywide infrastructure and international subsidiaries across the globe. Forbes Global ranked Rolta amongst the "Best 200 under a Billion" four times in six years. The Company is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange in cash and F&O segment, and forms part of various indices on BSE/NSE. The Company's GDRs are listed on the Main Board of London Stock Exchange and its FCCBs are listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.

About GeoEye
GeoEye is a leading source of geospatial information and insight for decision makers and analysts who need a clear understanding of our changing world to protect lives, manage risk and optimize resources. Each day, organizations in defense and intelligence, public safety, critical infrastructure, energy and online media rely on GeoEye's imagery, tools and expertise to support important missions around the globe. Widely recognized as a pioneer in high-resolution satellite imagery, GeoEye has evolved into a complete provider of geospatial intelligence solutions. GeoEye's ability to collect, process and analyze massive amounts of geospatial data allows our customers to quickly see precise changes on the ground and anticipate where events may occur in the future. GeoEye is a public company listed on NASDAQ as GEOY and is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia with more than 750 employees worldwide. Learn more at http://www.geoeye.com.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limitation, the words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating to growth, expected levels of expenditures and statements expressing general optimism about future operating results, are forward-looking statements. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements and those presented elsewhere by our management from time to time are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in "Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2011, which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 13, 2012, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2011, June 30, 2011, and Sept. 30, 2011, which we filed with the SEC on May 10, 2011, Aug. 2, 2011 and Nov. 1, 2011, respectively. Copies of all SEC filings may be obtained from the SEC's EDGAR Web site, http://www.sec.gov/, or by contacting: William L. Warren, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, at 703-480-5672.

SOURCE  GeoEye, Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080625/LAW528LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
GeoEye, Inc.

CONTACT: Investor Relations, Randy Scherago, +1-703-480-6325, scherago.randy@geoeye.com, or Media, Val Webb, +1-303-254-2120, webb.val@geoeye.com, or Sales, Andy Stephenson in Asia, +65 62322966, stephenson.andy@geoeye.com, all of GeoEye; or A.P.Singh of Rolta, +91 (22) 2926 6666, ap.singh@rolta.com

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

Parks Associates to Present Connected Home Research and Preview of CONNECTIONS(TM) at TIA 2012 in Webcast Thursday

DALLAS, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Parks Associates will host the complimentary webcast "New Developments in the Connected Home" on Thursday, April 26, 1:00 p.m. CDT. The webcast is a preview of the 16th Annual CONNECTIONS(TM): Digital Living Conference & Showcase at TIA 2012, June 5-7, in Dallas, Texas.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120307/MM66462LOGO)

CONNECTIONS(TM) focuses on innovative solutions for the connected consumer and leading strategies to monetize digital content, mobile applications and services, value-added services, connected consumer electronics, and home systems. The conference features research sessions on OTT video, mobile and product apps, and connected CE.

At the end of 2011, the number of U.S. broadband households with at least one Internet-connectable CE product (excluding PCs and mobile devices) connected to the Internet reached 40%. Nearly 40% of smart-TV households access online movie and TV show content, from sources such as Netflix, Amazon, and Best Buy's CinemaNow, on at least a monthly basis.

During the Thursday webcast, analysts will discuss the following CONNECTIONS(TM) topics:

<blockquote>
Connected CE: Growth and New Apps
Home Systems: New Networks and Interoperability
Tech Support: New Revenues, Consumer Use, and Partnerships
4G Services and Mobile Operator Strategies: New Use Cases and Opportunities
Trends in Video and Entertainment Services
Partnerships and Competition among Connected Home Players

</blockquote>
     WHAT:                                           Webcast: "New Developments in the Connected Home"
     DATE:                                           Thursday, April 26
     TIME:                                           1:00-2:15 p.m.
     FREE REGISTRATION:
      http://www.parksassociates.com/events/
      connections-us/media/webcast
      *Presentation with audio link will be provided
      to all registrants.
CONNECTIONS(TM) keynote speakers are Kevin Petersen, SVP, AT&T Digital Life, AT&T Services; Mike Ritter, Chief Marketing Officer, Consumer and Mass Business Markets, Verizon; and Kristen Bowring, Senior Director, Platform Lead Home and Energy Management, Best Buy.

Media can apply for a CONNECTIONS(TM) conference press pass at http://www.parksassociates.com/events/connections-us/media/presspass.

CONNECTIONS(TM) sponsors: CEA, IBM, Actiontec, Affinegy, Allegro Software, Digitalsmiths, F-Secure, PacketVideo, Quatrro, Sutherland Global Services, Verizon, Waterstone Management Group, Arrayent, Irdeto, Sigma Designs, and HomePlug Powerline Alliance.

To speak with an analyst or review specific research, contact Holly Sprague at hsprague@gmail.com, 720-987-6614.

About CONNECTIONS(TM)

Hosted by international research firm Parks Associates, CONNECTIONS(TM) at TIA 2012 focuses on innovative solutions for the connected consumer and leading strategies to monetize digital content, mobile applications and services, value-added services, connected consumer electronics, and home systems.

sales@parksassociates.com; 972-490-1113; http://www.connectionsconference.com.

Holly Sprague
Parks Associates
720-987-6614
hsprague@gmail.com

SOURCE  Parks Associates

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120307/MM66462LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Parks Associates

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

ACTV8.me Makes Bold Move Into Digital Currency Space By Creating Digital Wallets For Television Viewers Interacting With Television Shows

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ACTV8.me now enables TV networks to monetize an entirely new space, the distribution of digital currency. As major innovations are being made with Google Wallet (Google Inc., Public) and PayPal (a subsidiary of eBay Inc., Public), ACTV8.me is positioned to turn the mobile wallet opportunity into a huge revenue play for the TV broadcast sector.  After only two months of deployment, the early adoption behavior is remarkable. The early data shows that the app user is interacting an average of 10 times per episode and accepting over 2 offers per episode. Use and adoption are driven via providing real interactive entertainment. Over and above true interactive entertainment, the app becomes a vehicle for distribution of advertiser based digital value to smart phones and rewarding consumers for interacting with major TV shows through ACTV8's second screen apps.

Considering the size of the TV audiences that are exposed to the ACTV8 technology, the potential to drive adoption is enormous. On one episode alone of "Celebrity Apprentice" there are approximately 10 million total viewers that are exposed to the opportunity to interact and be rewarded. This incentive will certainly help migrate consumers from the old fashioned wallet to new wallets on mobile devices. Early trials include mass marketing campaigns with Walgreens (Walgreen Co) retail tie in, and with General Motors (General Motors Company), Kraft (Kraft Foods Inc.)and O Cedar.

To further its move into the digital mobile wallet space, ACTV8.me announced an innovative partnership with Tango Card to provide a loyalty and reward mechanism for ACTV8.me's interactive second screen apps. The currency and rewards redemption enabled via the Tango card include tie-ins with Amazon (Amazon.com Inc.), The Gap (The Gap Inc.), Fandango, Target (Target Corporation)    , Nike (NIKE, Inc.), and Starbucks Corporation.

Major networks and producers including Fox Broadcasting Company, Mark Burnett, Oxygen TV, Virgin Produced and others have teamed with ACTV8.me to provide compelling interactive entertainment with second screen apps. Some of these apps include powerful social features that will enhance how viewers watch and engage and virally share offers from their favorite shows.  Tango Card will manage the delivery and use of the value earned through many of these programs - providing incentives for engagement ranging from leader board toppers to real reward from advertisers for social content sharing and coupon downloads. This opens unique opportunities for advertisers and brands to connect with consumers in digital, social, and highly quantifiable ways.

Tango Card has a history of putting gift cards and rewards where they've never been before. David Leeds, Founder and CEO of Seattle-based Tango Card says, "Their direct partnerships with the largest networks and the most popular primetime shows allow them to engage viewers in a unique and incredibly defensible way. We are thrilled to be working alongside ACTV8 to usher in this new era of interactive TV." 

The partnership's goal is to deepen viewer engagement and enhance advertising opportunities. The partnership begins in the synchronized Celebrity Apprentice app which features exclusive content, info on the celebs, trivia, and games. Through the second screen apps, the leader board toppers of both the East and West Coasts win Tango Cards that can be redeemed at http://www.tangocard.com/actv8.

ACTV8.me works alongside major TV networks and production partners to empower hit TV shows, delivering a complete global media integration platform and bringing new user experiences to life in next-generation TV connectivity. ACTV8.me Founder and CEO Brian Shuster predicts, "and as media consumption habits change dramatically, ACTV8.me and its partners are poised to bring new value to the networks, the advertisers, and most importantly the consumer. Tango Card was an obvious choice for us when we needed a forward-thinking and versatile rewards partner."

About ACTV8.me
ACTV8.me empowers hit TV shows with its technology working alongside major TV networks and production partners, ACTV8.me delivers a "complete global media integration platform," which brings amazing new user experiences to life in next-generation TV connectivity.

ACTV8.me is also working with its network and production partners to create new bi-directional TV entertainment; a new breed of interactive TV shows will emerge from these partnerships.

ACTV8.me leads the way in developing and designing new second-screen interactive TV shows, interfaces and mobile applications that facilitate discovery of content and users' relationships with it. With its proprietary technologies, ACTV8.me marries broadcast and cable television to the two largest social media platforms on the planet, and then makes it all interactive, thus creating the ultimate uber platform.

Its second-screen platform was built over three years with a vision and focus to empower subscribers to interact with TV content, while integrating social channel engagements, such as Facebook and Twitter, and a new digital ad model that creates a first of its kind, one-to-one relationship with the consumer. Their deployments enhance the TV viewing experience by providing interactivity, social game mechanics, community sharing and exclusive offers in the form of real-time digital coupons.

http://www.actv8.me

About Tango Card
Tango Card is an enterprise platform that delivers digital gift cards and rewards for online, social and gamified applications, and emerging online channels.  Tango Card's integrated solutions can be seen in its partnerships with treat.com (Shutterfly) and Bing, and its unique software solutions can be seen at Salesforce.com and on the various mobile app stores.

http://www.tangocard.com

                           Media contacts:
         Steve Webster                         Chris Stolte
              CMPR                                 CMPR
     Office (310) 426-9900                 Office (310) 426-9900
     stevewebster@cmpr.net                    chris@cmpr.net

SOURCE  ACTV8.me

ACTV8.me

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

Sears Holdings Announces New Venture With Addition Of MetaScale(SM)

Company's Managed Services, Data Management and Analytics Now Available to Enterprises

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sears Holdings (NASDAQ: SHLD), today announced the addition of a wholly owned subsidiary called MetaScale, a best-in-class provider of technology managed services and data solutions. MetaScale specializes in solutions for traditional brick-and-mortar enterprises across all industry verticals looking to efficiently establish and grow their big data expertise, experience immediate tactical success and begin to build out their fundamental big data capability in an organized and precise fashion.

According to International Data Corporation (IDC), 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created every day--so much that 90 percent of the data in the world today has been created in the last two years alone. With 40 percent growth in global data generated per year versus 5 percent growth in IT spending, business enterprises are experiencing an increased need for big data management and smart infrastructure creation.

MetaScale provides managed services related to the widely adopted Apache Hadoop data management framework, enabling enterprises to drive new business value from their data with end-to-end solutions through a secure, private cloud environment.

MetaScale's services include building and configuring the Hadoop cluster; operating, managing and monitoring the cluster; integrating with other data management technologies; running data-cleansing and other data management projects; writing and developing MapReduce applications; and custom solution design and system integration.

"MetaScale is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of large-scale enterprise projects," said Keith Sherwell, CIO for Sears Holdings. "From a competitive standpoint, MetaScale has identified a gap in the market to provide a superior managed-services model to other large-scale traditional enterprises that haven't taken advantage of or investigated the potential of Apache Hadoop."

With an emphasis on data management infrastructure and associated services, MetaScale was developed over the past two years and expects to leverage its Hadoop expertise to partner with analytics tools and service providers, as well as system integrators that lack Hadoop-based infrastructure capabilities.

For more information about MetaScale and its support services, visit http://metascale.com or connect with MetaScale at http://www.linkedin.com/company/metascale-llc and http://www.twitter.com/bigdatamadeeasy.

About MetaScale
MetaScale provides best-in-class, technology-managed services and solutions to enterprises that are looking to unlock the potential in their data without the time, cost and complexity associated with traditional big data initiatives. MetaScale delivers an end-to-end solution so time is better spent in analyzing or massive-scale batch processing of data in a cloud model. MetaScale provides a full spectrum of services in a private cloud that leverages Hadoop, and helps businesses perform complex analytics and batch-production schedules not possible prior to Hadoop.  Part of the Sears Holdings family of companies (Sears Holdings Corporation-NASDAQ SHLD), MetaScale offers a mix of speed, scale, skills, and end-to-end solutions unavailable anywhere else in the big data space.

About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation is a leading broadline retailer with over 4,000 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, consumer electronics, and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at http://www.searsholdings.com. Twitter: @searsholdings| Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SHCCareers.

MEDIA CONTACT
Tom Aiello
Sears Holdings
847-286-7387
tom.aiello@searshc.com

SOURCE  Sears Holdings

Sears Holdings

Web Site: http://metascale.com

NextAdvisor.com Announces Launch of Photo Card and Invitation Reviews

Create the Best Personalized Card for Any Occasion

SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- NextAdvisor.com, a leading independent review site for online services, today announced its new custom photo cards and invitations category, where the site's editors review nearly a dozen major players in the market for personalized holiday cards, party invitations, graduation announcements, wedding stationery, birth announcements and more.

Custom photo card and invitation sites generally offer products for almost any life event, including new babies, birthdays, holidays, and weddings. These sites allow you to upload your own photos and add them, along with whatever text you'd like, to sleek templates from professional stationery designers. With cards available in almost any price range, unique customized stationery is accessible for pretty much everyone.

From Tiny Prints, Minted and Paper Culture to Shutterfly, Snapfish and Zazzle, NextAdvisor.com rated each site's design tools, card selection, and product quality to find the best provider for every budget and project. Editors made a customized order from each provider, assessing the design process, available templates, shipping and return policies and final product in each case. NextAdvisor.com's reviews lay out all the important details, from the card stock each site prints on to the quality of its photographic printing and the availability of samples and proofs.

"Consumers want to choose a great source for their cards, without having to make multiple orders to test out services," said Lifestyle Editor Mary Humphreys. "Our reviews can help identify great products and companies without having to make a lot of different orders or spend hours browsing all the sites. We try to lay out every factor that goes into making this kind of decision so consumers can do all their research from one central place."

"These sites are great for almost any event, from the birth of a new baby to graduation ceremonies, weddings, birthdays, and the holidays," said Humphreys, "and their offerings can be complex. Each user has different priorities, so we worked to make it clear where each site shines, so consumers can choose the right one for any project." In addition to highlighting the best services overall, NextAdvisor editors singled out a few sites that offered great deals on particularly small or large orders as well as the best high-end cards and the best bargains. 

To find out more about all the photo card services NextAdvisor.com reviews, visit http://www.nextadvisor.com/photo_cards/index.php.

About NextAdvisor.com:
NextAdvisor.com provides independent reviews of online services for consumers and small businesses. The company's mission is to help its visitors save money and make optimal buying decisions by presenting them with useful comparisons and reviews of service providers and a clear explanation of each service and how it works. The company currently reviews, compares and explains many different types of services including credit cards, credit report monitoring, identity theft protection, diet plans, VoIP, online dating, online backup, Internet security software, internet fax and web hosting.

SOURCE  NextAdvisor.com

NextAdvisor.com

CONTACT: Nikki Nardick of SS|PR, +1-847-415-9307, nnardick@sspr.com, for NextAdvisor.com

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

New NI PXI Switch Features Solid-State Architecture to Increase RF Test System Life and Speed for High-Volume Applications

AUSTIN, Texas, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

News Highlights

    --  The NI PXI/PXIe-2543 solid-state switch module offers faster switching
        and an unlimited mechanical lifetime for routing RF signals up to 6.6
        GHz.
    --  The switch increases test throughput and provides long-term measurement
        repeatability in many high-volume RF production test applications,
        including semiconductor and mobile device testing.
    --  The switch module further extends NI's broad portfolio of PXI modular
        instruments to address the latest RF engineering challenges.

National Instruments (Nasdaq: NATI) today introduced the new NI PXI/PXIe-2543 solid-state RF multiplexer, which gives test engineers a long-lasting, high-performance solution to optimize the routing of RF signals up to 6.6 GHz. Its solid-state architecture facilitates faster switching and more repeatable measurements than traditional electromechanical switching solutions.

Quote
"The new NI PXI/PXIe-2543 solid-state switch builds on the success of the industry-leading NI PXI platform and offers the speed and dependability of a solid-state architecture to RF applications," said Charles Schroeder, director of test marketing at National Instruments. "With this switch, automated test engineers can integrate and synchronize numerous PXI instruments, including RF generators and analyzers, to get the most out of their test systems and further increase accuracy and throughput."

    --  6.6 GHz dual 4x1 multiplexer for high-density RF switching, ideal for
        multisite test
    --  Solid-state architecture for superior switch lifetime
    --  50 Ohm termination on all channels for improved RF performance
    --  Integrated PXI triggering for fast and repeatable measurements

Click to Tweet: From @NIGlobal: new #PXI solid-state switch gives long life, increases test throughput in RF automated test systems http://bit.ly/I6M40N

Learn more about the NI PXI/PXIe-2543 and other NI switches with these additional resources:

    --  Product: http://www.ni.com/switches
    --  NI RF Test Solutions: http://www.ni.com/rf
    --  NI PXI Solutions: http://www.ni.com/pxi

About National Instruments
Since 1976, National Instruments (http://www.ni.com) has equipped engineers and scientists with tools that accelerate productivity, innovation and discovery. NI's graphical system design approach to engineering provides an integrated software and hardware platform that speeds the development of any system needing measurement and control. The company's long-term vision and focus on improving society through its technology supports the success of its customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders.

National Instruments, NI and ni.com are trademarks of National Instruments. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

    Editor Contact:            Sarah Beck, (512)
                               683-5126
    Reader Contact:            Ernest Martinez, (800)
                               258-7022

SOURCE  National Instruments

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080723/LAW030LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
National Instruments

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

MaRS announces JOLT: New technology accelerator will combine creative design and business expertise to build growth companies

Leading angel investors to fund initiative

TORONTO, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - MaRS today announced the creation of
JOLT, a new technology accelerator dedicated to building high-growth
web and mobile companies that promise to transform the way consumers
and enterprises connect, work and play.

Housed in the MaRS Commons, JOLT will select up to 15 high-potential startups annually, providing
them with space, seed financing and mentorship, as well as access to
partners and some of the top angel and venture capital investors in the
industry. The goal of the program is to accelerate market validation
and, in turn, help these companies secure the capital and talent
necessary to scale efficiently.

"Five years ago, MaRS set out to build a platform upon which the next
generation of technology companies could scale," said Dr. Ilse
Treurnicht, CEO, MaRS Discovery District. "JOLT is a key component of
this platform, serving the needs of entrepreneurs in the exploding IT,
communications and entertainment space by giving them the tools,
capital and advice required for success, and fostering tomorrow's
growth economy."

To help support and guide startups to market entry, JOLT has attracted
more than 70 experienced entrepreneurs and executives from many of Canada's leading startups, and venture capital, technology
and entertainment companies, including: Polar Mobile, Spark59, Virgin
Gaming, Google, Zynga, Kobo, and more.

"We are very excited to act as a partner in JOLT," said JOLT investor
Jonathan Straus. "A mentor-based incubator enables entrepreneurs to
benefit from the experience of those who have been there before. This
guidance is invaluable in the challenging period of starting a business
and can mitigate some of the risk for early-stage investors."

JOLT is collaborating with a number of key partners who will actively
commit their time, expertise and services to help JOLT companies become
market leaders, including the CFC Media Lab, a unique training and creative production think-tank for emerging new
media developers; and JET Cooper, a leading user design and experience agency. By combining their
expertise in the creative arts and design with MaRS' business-building
experience, JOLT will be a unique Canadian technology accelerator.

The program has also partnered with The Working Group, a top web and mobile development shop in Toronto; Media Profile, one of Canada's most successful public relations firms; Global Accelerator Network, an international alliance of organizations that operate accelerator
programs, championed by TechStars; and Postmedia Network Inc., the largest publisher of English daily newspapers in Canada.

"Postmedia Network is proud to support innovation in the digital space
and help mentor the best and brightest on their path to future
success," said Paul Godfrey, President and CEO, Postmedia Network. "We
are pleased to work with MaRS Discovery District and JOLT to accelerate
great ideas in this country."

Susan McGill will act as the Executive Director of JOLT. A builder of technology
companies and brands, Sue has advised and been actively involved in
over 200 startups in the emerging technology space, with hands-on
experience at DWL (acquired by IBM), MySpace and JUICE Mobile. She has
also worked as an executive at RIM, Yahoo! and CanWest. "A focus on
creative, design and technology elements is critical to the success of
these emerging companies," said McGill. "Our partners' expertise in
these areas, coupled with the guidance of our influential and
experienced business mentors, will assist companies as they progress
through the JOLT program, helping them to define, grow and launch
disruptive, high-growth businesses."

JOLT will announce the call for applications shortly.

About MaRS

MaRS Discovery District (http://www.marsdd.com) (Twitter: @MaRSDD) is a mission-driven innovation centre located in
Toronto. MaRS works with partners to catalyze, accelerate and amplify
innovation. MaRS supports entrepreneurs building Canada's next
generation of growth companies.

About JOLT

JOLT (http://www.joltco.ca) (Twitter: @joltco) is a Toronto-based startup accelerator dedicated to
building high-growth Canadian web and mobile companies focused on
startups in the IT, communications and entertainment industries. JOLT
offers these selected companies working space in the MaRS Commons, seed financing and mentorship, as well as access to seasoned partners
and some of the top angel and venture capital investors in the
industry. By combining the expertise of its numerous partners in the
creative arts, design and technology sectors with MaRS'
business-building experience, JOLT provides the selected companies with
business validation, streamlined market entry and a greater opportunity
for success.

About Postmedia Network Inc.

Postmedia Network Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Postmedia Network
Canada Corp. (TSX:PNC.A, PNC.B), is the largest publisher by
circulation of paid English-language daily newspapers in Canada,
representing some of the country's oldest and best known media brands.
Reaching millions of Canadians every week, Postmedia Network engages
readers and offers advertisers and marketers integrated solutions to
effectively reach target audiences through a variety of print, online,
digital and mobile platforms.

SOURCE  MaRS Discovery District

MaRS Discovery District

CONTACT:  Chris Stevenson
Director, Communications
(416) 673-8104
cstevenson@marsdd.com

Acentic Launches Panorama SMART Integrated IPTV Complete Solution with LG's Smart LED TVs

COLOGNE, Germany, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Acentic, a leading supplier of broadband systems and digital interactive TV (iTV) for the hotel industry, announced today that it has launched its Panorama SMART solution integrating its SMART IPTV system and the smart LED TVs from LG. The solution leverages all services and functionality of Panorama but eliminates the need for set-top boxes hence reduces hardware and cabling reducing hardware and ongoing operating costs resulting for greater ROI from installations.

With this integration, hoteliers deliver consistent high-quality HD in-room entertainment and information services to guests and hotel staff, turning the TV set into an intuitive, interactive communication tool.

Without the cables or set-top box hardware costs, hoteliers will experience a more efficient, cost-effective installation and system maintenance. The platform continues to provide the exceptional picture and sound quality for which Panorama is known, plus supports additional guest services that drive incremental revenue such as internet connectivity, Acentic Media, mobile apps, SMART Conference etc.

The smart LED TVs from LG with the integrated Acentic Panorama SMART software will be demonstrated in cooperation with LG Electronics during the 2012 Hotel Show in Dubai, May 15-17 following a recent installation in the region.

"We are thrilled to announce this integration of our sophisticated software application on LG's smart TVs, as it allows hoteliers to effortless offer advanced IPTV on Acentic's latest Core GUI+, delivering a large number of HD and radio channels, an extended app portfolio as well as Horizon wireless internet connectivity," said Richard Robinson, CEO of Acentic. "The all-in-one solution with reduced hardware opens up the opportunity to integrate greater functionality and guest services in software format powered by the Acentic Cloud services. This furthers our vision for Acentic as a complete technology provider, not only for the hospitality market, but for all businesses and multi-room properties."

"A lot of hotels in Europe and the majority of Middle East properties, almost 80 percent, work over IP network and need a cost-effective, optimised solution for TV, entertainment and information services. Acentic has been an excellent partner as we worked together on the convergence of our Smart TV and the Panorama SMART platform to meet the needs of the hospitality market," said Shawn Kim, Head of B2B Operations Europe for LG Electronics.

About Acentic Group

Acentic is an international provider of high-speed Internet access solutions, digital TV services and hospitality-focused mobile apps to hotels. Acentic's digital content, technology, support and services deliver information and communication, as well as entertainment and revenue generation tools, via the hotel television, providing a unique communications system that meets the evolving lifestyles of guests. For more information, visit http://www.acentic.com. 

Acentic Media Contacts:
Smaro Makaronidou
Acentic
+49-171-6973108
smaro.makaronidou@acentic.com

ink Communications for Acentic:
Kelsey Barry
+1-857-264-7993
kelsey@theinkstudio.com

Alex Crabb
+1-617-398-6037
alex@theinkstudio.com

Acentic

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

FreeWave Technologies Announces Wireless I/O Solution for Automated Monitoring and Control of Circuit Breakers in the Smart Grid

Circuit breakers serve critical functions in both the protection system and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system used for power switching

BOULDER, Colo., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced its wireless I/O radios are enabling real-time automated monitoring and control of circuit breaker technology in Smart Grid systems. FreeWave Technologies is the only wireless data radio provider with expandable I/O devices that offer universally configurable I/O channels for analog input, analog output, digital input, digital output and sensor power, making them ideal for Smart Grid applications, among others.

"We are finding new exciting uses for our wireless I/O radios across multiple industries," explained Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer of FreeWave Technologies. "For example, utility operators and technicians at electric power plants can identify the exact circuit breaker that tripped even before the first customer complaint reaches the office, helping them prevent outages before they have a widespread impact.  Utilities aiming to improve overall customer satisfaction and reduce fines imposed by regulators (for failing to deliver electric power) can avert them from even happening by deploying FreeWave's I/O solutions for support."

Circuit breakers disconnect separate sections of a distribution grid so that an overload condition on one section of a power grid can be isolated. By proper planning and spacing of circuit breakers, utilities can isolate fault conditions to small sections of the grid and reduce the number of customers exposed to possible outages or spotty service. Utilities can further reduce costs of regulatory fines by resolving the fault and restoring service quickly.

In the past, field technicians would have to manually inspect each circuit breaker in the area of a reported power outage and identify the tripped breaker. Now, instead of spending the time and manpower necessary to manually respond to power outage issues, utilities can actively mitigate customer dissatisfaction and regulatory fines through proactive, automated monitoring with FreeWave's wireless I/O radios and expansion modules. The expansion modules have discrete inputs used to monitor breaker status and condition and discrete outputs used to control the breaker itself. This functionality provides utilities with automated control and monitoring of one of the most critical systems in the entire power grid and points the field technicians straight to the problem, saving both time and money.

"Our radios have been relied on in some of the harshest environments and in the most demanding applications on earth," continued Sharma. "Since electric utilities are graded on their reliability, the adoption of wireless I/O and the flexibility it offers represents one of the simplest and most straightforward ways to ensure utility performance and uptime and ultimate customer satisfaction."

For more information about FreeWave's line of I/O wireless data radios, please visit (http://www.freewave.com/PRODUCTS/ALLPRODUCTS/IOExpansion.aspx).

About FreeWave Technologies

Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success - where failure and down-time are not an option - trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company's website at http://www.freewave.com/; connect with the company via Twitter: @freewavetech or follow the company on Facebook at (http://www.facebook.com/pages/FreeWave-Technologies/323638857657624).

Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
cjefffers@catapultpr-ir.com

SOURCE  FreeWave Technologies

FreeWave Technologies

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

Next Generation Streaming App Puts Focus on Artist Profit

101 Arena launches as first service offering 100 percent payout on all net advertising to artists and film makers, besting Spotify and others.

PHOENIX, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 101 Distribution has announced the launch of 101 Arena, the first and only free streaming music service to pay 100 percent of all advertising revenue generated directly to artists and film makers. This solution comes in response to growing controversy surrounding marginal payments for unlimited listens through popular services like Grooveshark, Spotify, RDIO, Rhapsody and others.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120424/LA86301)

"101 Arena will be the most functionally disruptive business model today's music industry will be forced to embrace," said Damon Evans, Executive Director of 101 Distribution. "No streaming service in operation today can accommodate free consumer access and 100 percent ad revenue payout to content owners."

World-famous acts such as the Black Keys, Coldplay, Radiohead, Adele, Tom Waits, and more have made headlines for refusing to post their albums on streaming platforms. Artists argue streaming services receive the majority of the monthly advertising revenue and user subscription fees, while content owners receive only paltry royalty payments. In addition, traditional media formats are becoming secondary options for consumers, while streaming services are rapidly growing in popularity. The launch of 101 Arena will test 101 Distribution's claim that popular services, such as Spotify, will only be as influential as artists allow them to be.

101 Arena's revolutionary model (Infographic: The 101 Lowdown on Streaming Music & Digital Payouts) fairly divides all site advertising revenue between each artist based on 'listens' and was created by 101 Distribution, the nation's only full-service, independently owned music and film distributor that offers a 100 percent payout for all digital, mobile, retail, merchandising, streaming and mail-order sales.

An innovator in film and music distribution, 101 Distribution is committed to protecting and growing artist control and profit - and has built this philosophy into content streaming with the launch of 101 Arena.

"We understand the impact streaming services will have on an independent artist's ability to maintain a viable career in music. It's hard to think about recording a new single, let alone an album, when the most popular platforms are paying out less than $.005 for an unlimited amount of monthly access," said Evans. "We've made it possible for any level of musician to self-manage product sales for all media formats- including streaming- while keeping full ownership of their content and 100 percent of all sales profits and site advertising revenue."

101 Arena allows users to stream singles, live shows, music videos and full-feature films in pre-programmed playlists generated from 101 Distribution's catalog, free of charge. Different from other streaming services, users can skip singles they don't want to hear, replay any single multiple times and stream full albums from new artists they discover.  101 Arena is the first mobile destination that combines streaming audio and video with a fully enabled shopping cart for physical and digital content purchases. For artists, 101 Arena is included in the company's existing flat rate non-exclusive distribution offering and requires no yearly storage or renewal fees.

101 Arena is the stage for independent music and film. To experience 101 Arena, visit http://www.101arena.com or text ARENA to 46101. For more information on 101 Distribution, visit http://www.101d.com.

About 101 Distribution:
101 Distribution, LLC is the first and only full-service, independently owned music and film distributor that offers 100 percent payout for all physical and digital sales. 101 Distribution provides artists a complete full-service platform for a one-time fee, and serves as the 'go to' source for fans to discover new music and unique films. Starting in 1998 as an artist consulting group, 101 Distribution has grown into a one stop resource, now used to manage the digital, mobile, retail, and mail-order sales for over 120,000 actively selling titles. The company recently launched 101 Arena, the only free streaming service to offer 100 percent payout to artists, dividing all profits fairly based on 'listens.' Based in Phoenix, Arizona, 101 Distribution is led by Damon Evans and driven by his passion to create an artist-controlled industry. 

Website: http://www.101d.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/go101
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/101distribution

MEDIA CONTACT:
Bear Frazer
Editor In Chief,
101 DISTRIBUTION
2375 East Camelback Road, 6th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Music & Film Distribution Made Easy.

T: 602-357-3288
E: bfrazer@101d.com
W: http://www.101d.com

SOURCE  101 Distribution

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120424/LA86301
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
101 Distribution

Web Site: http://www.101d.com

Polar Introduces Limited Edition RCX5 Tour de France Training Computer

New GPS-Ready Unit Brings Smart Coaching to Your Ride

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Polar (http://www.polarusa.com), the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technologies, today introduced the limited edition Polar RCX5 Tour de France, the official Tour de France training computer.  With a slim design and striking yellow color, the RCX5 Tour de France helps users train like professionals by improving their fitness through highly effective training guidance.

The Polar RCX5 Tour de France features Smart Coaching, which shows users how to plan, train and analyze each of their sessions in detail.  Users can personalize endurance training programs for cycling and running at polarpersonaltrainer.com, get sport-specific training data, have different settings for bikes with Sport Profiles and cross the finish line in the desired time with its Race Pace feature.

"The Tour de France is the toughest cycling competition in the world and that's why the RCX5 is the official Tour de France training computer this year," said Joona Laukka, Cycling, Running & Multisport Segment Manager for Polar Electro Oy. "It's a dream product for any serious rider, as you can use it on and off  your bike with the Smart Coaching features - thus making it more than just GPS. What's even better is that the RCX5 is always ready for use without any need for re-charging, with a user replaceable battery that provides 8-11 months of life."

Key Features:

    --  Sport Profiles: Essential for multisport and triathletes, this feature
        enables users to quickly switch between sports during training. With
        just a few button presses, this feature quickly adjusts settings to the
        current sport. It automatically detects any sensors needed, so that no
        time or training data is lost between swims, rides or runs. Four sport
        profiles come pre-loaded into the RCX5 Tour de France, and more can be
        added based on the user's preferences.
    --  ZoneOptimizer: Knowing how hard to train can be a challenge and it
        depends on many factors, including physical and mental state, stress,
        sleep, and previous training. The brand new ZoneOptimizer feature
        eliminates guesswork by adjusting personal heart rate zones based on a
        user's current physiological condition. It guides training at the right
        intensity, making every session more effective.
    --  Race Pace: The perfect feature for regulating speed and race strategy,
        Race Pace allows users to set a target time for a certain distance, and
        then displays the current pace/speed, as well as how far ahead or behind
        the user is from the target.
    --  Training Load: This feature within polarpersonaltrainer.com displays a
        color-coded graph of a user's cumulative training load, notifying a
        person when he or she has recovered enough for the next session, and
        accurately predicting training developments to prevent overtraining.
        This data also provides intelligence to modify training sessions as
        necessary.
    --  polarpersonaltrainer.com: Users can create complete endurance training
        programs for running and cycling, including warm-up, work and cool-down
        sessions. The training programs can be easily synched to the RCX5 Tour
        de France via the DataLink data transfer unit. After each session, it is
        easy to track progress online over time.
The limited edition RCX5 Tour de France will be available in three different product sets with different sensors.  The bike set comes with magnetic speed and cadence sensors that offer the most reliable and precise cycling speed, cadence and distance measurement with real time response.  The GPS set measures highly accurate speed and distance in any outdoor sport and depicts the altitude curve of a session at polarpersonaltrainer.com.  The small G5 GPS sensor can be worn with a clip or in a pocket.

The premium set provides versatile feedback on a users' training and performance in any sport. It includes the GPS and cycling speed sensors as well as the s3+ stride sensor that shows running cadence and average stride length to help improve running technique. The RCX5 Tour de France also shows a users' Running Index, which scores a run based on the speed and distance data from the GPS or stride sensor.

All sets include the WearLink®+ Hybrid heart rate sensor, Universal Bike Mount, and DataLink data transfer unit. The comfortable and disturbance-free heart rate sensor transfers data both in 5 kHz and 2.4 GHz, ensuring a heart rate signal is found at all times - even in water. A Universal Bike Mount keeps the training computer steady on the handlebar.  After the session, users can transfer their training files with the DataLink to track progress and analyze exercise in detail at polarpersonaltrainer.com.

Product Sets Available:

RCX5 TDF Bike (MSRP $389.95):

    --  RCX5 Tour de France training computer
    --  WearLink®+ Hybrid hear rate sensor
    --  CS speed sensor W.I.N.D.
    --  CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D
    --  Universal bike mount
    --  DataLink data transfer unit
    --  Getting Started Guide

RCX5 TDF GPS (MSRP $469.95)

    --  RCX5 Tour de France training computer
    --  WearLink®+ Hybrid heart rate sensor
    --  G5 GPS sensor
    --  CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D
    --  Universal bike mount
    --  DataLink data transfer unit
    --  Getting Started Guide
RCX5 TDF Premium (MSRP $569.95):

    --  RCX5 Tour de France training computer
    --  WearLink®+ Hybrid hear rate sensor
    --  G5 GPS sensor
    --  CS speed sensor W.I.N.D
    --  s3+ stride sensor
    --  Universal bike mount
    --  DataLink data transfer unit
    --  Getting Started Guide
Note: The RCX5 Tour de France is also compatible with the existing G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. and the s3 stride sensor W.I.N.D.  All sensors will be available for purchase as separate accessories.

Availability

The RCX5 Tour de France is available now through authorized Polar USA retail and specialty shops, online, and in select fitness facilities.

About Polar

Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Polar now operates internationally in more than 80 countries and its products are sold through 35,000 retailers globally. Polar heart rate and fitness assessment technology delivers unparalleled insight into the human body from valuable training guidance and feedback, to enabling individuals to improve their fitness level and sports performance. Polar technology is key to the success of leading fitness facilities, athletic teams, corporate wellness facilities, health insurance providers and thousands of physical education programs around the world. Today, Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.polarusa.com.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

    MEDIA Contacts
    --------------
    Kathleen Reynolds        Maria Martinez
    CooperKatz for Polar USA CooperKatz for Polar USA
    917-595-3031             917-595-3059
    kreynolds@cooperkatz.com mmartinez@cooperkatz.com
SOURCE  Polar

Polar

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

Wipolo's new iPhone app: the Ultimate Social Travel Experience!

PARIS, April 24, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

                      More trips, more discoveries, more social travel!

    Wipolo has already become THE social travel platform, chosen by Facebook as its travel
app for the whole of Europe. Wipolo's new app is based on the HTML 5 mobile technology.
The team took advantage of the experience gained with Facebook's platform to offer the
best "social travel" experience possible to its users on their iPhones.

    Wipolo's app: the best of social travel anytime, anywhere

    The launch of the new Wipolo iPhone app follows the success of its platform. More than
70 000 travelers connect via the platform to share their latest adventures with their
friends! They can now enjoy all of the website's best features, directly on the app.

    A few clicks suffice to add or complete a trip with new stopping places. Plus,
interacting with friends about undertaken trips has never been so easy and fun!

    Wipolo's app: new exciting features!

   
    - Add trips and reservations (hotels, flights, restaurants,...) and modify
      them if necessary
    - Tag friends in trips
    - Access newsfeeds on the home page, allowing them to follow, comment on or
      consult friends' trips
    - Benefit from a new notification system (through push)
    - Enjoy a new profile page with statistics (number of kilometers they have
      traveled, for example), a map of visited destinations and a wishlist
    - Discover a new "explore" section: 2 million destination pages they can
      consult! They can also check which of their friends have been or wish to go there

    About Wipolo

    Wipolo is an international web and mobile platform, connecting travelers with their
friends. All cofounders have an international experience in the US and the Wipolo team won
the Facebook Hackaton in San Francisco during the F8 conference.

    This service is published by Actimos. Actimos vision and technology was rewarded by
Red Herring Magazine in 2010. Wipolo is available on the web and the five major mobile
platforms (online and offline): IPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone 7, Bada.

    The company targets 1 million members by the end of 2012.

    Offices in Asia and the US opening soon.

    Staff: 10 people

    http://www.wipolo.com

    Facebook(R) is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.

Source: Wipolo

Kapsch TrafficCom applauds HELP/Xerox Selection of 5.9 GHz as "Best" Technology

BELLEVUE, Wash., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kapsch TrafficCom North America, a subsidiary of Kapsch TrafficCom AG, an international supplier of intelligent transportation systems, including those for truck safety screening, applauds HELP Incorporated's selection of 5.9 GHz DSRC.  Through its partnership with Xerox, HELP is the service provider of PrePass, the nation's largest truck safety screening system.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111201/LA15520LOGO)

"We believe 5.9 GHz DSRC is far-and-away the best technology for next generation commercial vehicle safety screening because of its performance, flexibility and ability to provide real-time vehicle health information to state enforcement personnel," said Chris Murray, president and CEO of Kapsch TrafficCom North America.  "We look forward to our continued relationship with Xerox in offering open solutions and technology choices."

5.9 GHz technology has been selected by the United States Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation System Joint Program Office to provide vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside communications.  5.9 GHz based truck safety projects have demonstrated the benefits for safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly truck screening.

Kapsch TrafficCom has been at the forefront of efforts to commercialize this technology and was a lead contributor to the completion of the now-published standards.  HELP's announcement lends further credence to the commercial viability of this enabling technology.

Kapsch TrafficCom currently supplies Xerox, the solution provider for HELP Inc., with 915 MHz transponders, cameras for automatic license plate and US DOT Number readers coupled with recognition software and soon, 5.9 GHz DSRC transceivers and in-cab multi-purpose devices.

"Kapsch's pioneering leadership in the 5.9 GHz space has brought us to a place where application providers can begin offering ITS solutions that can make our roadways safer and more efficient," said Scott Belcher, president and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America.

Kapsch TrafficCom is an international supplier of superior intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and primarily supplies electronic toll collection (ETC) systems. With its end-to-end solution portfolio, Kapsch TrafficCom covers the entire value chain for its customers, from products and systems to integration and operations, as a one-stop shop. Kapsch TrafficCom also offers solutions for urban access management as well as for traffic safety and security. Add-on applications to these solutions complete the offering. With references in 41 countries on 6 continents, Kapsch TrafficCom has positioned itself among the internationally recognized suppliers of intelligent transportation systems. Kapsch TrafficCom AG is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and represented in 27 countries. In North America the company operates offices in Virginia, Texas, California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ontario, and Mexico. For additional information, please visit http://www.kapschtraffic.com.

SOURCE  Kapsch TrafficCom IVHS Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111201/LA15520LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Kapsch TrafficCom IVHS Inc.

CONTACT: Lorelei Luchkiw, Manager, Marketing of Kapsch TrafficCom IVHS, +1-905-624-3020, x1131, lorelei.luchkiw@kapsch.net

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

QuestChat's New Dating App Revolutionizes Chat on the Go

Next generation of phone chat brings exciting voice capabilities to app market

TORONTO, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- QuestChat, North America's busiest chat line and one-stop destination for exciting phone connections with local singles, today raises the chat game by launching its premiere, free-to-download App for iPhone and Android platforms.

The QuestChat App allows busy singles to make fun, fast connections anytime, anywhere.   An interactive voice and social networking tool that connects singles locally and nationally (via GPS) for chat, friendship, conversation, dating, and relationships, the QuestChat App brings essential voice features to the dating app environment.  Users hear voice profiles, send instant voice messages and can connect in private conversations with other singles from next door or across the country.

Uniquely, the QuestChat App allows users to simultaneously see (photos) and hear (voice greeting profile) others who are on both the App and the phone chat lines in real time.  QuestChat's phone dating and chat lines currently operate in over 300 markets across Canada and the U.S., receiving over 100,000 calls per day, providing massive user content to the App from Day 1.

"What we're most excited about is bringing the personal, authentic element of hearing someone's voice to the ease-of-use of an app," offers Rob Fisher, Director of Marketing for First Media Group, which operates QuestChat.

"Our phone dating systems offer robust features that are great when you're calling from home, but when you're on the go, you want something simple.  On the App, you just swipe to move through the voice profiles and tap the icons to send messages or talk live with someone. There's no typing, no keypad choices to remember, just an easy, smooth experience.  You really can be talking to someone new in seconds. "

QuestChat is a location-based service allowing its users the thrill of talking to someone new in a safe and secure environment.  GPS locations are used only to place individuals in "local" groupings; users' specific locations and phone numbers are never revealed. The QuestChat App will be available first from the iTunes app store with the Android version (via Google Play) made available shortly thereafter.

Additional features offered by the QuestChat App include:

    --  Profile consisting of user nickname, photo, age and interest category
    --  Listen to local or national voice profiles
    --  GPS location used to place user in "local" listing - specific location
        remains hidden
    --  Send private voice messages to other users
    --  Connect in private, one-on-one phone conversations
    --  Block unwanted users
    --  Easy set-up of account, profile, preferences and push notifications
For more information or to download the App, visit http://www.QuestChat.com.

About First Media Group Inc.:

Established over 25 years ago, First Media Group Inc. is one of North America and the UK's premier providers of voice chat and online dating services under brands such as QuestChat and Lavalife covering 300+ markets.

SOURCE  First Media Group Inc.

First Media Group Inc.

CONTACT: Kim Hughes, +1-647-402-6108, khughes@fmginc.com

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

Delivery.com(TM) Offers foursquare® Restaurant Check-Ins When Ordering

First Online Ordering Service to Allow Check-Ins at Check Out

NEW YORK, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Delivery.com, an e-commerce platform that enables users to order from local restaurants and stores, announced the integration of the foursquare API, allowing customers to check in to businesses when they place an online order. The new foursquare integration is designed to enable users to check in when they order on Delivery.com, sort results by check-ins, as well as read and write tips. The integration will also include user-submitted photos, so Delivery.com users can view pictures of restaurants and dishes taken by foursquare users.

A leader in the online ordering space, Delivery.com is integrating with the foursquare service to bring new features and content to the site. Beyond being able to check in when they order online, Delivery.com users can also use the foursquare integration to find popular places in their neighborhoods by sorting Delivery.com's network of restaurants, grocers, wine and liquor shops, and pet stores by the number of check-ins. Users can simply click "Check-ins" to see the restaurants and stores near them with the most foursquare user activity.

"Shopping online has been a singular type of business," said Delivery.com CEO Jed Kleckner.  "There is a need and interest on the part of the consumer to understand and share what other people have to say about things they want to purchase. We can provide that depth with this foursquare integration."

Users can easily connect to their foursquare account when they log into Delivery.com by clicking "connect." When a delivery or takeout order is placed, users can check in on the foursquare website through Delivery.com, so their foursquare history can now include all their favorite delivery restaurants too.

"We're excited that Delivery.com users will be able to take advantage of all of the rich place-related content shared through foursquare," said Akshay Patil, Platform Evangelist for foursquare. "Check-ins through Delivery.com will feed the data set that powers Explore, our personalized recommendation engine, making the foursquare experience even more powerful for the Delivery.com community."

About Delivery.com
Delivery.com is a leading destination for local online and mobile ordering that connects users to restaurants and stores in their neighborhoods. Since 2004, the mission of Delivery.com has been to provide consumers and companies with fast, convenient delivery and pickup from all of their favorite local businesses while at home, at work, or on the go. Today, Delivery.com has over half a million users and a network of nearly 10,000 restaurants, caterers, grocers, and other businesses in over 50 cities nationwide - and is growing every day.

Follow Delivery.com on Twitter, @deliverydotcom, or like Delivery.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/deliverydotcom.

About foursquare
Foursquare makes the real world easier to use by providing tools that help you keep up with friends, discover what's nearby, save money, and unlock deals. Whether you're setting off on a trip around the world, coordinating a night out with friends, or trying to pick out the best dish at your local restaurant, foursquare is the perfect companion. For more information, check out https://foursquare.com.

SOURCE  Delivery.com

Delivery.com

CONTACT: Nicki Fertile, +1-212-691-2800, Fertile@sunshinesach.som

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

Ingenic Semiconductor and Vivante Expand GPU Technology Partnership for Next Generation Mobile Products

Partnership gives Ingenic leg up on mobile solutions in tablets and smartphones as it continues building its global ecosystem

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivante Corporation, a global leader in graphics and compute technologies for mobile, consumer and embedded applications, and Ingenic Semiconductor, a leading China-based SoC provider for consumer devices, today announced a license agreement update that includes higher performance Vivante GPU cores to power the next wave of Ingenic applications processors. Ingenic was the first company to successfully ship non-ARM based tablets and smartphones worldwide. They also shipped the market's first Android 4.0 (ICS) tablet, which was endorsed by Andy Rubin of Google. All those products were powered by Vivante GPUs.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091008/VIVANTELOGO)

Vivante graphics cores deliver an exciting and "butter smooth" user experience with state-of-the-art GPU architectures built for consumer entertainment. The GPU hardware and software stack supports the latest graphics APIs including OpenGL ES 2.0, ES "Next Gen", desktop OpenGL, Microsoft DirectX 11 and Google RenderScript. Designed for mobile power efficiency and unified shader performance, Vivante GPUs enable products to run faster, smaller and cooler.

"Our ongoing partnership with Vivante for their GC Core graphics technologies helps us bring the latest innovations and features to our XBurst product line. The technical and business leadership of our companies enabled us to successfully reach mass market production in tablets and smartphones. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration and continued success as we expand our footprint globally," said Qiang Liu, Chairman and CEO for Ingenic Semiconductor.

Vivante President and CEO Wei-Jin Dai says, "We are excited to continue our partnership with a high growth leader like Ingenic. They have shown the ability to execute and deliver exceptional products that catch the attention of the market and industry. The combination of Ingenic's innovative, low power MIPS32/64 XBurst CPU architecture and our market leading performance and low power graphics cores bring alive the latest multimedia, GPU accelerated browsing and 3D content." 

About Ingenic Semiconductor

Ingenic Semiconductor was founded in Beijing in 2005 to develop embedded processors and solutions optimized for high performance, low power consumption, silicon area efficiency and cost effectiveness. For mobile multimedia applications, Ingenic's XBurst CPU offers high operating frequency, high-performance multimedia processing, compact die size and low power consumption. Based on the XBurst CPU, the company's JZ47xx series multimedia processors are widely deployed in embedded devices and consumer electronic products including PMPs, educational electronic devices, Mobile TV, fingerprint identification, GPS, UMPC, baby monitors and more, with more than 30 million units shipped to-date. For more information, visit http://www.ingenic.cn/.

About Vivante Corporation

Vivante, a leader in graphics and visualization technologies, provides the highest performance in the most area efficient designs with the lowest power characteristics across a range of Khronos Group API and Android conformant products based on the ultra-threaded ScalarMorphic architecture. The organization's focus on development and engineering excellence, and customer-focused dedication, has helped transform the company into a key technology provider used by the world's leading semiconductor companies. Vivante GPUs ship in customer silicon solutions across a wide range of consumer electronics and embedded platforms running the latest graphics, compute and multimedia applications. Vivante is a privately held company incorporated in California and headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley. Global R&D centers span the U.S, Europe and China. For more information, visit http://www.vivantecorp.com

Vivante and the Vivante logo are trademarks of Vivante Corporation. Ingenic and the Ingenic logo are trademarks of Ingenic Co. Ltd. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE  Vivante Corporation

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091008/VIVANTELOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Vivante Corporation

CONTACT: Benson Tao, +1 888-OES20GPU, pr@vivantecorp.com

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

SparkFun Electronics Launches Education Website to Bring Electronics into the Classroom

New Learn.SparkFun.Com web portal represents company's initiative to become the leading resource for knowledge, support and kits for electronics education

BOULDER, Colo., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boulder-based SparkFun Electronics (http://www.sparkfun.com), a provider of parts, knowledge and passion for electronics creation, formally launched its new education initiative today. Coupled with the launch of (http://Learn.SparkFun.com), the program and online education portal is devoted to bringing the world of embedded electronics technology into classrooms and promoting the concept of play and tinkering. The online portal forms the cornerstone behind the company's recently formed Department of Education, headed by Lindsay Levkoff, Ph.D. SparkFun has been working with schools and educators during this past year to help enable electronics education as part of the modern classroom.

"We are excited to have a new platform for continuing our mission to lower the age and technical barriers of entry into this exciting world of technology and electronics," said Levkoff. "Our hope is that the open source model SparkFun embraces as a company will improve the overall affordability and accessibility of technology and will greatly enhance a student's classroom experience while learning about the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). We want to support a community that is dedicated to sharing knowledge and reigniting the passion for learning, playing and creating."

SparkFun, along with the entire maker community, thrives by sharing ingenuity and developing a more approachable environment for everyone, regardless of their technical experience level or age. The programs at SparkFun are designed to explore students' creativity as well as the technical aspects inherent in electronics technology, creating a positive STEAM experience and encouraging future exploration. SparkFun also helps train educators on how to teach and implement these technologies in the classroom. By providing free curriculum and support through various classes and workshops, educators can have the tools and skills they need to make the classroom experience a memorable one.

"We are thrilled to partner with SparkFun and introduce electronics education into the classroom," said Brian Huang, physics teacher at Overland High School. "Earlier this year, SparkFun and our school ran a Saturday workshop to teach basic soldering and introduce the Arduino microcontroller technology. Students were enthusiastic about their successes and several were amazed at how easy soldering and programming actually was."

In addition to hosting workshops at various locations across the country, the Education Department will continue to expand the curriculum of classes offered on-site at SparkFun's headquarters in Boulder, Colo. For a list of upcoming classes, please visit: (http://www.sparkfun.com/categories/154). The company also is developing a way for people who want to take its classes, but who aren't able to travel to Boulder, to view them online. The department will continue to work with leaders in the field to expand its content and curriculum to suit education programs nationwide. All educators wishing to purchase SparkFun kits for their classroom can sign up for an Educator Account online and receive a 20 percent discount on future SparkFun orders.

"By connecting people to a community for support, we can help them embrace new ways of learning and enhance the STEAM education experience for students and teachers alike," continued Levkoff. "SparkFun is devoted to making this initiative possible because we believe in the importance of STEAM as a basic underlying education initiative for our world's future."

Along with the new website, SparkFun is now offering two new kits that are specifically tailored for developing new skills. Mr. Roboto (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10726) is an Arduino-compatible development board designed to be used as a teaching tool for Arduino programming. Weevil Eye is a DIY night-light and e-textiles kit that responds to how dark the room is - a very fun kit for kids to learn more about electronics. For more information about SparkFun's new Department of Education, please contact education@sparkfun.com or visit the company's new online education portal at (http://Learn.SparkFun.com).

About SparkFun Electronics
Founded in 2003, SparkFun shares its passion by providing parts, knowledge, and innovation for those looking to explore the world of embedded electronics. It helps anyone discover their inner inventor and enables individuals to create their own electronics projects.
SparkFun currently offers more than 1,800 products, ranging from simple components, like capacitors and resistors, to GPS units and Bluetooth modules. The company employs 140 people and is based in Boulder, Colorado.

Find SparkFun on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/SparkFun), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SparkFun), Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/SparkFun), YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/SparkFun), Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/SparkFun), and Google+ (https://plus.google.com/106084846822083498483/posts).

Media Contact:
Jeremy Douglas
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760, ext. 16
jdouglas@catapultpr-ir.com

SOURCE  SparkFun Electronics

SparkFun Electronics

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

Lumension Launches Online Store

Accelerated buying cycle drives IT security customers to web for product features, specs, pricing and purchase

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's IT buyers are experiencing significantly shorter buying cycles, as illustrated in the September 2011 report by TechTarget, Similarities in Brand Reception and Media Consumption of IT and Personal Technology Buyers, which shows the cycle has shortened from 12 months to just six months. To help customers quickly access product features, technical specifications, pricing and the option to purchase, Lumension®, a global leader in endpoint management and security, has launched a new online store at http://www.store.lumension.com/?rpleadsourceID=L2674.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120424/DA91909)

"In alignment with shortened IT buying cycles, research also tells us technology buyers are increasingly self-educating themselves online," said C. Edward Brice, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Marketing, Lumension. "The online store we have developed will better serve our customers' and prospective customers' needs as they navigate our endpoint security solutions from research, to trial, to quotation and onward to order."

Visitors will have the ability to generate a real-time quote and order best-in-class product modules and packaged solutions, including: Lumension® AntiVirus, Lumension® Application Control, Lumension® Device Control, Lumension® Patch and Remediation and Lumension® Total Endpoint Protection packaged solution. Pricing options include both subscription and perpetual offerings across any number of nodes.

"Ultimately the velocity from quotation to order will be significantly enhanced regardless if an order is placed online or not because our backend quotation and order management processes have been automated as a result of this initiative," Brice said. "This directly translates to improved efficiency for Lumension and better service for our customers."

Lumension plans to expand its online store offerings in the coming months with additional packaged solution offerings and the ability for current customers to renew their software subscription services online.

Supporting Resources:

    --  Lumension store http://www.store.lumension.com/?rpleadsourceID=L2674
    --  Optimal Security blog
        http://www.blog.lumension.com/?rpLeadSourceID=L2674
About Lumension
Lumension Security, Inc., a global leader in operational endpoint security, develops, integrates and markets security software solutions that help businesses protect their vital information and manage critical risk across network and endpoint assets. Lumension enables more than 5,100 customers worldwide to achieve optimal security and IT success by delivering a proven and award-winning solution portfolio that includes Vulnerability Management, Endpoint Protection, Data Protection, and Reporting and Compliance offerings. Lumension is known for providing world-class customer support and services 24x7, 365 days a year.

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Lumension has operations worldwide, including Texas, Florida, Washington D.C., Ireland, Luxembourg, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Lumension: IT Secured. Success Optimized.(TM) For more information, go to http://www.lumension.com.

    Contacts: Kim Doyle               Amber Terry
              Lumension               Lois Paul and Partners
              (480) 444-1229          (512) 638-5303
              kim.doyle@lumension.com amber_terry@lpp.com
SOURCE  Lumension

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120424/DA91909
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Lumension

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

WeiKu Information Technology's "Green" Ranking System Pioneering Rapid Development in the B2B Industry

HANGZHOU, China, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Recently, Hangzhou WeiKu Information Technology Co., Ltd. announced that its platform http://www.weiku.com has been the global leading B2B English website with Product Ranking System based on Fairness and Equality. "Let enterprises do e-commerce in a business environment with fairness and integrity," said WeiKu president Mr. Bangbing Zhou. "We have a lot of things to do. The most important thing is to improve user experience to provide users with valuable content."

In-station search ranking systems on B2B sites affects the order of enterprise products and users' attention on them. The products with good ranking take advantage of product sales. Therefore, corresponding enterprises would stand out in the aspects of products and services.

According to Mr. Bangbing Zhou, the business search results on http://www.weiku.com are fully under the principle of natural order, without any payment competitive ranking method taken into account. All information is fairly and objectively ranked on the basis of quality, integrity and other comprehensive factors. All relevant information of enterprise customers on Weiku.com will be under authentication. Moreover, all authenticated enterprises and information would get better in-station search ranking. It is totally different from "bidding ranking" adopted by traditional B2B in-station search ranking systems. The new ranking system provides B2B users with reliable qualified enterprise and valuable product information, which improves efficiency and safety during the purchasing process.

In fact, the cost of bidding ranking is a big deal for most small enterprises and it brings few effective inquiries. Considering the bidding cost of over ten thousand, the average cost on one inquiry is very expensive. What's more, bidding ranking makes it hard for buyers to tell if their target products and suppliers are authentic.

Forced by fierce competition, more and more B2B e-commerce enterprises, especially new e-commerce enterprises, should take advantage of their own resources to make progress in the profession of searching products. With the mission of "integrating global supply and demand information and making buyers and sellers benefit from it", WeiKu puts forward the fair and objective B2B in-station search ranking system. It will be beneficial in improving B2B services and making the e-commerce world purified and professionalized.

SOURCE  Hangzhou WeiKu Information Technology Co., Ltd.

Hangzhou WeiKu Information Technology Co., Ltd.

CONTACT: Mr. Zhou, +86-571-8531-7547

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

LANDesk Acquires Data Analytics Company

New acquisition strengthens LANDesk's market leadership and signals accelerated growth

SALT LAKE CITY, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- LANDesk Software, a global leader in systems lifecycle management, endpoint security and IT service management, today announced the acquisition of Managed Planet. The company has unique technologies in the areas of IT asset management, business to business connectors, hardware discovery, reporting and asset analytics.  LANDesk previously licensed this technology as part of its LANDesk® Data Analytics product. Managed Planet is located in Dallas, Texas and financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

This acquisition is the fifth since LANDesk spun-out of Intel in 2002 and the first for LANDesk since becoming a stand-alone business again in September of 2010.  As a stand-alone company, LANDesk has achieved significant growth and expanded its product portfolio while achieving record levels of profitability. This acquisition represents a first step in the next phase of LANDesk's growth strategy and further strengthens LANDesk's position as a market leader in IT end-user management.

"Acquisitions represent an important component of our growth strategy and this announcement marks a shift to accelerated growth for LANDesk," said Bob Macfarlane, LANDesk's Vice President of Corporate Development. "LANDesk has achieved its core goals since becoming an independent company and our strong financial performance fuels plans for future acquisitions." 

LANDesk will continue to sell its version of LANDesk Data Analytics as add-on options to its systems and security management products. This technology allows organizations to achieve additional benefits by expanding the management of hardware devices, including printers, with in-depth reporting and analytic capabilities. This acquisition will enable LANDesk to more quickly localize all Managed Planet offerings while expanding availability through LANDesk global channels. 

LANDesk asset management solutions help IT organizations reduce hardware and software asset management cost. LANDesk Data Analytics along with LANDesk Software License Monitoring and Asset Lifecycle Manager combine to provide a comprehensive picture of the asset status, while offering easy integration into procurement systems. Unlike other IT asset management products, LANDesk solutions offer strong data translation, asset controls, extended discovery, license reconciliation, reporting, asset analysis and compliance validation of IT assets that allow organizations to reduce cost and risk.

About LANDesk Software
LANDesk Software is a leading provider of systems lifecycle management, endpoint security, and IT service management solutions for desktops, servers and mobile devices across the enterprise. LANDesk enables IT to deliver business value by gaining control of end-user computing with a single console, light infrastructure, and ITIL solutions that deliver significant ROI for thousands of customers worldwide. LANDesk is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, with offices located in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, and can be found at http://www.landesk.com.

Copyright © 2012, LANDesk Software, Inc. and its affiliates. All rights reserved. LANDesk and its logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of LANDesk Software, Inc. and its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Other brands and names may be claimed as the property of others.

    Press contacts:
    Robert Naegle                    Emilie Salvagio
    LANDesk Software                 Lois Paul and Partners
    Global Public Relations          Tel: (512) 638-5321
    Tel: (801) 208-1544              Email: esalvagio@lpp.com
    Email: robert.naegle@landesk.com
SOURCE  LANDesk Software

LANDesk Software

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

Florida Virtual Academies Opens Charter School in Osceola County

Innovative online school now accepting applications for students in grades K-9

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KISSIMMEE, Fla., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Osceola County is officially home to one of the state's first online public charter schools, Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola County. The school, which officially opened April 17, is now accepting student enrollment applications for the 2012-2013 school year.   

FLVA at Osceola County, sponsored by Florida Virtual Academies (FLVA), will serve students grades K-9 its inaugural year, and plans to add additional high school grades in subsequent years.  The public charter school was authorized by the Osceola County School board in October 2011.

FLVA at Osceola County will hold a series of events across the area, as well as online information sessions, in the coming weeks to give families the opportunity to find out more about this innovative, tuition-free public school option and receive enrollment information. A schedule of events can be found at http://www.K12.com/flva. FLVA began offering its program to families across the state in 2003 and has a history of strong academic results and student success.  FLVA previously received an "A" grade from the state for five consecutive years and a similar online school program is currently used by many school districts across Florida. 

Open to families throughout the Osceola county, FLVA at Osceola County will utilize high quality curriculum, technology, and school services offered by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), America's largest provider of online school programs for grades kindergarten through high school.  K12 is a Florida-approved provider of online school programs.  K12 provides curriculum products and management services to school districts and public charter schools more than half the states in the U.S.  Since 2000, K12 has provided over 4 million courses to students in the U.S. and worldwide, and consistently receives high marks from parents and teachers.  Students graduating from K12-operated schools have been accepted to many of the top post-secondary institutions across the country.

"We are excited to offer area students this excellent education option," said Dr. Mary G. Bennett, chair of the Central Florida Virtual Charter School Board of Trustees. "Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola County will provide a high quality education using innovative technology, highly trained teachers, and digital courses and content.  It is clear that the School District of Osceola County is committed to serving the educational needs of all children by providing more choices for parents and options for students."

The K12® program combines its award-winning curriculum--using engaging online lessons and hands-on education materials--with highly skilled teachers, advisors, state-of-the-art technology, and numerous social opportunities that connect students to a vibrant school community.  From advanced learners to children with special needs, FLVA at Osceola County offers a flexible and personalized learning program that works for all types of students.

The school's teachers and administrators will be available for students and parents every step of the way.  Teachers provide instruction, guidance and support, and will communicate regularly with students and parents via phone, email, innovative web-based "e-classrooms," and face-to-face meetings.  Teachers also organize school field trips, activities, clubs, and events for students and families. 

FLVA at Osceola County will follow all state accountability standards.  Like students in brick and mortar schools, FLVA at Osceola County students will be required to meet state attendance requirements and participate in state assessments, such as the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test® 2.0 (FCAT 2.0). More information on FLVA at Osceola County, including a complete list of events around the state, can be found at http://www.K12.com/flva.

© 2012 K12 Inc.  K12 is a registered trademark, and the K12 logo, Florida Virtual Academy at Oceola County and Florida Virtual Academies are trademarks of K12 Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE  Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola County

Florida Virtual Academy at Osceola County

CONTACT: AK Brinson, +1-336-553-1805, ak@rlfcommunications.com or; Emily Thomas, +1-336-553-1732, ethomas@rlfcommunications.com or; Patty Betoni, Head of School, +1-904-955-3800, pbetoni@k12.com

Web Site: http://www.k12.com/flva

Thomson Reuters Launches New Mobile Oncology Decision Support Solution for R&D Pharmaceutical Leaders

AstraZeneca speeds R&D decision making with cutting-edge life sciences technology

PHILADELPHIA, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Intellectual Property & Science division of Thomson Reuters today announced its commitment to support R&D pharmaceutical leaders with a new oncology application for mobile tablet devices, already in use by AstraZeneca executives. The rich visualization dashboard leverages content from Thomson Reuters Cortellis, the company's flagship life sciences platform, and provides real-time data for clinical oncology drug research and development activities.

"Oncology is critical for pharma, as is evidenced by the World Health Organization's projection that an estimated 13.1 million people will die from cancer in 2030, up from the 7.6 million who died in 2008," said Wendy Hamilton, senior vice president at Thomson Reuters.  "The ability of drug companies to quickly find the most relevant research data and clinical information for their oncology studies, in meetings, on the move or at the bench, will allow them to make faster business decisions and focus on areas where there is unmet need."

The solution provides a series of oncology-based clinical dashboards that provide competitive information that quickly answers common questions in drug development. It is platform independent and accessible via the Internet. Mobile tablet-based devices are the primary method used for accessing the solution.

Users see at-a-glance, side-by-side comparisons of adverse events for drugs already on the market or in clinical trials. They get a deeper understanding of the drugs and how they are being targeted for diseases by segment. The comparisons visualize the level of current research and development activity around an indication, whether by company or mechanism of action, together with information on ongoing clinical trials.

The new applications represent the initial output in an ongoing partnership between Thomson Reuters and AstraZeneca, with other applications due to be released this year. The Thomson Reuters Life Sciences Professional Services team is working on similar innovative projects for other customers too.

Launched in late 2011, Cortellis is the most powerful tool of its kind for biopharmaceutical competitive intelligence, drug pipeline, and drug research and development. For more information on the oncology decision support dashboards and Cortellis, go to http://cortellis.thomsonreuters.com/.

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals.  We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs approximately 60,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. For more information, go to http://www.thomsonreuters.com.

SOURCE  Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters

CONTACT: Laura Gaze, Thomson Reuters, +1-203-868-3340, laura.gaze@thomsonreuters.com

Web Site: http://thomsonreuters.com

Skype Brings Video Calling to PlayStation®Vita

Skype, Now Available for Download via PlayStation® Store, Marks the First Time Video Calling Has Been Available on PlayStation®

PALO ALTO, Calif., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Skype announced today that Skype video calling is now available on PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita), expanding Skype video calling capabilities to a portable gaming device for the first time. PS Vita, which launched in early 2012, will offer video calling capabilities and voice calling on both the Wi-Fi and 3G models. PS Vita users can download the application for free from PlayStation®Store later today*.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54892-skype-video-calling-playstation-vita

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120424/MM91633 )

"Our users appreciate being able to access Skype features wherever and whenever they choose," said Manrique Brenes, senior director, consumer electronics group at Skype. "With the launch of Skype for PS Vita, we are taking another step towards our ultimate goal of making Skype video calling available on every platform, all over the world, and meeting the demands of existing PlayStation users to offer video on a gaming console."

Skype on PS Vita runs in "background mode" for users while gaming or using other applications* and users have the capability to "pause" a game, conduct a call and then return to their previous activity.  Additionally, PS Vita features both front and rear facing cameras, which allows users to switch back and forth between the two during a Skype call. This is a great benefit of never missing a call even when playing a game or using another app.

PS Vita is available for $249.99 (MSRP) for Wi-Fi and $299.99 (MSRP) for Wi-Fi/3G models.  The device is also equipped with a 5" OLED touch screen, dual analog sticks, front touchscreen and rear touch pad, two cameras and a built in microphone.

Twelve time world champion Fatal1ty was one of the first users to test-drive the application.

"As a gaming enthusiast, I am always in search for a next big thing," said Fatal1ty. "When I heard Skype was going to be featured on PS Vita, my first thought was this was going to be the device that sets the bar for all new gaming consoles-connecting with family and friends while playing your favorite game."

For more information on Skype for PlayStation Vita, please visit http://www.skype.com/go/ps-vita or http://us.playstation.com/psvita/. 

About Skype:

Skype is communications software whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they're apart.

Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg, Skype is a division of Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT). Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free at http://www.skype.com.

*It may take up to 48 hours for the app to propagate in all local PlayStation®Stores. 

**Certain games will shut off network connectivity during use, which will stop incoming Skype calls. Certain applications will not be able to "pause" during a call.

SOURCE  Skype

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120424/MM91633
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Video:http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54892-skype-video-calling-playstation-vita
Skype

CONTACT: Skype, Demetra Kavadeles, Demetra.Kavadeles@skype.net; or Kaplow for Skype, Dara Cothran, skype@kaplowpr.com, +1-212-221-1713

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

EMC First to Deliver Complete Control of Oracle Backup and Disaster Recovery to Database Administrators

Advanced Integration Between EMC Data Domain Boost and Oracle Recovery Manager Provides a Faster, More Efficient Database Backup Solution

HOPKINTON, Mass., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

News Highlights:

    --  New EMC® Data Domain® Boost(TM) integration with Oracle RMAN gives
        Oracle administrators direct control of Oracle backup and disaster
        recovery, while significantly reducing backup storage requirements
    --  Increases Oracle backup performance up to 50%, reduces LAN bandwidth
        requirements by up to 99% and reduces CPU load on Oracle servers during
        backup by 20-40%
    --  Simplifies offsite database recovery by enabling Oracle DBAs to control
        Data Domain replication to create remote backup copies with RMAN catalog
        consistency
    --  EMC continues to extend its backup and recovery leadership by delivering
        advanced integration that empowers application owners
Full Story:

EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) today announced new EMC Data Domain Boost (DD Boost) integration with Oracle Recovery Manager (RMAN).  DD Boost software provides advanced integration between EMC Data Domain deduplication storage systems and applications for faster, more efficient backup and recovery.  DD Boost distributes part of the deduplication process to the Oracle database server and enables RMAN to directly manage Data Domain replication.  Tight integration between the Oracle RMAN native backup and recovery utility and industry-leading Data Domain systems gives Oracle database administrators (DBAs) complete control over their Oracle database backup and disaster recovery.

Most Oracle DBAs prefer using Oracle RMAN for direct control of database backup and recovery.  DBAs work with their storage administrators to provision primary storage capacity to support the backup of their databases, resulting in inefficient and siloed Oracle backup infrastructures.  Data Domain solves this inefficiency by providing a single consolidated backup solution that integrates with Oracle RMAN as well as third party backup applications.  For years, Data Domain systems have been providing effective backup for Oracle through RMAN using the NFS (Network File System) protocol.  By directly integrating Data Domain systems with Oracle RMAN via DD Boost, EMC is delivering new levels of manageability, functionality and performance--and putting them directly into the hands of Oracle administrators.

DD Boost increases Oracle backup performance up to 50% and enables more backups with existing resources by reducing the data transferred and associated LAN bandwidth requirements up to 99% and by reducing the load on the Oracle server during backup by 20-40%.  In addition, DD Boost simplifies the database recovery process by enabling DBAs to manage onsite and offsite backup copies by controlling Data Domain replication from RMAN with full catalog consistency.

Additional Product Highlights

    --  A 10 to 30x reduction in backup storage required, making disk cost
        effective for onsite retention
    --  Aggregate throughput up to 26.3 TB/hr for faster Oracle backups
    --  Consolidated backup storage across the enterprise
    --  Data Domain Data Invulnerability Architecture delivers continuous
        recovery verification, fault detection and healing of Oracle backup data
Customer Quote: 

Rael Mussell, Director of IT, Credit Acceptance Corporation

"The introduction of Data Domain Boost for RMAN means our DBAs will no longer have to rely on backup administrators for their mission critical Oracle recoveries.  DD Boost for RMAN will enable our DBAs to gain complete control of Oracle backup and DR as well as achieve better backup performance.  By directly controlling Data Domain replication, our DBAs will have an offsite database recovery process using RMAN.  We view DD Boost for RMAN as a significant enhancement to the protection of our Oracle environment.  It's technology like this that allows IT to add value to the business, so now we're capable of doing more in support of our business!"

Analyst Quote:

Jason Buffington, Senior Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group

"DD Boost integration with Oracle RMAN extends EMC's vision of delivering tightly integrated backup and recovery products that simplify processes and give administrators the flexibility to architect backup infrastructures and processes that suit their organization's needs.  Oracle DBAs should find this a very attractive option."

EMC Executive Quote:

Rob Emsley, Senior Director of Product Marketing, EMC Backup Recovery Systems Division

"As IT environments continue to scale in both size and complexity, we believe application owners will increasingly want more involvement in individual backup and recovery processes.  DD Boost for RMAN enables this flexibility for Oracle administrators while delivering increased performance and efficiencies that competing solutions simply can't.  EMC is empowering its customers with the ability to choose the way they wish to interact with their backup infrastructure to improve their processes."

Additional Resources:

    --  Download the DD Boost for Oracle RMAN Solution Overview
    --  Visit the Data Domain Product Page on EMC.com
    --  View the DD Boost for Oracle RMAN Technical Demo
    --  View the Credit Acceptance Corporation Customer Video
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.

EMC, Data Domain, and Boost  are registered trademarks or trademarks of EMC Corporation in the United States and other countries.  All other trademarks herein are the property of their respective holders.

SOURCE  EMC Corporation

EMC Corporation

CONTACT: Ed Luboja, +1-203-210-7404, edward.luboja@emc.com

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

Kenmore® Appliance Innovations Deliver Unparalleled Time Savings And Convenience

Advanced Cooking, Refrigeration and Laundry Enhancements Offer Time Savings, Functionality

CHICAGO, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kenmore brand delivers home efficiency that allows consumers to take more time for themselves and their families with its latest appliance innovations led by enhanced cooking versatility, refrigerator accessibility, and increased laundry cycle speeds.

These innovations will be touted at a private reception today co-hosted by Food Network personality Jeff Mauro, winner of last season's The Food Network Star and host of Sandwich King, at the recently opened Kenmore Craftsman Brand Live Experience in Chicago.  "For professional chefs like me, time saved is worth its weight in gold," said Mauro. "With high-performance cooking and easy access and more space in the refrigerator, the Kenmore brand's kitchen appliances deliver capacity, flexibility and convenience for home chefs."

"We are thrilled to introduce our advanced appliance offerings today," said Michael Castleman, president, Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard.  "Innovation is a cornerstone for all Kenmore appliances and the products we're highlighting here deliver uncompromised capacity and access in the kitchen and shorter cycle times in the laundry room to ensure our customers have optimal home experiences."

More Cooking Versatility

The Kenmore Elite® Electric Free Standing Double Oven and new Slide-In Ranges offer greater cooking versatility as both models offer dual ovens with equal 3.5 cubic foot capacity. Main dishes, such as full-sized turkeys or hams, can cook concurrently in separate ovens and at different temperatures for greater flexibility.

With 7.0 cubic foot capacity and true convection, consumers can count on less cook time and more opportunities to enjoy their kitchen experience.  Each model delivers the benefit of true convection in both ovens to evenly bake and beautifully brown foods even when the oven is filled to capacity. Additionally, the new Turbo Boil FLEX(TM) element gives customers the ability to melt, warm, simmer and boil without moving the pot from element to element.

The Kenmore brand's new cooking products (97512/3/9) are available in stainless steel, white and black finishes at the regular prices of $1,999 and $1,899, respectively. The electric slide in range (41112/3/9) option will be available later this year in stainless steel, white and black at regular prices ranging from $2,499 to $2,599.

Greater Access in Refrigeration

Time savings are within reach with the expanded Kenmore Signature refrigeration line which boasts significant refrigeration capacity.  The line today expanded its offering with the introduction of the Kenmore Elite Grab-N-Go(TM) Refrigerator. This model matches the Signature line's capacity of 31 cubic feet while keeping users' most-often-used items such as snacks, drinks and leftovers, within reach.  This unique, separate compartment is accessed with a simple push of a button, removing the need to open both French doors and providing convenience at consumers' fingertips.

Offering a sleek look, this model also boasts a slim, in-door icemaker and two exclusive slide-away shelves.  Together, these features provide more organization options and flexibility for kitchen needs. The Kenmore Elite Grab-N-Go Refrigerator (72062/3/9) is available today for the regular price of $3,299.

More Efficient Washing in the Laundry Room

With more than 35 percent more speed*, the Kenmore brand is now providing a solution to get clothes cleaner, faster, ultimately giving consumers more time to do the activities they prefer and not their chores.  The Kenmore Elite® 4.0 cubic foot Front Load HE Steam Washer with Accela-Wash(TM) Technology uniquely combines speed, clothing care, capacity and efficiency without compromising cleaning performance. Time, water and energy savings are now readily available with this laundry option.

Accela-Wash(TM) technology combines two actions: Active Rinse(TM) and Active Spray(TM), to clean full-size loads faster without sacrificing cleaning performance.  Active Rinse results in fast and efficient rinsing while Active Spray provides faster soaking times and deep cleaning.

In addition to the Accela-Wash technology, product highlights for increased savings include:

    --  Express Wash rapidly washes a small load in 20 minutes**
    --  The Express Dry cycle quickly dries a small load in 25 minutes **
    --  In only 20 minutes, the Steam Refresh(TM) technology (dryer only) gently
        refreshes clothes by relaxing wrinkles and reducing odors, helping to
        eliminate a need for ironing or re-washing
    --  Steam Treat(TM) technology virtually eliminates the need to pre-treat
        stains using the power of steam and removing an additional step in the
        cleaning process
    --  Smart Motion(TM) Technology provides cycle selection with up to six
        unique wash motions for the right amount of cleaning and care
    --  Large capacity (4.0 cubic foot washer, 7.4 cubic foot dryer)
        accommodates large loads of up to 45 extra-large adult t-shirts
    --  The washer uses 70 percent less water and 65 percent less energy, saving
        about $135 per year ***
    --  Kenmore Connect(TM), a functionality that sends customers' real-time
        diagnostic information from the washer or dryer over the phone to
        highly-trained service experts who answer questions, suggest solutions,
        or provide instructions to help maintain proper upkeep
The washer and electric dryer (4147X washer, 8/9147X dryer) are available in white for regular prices of $1,099 per unit and $1,199 in metallic silver finishes. Gas dryers are slightly more expensive.

Each of these innovations joins the vast Kenmore brand selections for all home needs. Kenmore delivers time savings, convenience, versatility and style to ensure families get the most out of their appliances.  To learn more about Kenmore small and large appliances, visit http://www.kenmore.com.

*With Accela Wash technology activated washing an eight-pound load on normal cycle

**Based on an three -pound load

***Compared to owning a pre-2004 non-Energy Star qualified clothes washer. Saving based on the energy use of 2003 non-energy star qualified model

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is a leading broadline retailer with over 4,000 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada.  Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, consumer electronics and automotive repair and maintenance.  Recipient of the 2012 ENERGY STAR® program's highest honor: the ENERGY STAR "Corporate Commitment Award" for Product Retailing and Energy Management.  Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands.  It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart.  We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually.  Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation.  For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at http://www.searsholdings.com. Twitter: @searsholdings|| Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SHCCareers

About the Kenmore brand

Kenmore is an industry leader in delivering smart and stylish appliance innovations that help consumers do things quicker, easier and better. Recognized as a top appliance brand, Kenmore continues to raise the bar with industry-leading products across small and large appliance categories. The brand recently took on a major overhaul re-launching and revamping packaging, product, marketing and social media efforts with the promise of consistently delivering more.  The brand also introduced the Kenmore Craftsman Live Brand Experience is an interactive space in the heart of Chicago equipped to stream innovative experiences and events live online via Kenmore's Facebook page.  For more information, log on to http://www.kenmore.com or http://www.facebook.com/Kenmore.

Contact Information:

Larry Costello

Sears Holdings Corp.

(847)-286-9036
Larry.Costello@searshc.com

Eileen Earley

Zeno Group for Sears

(312) 396-9796
Eileen.Earley@zenogroup.com

SOURCE  Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Sears, Roebuck and Co.

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

MegaPath Safeguards SMB and Enterprise Data with New Hosted Data Backup and Storage Offering

Customers Can Now Leverage MegaPath's Secure Nationwide Network to Store Corporate Data in the Cloud

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MegaPath, one of the leading providers of managed data, voice, and security services in North America, today announced the availability of its Hosted Data Backup and Storage offering for businesses. With this offering and the company's new Hosted Microsoft® Exchange and Hosted Microsoft SharePoint® collaboration services, MegaPath is continuing to make it easier for customers to do business - whether it's across the country or around the globe.

MegaPath's Hosted Data Backup and Storage services allow businesses to remotely backup the data on their servers and PCs, and quickly restore their data after a loss. The service leverages a user-friendly installation wizard, enabling IT staff to schedule data backups and freeing them to focus on other internal IT priorities. Additionally, there is no hardware to purchase or tapes to maintain, furthering the cost savings for customers.

To deliver a reliable, affordable and easy-to-implement off-site data storage solution, MegaPath partnered with Mozy, the world's most trusted online backup service for consumers and businesses. The backup customer data is safely stored remotely at world-class data centers with secure card and biometric authorization, redundant power systems, multiple network providers and cooling measures. If needed, organizations have access to in-client, in-Windows®, Web-based or DVD data restore options.

"From natural and man-made disasters, to hardware malfunctions and accidental file deletions, data can disappear at a moment's notice and it is essential that organizations of all sizes have a backup solution in place to easily recover that information," said Dan Foster, President, Business Markets, MegaPath. "Through our partnership with Mozy, one of the industry's leading backup service providers, and with our secure to the core network, MegaPath is delivering a reliable and cost-effective cloud-based solution that safeguards our customers' information and promotes business continuity."

To learn more about MegaPath's Hosted Data Backup offerings, visit http://www.megapath.com/hosted-it/data-backup.

About MegaPath
MegaPath operates one of the largest end-to-end communications networks in the country, providing both commercial and wholesale services. The company provides a full range of data, voice, and security services for small, medium, and enterprise businesses nationwide, as well as wholesale solutions to the carrier and service-provider markets through one of the largest end-to-end networks in the country. MegaPath helps businesses easily and securely communicate between their headquarters, employees, and business partners to lower costs, increase security, and enhance employee productivity. To learn more about MegaPath's managed IP data, voice, and security services, please visit http://www.megapath.com.

Media Contact:
Tony Welz
Welz & Weisel Communications
703-877-8101
tony@w2comm.com

SOURCE  MegaPath

MegaPath

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

Is Apple Running out of Juice?

LONDON, April 24, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

                               CMC Markets provides an analysis

    Apple's explosive rally from near $350.00/share last November to well over
$600.00/share earlier this month has left many traders talking about whether the stock is
now in a bubble.

    (Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120424/527146 )

    Colin Cieszynski, Senior Market Analyst at CMC Markets (
http://www.cmcmarkets.co.uk) Canada said: Fundamental and technical indicators have
been sending conflicting signals about whether Apple is in a bubble From November 25th
through April 9th, Apple shares gained 74.9%. Over the same time frame, the Dow
Industrials went up 15.1%. The company also has blasted through the high end of a channel
and the chart has gone parabolic or nearly vertical. Technically this suggests that Apple
is probably in a bubble and vulnerable. In contrast,fundamental indicators suggest that
the stock could still have room to run for a while."

    These indicators include:

   
    - Apple's weighting in the NASDAQ 100 has jumped from 15% to 19% in recent
      months, but remains below the 20% level it was at in late 2010. Alarm bells could be
      triggered were this to rise into the 25-30% range in the coming months.
    - Apple's current Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio has climbed up toward 18 but
      still remains low relative to most of the last decade.

   
    - Companies with a higher growth rate can support a higher P/E ratio. With 1
      being considered average for the PEG ratio and 2-3 sending out warning signals,
      Apple's current 0.3 ratio suggests considerable upside remains possible.

    With the explosive rally in the stock has also come a parabolic increase in
expectations for the company's products and financial results. Recent idle chatter around
the markets of a $1,000 share price or a trillion dollar market cap ($1,072 per share)
suggests that hopes have become extremely high for the company's continued success. Over
the last few weeks, however, technical signs have become more ominous, suggesting the
stock may be running out of steam. The real question of whether this is a speed bump or if
the bubble may be about to burst could be answered on April 24th, when Apple is due to
release its next earnings report.

    Colin Cieszynski continued: "While a positive result could send the shares
substantially higher over time, a miss could accelerate the correction that already
appears to be underway. A return to Apple's longer-term trend could take the shares back
toward the $400-500 range pretty easily. Based on current trading, whether Apple next move
either above $620 or below $580 could give a strong indication of whether the bulls or
bears prevail for the moment.."

   
    Table one
               Weight in
    Date       NDAQ 100     P/E
    12/31/01   0.90%
    12/31/02   0.90%       43.4
    12/31/03   90.00%     101.7
    12/31/04   0.90%      863.6
    12/31/05   6.00%       46.3
    12/31/06   6.70%       37.3
    12/31/07   6.70%       50.4
    12/31/08   9.80%       12.5
    12/31/09   15.40%      23.2
    12/31/10   20.00%      21.2
    12/31/11   15.00%      14.6
    04/05/2012 19.40%      18

    Source: Bloomberg, CMC Markets

    Table two

   
              EPS    Growth PEG
    09/30/05   1.56
    09/30/06   2.28  46.15% 0.52
    09/30/07   3.92  71.93% 0.69
    09/30/08   6.77  72.70% 0.37
    09/30/09   9.07  33.97% 0.35
    09/30/10  15.15  67.03% 0.26
    09/30/11  27.67  82.64% 0.25
    09/30/12F 44.03  59.13% 0.30
    09/30/13F 50.42  14.51%

    Source: Bloomberg, CMC Markets

    Notes to Editors

    CMC Markets (http://www.cmcmarkets.co.uk) is a leading global provider of
financial spreadbetting, CFD and foreign exchange (FX). Since Peter Cruddas founded CMC
Markets in 1989, the company now services more than 80,000 clients worldwide, who placed
approximately 30 million trades last year.

    With offices in London, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Vienna, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Beijing,
Auckland, Oslo, Stockholm and Singapore, CMC Markets represents clients in over 70
countries.

    CMC Markets UK Plc and CMC Spreadbet Plc (collectively known as CMC Markets) are
authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Services Authority.

    For further information on CMC Markets please visit http://www.cmcmarkets.co.uk.

    The material (whether or not it states any opinions) is for general information
purposes only, and does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives.
Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment or other
advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a
recommendation by CMC Markets or the author that any particular investment, security,
transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120424/527146

Source: CMC Markets

For more information please contact: Adam Smith or Kelly Hollidge at Teamspirit Public Relations on +44(0)207-360-7878 or cmcmarkets@teamspiritpr.com; Jane Bryant (Global PR Manager) at CMC Markets on +44(0)203-003-8911 or j.bryant@cmcmarkets.com

PROTOTYPE®2 Infection is Unleashed Worldwide

The Ultimate Showdown Between Sgt. James Heller and Alex Mercer Begins Today

@Gamer Magazine Gives PROTOTYPE 2 4.5/5 (90%)

PROTOTYPE 2 Awarded 9 out of 10 by Official PlayStation Magazine

PROTOTYPE 2 Receives 93/100 from PlayMania Magazine

Pick Up the Game Today to Receive Free Access to RADNET Edition - Over 55 Pieces of Additional Content While Supplies Last!

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As Sgt. James Heller would say, "It's $#&*ing GOTIME!"  Today, gamers the world over can head out to local retailers and pick up their copy of PROTOTYPE(®) 2 for the Xbox 360(®) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation(®)3 computer entertainment system in order to become the ultimate shape-shifting weapon and experience the epic showdown between Sgt. James Heller and Alex Mercer.  This highly anticipated sequel to Radical Entertainment's best-selling open-world title from 2009 is set 14-months after the events of the original game, and follows all-new protagonist - Sgt. James Heller - as he sets out to exact revenge against the man he holds responsible for the loss of his loved ones and the world as he once knew it - Alex Mercer.  With strong early reviews showing up across the globe - 4.5/5 (90%) from Future Publishing's @Gamer Magazine (U.S.), 9 out of 10 from Official PlayStation Magazine (UK), 93/100 from PlayMania (Spain) - and over 55 pieces of additional RADNET Edition content available for free while supplies last, gamers won't want to miss out on experiencing the power of revenge.  PROTOTYPE 2, from Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) is rated "M" (Mature - Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language - content that may be suitable for persons 17 and older) by the ESRB.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please visit: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55806-activision-radical-entertainment-prototype-2-xbox-360-free-access-radnet

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120424/MM90582)

"April 24(th) has been a long time coming and we wouldn't have been able to do it without the support of our unbelievably loyal fans," said Ken Rosman, Studio Head, Radical Entertainment.  "All of us here at Radical are extremely proud of what we've created with PROTOTYPE 2 and we hope you all get as much enjoyment from playing it as we had making it...I'll see you on the RADNET leaderboards - Gamertag/PSN username:  SuperSangria."

Fans that already pre-ordered PROTOTYPE 2 or purchase the game during the launch window will gain access to RADNET Edition content via a one-time-use code giving them 55 pieces of additional content for free, delivered for seven weeks post launch*.  This weekly scheduled content includes in-game Events, Challenges, Avatar Items, Dynamic Themes and Behind-the-Scenes videos, as well as bonus Mutations for PROTOTYPE( )2's main story.  And those that participate in ALL of RADNET's weekly Challenges and Events will unlock the ultimate shape-shifting reward...the Alex Mercer playable skin.  PROTOTYPE 2's RADNET Edition content will only be available for free while supplies last so be sure and pick up your copy today!  For more information on RADNET, please visit http://www.radical.ca/radnet or view the trailer at http://youtu.be/er9XTcft2Mc.

Additionally, for the most hardcore fans - the ones who finished 2009's original PROTOTYPE game multiple times; those who constantly debate whether Mercer or Heller is the more badass character; the ones who are eagerly waiting to jump in feet first and experience all that PROTOTYPE 2 has to offer, there's the Blackwatch Collector's Edition.  This limited edition run of PROTOTYPE 2 not only contains the above mentioned RADNET Edition content, but also includes our first paid DLC pack - Colossal Mayhem - redeemable on May 8, 2012, plus a voucher code to download Dark Horse's third and final PROTOTYPE 2 comic - The Labyrinth, as well as our amazing game soundtrack and art book, and 20% off at the PROTOTYPE merchandise store where you can pick from an assortment of PROTOTYPE 2 themed swag - all the accoutrement any hardcore P2 fan could want!  Have a look at the Blackwatch Collector's Edition trailer at http://youtu.be/jjfkRp6LWl4.

To find out more about PROTOTYPE 2, follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/radical_ent and check out http://www.prototypegame.com for the latest trailers, screenshots, special promotions and more! For the truly dedicated, go to http://www.facebook.com/prototype and join the PROTOTYPE Army - a community of over 453,000 (and growing) fans that receive constant updates from the team at Radical, and head on over to http://www.prototypegame.com/store to get your hands on the newest PROTOTYPE 2 apparel and merchandise.

PROTOTYPE 2 was developed by Radical Entertainment for the Xbox 360, PlayStation( )3 system and Windows PC.  The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system RADNET Editions of PROTOTYPE 2 are available now for a suggested retail price of $59.99.  The Blackwatch Collector's Edition of PROTOTYPE 2 is available for a suggested retail price of $79.99.  The Windows PC version of PROTOTYPE 2 will be available at retail on July 24, 2012.

About Radical Entertainment             
In September 2011, Radical Entertainment celebrated its 20(th) anniversary in the business of creating hit video games, including 2009's multi-million-unit-selling PROTOTYPE, The Simpsons Hit & Run, The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, Scarface: The World Is Yours and more.  We treat our properties with the reverence they deserve and gamers demand, and the commitment to our partners and fans continues to set us apart.  Our Vancouver-based studio allows Radical Entertainment to bring the talent, tools and technology together to create entertainment that captures the world's imagination.  Owned by Activision Publishing, Inc, Radical is continually ranked as one of the best places to work in B.C, according to BC Business magazine and Watson Wyatt.  In 2006-2008 MediaCorp Canada ranked Radical as a Top 100 Canadian Employer, Top 10 Canadian Employer for Young People, and Top 20 B.C. Employer.  For more information, please visit http://www.radical.ca.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.             
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com. 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements about the expected release date of PROTOTYPE 2, are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "will," "plans," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "future," "plan," "set to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include unanticipated product delays and other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Activision and Prototype are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.  Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

*Activision makes no guarantees regarding the availability of online play or features, including access to or support for RADNET provided by the applicable console manufacturer, and may modify or discontinue online service in its discretion without notice, including for example, ceasing online service for economic reasons due to a limited number of players continuing to make use of the service over time.

SOURCE  Activision Publishing, Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120424/MM90582
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Video:http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55806-activision-radical-entertainment-prototype-2-xbox-360-free-access-radnet
Activision Publishing, Inc.

CONTACT: Andrew Meyer, Sr. Publicist, Activision Publishing, Inc., +1-310-255-2606, andrew.meyer@activision.com

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

Guardian Analytics Introduces New Anomaly Detection Solution to Protect Mobile Banking Channel

FraudMAP® Mobile first solution to apply proven fraud prevention technology for mobile banking

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Guardian Analytics, the market leader in behavior-based fraud prevention solutions, today announced the general availability of FraudMAP Mobile, the company's latest fraud prevention innovation, purpose-built to identify suspicious mobile banking activity. The first and only solution to use anomaly detection across the triple play of mobile banking - SMS, mobile Web and mobile applications - FraudMAP Mobile provides a critical layer of security that protects financial institutions and their mobile banking users. It also provides the anomaly detection capabilities expected by the FFIEC for all electronic banking channels.

Mobile banking is growing rapidly and represents a strategic opportunity for financial institutions to connect with customers. More than 19 million consumers use mobile banking now, expanding to 44 million users by 2013, according to the Aite Group. But security concerns have financial institutions and consumers on edge - 88 percent of financial institutions believe mobile banking poses a significant risk (Aite Group) while the number one reason consumers don't adopt mobile banking is fear about their security (Javelin).

Cybercriminals are escalating their attacks on mobile phones using SMS messaging, malicious mobile applications disguised as legitimate application, and criminal-controlled Wi-Fi networks. Experts predict their activity will increase in 2012.

"The rise of mobile banking introduces a whole new set of security issues for financial institutions and their customers," said Julie McNelley, research director in the Retail Banking Practice at Aite Group. "A mobile phone in the hands of a criminal provides them with access to all of the victim's personal information that can not only lead to mobile banking fraud, but fraud in other channels as well as identity theft. To prevent this from happening, banks can't rely on the device for security - they need to proactively prevent fraud before it occurs."

About FraudMAP Mobile

FraudMAP Mobile provides financial institutions with the most advanced and effective approach to protecting mobile and tablet banking users. Built using the same innovative behavioral analytics that protects online account holders at over 150 financial institutions, FraudMAP Mobile is the first anomaly detection solution purpose-built for the mobile banking channel. FraudMAP Mobile proactively alerts financial institutions to suspicious mobile behavior across all mobile experiences, including SMS banking, mobile Web banking and downloadable mobile applications. FraudMAP Mobile provides the following:

    --  A layer of security separate from the device providing transparent
        monitoring and analysis of all mobile banking activity for all mobile
        users;
    --  In-depth analysis of mobile banking activity to develop a
        mobile-specific behavioral model unique to each mobile banking user;
    --  Rich mobile banking activity history critical for understanding mobile
        risks, mobile adoption and mobile usage;
    --  Link analysis to proactively identify multiple accounts at risk; and
    --  Support for mobile banking platforms integrated with online banking
        platforms as well as standalone mobile platforms.
Using FraudMAP Mobile, financial institutions can proactively prevent fraud in the mobile and other banking channels and warn customers of potential identity theft. With the confidence that the channel is proactively monitored and protected, financial institutions can also confidently expand their mobile banking products and services.

"Consumers want more convenience and more from mobile banking," said Terry Austin, CEO of Guardian Analytics. "To stay competitive, financial institutions will need to rapidly advance their mobile offerings and FraudMAP Mobile provides the protections they need to manage the risk of more users and more financial management and transactional capabilities."

Availability, Pricing and Webinar

FraudMAP Mobile is available immediately and complements Guardian Analytics' proven line of fraud prevention solutions, including FraudMAP Online. Pricing is based on the number of mobile users at a financial institution.

Guardian Analytics will host a complimentary webinar, "The Double Edged Sword of Mobile Banking," on Thursday, April 26 at 1:00 p.m. EST led by Julie McNelley of Aite Group, to explore the risks and opportunities presented by mobile banking. To register, please visit: http://bit.ly/J64vwA.

About Guardian Analytics

Guardian Analytics is the pioneer and leading provider of behavior-based fraud prevention solutions for online and mobile banking. With 150+ customers, more financial institutions trust Guardian's SaaS solutions to protect their clients' assets and conform to FFIEC expectations for anomaly detection than any other solution. Based in Mountain View, Calif., Guardian Analytics is privately held with venture funding from Foundation Capital, Sutter Hill Ventures, Split Rock Partners and Triangle Peak Partners. For more information, please visit http://www.guardiananalytics.com.

SOURCE  Guardian Analytics

Guardian Analytics

CONTACT: Laura Moen of Bateman Group, +1-415-503-1818, guardian@bateman-group.com, for Guardian Analytics

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