News

GSMA to Unveil the Connected House at Mobile World Congress

Experience a World Where Everything Intelligently Connects

LONDON, Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday 27 February at the Mobile World Congress 2012 in Barcelona, the GSMA will unveil the Connected House, a living future where everyone and everything can benefit from intelligent wireless connections.

Launched with AT&T, KT and Vodafone and their partners - Accenture, Airbiquity, AQ Corporation, Ericsson, Intel, KTH, Qualcomm, Rsupport, Sony and Zelitron - the GSMA Connected House will showcase how mobile technology is already improving people's lives by demonstrating the latest in connected products and services, and will be located in The Courtyard in the heart of the Fira de Barcelona.

Visitors will explore how mobile is driving innovation to deliver the Connected Life now and in the future. Inside, the latest in cutting-edge wireless technologies will show how you can make your home more intelligent, how mHealth services can improve people's wellbeing, and how connectivity in cars will keep drivers better informed. Visitors will also experience how connectivity in a range of devices will impact a number of vertical industries through cost savings and efficiencies and improve the way companies do business.

Michael O'Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA said: "The Connected Life enabled through mobile technology is already integral to our daily lives, enhancing the way we commute, look after our health, teach our children and control our home environment. With the total number of connected devices set to triple over the next decade to 24 billion, and the number of mobile connected devices set to surpass 12 billion in 2020, the Connected House will showcase the innovative solutions of today and the mobile industry's vision for the future."

Also included in the Connected House will be demonstrations of the Embedded SIM and its use in connected devices. As the mobile industry moves from connecting handsets to connecting a wide range of devices, the Embedded SIM will enable over the air provisioning of operators credentials, while continuing to deliver the assured levels of robust security and interoperability that consumers expect. The GSMA is partnering with Embedded SIM solution suppliers Gemalto and Giesecke & Devrient for this demonstration.

Other highlights will include:

AT&T

    --  Blue Libris Personal Emergency Response System, a health monitor for
        seniors, patients and children. This single button mobile solution
        enables the real-time sensing of health information, the automatic
        monitoring of user location and activity and simultaneous voice
        communication with users.
    --  AT&T Digital Life(TM), an IP-based remote monitoring and automation
        platform that will equip global service providers with the capabilities
        to offer their subscribers customisable, web-based home automation,
        energy and security services. The platform will enable providers to
        offer devices like wireless sensors and cameras that will communicate
        with a control center inside the home, managed through a web based user
        interface.

KT

    --  KT's new Kibot robot teaches children to read, sing and speak in
        different languages. This robot terminal provides customised 'Smart
        Home' services for infants and elementary school students, assuring
        safety through learning, play, and home monitoring.
    --  Experience a range of groundbreaking NFC enabled SIM-based devices
        including an e-Wallet offering services such as credit and cash card
        payments, access keys, memberships, coupons and stamps, all through your
        mobile phone; the Olleh WorkSpace, a collaborative work solution for
        tablets and smartphones; and even a Smart Flower Service, providing
        information on different types of flowers through terminal tagging.

Vodafone

    --  A Tracking and Monitoring Service to help companies monitor and manage
        stock levels while preventing the theft of valuable assets such as
        refrigerators. The live demo shows how companies can check the location
        in real time of an ice cream cooler - and monitor whether it has been
        moved or stolen.
    --  An Energy Management solution which helps businesses operating across
        several sites to monitor and optimise energy consumption in each of
        their buildings remotely. The demonstration monitors lighting, heating,
        air conditioning and power consumption - generating cost savings,
        reducing CO2 emissions and improving building maintenance management.

GSMA

    --  The GSMA's interactive Connected Timeline and Smart City, highlighting
        key milestones in the past, present and future - everything from stolen
        vehicle tracking to teaching through tablets in schools. Also, the
        vision of the Connected Life in 2020 and what benefits mAutomotive,
        mEducation, mHealth, and the Smart Home will bring to everyday living in
        the future.
Press are invited to attend an exclusive tour of the GSMA Connected House at 12.15pm CET on Monday, February 27 (to RSVP please refer to contact details below).

About the GSMA
The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide. Spanning more than 220 countries, the GSMA unites nearly 800 of the world's mobile operators, as well as more than 200 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset makers, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies, and media and entertainment organisations. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as the Mobile World Congress and Mobile Asia Expo.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at http://www.gsma.com or Mobile World Live, the online portal for the mobile communications industry, at http://www.mobileworldlive.com.

SOURCE  GSMA

GSMA

CONTACT: CONTACT: Charlie Meredith-Hardy, +44-0-7810 050 576, CMeredith-Hardy@webershandwick.com; GSMA Press Office, press@gsm.org

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

Global Payments Enhances Offerings With Comprehensive Developer Portal

ATLANTA, Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN), a leader in electronic transaction payment processing, today announced the launch of the Global Payments Developer Portal. This new Web site is designed to simplify the onboarding process and make it easier for third party developers to access the tools they need to enable payment processing via Global Payments. 

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20010221/ATW031LOGO )

New and existing developers now will have the ability to gain immediate access to the Global Payments award-winning Global Transport® Software Development Kit (SDK) and other tools necessary to facilitate end-to end-integration. The Portal will support payment enablement of a multitude of platforms including mobile apps, ecommerce Web sites and retail Point of Sale systems.

"The Global Payments Developer Portal is the best choice for developers looking at innovative ways to monetize their applications," said Sid Singh, senior vice president and global head, product for Global Payments. "The Portal will be available initially to developers creating applications for the United States and Canadian markets.  Future releases will help developers expand into other parts of the world such as Asia Pacific, Spain, Russia and the United Kingdom." 

Once developers access the Portal and self-register at http://www.gpdevportal.com, they are provided with a step-by-step overview of the certification process and are given immediate access to the Portal's menu-driven interface.  The Portal will allow developers to interact with the Global Payments certification team and download the tools they need to get started with the Global Transport certification. A list of frequently asked questions with the ability to submit questions, cardholder security information crafted for developers, and sales and technical support contact information are available within the Web site. The Developer Portal will be updated on a regular basis to provide specifications and tools as needed and will also provide up-to-date information and news to the developer community.

Additional plans for Portal include an interactive Developer Forum, Live Chat, additional message specifications for other Global Payments' processing platforms and multi-lingual support.

Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) is a leading provider of electronic transaction processing services for merchants, Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs), financial institutions, government agencies and multi-national corporations located throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.  Global Payments, a Fortune 1000 company, offers a comprehensive line of processing solutions for credit and debit cards, business-to-business purchasing cards, gift cards, electronic check conversion and check guarantee, verification and recovery including electronic check services, as well as terminal management.  Visit http://www.globalpaymentsinc.com for more information about the company and its services.

Media Contact: Amy Corn
770-829-8389
amy.corn@globalpay.com

SOURCE  Global Payments Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20010221/ATW031LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Global Payments Inc.

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

City of Zhenjiang, China and IBM Collaborate to Build a Smarter City

IBM Smarter Cities Solution Helps Zhenjiang Boost Economic Development and Tourism Plans

ARMONK, N.Y. and ZHENJIANG, China, Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the City of Zhenjiang, China today announced that IBM is helping to transform the city's public transportation system. Zhenjiang will use hardware, software, services and technologies from IBM's Research labs, all brought together through the IBM Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) for Smarter Cities - a solution that will serve as the central point of command for the city.

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

Zhenjiang is a renowned historical and cultural city in the eastern People's Republic of China (PRC), a region experiencing rapid economic growth.  Zhenjiang has an estimated population of three million people and has become an important regional transportation hub due to its location near the intersection of the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal, the longest canal in the world.  It is also considered a state model for environmental protection.

To bolster economic development, increase tourism and improve overall public welfare, the city initiated the "Smarter Zhenjiang, Smarter Tourism" project which includes plans to replace and upgrade more than 400 bus stations and over 1,000 public transportation vehicles. In conjunction with the system-wide upgrade, Zhenjiang will rely on IBM's Intelligent Transportation solution to provide city managers with a consolidated view of the transportation network, and initiate a new bus scheduling system that will use analytics technologies to manage traffic patterns and over 80 routes across the city.

A First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) IBM Research-developed platform will increase traffic throughput and improve the efficiency of its public transportation system while anticipating traffic jams before they happen. The solution will build on services assets that simulate transit fleets and passenger flow across the transportation network, while tapping into IBM technologies that enable real-time bus monitoring and route and dispatch management for the vehicle fleet.

The overall solution will provide a comprehensive, real-time picture of the city's traffic network to alleviate congestion, improve traffic management, maximize road capacity, rapidly respond to incidents and enhance the travel experience for citizens, business travelers and tourists.

"Building a smart city has become a strategic choice of the city's urban development as it creates profound impact on the city's information management standard and contributes to the formation of a huge industrial chain," said Mingnian Yin, Director of Reform Commission, City of Zhenjiang.  "Working with IBM, we will make our public transportation system faster and more efficient, while making our city a better place to live in."

"Our collaboration with Zhenjiang exemplifies IBM's commitment to supporting the government's agenda to build smarter cities in China," said D.C. Chien, General Manager, IBM Greater China Group. "We expect this collaboration to help transform the transportation system, support the government's effort of building a harmonious society, and accelerate the economic growth and transformation of this vibrant country."

According to Pike Research, by 2020 the Asia-Pacific smart city technology market will be worth $5.5 billion annually - a cumulative investment of over $36 billion between 2010 and 2020.  China represents the largest single market in Asia for smart city technology, roughly 30 percent of the total opportunity.

"It's estimated that up to $30 trillion will be spent on transportation infrastructure globally in the next 20 years. Building new physical infrastructure only goes so far, especially with the ever-present debate on the best ways to maintain roads, rails and terminals in the face of strained budgets and resources. By integrating technology and intelligence into the physical transportation infrastructure, cities can improve capacity, enhance the traveler experience and make transportation systems more efficient, safe and sustainable for future growth," said Gerry Mooney, General Manager, Smarter Cities, IBM. "With the IOC, Zhenjiang has access to advanced analytics technology that will make it easier for the city to predict potential disruptions so that they can minimize impact and deliver better services to people living in and visiting their city."

IBM's Intelligent Operations Center and Intelligent Transportation solutions draw on experience gained from over 2,000 Smarter Cities projects with cities around the world, and assets from IBM's hardware, software, services and research divisions. With flexibility and scalability, the Intelligent Operations Center can be extended to support a wide range of city services such as water management and public safety among others.

For more information for media, please visit http://www.ibm.com/press/smartercities. Registered journalists and bloggers can view and download video and b-roll at http://www.thenewsmarket.com/ibm.

Media Contact:
Meredith Hannon
IBM Media Relations
512-740-3285
merhannon@us.ibm.com

SOURCE  IBM Corporation

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

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

Mission to Serve Continues with Enhanced TriWest.com Account Tools

PHOENIX, Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Secure, quick, easy--who isn't looking for just that in their online experience and online accounts?

TriWest Healthcare Alliance--the Phoenix-based company that manages the U.S. military's TRICARE health benefit for military members and their families living in western states--is committed to offering that and much more with TriWest.com and its enhanced tools.

What's New?
Changes recently were implemented to keep TriWest.com up to speed with all TRICARE beneficiaries' healthcare needs, providing 2.9 million customers with the tools to manage health care quickly, easily and securely.

The enhancements were put in place as part of TriWest's overall mission to serve military families and address their unique needs, said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr.

"The page might look a little different, but the core security and functionality of TriWest.com remains," McIntyre said. "Our customers can view claims, review specialty care information, make payments and check eligibility--just in an improved way that's convenient and secure."

Enhancing Customer Experience
Based on customer feedback, TriWest undertook behind-the-scene changes to get important healthcare information to military families when they need it. Beyond a facelift, TriWest.com account upgrades include:

    --  Increased access to specialty care referral and authorization
        information
    --  Easier access to family member information
    --  Registration using the Department of Defense Benefits Number found on
        the back of sponsors' military ID cards
The best part? The changes are automatic; customers just need to log into TriWest.com see the enhancements and gain direct access to their healthcare information.

Not Registered? It's Simple
TRICARE West Region beneficiaries not registered for TriWest.com can start an account and then choose to get paperless communications, such as referrals and authorizations, claims, explanation of coverage and enrollment fee statements. Information is available 24/7, archived and printable.

Find out how TriWest is On a Mission to Serve® that promises to connect military families with high-quality, affordable health care.

About TriWest

TriWest Healthcare Alliance partners with the Department of Defense to do "Whatever It Takes" to support the healthcare needs of 2.9 million members of America's military family. A Phoenix-based corporation, TriWest provides access to cost-effective, high-quality health care in the 21-state TRICARE West Region. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or visit http://www.triwest.com for more information.

SOURCE  TriWest Healthcare Alliance

TriWest Healthcare Alliance

CONTACT: Elizabeth Hillestad, +1-602-644-8356, ehillestad@triwest.com

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

Experience 'Wow' Moments at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2012

NXP Software's LifeVibes solutions deliver exciting real-life experiences in key mobile domains like social TV, user creativity and communication

EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands, February 24, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

    NXP Software is offering visitors real-life demonstrations of its products on its
stand (Hall 1, A 15) at MWC 2012. Device makers and service providers can experience
LifeVibes solutions tailored to the expectations of ever-more demanding mobile users.
Designed to deliver a 'wow!' for consumers, these include an innovative integrated
solution for simultaneous video playback and interaction via social media. Visitors can
also experience ultra-fast and easy, frame accurate video trimming and sharing, and
software-based HD voice enhancements.

    "MWC 2012 is redefining mobile. In today's multi-screen world, that means lifting
consumer experiences to a whole new level. That's what our LifeVibes multimedia software
lets device makers and service providers do. It creates exciting real-life moments,
whether that's living-room quality video on your mobile, totally natural voice calling, or
getting creative with video clips you want to share in a really easy way," says Peter van
de Berg, Marketing Director, NXP Software.

    NXP Software sees these exciting real-life moments as key to product and service
differentiation for the smart devices. This belief translates into secure solutions aimed
at captivating audiences for premium content, as well as innovations like its new social
TV software on show at MWC 2012. Created for the multi-tasking generation, users can
simply drag what they're watching from the video player to the second screen to chat about
it on Facebook or watch with friends.

    The focus on ease of use continues with the LifeVibes video sharing software which
visitors can experience for themselves on the NXP Software stand. By tapping into the full
power of today's hardware and software platforms, it unlocks creativity - making it easy
and fun for consumers to share their best moments in life with their friends.

    And the 'wow!' moments theme goes through to voice calling over cellular networks and
VoIP. Visitors to the NXP Software stand can make live calls and experience the difference
between regular calls and how LifeVibes software makes it easy to have a natural
conversation, even in noisy environments like the MWC 2012 exhibition halls! By bringing
out the clarity and emotion in voice calls, NXP Software provides solutions that inspire
people to communicate more and appreciate the quality of their devices.

    About NXP Software

    NXP Software is a world-wide leading software vendor for mobile multimedia. It
specializes in innovative multimedia solutions and applications to help mobile device
manufacturers and service providers deliver extraordinary media experiences. End-user
insights drive its designs, resulting in differentiating end-user experiences, while its
unmatched audio and video expertise ensures better performance and customizable solutions.

    NXP Software has established strong partnerships with key vendors to ensure optimum
flexibility, ease-of-integration and interoperability between hardware and software
platforms. Visit http://www.nxpsoftware.com for more information.

Source: NXP Software

Note for editors: Marketing & Communications NXP Software, +31-40-272-6000, Info.software@nxp.com

New FX Trading BlackBerry App from Vantage FX UK

LONDON, February 24, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

    Currency trading dealer Vantage FX UK (http://www.vantagefx.co.uk) has launched a
new app for BlackBerry to make its clients' foreign exchange trading even more portable.

    The free application - known as Vantage FX BlackBerry Trader - allows traders to
monitor trades, manage positions and set stop loss orders safely and securely wherever
they are. Traders can also use the app to keep up with the latest market news and take
advantage of a range of charting tools and trading calculators.

    Vantage FX UK traders can also take advantage of the Expert Advisor Test Lab
[http://www.vantagefx.co.uk/ea-labs/what-is-it ]. Exclusive to Vantage FX, the lab allows
traders to assess two Expert Advisors every month through demo account testing, detailed
monthly performance stats and trade-by-trade descriptions. The EA Test Lab is designed to
help traders seeking to automate part or all of the Forex trading process to select the
software robots that best suit their trading style.

    To download Vantage FX BlackBerry Trader, simply search for 'Vantage FX' in the
BlackBerry App World.

    Learn more about Vantage FX UK at:

    http://www.vantagefx.co.uk

    Trading derivatives and Forex carries a high level of risk to your capital and you
should only trade with money you can afford to lose. Forex trading may not be suitable for
all investors, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and seek
independent advice if necessary.

    About Vantage FX UK

    Vantage FX UK is an internationally recognised FX trading [http://www.vantagefx.co.uk
] broker based in the City of London, providing foreign exchange trading services to
clients in the UK, the EU and the rest of the world.

    What sets Vantage FX apart is its wide range of services and outstanding level of
customer support. The company strives to provide an intuitive, interactive Forex
experience by continually innovating and taking advantage of the latest trading
technology, such as MetaTrader 4 and Expert Advisors.

    Vantage FX also offers extensive educational resources to help give traders their
edge, keep up with daily market commentary and try a Forex trading demo account. For
further information, visit http://www.vantagefx.co.uk

Source: Vantage FX UK

Contact: Robert Berkeley, Vantage FX, robert.berkeley@vantagefx.co.uk, +44(0)20-7332-4954

New Survey from CEM4Mobile Solutions: Engagement of Lumia 800, iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy SII

ESPOO, Finland, February 24, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

    How they rank against each other? Over the past several years CEM4Mobile Solutions,
the provider of innovative Customer Experience Management (CEM) solutions and services for
Mobile Operators and Service Providers, has been monitoring different trends in the mobile
market.This time we analysed the flagship smartphone products from Nokia, Apple and
Samsung. How equally these 'ecosystem drivers' engage their owners in content services?

    The research included sample data from 1 December 2011 to 19 February 2012 comprising
24.9 million transactionsfrom 1.8 million users who executed 8.4 million visitswithmobile
optimised services in the Nordic countries.

    We wanted particularly to understand how equally the devices and their operating
systems, Windows Phone, Android and iOS, are engaging their users. We selected the
following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which all enlighten engagement from different
angles:

   
    - Return Rate: the average amount of times user has returned to the service
    - Click Depth: average amount of pageviews generated within a visit
    - Bounce Rate: percentage of visitors who entered the site and left immediately
    - Average visit length: average amount of time visitors spent on the siteper/
      visit

    In addition we analysed usage patterns on WiFi versus mobile data usage and possible
differences how well the devices are encouraging their owners to access the services
through multiple access channels namely WiFi, Internet APN and WAP Gateway.

    The Results

    Are highlighted in the following table with the best values in bold and underlined:

   
                            Apple iPhone 4S    Samsung Galaxy S II    Nokia Lumia 800
    Sample
    Transactions                17.111.898          6.392.800             1.363.903
    Interactions                 6.181.029          1.851.601               371.990
   
    Engagement           
    Return rate                      4,35               7,39                  4,56
    Click depth                      2,77               3,45                  3,67
    Bounce Rate                     44,58              35,67                 34,63
    Avg.visit length                  262                301                   318
   
    Access type           
    WiFi traffic                     65 %               49 %                  43 %
    Mobile Internet traffic          35 %               50 %                  56 %
    WAP traffic                       0 %                1 %                   1 %

Source: CEM4Mobile Solutions Ltd

    Based on the KPIs the fiercely competing devices reach the following positions on the
engagement podium:

   
                         Apple iPhone 4S    Samsung Galaxy S II    Nokia Lumia 800
   
    Return rate                 3.                 1.                     2.
    Click depth                 3.                 2.                     1.
    Bounce Rate                 3.                 2.                     1.
    Avg. visit length           3.                 2.                     1.

    Source: CEM4Mobile Solutions Ltd

    Some Conclusions

    Results are awesome and encouraging for Nokia.Lumia took the first positions on all
the other than the Return Rate where Samsung was able to reach the pole position. Galaxy
users are the most loyal towards to the services and returned in average more than 7 times
in the analysed ten weeks period.

    Results for Apple were surprisingly lame across all the KPIs. In the light of this
survey the flagship products from other vendors have been able to bypass iPhone in terms
of service engagement. This may have something to do with the fact that Apple decided to
postpone the iPhone 5 launch from 2011.

    Lumia users possess the greatest in-service figures, where the Lumia users consumed
the highest amount of pages within a visit (3,67) and spent the longest time in the
service.

    iPhone users are the most aggressive WiFi connection users with total of 65%of users
visiting services through wireless hotspots. Lumia is likely to please mobile operators
because the users seem to use considerably more mobile network as the access point (57%)
compared to iPhone (35%) and Galaxy (51%) users.

    This survey didn't seek to measure market shares but the transaction figures show that
iPhone is a very popular handset in the Nordic countries. Lumia was released to the market
just in December and in the light of the transactions the take up has been good.

    Transactions from the mobile applications were not includedto this survey because
there was not yet statistically sufficient sample available from Windows applications.
From the device engagement point of view things look encouraging for Nokia but as
highlighted in our earlier research found at:(
http://www.cem4mobile.com/blog/posts/key-mobile-market-trends-ii-mobile-apps-vs-mobile-browsing
) mobile applications produce a higher service loyalty than mobile browsing and
thus it is crucialfor Nokia to get enough appealing applications available to the Windows
Marketplace and to the end-users handsets.

    About CEM4Mobile Solutions

    CEM4Mobile Solutions (http://www.cem4mobile.com) is a world-class expert in mobile
analytics and Customer Experience Management. CEM4Mobile's product and service offering
provides Quality of Experience (QoE) analysis which concentrates on end-users when they
access digital services from their wireless devices enabling companies to optimize the
customer dialogue, assure end-to-end service experience and maximize the number of
satisfied, loyal and advocate customers. Digital services are the new voice of the mobile
industry. Attract, retain and engage your customers.

   
    More information

    More information about the survey and CEM4Mobile solution please visit Hall 2, stand
    2A70 at Mobile World Congress or contact us at:

    CEM4Mobile Solutions Ltd
    Kappelitie 6 A
    02200 Espoo, Finland
    sales@cem4mobile.com
    tel: +358(0)9-689-884-88

    Product information: http://www.cem4mobile.com
    Blog: http://www.cem4mobile.com/blog
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/cem4mobile

Source: CEM4Mobile Solutions Ltd

Sicap Launches Campaigns to Incentivise Mobile Money Users

BARCELONA, Spain, February 24, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

    Sicap has today announced the launch of real time, personalised campaigns, designed to
help stimulate demand for mobile money programmes. The objective is to help operators
create immediate value from upselling existing mobile money services.

    "The economics of making mobile money a moneymaking service are the driving force
behind the new sicap initiative" said Aleeda Fazal, Head of Mobile Commerce at sicap.
Indeed, few mobile money programmes have actually achieved profitability to date and over
80% of active mobile money programmes in the world suffer from low utilization.

    "Our campaigns incentivise mobile users to try, recommend and adhere to mobile money
services on offer and come in response to strong demand from operators for solutions which
transform their showcase mobile money services into generators of bottom line revenue,"
added Ms. Fazal.

    Sicap campaign services work using a set of preconfigured templates that can be
launched with minimal IT integration, and therefore go live very quickly as a managed
service or technology platform. Sicap expertise takes the guesswork out of campaign
planning by benchmarking against success pattern data from sicap's own suite of mobile
commerce solutions and comparable solutions.

    "If subscribers are attracted to services but do not follow-up, we can incentivise
them to do so with a fine-tuned mix of real-time and offline targeting" said Ms. Fazal.
Gaining momentum is important, since operating costs decrease significantly when 50% or
more of subscribed users are actively transacting.

    Sicap campaigns also tackle the underlying factors behind dormancy. For example, agent
liquidity problems can spoil the customer experience and dissuade them from repeat
transactions. Operators can use the sicap campaign platform to incentivise agents to do
their job well. The agent datasheet, linked to the campaign platform, can trigger points,
cash rewards or bonus talk time minutes for example to agents who maintain a good level of
liquidity and reach a target number of transactions.

    Once the pre-requisites to customer satisfaction have been addressed, operators can
launch sicap campaigns which target profile groups with the aim of encouraging viral take
up, incentivising users to transact more, or inciting them to try other mobile money
services.

    Meet sicap in Hall 8, booth 8B94 at the MWC 2012.

    About SICAP

    Sicap software solutions empower mobile operators to deliver a superior subscriber
experience, create new revenue streams and reduce operating costs.

    Sicap develops and implements solutions across the value chain, including DM, billing
and loyalty, m-money, and USSD solutions. Present in 120 networks, serving 835 million
subscribers in 75 countries worldwide.

    For more information: http://www.sicap.com
kate.stoney@sicap.com

Source: Sicap

+33-4-37-37-24-91

Global Sources launches 'From Design to Sales' CEO Forum to help mainland China electronics suppliers succeed in 2012

Top industry experts to share insights and solutions to tackle challenges ahead

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- To help mainland China's electronics industry overcome sluggish global demand and rising production costs, Global Sources (NASDAQ: GSOL) today hosted its first "From Design to Sales" CEO Forum. It is aimed at helping mainland China electronics suppliers focus on their core competitive advantages to survive and thrive in the months ahead.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030303/LNM011LOGO-b )

Held at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, the Forum brought together top industry experts, leading IC vendors, major electronics suppliers and buyers to discuss industry trends and offer insights into successful business strategies for the current market. Over 250 senior managers and decision makers from Pearl River Delta electronics manufacturers participated.

"Mainland China is no longer purely a manufacturing hub for low-cost electronics," said Global Sources' CEO, Spenser Au. "To stay competitive, local suppliers need to focus on quality and innovation to meet consumers' increasing expectations for electronics devices that keep us connected in today's digital world. More and more suppliers are doing this today, as evidenced by the increasing number of mainland China brands that have become household names around the world."

"For decades, Global Sources has facilitated trade between mainland China and the world. Therefore, we are committed to help mainland China's electronics industry reach the next level in its development. Our 'From Design to Sales' Forum, along with our electronics trade shows, technical magazines, trade journals, online marketplaces and industry events give local suppliers the edge they need in today's increasingly competitive market."

Expert panel to scrutinize industry's prospects

The Forum covers a series of topics, including the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ways to excel in design and manufacturing and how to export products more effectively. One highlight of the Forum is a panel discussion on how to develop a successful business model for mainland China's high-tech sector -- from designing to manufacturing to selling. Expert speakers participating in the Forum include:

    --  Spenser Au, CEO, Global Sources
    --  Alice Sun, Principal Analyst, representing eMedia Asia Ltd.
    --  Howard Chen, Managing Director, Brookstone Asian Division
    --  Desmond Wong, Business Director - Asia, Texas Instruments DLP®

Global Sources' design-to-export solution for mainland China's electronics industry

Global Sources provides mainland China's electronics industry with end-to-end support -- from product conceptualization to manufacturing right on through to export of finished products.

IIC-China Conference & Exhibition, together with EE Times-China, Electronic Design-China and EDN-China magazines enable mainland China's electronics engineers to stay abreast of cutting-edge technology. With Electronics Supply & Manufacturing-China and China International Optoelectronic Exposition, electronics manufacturers can access to the latest technologies, know-how and solutions for better supply chain management and production process. Global Sources' integrated export marketing solutions, which comprise online marketplaces, trade journals and face-to-face China Sourcing Fairs,offer mainland China suppliers the most effective and direct channels to sell their finished products overseas.

About Global Sources

Global Sources is a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with Greater China.

The core business facilitates trade between Asia and the world using English-language media such as online marketplaces (http://www.globalsources.com), print and digital magazines, sourcing research reports, private sourcing events, trade shows, and online sourcing fairs.

Over 1 million international buyers, including 85 of the world's top 100 retailers, use these services to obtain product and company information to help them source more profitably from overseas supply markets. These services also provide suppliers with integrated marketing solutions to build corporate image, generate sales leads and win orders from buyers in more than 240 countries and territories.

Global Sources' other businesses provides Chinese-language media to companies selling to and within Greater China. These services include online web sites, print and digital magazines, seminars and trade shows. In mainland China, Global Sources has a network of more than 40 office locations and a community of over 3 million registered online users and magazine readers of its Chinese-language media.

Now in its fifth decade, Global Sources has been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2000.

    Press Contact in Asia         Investor Contact in Asia
    Camellia So                   Suzanne Wang
    Tel: (852) 2555-5021          Tel: (852) 2555-4747
    e-mail:                        e-mail:
     cso@globalsources.com         investor@globalsources.com

    Press Contact in U.S.         Investor Contact in U.S.
                                   Mary Magnani & Cathy
    Brendon Ouimette               Mattison
    Tel: (1-480) 664-8309         LHA
    e-mail:
     bouimette@globalsources.com  Tel: (1-415) 433-3777
                                   e-mail:
                                   mmagnani@lhai.com

SOURCE  Global Sources

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030303/LNM011LOGO-b
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Global Sources

Web Site: http://www.english.iic-china.com/

WebMD Health Corp. Announces Intention to Commence Tender Offer to Repurchase $150 Million of Its Common Stock

NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- WebMD Health Corp. (Nasdaq: WBMD) announced today that it intends to commence a modified "Dutch Auction" tender offer to repurchase $150 million of its common stock promptly after the filing of its annual report on Form 10-K. 

Under the terms of the proposed tender offer, WebMD shareholders will have the opportunity to tender some or all of their shares at a price within the range of $24.50 to $26.00 per share.  Based on the number of shares tendered and the prices specified by the tendering shareholders, WebMD will determine the lowest per share price within the range that will enable it to buy $150 million in shares, or such lesser number of shares that are properly tendered.  All shares accepted for payment will be paid the same price, regardless of whether a shareholder tendered such shares at a lower price within the range.  At the minimum price of $24.50 per share, WebMD would repurchase a maximum of 6,122,000 shares, which represents approximately 11% of WebMD's currently outstanding common shares.  The NASDAQ Official Closing Price of WebMD's common stock on February 22, 2012 was $25.65 per share. 

WebMD will use a portion of its cash and cash equivalents to fund the tender offer.  WebMD has determined to commence the tender offer in order to provide liquidity to shareholders by permitting them the opportunity to tender shares of WebMD common stock for cash in accordance with the terms of the offer to purchase that will be filed with the SEC. 

None of WebMD, its Board of Directors, or the information agent for the tender offer will make any recommendations to stockholders as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering their shares into the tender offer.  Stockholders must decide how many shares they will tender, if any.

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO BUY OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL SHARES OF WEBMD HEALTH CORP. COMMON STOCK.  THE TENDER OFFER WILL BE MADE ONLY PURSUANT TO AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND RELATED MATERIALS THAT WEBMD INTENDS TO DISTRIBUTE TO ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND FILE WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. STOCKHOLDERS AND INVESTORS SHOULD READ CAREFULLY THE OFFER TO PURCHASE, LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND RELATED MATERIALS BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE VARIOUS TERMS OF, AND CONDITIONS TO, THE TENDER OFFER. STOCKHOLDERS AND INVESTORS WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A FREE COPY OF THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE TO, THE OFFER TO PURCHASE, LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT WEBMD INTENDS TO FILE WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AT THE COMMISSION'S WEBSITE AT http://www.SEC.GOV OR BY CALLING THE INFORMATION AGENT (TO BE IDENTIFIED AT THE TIME THE OFFER IS MADE) FOR THE TENDER OFFER. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THESE MATERIALS PRIOR TO MAKING ANY DECISION WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER.

About WebMD

WebMD Health Corp. (NASDAQ: WBMD) is the leading provider of health information services, serving consumers, physicians, healthcare professionals, employers, and health plans through our public and private online portals, mobile platforms and health-focused publications.

The WebMD Health Network includes WebMD Health, Medscape, MedicineNet, emedicineHealth, RxList, theheart.org and Medscape Education.

*****************************

All statements contained in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including those regarding:  the expected timing of the tender offer described in this press release. These statements are based on our current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to be different than those described in or implied by such forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties regarding:   changes in financial markets; changes in economic, political or regulatory conditions or other trends affecting the healthcare, Internet and information technology industries; and changes in facts and circumstances and other uncertainties concerning the completion of the tender offer.  Further information about these matters can be found in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings.  Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we do not undertake any obligation to update our forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

SOURCE  WebMD

WebMD

CONTACT: Investors: Risa Fisher, rfisher@webmd.net, +1-212-624-3817; Media: Kate Hahn, khahn@webmd.net, +1-212-624-3760

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

Washington Voters Oppose Adding New 6% Local Utility Tax on Wireless Services in Overwhelming Fashion

New bi-partisan poll finds Washingtonians also believe they already pay too much in taxes and fees for wireless services, and they want to prevent new tax increases.

OLYMPIA, Wash., Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An overwhelming majority of Washingtonians oppose their county being able to add a new 6% local utility tax on wireless services, according to the results of a new bi-partisan statewide survey released today by non-profit consumer advocacy group MyWireless.org®.

Legislation (SB 2728/HB 2127) has been introduced in Olympia in both chambers of the state legislature that would allow counties to levy a 6% local utility tax each month on some wireless consumers (dependent upon where they live) in the state. Nearly 4 in 5 surveyed (79%) oppose the proposed tax hike, and two-thirds surveyed (66%) "strongly" oppose it. This opposition to the proposal is widespread - consensus exists across all voter groups regardless of political affiliation and demographics.

Of the 400 Washington cell phone users and likely voters polled statewide, top findings include:

    --  By greater than a 6 to 1 ratio (79% to 11%), an overwhelming majority
        oppose their county adding a new 6% local utility tax to wireless phone
        service. Two-thirds (66%) of those "strongly" oppose the proposed new
        tax.
    --  Even among likely voters who don't have a wireless phone, the majority
        oppose this tax (56% to 17%).
    --  The majority (51%) of wireless phone consumers in Washington believe
        they pay "too much" in taxes and fees on their wireless phone bills.
        About one-quarter (23%) say they pay "about the right amount." Only (1%)
        think they don't pay enough and (25%) doesn't know.
"Many Washingtonians already pay the second-highest monthly wireless tax and fee rate in the country, and this new survey data clearly shows that wireless consumers in the Apple State think that any more increases are rotten to the core," said Brian Johnston, Director of Advocacy for MyWireless.org. "In some cities, customers pay nearly 18% in combined state and local taxes and fees, and it's nearly 23% when federal taxes and fees are included - all just to communicate. It's almost impossible to understand why the legislature wants to make these enormously unfair taxes and fees even higher, particularly in these times of economic recovery, and discourage people from using a service that gives them incomparable mobile broadband access that improves their personal and professional lives in so many extraordinary ways."

"We realize that the state of Washington is facing a significant budget shortfall, and we are empathetic to tough decisions being made in Olympia. But it is unfair and discriminatory to place such a large portion of revenue-raising on the backs of the more than 6 million hard-working Washington wireless consumers, their families, and their businesses," continued Johnston. "I think the research shows that Washington wireless consumers would be even more opposed to this kind of additional tax-and-fee burden if they were made more aware of the degree to which they are already assessed these high costs. Everyone is being forced to tighten their belts a little bit right now, and our polling tells us Washingtonian wireless users are saying enough is enough."

MyWireless.org® is a non-partisan non-profit national advocacy organization, made up of wireless consumers, businesses and community leaders from around the country, supporting reasonable pro-consumer and pro-taxpayer wireless policies. MyWireless.org commissioned McLaughlin & Associates to partner with Penn Schoen Berland to develop and conduct a bi-partisan survey in Washington among 400 likely general election voters. The survey was conducted on February 15-16, 2012. The accuracy of the sample of 400 likely general election voters is within +/- 4.9% at a 95% confidence interval.

SOURCE  MyWireless.org

MyWireless.org

Web Site: http://www.mywireless.org

Verizon Supports Efforts to Create New Online-Privacy Policy Framework

Says Industry Leadership is Key to Implementing Privacy Practices

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Obama administration announced on Thursday (Feb. 23) a Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights as part of a comprehensive framework to enhance consumers' privacy online, and to ensure that the Internet ecosystem remains innovative and a sector for economic growth. The following statement should be attributed to Kathryn C. Brown, Verizon senior vice president for public policy development and corporate responsibility:

"Verizon commends the administration's leadership in developing a new policy framework for consumer privacy in the Internet age. 

"The online privacy policy report and consumer bill of rights that the White House released today are important first steps toward defining the right policy structure for privacy online.  While we have not yet reviewed the report in detail, we believe the structure it outlines will help consumers navigate this new world with a clear, uniform set of policies that apply to all players in the Internet ecosystem.   

"We also are pleased to hear that the administration's policy framework and process are dependent on industry involvement. The bottom-up, multi-stakeholder model the administration has endorsed to address specific privacy issues should help create a framework that is nimble enough to keep pace with the speed of innovation and changes in technology and to meet consumers' evolving needs and preferences. 

"Verizon will continue to work through multi-stakeholder processes to develop these principles into practices, and we welcome the administration's ongoing engagement on this issue. We believe industry must step forward to develop these principles into company practices, and we are committed to providing the necessary support and leadership to make this happen."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with nearly 109 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500.  A Dow 30 company with $111 billion in 2011 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 194,000.  For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com.

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

SOURCE  Verizon

Verizon

CONTACT: CONTACT:  Rich Young, +1-202-515-2514, richard.j.young@verizon.com

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

New App Helps Floridians Find ... Fun!

Pinellas County iPhone app links users to physical activity

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It's only the second month into the New Year and you've already broken your "get into shape" resolution because you can't find activities that are fun and that fit into your schedule. Well...now there's an app for that!

Residents of Pinellas County Florida are trying out the new iPhone app launched by the Pinellas County Health Department that helps them find active fun fast - all at their fingertips.

The Health Department's Find-the-Fun-Now campaign launched the iPhone app this week that offers Tampa Bay residents hundreds of alternatives to screen time, from sunrise walks to zumba classes. Using geolocation technology, the app suggests actively fun activities, as well as ideas for where to find nutritious food, near a user's location or in a specific neighborhood or zip code.

"Since we live amid so many amazing parks and beaches, active fun - the kind that keeps you healthy and feeling good - is right at our doorstep," said Dr. Claude Dharamraj, the director of the Pinellas County Health Department, which is managing a campaign funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As with the Find-the-Fun-Now website, users of the new app can search by neighborhood, budget, time of day, how much time they have for a fun activity and the kind of people they want to invite.  The app then searches a database of hundreds of activities and returns a list of ideas for the user to consider, along with descriptions and directions.

In addition to finding fun activities, app users can locate the area's many open-air farmers' markets and produce stands that carry affordable, fresh food selections. The Find-the-Fun-Now Campaign, launched last October, was created to help residents recognize that they don't have to hit the treadmill to get moving or break their budget to eat healthy.

The app is available for download in the iTunes store. An android version will be launched next month.

For more information on the campaign, go to: http://www.FindTheFunNow.com

The FindTheFunNow.com campaign is part of a larger program being funded in Pinellas County and 49 other communities across the country called Communities Putting Prevention to Work. CPPW is funded by the CDC to address the nation's two leading causes of death and chronic disease: obesity and tobacco.

SOURCE  Pinellas County Health Department

Pinellas County Health Department

CONTACT: Heidi Otway, +1-850-681-3200, heidi.otway@saltermitchell.com; or Maggie Hall, +1-727-824-6908

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

Your Mobile Phone - Coming to a Television Near You. ICAP Patent Brokerage Announces for Sale a Patented System to Transmit from a Mobile Phone to a Television Screen

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ICAP Patent Brokerage, a division of ICAP plc and the world's largest intellectual property brokerage firm and organizer of ICAP Ocean Tomo Auctions, is offering for sale a patented system to transmit data from a mobile phone to a television screen from Lasse Halttunen.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100614/CG20517LOGO)

Key Characteristics & Benefits

This patent portfolio discloses a technique for transmitting data from a mobile phone to a television screen.

    --  The receiving television may be an ordinary (i.e., analog) screen or a
        modern internet TV.
    --  The TV is connected through a mobile phone accessory.
    --  The accessory comprises a Bluetooth receiver and a converter which
        receives signals transmitted from the mobile phone, and converts the
        signals (such as image signals) into an output format (e.g., RGB
        signals) as required for display on the television screen.
    --  The audio signal is also transmitted.
    --  The mobile user can conveniently view internet pages, watch video, play
        games, or perform other activities related to the mobile phone by
        viewing them on the television screen.
    --  The ability to easily transmit information from mobile phones to a
        device with a larger screen can significantly improve the user
        experience and further expand mobile phone usage.

Market Potential

This is an important portfolio for companies manufacturing mobile phones, mobile accessories, TV sets, and other communication devices.

    --  The receiver/converter accessory can easily be configured into a
        proprietary docking station.
    --  As "the third screen" becomes more and more important, the need for a
        larger display will increase correspondingly, particularly as the mobile
        phone becomes the primary business phone.
    --  An additional market opportunity will involve users with poor eyesight,
        particularly the growing elderly population.

To learn more about the assets available for sale in this portfolio:

Contact Dean Becker of ICAP Patent Brokerage at 561-309-0011 or Dean.Becker@us.icap.com

About ICAP Patent Brokerage
ICAP Patent Brokerage is a division of ICAP plc and the world's largest intellectual property brokerage and patent auction firm.

About ICAP

ICAP is the world's leading interdealer broker and provider of post trade risk and information services. The Group matches buyers and sellers in the wholesale markets in interest rates, credit, commodities, FX, emerging markets and equity derivatives through voice and electronic networks. Through our post trade risk and information services we help our customers manage and mitigate risks in their portfolios. For more information go to http://www.icap.com.

SOURCE  ICAP Patent Brokerage

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100614/CG20517LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
ICAP Patent Brokerage

CONTACT: Media, Luisa Sepulveda of ICAP Patent Brokerage, +1-312-327-8162, Luisa.Sepulveda@us.icap.com

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

CTIA Statement on the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After President Obama signed the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act into law last night, CTIA-The Wireless Association® President and CEO Steve Largent released the following statement:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110630/MM28614LOGO-b)

"The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act is an important piece of legislation that was a culmination of more than three years of education and advocacy by CTIA and its members to get more spectrum to market so we continue meeting Americans' insatiable demand for the world's best wireless products and services.

"The Act provides a much needed down payment to ensuring our members can offer their customers better, faster and more ubiquitous mobile services, including mobile broadband. In addition, it will provide a boost for our country's economy by spurring our members to continue to invest in infrastructure, develop innovations and create jobs.

"We look forward to continuing our bipartisan efforts, with support from the president, members of Congress, FCC Chairman and Commissioners and other policymakers to meet the goals of the National Broadband Plan to find 500 megahertz of spectrum within the next eight years."

CTIA-The Wireless Association® (http://www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.

SOURCE  CTIA-The Wireless Association

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110630/MM28614LOGO-b
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
CTIA-The Wireless Association

Web Site: http://www.ctia.org

Dealfind Launches "Product Deals" for Exclusive Discounts on Electronics, Cosmetics and More

New Tab Offers More Amazing Product Deals in One Spot!

TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dealfind, the third largest group buying site in North America(1), announced today the launch of "Product Deals," bringing consumers 50 to 90 percent off on popular items such as electronics, clothing, cosmetics, housewares and more. All of Dealfind's product offerings will be showcased in the new "Product Deals" tab, providing users with one, easy-to-navigate location to access these exclusive offerings.

New products will be launched on a weekly basis and available to all U.S. and Canadian customers, regardless of location.

"We've had an overwhelmingly positive response to the product deals we've featured so far, so we want to give our customers more of what they love and want," said Dealfind Co-Founder and President Gary Lipovetsky. "Our new 'Product Deals' section provides a platform to do so and we expect these upcoming offers to be a hit with Dealfind customers. While we have previously featured various products on our site, this separate tab allows us to expand our offerings and present all of our featured deals to customers in a clear and intuitive way. We will be providing a broader variety of great deals - there will be something for everyone."

Dealfind is committed to hand-picking a limited number of only the most reputable retailers to partner with. Limits will also be placed on the quantity of products available for purchase. This is in an effort to ensure speedy and excellent service for Dealfind customers.

North Americans have now purchased almost two million vouchers to eat, play, shop and relax at 50 to 90 percent off, saving more than $460 million, as the company continues expanding throughout Canada and the U.S. Dealfind is now available to consumers in 71 North American markets, with deals offered in 41 U.S. markets and 30 markets in Canada.

To access "Product Deals," visit http://www.dealfind.com/products. Businesses interested in partnering with Dealfind can apply online at http://dealfindbusiness.com/form_getstarted.asp.

About Dealfind:
Dealfind is the third-ranked group buying website on the North American Daily Deal Media Power Rankings, operating in 71 markets in Canada and the U.S. It has sold nearly two million vouchers since 2010, saving consumers more than $460 million. Privately held, Dealfind boasts refundable group buying vouchers, as well as full customer service support. The Toronto-based company is a member of the Google Offerspartner program and provides small and medium-sized enterprises the opportunity to cost-effectively gain new and repeat customers through smart online marketing and referral programs. 

(1) The North American Daily Deal Media Power Rankings is a proprietary ranking and verification system launched by Daily Deal Media in May 2011.  Daily Deal Media is the authoritative source for news, data and resources for the Daily Deal industry

SOURCE  Dealfind

Dealfind

CONTACT: Mallory Snitker of SS|PR, +1-847-415-9300, msnitker@sspr.com, for Dealfind

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

Smaato Powers Ahead With Record Growth; Unveils Smaato Global Price Index for Mobile Advertising

- Smaato grows by 200% and achieves record revenue, expanding customer base by 44,000 app developers, publishers and 28 ad networks in 2011 to earn title as global leader in mobile advertising

- Smaato Global Price Index unveiled to aid campaign planning and enable app developers and advertisers to better navigate global mobile advertising landscape and gain greater ROI

- Smaato rolls out new technology with real-time bidding and launches Smaato SDK for Windows Phone

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Smaato Inc., the leading mobile ad optimization platform, continues its momentum and record growth as the company powers into 2012 setting Smaato on track to earn title as the undisputed global leader in mobile advertising.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120223/SF58781)

Record Growth and Momentum

2011 proved to be a record year for Smaato with the mobile advertising leader reporting over 200% growth, adding offices in Singapore, New York, London, Jakarta and Mumbai.

Smaato also expanded its global platform to include an additional 44,000 app developers and publishers and 28 new ad networks, bringing Smaato's mobile advertising customer base to over 55,000 developers and publishers and over 80 ad networks, enabling Smaato to extend campaigns to over 230 countries worldwide. Smaato also achieved record volumes, managing over 190 billion ad requests in Q4 with total traffic increasing by over 50% from December to January 2012.

"Reaching record growth numbers in 2011, Smaato continues to push the mobile advertising envelope on performance and scale," said Ragnar Kruse, co-founder and CEO of Smaato. "At Smaato, we are the one-stop shop for fast-growing publishers to optimize international advertising revenues. Our global reach, pioneering technology and local market expertise makes us an ideal partner to help app developers navigate through the complexity, paving the way for those looking to harness mobile advertising's true value."

First Mobile Advertising Global Price Index

In a landmark move, Smaato unveils the industry's first price index. The Smaato Global Price Index aims to serve as a global rate card for mobile advertising. Powered by extensive analytics and a robust pricing engine, the Smaato Global Price Index offers real-world metrics on where to focus monetization efforts, helping app developers and advertisers to better navigate the mobile advertising landscape and better strategically develop, plan and rollout their campaigns. For advertisers that means targeting the most relevant potential customers and for app developers it translates to achieving the highest Average Revenue per User (ARPU).

For instance some markets, like in the case of Indonesia and Egypt, represent amazing value for advertisers. While for publishers and app developers, markets like South Africa and Western Europe offer high revenue-generating opportunities, which many companies often neglect. Smaato helps its customers determine which markets offer the highest returns.

"Mobile advertising doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, it can be incredibly effective. Our reach, multiple relationships with ad networks, deep analytics and robust pricing engine gives us unique insight on pricing from region to region. With the launch of our new index we aim to take the complexity away and help developers, publishers and advertisers to determine the best performing regions at the best price so they can execute the most effective campaigns with the greatest returns," added Kruse.

The fuller report will be made available on a quarterly basis with the first being ready for download in early April 2012.

New Real-Time Bidding Capabilities and Smaato SDK for Windows Phone

Smaato also announces its latest technology enhancements to leading mobile advertising optimization platform SOMA (Smaato's Open Mobile Advertising platform) with the introduction of new Real-Time Bidding capabilities and the launch of the new Smaato SDK for Windows Phone.

With Smaato's new added RTB capabilities and extensive range of RTB-enabled inventory, mobile advertising can now be purchased and served on the fly. Instead of reserving prepaid advertising space, advertisers can now bid on each ad impression as it is served with the impression going to the highest bidder. As a result, publishers can provide even more control and choice over ad targeting so brands and developers can optimize their advertising and achieve better ROI and engagement.

"Mobile is an essential channel for engaging today's consumers, and at Turn, we are seeing increasing demand from our agency and enterprise customers for our cross-channel capabilities," said Mark Balabanian, Senior Director, Business Development, Turn, Inc. "With Smaato's real-time bidding capabilities, we will be able to provide our customers with high-quality mobile inventory for their global campaigns."

Smaato is also establishing new quality measures for SOMA by introducing new algorithms, more extensive analytics and real-time reporting to improve traffic performance in order to deliver even higher eCPMs, fill rates, and ultimately more revenues for app developers and premium publishers.

As part of continuing to offer the widest range of mobile advertising SDKs in the industry, Smaato is also launching its latest Smaato SDK for Windows Phone. The new SDK is free to download and provides an array of features such as full support for Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, support for display banners and text ads, location based advertising, socio-demographic and contextual targeting and more.

Smaato will be attending this year's Mobile World Congress 2012 in Barcelona, Spain from Feb. 27th to March 1st and will be located on Booth #7C38 - App Planet - Hall 7.

About Smaato, Inc.

Smaato provides a one-stop shop to for mobile app developers to maximize mobile advertising revenues across the world. Smaato provides Ads for Apps - operating the leading mobile advertising optimization platform. More than 55,000 app developers and premium publishers have signed up with Smaato to monetize their content in 230+ countries or territories.

Smaato's unique feature is the aggregation of 80+ leading ad networks and DSPs globally to maximize mobile advertising revenues. Through an open API and the widest range of SDKs, SOMA can be easily integrated with ad networks, ad inventory owners (publishers, app developers and operators) and 3rd party ad technology providers.

Smaato is an active member of the Mobile Marketing Association, Singapore Infocomm Industry (SITF), Singapore IT Federation and the German Digital Media Association BVDW. Smaato received a Top 100 Private Company Award by AlwaysOn Media (2012, 2011, 2009 & 2007), is one of the AlwaysOn Global 250 winners in the Mobile category (2011) and was recently named a "company to watch in 2010" by Financial Analyst company GP Bullhound, among other awards.

Smaato Inc. is based in San Francisco, California. The privately held company was founded in 2005 by an experienced International management team. The European headquarters are in Hamburg, Germany and the Asia-Pacific presence of Smaato has been established in Singapore.

SOURCE  Smaato Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120223/SF58781
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Smaato Inc.

CONTACT: Sara Ball of onechocolate communications, +1-415-989-9803, smaato@onechocolatecomms.com, for Smaato Inc.

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

White House Plan for Privacy Bill of Rights Could Boost Protections, Consumer Watchdog Joins Groups Issuing Principles for Fair Process, Voices Some Concerns

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Obama Administration's blueprint to protect online privacy with a "Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights" unveiled today could provide meaningful protections, Consumer Watchdog said, but warned that the test of its effectiveness will come as the implementation unfolds.

The nonprofit, nonpartisan public interest group also voiced a concern that an announced Internet industry commitment to honor "Do Not Track" could be aimed at undercutting an effort by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to create a strict Do Not Track standard.

Consumer Watchdog joined a coalition of consumer and privacy groups in issuing a statement of minimum requirements to ensure the process works fairly and industry lobbyists do not overwhelm consumer interests.

"The report may represent real progress. A Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights based on Fair Information Practice Principles is significant," said John M. Simpson, Consumer Watchdog's Privacy Project Director. "Enforceable codes of conduct could matter. Baseline privacy legislation could make a difference."

The White House Privacy report envisions a multi-stakeholder process including Internet companies and consumer advocates convened by the Department of Commerce to develop codes of conduct that could be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.

"The real question is how much influence companies like Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and Facebook will have in their inevitable attempt to water down the rules that are implemented and render them essentially meaningless," said Simpson. "I am skeptical about the 'multi-stakeholder process,' but am willing to make a good faith effort to try."

The consumer and privacy groups said that for the multi-stakeholder process to succeed, it must be representative of all stakeholders and must operate under procedures that are fair, transparent, and credible. The signatories of these baseline principles believe the principles will provide the multi-stakeholder process the legitimacy it needs to succeed.

Read the consumer and privacy groups' principles here: http://www.worldprivacyforum.org/pdf/MultiStakeholderPrinciples2012fs.pdf.

The Privacy Bill of Rights would be based on Fair Information Practice Principles. Internet users should have the right to control personal information about them, the White House said. These rights include the right to control how personal data is used, the right to avoid having information collected in one context and then used for an unrelated purpose, the right to have information held securely, and the right to know who is accountable for the use or misuse of an individual's personal data. The report also calls for baseline privacy legislation.

"A concern is that the Administration's privacy effort is being run out of the Commerce Department. Commerce's job -- quite correctly -- is to promote the interests of business, not protect consumers," said Simpson. "If nothing else, the report demonstrates the growing concern about online privacy. Perhaps this is one of the few issues this year where bipartisan action will be possible."

Consumer Watchdog welcomed what the Administration called a "down payment" by industry, but questioned exactly what it meant. It could be reason for concern, the group said.

The White House said that in response to calls from the Administration and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), leading Internet companies and online advertising networks are committing to use Do Not Track technology from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in most major web browsers to make it easier for users to control online tracking. Companies that represent the delivery of nearly 90 percent of online behavioral advertisements, including Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, and AOL have made this FTC-enforceable commitment, the White House said.

"The only problem with this, is that the W3C has yet to agree what Do Not Track technical standards and compliance obligations will be," said Simpson. "If the W3C standards are stricter than industry wants, I can't believe they will follow them. I hope not, but this may actually be an effort to undermine the W3C process."

Signatories to the baseline principles include the World Privacy Forum, American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Digital Democracy, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, Consumer Watchdog, Electronic Frontier Foundation, National Consumers League, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse and U.S. PIRG.

Visit our website at http://www.consumerwatchdog.org.

SOURCE  Consumer Watchdog

Consumer Watchdog

Web Site: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org

Fred Loya Releases Mobile Website

EL PASO, Texas, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To help their customers throughout the United States better manage their auto coverage, Fred Loya Insurance, a leader in general auto insurance is proud to announce the launch of their mobile website. This website offers not only access to the Fred Loya web site but also the ability to complete most car insurance related tasks right from a mobile device. The website represents an extension of the Loya Insurance Group's 38 year history of innovating to service their client's evolving needs.

The mobile website offers a broad range of features, all accessible from both smart phone and tablets. Clients can manage their policies online, including registering for online access, viewing policy documents and receiving Insurance ID cards via email. Users of the application can not only find the nearest Fred Loya office but also be connected to a helpful agent for auto insurance quotes or questions inside the app. Customers who need to make a payment can also do it from their mobile device via credit card, debit card or debit from their checking account.

This mobile site is a response to the increased use of phones and tablets as Internet access points for Fred Loya Insurance customers. While the desktop website can be accessed on mobile devices, the mobile site will provide a much smoother experience since it is optimized for the constraints of mobile browsing devices. As a result, Fred Loya sees mobile platforms as the future to offering the public affordable auto insurance in an even more convenient manner. For further convenience to their clients Fred Loya also offers a free mobile apps for iPhone and Android devices that mirrors the mobile website in functionality without any loading lag-time from the Internet.

About Fred Loya Insurance

Since its founding in 1974, Fred Loya Insurance has grown to 361 agencies spanning seven states. With offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas, the Loya Insurance Group services over 500,000 drivers with 360,000 policies spanning more than $400 million in annual premium collections. Unlike other insurance agencies, Fred Loya Insurance even features a full in-house legal department with 15 lawyers and over 35 supporting staff members, letting Loya Insurance clients know that they will be represented. Today, Fred Loya Insurance is one of the fastest growing insurance companies in the nation and is also the 18th largest Hispanic owned and operated company in the country. The Loya Insurance Group's rapid rate of growth and great success comes from their focus on integrity and on always putting their customer's needs first.

CONTACT:
Jose Frias
Jfrias@fredloya.com

SOURCE  Fred Loya Insurance

Fred Loya Insurance

Web Site: https://www.fredloya.com

Astrid Gets Facelift and Android Tablet App

Popular To-Do App Unveils New Look, Integration with TaskRabbit, and Subtasks

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 23, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- Today Astrid (Astrid.com), a leading Android to-do list app, launched a new version for Android tablets, a streamlined design, and integrations with services to help users be more productive. Astrid aims to build on its success of already helping people finish over 30 million tasks.

Astrid's tablet app can be used independently or synced with Android phones, iOS devices like iPhone and iPod Touch, or Astrid.com. Astrid's tablet version is available immediately for devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab or Motorola Xoom through the Android Market and will be available for the Kindle Fire on the Amazon App Store upon approval.

Astrid's new look is the result of extensive user testing and applies many of the principles described in Android's recently updated User Interface Guidelines. According to Henry Tsai, Astrid's head of user experience, the Astrid team has taken great care to make the new version easy for new users without disrupting the experience of the millions of people who have downloaded previous versions of the app.

While the ability to share tasks with family and friends has been part of Astrid for some time, users can now outsource individual tasks to TaskRabbit, a popular personal assistant service available in select cities like San Francisco and New York. Astrid has also added the ability to view suggestions and ideas through integrated search with Amazon and Google.

"Everything we do is designed to help users get things off their to-do lists," said Astrid co-founder Jon Paris. "Many of my tasks start with a search on Google or can be quickly finished by ordering something on Amazon, so we've made these actions easy to perform from within the app."

About Astrid

Astrid (astrid.com) is a shared to-do list that helps individuals and groups stay organized, get more done and have fun in the process. Using Astrid, couples and families assign each other to-dos, housemates share shopping lists, and friends give each other ideas and support. With nearly 3 million downloads, Astrid is available on the Web, in the Android Market and in the App Store. Astrid is funded by Google Ventures, Jump Ventures, and Nexus Venture Partners. The company is based in San Francisco.

SOURCE  Astrid

Astrid

CONTACT: Henry Tsai, press@astrid.com

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

The Online Trust Alliance Announces Support of White House's New Consumer Bill of Rights to Protect Online Privacy

Newly-Released Bill of Rights Aimed at Protecting Consumers Online Represents a 'Major Step Forward"

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Online Trust Alliance (OTA) today announced its support of a newly-released "Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights," issued by the White House and part of a comprehensive blueprint aimed at improving consumers' privacy protections and ensuring the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth. The online privacy push comes at a time when major Internet players have come under fire for tracking consumers' activity on the Internet.

According to the White House, the blueprint will guide efforts to give users more control over how their personal information is used on the Internet and to help businesses maintain consumer trust and grow in the rapidly-changing digital environment. In addition, leading Internet companies and online advertising networks announced commitment to act on Do Not Track technology in most major web browsers to make it easier for users to control online tracking. Such companies as Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, and AOL, which comprise nearly 90 percent of online behavioral advertisements, have agreed to comply when consumers choose to control online tracking, according to the statement from the White House. 

OTA is a long-time advocate of online consumer controls and privacy and was invited by the White House to contribute to the Privacy Bill of Rights. The organization looks forward to a continued dialogue helping to ensure consumers have control in the collection, use and sharing of their data.

"Trust and confidence are the foundation of the digital economy and OTA applauds the White House's commitment to online privacy and the calls for greater transparency, security, control and accountability," said Craig Spiezle, executive director and president, Online Trust Alliance. "The multi stakeholder process is to be commended, highlighting the importance of consumer protection while promoting innovation and the vitality of commerce. We see this as a major step forward in promoting consumer controls online."

Resources:

White House Bill of Right: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/email-files/privacy_white_paper.pdf

More at OTA: https://otalliance.org/news/releases/PrivacyRights.html

About The Online Trust Alliance (OTA)

OTA's mission is to develop and advocate best practices, public policy and self-regulation to mitigate emerging privacy, identity and security threats to online services, brands, government, organizations and consumers.  By enhancing online trust and confidence, we can realize the potential of the internet, promote innovation, and protect the vitality of commerce. More information can be found at: https://www.otalliance.org/.

SOURCE  The Online Trust Alliance (OTA)

The Online Trust Alliance (OTA)

CONTACT: Marina Greenwood of Activa PR, +1-415-776-5350, marina@activapr.com, for for OTA

Web Site: https://www.otalliance.org

AVM Expands LTE Product Range with new LTE FRITZ!Box Models for High-speed Data Transfer Rates, Home Networking and Voice over LTE

BERLIN, February 23, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

    AVM FRITZ!Box LTE

   
    - Successful FRITZ!Box concept, now for LTE users
    - AVM adds two new models to LTE product range
    - Voice over LTE replaces fixed line connection

    Following the hugely successful first FRITZ!Box LTE, AVM is expanding its LTE product
range and unveiling two new FRITZ!Box models for LTE combined connections in parallel to
the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The FRITZ!Box 6842 LTE and FRITZ!Box 6810 LTE both
boast an elegant new design that's been specially developed for LTE applications. The
FRITZ!Box models for LTE also bring together all the key features for communication in a
single device: WLAN N, Ethernet connection, network storage feature, NAS, telephone system
and DECT base station. AVM is therefore also applying its successful FRITZ!Box concept to
LTE, as this is the only way that the latter's potential can be fully exploited in home
networking. AVM's LTE FRITZ!Box also allows users to forego a fixed line connection
altogether and instead do their talking via LTE.

    (Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120223/513329 )

    Benefits of the FRITZ!Box as an integrated access device now for LTE users

    WLAN N, Ethernet connection, network storage feature, NAS, media server, telephone
system and DECT base station - AVM's FRITZ!Box combines all the key features for
communication and home networking in a single device. As a market leader for broadband
devices, AVM is also focusing on the successful FRITZ!Box concept when it comes to LTE. In
this way, all features are at the ready around the clock in LTE-based home networking. LTE
data transfer rates are comparable to those of cable and DSL connections, meaning that
downstream transfer rates of up to 100 Mbit/s and upstream ones of up to 50 Mbit/s are
possible. All FRITZ!Box LTE models already support voice over LTE - so fixed line
connections can be completely replaced.

    New LTE products from AVM: FRITZ!Box 6842 LTE and 6810 LTE

    The new FRITZ!Box 6842 LTE is a high-performance home-networking and Internet device
featuring WLAN N, four-port gigabit Ethernet, USB port, telephone system and DECT base
station that works using the LTE mobile phone standard. What's more, it boasts an analog
port for phones and fax machines. The small FRITZ!Box 6810 LTE with DECT, WLAN N and an
Ethernet connection is just the ticket for anyone getting to grips with the technology.
All FRITZ!Box LTE models also feature an integrated DECT base station for up to six
cordless phones.

    AVM boasts extensive experience of LTE

    The tried-and-tested FRITZ!Box 6840 LTE continues to feature in AVM's LTE range and
has been a hit with LTE providers and users alike since its market launch in the fall of
2011. The first FRITZ!Box LTE also basked in positive attention from the specialist press
- and picked up several awards. The Initiative Mittelstand (German initiative for
medium-sized businesses) awarded the FRITZ!Box 6840 LTE its IT innovation prize, for
example, and the German specialized journal connect said: "One thing's for sure: AVM is
also a whiz at LTE - and offers a high degree of functionality. That might pique network
operators' curiosity."

    About AVM

    Founded in 1986 in Berlin, AVM is one of the top two manufacturers of broadband
devices in Europe. With a market share of over 50 percent, it is the leading manufacturer
in Germany, Europe's largest market. The Berlin-based communications specialist has
received numerous awards for its innovative FRITZ!Box product range. FRITZ!Box enables
fast, user-friendly Internet access, easy networking, convenient telephony and versatile
multimedia applications. AVM has 400 employees and generated a turnover of EUR 220 million
in fiscal 2011.

   
    AVM GmbH
    Kommunikation
    Alt-Moabit 95, 10559 Berlin, Germany
    http://www.avm.de, presse@avm.de

    Press representative
    Samira Jordan
    Tel.: +49-(0)30-3997-645
    s.jordan@avm.de

Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120223/513329

Source: AVM GmbH

Choate-Simmons Offers Free Children's Ebook on Amazon Kindle Through February 25th, 2012

Amazon Kindle Store Is Delivering The Ebook In Less Than 60 Seconds

BOSTON, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents, who are looking to keep their young children busy during February School Vacation Week, will be happy to know that one ebook publisher, Choate-Simmons, is offering free copies of one of its new children's picture ebooks.

Choate-Simmons is providing free copies of its new children's ebook, "Which Way Is My Home?", at Amazon's Kindle Store website during the February Vacation Week. The ebook is in full color. Children's Book Reviewers have awarded it a 5-star rating.

"A perfect children's adventure!"---Book Are Magic
"A delightful and charming tale."---Donna Lawrence
"Excellent child's picture book."---Miss Lynn's Books

The book is about an Ivory seagull who loses his Arctic home when his iceberg melts. He meets a friendly snail, Poco, who helps him on his journey to find another home. But, the seagull is afraid of the world and cannot find a home. He moves slow and cannot keep up with the other Ivory seagulls, earning him the nickname, "Slow Moe". As a result, the other seagulls shun him and force him off the docks. When Slow Moe crash-lands in a dark forest, he encounters a lost group of children and their puppy. However, a hungry pack of coyotes are lurking in the darkness. Can the group escape danger and find their way home? Can they rescue their puppy who was taken by the coyotes?  And who will lead them through the darkness ? The story is an action-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to read the next page.

From Thursday, February 23, 2012 and continuing up to and including Saturday, February 25, 2012, users of Kindle, Kindle Fire, iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android can download their free copy. There is no cost or obligation.

To download a copy visit: http://amzn.to/w7zEhD

"Which Way Is My Home?" is being delivered by Amazon's Whispernet, a wireless delivery system that delivers ebooks in less than 60 seconds.

Choate-Simmons is a fast-growing ebook publisher with plans for additional book releases in 2012.

Contact: Oliver Yates, Marketing Manager
Email: ChoateSimmons-ebookdepartment@yahoo.com

Amazon and Kindle are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc.

Media Contact:
Oliver Yates
Choate-Simmons
781-233-5274
http://www.slowmoe.net

SOURCE  Choate-Simmons

Choate-Simmons

Identifix® Online Information Database Hits The Half-Million Mark

Direct-Hit(TM) Continues To Deliver Industry-Exclusive Diagnostics To Automotive Technicians

ROSEVILLE, Minn., Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Identifix, Inc., a leader in vehicle diagnostics for over 25 years, announced that it has added the 500,000th Hotline Archive to Direct-Hit, the nation's most comprehensive online database of diagnostics, maintenance, service and repair information.

With an average of 1,500 new entries each week, Identifix's Hotline Archives represent industry-exclusive information collected and validated from more than 3.8 million calls to their technical Repair Hotline.  These calls come from technicians seeking assistance on a specific vehicle with a unique problem.

Each archive contains short-cut tests that dramatically reduce diagnostic time compared to factory flow charts.  The associated fix information is obtained from professional technicians in the field and confirmed by Identifix Carline Specialists, providing Direct-Hit subscribers with an accurate, reliable and real-world source for diagnostic test and fix procedures.  Once the diagnosis has been determined, each archive expands into the service and repair information technicians need to finish the job.

"The Hotline Archives are the direct result of a discussion I had with a Repair Hotline customer who wanted to be able to research what problems and trends the Hotline was seeing at that exact moment," said Identifix President Jeff Sweet. "We launched Direct-Hit in 2004 and have done a weekly update ever since, building the industry's best source of information for what is breaking and how to fix it at that precise point in time. It's amazing to see that our Hotline Team's consistent efforts at publishing this information have resulted in a half-million archives."

Since each problem called in to the Repair Hotline is likely to be seen at some time by another shop, Identifix's unique Hotline Archive database has become the most used feature of Direct-Hit, helping nearly 35,000 subscribers access information on nearly 275,000 vehicles each week.

For more information about the Identifix Repair Hotline, visit identifix.com/info/repair_hotline. You can also follow Identifix on Facebook at Facebook.com/Identifix and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Identifixdotcom.

About Identifix:

Located in Roseville, MN, Identifix® is the complete source for vehicle diagnostics, Factory Scheduled Maintenance, service and repair information. Identifix's products and services include the online tool Direct-Hit and their technical Repair Hotline. Founded in 1987, Identifix serves customers in the United States and Canada and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Service Repair Solutions, Inc. For more information visit identifix.com.

For more information, contact:
Matt Cascarino
Director of Marketing
651.628.5728
mcascarino@identifix.com

SOURCE  Identifix, Inc.

Identifix, Inc.

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

Samsung & AT&T Deliver Brains and Brawn

Waterproof and Dustproof Samsung Rugby® Smart Available Starting March 4

DALLAS, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Key Facts

    --  On March 4, AT&T* will begin selling the Samsung Rugby® Smart in
        company-owned retail stores and online. The smartphone will be sold for
        $99.99 with a two-year commitment and monthly minimum data plan.
    --  Samsung Rugby® Smart is dustproof, can be submerged in up to 1m of
        water for 30 minutes, and can withstand extreme temperatures.**
    --  Runs on Android(TM) 2.3 with 4G capabilities and boasts a virtual QWERTY
        keyboard, 3.7-inch Super AMOLED(TM) touchscreen display, 5MP camera and
        an integrated flashlight.
The Samsung Rugby® Smart is a rugged, dustproof device designed to handle the elements with water resistance (submergible up to 1m for 30 minutes) and built to mil-std 810f  military spec standards.** The Android 2.3 smartphone features a 3.7-inch WVGA Super AMOLED touchscreen display and a 5MP camera with HD video recording.*** It also supports 4G service, Wi-Fi®, corporate email and the full line of media including location, music and social networking services. From the work site to the camp site and beyond, Rugby Smart fulfills all your smartphone needs with the physical strength to handle whatever life throws at it.

Specifications

    --  Technology: GSM, EDGE, UMTS, HSPA+
    --  Operating System:  Android 2.3
    --  Display:  3.7-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display
    --  External Memory: Supports up to 32GB via microSD(TM)
    --  Internal Memory: 4GB
    --  Dimensions: 122.4mm x 65.9mm x 12.19mm
    --  Weight: 4.2 oz
    --  Camera: 5MP rear facing with flash and auto focus with HD 720p video
        capture; 1.3 MP front facing camera;
    --  Battery: 1650 mAh LiIon Poly
    --  Talk Time: Up to 8 hours
    --  Standby Time: Up to 16 days
Quotes

"The Samsung Rugby Smart is perfect for active customers who need another level of durability with their smartphone," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.  "It is water and dustproof and has all the features of a leading smartphone."

"We continue to bring the highest quality devices - the Rugby Smart is the ultimate smartphone to withstand extreme conditions," said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. "AT&T customers are now able to stay connected with a durable smartphone while experiencing even the roughest environment."

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

4G speeds not available everywhere.

** Meets US Mil-STD 810F for Dust, Humidity, Rain, Shock and Temperature. Waterproof against incidental exposure to water when all ports are tightly closed. NOT designed or intended for in water use. Submersible up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Waterproof based on IP67 rating.

Limited-time offer. New two-year wireless agreement with qualifying voice and data plan required. Terms of service may vary depending on your business agreement. Wireless Service: Subject to Wireless Customer Agreement. Coverage and services not available everywhere. Credit approval required. Activation Fee up to $36/line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in service termination. See store or visit att.com for complete details and coverage maps. Data Requirements: See att.com/dataplans or http://www.wireless.att.com/businesscenter/plans/data-plans/smartphone-data-plans.jsp for details and overage rates if you exceed your monthly data allowance. Access to corporate email, company intranet sites and business applications requires a DataPro Enterprise Plan Other Monthly Charges/line may include a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), a gross receipts surcharge, federal and state universal svc charges, fees and charges for other gov't assessments. These are not taxes or gov't req'd charges.   Early Termination Fee (ETF): After 30 days, ETF up to $325 based on device (details att.com/ equipmentETF). Restocking fee up to $35. Taxes and other charges apply. Samsung, Super AMOLED and Rugby Smart are trademarks of Samsung Electronics

*** Screen resolution 480x800

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T ?DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

© 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world's most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com

SOURCE  AT&T Inc.

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Evita Broughton for AT&T, +1-404-986-1810, evita.broughton@att.com; or Jessica Redman for Samsung Mobile, +1-903-744-9111, jredman@mww.com

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

AT&T Invests Nearly $750 Million in Virginia From 2009 Through 2011 to Improve Local Networks

Company Builds New Cell Sites, Boosts Capacity and Adds Fiber Optics to Enhance Networks

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* invested nearly $750 million in its Virginia wireless and wireline networks from 2009 through 2011 with a focus on improving the company's mobile broadband coverage and overall performance of its networks.

During 2011, AT&T made nearly 1,650 wireless network upgrades in four key categories in Virginia. These enhancements include:

    --  Activating approximately 60 new cell sites or towers to improve network
        coverage.
    --  Deploying faster fiber-optic connections to more than 725 cell sites.
        Combined with HSPA+ technology, these deployments enable 4G speeds**.
    --  Adding capacity or an extra layer of frequency to cell sites - like
        adding lanes to a highway - with the addition of more than 625 of these
        layers, or "carriers".
    --  Upgrading more than 225 cell sites to provide fast mobile broadband
        speeds.
"Whether you are visiting one of Virginia's wonderful wineries, enjoying our beautiful beaches or exploring our historical landmarks, we want you to have an exceptional experience," said Erika K. Thompson-Kemp, vice president and general manager for AT&T in Virginia and West Virginia.

CNN Money recently recognized AT&T for enhancing its wireless network. Last year, AT&T completed 150,000 network enhancements across the country, more than triple the year before, giving customers more capacity and faster speeds, as well as improving 3G dropped-call performance by 25 percent.

"More than ever, we use wireless communications to stay connected with family, friends and business colleagues," said J. Michael Schweder, president of AT&T Mid Atlantic. "Our ongoing investments in our wireless network will keep Virginia's residents and businesses connected and continue to drive economic growth in the commonweatlh."

AT&T plans to support the build or upgrade of thousands of cell sites nationwide to increase network speed, coverage and reliability for both mobile voice and broadband services. In addition, AT&T plans to install additional radio "carriers" at thousands of cell sites nationally, enabling new layers of spectrum capacity to carry larger volumes of mobile broadband traffic. Additional capacity helps support rising mobile data traffic volumes, which continue to increase at a rapid pace.

AT&T operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network*** with nearly 30,000 hotspots in the U.S. and provides access to nearly 190,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly wireless data plans.

For more information about AT&T's coverage in Virginia or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure quality of coverage from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.

For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. 4G device required. Learn more at att.com/network.

*** Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic.  A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See http://www.attwifi.com for details and locations.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(®) and AT&T ?DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

SOURCE  AT&T Inc.

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Gayle Kansagor, On behalf of AT&T , +1-202-295-8775, Gayle.kansagor@harbourgrp.com

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

Amobee Launches Exclusive Ad Unit for Windows Phone

User generated ads allow advertisers to engage consumers on a personal level

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Amobee, the company defining mobile advertising, today announced that it has developed a unique advertising unit for the Windows Phone operating system. The ad unit, which is called User Generated Ad (UGA), will be available to brands and advertisers worldwide in Q2, 2012. UGA will allow consumers to determine the ads they wish to receive on their Windows Phone based on their preferences and behaviors.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120125/SF41724LOGO-a)

UGA will be delivered in the form of a Live Tile directly to consumers' Windows Phones and will allow Windows Phone users to determine what ads they want, and when they want them. UGA will change the relationship between brands and consumers from a one-to-many relationship to a personal relationship. Furthermore, ads will be delivered in a rich media format, which will make the ads fun, interactive and effective.

"We have seen the early success of the Nokia Lumia handset and really believe that the Microsoft Live Tiles and Metro UI are a perfect format for delivering personalized ads directly to each user's Windows Phone," said Trevor Healy, CEO of Amobee. "Why should advertisers ever decide what users want? Let users get the ads and information they want, and when they want it!"

As smartphones have become the ultimate personal devices, personalized mobile ads are a natural step forward in the evolution of mobile advertising. Just as each home screen differs from person to person, so do the user's preferences when it comes to ads, which ultimately are the first step in a mobile transaction.

Amobee will be attending MWC 2012 from February 27th - March 1st and will be located in Hall 4.1 - spot 4.3HS15.

About Amobee
Amobee, the company defining mobile advertising, offers comprehensive, end-to-end mobile advertising solutions and services for advertisers, publishers and operators. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, with offices in Europe, Asia, Latin America and the US, Amobee enables its large customers to run targeted, leading edge mobile ad campaigns on a global scale with unparalleled ROI. Amobee has financial backing from some of the biggest names in venture capital: Sequoia Capital, Accel Partners and Globespan Capital, as well as strategic investments from Motorola, Cisco and leading operators, Vodafone and Telefónica. To learn more, please visit http://www.amobee.com.

SOURCE  Amobee

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120125/SF41724LOGO-a
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Amobee

CONTACT: Esther Burciaga of onechocolate communications, +1-415-989-9803, amobee@onechocolatecomms.com; or Patrick Keenan of Litmus PR, +65 9628 9525, patrick@litmuspr.com.sg, both for Amobee

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

EXFO Helps Prove VoLTE Readiness

The SoftHawk Protocol Analyzer, iPro probes and Brix Service Assurance
system performed successful interoperability testing at the MSF VoLTE
event

QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX:
EXF) announced today its successful participation in the first ever
MultiService Forum VoLTE (voice over long-term evolution)
Interoperability Event. EXFO's test and monitoring solutions were an
essential part of this event and were used to validate interoperability
between dozens of 4G mobile network elements from multiple
participating vendors. These interoperability tests helped show that
VoLTE calls and supplementary services are a viable solution for
providing voice services over LTE access, including roaming and
interconnect scenarios.

The MSF VoLTE Interoperability Event was hosted by MSF and was backed by
the GSMA as part of its work on VoLTE. Over 65 network elements from 19
participating vendors were tested by 60 test engineers using 200 pages
of test plans during this three-week event. The test scenarios included
89 test cases and 561 scheduled tests based on different vendor
combinations.

EXFO's SoftHawk Protocol Analyzer, iPro probes and Brix Service
Assurance system were used to identify issues arising from interconnect
of disparate LTE equipment from many different participating vendors,
including 4G user equipment, eNode B, SeGW, EPC, IMS multimedia
telephony (MMTel), DRA and policy control network elements. Correlated
control-plane and user-plane analysis enabled rapid isolation of VoLTE
test network issues. End-to-end signaling and media-correlated flow
analysis helped pinpoint service interworking problems. For each
scenario, EXFO solutions provided documented evidence of test results
ultimately used by the MSF to compile its VoLTE Interoperability
Results white paper.

"This event proves both the importance of VoLTE and the importance of
vendor interoperability," said Vivian Hudson, VP of EXFO's Service
Assurance Division. "By validating these test calls, we have also
reaffirmed our history of innovation and multiplay support. No matter
what equipment operators select to build their LTE networks, they now
know that EXFO can successfully test and assure quality at every level
of those networks."

For more information about EXFO's VoLTE solutions, please view a
recording of the recent webinar "Why VoLTE and Why Now?" or visit http://www.EXFO.com.

About EXFO

Listed on the NASDAQ and TSX stock exchanges, EXFO is among the leading
providers of next-generation test and service assurance solutions for
wireline and wireless network operators and equipment manufacturers in
the global telecommunications industry. The company offers innovative
solutions for the development, installation, management and maintenance
of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks--from the core to the edge.
Key technologies supported include VDSL2, ADSL2+, 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS,
Ethernet, OTN, FTTx, and various optical technologies (accounting for
an estimated 35% of the portable fiber-optic test market). EXFO has a
staff of approximately 1800 people in 25 countries, supporting more
than 2000 telecom customers worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.EXFO.com.

EXFO Brand Name

The corporate name of the company is EXFO Inc. The company requests that
all media outlets and publications use the corporate name ("EXFO Inc.")
or abbreviated name ("EXFO") in capital letters for branding purposes.
EXFO would like to thank all parties in advance for their cooperation. 

SOURCE  EXFO INC.

EXFO INC.

CONTACT:  Marie-Anne Grondin
Media and Public Relations Specialist
(418) 683-0913, Ext. 23417
marie-anne.grondin@EXFO.com

Vance Oliver
Manager, Investor Relations
(418) 683-0913, Ext. 23733
vance.oliver@EXFO.com

Fujitsu Introduces Next-Generation Multimode, Multiband Transceiver IC for 2G/3G/4G Mobile Products

Compact, single-chip transceivers offer global band and mode coverage, size-and cost-optimized BOM, API-based easy integration with baseband, and simplified factory calibration

TEMPE, Ariz., Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fujitsu Semiconductor Wireless Products, Inc. (FSWP) today introduced the MB86L11A, the company's next-generation, single-chip 2G/3G/4G transceiver. The multiband, multimode device supports all modes, including LTE (FDD and TDD), HSPA+, WCDMA, GSM, EDGE, EDGE-EVO, CDMA, and TD-SCDMA. Sampling of the MB86L11A will begin in Q2 2012.

"Fujitsu's transceivers solve major challenges for wireless device manufacturers planning to introduce both regional and global devices with roaming capabilities in almost any combination of bands and modes," said Vivek Bhan, vice president, Fujitsu Semiconductor Wireless Products. "The new device augments Fujitsu's growing family of state-of-the-art multimode, multiband single-chip transceivers, which are available in production quantities. Our family of devices offers world-class performance, with millions of transceivers shipped to date."

Next-Generation MB86L11A 2G/3G/4G Transceiver

The MB86L11A 2G/3G/4G multimode, multiband transceiver supports benchmark performance for current drain and RF parameters. The transceiver includes many innovative features in a smaller package with enhanced power control, envelope tracking (ET) and antenna tuning (AT). Envelope tracking technology helps to significantly lower the radio system power consumption, while improving transmitter efficiency. Antenna tuning optimizes the total radiated power output from the antenna. Both features optimize the battery life of mobile devices.

An advanced programming interface (API) feature minimizes factory calibration time, provides flexible port mapping and adds customized key performance indicator (KPI) features. The MB86L11A is built using the SAW-less architecture pioneered by Fujitsu, which also eliminates the need for external low noise amplifiers (LNAs).

Other features of the MB86L11A include eight RF outputs on the transmitter, nine primary RF inputs and six diversity RF inputs on the IC, giving greater flexibility to map ports and bands for different market requirements. The transceiver uses an open standard MIPI DigRF(SM) interface to the baseband, and has both DigRF 4G and DigRF 3G interfaces to work with existing 2G/3G baseband platforms as well as with newer multimode 4G basebands.

The device supports all global FDD and TDD bands, including 1-21, 23-25, and 33-41. The MB86L11A, like earlier Fujitsu LTE multimode, multiband transceivers, supports 2G/3G/4G networks up to 20MHz bandwidth. Future transceivers on the roadmap include a 4G LTE optimized device and a 3GPP Release 10, carrier-aggregation-compliant, single RFIC solution.

The Fujitsu MB86Lxxx Family

Fujitsu began shipping the industry's first SAW-less transceiver for 2G/3G networks, the MB86L01A, in 2009 (http://www.fujitsu.com/us/news/pr/fma_20090914.html). In 2010, Fujitsu introduced the MB86L10A, the industry's first 3G and LTE SAW-less transceiver, which has been successfully integrated into dongles, tablets and multimode 2G/3G/4G smartphones (http://www.fujitsu.com/us/news/pr/fma_20100601.html). The MB86L12A, the third production-ready Fujitsu 2G/3G/4G SAW-less transceiver, conforms to the upgraded MIPI DigRF standard. The Fujitsu MB86Lxxx family transceivers are deployed by multiple baseband providers worldwide, with millions of units shipped to date. The addition of the next-generation MB86L11A 2G/3G/4G transceiver, following the success of the MB86L10A and MB86L12A, enhances the Fujitsu family of transceivers with the compact design and latest advanced features required by device manufacturers.

"The Fujitsu MB86Lxxx family transceivers offer advanced features, low power consumption, a small footprint and a highly flexible API to bring down the total cost of the device and dramatically speed up time to market for new products," said Bhan.

About Fujitsu Semiconductor Wireless Products, Inc.

Fujitsu Semiconductor Wireless Products, Inc. (FSWP) is an innovative leader in RF transceivers for mobile cellular handsets and other portable wireless devices. Its engineering group's long experience and expertise nurtured since the 1980s have resulted in several notable innovations in the cellular industry, including the industry's first SAW-less 2G/3G transceiver architecture as well as the first SAW-less multimode transceiver integrating 2G/3G/LTE modes in a single device. The engineering group has also been involved in the standardization and commercialization of every major cellular standard, including AMPS, TDMA, iDEN,GSM / EDGE, WCDMA, and LTE FDD / TDD, and has shipped close to half a billion chipsets for application in these standards. Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, FSWP is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited (FSL), Japan.

For product information, visit the company's website at http://us.fujitsu.com/semi-wireless, e-mail FSWP_inquiry@us.fujitsu.com or call 1-800-866-8608. For company news and updates, connect with FSWP on Twitter at http://twitter.com/FujitsuSemiUS.

All product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and subject to change without advance notice.

SOURCE  Fujitsu Semiconductor Wireless Products, Inc.

Fujitsu Semiconductor Wireless Products, Inc.

CONTACT: Steven Wolpern of Fujitsu Semiconductor America, Inc., +1-408-737-5625, FSA_PR@us.fujitsu.com; or Dick Davies, IPRA, +1-415-652-7515, ipra@mindspring.com

Web Site: http://www.fujitsu.com/us/services/edevices/microelectronics/semi-wireless

LSI Expands Axxia Platform to Deliver Power-Efficient Mobile Networks

Addition of ARM's latest multicore technology will provide scalability, performance and low power consumption to meet growing demand for mobile broadband

MILPITAS, Calif., Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LSI Corporation (NYSE: LSI) today announced a significant enhancement of its proven Axxia® platform that dramatically accelerates performance for next-generation wireless infrastructure. LSI will bring ARM® processors, long the standard for power efficiency in mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, to mobile networks. The new wireless platform will be the first to combine the latest cores from ARM with hardware accelerators, resulting in a system on a chip uniquely suited to building intelligent, heterogeneous networks.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120222/SF57952LOGO)

The new Axxia wireless platform will offer:

    --  Energy-efficient, low-power multicore processors for base stations and
        wireless infrastructure
    --  Scalable performance to contend with massive data growth driven by
        smartphones, tablets and cloud-based services
    --  Embedded intelligence to identify traffic, recognize applications and
        deliver the right content at the right time, enabling real-time services
        including mobile video
    --  Extensive third-party tools and support through the ARM community and
        LSI® networking ecosystem
"Consumers worldwide have an insatiable appetite for mobile broadband services. Operators need intelligent solutions to deliver exponentially growing traffic without exponentially growing their costs and power consumption," said Jim Anderson, senior vice president and general manager, Networking Components Division, LSI. "With solutions ranging from dual core to 16 or more cores, the Axxia wireless platform delivers the intelligence and performance to accelerate mobile networks from small cells to macro base stations."

The Axxia platform combines the programmable flexibility of general-purpose processors with the deterministic performance of special-purpose accelerators from LSI. Based on a coherent multiprocessor interconnect and LSI Virtual Pipeline(TM) technology, Axxia processors accelerate control and data plane processing while lowering costs and power consumption.

"ARM is excited to be working with LSI to help OEMs and network operators meet the challenges of next-generation infrastructure in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner," said Lance Howarth, executive vice president of marketing, ARM. "The launch of the Axxia platform is a compelling proof point of how LSI is using ARM IP to solve these challenges by applying the powerful combination of ARM Cortex-A series processors and CoreLink® system IP with LSI's expertise in the infrastructure space."

LSI will showcase its portfolio of networking acceleration solutions at the LSI hospitality suite AV76 at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 27 to March 1. The LSI stand is located midway along the Avenue near the crosswalk between the Courtyard and Hall 8 of the exhibition.

About LSI

LSI Corporation (NYSE: LSI) designs semiconductors and software that accelerate storage and networking in datacenters and mobile networks. Our technology is the intelligence critical to enhanced application performance, and is applied in solutions created in collaboration with our partners. More information is available at http://www.lsi.com.

LSI, the LSI and design logo, Axxia and Virtual Pipeline are trademarks or registered trademarks of LSI Corporation.

All other brand or product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE  LSI Corporation

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120222/SF57952LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
LSI Corporation

CONTACT: Greg Thomas of LSI Corporation, +1-408-433-4236, greg.thomas@lsi.com; or Kathi Haas of LVA Communications, +1-480-399-6716, kathi@lva.com, for LSI Corporation

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