News

Infinite Z Debuts zSpace 3D Holographic Experience to Gaming Community at GDC

Industry Veteran Greg Richardson Joins as Advisor for Media and Entertainment Market

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Infinite Z, Inc.,® a technology provider that enables virtual-holographic 3D imagery to bring designs to life, today announced its entrance into the gaming market at the 2012 Game Developer's Conference. The company is exhibiting its revolutionary zSpace® 3D virtualization experience March 7 - 9 in the GDC Expo at booth 1844.

zSpace is a hardware and software solution that enables life-like interactions with designs and characters in open space. It provides a highly realistic 3D visualization experience that enables designers and engineers to directly manipulate animations as if they were real physical objects, which accelerates the design and development process and increases productivity. A virtual demonstration of zSpace is available at http://zspace.com/. Infinite Z has gained significant traction in the CAD arena with the recent launches of zSpace beta plug-ins for Autodesk® Maya® 2011 and Autodesk® Showcase® Professional 2012 and proof-of-concept demonstrations for Autodesk® Alias® Design software and Dassault Systemes 3D technology.

Today, the company also announced that gaming industry veteran Greg Richardson has joined Infinite Z as a strategic advisor to help advance the company into the media and entertainment market. Richardson is currently the founder and CEO of Rumble Entertainment and previously spent five years as an investor with Elevation Partners, where he worked closely with BioWare/Pandemic, Palm and SDI Media. He also served as the Vice President and General Manager of EA Partners, the third party publishing arm of Electronic Arts, where he managed key external relationships and served as a catalyst for IP and asset acquisitions.

"zSpace is truly breakthrough technology - 3D opens many doors for new creative processes and products," said Greg Richardson, advisor to Infinite Z and CEO of Rumble Entertainment. "Think about your most creative people and imagine the possibilities if they could be more productive, create higher quality work and concept art in a whole new way. That's huge. I look forward to having this front row seat and seeing what our industry's brightest creatives imagine with zSpace."

Animation is a key area of focus for Infinite Z and the company is currently offering a version of its zSpace system paired with a beta plug-in for Autodesk Maya 2011, 3D animation software that delivers an end-to-end creative workflow with comprehensive tools for animation, modeling, simulation, visual effects, rendering, matchmoving, and compositing.

"The gaming and animation market is unique, what you see on a screen isn't a prototype or a demo, it is an actual character, the product," said Paul Kellenberger, CEO of Infinite Z. "As the industry increasingly moves towards 3D games and films, expectations for the quality of that animation increase. We think zSpace is perfectly poised to tackle that challenge and we're thrilled to have Greg's expertise on board to help us do so."

About Infinite Z, Inc.
Infinite Z, Inc.® is a digital design technology provider that enables natural interaction with virtual-holographic 3D imagery to bring designs to life. The company's mission is to transform human interactions with today's computing environment into an incredibly lifelike, interactive and immersive experience. Its revolutionary platform, zSpace®, provides a highly realistic visualization experience that enables designers and engineers to directly interact with virtual holographic simulations as if they were real physical objects, which accelerates the design and development process and increases productivity. Infinite Z is a privately held, venture backed company located in Mountain View, CA, and has filed more than 30 patents for its innovative technologies. For additional information about zSpace, visit http://www.zspace.com/

Infinite Z and zSpace are registered trademarks of Infinite Z, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contacts
Mike Harper
Infinite Z
408-493-0819 x595
mharper@infinitez.com

Anne Chesney
Edelman
312-240-3178
anne.chesney@edelman.com

SOURCE  Infinite Z, Inc.

Infinite Z, Inc.

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

Broadcom Launches Portfolio of Best-in-Class 1G and 10G Ethernet Solutions for HP ProLiant Gen8 Servers

Broadcom Ethernet Technology Helps to Maximize Performance, Efficiency and Scalability of HP ProLiant Gen8 Servers

IRVINE, Calif., March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

News Highlights:

    --  Broadcom selected by HP for its new generation of FlexNet LOMs and
        adapters
    --  Broadcom 10G connectivity in flexible LOM and Mezzanine form factors
        leveraged by HP ProLiant Gen8 Servers
    --  Broadcom single-chip Ethernet solutions deliver industry-leading
        performance and enhanced virtualization
Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications today unveiled a new portfolio of Ethernet LOMs (LAN on motherboard) and adapters for HP's new ProLiant Generation 8 (Gen8) servers. Broadcom's latest generation of 1GbE and 10GbE NetXtreme® controllers provide increased performance, efficiency and scalability for HP Gen8 servers in enterprise networks. For more news from Broadcom visit our newsroom.

Broadcom is offering five new adapters for HP ProLiant Gen8 servers, available in a variety of dual-port and quad-port network interface cards (NICs), as well as FlexNet cards and mezzanine cards.  These solutions are designed for a wide range of network configurations and provide full compatibility with HP's new servers.

Rising demand for server virtualization, cloud computing, and I/O intensive applications are driving the need for greater processing capabilities in enterprise networks and data centers.  A recent survey by IDC concludes that top priorities for IT managers in 2012 are virtualization, improving system management and adding new servers.(1)  Broadcom's latest Ethernet adapter solutions are engineered to help IT managers meet these demands while leveraging features and benefits unique to HP's ProLiant Gen8 servers.

Based on NetXtreme Ethernet controllers, Broadcom's new adapters and LOMs are engineered for use with HP's servers, delivering full line-rate throughput across all ports. To support enterprise and data center efficiency and scalability requirements, Broadcom's NetXtreme family offers advanced functionality including Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and IEEE 1588 time synchronization. The new adapter portfolio also leverages Broadcom's highly-integrated 40nm PCIe single-chip solutions that enable lower power consumption (up to 42 percent), contributing to reduced IT operating costs.*

Industry Leading 10GbE Performance
Broadcom's new line of 10GbE adapters deliver the industry's highest level of throughput performance and packet routing as validated by third-party analyst firm Demartek.(2)  Optimized for virtualization by uniting data and storage networks on a common 10GbE fabric, the10GbE adapters allow the server to adapt to a broad range of bandwidth configurations that reduce power and cooling costs while minimizing overall system complexity.

For a full list of Broadcom-powered products for HP, visit http://www.broadcom.com.

Key Features:

    --  PCI Express(®) (PCIe(TM)) Gen2.0
    --  Full line-rate performance across all ports
    --  Broad OS and hypervisor support
    --  Full TCP/IP hardware offload* engine (TOE)
    --  Flex-10 partitioning - up to four partitioning assignments per 10GbE
        link*
    --  SR-IOV ready*
    --  Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE)*
    --  IEEE 1588 time precision protocol*
Market Drivers:

    --  Increasing traffic and richer content continues to grow on the
        Internet(3)
    --  Adoption of virtualization and other new server technologies/solutions
        viewed a priority by IT managers(1)
    --  Server-class network ports growing with total shipments expected to
        reach in excess of 20 percent in 2011(3)
    --  Increase in server-to-server communications(3)
    --  Ethernet adapters optimized for HP's Gen8 servers -- a clear requirement
        for next-generation networks
Availability
All Broadcom devices mentioned above are now shipping.

For ongoing Broadcom news visit our Newsroom, read our B-Connected Blog, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter. And to stay connected, subscribe to our RSS Feed.

Quotes:

Jim Ganthier, Vice President of Marketing, Industry Standard Servers, HP

"Enterprises are looking to increase administrator productivity by automating tasks and simplifying operations. By incorporating Broadcom's single chip solutions into HP ProLiant Gen8 servers, customers achieve a broader range of bandwidth configurations, minimizing complexity as well as improving uptime."

Jim Pappas, Director of Technology Initiatives, Intel Corporation

"We are pleased to see vendors like Broadcom take advantage of the new I/O performance features of the Intel(® )Xeon(® )processor E5-2600 product family - helping to build a rich Xeon(®) Server ecosystem. As the Intel(® )Xeon(® )processor E5-2600 product family raises the performance bar, it offers vendors such as Broadcom the ability to enable higher performing networking solutions, with the shared goal of driving towards a rich end-user experience."

Seamus Crehan, Crehan Research, Inc.

"According to our most recent report, Broadcom maintained a strong 10GbE position in the Server-class LAN-on-Motherboard (LOMs) & Controllers segment for 2011.  While we expect very robust growth in 10GbE server-class controller shipments, we also forecast that 1GbE will remain the majority of port shipments for some time. Hence, a broad portfolio of high-performance feature-rich offerings, such as Broadcom's, should enjoy considerable success with the ramp of the Romley/Sandy Bridge servers."

Vinod Lakhani, General Manager, High Speed Controllers, Broadcom Corporation

"Broadcom's latest generation of Ethernet solutions deliver the most advanced performance of their kind and the richest set of features the industry has seen. Optimized for HP's ProLiant Gen8 line, these devices provide unsurpassed speed, efficiency, and scalability for the enterprise data center. Combine that with Broadcom's integrated MACs and PHYs and the company's overall expertise in networking technology, you end up with a series of network adapters that are backed by an industry leader along with performance that maximizes the ROI on new server investments."

Resources:
NetXtreme Featured Products Page
Broadcom News Room
B-Connected Broadcom Blog
Subscribe to Broadcom's RSS Feed

About Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a FORTUNE 500® company, is a global leader and innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom® products seamlessly deliver voice, video, data and multimedia connectivity in the home, office and mobile environments.  With the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and embedded software solutions, Broadcom is changing the world by Connecting everything®. For more information, go to http://www.broadcom.com.

Broadcom®, the pulse logo, Connecting everything®, and the Connecting everything logo are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU.  Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

*Available on select products

(1) IDC's Top-10 Enterprise Server Predictions 2012

(2) Demartek benchmark tests

(3)( )Crehan Research, Inc. - Server I/O Considerations - January 2012

    Contacts
    --------
    Press                     Investors
    John Jatinen              Chris Zegarelli
    Manager, Public Relations Director, Investor Relations
    949-926-3462              949-926-7567
    john.jatinen@broadcom.com czegarel@broadcom.com
SOURCE  Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Infrastructure & Networking

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060609/BROADCOMLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Infrastructure & Networking

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

O Canada! DomainPeople Sponsors Contest for .CA Domain Websites

Promotes Benefits of .CA Domain Extension; Deadline March 30, 2012

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Domain name registrar DomainPeople today announced a 'Tell us About Your  .CA Contest' for websites utilizing the .CA domain extension, in order to drive branding and awareness in the Canadian market. Winners will be selected based on the innovation and creativity of their website goals, and how their .CA domain is helping or will help them achieve those goals. Entries can be submitted at http://www.domainpeople.ca/heycanada.html through March 30, 2012.

One winner will be selected in each of three categories - large sites, small sites and new site proposals - and assigned first, second or third prize at random. First prize is an Apple iPad 2.  Second prize is one year of free Cloudhost PowerPack hosting from DomainPeople plus a choice of a free .CA domain for 10 years or .CA renewal for up to 10 years. Third prize is six months of free Cloudhost PowerPack hosting from DomainPeople plus a choice of a free .CA domain for five years or .CA renewal for up to five years.

Entrants must be DomainPeople customers that hold an active .CA domain registered through DomainPeople. During the contest period, DomainPeople is reducing the first-year price for organizations that do not yet have .CA domain extensions from $14.95 to $9.95 to help businesses reap the benefits of .CA identification.

In a recent study conducted by The Strategic Counsel, .CA easily outscored .com as 'Safe' (77% vs. 23%), 'Secure' (75% vs. 25%), and 'Trusted' (78% vs. 22%). Other studies have shown that Canadians prefer .CA over .com by a large majority for online banking (86% vs. 14%), online shopping (85% vs. 15%), and searching for news and current events (85% vs. 15%). In addition, nearly 90% of Canadians see .CA as an important resource for Canadians.

"Having a .CA domain name is like waving the Canadian flag: it clearly states that you, your business or your organization are Canadian, and research has shown that it makes a difference in how your site is perceived," said Chris Kruk, product manager of DomainPeople. "We are running this contest to raise awareness of the value of the .CA extension and to share the successes that people are having in choosing .CA over other options."

According to the Canadian Internet Registration Authority, more than 1.8 million .CA domain names have been registered, and .CA has been one of the fastest-growing country-code domain extensions in the world over the past five years. In Canada, .CA's market share has been steadily rising while the collective registrations of the other domain name extensions have been steadily declining. 

About DomainPeople

Established in 1999, DomainPeople is a trusted, premier provider of Domain Solutions for the Internet industry. As the eighth ICANN-accredited domain registrar, DomainPeople has registered over 1,000,000 domains worldwide and has clients and customers in over 130 countries. For more information, visit http://www.domainpeople.com.

SOURCE  DomainPeople

DomainPeople

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

Rule Financial Expands North American Operations With Acquisition of Specialist New York and Toronto Consultancy

LONDON, NEW YORK and TORONTO, March 7, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

    Rule Financial [http://www.rulefinancial.com ], an independent provider of business
consultancy, IT consultancy and IT services to the global investment banking community,
today announces its acquisition of North American consultancy, Waterline Group. This
strategic acquisition will accelerate Rule Financial's growth in North America, providing
an entry point to the Canadian market, and will complement the consultancy's existing
presence in New York. Waterline Group will be fully-absorbed into Rule Financial and will
operate under the Rule Financial brand.

    New York and Toronto-based Waterline Group has in-depth experience in capital markets
- both buy-side and sell-side - working with a number of Canadian and US-based banks and
trading organisations. As part of the acquisition, Rule Financial will integrate the
Waterline Group leadership team into the Rule Financial fold. Chris DeBrusk will take
responsibility for North American business development, Amrik Chawla will be Rule
Financial's North American and US lead, Rob Schmidt will take responsibility for Rule
Financial Canada and Rob McGeachy will be the North American delivery lead.

    Chris DeBrusk
[http://www.rulefinancial.com/about/featured-specialists/chris-debrusk.aspx ], managing
director, North American business development lead, said: "Our experienced team is highly
complementary to the existing Rule Financial offering in North America, and I anticipate
that joining Rule Financial will enable us to offer even more services, to more clients,
and in larger projects across the financial services sector."

    Chris Potts, CEO, Rule Financial, said: "As North American financial institutions race
to align IT with a swathe of incoming regulation - such as Dodd-Frank and the Volcker Rule
- Rule Financial is anticipating heightened demand for specialist consultancy services in
the region. Acquiring Waterline Group provides both a route into these financial
institutions, and the specialist support needed to cater for this increasing demand for
investment banking consultancy. I am pleased to welcome the new consultants into the Rule
Financial team and look forward to further building on the success of our North American
operations as we continue to expand our services and recruit the most talented specialists
working in financial services."

    Rule Financial [http://www.rulefinancial.com ] recently announced its expansion in
London, New York and ?od?, Poland, including a number of senior hires
[http://www.rulefinancial.com/press/press-releases/rule-financial-ramps-up-global-operations-to-support-international-growth.aspx ]
. This is in support of the consultancy's
year-on-year growth, with order intake for 2011 coming in ahead of target, and the company
growing its footprint internationally, working with nine of the top ten global investment
banks.

    Web: http://www.rulefinancial.com

Source: Rule Financial

For more information about Rule Financial and Waterline Group please contact: Dee Burke, email: rule@hotwirepr.com, tel: +44(0)20-7608-8350

Equipos Expands Global Sales and Marketing Operations

New Offices and Staff Accommodate Client and Partner Demand for Coric Client Communications

BOSTON, March 7, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

    Equipos, the leading provider of client communications and reporting solutions for
buy-side investment firms, has increased sales and marketing staff in the UK and North
America to meet client and partner demand for the Coric Client Communications Suite.
Equipos Inc., the company's North American operation, has also added sales and marketing
resource and is recruiting technical services professionals to reinforce support across
the region.

    Equipos has also opened new offices in the UK's Thames Valley, in addition to the
company Head Office and EMEA/Asia Pacific Sales Headquarters in the City of London. The
new office in Bracknell, Berkshire, is home to the Global Marketing and Partner Marketing
teams. Both of these teams have expanded to manage strategic marketing initiatives more
effectively and facilitate the sales development process.

    According to Alan Hamilton, CEO at Equipos, "There is overwhelming interest in Equipos
and the Coric Client Communications Suite. We have added sales development resource to
enable us to engage effectively with all prospective clients and ensure responsive
service. Our marketing teams have expanded, largely because we have been particularly
successful in attracting new technology and delivery partners, who are keen to deliver
Coric into new markets and geographies as part of their own solution suites. We are
committed to supporting them throughout the on-boarding process and on an ongoing basis to
ensure that we maximize all joint opportunities."

    About Equipos

    Founded in 1999, Equipos is a leading international supplier of automated client
communications solutions, with historical roots in private client reporting and
institutional investment reporting. Equipos Coric(TM) empowers client services staff to
create visually appealing client reports, fund fact sheets, UCITS IV KIID, meeting packs,
presentations and other client communications without recourse to IT. Our best practice
solutions increase operational efficiency, enhance client service and support regulatory
compliance. Equipos is a privately owned business with offices in North America and the
UK. Clients are served directly or via our rapidly expanding partner network. Coric was
awarded Waters Buy-Side Client Reporting Platform of the Year 2011.
http://www.equiposgroup.com

   
    Press Contact:
    Nicola Cowburn
    +44(0)207-933-8720
    press@equiposgroup.com

Source: Equipos

VGTel dba 360 Entertainment & Productions Details Business Overview and Expansion Plans

NEW YORK, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- VGTel, Inc., dba 360 Entertainment and Productions (OTCBB: VGTL), Details Business Overview and Expansion Plans.

VGTel, dba 360 Entertainment & Productions, is devoted to creating a multi-platform media company offering content, production, distribution and programming, along with products and vehicles for financing tax credits and other products tailored to the entertainment industry.

Our business outlookis based on a strategy of growing and building business units through investments and acquisitions. In addition to our core media and emerging businesses, we are entering into one of the most explosive growth industries in America with the distribution of Internet Sweepstakes Kiosks. These machines are built in the USA with a Forged Steel custom-built security case, 22" HD Widescreen touch-screens, Card Reader System, Proprietary Internal Hardware Components, Premiere Gaming Software, Complete point of sale systems. They have the look and feel of slot machines and other casino gaming devices - but are legal in most states under current laws regulating sweepstakes.

"Our entry into this exciting and growing industry is another important step in the development of our Company and will provide us with needed revenue to further accelerate the implementation of our plans to fund other related media and entertainment projects in the near future," noted Peter Shafran, CEO.

THESE KIOSKS FEATURE:

    --  Customizable Games and Themes
    --  The ability to add new games monthly
    --  Convenient touch-screen monitor
    --  Simple User Interface
    --  Easy Internet access for end-users
    --  Exciting Bonus Features
    --  No other computers, servers, or equipment needed
    --  Hands-on setup and training
    --  Just plug in and turn on!
    --  Completely Certified & Compliant System
    --  Designed to Optimize User Experience and Business Results
    --  Live, 24/7 reporting, monitoring, and control (we can check reports from
        any internet connection!)
    --  24/7 support
Sweepstakes Kiosksoffer all of the benefits of an internet cafe (also called sweepstakes rooms or parlors) - but can yield a greater return on investment, have no overhead, are certified and compliant, and much simpler and less expensive to set up and operate than an internet cafe. Sweepstakes Kiosks are experiencing tremendous success in the marketplace as there is nothing else like them in the industry.

Our Kiosks make an attractive and highly profitable addition to any high-traffic business. We have already identified thousands of such locations in bars, convenience stores, truck stops, laundromats, and even in existing internet cafes and sweepstakes rooms, in which the machines will be placed.

But, is it legal? Isn't it gambling?

In most states, in order for an activity to be considered "gambling", three elements are required: Prize, Chance and Consideration. Sweepstakes have prizes, of course. Chance is also a part of any sweepstakes game, as there is a random element involved. If a participant pays directly to enter into a game, you have Consideration. Now, think about most newspapers - they regularly hold "contests" in which you don't buy game pieces, you just buy the newspaper. Then, for example, you have to find clues hidden throughout the newspaper, paste them onto a card and mail them in to the newspaper, or go online to their contest page and enter the clues you found, in order to win.

Internet sweepstakes work the same way. Customers are not purchasing entries into a sweepstakes - instead, they are purchasing Internet time. When they purchase this "product", they are given free entries into a sweepstakes. Instead of sending in "clues" entries, customers go to the sweepstakes kiosk to see if they have won. Simply put, the sweepstakes kiosk is like the newspaper contest, and the Internet time is like our newspaper. This it what makes these sweepstakes gaming systems legal.

What is the market for these sweepstakes systems in the US?

Nearly 60 million Americans play sweepstakes games every year. Internet Sweepstakes, currently an unknown industry to most folks, is actually one of the fastest growing industries in the country with about $15 Billion peryear in revenues. (Bloomberg Businessweek, April 21, 2011)

Isn't there an effort by some government entities to shut them down?

In spite of legal challenges in several states, the sweepstakes industry is well within legal norms.

For further information, go to the Company's website.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business.

The Company is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," "potential," "will," "may," "should," "expect," "pending" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, our management's examination of historical operating trends, data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

    CONTACT: VGTel, Inc. dba 360 Entertainment & Productions
             Phone (360) 8-360-ENT
             info@360entertainmentandproductions.com
SOURCE  VGTel, Inc. dba 360 Entertainment & Productions

VGTel, Inc. dba 360 Entertainment & Productions

Web Site: http://360entertainmentandproductions.com

Introducing GainSpan's SDK-Builder: Low Cost Tool to Create Custom Wi-Fi Solutions for the Internet of Things

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GainSpan® Corporation, a leader in low power Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi connectivity for the Internet of Things, today introduced SDK-Builder, a web-based tool that enables developers to select Wi-Fi features and build custom binary for their embedded devices, with no IDE tool chain. SDK-Builder, the first such tool for the embedded Wi-Fi market, reduces development cost for companies designing connected devices based on GainSpan's Wi-Fi modules.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120305/SF63380LOGO-b)

SDK-Builder eliminates the need to use pre-built firmware binary images, but rather allows users to create custom firmware binary images on-demand tailored to their applications.  This new tool provides a baseline default configuration (essential wireless stack features, WPA/WPA-2 personal security and networking services) and then lets developers choose the additional software features and functionalities by selecting them on a menu. Features include host interfaces, security, provisioning methods, application layer protocols, and over-the-air firmware upgrade, using external flash and other test modes. 

In addition, SDK-Builder provides developers with built-in intelligence to eliminate invalid code combinations, a real time binary file size indicator to show total memory usage, and error alerts when memory limits are exceeded.   

"With our growing customer base, there was increasing interest from customers with no expertise or no special customization needs, to get a low cost tool to customize the binary image for a given device without code development," said Bernard Aboussouan, vice president of marketing at GainSpan. "SDK-Builder is the perfect tool for them."

GainSpan Embedded Wi-Fi Modules

SDK-Builder can be used with GainSpan's family of certified Wi-Fi modules:  the GS1500M is a leading-edge 802.11b/g/n solution, while the GS1011M is an ultra-low power 802.11b solution which is ideal for battery operated devices.

Pricing and Availability

The new SDK-Builder is available immediately by purchasing an annual subscription license.  The tool is accessible at http://sdkbuilder.gainspan.com. 

About GainSpan Corporation

GainSpan is the leading semiconductor solutions company in low power Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi connectivity for the Internet of Things.  Its easy-to-use system-on-chip (SoC), modules and software, let customers leverage the large installed base of Wi-Fi access points and smartphones to create connected products for healthcare, smart energy and control/monitoring in industrial, commercial and residential markets.  The solutions feature an ultra low power SoC that consumes just a few uA of standby current and goes from standby to active mode in a few ms, ideal for battery operated devices requiring long life. The Wi-Fi chip handles all Wi-Fi functionalities, networking and security stacks, offloading when required the host MCU and accelerating wireless development cycles.  For more information about GainSpan, visit:  http://www.gainspan.com.

There are other ways to stay up-to-date on GainSpan:
GainSpan on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/gainspan
GainSpan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/gainspan
GainSpan on LinkedIn at: http://www.linkedin.com/company/308585

Media Contact:
Carol Felton, Communications & PR
GainSpan Corporation
T | 408-807-3780
carol.felton@gainspan.com

SOURCE  GainSpan Corporation

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120305/SF63380LOGO-b
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
GainSpan Corporation

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

WiMP Launches on Sonos

OSLO, Norway, March 7, 2012/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

    Music streaming service WiMP launches today for users of the Sonos Wireless HiFi
System in Scandinavia. WiMP for Sonos contains the entire editorial content of WiMP,
making it even easier to listen to music in high quality everywhere in the house.

    WiMP was the first music service worldwide that ran in beta in the new Sonos Labs,
from December last year, and has already proved a success as a significant amount of users
are already running WiMP on Sonos and listening to a large amount of music in their homes.

    "We are very excited to make WiMP available to our customers in Scandinavia - their
focus on sound quality and the extensive editorial content and features make WiMP an
excellent partner for Sonos," says Ian Barnett of Sonos Scandinavia.

    Sonos users with the service can easily browse the entire editorial content of WiMP
with everything from pre-made playlists for all occasions, recommended songs and albums,
news, top lists, album lists and favorites. It has never been easier to play music
wirelessly in real HiFi quality at home!

    "The combination of WiMP and Sonos allows users a much richer musical experience in
their homes. With the editorial tips and recommendations from WiMP easily available in
every room through Sonos, the whole family can experience the music of their choice," says
Per Einar Dybvik in WiMP.

    With WiMP for Sonos, users can listen to music without having the computer up and
running, and with Sonos Wireless HiFi System it is also easy to play music in several
rooms. The system can be controlled using free Controller apps for iPhone, iPad and
Adroid. You first choose which room you want to use, then the music discovery can start.

    As of today, WiMP is available in the "More Music" menu on any Sonos Controller, no
update is required. Sonos users who do not have WiMP already can register on wimp.no
[http://media.ne.cision.com/l/hqsowoeh/wimp.no ], wimp.dk
[http://media.ne.cision.com/l/hqsowoeh/wimp.dk ] or wimpmusic.se
[http://media.ne.cision.com/l/hqsowoeh/wimpmusic.se ], where they also get 30 days free use
of the service. WiMP costs 99 kronor per month.

    WiMP is growing rapidly and has over 350,000 paying customers in four countries, up
from 100 000 at the beginning of 2011. WiMP is available in Norway, Sweden and Denmark,
Germany in beta and in Portugal under a different trademark. WiMP prepares launches in
several new markets. WiMP focuses on helping users find their way in the vast music
library with millions of songs. WiMP was in July ranked the best music service globally at
the Meffy Awards in London.

    Download press photo
[http://media.ne.cision.com/l/hqsowoeh/media.ne.cision.com/wpyfs/00/00/00/00/00/17/67/03/WiMP_sonos_banner.jpg ]

    Aspiro in Brief

    Aspiro has unique positioning as the world's only provider of complete TV and music
streaming services for partners that want to put their own branding on the service. Aspiro
also provides the music streaming service WiMP directly to consumers on selected markets.
Aspiro has over ten years' experience in mobile technology and retail in northern Europe,
and delivers services to partners worldwide like Deutsche Telekom, Telenor, 3,
TeliaSonera, the BBC, Entel and Canal Digital. Aspiro is listed on Nasdaq OMX Nordic
Exchange Stockholm.

    For more information contact: Kristin Castillo Eldnes, Head of Corporate communication
and IR Aspiro, tel. +47-90807389, kristin.eldnes@aspiro.com

Source: Aspiro Music

DAP Technologies and Renovotec Partner to Offer Integrated Rugged Computer and Data Capture Solutions

ABINGDON, England and WAKEFIELD, England, March 7, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

   
            - Renovotec to resell DAP's rugged handheld, tablet and vehicle-mount
                             computers as a Platinum Partner

    Rugged computer manufacturer DAP Technologies has awarded Platinum Partner status to
Renovotec, a mobile computing, barcoding and data-capture solutions specialist. With this
partnership, Renovotec's customers can choose from DAP's full line of rugged handheld,
tablet and vehicle-mount computers for their data-capture needs, as well as other
enterprise applications.

    (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090408/LA96741LOGO)

    "Renovotec's comprehensive data-capture solutions are already well regarded throughout
the U.K.," said Simon Bowe, DAP's general manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
"We're pleased to partner with a trusted company that shares our commitment to solving
each customer's unique challenges and look forward to complementing Renovotec's solutions
with our highly customisable rugged computers."

    DAP and Renovotec serve customers in a number of industries including warehouse and
distribution, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, field service, and public
safety.

    "I'm delighted with the partnership between Renovotec and DAP as we share the same
values and are committed to high-quality customer service," said Renovotec Director,
Richard Gilliard. "We feel the M9010 is an innovative device that we're keen to introduce
to our customers."

    For more: http://www.onlyrugged.com/acatalog/DAP_Technologies.html

    About Renovotec

    Renovotec is a leading provider of mobile computing, voice and automatic data capture
solutions. We deliver innovative, business-transforming solutions that improve
productivity, accuracy and profitability. We have many years experience implementing
highly successful projects across a wide range of industry sectors, including third-party
warehousing and logistics, manufacturing, retail and ports. http://www.renovotec.com

    About DAP

    DAP Technologies designs and manufactures rugged handheld, tablet and vehicle-mount
computers for demanding industries and harsh environments. DAP's computers improve data
collection, processing and transmission in numerous industries, including utilities, field
service, identity management, warehouse, transportation and logistics. DAP has offices in
Abingdon, U.K.; Tempe, Ariz.; and Quebec City. http://www.daptech.com

Source: DAP Technologies

For DAP, Corrine Heyeck, +1-480-241-1280, corrine@heyeck.com; or For Renovotec, Hannah Quigley, +44(0)845-293-0450, hquigley@renovotec.com

NanoSight Webinar Addresses the EU Definition of Nanomaterials

SALISBURY, England, March 7, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

    NanoSight, leading manufacturers of unique nanoparticle characterization technology,
responds to the EU Commission recommended definition of Nanomaterials with a webinar to
provide expert insight into the consequences for chemical industries. This will be held on
Wednesday 21st March.

    At the end of 2011 the EU Commission published a recommended definition of
Nanomaterials. Seasoned Commission-watchers recognised this much-anticipated document as a
turning point, likely to have significant legislative impact on producers of Nanomaterials
in Europe and beyond. This definition was the missing jigsaw piece that so many
legislators and NGOs anticipated, to forward a robust framework for nanotechnology
legislation.

    Two industry reactions are observed. Whilst all would agree that the right legislative
framework will enable major investment in nanotechnology, a large industry group are doing
nothing and hoping perhaps that it goes away, whilst others are thinking through potential
solutions. Having tracked the scientific consultative effort in preparation to get to this
stage, NanoSight believes this definition is here to stay and will have significant
impact.

    On Wednesday, 21st March at 1330 and 1500 UK time, NanoSight will host a webinar to
look at the implications of this definition and how as a company with unique
multi-parameter nanoparticle analysis is able to address these freshly defined
characterization challenges.

    The invited speaker is Dr Denis Koltsov, a leading international expert in
nanotechnology legislation and control. Dr Koltsov serves on several UK governmental
strategy committees as well as expert committees at BSI/ISO/CEN/OECD WPN and the
Nanotechnologies Industries Association (NIA). He has conducted a number of industry-led
consultations in the nanotechnology sector and reported to the relevant regulatory
authorities. He operates BREC Solutions, a consultancy company in the field of
nanotechnology innovation. Key to this is to act as an information source of
nanotechnology regulation and standardisation. In his talk, he will examine the definition
in detail and provide a thorough understanding of the document. Dr Koltsov will outline
his views on the likely speed and scope of legislation.

    NanoSight will present a practical draft solution to address the characterization
requirements of this definition. Requiring as it does, particle counting from 10nm to
100nm, a combination of Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis and Electron Microscopy is
proposed. This webinar will be both informative and interactive. Register now and join in
the discussions on this important issue: http://www.nanosight.com/webinar. It will
also be available for viewing after the live event. The link will be the same.

    To find out about the company and to learn more about nanoparticle characterization
using NanoSight's unique nanoparticle tracking analysis solutions, visit
http://www.nanosight.com and register to receive the next issue of NanoTrail, the
company's electronic newsletter.

    For further information:

    Please contact NanoSight direct or their marketing agency, Talking Science:

   
    NanoSight Limited
    Minton Park
    London Road
    Amesbury SP4 7RT UK
    T +44(0)1980-676060
    F +44(0)1980-624703
    http://www.nanosight.com
    jeremy.warren@nanosight.com

    Talking Science Limited
    39 de Bohun Court
    Saffron Walden
    Essex CB10 2BA UK
    T +44(0)1799-521881
    M +44(0)7843-012997
    http://www.talking-science.com
    jezz@talking-science.com

Source: NanoSight

NHN Japan Announces Release of PC and Smart-tablet Browser Versions of Its Free Calling and Messaging App "LINE"

- LINE Supports Multi-device Function, Creating New Opportunities for Use and Now with Even More Features to Protect User Privacy -

TOKYO, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- NHN Japan Corporation (hereinafter referred to as NHN Japan) announced on March 7 the release of the PC version (for Windows/Mac desktop clients) and browser version for smart tablets of its free calling and free messaging app "LINE" (http://line.naver.jp/en/).

*As of today, NHN Japan has released the PC and browser versions, and all of these functions can currently be used on those using Androids (latest version). For iPhone app users, this feature should be released in the next few days.

http://naverland.naver.jp/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/LINE_multi-Device_eng.jpg

LINE is a smartphone app which allows users to enjoy free calls and messages to one another, both nationally and internationally, regardless of which mobile network provider they are using. On March 5, 2012, 8 months since its launch in June 2011, LINE achieved a total of 20 million downloads worldwide (iPhone/Android combined) and continues to show rapid growth.

Of course LINE has always been available for use on smart phones and feature phones. However, with the introduction of the PC version, users can now enjoy LINE on their PCs as well, simply by installing the dedicated client software. At the same time, with the release of the browser version which caters especially for smart tablets, users can now enjoy LINE on their iPad and Android tablets. With large-sized screens typical of tablet devices, users can feel free to use LINE both at home and in the office. At the moment, only the Chat feature is supported on the PC and browser versions, and free calling is not yet available.

Furthermore, coupled with the release of these new features, NHN Japan has introduced a multi-device function with the updated version of the Android smart-phone app. Users will now have the option to register an email address and password to their LINE account which they can use to both log in to the PC or smart-tablet browser versions of LINE and to access their original LINE account details (such as Friends, Groups and Profile information). (Previously, the user's phone number was used at the initial registration process, meaning that once the user changed his or her phone number and/or device, the LINE account would have to be reinitialized.)

    --  Users can also use their LINE QR Code to log in to the PC and browser
        versions without registering any additional details.
    --  NHN Japan is currently working on making these features available for
        iPhone app version and feature phones in the near future.
While LINE has always made it its policy to explicitly ask for prior consent from the user when obtaining contact details, this new version of LINE has made improvements to the user interface to make it even clearer and more understandable to the user.

As one of the world's leading global messaging services, LINE aims to achieve the 100 million-user mark during 2012 and, consequently, will continue to improve the user friendliness of its services as well as protecting the user's privacy.

- PC Version Details

Download from: http://line.naver.jp/

Price: Free

System Requirements: Windows XP or higher, Mac OS X (10.6) or higher

Languages: English, Japanese, Korean

- Smart-tablet Browser Version Details

Login Page: http://t.line.naver.jp/

Price: Free

System Requirements: iOS 4.3 or higher, Android 3.0 or higher

Devices: iPad, Android tablets

Browsers: Mobile Safari, standard Android browsers

Languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional)

About NHN Japan Corporation

On top of achieving the 20 million-download mark with the LINE smart-phone app, NHN Japan's operations are centered around its portal site "livedoor" and the search engine "NAVER" as well as online games "Hangame" and provides many Internet services including games, search/portals, media, and matching. The total download figure for all smart-phone applications has reached in excess of 35 million (as of the end of January 2012) and, in addition, the Corporation has 44 million* unique users for PC games, making it the 4th most popular service within Japan. The company is headquartered in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. Its CEO is Akira Morikawa. (*Figures according to comScore, as of the end of December 2011)

SOURCE  NHN Japan Corporation

NHN Japan Corporation

CONTACT: Fumiko Hayashi, PR Room, Web Services Division, NHN Japan Corporation, TEL: +81-70-5077-6073 (Japanese only), Email: Webservice-PR@nhn.com

Web Site: http://line.naver.jp

Sony Computer Entertainment to Expand PlayStation®Suite by Further Strengthening Support for Content Development

Open Beta Version of SDK to be Released in April, Official Version to be Released Later This Year

TOKYO, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that it will release the open beta version of PlayStation®Suite SDK*(1)  to content developers in April 2012 and the official version later this year.  Through the introduction of these SDKs, SCE will offer a more streamlined content development environment for content developers -- from large game development companies to small, independent shops -- and further expand the world of PlayStation® to open operating system based portable devices.

In November 2011, SCE released the closed beta version of PlayStation®Suite SDK to limited content developers in Japan, United States and the United Kingdom.  The upcoming open beta version incorporates their feedback and will dramatically enhance convenience and efficiency of the content development environment.  The phased rollout of the open beta version will start in April 2012 free of charge and expand target countries beyond Japan, United States and the United Kingdom. Developers will also be able to conduct performance verification of their content developed with the open beta version on PlayStation®Vita.

SCE will also release the official version of PlayStation®Suite SDK at $99 US annually later this year, allowing content developers to have their content distributed through the PlayStation®Store*(2) on a commercial basis.  Through the official version, content developers will also be able to seamlessly continue to develop content which was created with the open beta or the closed beta versions.

Furthermore, SCE will be adding content for PlayStation®Suite in Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Australia. The phased rollout of the update will start later this year. The phased rollout will include improving the PlayStation®Suite presence on PlayStation®Store for users who want to enjoy a variety of content with ease and convenience on their PlayStation(TM)Certified devices. SCE will also deliver content created through the official version of PlayStation®Suite SDK after the necessary procedure is completed.

As of March 7, 2012, the line-up of PlayStation(TM)Certified devices includes Xperia(TM) arc, Xperia(TM) acro, Xperia(TM) PLAY, Xperia(TM) acro HD, Xperia(TM) S, Xperia(TM) ion*(3) from Sony Mobile Communications AB, and "Sony Tablet" S and "Sony Tablet" P from Sony Corporation.  SCE will continue to further accelerate the expansion of PlayStation(TM)Certified devices.

Through PlayStation®Suite, SCE will deploy various measures to support content developers in their business, and expand the PlayStation® entertainment experience on an open operating system.

*(1) Software Development Kit is a set of development tools and software libraries. Developers are able to obtain this SDK by signing a license agreement with SCE.

*(2) Users can download vast digital content including games through PlayStation Store for PS3, PSP, PS Vita and PS Certified devices.

*(3) Model name may vary by region.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes, develops and markets the PlayStation®2 (PS2®) computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system.  SCEI has revolutionized home entertainment since they launched PlayStation in 1994. PS2® further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment.  PSP® is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games with high-quality full-motion video and high-fidelity stereo audio.  PS3® is an advanced computer system, incorporating the powerful Cell Broadband Engine and RSX processors.  PS Vita is an ultimate portable entertainment system that offers a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context.  SCEI also delivers the PlayStation® experience to open operating systems through PlayStation®Suite, a cross platform and cross device initiative. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI, along with its affiliated companies, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC, and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and its division companies, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan and Sony Computer Entertainment Asia develops, publishes, markets and distributes hardware and software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide.

PlayStation, PS3, PS2 and PSP are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.  Xperia is a trademark or a registered trademark of Sony Mobile Communications AB. "Sony Tablet" is a trademark of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE  Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

CONTACT: Dan Race of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Dan_race@playstation.sony.com

SIGMAnet and Intel Set to Deploy Versatile New Server Processors

ONTARIO, Calif., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SIGMAnet today announced that it is working with Intel to redefine the modern data center by deploying a flexible new line of server products. SIGMAnet will be among the first IT solution providers to offer the versatile new Intel® Xeon® processor E5-2600/1600 product families, designed to meet the diverse and demanding needs of today's computing environments.

This new family of Intel server processors will enable SIGMAnet to derive greater value for its clients by deploying new solutions such as virtualization to reduce data center cost and complexity, and by employing automation to improve service, efficiency, and agility. Supported by a range of new single- and dual-socket server boards, chassis and other system products, the Intel Xeon processor E5-2600/1600 product families are ideal for a range of computing environments, from small and medium-size business to enterprise, storage, cloud computing and high-performance computing applications.

"Intel continually drives innovation and performance providing best in class processors to our OEM partners. And the new E5 family of processors is no different. We are excited and looking forward to introducing the E5 family of processors to our customers as we help them deploy next generation datacenters," said Hassan Kassih, Practice Director of Datacenter Solutions at SIGMAnet.

For even the most demanding environments, the Intel Xeon processor E5-2600/1600 product families deliver an optimum combination of performance, built-in capabilities, and cost-effectiveness. These processors are designed to meet evolving data center needs with up to 80 percent higher performance over earlier processor generations, as well as improved energy efficiency, offering more cores, more cache, and increased memory capacity.

The Intel Xeon processor E5-2600/1600 product families feature second-generation Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.05, which delivers more speed when it's needed for peak workloads. Another performance-enhancement feature, Intel® Advanced Vector Extensions (Intel® AVX), can double performance in applications employing floating point or vector computations. To keep processor cores most productive, Intel® Data Direct I/O Technology enables direct data transfers from storage to cache, instantly moving data to wherever it is needed and increasing I/O performance by up to 2.3 times.

The Intel Xeon processor E5-2600/1600 product families derive more performance value from every watt using an enhanced Intel® Intelligent Power Technology for optimum balance between performance and energy consumption. And, the Intel® Data Center Manager plugs into existing management frameworks so that IT staff can monitor and manage power and thermal status for individual or multiple servers.

To reinforce security, Intel based its new server processors on a solid foundation of encryption standards, trusted resources and standards-based protocols for protecting systems and sensitive data on shared infrastructure. To extend security across the network without significantly compromising performance, Intel® Advanced Encryption Standard - New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) accelerates and strengthens encryption to protect all users and assets.

The Intel Xeon processor E5-2600/1600 product families employ Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (Intel® TXT) to establish trusted pools of resources so that computing environments are better able to protect themselves from malware or other attacks at or before launch.

Learn more about optimum combination of performance, cost-effectiveness and built-in capabilities of server solutions based on the Intel Xeon processor E5-2600/1600 product families for the cloud at http://www.sigmanet.com/Intel/Cloud.htm or for the Datacenter at http://www.sigmanet.com/Intel/Datacenter.htm or contact SIGMAnet at 909-230-7083 today.

About SIGMAnet
Founded in 1986, SIGMAnet is a IT value-added reseller headquartered in Ontario, California. A Cisco Gold Certified Partner/DVAR, HP Elite Business Partner, Dell Enterprise Partner, Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, VMware Enterprise Partner, and Apple VAR, SIGMAnet's core competencies include best-in-class, highly mature solutions that include Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS), Information Technology Lifecycle Services (ITLS), Mobile Device Management Services (MDMS), and SIGMAnetCARE Managed Services. Please visit our website at http://www.sigmanet.com

CONTACT: Paul Wiederkehr, Partner Relations Manager  |  909-230-7083  |  pwiederkehr@sigmanet.com

SOURCE  SIGMAnet

SIGMAnet

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

WD® and Hitachi Expect to Close Agreement for the Sale of Hitachi's HDD Business to WD on March 8th

IRVINE, Calif. and TOKYO, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Western Digital Corp. (NYSE: WDC) and Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT / TSE:6501) today announced that having obtained all required regulatory approvals for WD's acquisition of Viviti Technologies Ltd. (holding company of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies), they expect the acquisition to close on March 8, 2012. WD and Hitachi will provide more information upon closing of the transaction.

About WD
WD, one of the storage industry's pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company designs and produces reliable, high-performance hard drives and solid state drives that keep users' data accessible and secure from loss. Its advanced technologies are configured into applications for client and enterprise computing, embedded systems and consumer electronics, as well as its own consumer storage and home entertainment products.

WD was founded in 1970. The company's storage products are marketed to leading OEMs, systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital® and WD brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company's website (http://www.westerndigital.com)to access a variety of financial and investor information.

About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE:6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 360,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2010 (ended March 31, 2011) consolidated revenues totaled 9,315 billion yen ($112.2 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.

Western Digital Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used, the words "anticipates", "believes", "expects", "may", "should" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected timing of the completion of the acquisition. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the risk that one or more conditions to the closing is not timely satisfied or waived by the parties; and other risks and uncertainties listed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including the company's recent Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on January 27, 2012, to which your attention is directed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Hitachi, Ltd. Cautionary Statement
Certain statements found in this document may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such "forward-looking statements" reflect management's current views with respect to certain future events and financial performance and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "forecast," "intend," "plan," "project" and similar expressions which indicate future events and trends may identify "forward-looking statements." Such statements are based on currently available information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in the "forward-looking statements" and from historical trends. Certain "forward-looking statements" are based upon current assumptions of future events which may not prove to be accurate. Undue reliance should not be placed on "forward-looking statements," as such statements speak only as of the date of this document.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any "forward-looking statement" and from historical trends include, but are not limited to:

    --  economic conditions, including consumer spending and plant and equipment
        investment in Hitachi's major markets, particularly Japan, Asia, the
        United States and Europe, as well as levels of demand in the major
        industrial sectors Hitachi serves, including, without limitation, the
        information, electronics, automotive, construction and financial
        sectors;
    --  exchange rate fluctuations of the yen against other currencies in which
        Hitachi makes significant sales or in which Hitachi's assets and
        liabilities are denominated, particularly against the U.S. dollar and
        the euro;
    --  uncertainty as to Hitachi's ability to access, or access on favorable
        terms, liquidity or long-term financing;
    --  uncertainty as to general market price levels for equity securities in
        Japan, declines in which may require Hitachi to write down equity
        securities that it holds;
    --  the potential for significant losses on Hitachi's investments in equity
        method affiliates;
    --  increased commoditization of information technology products and digital
        media-related products and intensifying price competition for such
        products, particularly in the Components & Devices and the Digital Media
        & Consumer Products segments;
    --  uncertainty as to Hitachi's ability to continue to develop and market
        products that incorporate new technologies on a timely and
        cost-effective basis and to achieve market acceptance for such products;
    --  rapid technological innovation;
    --  the possibility of cost fluctuations during the lifetime of, or
        cancellation of, long-term contracts for which Hitachi uses the
        percentage-of-completion method to recognize revenue from sales;
    --  fluctuations in the price of raw materials including, without
        limitation, petroleum and other materials, such as copper, steel,
        aluminum, synthetic resins, rare metals and rare-earth minerals, or
        shortages of materials, parts and components;
    --  fluctuations in product demand and industry capacity;
    --  uncertainty as to Hitachi's ability to implement measures to reduce the
        potential negative impact of fluctuations in product demand, exchange
        rates and/or price of raw materials or shortages of materials, parts and
        components;
    --  uncertainty as to Hitachi's ability to achieve the anticipated benefits
        of its strategy to strengthen its Social Innovation Business;
    --  uncertainty as to the success of restructuring efforts to improve
        management efficiency by divesting or otherwise exiting underperforming
        businesses and to strengthen competitiveness and other cost reduction
        measures;
    --  general socioeconomic and political conditions and the regulatory and
        trade environment of countries where Hitachi conducts business,
        particularly Japan, Asia, the United States and Europe, including,
        without limitation, direct or indirect restrictions by other nations on
        imports and differences in commercial and business customs including,
        without limitation, contract terms and conditions and labor relations;
    --  uncertainty as to the success of alliances upon which Hitachi depends,
        some of which Hitachi may not control, with other corporations in the
        design and development of certain key products;
    --  uncertainty as to Hitachi's access to, or ability to protect, certain
        intellectual property rights, particularly those related to electronics
        and data processing technologies;
    --  uncertainty as to the outcome of litigation, regulatory investigations
        and other legal proceedings of which the Company, its subsidiaries or
        its equity method affiliates have become or may become parties;
    --  the possibility of incurring expenses resulting from any defects in
        products or services of Hitachi;
    --  the possibility of disruption of Hitachi's operations in Japan by
        earthquakes, tsunamis or other natural disasters, including the
        possibility of continuing adverse effects on Hitachi's operations as a
        result of the earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan on
        March 11, 2011;
    --  uncertainty as to Hitachi's ability to maintain the integrity of its
        information systems, as well as Hitachi's ability to protect its
        confidential information or that of its customers;
    --  uncertainty as to the accuracy of key assumptions Hitachi uses to
        evaluate its significant employee benefit-related costs; and
    --  uncertainty as to Hitachi's ability to attract and retain skilled
        personnel.

The factors listed above are not all-inclusive and are in addition to other factors contained in Hitachi's periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and in other materials published by Hitachi.

Western Digital, WD and the WD logo are registered trademarks of Western Digital Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned herein belong to their respective owners.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000711/WDCLOGO)

SOURCE  Western Digital Corp.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000711/WDCLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Western Digital Corp.

CONTACT: CONTACTS:  Bob Blair, Investor Relations, +1-949-672-7834, robert.blair@wdc.com, or Steve Shattuck, Public Relations, +1-949-672-7817, steve.shattuck@wdc.com, both of Western Digital; or Hajime Kito of Hitachi, Ltd., +81-3-5208-9323, hajime.kito.qy@hitachi.com

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

Panasonic Announces Pricing and Availability for 2012 Blu-Ray Disc(TM) Lineup

New Models Feature Enhanced VIERA Connect(TM), Smartphone Remote, Improved Super Resolution Processor, Built-In WiFi System and Reduced Power Consumption

SECAUCUS, N.J., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic, a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray Disc(TM) format, today announced pricing and availability for an expanded 2012 Blu-ray Disc player lineup featuring four new Full HD 3D models - the DMP-BBT01, DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320, DMP-BDT220, and two 2D Blu-ray Disc players - DMP-BD87 and the DMP-BD77. All four of the 3D models include Panasonic's proprietary VIERA Connect(TM)( )IPTV platform(1), while the 2D models feature IP VOD(1), a service that offers a targeted selection of sites including Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow and YouTube(TM) on TV

Panasonic's Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc players (BBT01, BDT500, BDT320 and BDT 220) include an improved UniPhier chip processor, 24p output for VOD, an expanded VIERA Connect functionality, and FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec),192Hz/32bit Audio DAC (not available on the DMP-BBT01), Smartphone remote control capability, a new touchpad remote control (available on DMP-BBT01, DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320),  2D-to-3D up-conversion(2), which can convert 2D images from VIERA Connect(1),  DVDs and Blu-ray discs into 3D with natural depth perception, a new slim design and a unique slot-in drive that is found in two of the models (the DMP-BBT01 and DMP-BDT320). The slot-in drive allows the user to insert a disc without the need for a tray and prevents inadvertently loading a second disc. In addition, the DMP-BBT01 introduces a new design concept and a greatly reduced form factor featuring a stand and enables operation either vertically or horizontally.

The DMP-BDT220 (SRP $149.99) and the DMP-BDT320 (SRP $199.99) are the first of the Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc players to ship and are now available.  Also now available are Panasonic's two 2D Blu-ray Disc(TM) players -- the DMP-BD87 (SRP $119.99) and the DMP-BD77 (SRP $89.99). Panasonic's two top-of-the-line Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc players; the DMP-BDT500 (SRP $349.99) and the DMP-BBT01 (SRP $269.99) will be available in May.

The 2012 Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player line builds upon the company's commitment to continually seek improvements to its state-of-the-art products. With that in mind, the 2012 lineup includes a number of improvements over last year's models.

    --  The UniPhier single chip signal processing LSI employs a simplified
        circuit architecture that eliminates unnecessary wiring and reduces
        noise on the picture and sound signal to the absolute minimum. The
        UniPhier chip produces high clarity sound and turns off the analog video
        circuit when not needed - otherwise the analog video circuit is working
        even when not in use, causing interference to the other circuits.
    --  Adaptive Chroma Processing, a high quality image processing technology,
        precisely processes the video signal of each pixel in vertical and
        horizontal directions, resulting in a 50% increase in vertical color
        data processing as compared to 2010 models.
    --  A redesigned DVD Super Resolution Processor helps produce natural
        pictures with no false contours, higher resolution for details and a
        reduction in noise, all resulting in richer gradation.
The new 2012 models can convert 2D content from VIERA Connect(TM)( ()2), DVD discs and Blu-ray Discs into 3D images with stunning depth. Also new for 2012 is technology that allows for VOD 24p output, thereby synching with the original 24 fps (frames per second) video format and delivering film-like motion characteristics. Using 24 fps, each frame is uniformly converted, so more natural and flickerless images are reproduced.

Recognizing that audio is an essential component to any viewing experience, Panasonic has made a number of improvements to ensure that the audio quality meets the same high standards as the video quality. To that end, the DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320 and the DMP-BDT220 utilize a 192kHz/32bit audio DAC, while the BDT500 also includes high-grade audio parts (gold plated terminals, high grade electric capacitor and insulator) to reproduce audio content that is faithful to the original. The BDT500 also provides for 7.1 channel output and includes twin HDMI outputs, allowing one to be dedicated for audio output. Not only does this result in less interference with the video signal, but the additional HDMI makes the BDT500 compatible with legacy amplifiers. Audio is further improved via Panasonic's unique clock control technology that drastically reduces jitter during HDMI transmission, thereby lessening noise and delivering pure sound. Furthermore, the 2012 players are compatible with a variety of formats such as the lossless audio codec FLAC, an audio format similar to MP3, but lossless, meaning that audio is compressed in FLAC without any loss in quality. In addition, the Blu-ray Disc(TM) players simulate the warm, comforting sound of tube amplifiers with six distinct sound environments.

Panasonic's VIERA Connect(TM) IPTV platform, now under the Smart VIERA umbrella, has been expanded and now utilizes cloud technology to offer access to a virtually unlimited collection of many of the most popular applications for social networking (including Skype(TM) voice and video calling, YouTube(TM), Facebook, and Twitter), video content (including Amazon Instant Video(TM), Netflix, Hulu(TM) Plus, and Ustream), professional sports (including FOX Sports, MLS Matchday Live, NBA Game Time, and NHL Game Center), gaming (Accedo Funspot, Gameloft, and PlayJam), fitness (including BodyMedia, ifit, and Withings), music (including Pandora and Shoutcast) news and information (including AccuWeather, Associated Press, and WSJ Live) and more.

The two 2D players (DMP-BD87 and DMP-BD77) feature IP VOD, a targeted internet solution that offers consumers access to Netflix, CinemaNow, Vudu and YouTube.

Connectivity and ease of use continue to be of prime importance to Panasonic. The entire 2012 line features easy connection to other DLNA-equipped products and VIERA Link, which provides connectivity to other VIERA Link-compatible products and NAS compatibility. This year's players are also compatible with the NTFS format HDD. Five of the six Blu-ray Disc players provide built-in WiFi, while the DMP-BD77 is wireless ready. To personalize the experience, the new multi-user mode allows one to register four users and each can record individual, favorite settings. They can also select a personal icon from 16 pre-installed images, or photos from an external source. To further personalize the player, there is the option to customize the home screen with any image the consumer chooses. Also new this year is the ability to use any Smartphone(3) as the remote control. There is also a new touch pad remote control that offers simple, intuitive operation.

Always mindful of the impact on the environment, the 2012 models are ENERGY STAR  qualified. Additionally, the DMP-BDT320 features a Smart Eco Sensor which detects the user's movement and switches to the quick start mode (boot time 0.5 seconds) automatically. When a user is within 16 feet of the player it is in ECO mode, using approximately 0.1 watts. When motion is detected within 16 feet the player turns on the quick start mode (approximately 3.2 watts). The BDT320's new slim design also cuts down on packaging, thereby saving on paper and allowing more players to be placed on a pallet, which can reduce carbon emissions due to transportation.

"Panasonic is always working to improve its technology, design, and commitment to providing the consumer with the best possible video and audio experiences. We are also very mindful of the need to provide products that are user friendly and easy to operate," said Alex Fried, Product Manager, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "Features such as the slot-in drive, home screen customization, enhancement of VIERA Connect(TM) allow consumers to easily personalize their entertainment experience to fit their lifestyle. Additionally, a feature like the slot-in drive is one that makes it extremely easy for the user to insert and play the disc."

                        DMP-BBT01
                       SRP $269.99

                           ---
    Full HD 3D Adaptive Chroma Processing 2D --> 3D
     conversion High Clarity Sound Plus Digital Tube
     Sound Pure Audio on HDMI Linear PCM/FLAC
     Compatibility VIERA Connect DLNA NAS HDD
     Playback Built-in WiFi Smartphone Remote
     Control Touch Pad Remote Control Multi User Mode
     VIERA Link Ultra fast Booting and Loading Slot-
     in drive Low Power Consumption Energy Star
     Qualified

    ---

                        DMP-BDT500
                        SRP $349.99
                        -----------
    Full HD 3D Adaptive Chroma Processing 2D --> 3D
     conversion Twin HDMI 192kHz/32bit DAC 7.1 Analog
     Output High Clarity Sound Plus Digital Tube Sound
     Pure Audio on HDMI Linear PCM/FLAC Compatibility
     VIERA Connect DLNA NAS HDD Playback Built-in
     WiFi Smartphone Remote Control Touch Pad Remote
     Control Multi User Mode VIERA Link Ultra fast
     Booting and Loading Low Power Consumption Energy
     Star Qualified
    --------------------------------------------------

                        DMP-BDT320
                        SRP $199.99
                        -----------
    Full HD 3D Adaptive Chroma Processing 2D --> 3D
     conversion 192kHz/32bit DAC High Clarity Sound
     Plus Digital Tube Sound Pure Audio on HDMI Linear
     PCM/FLAC Compatibility VIERA Connect DLNA NAS
     HDD Playback Built-in WiFi Smartphone Remote
     Control Touch Pad Remote Control Smart Eco Sensor
     Multi User Mode VIERA Link Slot-in Drive Ultra
     fast Booting and Loading Low Power Consumption
     Ultra Slim Design Energy Star Qualified
    --------------------------------------------------

                        DMP-BDT220
                        SRP $149.99
                        -----------
    Full HD 3D Adaptive Chroma Processing 2D --> 3D
     conversion 192kHz/32bit DAC Pure Audio on HDMI
     Linear PCM/FLAC Compatibility VIERA Connect DLNA
     NAS HDD Playback Built-in WiFi Smartphone Remote
     Control Multi User Mode VIERA Link Ultra fast
     Booting and Loading Low Power Consumption Energy
     Star Qualified
    -------------------------------------------------

                         DMP-BD87
                       SRP $119.99
                       -----------
    Linear PCM/FLAC Compatibility IP VOD DLNA NAS
     HDD Built-in Wi-Fi Multi User Mode HDMI-CEC
     Ultra Fast Booting and Loading Low Power
     Consumption Energy Star Qualified
    ---------------------------------------------

                         DMP-BD77
                        SRP $89.99
                        ----------
    Linear PCM/FLAC Compatibility IP VOD DLNA NAS
     HDD Wireless LAN Ready Multi User Mode HDMI-CEC
     Ultra Fast Booting and Loading Low Power
     Consumption Energy Star Qualified
    ------------------------------------------------
About Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American Subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. and Canada.  The Company's portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more.

Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicdirect, and additional company information for media is available at http://www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

(1) Requires an Ethernet connection

(2) Except for Skype

(3) Not available on DMP-BD77 and DMP-BD87

SOURCE  Panasonic

Panasonic

CONTACT: Chris De Maria (Panasonic), +1-201-348-7182, Christopher.Demaria@us.panasonic.com; Blayne Murphy (Cohn & Wolfe), +1-212-798-9763, Blayne.Murphy@cohnwolfe.com; or Jeff Samuels (Panasonic), +1-201-392-4571, Jeff.Samuels@ext.us.panasonic.com

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

SIPCO, LLC Announces Minority Ownership Agreement with GE and MPEG LA

ATLANTA, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SIPCO, LLC is pleased to announce that GE, acting through its Licensing operation, and MPEG LA, LLC, through its wholly owned subsidiary Tagivan II, have each acquired a minority ownership position in SIPCO and IntusIQ.  SIPCO and IntusIQ, privately held companies, are prominent developers in providing leading edge wireless technology solutions.  Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

According to T. David Petite, CEO of SIPCO, LLC, "We are thrilled to welcome MPEG LA and GE Licensing to the SIPCO family.   Since 2003, we have remained committed to the development of leading technologies for use in a wide-range of groundbreaking energy efficiency and wireless applications.  With GE, a leader in innovative technology, and MPEG LA, a leader in technology licensing, we can ensure access to and accelerate delivery of our solutions to the market."

Under the terms of the agreement, SIPCO has designated MPEG LA as its Licensing Administrator.   Through MPEG LA, SIPCO's extensive portfolio of innovations will continue to be available for license. 

"We are delighted to have been selected as the Licensing Administrator for SIPCO's patent portfolio," said Larry Horn, President and CEO, MPEG LA.   "With MPEG LA's expertise, we will ensure that these advanced technologies remain available to the marketplace as catalysts for innovation and new product development." 

About SIPCO and IntusIQ

SIPCO, LLC and IntusIQ, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, are led by renowned Native American independent inventor and successful entrepreneur T. David Petite. Mr. Petite has been active in the wireless industry for over a decade and has developed many leading edge solutions. His inventions are deployed in various products and networks throughout the country and have been licensed to numerous companies.

SIPCO and IntusIQ, formerly known as IPCO, LLC, are leading developers of wireless mesh technology, providing technology to customers and licensees. SIPCO and IntusIQ provide critical patent rights through the ESSENTIAL WIRELESS MESH(TM) Patent Portfolio for various wireless infrastructure systems and service applications. For more information visit http://www.sipcollc.com and http://www.intusiq.com.

About MPEG LA

MPEG LA is a leader in alternative technology licenses, enabling users to acquire worldwide patent rights necessary for a technology standard or platform from multiple patent owners in a single transaction as an alternative to negotiating individual licenses. Wherever an independently administered one-stop patent license would provide a convenient marketplace alternative to assist users with implementation of their technology choices, the licensing model pioneered and employed by MPEG LA may provide a solution. By balancing patent users' interest in reasonable access with patent owners' interest in reasonable return, MPEG LA creates the opportunity for adoption of new technologies and fuels innovation. MPEG LA's initial licensing program for MPEG-2 digital video compression helped produce the most widely employed standard in consumer electronics history, and the MPEG LA® Licensing Model has become the template for addressing other technologies. Today MPEG LA operates licensing programs consisting of more than 6,000 patents in 74 countries with 157 Licensors and some 5,000 Licensees.  For more information, please refer to http://www.mpegla.com

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter.  The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges.  Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance.  Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.ge.com.

GE Licensing is dedicated to creating new spaces for GE technology, driving the commercialization and development of licensing portfolios for GE in adjacent markets.  In collaboration with GE businesses, the Licensing team develops and invests in opportunities to build creative solutions in GE focus areas, such as ecomagination and healthymagination.   

SOURCE  SIPCO, LLC

SIPCO, LLC

CONTACT: SIPCO, LLC - Candida Petite, +1-678-228-1192, Cpetite@ewmesh.com; MPEG LA - Tom O'Reilly, +1-303-200-1710, toreilly@mpegla.com; GE Licensing - Colleen Sabo, +1-609-936-6112, colleen.sabo@ge.com

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

UBM Electronics ' DESIGN West Conference & Exhibition to Heat Up Silicon Valley with Industry's Hottest New Products & Embedded Technologies

Record Attendance Forecasted for the U.S. Electronics Industry's Biggest Exhibition

March 26 - 29, 2012, McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, California

SAN FRANCISCO, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

UBM Electronics, a UBM company and the daily source of essential business and technical information for the electronics industry's decision makers, today unveiled the complete program, including the list of more than 300 exhibiting electronics technology and product companies, at the exhibition of DESIGN West (March 26 - 29, 2012, McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, California).  This new event builds on the rich engineering education foundation of the well-established Embedded Systems Conference (ESC), which is now combined with popular electronic design summits (Android Summit, Black Hat Summit, DesignMED, Multicore DevCon, EDN's Designing with LEDs, Sensors in Design) in one venue for the first time.

"Bringing together 7 top industry summits under one roof at DESIGN West allows UBM to deliver an unparalleled conference and exhibition featuring technology and products from more than 300 leading edge and early stage electronics design companies," said Kathy Astromoff, CEO, UBM Electronics. "With its comprehensive engineering curriculum combined with exciting theater presentations, the popular Build Your Own Embedded Systems Sessions, product teardowns, networking events and thousands of giveaways, DESIGN West dramatically raises the bar for electronics industry events."

Complementing the multi-day, in-depth DESIGN West Conference educational program targeted toward electronics engineers, DESIGN West Exhibition highlights include:

Technology Specific Show Floor Zones dedicated to specific solutions, showcasing the hottest technologies:

    --  ARM® Connected Community Pavilion:  The place for attendees to interact
        exclusively with ARM partners.
    --  M2M Zone: A specialized area with exhibitors demonstrating connectivity
        solutions.
    --  Board Zone:  The place where experts will convene to address the
        toughest board-related design challenges.
    --  DesignMED Pavilion: Featuring medical industry exhibitors.
    --  Multicore Zone: Multicore education, hands-on training, exhibitors,
        giveaways, parties and more.
    --  Sensors in Design Zone: The show floor area dedicated to sensors design,
        education and exhibitors.
All Day Hands-On Training by Texas Instruments: On Tuesday March 27, attendees can attend courses in the exhibit hall hands-on lab, Booth #2440, to learn about the latest MCU and DSP technologies for their embedded designs.

Industrial Control in Concert:  90 Days From Concept to Completion with Intel®Architecture: A musical collaboration of several devices powered by Intel® Atom(TM) processors revealing how the Intel® Architecture can be used for real-time capability as it applies to the industrial/factory environment where flexibility and scalability are important for faster time to market.

Geek's DIY Lab and Giveaways from Raspberry Pi: An interactive event featuring UBM Electronics' VP of Content Karen Field and an assortment of creative engineers and inspired tinkerers sharing some of their favorite DIY projects through a series of rapid-fire, highly visual presentations and step-by-step overviews of how they taped, screwed, banged, soldered, and wired together some of the world's most amazing gizmos, one-of-a-kind gadgets, and wearable technologies. The revolutionary Raspberry Pi - the $25 ARM GNU/Linux box - will be given away to the three most actively engaged engineers in the audience.

DESIGN West and Sensors Theater Presentations and Teardowns:

    --  "Chevy Volt Tear-Downs: Battery Pack, Charging System, Infotainment"
        with Brian Fuller, EE Life and Al Steier, Munro & Associates
    --  "Sensors in Automotive" with Vijay Ullal, Maxim
    --  "What you Need to Know about Status Motion Activated Radiofrequency Tag
        (SMART) Sensors" with Robert Kauffman, UDRI and Matty Toomb, American
        Thermal Instruments
    --  "Bridging the Gap between Sensing and Knowing in Mobile Devices" with
        Kevin Shaw, Sensor Platforms
    --  "A Closer Look Inside the Animas OneTouch® Ping® Glucose Management
        System": A Teardown
    --  Supply Chain - Planning for the Unexpected
    --  Motion Interface: The Next Transformational Technology in Consumer
        Products
    --  Engineering the Next Generation of STEM
    --  Status Motion-Activated Radiofrequency Tag (SMART) Sensors in
        Smartphones & More
    --  MEMS and the Changing Automobile
    --  Bring Your Old Tool (BYOT): TI/Mouser Sensors Tool Swap - Located in the
        Sensors Expo Theater, engineers can bring their old sensor tool and get
        a new tool in return from TI and Mouser. Tools offered in this exchange
        include an ultra-small, low-power, 16-bit analog-to-digital converter,
        an evaluation board and the LaunchPad development tool.
Industry Recognition Awards:

    --  Embeddy Awards: Sponsored by VDC Research Group and presented to
        exhibitors announcing or demonstrating the most significant new software
        and hardware products.
    --  ACE Awards: UBM Electronics program honoring the people and companies
        behind the technologies and products that are changing the world of
        electronics.
Exhibit Hall Party, March 27, 5:30 PM: Free drinks, snacks and prizes.

Prizes and Giveaways:

    --  1200 DESIGN West "Tech Totes" loaded with hardware, software and free
        gear
    --  Exhibitor Giveaways Include:
        --  TI's Microcontroller Tool Swap - Attendees are invited to bring in a
            competitor's microcontroller hardware tool and exchange it for their
            choice of select TI MCU tools at TI Booth #1320.
        --  iPad, from Arium
        --  Kindle Touch, from Qt Commercial, Digia
        --  LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0, from National Instruments
        --  50% off CMX-RTX or CMX-MicroNet PP License, from CMX Systems
        --  Microchip Development Boards/Tools, Energizer® batteries
        --  Single user perpetual license, from Mosaic Software
        --  $150 Amazon Gift Card, from Parasoft
DESIGN West registration is open at http://www.ubmdesign.com.

For more information on exhibiting or sponsorship, please contact Sean Raman, sean.raman@ubm.com, 415.947.6622

Follow the News

Follow DESIGN West news via Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ubmdesign

Follow DESIGN West news via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/UBM-Design/207402329339654

About DESIGN (http://www.ubmdesign.com)

Held in key strategic technology development locations worldwide, UBM Electronics' DESIGN events are the global electronics industry's leading gatherings. With cutting edge product demonstrations, visionary speeches and hundreds of essential technical training classes and accreditation opportunities, DESIGN is the ideal venue for the electronics engineering community to learn, collaborate and recognize excellence. UBM Electronics' DESIGN events cater to the extremely technical, higher-learning needs of the world's top engineers while providing an unprecedented forum for the examination of the industry's pressing business challenges. In addition, DESIGN West celebrates decades of unique local electronics industry culture, innovation and Silicon Valley's significant contributions to the global technology industry.

About UBM Electronics

UBM Electronics is the global leader in media and marketing solutions for the electronics industry. UBM Electronics delivers results for the key influencers and decision makers involved in the design, development and commercialization of technology through its market leading brands, peer communities and professional education services. More than 2.2 million engineering professionals engage with UBM Electronics brands which include EE Times, EDN, EDN China, EDN Asia, EDN Japan, Design News and Test & Measurement World, TechOnline, Designlines and Embedded.com across the globe to accelerate technology sales. The international electronics community gathers at UBM Electronics market leading events such as the Embedded Systems Conferences, DESIGN West, DesignCon and ARM Technology Conference to share, learn, discuss, and advance the critical issues and challenges facing the electronics industry. Additionally, UBM Electronics provides end-to-end services ranging from next-generation marketing, integrated media, custom solutions and research. UBM Electronics is part of UBM (UBM.L) a global provider of media and information services for professional B2B communities and markets.

For more information on DESIGN West 2012 please contact:

Felicia Hamerman

Vice President, Marketing, UBM Electronics

516.562.5652
felicia.hamerman@ubm.com

Media Contact:
Lynda Kaye   
Kaye Public Relations

650.799.2888                                                                                     
lynda@KayePR.com

SOURCE  UBM Electronics

UBM Electronics

Web Site: http://ubmelectronics.com

PlanOn Introduces SlimScan - World's First Credit Card-Sized Receipt Scanner

Fits in Your Wallet - Powerful High-Res Tiny Color Scanner  

Never Lose a Receipt Again!  Advanced Technology Scans Digital Images of
Small, Easily Misplaced Items: Receipts, Warrantees, Business Cards, Shopping
Tags, Cards, Tickets, Stubs & Handwritten Notes 

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - PlanOn System Solutions Inc. http://www.planon.com, the world leader in scanning and printing solutions for the mobile
professional,introduced today SlimScan,theworld's first credit card-sized portable full color scanner that lets
you scan and organize receipts and business cards on the road.  A full-featured, powerful, tiny high resolution color scanner so small
(dimensions: 2" x 3.1" x .12") and light that it easily fits into your
wallet or credit card holder -- SlimScan goes everywhere you go for
scanning as fast and easy as pulling out your wallet.  With its
convenient size and advanced scanning technology, SlimScan is perfect for capturing crisp clear full-color digital
images of small, easily misplaced items, like receipts, business cards, handwritten notes, as well as photos, articles
and other printed materials, anywhere, any time.   

Crafted in classy, durable stainless steel, SlimScan features a
convenient preview screen that lets you instantly view, zoom-in and pan scanned images on the fly. 

With PlanOn's included powerful, yet straightforward Receipt Management System (RMS) software, you can easily scan, edit and organize receipts, import them to a
computer for viewing, transfer them into an expense database, and
create Excel reports which can be easily emailed.  RMS' business card capture module also lets you easily organize scanned business card contacts by
meeting, trade show, conference, or business event.  Optical Character
Recognition (OCR) software can convert scanned images into editable
form so you can import the contact information into Outlook, Microsoft Word or Excel spreadsheets to facilitate your follow up.

The SlimScan scanner with special software bundle (SS100-RMS) is
available immediately from PlanOn at http://planon.com/slimscan.php and leading retailers, priced at $139.99 MSRP.  For more information, see http://www.planon.com. 

SOURCE  Demera Media

Demera Media

CONTACT: Demera Media
Tel: 416-917-9805
Email: demeramedia@gmail.com

VDA Productions Launches New Mobile Website

Global design services agency extends brand to mobile clients; offers a content-rich mobile website for use on smartphones.

BOSTON, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- VDA Productions, the premier provider of  3D marketing experiences and design solutions that bring brands to life for Corporate Meetings, Tradeshows, Themed Events, Exhibits and Themed Retail Environments, today announces the launch of their new mobile website for use on smartphones. The site will provide users with streamlined browsing capabilities and access to the information and services they need while on the move.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120131/NE44783LOGO)

The new mobile version of VDA Production's website is designed to operate on the popular iPhone, Android, and Blackberry operating systems and is tailored to the smaller screen of the mobile device.  The mobile site takes the most popular features of the standard site and simplifies them, making it easier to gather information.  Additionally, each page allows access to the full site to see the entire photo gallery, and the opportunity for social engagement via Facebook and Twitter. 

"The days of the laptop are disappearing, and we (VDA) are answering the call of our clients to provide them with a mobile site that meets their need for convenient access to information anywhere, at any time, through a mobile device," said Meghan Welborn, Director of Sales and Marketing at VDA Productions.  "Our clients enjoy the manageability and functionality of our new website, launched earlier this year.  We are thrilled to make those features available on our mobile web offering."

About VDA Productions
VDA Productions has been brings visions and brands to life for Corporate Meetings, Tradeshows, Themed Events, Exhibits and Themed Retail Environments.  The agency has produced events on a national and global scale, and employs a full-time team of experienced professionals including executive staff, creative designers, account executives, producers and production managers, carpenters, welders, sculptors, painters, lighting directors and audio engineers. VDA provides clientele with virtually turnkey event management solutions integrating all logistical, production, fulfillment and management aspects, with the majority of production needs being met fully in-house.

For more information, please visit http://www.VDAProductions.com, follow us on Twitter @VDAProductions, or visit our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/VDAProductions

SOURCE  VDA Productions

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120131/NE44783LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
VDA Productions

CONTACT: Meghan Welborn, Director of Sales and Marketing, VDA Productions, +1-617-628-1200 Ext. 24, Meghan@vdaproductions.com

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

Pokki and Digital Chocolate Give Gamers Some Sugar With New Galaxy Life Desktop Pokki App

New Pokki App Expands Library of Social Games on the Desktop

SAN FRANCISCO, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SweetLabs, makers of Pokki, and Digital Chocolate today released the popular Galaxy Life game as a free desktop download for the first time at http://www.pokki.com. With Galaxy Life nowjust a click away, gamers can build armies, form colonies and interact in constant connectivity with friends and rivals using Pokki.

"Giving consumers multiple ways of accessing our content is critical to our success, and we're excited to expand the reach of our titles through our partnership with Pokki," said Jason Loia, COO of Digital Chocolate. "Letting players access Galaxy Life directly from their desktop gives us strategic distribution advantages, and we're confident that Pokki will provide added convenience and accessibility for our gamers while helping us increase engagement and retention."

Pokki makes it easier than ever for developers to create awesome, connected desktop apps using standard web languages like HTML5, CSS3 and Javascript. Users can access their favorite services like Gmail, Facebook and social games through beautiful desktop apps just a click away, with real-time notifications to keep users up-to-date. Pokki is currently available for Windows and coming soon to Mac.

"Galaxy Life is a beautiful and highly creative game, making it a perfect fit for the high-quality, full-screen social gaming experience Pokki offers directly on the desktop," said Chester Ng, Co-Founder and CMO of SweetLabs. "Pokki lets game developers broaden their distribution beyond the web and social networks, and provides users with immediate, one-click access to their favorite games."

To download the Galaxy Life Pokkiapp today, visit http://www.pokki.com.

About SweetLabs

SweetLabs was founded in 2008 to empower developers to reach new users and monetize great applications. The company's first product was the OpenCandy advertising network, which powers user-friendly software recommendations during the download and installation process. In June 2011, SweetLabs launched Pokki, an application platform that brings the modern "app" experience to the desktop, enabling developers to create engaging, connected desktop applications using standard web languages like HTML5. SweetLabs is based in San Diego and funded by Intel Capital, Google Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, and O'Reilly AlphaTech Ventures. Visit http://www.sweetlabs.com for more information.

About Digital Chocolate, Inc.

Digital Chocolate has rapidly emerged as a leader in cross-platform social games. Best known for Zombie Lane, Army Attack, Millionaire City, and MMA Pro Fighter, Digital Chocolate has been the fastest-growing maker of Facebook social games with virtual goods in 2010 and led all software companies in App Store downloads in 2009. Focused on original brands and technology for a wide variety of platforms, the company has made over 100 different award-winning games and works with 200 leading web and mobile channel partners in 80 countries. Digital Chocolate has operations in San Mateo, Seattle, Helsinki, Barcelona, St. Petersburg, Bangalore, and Mexicali.

SOURCE  SweetLabs

SweetLabs

CONTACT: Dustin Blackwell, Senior Account Executive, +1-512-657-6929, dblackwell@triplepointpr.com, for SweetLabs

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

Uptown Network Releases Its App That Creates a Network of Brands and Concierge Expertise on iPads

'Personal Sommelier' has far reaching impact for hospitality and retail venues. Release of more powerful iPads, possibly iPad 3 or iPad HD accelerates new category of mobile software.

NAPLES, Fla. and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Uptown Network (previously named Hospitality Social) today announced a new consumer focused app to drive sales of mid and high tier brands. Uptown's patent pending technology ushers in the beginning of a new type of mobile software, where an app is actually a network of brands. Also, curated content as opposed to 'tags' brings mobile search expertise to a new level.

With over 2 billion apps downloaded a month, leading brands have recognized that investments in mobile apps return better than web site investments. iPads are particularly of interest as they generally target affluence.

Initial Project

Started as a project under the name Hospitality Social that included about 20 restaurants, it quickly evolved into a group of leading brands that launched the possibility of 'The Network Effect'. Over 100,000 users have experienced the app to select wine and food pairings.

"It offers an elegant, engaging and easy way for our guests to choose the right wine reflecting their unique tastes that also complements their meal," explains Dave Shula, President, Shula's Steak Houses, LLLP.

In the initial project, a Personal Sommelier was delivered on an iPad that can help consumers expertly explore wine and food pairings even before they dine at a restaurant. The results were positive for large brands and independent operators alike.

"As a 70 seat restaurant, I was amazed by the impact of the app," said Manuel Verney-Carron, Owner, Manuel's Bread Cafe. "Our wine sales went up more that 20% immediately, but more importantly we are selling wines which we never sold before and this definitely is increasing the guest experience."

Evolution and Future

With the advent of more powerful iPads, possibly the iPad 3 or iPad HD this week, this 2-year project promises to usher in a new category of mobile software. Offering real time branding and on-the-fly product availability driving major revenue increases to brands that participate in the network.

"This is truly a new category of mobile software," explained Phil Turner, Vice President of Research and Development at Uptown Network. "Just as PCs became local area networks and then the Internet, apps are at the very beginning of that journey. The proliferation of apps is quickly becoming a problem. Our patent pending app brings brand value to a new level while delighting consumers."

In addition to technology breakthroughs, Uptown has also developed a proprietary system to create high quality, curated content in a very inexpensive and scalable way.

Specifics and New Features

In addition to network capabilities this app adds these new features:

    --  In-venue and consumer behaviors -- a singular code base can sense a
        consumer iPad and in-venue iPads. Consumer iPads are immediately
        connected to social media such Facebook and Twitter, venue web sites and
        GPS.
    --  Promotion through the Apple App Store -- over 2 billion apps are
        downloaded every month, making a mobile app strategy more important than
        an Internet advertising strategy. Uptown gives mid and high tier brands
        superior access to this exploding distribution channel.
    --  Cloud based back-end which enables world-wide seamless updates of new
        brands and content.
    --  Specialties. Cocktails, cigars, appetizers, desserts and more are easily
        promoted with compelling pictures, prices and descriptions.
    --  Fast Venue Switching -- the singular code base can swiftly change
        between brands and in-stock products under a brand based on location or
        GPS.
    --  Data Tracking/Live Feed - Real-time click stream data allows
        participating venues to understand WHY a product was selected, not just
        a rear view mirror of WHAT products were selected. It is WHY and HOW as
        opposed to WHAT and WHEN.
    --  More than 50 other new features making Uptown Network the clear leader
        in mobile concierge networks.
Empowerment to Gen X-Y-Z Labor Force

Hospitality Venues and retailers face similar and significant challenges. The expertise in today's workforce is declining while the economy is forcing pay reductions. Tech savvy Gen X, Gen Y and Gen Z know how to use an app, but may not have any experience in fine wine, cigars, culinary arts, and more. This solution turns app pros into domain experts, unlocking a key human resource in today's society.

"We sell both wine and cigars," said Dana Rice, Owner of Havana Nights Jazz and Cigar Club in Virginia Beach, VA. "Even if our staff member is not an expert about wine or cigars, they are perceived as an expert because they know how to use the app. Our customers regularly tell us how much they enjoy the iPad experience."

The end result is increased revenue and much better customer satisfaction. Early brands have seen a 27-54% increase in sales with the Uptown app.

"Wine is such a rich experience and it is enhanced by knowledge," explains Robert Bath, a master sommelier and professor at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. "I do not like to see inaccurate or misspelled information on wine lists. This app helps to automate the sharing of a rich description and thereby ensures knowledge and accuracy."

Impact on Mobile Search

Browsers on mobile devices are antiquated. The lack of context and personalization relegate browsers to more of a librarian value proposition as opposed to a concierge value proposition. Tablets and smart phones offer a significantly greater opportunity. Uptown believes that mobile concierge networks are the new solution to mobile search. Social graphs and Pinterest type capabilities put the browser in the rear view mirror.

Localeze, 15 Miles and comScore released findings from their 5th Local Search Study. The survey of 4,000 U.S. adults (together with behavioral data) documents how consumers search for and find local business information across digital platforms. Currently, 49 percent of smartphone and tablet owners are using apps to find local information.

Cascading Effect for many Venues and Market Segments

"It is no secret that the future success of private clubs demands that as members get older, they are replaced by younger members," says Hopi Stradling, Managing Partner of the private 100 Club in Portsmouth, NH. "Uptown Network has helped us modernize our experience and delivered a valuable amenity to affluent and tech savvy members."

In addition to private clubs, Mobile Concierge Networks will impact cruise lines, hotels and many retail segments.

About Uptown Network

Uptown Network, formerly Hospitality Social, is a new company that debuted on May 21st at the NRA Restaurant Show. Every day, billions of dollars are spent in the hospitality industry based on social networking. However, the explosion of mobile and the Apple App store is changing the landscape and spending habits of consumers. Mobile Concierge Networks are emerging as the winning solution and Uptown Network plans to be the leading company in the new category.

Contacts: For Uptown Network: Kristin Simmons Kristin(at)UptownNetwork(dot)com : 239-514-0236

SOURCE  Uptown Network

Uptown Network

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

IBM Unveils New Solutions to Help Make Smarter Computing Real for x86 Users

Expanding analytics and cloud capabilities across the IBM System x product line

ARMONK, N.Y., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced new server solutions designed to expand cloud and analytics capabilities across its entire portfolio, helping make Smarter Computing a reality for x86 clients.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO)

The new offerings include high-performance systems, networking and software products aimed at helping clients optimize data center operations with flexible, easy-to-deploy solutions to help reduce complexity, lower costs and deliver rapid return on investments.

Today, clients are looking for solutions that help them handle specific business challenges and make better use of existing IT infrastructures.  More and more clients are turning to cloud computing, analytics and other smarter computing solutions to help their businesses grow.  Cloud computing deployments are expected to grow more than 19% per year, according to IDC (1), and a recent IBM CIO study (2) showed cloud implementations nearly doubling from 33% to 60% over the last two years.

"From the design of the servers, software and services, IBM solutions are created to help accelerate the journey to Smarter Computing," said Adalio Sanchez, general manager, IBM System x business. "IBM is delivering easy-to-deploy cloud and analytics products to help clients align their businesses to manage unprecedented amounts of data, and become much more efficient at turning that information into timely business insights."

Among the solutions introduced is a new version of IBM's BladeCenter Foundation for Cloud (BCFC), an integrated virtualization platform with built-in system management and preconfigured with servers, storage, and networking. BladeCenter Foundation for Cloud is now powered by the new generation of IBM BladeCenter HS23 systems that offer 62% more compute power, and comes integrated with the new 10GbE Virtual Fabric technology that enables clients to run 20% more virtual machines, creating an optimal environment for building and deploying advanced cloud applications.

The increased bandwidth and up to four times more memory allows the HS23 to support faster data transfers that are essential to virtualized cloud and analytic workloads.  In addition, IBM FastSetup for BladeCenter, a cost and time-saving console application can help clients reduce from days to hours the time it takes to complete large deployments.

Bytemobile and German Leibniz Supercomputer Center Bet on IBM Cloud and Analytics
California-based Bytemobile (http://bit.ly/wwxyCC) and Germany's Leibniz Supercomputing Center in Munich are among the first customers to purchase IBM next generation x86 systems.  Santa Clara-based Bytemobile, a leading global provider of mobile Internet solutions for global wireless network operators, is using IBM BladeCenter HS23 servers as the foundation for its cloud computing implementation.

"With the new performance capabilities of the BladeCenter HS23 combined with our software, we are able to achieve two-and-a-half times the performance over our previous infrastructure," said Chris Koopmans, chief operating officer, Bytemobile.  "The IBM solution allows us to process large amounts of network data more quickly and easily.  Given the way that video traffic is exploding on mobile networks around the world, this is crucial in being able to provide customers an optimal, seamless end-user experience."

The Leibniz Supercomputing center provides supercomputing services to scientists in Munich, Bavaria, Germany and other parts of Europe.  It is in the process of installing a new high-end supercomputer based on IBM System x iDataPlex technology, which will help scientists solve a broad range of challenging scientific problems.

"Our new iDataPlex-powered SuperMUC system will help enable the scientific community to test theories, design experiments and predict outcomes as never before," said Professor Dr. Arndt Bode, director of the LRZ supercomputing center.  "In addition, the new SuperMUC system will be able to provide previously unattainable energy efficiency along with sustained performance."

IBM SmartCloud Solutions for Mid-sized Business Clients
IBM also introduced new and affordable SmartCloud solutions powered by its latest IBM System x 3650 M4 server, the most expandable, upgradeable system of its kind.  The x3650 M4 demonstrated excellent performance on industry-standard benchmarks. It achieved a leadership two-processor score for SPECvirt_sc2010 benchmark (3), set a new record for two-processor server performance on TPC-E (4), more than 45% faster than the previous-generation result achieved by the HP ProLiant DL380 G7 server (5), and a leadership two-processor result on Windows on two-tier SAP SD standard application benchmark. (6)

The System x 3650 M4 also comes with IBM eXFlash solid-state storage technology, bringing exclusive IBM enterprise-class storage capability to a two-socket rack server. The SSD technology enables 30 times more performance and a 90% increase in performance per watt for consolidating collaboration and database workloads.  In addition, the new x3650 M4 system supports the IBM Smarter Analytics portfolio of offerings, a set of compact, integrated, single-analytics offerings supported by storage-dense System x two-socket systems running IBM InfoSphere Data Warehouse and Cognos business intelligence and performance management software.

IBM's new portfolio of x86 computing solutions also include:

    --  The IBM System x iDataPlex dx360 M4, which offers significant
        flexibility for supporting a wide range of high-performance computing
        workloads.  The system is designed for datacenters requiring high
        performance with limited floor space, and power and cooling
        infrastructure.  Available with specially designed exclusive IBM warm
        water-cooled technology, this iDataPlex system is up to 40 percent more
        energy efficient than air-cooled systems, recovering 90 percent of heat
        per nodes.
    --  The IBM System x 3550 M4, a dense, feature-rich 1U server designed for
        data and business critical workloads, and the IBM System x3500 M4 tower
        that provides data center performance in a desktop package.  The x3550
        delivers four times more memory, more virtual machines, and improved
        networking performance in less space at a comparable price.  The x3500
        also offers four times the memory, plus 33% more storage capacity than
        prior generations. It is designed for quiet operation and fits easily
        under a desk or rack, making it ideal for office environments.
    --  IBM Feature on Demand across the IBM System x product line. Feature on
        Demand allows clients to activate or unlock features in the firmware or
        software on demand, providing customers the ability to grow their
        systems as they grow their businesses without the need for costly rip
        and replace.
New Business Partner Incentives to Sell Client Solutions
The IBM Solution Accelerator incentive is a new channel initiative to sell combined software and systems, and business solutions. It has two elements. First is a Software and Systems reward that amounts to a 5% incremental rebate for selling eligible IBM systems and a 15% percent incremental rebate for selling eligible software together to a single client. Secondly, a Business Solutions Reward offers an additional 10% rebate for selling a solution aimed at a particular IT challenge on eligible software content of the solution.  Eligible solutions cover client needs such as turning information into insights, managing risk, security and compliance and social business.  In addition, approximately 1% in fees can be earned when clients finance their solution through IBM Global Finance.

The new products will begin shipping worldwide by March 16, 2012.

About IBM
For additional information about IBM System x and BladeCenter solutions, visit: http://www.ibm.com/systems/x86/betterfuture.  Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/IBMSysxBlade.

IBM, System x(TM) and BladeCenter(TM) are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.  Other company products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Footnotes:

(1) IDC Worldwide Enterprise Server Cloud Computing 2011-2015 Forecast, doc #228916, June 2011.

(2) IBM 2011 Global CIO Study, "The Essential CIO".

(3) x3650 M4's result: overall performance score of SPECvirt_sc2010 2,158 @ 132 VMs. Configuration: 2 chips/16 cores/8 cores per chip, Intel Xeon Processor E5-2690 (2.9GHz with 20MB L3 cache per processor), 512GB of memory, Red Hat Enterprise Linux® 6.2 and Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) hypervisor. Result referenced is current as of March 6, 2012, and posted at http://www.spec.org/virt_sc2010/results/. View all results for SPEC benchmarks at http://www.spec.org/. SPEC and SPECvirt_sc are trademarks or registered trademarks of Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC).

(4) x3650 M4's results: 1,863.23 tpsE (transactions per second E) at $207.85 USD / tpsE, total solution availability May 31, 2012. Configuration: 2 processors/16 cores/32 threads, Intel Xeon Processor E5-2690 (2.9GHz with 20MB L3 cache per processor), 512GB of memory, Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Enterprise Edition, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition SP1. Results referenced are current as of March 6, 2012. View all TPC results at http://www.tpc.org. See the details for this result at http://www.tpc.org/tpce/results/tpce_last_ten_results.asp

(5) HP ProLiant DL380 G7 Server with Intel Xeon Processor X5690 (3.46GHz--2 processors/12 cores/24 threads, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition; 1,284.14 tpsE at $250.00 USD / tpsE, total solution availability of May 4, 2011. Results referenced are current as of March 6, 2012. To view all TPC results, visit http://www.tpc.org.

TPC, TPC Benchmark, TPC-E and tpsE are trademarks of the Transaction Processing Performance Council.

(6) IBM System x3650 M4's result of 7,855 SAP SD benchmark users on the two-tier SAP SD standard application benchmark: 2 processors/16 cores/32 threads, Intel Xeon Processor E5-2690 (2.9GHz with 20MB L3 cache per processor), 128GB of memory, 64-bit DB2 9.7, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise x64 Edition, and SAP enhancement package 4 for SAP ERP 6.0. Certification number 2012---.

Results referenced are current as of March 6, 2012. View SAP benchmark results at http://www.sap.com/benchmark. SAP and all SAP logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries.

James E. (Jim) Smith

IBM External Relations

(914) 766-4385 or 203-232-7000 (cell)
smithje@us.ibm.com

Follow me on Twitter: @JESME1502
http://facebook.com/Jim0528

SOURCE  IBM

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
IBM

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

Autonomous Space Capture Challenge Opens Algorithmic Crowdsourcing to General Public

Zero Robotics from MIT, DARPA and NASA Wants Competitors to Program Satellites to Synchronize and Capture Objects in Space

GLASTONBURY, Conn., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TopCoder®, Inc., the world's largest competitive Community of digital creators and MIT, today announced registration has opened for the Autonomous Space Capture Challenge, an algorithm competition from Zero Robotics which seeks computationally efficient code solutions for a hypothetical mission scenario which models autonomous docking or satellite servicing procedures. The online challenge is open to all eligible participants but especially teams from high schools and colleges. Four winning submissions will be tested aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in the recently established SPHERES national laboratory by astronauts. Successful teams will be invited to watch the event live onsite at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or via webcast feed remotely. Register at http://www.zerorobotics.org.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120306/NY64242LOGO )

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080820/NYW078LOGO )

Competitors in the Autonomous Space Capture Challenge will be tasked with programming an active satellite or "Tender" to synchronize its motion with and capture a tumbling, passive space object or "POD". The tournament will have four week-long rounds, during which teams will test their solutions and submit them for scoring and publication on the leader board. At the end of each week the best submission will be published on the Zero Robotics website for public reference and use in the next round. The winner from each week will be included in a demonstration aboard the ISS in late May with the best performing finalist being awarded an additional commendation.

Competition Dates

    --  March 28 - competition begins
    --  April 4 - submission 1 closes
    --  April 11 - submission 2 closes
    --  April 18 - submission 3 closes
    --  April 25 - submission 4 closes
How to register

    --  Create an account at http://www.zerorobotics.org ;
    --  Submit an application form at
        http://www.zerorobotics.org/web/zero-robotics/registration/form?tourname
        ntId=6 ;
    --  Follow the link in the approval email and create your team name.
"Robots are not just very cool, they represent a rapidly growing and increasingly critical field of education and business," said Rob Hughes, president and COO of TopCoder, Inc. "From defense to manufacturing, agriculture to pharmaceutical as well as ongoing space exploration, the study and application of robotics has a very bright future."

Sponsored by DARPA and NASA, and run by the MIT Space Systems Laboratory, TopCoder and Aurora Flight Sciences, Zero Robotics is a programming tournament that opens the SPHERES satellite research platform to the general public. Originally developed to engage U.S. middle and high school students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Zero Robotics includes a web-based development environment to create programs for the SPHERES satellites and run simulations to evaluate resulting performance. For more information visit: http://www.zerorobotics.org.

About TopCoder, Inc.

TopCoder is the world's largest competitive community of digital creators with nearly 400,000 members representing algorithmists, software developers and creative artists from over 200 countries. The TopCoder Community creates digital assets including analytics, software and creative designs and solutions for a wide-ranging client base through a competitive, rigorous, standards based methodology. Combined with our extremely talented community this groundbreaking methodology results in superior outcomes for our clients. For more information about sponsoring TopCoder events and utilizing TopCoder's software services and platforms, visit http://www.topcoder.com.

TopCoder is a registered trademark of TopCoder, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Jim McKeown

TopCoder, Inc.

860.633.5540
jmckeown@topcoder.com

SOURCE  TopCoder, Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080820/NYW078LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120306/NY64242LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
TopCoder, Inc.

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

Imagination Announces PowerVR Insider SDK 2.10 and PVRTC2(TM)

Major upgrade includes support for latest PowerVR PVRTC2(TM) texture compression format

SAN FRANCISCO, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Game Developers Conference -- Imagination Technologies, a leading multimedia chip technologies company, has released version 2.10 of its industry leading PowerVR Insider SDK (software development kit). Free and fully featured copies of the SDK will be available for download soon following a brief period where preview copies will be exclusively given away on DVD by Imagination at GDC 2012 in San Francisco.

Imagination's PowerVR Insider SDK is the leading SDK and toolset for mobile 3D graphics development. The PowerVR Insider SDK fully supports the development of applications using the Khronos OpenGL® ES 1.1 and 2.0 APIs. An established favourite with more than 28,000 developers world-wide, the PowerVR Insider SDK includes tutorials, source code, extensive documentation, platform abstraction frameworks and a highly integrated suite of tools. Developers can join up, download the SDK for free and interact with the community through dynamic online forums at http://www.powervrinsider.com.

Says Bryce Johnstone, senior manager of ecosystems, Imagination: "Our rich and mature SDK and tools are the heart of our ecosystem offering, backed up by extensive technical support, co-marketing and education. We are delighted to be back again at GDC in 2012 alongside developers who are using PowerVR to deliver the best 3D gaming content for smartphones, tablets, embedded devices, mobile computing and handheld games consoles."

Release v2.10 of the PowerVR Insider SDK includes new versions of the PowerVR Toolchain including: PVRShaman with post-processing support and enhanced shader profiling; 'IntroducingPrint3D', a new training course demonstrating the much more fine grained control now available in the Print3D tools; PVRTrace with recording and graphical scene analysis; PVRTune with optimised GUI and support for custom counters; PVRScope, a new performance analysis tool that enables developers to embed the power of PVRTune in their own software; and PVRTexTool and PVRTexLib with support for PVRTC2, the new texture compression format being introduced for PowerVR at GDC 2012.

PVRTC2

The highly acclaimed PVRTC texture compression (TC) format is one of the most widely used texture compression formats in the mobile industry today, implemented in more than 600m devices. PVRTC2 is a major upgrade of this technology, adding a wide range of new features.

Says Tony King-Smith, Vice President marketing for Imagination: "Our PVRTC format has for many years led the way for mobile and embedded devices. Indeed the PVRTC 2bpp (bits per pixel) format is widely acknowledged as the most advanced TC format in mainstream use today, enabling compression of textures stored within an application by up to 16x compared to their uncompressed form.

"PVRTC2 raises the bar yet again for mobile and embedded TC to further strengthen PowerVR PVRTC - and now PVRTC2 - as the leading format of choice for cross-platform, cross-OS textures in leading mobile and embedded platforms, and embedded in the industry's leading applications."

Partner demos at GDC 2012 (Imagination Technologies, booth 618)

The latest game, middleware and applications content from PowerVR Insider partners, including Remedy, String, Paper Mountain, Epic, Guild Software, Unity, Allegorithmic, Digital Legends/Adidas, Havok and Geomerics, and the latest PowerVR enabled devices from Intel, MediaTek, Renesas, ST-Ericsson and Texas Instruments will be on display on Imagination's booth, #618, at GDC Expo (Moscone Center, San Francisco, 7-9th March).

Following last year's 'sell out' standing room only session Imagination will be delivering two masterclass sessions at GDC 2012.

    --  Getting Great Graphics Performance with the PowerVR Insider SDK
        (Wednesday 17:00-18:00 Room 2010, West Hall, 2nd floor)
    --  Masterclass in Graphics Technology and Optimization (Thursday
        14:30-15:30?Room 2014, West Hall, 2nd floor)
PowerVR Insiders and mobile developers may also be interested in the session:

    --  Bringing AAA Graphics to Mobile Platforms by Niklas Smedberg of Epic
        Games (Thursday 10:00-11:00 Room 2002, West Hall, 2nd floor)
Developers can also book time with Imagination engineers at booth 618 for a personalised tour of the PowerVR Insider SDK and toolchain.

Demonstrations of advanced OpenGL ES 2.0 shader-graphics content created with Imagination's development tools are available as binary downloads from Imagination's website at http://www.imgtec.com/demo_room/index.asp

About Imagination Technologies

Imagination Technologies Group plc (LSE:IMG) - a global leader in multimedia and communication technologies - creates and licenses market-leading multimedia IP cores for graphics, video, and display processing, multi-threaded embedded processing/DSP cores and multi-standard communications and connectivity processors. These silicon intellectual property (IP) solutions for systems-on-chip (SoC) are complemented by platform level IP and services, a strong array of software tools and drivers and extensive developer and middleware ecosystems. Target markets includemobile phone, handheld multimedia, home consumer entertainment, mobile and low-power computing, and in-car electronics.Its licensees include many of the leading semiconductor and consumer electronics companies. Imagination has corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom, with sales and R&D offices worldwide. See: http://www.imgtec.com.

SOURCE  Imagination Technologies

Imagination Technologies

CONTACT: David Harold, Director of PR, Imagination Technologies, david.harold@imgtec.com, +44(0)1923-260-511

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

TwinStrata Launches a Free 1-Terabyte Storage Gateway for Google Cloud Storage Users

TwinStrata CloudArray® storage gateway makes Google Cloud Storage as fast, easy and secure to use as local storage for applications behind the firewall

NATICK, Mass., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --TwinStrata, Inc., a leading innovator of cloud-based data storage, backup and disaster recovery solutions, today announced that it is offering customers fast and flexible access to data stored on Google Cloud Storage via the TwinStrata CloudArray® storage gateway. TwinStrata has also released a free CloudArray virtual appliance capable of handling up to one-terabyte of data (and expandable to 50 petabytes), available for download at http://www.twinstrata.com/google-cloud-storage. This extends TwinStrata's industry-leading compatibility with cloud storage providers to best meet customers' budget and service-level requirements.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111115/NE06670LOGO)

Google Cloud Storage is a service for storing and accessing vast amounts of business data on Google's advanced storage infrastructure. By using CloudArray in conjunction with Google's Cloud Storage offerings, customers gain immediate access to enterprise-class cloud storage to accommodate data growth on demand, or to meet archiving, data protection and disaster recovery needs, while paying only for the storage they actually consume.

"Google customers have come to expect a variety of services and applications that help make their lives easier and Google Cloud Storage is no different," said Martin Buhr, head of technology partnerships for Google's cloud infrastructure offerings  "Using our service in combination with the TwinStrata CloudArray iSCSI storage gateway allows businesses to easily and inexpensively expand their storage capacity and make it accessible to users, applications, backup software and other systems in a way that makes it feel like the storage is on site."

TwinStrata CloudArray leverages Google Cloud Storage features such as  scalability, flexible security and sharing, fast data access, and reliable storage and networking to help companies escape the maintenance costs and data center overhead associated with traditional data storage and tape backups.

CloudArray seamlessly provides compelling multi-site data storage consolidation and disaster recovery solutions without the capital and administrative expense of traditional storage. The CloudArray iSCSI gateway inter-operates with numerous applications including the most popular backup and archiving solutions, features in-flight and at-rest encryption, and also provides compression and deduplication technology that reduces stored data volume, minimizing remote storage and bandwidth requirements.

"Google has pioneered the provision of cloud-based IT infrastructure and applications, and we're excited to support Google Cloud Storage," said Nicos Vekiarides, Chief Executive Officer at TwinStrata. "Our mutual customers can break the costly storage array life cycle by using TwinStrata CloudArray to thin-provision terabytes or even petabytes of Google Cloud Storage in minutes and connect it to their applications and data protection software for fast, safe and easy backup, storage tiering or capacity expansion."

CloudArray is available as a virtual or physical appliance from TwinStrata. A free, 1-terabyte version of the CloudArray virtual appliance software is available for immediate download to Google Cloud Storage users at http://www.twinstrata.com/google-cloud-storage. For a fee, the free 1TB CloudArray appliance can be expanded dynamically to manage up to 50 petabytes of data. For more information, please visit http://www.twinstrata.com, email sales@twinstrata.com or call 508-651-0199.

Follow TwinStrata:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TwinStrata

About TwinStrata, Inc.
TwinStrata is an innovator in enterprise-class data storage, data protection and disaster recovery/business continuity solutions using cloud storage. With TwinStrata CloudArray®, companies of all sizes can simply and economically leverage the scalability and efficiency of cloud storage while maintaining the availability, performance and security of local storage. CloudArray software and hardware solutions support all file and operating systems, and deliver substantial advantages over traditional off-site storage solutions, including a pay-as-you-go model, unlimited elastic capacity, local performance, in-cloud snapshots and disaster recovery, dynamic caching, automated policies, AES256 encryption, and continuous access to data.

Press Contact: Mark Smith, JPR Communications (818) 884-8282, ext. 22, marks@jprcom.com

SOURCE  TwinStrata, Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111115/NE06670LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
TwinStrata, Inc.

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

www.Catalog.com Launched as a Competitor to Pinterest and Groupon

OKLAHOMA CITY, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Catalog.com, Inc. the world's first web hosting company and its subsidiary ONEsite Inc., a leader in social software announce that they have formed a new joint venture Catalog Media LLC.  The company will use the http://www.catalog.com domain to offer discovery shopping.

"We have designed http://www.catalog.com to appeal to all types of shoppers including men.  From Survivalists to Fashionistas, Catalog will display items that others with similar interests have discovered," said Bob Crull Catalog's CEO.  "Catalog.com is the place to start when looking for the perfect gift or a discount on something you intend to purchase online or locally.  Unlike Groupon, our merchant plans will be self-service and much more cost-efficient to merchants."  In addition to offering merchants the ability to have users discover their products, coupons and deals, Catalog will provide merchants social integration services so a Twitter or Facebook follower can purchase a voucher or redeem a coupon using Catalog's merchant tools. 

Catalog.com, Inc. is the parent company of ONEsite Inc. and Catalog Media LLC.  It has been in business since 1994 and provides web hosting, single sign on software and social networking software.  Its offices are located at 14000 Quail Springs Parkway, Suite 3600, Oklahoma City, OK  73134.  The CEO Robert Crull may be reached at 405-753-9300 x 118 or bob@catalog.com.

SOURCE  Catalog.com, Inc.

Catalog.com, Inc.

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

Broadcom Announces Portfolio of Best-in-Class Ethernet Adapters and LOMs for Dell PowerEdge 12th Generation Servers

Broadcom NetXtreme(TM) Technology Featured in Dell's New Line of Server Products

IRVINE, Calif., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

News Highlights:

    --  Broadcom-powered adapters enable IT managers to maximize performance,
        efficiency and scalability of next-generation servers
    --  Best-in-class performance - Broadcom adapters achieve 37 percent faster
        networking throughput(1) and 120 percent higher iSCSI offload(2) than
        nearest competitor
    --  Adapters incorporate Broadcom-based MACs and PHYs, providing integrated
        single-chip solution for OEMs
Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced a new portfolio of Ethernet adapters for Dell PowerEdge 12th generation servers. Featuring Broadcom's latest generation of 1GbE and 10GbE NetXtreme controllers and the industry's highest performance networking silicon, the new adapters boost performance, efficiency and scalability of enterprise servers.  For more news from Broadcom visit our newsroom.

Dell is offering a wide range of new Broadcom-powered solutions for its 12th generation servers (seven new products) that include dual-port and quad-port network daughter cards (NDCs), network Interface cards (NICs), converged network adapters (CNAs) and Mezzanine cards.  These devices are designed for a wide variety of network configurations and are fully compatible with Dell PowerEdge(®) blade and rack servers.

Increasing demands for server virtualization, cloud computing, and I/O intensive applications are driving the need for greater processing capabilities in enterprise networks and data centers.  According to a recent survey by IDC, top priorities for IT managers in 2012 will include increasing adoption of virtualization, improving system management and adding new servers.(3)  Broadcom's latest Ethernet adapter solutions are engineered to help IT managers meet these demands while leveraging features and benefits that are associated with the new Dell PowerEdge 12th generation servers.

Broadcom's NetXtreme Ethernet adapters feature a highly-integrated 40nm single-chip solution that combines the company's media access controllers (MACs) with its physical layer transceivers (PHYs).  Engineered for use with 12G multi-core servers, the adapters deliver full line-rate throughput across all ports. To support enterprise and data center efficiency and scalability requirements, the adapters offer advanced functionality such as switch-independent NIC partitioning and IEEE 1588 time synchronization. They also take advantage of Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), enabling lower power consumption (up to 42 percent less) for reduced IT operating costs.*

Industry Leading 10GbE Performance

Broadcom's new line of 10GbE Ethernet adapters deliver line rate throughput that is 37 percent faster than the nearest competitor.(1) The 10GbE adapters also provide full support of iSCSI and FCoE offload storage protocols and are capable of delivering up to 1.5 Million iSCSI I/Os per second (IOPS), 120 percent higher than the nearest competitor.(2) These adapters are optimized for virtualization by uniting data and storage networks on a common 10GbE fabric. By taking advantage of switch-independent NIC partitioning, Broadcom's solutions allow the server to adapt to a broad range of bandwidth configurations that reduce power and cooling costs while minimizing overall system complexity.

Dell has chosen Broadcom's new 1G and 10G network daughter cards (NDCs) to be the default offering across the Dell PowerEdge 12th generation server portfolio.  The products were recognized by Dell for delivering best-in-class performance and functionality.

For a full list of Broadcom-powered products from Dell, visit http://www.broadcom.com.

Market Drivers:

    --  Increasing traffic and richer content continues to grow on the
        Internet(4)
    --  Adoption of virtualization and other new server technologies/solutions
        viewed a priority by IT managers(3)
    --  Server-class network ports growing - total shipments to grow in excess
        of 20 percent in 2011(4)
    --  Increase in server-to-server communications(4)
    --  Ethernet adapters optimized for Dell PowerEdge 12th generation servers
        are a clear requirement for next-generation networks
Key Features:

    --  PCI Express® (PCIe(TM)) Gen2.0 x8 (5GT/s) support
    --  Full line-rate performance across all ports
    --  Broad OS and hypervisor support
    --  Full iSCSI, FCoE-ready*, HBA-level hardware protocol offload
    --  Full TCP/IP hardware offload* engine (TOE)
    --  Switch Independent NIC partitioning - up to four partitioning
        assignments per 10GbE link*
    --  SR-IOV ready*
    --  Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE)*
    --  IEEE 1588 time precision protocol*
Availability

All Broadcom devices listed above are now shipping by Dell.

For ongoing Broadcom news visit our Newsroom, read our B-Connected Blog, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter. And to stay connected, subscribe to our RSS Feed.

Quotes:

Brian Payne, Executive Director of Platform Marketing, Dell

"Broadcom's NetXtreme Ethernet technology is an excellent complement to our PowerEdge 12(th) generation servers. Our new and extensive portfolio of Broadcom-based adapters provide continuity, functionality and flexibility that IT managers demand and appreciate. The Broadcom products are key to our PowerEdge Select Network Adapter family and provide advanced features such as switch-independent partitioning and convergence that significantly enhance the value of the PowerEdge portfolio."

Jim Pappas, Director of Technology Initiatives, Intel Corporation

"We are pleased to see vendors like Broadcom take advantage of the new I/O performance features of the Intel(® )Xeon(® )processor E5-2600 product family - helping to build a rich Xeon(®) Server ecosystem.  As the Intel(® )Xeon(® )processor E5-2600 product family raises the performance bar, it offers vendors such as Broadcom the ability to enable higher performing networking solutions, with the shared goal of driving towards a rich end-user experience."

Benjamin Woo, VP Storage and Big Data, International Data Corporation

"Increasing Internet traffic, cloud computing, virtualization, and new technologies such as Romley/Xeon E5 processors will continue to drive IT managers to seriously evaluate and implement major changes to their network systems.  As that demand rises, so does the need for Ethernet adapters that will enable these managers to meet the needs of multiple networking applications and traffic demands. Broadcom has taken a very significant step forward in advancing their leadership of networking and storage I/O by providing these solutions to OEMs."

Vinod Lakhani, General Manager, High Speed Controllers, Broadcom Corporation

"Broadcom's latest generation of CNAs are engineered to maximize the benefits of PowerEdge 12th generation servers. They leverage the company's long-standing industry-leading position in Ethernet technology and provide the highest level of performance, efficiency, and scalability for the enterprise data center. Broadcom's position as a leading provider of networking technology also gives OEMs a unique advantage of working with just one vendor to address their needs. Integrating MACs and PHYs into these devices as a single-chip solution is a perfect example of that benefit."

Resources:

(1) Demartek - Broadcom Adapter Evaluation

(2) Broadcom-internal benchmark tests

(3) IDC Top 10 Enterprise Server Predictions 2012, January 2012
(4) Crehan Research, Inc. - Server I/O Considerations - January 2012

*Available on select products

Supported Resources:

Broadcom Ethernet Adapters Featured Products Page

Broadcom News Room

B-Connected Broadcom Blog

Subscribe to Broadcom's RSS Feed

About Broadcom

Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a FORTUNE 500® company, is a global leader and innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom® products seamlessly deliver voice, video, data and multimedia connectivity in the home, office and mobile environments.  With the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and embedded software solutions, Broadcom is changing the world by Connecting everything®. For more information, go to http://www.broadcom.com.

Broadcom(®), the pulse logo, Connecting everything(®), and the Connecting everything logo are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU.  Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

    Contacts
    --------
    Press                     Investors
    John Jatinen              Chris Zegarelli
    Manager, Public Relations Director, Investor Relations
    949-926-3462              949-926-7567
    john.jatinen@broadcom.com czegarel@broadcom.com

SOURCE  Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Infrastructure & Networking

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060609/BROADCOMLOGO
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Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Infrastructure & Networking

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

Panorama Necto BI Suite Announces SQL Server 2012 Support - Downloadable now for Beta Testing

Migration of Multiple Data Sources Including OLAP and In-Memory Enables Faster Calculations and Automated Social Analytics

TORONTO, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panorama Software, a global leader in proactive Business Intelligence (BI) solutions, announced today its socially-enabled BI platform Necto is now on SQL Server 2012, Microsoft's cloud-ready database software. The solution is currently available for download for beta testing.

Necto analytics allows enterprise users to receive the full power and value of SQL Server 2012. Working on both MDX and DAX languages, it can handle the combination of both organizational OLAP data and in-memory user data with seamless migrations. Complex enterprises with multiple data sources can utilize Necto as a connection point to develop broader insights, which are all viewable in a web-based workboard.

SQL Server 2012 is designed to work with metadata that is people oriented and relates to actionable intelligence. As the metadata grows, so does the enterprise's number of Necto workboards, which are combined into the platform's relevancy engine. By sorting through hundreds of workboards, Necto's engine is able to present cross-departmental information in a relevant and manageable form.

"We are very pleased to offer Necto on SQL Server 2012 for beta testing download and firmly believe this combination will have a transformative effect on enterprise analytics," said Eynav Azarya, CEO of Panorama Software. "Our collaboration and integration experience with Microsoft enables Necto to be a perfect complement to SQL Server 2012, a combined solution that quickly produces relevant data insights."

"Panorama continues to offer significant added value to Microsoft products," said Claude Lorenson, Director of SQL Server Marketing at Microsoft Corp. "Necto, using the power of SQL Server 2012 gives enterprises a solution that enables the seamless combination of data from multiple sources, including the cloud, applications, flat files, financial reporting, and several others. And the self-service workboard means this combined data can be quickly turned into actionable intelligence."

About Panorama Software:

Panorama Software helps companies grow revenues, reduce costs and improve corporate performance by enabling social decision making and unlocking actionable insights contained within their data.

Leading the Business Intelligence 3.0 revolution, Panorama Software offers a new generation of BI solutions that introduces a unique way to connect data, insights, and people in the organization. Panorama Necto(TM) is the first BI solution that leverages Social Decision Making and Automated Insights to enable users gain insights more quickly, more efficiently, and with greater relevancy.

Panorama Software is the original developer of the OLAP technology that Microsoft acquired in 1996 and integrated into the SQL Server platform, and since has been a close and strategic Microsoft partner.

Panorama streamlines business operations for over 1,600 customers worldwide and has a wide eco-system of partners in 30 countries, maintaining offices throughout North America, EMEA and Asia. To learn more about Panorama Software, please visit http://www.panorama.com.

Necto, NovaView and the Panorama logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Panorama Software Ltd.  All other company product or brand names are the trademarks or the registered trademarks of their respective companies.  Panorama Software Ltd. is not responsible for errors or omissions.  Copyright 2009 Panorama Software Ltd.  All rights reserved.

SOURCE  Panorama Software

Panorama Software

CONTACT: Richard Krueger, SS|PR, +1-609-750-9113, rkrueger@sspr.com.

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

EMC Delivers "No Compromise" Technology, Solutions and Services for Microsoft SQL Server 2012

EMC Portfolio Enables 80% Faster Provisioning, 4X Better Performance and Up To 30X Less Backup Storage for SQL Server Applications

HOPKINTON, Mass., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

News Summary:

    --  EMC(®) today announced broad technology support, new EMC Proven((TM))
        Solutions and Consulting Services for Microsoft SQL Server 2012 to help
        customers deploy SQL Server for mission critical data center
        applications.
    --  By leveraging EMC best-in-class technology and services with the latest
        SQL Server 2012 functionality, customers can increase performance and
        maximize data availability at a lower cost.
    --  New EMC Consulting services provide customers a defined path for
        seamless migration and adoption of SQL Server 2012 and help customers
        take advantage of SQL Server 2012's breakthrough insights functionality
        to turn data into business intelligence and competitive advantage.

Full Story:

EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) today announced broad technology support, new EMC Proven Solutions and Consulting Services for Microsoft SQL Server 2012 to help customers deploy SQL Server for mission critical data center applications. By leveraging EMC best-in-class technology and services with the latest SQL Server functionality, customers can increase performance and maximize data availability at a lower cost. New EMC Consulting services provide customers a defined path for seamless migration and adoption of SQL Server 2012 and help customers take advantage of SQL Server 2012's breakthrough insights functionality to turn data into business intelligence and competitive advantage.

EMC's Industry Leading Storage Platforms Optimized for Microsoft SQL Server 2012

In October 2011, an IDC(1) survey of Enterprise end-users named EMC the #1 storage choice for Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SharePoint, and other mission critical environments. The survey ranks storage vendors on how end-users are deploying their technology with enterprise applications, and it shows that more customers choose EMC storage than any other storage for their Microsoft environments.

By leveraging EMC technologies to address SQL Server 2012 requirements customers can:

    --  Achieve 80% faster SQL Server provisioning with EMC(®) VNX((TM))
        Unified Storage;
    --  Automate the allocation of SQL 2012 Server storage and eliminate 95% of
        the typical manual storage calculation times with EMC Symmetrix(®)
        VMAXe(®)  100% Virtual Provisioning;
    --  Experience 4X more performance of SQL Server 2012 server and storage
        resources at a lower cost using EMC FAST (Fully Automated Storage
        Tiering) software, and EMC VFCache((TM)) server flash caching solution;
    --  Complete more backups in less time with up to 30X less storage with EMC
        backup and recovery solutions.

New EMC Proven Solutions and Consulting Services Designed for Mission Critical SQL Server 2012 Environments

EMC today announced two new EMC Proven Solutions to help customers leverage the newest features in SQL Server 2012.

    --  EMC SQL Server 2012 Readiness - Performance with VMAXe FAST VP and SQL
        Server 2012 AlwaysOn Local Availability Groups - This solution documents
        technology considerations for utilizing the new SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn
        Availability Groups with EMC FAST VP and EMC VMAXe.  The focus of this
        solution is to create availability groups on a FAST VP enabled VMAXe to
        support business requirements for read-only secondary database replicas.
        This approach allows for the dedication of the primary replica for
        mission critical online transaction processing (OLTP) workloads while
        isolating OLAP/BI demands.
    --  EMC SQL Server 2012 Multi-Site Disaster Recovery - Enabled by SQL Server
        2012 AlwaysOn Availability Groups, EMC VNX and FAST Suite - This
        solution documents technology considerations for utilizing the new SQL
        Server 2012 AlwaysOn Availability Groups, with EMC FAST Suite and EMC
        VNX unified storage.  The focus of this solution is to utilize the new
        SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn transaction-level replication technology to
        maximize the availability of a set of user databases between two distant
        sites while enabling the database storage efficiency and performance to
        be optimized by using EMC FAST Suite on VNX 5700.

New EMC Consulting services designed for Microsoft SQL Server 2012 help business and IT stakeholders to maximize their investment in SQL Server. The services also enable the customer's environment to support mission critical application quality of service requirements and enable pervasive business intelligence for competitive advantage.

    --  The new Upgrade/Migration Service for Microsoft SQL Server 2012 helps
        customers efficiently plan, manage, and execute their transition to the
        SQL Server 2012 platform.
    --  The new EMC Consulting Self-Service Business Intelligence (BI) service
        helps customers empower their business users to quickly develop reports,
        dashboards, and scorecards without direct support from IT resources.
        During this service, EMC Consulting creates an interface to existing BI
        systems using SQL Server tools and exposes the data in a Microsoft
        SharePoint-based user interface.
A Diamond Sponsor of the SQL Server 2012 launch, as well as a Microsoft Certified Partner with 19 gold and silver competencies and a 21-time Microsoft Partner of the Year, EMC offers customers innovative information infrastructure, solutions and services optimized for their Microsoft environments. EMC Consulting, a business unit within EMC Global Services, works closely with Microsoft Corporation to develop and deliver services and solutions that help customers streamline deployment, migration and management of their Microsoft technology platforms. EMC Consulting accelerates its customers' journey to the private cloud through innovative and efficient use of information infrastructures to provide an optimal opportunity to federate information resources across cloud architectures.

Microsoft Quote:

Eduardo Rosini, Corporate Vice President, SQL Server Marketing, Microsoft

"SQL Server 2012 and EMC Solutions and Application services help our customers address mission critical performance, availability and data protection requirements.  EMC's announcement of new consulting services that leverage Microsoft BI tools will enable our customers to use their data more competitively - providing breakthrough insights."

Customer Quotes:

Andy Fuss, Manager of Technology and Engineering, CharterCARE Health Partners

"With the formation of CharterCARE Health Partners and the convergence of multiple IT infrastructures we were faced with enormous data growth. It became clear that our traditional tape-based backup approach had reached its end and we needed to make a transformational shift in our strategy. Data Domain® deduplication storage systems and EMC NetWorker® were a natural fit, and have dramatically improved the performance, efficiency and reliability of our SQL Server related  backup process. With EMC storage solutions we've been able to focus on what's most important: protecting our core business, protecting our patients, and offering them the highest quality of healthcare that they need."

Brian Carpenter, Vice President of Information Technology, Heritage Auctions

"SQL Server is the lifeblood of Heritage Auctions (HA.com). We use it to provide our customers with a massive amount of data, a meaningful experience on our website, and historical information to help them make educated buying and selling decisions. Consolidating our mission-critical Microsoft SQL Server infrastructure on EMC Symmetrix VMAXe has opened the door for us to go full throttle with our most strategic initiatives, from the latest Microsoft releases to virtualization to Big Data. We have the utmost confidence that when we roll out SQL Server 2012, VMAXe is going to be ready to perform and handle the increases in workload and changes in processing."

Daniel Mettling, Information Technology Manager, Park Industries

"As our business evolves, we're constantly seeking more opportunities to improve our responsiveness and streamline data processes to save time. The level of integration provided by EMC VNXe unified storage streamlines management of our SQL Server environment while the flexibility of centralized access provides us with a broad snapshot across our systems at a moment's notice. VNXe gives us the tools to make snap decisions about storage management and report to employees without interrupting our day-to-day business, meaning we save time, and ultimately, thousands of dollars."

EMC Executive Quote:

Prasad Rampalli,Senior Vice President, EMC Solutions Group, EMC Corporation

"EMC is committed to helping our customers make a seamless and effortless transition to SQL Server 2012 without compromising on performance, efficiency, simplicity or affordability. We've customized our engineering best practices, optimized our storage solutions to support SQL Server 2012, and have tailored our consulting services so that customers of all sizes are equipped with what they need to enable them to maximize information across their organization."

Dave Cox, Vice President, EMC Consulting, EMC Corporation

"Our new EMC Consulting services are right on target with EMC's strategy to support organizations' move to ITaaS so that they can better manage the massive amounts of data they are generating.  EMC has the proven industry knowledge and technology expertise required to help SQL Server customers efficiently accelerate upgrades and realize the maximum value of their information."

About EMC

EMC Corporation is the world's leading developer and provider of information infrastructure technology and solutions that enable organizations of all sizes to transform the way they compete and create value from their information. Information about EMC's products and services can be found at http://www.emc.com.

Additional Resources

    --  Learn  more about the EMC and Microsoft Alliance
    --  Everything EMC and Microsoft Community
    --  "Why EMC for SQL Server" Video
    --  Read about EMC Solutions for Microsoft
    --  EMC Consulting for Microsoft Platforms
    --  Connect with EMC via Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and ECN

(1)  IDC, "Storage Users Demand Study 2011 - Spring Edition: Unlocking the Minds of Storage Users" (September 2011 / Doc # 230148)

EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation in the United States and other countries. Other products and/or services are trademarks of their respective owners.

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

SOURCE  EMC Corporation

EMC Corporation

CONTACT: Hadley Weinzierl, +1-508-293-7642, hadley.weinzierl@emc.com

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

Microsoft Releases SQL Server 2012 to Help Customers Manage "Any Data, Any Size, Anywhere"

Microsoft's next-generation data platform releases to manufacturing today.

REDMOND, Wash., March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. today announced that the latest version of the world's most widely deployed data platform, Microsoft SQL Server 2012, has released to manufacturing. SQL Server 2012 helps address the challenges of increasing data volumes by rapidly turning data into actionable business insights. Expanding on Microsoft's commitment to help customers manage any data, regardless of size, both on-premises and in the cloud, the company today also disclosed additional details regarding its plans to release an Apache Hadoop-based service for Windows Azure.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

"Data is being generated faster than ever before, and organizations need a way to process and analyze all that data," said Ted Kummert, corporate vice president at Microsoft. "Whatever the type or size of data, SQL Server 2012 delivers the platform and familiar tools to manage data, generate actionable insights and help drive business impact."

SQL Server 2012: Proven Capability

SQL Server 2012 has already been deployed for production use by hundreds of global, industry-leading customers, such as Volvo Car Corp., Revlon, the HSN, Sanofi Pasteur, Klout and LG Chemical. Customers choosing SQL Server 2012 enjoy the benefit of a rich hardware and software partner ecosystem that can create solutions for the most unique and demanding data management needs.

"Our business depends on delivering customers fast, detailed insight into hundreds of terabytes of social-network data," said David Mariani, vice president of Engineering at Klout, a leading provider of influence measurement. "With SQL Server 2012 and integrated business intelligence tools, we're processing massive volumes of data queries in near-real time. Microsoft's data platform has continued to advance and help us keep up with the evolving world of data."

Tackling Big Data

IT research firm Gartner estimates that the volume of global data is growing at a rate of 59 percent per year, with 70 to 85 percent in unstructured form.(*) Furthering its commitment to connect SQL Server and rich business intelligence tools, such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPivot for Excel 2010 and Power View, with unstructured data, Microsoft announced plans to release an additional limited preview of an Apache Hadoop-based service for Windows Azure in the first half of 2012.

Since the first limited preview released in December, customers such as Webtrends and the University of Dundee are using the Hadoop-based service to glean simple, actionable insights from complex data sets hosted in the cloud. Customers interested in signing up for the latest preview should visit http://www.hadooponazure.com.

Continued Improvements, New Levels of Return on Investment

To help customers more cost-effectively manage their enterprise-scale workloads, Microsoft will release several new data warehousing solutions in conjunction with the general availability of SQL Server 2012, slated to begin April 1. This includes a major software update and new half-rack form factors for Microsoft Parallel Data Warehouse appliances, as well as availability of SQL Server Fast Track Data Warehouse reference architectures for SQL Server 2012.

In addition, Microsoft is releasing results from a new Microsoft-commissioned Forrester Consulting Total Economic Impact study on the potential benefits of upgrading to SQL Server 2012. The study reports a potential return on investment of up to 189 percent with a 12-month payback period.

Microsoft and partners also announced today that SQL Server 2012 has demonstrated new record-breaking performance benchmarks through partner- and Microsoft-led testing that underscores SQL Server's ability to scale across the enterprise.

Those interested can find more information about today's announcements or download an evaluation copy of SQL Server 2012 at the SQL Server virtual press kit.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

(*) Gartner Symposium Presentation, Information Management Goes "Extreme": The Biggest Challenges for 21st-Century CIOs, Mark Beyer, October 2011

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

SOURCE  Microsoft Corp.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, +1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com, for Microsoft Corp.

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